2021
#67 POSTCARD FROM TUNISIA from Jesus Arnedo, GM of Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort @anantaratozeur
"2020 has been a challenging year for the whole world. However, we have miraculously been saved by the unusual location of the resort in the Sahara Desert here in North Africa. Being in the desert is a true blessing as it is a vast and empty space and a peaceful place. The resort closed on 13 March for three months, which was stressful, but we challenged ourselves and spent the time developing new creative desert experiences for our guests.
This natural sanctuary and calm environment has enabled us to pause and enjoy the present moment. We discovered the Sahara’s different facets: colourful sunsets and dust plumes during the spring season and sunny clear blue skies during the summer season. When the resort was completely deserted, we revised the landscaping and invented new routes for our guests. We have created new spaces in our cultural centre for artisans to showcase their crafts. Sustainability was also at the centre of our vision. The absence of clients has enabled us to develop a vegetable and botanical garden where our chefs are growing produce.
We reopened on 4 June last year, and have been welcoming Tunisian guests, who have been supporting us passionately. We have started to smile again and despite the unsettling situation, we look forward to taking guests on a mesmerising desert journey.”
#68 POSTCARD FROM ARMENIA from Alina Hovikyan at TikaTours, Armenian representative in Caucasus region (Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan) and Black Tomato guide @blacktomatotravel and @tikatoursgeorgia
“As it says in the Book of Genesis, after 40 days of heavy flood Noah’s Ark stopped at Mount Ararat... Every human being should see the beauty of snow-peaked Ararat, the symbol of Armenia. And they should enjoy the sunny Armenian Highland taste. As usual, the sun is shining here – these warm days in Yerevan are so nice – but oh how our lives have changed since the pandemic. Streets are not so full. We’re missing the tourists strolling along Abovyan Street. Museums are empty, many people are sitting at home, having lost their beloved jobs. But we’re lucky that the sun is still shining. It's the perfect time to explore our country deeper, to develop our knowledge and wait with a big smile and a warm heart to welcome our guests. For now, we have received Russian and Iranian tourists, but hopefully, in the near future, the market will expand.
Sunny Armenia is ready to welcome you at any time of the year. We’ll drink Armenian herbal tea at Tufenkian Avan Dzoraget Hotel: my favourite corner in the land. It’s a charming place in the Lori province, where you forget about the problems and noise of the city and enjoy the sound of nature. Their ancient carpets with the typical Armenian double knot are introduced from the personal collection of James Tufenkian, a diaspora Armenian, who returned home to start this business. Through this, he’s revived the long-treasured Armenian art of carpet weaving, lost during the Soviet years.
We will travel again soon... and it is a must. It’s not only about tour guides and agencies and the drivers. It’s a big chain of specialists in different spheres, locals who sell their homemade products, and experts who offer their services. So, my dears, don’t miss the opportunity to combine all in one: ancient history, tasty food, interesting sights and smiling faces all await in Armenia.”
#69 POSTCARD FROM SLOVENIA from Resort Manager Dejan Andrič, Garden Village Bled @gardenvillagebledresort and @feelslovenia
"As the saying goes: Often when you think you are at the end of something, you are at the beginning of something else.
We shut our resort 11 October 2020. Throughout lockdown, we still remained active as we strive for self-sustainable and ecological improvements. Our main focus has been on restoring and reviving our beautiful resort and preparing everything necessary so the home-grown produce will be ready as part of our From Garden to Plate experience.
Bled and the whole of Slovenia was severely impacted by the pandemic, as our economy relies extremely on tourism. It was so sudden that the Covid-19 measures were brought upon the country, like everywhere. Borders were shut down, travelling to other regions was limited and slowly and surely the 'police hour' (restriction of all movement between 9pm and 6pm), one of the longest in Europe, was introduced. Tourism will bounce back, and we will be ready.”
