whl.travel seems to be a unique concept in the world of travel where sustainable tourism, green travel, etc are now in vogue. There are 100s of new sites popping up claiming to have local knowledge, or to support local projects, but whl.travel is the only one that seems to be truly local and global at the same time with real people on the ground in every destination. Many of these new travel sites are rehashing the same old booking engines (like Travelocity or Bookings.com), but with a different greener face. Kudoes to whl.travel for something new and lets hope they get the exposure they are looking for.
It's not often you see a travel company (or any company in fact!) that is truly committed to the destinations in which they operate. Well done to whl.travel and all the people that are making travel fair around the world.
I am very pleased to see that an organisation is involved in promoting tourism destination areas in such a way that it will benefit both the local community, the culture and the natural environment. All countries united in one organistation can help making a difference and help preserving nature, culture and history of each destination for future generations.
I was wonder what is hidden behind WHL. After i got in touch with them and read a bit i can tell you what i find it behind WHL.
A magnificent passion for helping local community and breathtaking story's when they are explaining what they are doing for sustainable tourism and theirs involving in a country's where they got local connection.
So i am inviting all to open a door of WHL.travel and step inside and see some part of it what i saw it there when they are involved in local community. Commitment,stubbornness,empathy,courage,wish to help..etc
And i think they can carry with a pride that logo part they have
... your local connection
Other than the regular travel booking websites, whl.travel offers local presence. In every place they have a partner who takes care of the traveller, providing tips and detailed information. They really care about their destinations, connect the tourism trade and provide market access. It’s really interesting. For instance, in Brazil they have portals for Serro, which is a colonial small town in the country side of Minas Gerais that had no opening to be featured on the internet due the lack of technology knowledge and access. Even though they were interested in tourism and wish the visitors to came, the community didn’t know how to start. With whl.travel they had the opportunity to be online and findable everywhere. I really believe that whl.travel is bringing a new concept and can make a remarkable change on the travel market.
The slogan of "...your local connection" is simple, yet encapsulates so well what whl.travel is about. The concept behind it, of local partners in every destination around the world, seems so logical that I'm surprised it hasn't been done before. Regardless, whl.travel have built what appears to be a very widespread, powerful network that I'm sure will continue to grow in leaps and bounds. The variety of destinations in the developing world is truly awe-inspiring, and I look forward to watching whl.travel expand into ever more interesting and off-the-beaten track destinations.
What makes WHL different from many other web based hotel/tour booking sites is their unique model which allows local partners to retain the ownership and operation of the booking business. Operating through a network of local partners called “Marketplace Operators” (MPOs), WHL provide a local human link from the internet booking site to the area where the hotel/guesthouses/tour guides operate.
WHL initiative like caring for destination (CFD) prove their commitment to contribute in development of the local communities where WHL is operating.
Whl contributes substantially to more ecological approach of tourism by connecting local people and culture which tourists can experience through local travel agencies. Main emphasize of whl is eco or more responsible tourism by increasing awareness of local community regarding "healthier" environment for tourists.
Whl as eco - social tourist organization is unique in its concept and it will be the key player in near future on globally oriented markets in eco travel industry.
Pienso que un sitio como WHL hace que el pasajero logre organizar su viaje a cualquier rincon del Mundo con el asesoramiento de un responsable Idoneo en Turismo local en el destino deseado. Brindando seguridad, y aportando toda la informacion necesaria.
WHL pone en descubierto todo lo que el viajante necesita para visitar ese Pais, Ciudad, Territorio, facilitando una mejor fluides en el viaje, y logrando incentivar al mismo a recorrer mas sitios.
Sin olvidar que apunta a tener como principal objetivo seguir expandiendo el turismo sustentable que en Paises subdesarrollados aun no es habitual, aun que las normas de las secretarias de turismo ya lo tienen implementado en su gran mayoria.
I have been working with WHL here in Minas Gerais, Brazil and have been impressed with the local team's desire to work with us to promote all the amazing history, culture, and incredible natural treasures that we have to share in this corner of the world responsibly, honestly, and with the understanding that sustainable tourism is something that can be a success only if we are in it together. As an inn-keeper, I have been really disappointed with the general lack of partnership amongst my peers, the lack of creativity, the absence of communication, and the climate of destructive competition. Here's hoping that WHL can help people here understand we are all in this together!!
Being a part of WHL is a very big opportunity for Locals to think and work Global. We were local and very far from the whole world before we joined WHL.TRAVEL
I feel lucky to be a MPO of WHL.TRAVEL if I see the future of WHL.
True story, get involved with WHL and you are bound to benefit from the local connection wherever you are or wherever you are going - it is truly a win-win situation!
WHL is doing something very special here and is able to tap into a market that no one else on the internet can. The way they are able to reach these smaller market enterprises and in turn help the community are very unique traits that should not be underestimated. The true meaning of sustainable tourism is solidified with the way WHL operates and the opportunites that it provides the independent traveller are very special because they are able to get them in connection with local people who are on the ground and can show them the destination in its full entirety and beauty.
WHL is a wonderful global community. Not alone for travellers, but also for travel companies. It has actually built a union of PEOPLE, instead of DATA. It can't be wrong to try WHL.travel when you are travelling.
Being both a local operator with WHL and having used their services for other destinations they cover for my own personal holidays and business trips, I truly believe that their use of their local connections in each destination offers such a rich resource for any traveller wishing to get to know their holiday destination in more depth. Good luck WHL and I am looking forward to seeing the growth of the network to cover even more destinations around the world.
whl.travel is the greatest facilitator of equitable tourism revenue for local operators of the destinations it promotes all around the world.
I have been an MPO for over three years (www.vanuatu-hotels.vu) and have thanked my and the country's good fortune to have found whl to partner me in developing tourism for the indigenous people of Vanuatu.
whl has transformed for ever the way people will travel On Line. If anyone wants to bring whl to their destination, or ask me how or what it is like to be a MPO, I am delighted to answer any questions as there has never existed a win win travel model such as whl.travel before.
The unique WHL model is as brilliant as it is simple:
1 It benefits the traveller, he/she gets the best, reliable real time information from real people (that really care) in the place he/she is travelling to.
2. Small local accommodation providers or tour operators in the destination that are not "commission viable" to mainstream travel distributors are now visible, they are now able to be booked On line with ease from an whl MPO.
This fact alone is a revolution in travel to developing countries, and a Godsend to these countries fledging economies.
Its "local connection" approach, whereby it selects the best local inbound partner to manage and process all bookings, appropriately called a Market Place Operator or MPO, lives and breathes the destination, unlike a computer generated data base in some foreign country which often knows very little about, or cares about the destination plus has very limited inventory for the traveller to select from. Every MPO owns his/her business and only represents his/her specific destination. You cannot get more commitment than that.
Good luck whl.travel, you deserve every bit of recognition for what you are doing, and thank you from the thousands of local people who have benefited from the travellers you/us have sent to them.
Tropical regards from Vanuatu, the land of happy people.
John
WHL is providing a great opportunity to small accommodation providers to connect to the world.... A great Job performed by WHL team. Well done and Best of Luck for future...
WHL has pioneered an innovative new concept in travel related services for developing countries to assist small & medium enterprises, to market their products on a worldwide platform.Besides offering independent travellers local connection, local knowledge & local hospitalilty, the concept is also creating a unique global village of like minded people in various countries, who are passionate about climate change, global warming & sustainable practices in their own countries.
I believe although a small step now, this will expand in future to encompass local government bodies and possibly the country to change and implement good practices.
WHL's commitment to developing tourism has helped countless of people in the developing world, and has shed light on the importance of sustainability. Because of WHL, travelers can now enjoy travel and they also have a chance to give back and get involved in projects that matter. The network is composed of really talented individuals from around the world that I feel so lucky to have met (even in just the virtual world) for now, who are very friendly, humble, and extremely talented in what they do. More power! :)
As a member of WHL named MPO (MarketPlace Operator), we have had a lots of chances to support both local hotels and global travellers. The local hotels have another channel to attract their travellers and then contribute to the local community. While the travellers have an online hotel booking system that it is very easy to process and book their accommodations at anytime and anywhere. We are proud of us have been the member of WHL and will try our best to contribute and promote the development of WHL. We hope WHL will continue to develop the online travel & tour booking system so that we can accommodate with our travellers' expectation as an indispensalble tendency.