#70 POSTCARD FROM NIGERIA from Oluwaseyi ‘Seyi’ Peace Moejoh, law student at the University of Lagos, and Ocean Heroes leader @oceanheroeshq @S.ey.i, co-founder of @urecycle_initiative, a youth-led social enterprise focused on advancing a circular economy in Sub-Saharan Africa
"The first time, I heard my country was going on lockdown, it was unbelievable, most especially for a city as bustling and busy as Lagos. It seemed impossible, but things happened. Long days characterised by emptiness on the streets, school hallways, classrooms, lecture rooms, market stalls, emptiness in my being, state borders blocked, movements restricted, church pews vacant, isolation, disconnection from friends — it felt like it would never end.
At home, my family played board games, watched TV, rested, bonded, learned new things, as time crept by. The pandemic provided us with the luxury of time to reflect on our lives, rewrite our goals, be grateful for each moment, plan for the future after the pandemic, which felt so distant at that time.
During this period, I was so worried about the petty traders, commercial drivers and market women who depended on their daily sales to feed themselves and their families — how would they survive during the lockdown?
Little by little, things are returning to normal. It’s gradual, but I’m glad to see the yellow buses drive by on the streets of Lagos. I’m glad to see the roadside chef cook and sell her food once again for passersby. I’m glad to see ‘Lagosians’ work past each other on the streets wearing nose masks as they rush off to their daily endeavours, schools are back in session. The vaccines are slowly being administered and hopefully, COVID-19 will be in the past in but a little while. We stay hopeful as we build back better and stronger.”
#71 POSTCARD FROM IRAQ from Raad, guide for @untamedborders
"Usually Iraq sees hundreds and thousands of religious tourists from Iran visiting Karbala and Najaf — the two holiest places in Shia Islam — every year. We also see a handful of non-religious tourists who come to visit the ancient Mesopotamian sites and Unesco sites such as the minaret in Samarra, the arch of Ctesiphon or exploring the marshes in the south of Iraq. With Covid, all this stopped. It has been a very tough time for us in Iraq, but it follows other tough times, and we are used to such setbacks.
However, we look forward to the future. Security is slowly improving and in March 2021, news that for 36 nationalities, Iraqi visas will be available on arrival, hopefully ushering in a new wave of tourists ready to explore Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers, the cradle of civilisation. Iraq is often in the news for the wrong reasons, yet Iraq has so much to offer the visitor."
#72 POSTCARD FROM GEORGIA from Lela Arabuli, Georgian representative at TikaTours, luxury tour operator in Caucasus Region for Black Tomato @tikatoursgeorgia @blacktomatotravel
"Once experienced, this country stays with you forever. A seductive secret jewel set between Europe and Asia with a staggeringly beautiful landscape and deep-rooted traditions. Inexpressibly exotic, views of arresting pared-back beauty, a deliciously prolific wine culture, sublime music and an astonishing range of architecture from stone watchtowers and richly frescoed churches to charmingly carved wooden balconies and the grandeur of Art Nouveau.
Havoc has been wreaked on tourism here as with everywhere from the pandemic. Cobblestoned streets are empty; grandpas are eager to resume sharing the mysteries of winemaking in their wineries; delicious dishes and decadent drinks are waiting to be tasted… And, importantly, the people of Georgia who love guests so much that they perceive them as 'god’s gift', are breathlessly waiting to welcome visitors from around the world.
Kazbegi is just one destination awaiting guests to immerse them in our culture, traditions and breathtaking nature. We hope to see guests again soon enjoying the extraordinarily dramatic alpine landscape from the terrace of Rooms Hotel Kazbegi, observing celestial activities, losing themselves in the magic of stargazing from the hotel’s huge green yard, with a warm blanket and a beverage at hand. Deeply rooted in the nature, traditions, and history of the region and its sustainable approach to architecture and design, @rooms_hotel_kazbegi has helped make Georgia a significant destination and on the world map."
#73 POSTCARD FROM DOMINICA from Dinesh Kissoon, General Manager, Secret Bay, Dominica @secretbay
“A strong sense of community, small island resilience and an abundance of Caribbean optimism have always helped Dominica through the toughest of times. While the economic impact of Covid-19 has been felt across the island – from the smallest villages in the Kalinago Territory to the busy capital of Roseau – Dominica’s less-touristed location and sparse population has largely spared them the devastating human cost of the pandemic. Rated one of the top 15 Covid-19 recovering countries in the world, Dominica's seen minimal spread with less than 189 recorded cases, and a 100% recovery rate through strict testing, monitoring and treatment protocols.
As international travel resumes, so does a desire for unique experiences that reconnect folks with friends, family, and themselves. And we crave nature and destinations that nurture the soul as well as body and mind. Secret Bay celebrates all that makes the 'Nature Island' special, existing at the intersection of luxury and sustainability on a lush clifftop setting on the outskirts of the northwestern town of Portsmouth. Private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierge and treatments in a treetop spa await. Each villa was built by hand using sustainably sourced hardwood, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding rainforest.
Physical distancing is a term of these times, but it's always been a trait of Dominica. Find Unesco-listed national parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, white- and black-sand beaches, pristine rainforest to get lost in and a river for every day of the year. You can even swim with resident sperm whales – the island couldn't be a better tonic for combatting lockdown fatigue."
#74 POSTCARD FROM TANZANIA from Pierre Delvaux, Thanda Group CEO, Chairman Thanda Foundation & Star for Life Tanzania @thandaisland
“A strong sense of community, small island resilience and an abundance of Caribbean optimism have always helped Dominica through the toughest of times. While the economic impact of Covid-19 has been felt across the island – from the smallest villages in the Kalinago Territory to the busy capital of Roseau – Dominica’s less-touristed location and sparse population has largely spared them the devastating human cost of the pandemic. Rated one of the top 15 Covid-19 recovering countries in the world, Dominica's seen minimal spread with less than 189 recorded cases, and a 100% recovery rate through strict testing, monitoring and treatment protocols.
As international travel resumes, so does a desire for unique experiences that reconnect folks with friends, family, and themselves. And we crave nature and destinations that nurture the soul as well as body and mind. Secret Bay celebrates all that makes the 'Nature Island' special, existing at the intersection of luxury and sustainability on a lush clifftop setting on the outskirts of the northwestern town of Portsmouth. Private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierge and treatments in a treetop spa await. Each villa was built by hand using sustainably sourced hardwood, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding rainforest.
Physical distancing is a term of these times, but it's always been a trait of Dominica. Find Unesco-listed national parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, white- and black-sand beaches, pristine rainforest to get lost in and a river for every day of the year. You can even swim with resident sperm whales – the island couldn't be a better tonic for combatting lockdown fatigue."
#75 POSTCARD FROM MADAGASCAR from Mark Jacobs, SEED Madagascar @seedmadagascar
“Madagascar is known for its lemurs, yet there's much to this island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa, that folks don’t know about. Rich in biodiversity, culture, and hospitality, it’s also one of the economically poorest countries on Earth. A large proportion of the Malagasy population rely on tourism for work, but with international borders closed since March 2020, hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost. Worsening this reality is the country's worst drought since 1981, which has led to more than a million people suffering from chronic food shortages in Madagascar's southern regions. Contrary to the movie that made it a household name, the island nation is more than stripy-tailed primates and rainforest. Madagascar has one of the highest levels of biodiversity of anywhere in the world with hundreds of thousands of species, its inhabitants are under severe threat from the effects of climate change, deforestation, and increasing human pressure.
SEED Madagascar works in the country's southeast region, Anosy, to support those affected by the region's drought, its failed harvests and now, the famine it is battling. Running several community-led projects, reforesting an area of extreme biodiversity, protecting vulnerable species, supporting livelihoods, providing education infrastructure, and improving access to sanitation, alongside thousands of communities. Yes Madagascar has lemurs, rainforests, rice paddies, white sand beaches, mountains, and turquoise waters — let's work together to conserve them and support the Madagascans through the world’s first climate-induced famine.”