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An Nguyen
MPO of WHL at Danang, Hoian & Hue - Vietnam. www.danang-hotel.com ; www.hoian-hotel.com ; www.hue-hotel.com
I have been in the travel industry for more than 25 years and the moment I understand about WHL, I decided to be part of it immediately. Being an enterpreneur myself, I always look for better ways to do my business at a profit and at the same time looking for the best way to contribute back to the local communities and local environment. Looking after the interest of the end user who pay us for our services is another issues that always on our mind as a businessmen trying to be a gentlemen at the same time.
When I know about WHL and what it stands for, I immediately fell in love with the concept which benefits all parties involved in the tourism industry. This is what I call the missing link in the travel trade in developing sustainable tourism.
We are now a proud member of WHL and the market place operator of WHL in Brunei, Kuching, Miri, Mulu and Kuala Lumpur.
All our WHL sites are now still under construction.
Watch out for the launching of our WHL sites soon : www.borneo-brunei.travel www.borneo-sarawak.travel www.borneo-mirimulu.travel www.kualalumpurhotel-link.travel
WHL has managed to create a special position for itself in the tourism industry and we are proud to part of WHL and share that special position with other responsible citizens of the world.
Our travel agent has worked with WHL for more than one year,we are glad to see such a good organisation get better and better. As we think, all of MPOs are local for different destinations,so if anyone want their visit different and meaningful,WHL is one of the best choise.
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Everyboby is a sweet gift to themselives.
Many small to medium scale accommodation providers in Sri Lanka lacked the necessary resources to have a global net presence. The WHL model has given a voice to these businesses.
Something wrong happen... so again I am Whl Mpo since 2006 and to see how fast it has grown only can mean one thing: they are at the right place at the right moment. And they work hard to deserve it. So another quick word: Bravo!
It’s not often that you find a company with whl.travel’s reach, organisation and passion so engaged in the new ideas of social enterprise and ‘making travel fair’. It's fantastic to see whl.travel building exactly the sort of global ethically-minded travel services booking site that the independent traveller and the world so desperately needs. The company shines not only through its goals but also through the dedicated, passionate and incredible people it has brought together in collaboration. This is a fantastic, sustainable business model that also packs all the ethical values that we look for in new companies today.
I think whl.travel is really going to change tourism..... with a network of real locals in every destination who own/run their own site.... it gives these little guys huge market access, and provides a real local connection for travellers, not just a booking engine with little or no service, and no commitment to helping these destinations.
The WHL.travel model encourages us to refocus how the tourism industry operates in conjunction with local providers. It is at the grass roots that we find the most authentic and rewarding experiences and those who offer the real 'local connection' stand to change the way we see and 'do' travel.
You also make a good point about working with local operators to share best practice, support sustainable development and work together as a team. If we wish to stand up against some of the biggest global challenges, both environmental and social, we can only do that together in a community such as this.
WHL.travel is certainly an inspiring force for positive change
Hi Sally, I appreciate your enthusiasm for what we are doing. I am also a fan of Your Safe Planet which likewise focusses on working with locals to help travellers really understand the destination and immerse themselves in it.
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination in south america, and we understand the responsability of preserve our city. So we wish the best of this great community of local operator to provide, great service at low prices, and promoting the sustainable business which allied with social, cultural and ambiental caring we prove that is the best way to have great fun with lowest impact on nature and people.
Bula from Fiji!
WHL has introduced to the world of travel/tourism the way forward for all players in the industry. For as small as remote budget/backpacker properties in Fiji and Im sure all around the world, they are on a 'high' as to what WHL has provided for in terms of marketing and just having their little properties seen on the internet around the world - that is a blessing in itself.
To promote sustainable tourism development is something WHL is renowned for and we are very proud to be part of World HOtel Link in their vision on world travel and tourism activities especially touching the grassroot level of our country.
Samoa Hotel Association (SHA) is probably the first and only industry association who is an MPO. Prior to our introduction to WHL, the association was going no-where and its membership was very minimal. 2005 saw the launch of WHL, increase in membership numbers and the most exciting outcome was being able to finally list and offer our rural based "beach fale" operations to the world. These beach fales are family owned, at grass root level and located on some of the most beautiful beaches in Samoa. Unfortunately there was no Marketing dollar nor the knowledge to promote this unique product. Welcome WHL!!! We can link the growth of the beach fale phenomena directly to the commencement of the SHA & WHL partnership.
The WHL model of "local connection" is critical in providing a personalised service as well as the opportunity to deal directly with knowledgable locals who know the product and can assist in removing uncertainty and reduce stress in booking a new destination.
We still have members who do not have internet connections, however, we provide that bridge between our visitors and our members. Its a win-win situation for all. The increase in bookings has resulted in our members growing economically, thereby empowering them to take their own destinies in hand and improve their livelihoods.
WHL offers out of the way MPOs exceptional support service which would not have been available locally and if imported, would have been costly. With the increase in our booking commissions, our Association is now able to sustain itself without any outside assistance. This independance has enabled the association to grow in strength and lobby and advocate on issues impacting on its members, environment, culture, and on policy development of the country.
Thank you WHL, and PEDF/IFC for giving SHA the opportunity to improve the livelihoods of our people and our economy through Tourism. It has surely made a humongous difference in such a short time. Everyone wants to be on our site www.samoa-hotels.ws now.
The steady expansion of the whl.travel network across the globe is projecting new hopes in many tourism destinations which would have been struggling for identity otherwise. WHL has well stated objectives, clear-cut action plans and committed geniuses to make sure that its goals are achieved duly.
While the reach of technology is becoming virtually boundless, WHL is effortlessly trying to provide an efficient 'local connection' per destination to travellers. Being such a connection is really an honour and working hand in hand with WHL is a matter of pride.
Considering whl.travel merely as a chain of travel portals would be an understatement of its sensible concepts, credible efforts and meritable accomplishments. I am confident that WHL will continue to set examples of sustainable and responsible tourism.
WHL, I wish you all the best. Rest of the world, are you listening?
I was actually just reflecting yesterday about how fortunate I am to be a part of this network. No way could any centrally based organization have the kind of global, grassroots impact that whl.travel can. I have had the amazing opportunity to meet many of the operators in the netwok and am regularly awed by their passion and commitment to preserving their destinations - my travel experience is absolutely enriched by their hospitality and all the good work they are doing.
WHL and its team have come a long way for the last 3 years. And they have helped the SME accommodation providers to be online where as these providers do not have the resources and finance to do so. The unique part of WHL is that the traveller does his bookings directly with an MPO who is located in the perticular country where travellers book. The sustainable concept and caring for destination shows that WHL teams commitment for the local community.We are proud to be a part of WHL.travel.
WHL has opened the door for small rural operators in the Solomon Islands and brought them into the 21st Century by showcasing their world. We know there is a bright future for all involved and thank WHL for their efforts.
There's a Grassroot project implemented in Mongolia funded by Japanese government. The routine operations of the project is to educate nomadic families, teach them how to grow vegetables, how to use and trade their cattle products etc. But there's something is missing. Tourism is likely to be one of the main gateways to development of Mongolia. As tourism is considered essential, sustainability concept is always mentioned. Sustainable tourism is relatively a new concept for many of Mongolians but people have already started thinking of that. WHL's policy towards strengthening local connections, community development can be depicted as the right initiative to contribute to this important matter of sustainable tourism. I'm sure WHL has a vast, empty space to fill in.
Batbold
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FeltNation Co.,Ltd
Mongolia Hotels Team www.mongoliahotel-link.com
Your Online Hotel Booking Service in Mongolia
For 10 years I was looking to find a solution that support a local operator in its effort to reach the world traveller without having to compromised it core values of ECO and Sustainable Tourism.
Thank you WHL.travel to giving me this opportunity.
What WHL.travel does in promotion of travel destinations in developing countries is truly remarkable and is worth the greatest appreciation. WHL.travel has introduced Uzbekistan to people who actually value sustainable approaches to tourism, opening our destination to great new opportunities. We now reveal our country from a different angle, inviting travellers to make a real acquaintance with local culture, meet our people and dive into our traditions. We are grateful to WHL.travel and all the people behind it for providing this valuable connection between travellers and destinations.
To many Bosnia and Herzegovina is a place which carries with it negative connotations of war and strife. But thanks to Len and the entire WHL team, we are slowly changing our image and joining a large family of responsible tourism destinations. Online booking, caring for destination, seo, networking, market access are but some of the areas that WHL has helped us out with. There are many booking sites available on the net, most of them focus exclusively on making commissions. WHL however strives to build up a longterm relationships with its local partners that is both socially responsible and financially sustainable for all involved. It's this synergy between tourism and responsible development which makes WHL a global social business truly supporting local initiatives.
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Thierry
If everything starts with a thought, why not let it be a positive one!