#76 POSTCARD FROM CHILE from Miguel Purcell, managing director, Tierra Hotels @tierrahotels
“A strong sense of community, small island resilience and an abundance of Caribbean optimism have always helped Dominica through the toughest of times. While the economic impact of Covid-19 has been felt across the island – from the smallest villages in the Kalinago Territory to the busy capital of Roseau – Dominica’s less-touristed location and sparse population has largely spared them the devastating human cost of the pandemic. Rated one of the top 15 Covid-19 recovering countries in the world, Dominica's seen minimal spread with less than 189 recorded cases, and a 100% recovery rate through strict testing, monitoring and treatment protocols.
As international travel resumes, so does a desire for unique experiences that reconnect folks with friends, family, and themselves. And we crave nature and destinations that nurture the soul as well as body and mind. Secret Bay celebrates all that makes the 'Nature Island' special, existing at the intersection of luxury and sustainability on a lush clifftop setting on the outskirts of the northwestern town of Portsmouth. Private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierge and treatments in a treetop spa await. Each villa was built by hand using sustainably sourced hardwood, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding rainforest.
Physical distancing is a term of these times, but it's always been a trait of Dominica. Find Unesco-listed national parks, volcanoes, waterfalls, white- and black-sand beaches, pristine rainforest to get lost in and a river for every day of the year. You can even swim with resident sperm whales – the island couldn't be a better tonic for combatting lockdown fatigue."
#77 POSTCARD FROM DENMARK from Christian Lytje, owner, Coco Hotel @cocohotel.dk & @kvdcreative
“Travel is not only important for our happiness and mental health, it also bridges cultural gaps and provides an economic lifeline for many communities. We live in an age where global travel is easier than ever — pandemic-related bans aside — and consequently, we have an increased understanding of and appreciation for cultures other than our own. Sadly this comes at an ecological cost: according to some sources, tourism accounts for 8% of global greenhouse emissions. Despite the difficulties and challenges the tourism industry has encountered in the pandemic – we were forced to close soon after opening – we remain committed to our beliefs that we all must contribute to a more sustainable future.
Copenhagen has ambitions to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2025 and here at Coco, we take this as inspiration for several initiatives striving for positive change. Every time a room is booked through our website, we donate a tree. So far, we’ve planted thousands in vulnerable areas of Mexico on behalf of our guests. We also offset the carbon footprint of our trips. Small steps, yet important, in helping travellers explore the world while considering its future.”
#78 POSTCARD FROM JAMAICA from Chris Blackwell, founder, Island Outpost @goldeneye.dk & @goldeneye_foundation
“Our aim has been to promote alternative livelihood development during the pandemic, specifically for those whose employment has been directly affected. Both Marika Kessler and I realised that something was needed to help those whose employment at GoldenEye had been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our answer? The 'supporting local, growing together program’ which we started in April 2020 through our GoldenEye Foundation.
It’s an agriculture-based initiative that aids locals in setting up their own farm businesses—giving them all the support they need in terms of initial help with supplies and a thorough nine-month training program in their chosen field.”
#79 POSTCARD FROM BOLIVIA from Marisol Mosquera, founder, Aracari Travel @AracariTravel
“When I started travelling in Bolivia back in 1997, shortly after founding Aracari, local people weren’t aware of the value of their heritage and traditions. It meant there were very few visitors venturing beyond Lake Titicaca and La Paz and there was hardly anywhere to stay that was of a high standard. Yet for me, this was part of the charm. I was personally blown away by the staggering natural beauty of Bolivia, the warmth of its people and the richness of its cultural traditions.
After 25 years of designing and curating trips that showcase authentic Bolivia, I am delighted to see a country with growing self-pride and a tourism sector that showcases attractions in a meaningful way.
Like much of Latin America, Bolivia has been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with much of its tourism coming to a standstill. However, things are beginning to turn. The country has recently lifted its 10-day quarantine restrictions and is more than ready to receive visitors. Whether that’s in the rural whitewashed colonial cities of Sucre or Potosí, in bright bustling La Paz or in vast, breath-taking landscapes such as the Salar de Uyuni, Eduardo Avaroa Nature Reserve or the country’s northern rainforests, Bolivia is a destination that offers it all.”