WHL is a great concept which is easily applied on the newly developed tourist destination in developing countries. The system developed by WHL could bridge the small hotels to the independent travelers worldwide online. At the same time WHL also teachs people on how to implement tourism sustainability in their business practice. It is the reason why I join WHL recently.
Comments
I wish WHL a rapid growth since it connects travelers to local tour operators and small accommodation owners in great need for bookings and support.
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www.lebanon.travel
....
whl.travel seems to be a unique concept in the world of travel where sustainable tourism, green travel, etc are now in vogue. There are 100s of new sites popping up claiming to have local knowledge, or to support local projects, but whl.travel is the only one that seems to be truly local and global at the same time with real people on the ground in every destination. Many of these new travel sites are rehashing the same old booking engines (like Travelocity or Bookings.com), but with a different greener face. Kudoes to whl.travel for something new and lets hope they get the exposure they are looking for.
It's not often you see a travel company (or any company in fact!) that is truly committed to the destinations in which they operate. Well done to whl.travel and all the people that are making travel fair around the world.
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Luke H. Ford
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Luke H. Ford
I am very pleased to see that an organisation is involved in promoting tourism destination areas in such a way that it will benefit both the local community, the culture and the natural environment. All countries united in one organistation can help making a difference and help preserving nature, culture and history of each destination for future generations.
I was wonder what is hidden behind WHL. After i got in touch with them and read a bit i can tell you what i find it behind WHL.
A magnificent passion for helping local community and breathtaking story's when they are explaining what they are doing for sustainable tourism and theirs involving in a country's where they got local connection.
So i am inviting all to open a door of WHL.travel and step inside and see some part of it what i saw it there when they are involved in local community. Commitment,stubbornness,empathy,courage,wish to help..etc
And i think they can carry with a pride that logo part they have
... your local connection
Alen Bilal
Other than the regular travel booking websites, whl.travel offers local presence. In every place they have a partner who takes care of the traveller, providing tips and detailed information. They really care about their destinations, connect the tourism trade and provide market access. It’s really interesting. For instance, in Brazil they have portals for Serro, which is a colonial small town in the country side of Minas Gerais that had no opening to be featured on the internet due the lack of technology knowledge and access. Even though they were interested in tourism and wish the visitors to came, the community didn’t know how to start. With whl.travel they had the opportunity to be online and findable everywhere. I really believe that whl.travel is bringing a new concept and can make a remarkable change on the travel market.
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Andre Franchini Campos de Pinho
The slogan of "...your local connection" is simple, yet encapsulates so well what whl.travel is about. The concept behind it, of local partners in every destination around the world, seems so logical that I'm surprised it hasn't been done before. Regardless, whl.travel have built what appears to be a very widespread, powerful network that I'm sure will continue to grow in leaps and bounds. The variety of destinations in the developing world is truly awe-inspiring, and I look forward to watching whl.travel expand into ever more interesting and off-the-beaten track destinations.
What makes WHL different from many other web based hotel/tour booking sites is their unique model which allows local partners to retain the ownership and operation of the booking business. Operating through a network of local partners called “Marketplace Operators” (MPOs), WHL provide a local human link from the internet booking site to the area where the hotel/guesthouses/tour guides operate.
WHL initiative like caring for destination (CFD) prove their commitment to contribute in development of the local communities where WHL is operating.
Whl contributes substantially to more ecological approach of tourism by connecting local people and culture which tourists can experience through local travel agencies. Main emphasize of whl is eco or more responsible tourism by increasing awareness of local community regarding "healthier" environment for tourists.
Whl as eco - social tourist organization is unique in its concept and it will be the key player in near future on globally oriented markets in eco travel industry.
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Tomaz Martinek, Spin Travel Slovenia
www.toursslovenia.com
www.bledhotels.travel
www.ljubljanahotels.travel
Pienso que un sitio como WHL hace que el pasajero logre organizar su viaje a cualquier rincon del Mundo con el asesoramiento de un responsable Idoneo en Turismo local en el destino deseado. Brindando seguridad, y aportando toda la informacion necesaria.
WHL pone en descubierto todo lo que el viajante necesita para visitar ese Pais, Ciudad, Territorio, facilitando una mejor fluides en el viaje, y logrando incentivar al mismo a recorrer mas sitios.
Sin olvidar que apunta a tener como principal objetivo seguir expandiendo el turismo sustentable que en Paises subdesarrollados aun no es habitual, aun que las normas de las secretarias de turismo ya lo tienen implementado en su gran mayoria.
I have been working with WHL here in Minas Gerais, Brazil and have been impressed with the local team's desire to work with us to promote all the amazing history, culture, and incredible natural treasures that we have to share in this corner of the world responsibly, honestly, and with the understanding that sustainable tourism is something that can be a success only if we are in it together. As an inn-keeper, I have been really disappointed with the general lack of partnership amongst my peers, the lack of creativity, the absence of communication, and the climate of destructive competition. Here's hoping that WHL can help people here understand we are all in this together!!
Being a part of WHL is a very big opportunity for Locals to think and work Global. We were local and very far from the whole world before we joined WHL.TRAVEL
I feel lucky to be a MPO of WHL.TRAVEL if I see the future of WHL.
www.cappadocia.travel
Cappadocia/Turkey
--------------------------
True story, get involved with WHL and you are bound to benefit from the local connection wherever you are or wherever you are going - it is truly a win-win situation!
Gustav
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www.rocrope.com
www.mpumalangahighlands.travel
Is very good to participate of this system that connects travelers with the local operators, facilitating access to informations and reserves.
WHL is doing something very special here and is able to tap into a market that no one else on the internet can. The way they are able to reach these smaller market enterprises and in turn help the community are very unique traits that should not be underestimated. The true meaning of sustainable tourism is solidified with the way WHL operates and the opportunites that it provides the independent traveller are very special because they are able to get them in connection with local people who are on the ground and can show them the destination in its full entirety and beauty.
WHL is a wonderful global community. Not alone for travellers, but also for travel companies. It has actually built a union of PEOPLE, instead of DATA. It can't be wrong to try WHL.travel when you are travelling.
Janet Tang
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www.sinohotel.com
www.beijinghotel-link.cn
www.shanghaihotel-link.cn
Being both a local operator with WHL and having used their services for other destinations they cover for my own personal holidays and business trips, I truly believe that their use of their local connections in each destination offers such a rich resource for any traveller wishing to get to know their holiday destination in more depth. Good luck WHL and I am looking forward to seeing the growth of the network to cover even more destinations around the world.
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Lee Sheridan
www.laos-hotel-link.com
www.thailandhotel-link.com
whl.travel is the greatest facilitator of equitable tourism revenue for local operators of the destinations it promotes all around the world.
I have been an MPO for over three years (www.vanuatu-hotels.vu) and have thanked my and the country's good fortune to have found whl to partner me in developing tourism for the indigenous people of Vanuatu.
whl has transformed for ever the way people will travel On Line. If anyone wants to bring whl to their destination, or ask me how or what it is like to be a MPO, I am delighted to answer any questions as there has never existed a win win travel model such as whl.travel before.
The unique WHL model is as brilliant as it is simple:
1 It benefits the traveller, he/she gets the best, reliable real time information from real people (that really care) in the place he/she is travelling to.
2. Small local accommodation providers or tour operators in the destination that are not "commission viable" to mainstream travel distributors are now visible, they are now able to be booked On line with ease from an whl MPO.
This fact alone is a revolution in travel to developing countries, and a Godsend to these countries fledging economies.
Its "local connection" approach, whereby it selects the best local inbound partner to manage and process all bookings, appropriately called a Market Place Operator or MPO, lives and breathes the destination, unlike a computer generated data base in some foreign country which often knows very little about, or cares about the destination plus has very limited inventory for the traveller to select from. Every MPO owns his/her business and only represents his/her specific destination. You cannot get more commitment than that.
Good luck whl.travel, you deserve every bit of recognition for what you are doing, and thank you from the thousands of local people who have benefited from the travellers you/us have sent to them.
Tropical regards from Vanuatu, the land of happy people.
John
John Nicholls
WHL is providing a great opportunity to small accommodation providers to connect to the world.... A great Job performed by WHL team. Well done and Best of Luck for future...
WHL has pioneered an innovative new concept in travel related services for developing countries to assist small & medium enterprises, to market their products on a worldwide platform.Besides offering independent travellers local connection, local knowledge & local hospitalilty, the concept is also creating a unique global village of like minded people in various countries, who are passionate about climate change, global warming & sustainable practices in their own countries.
I believe although a small step now, this will expand in future to encompass local government bodies and possibly the country to change and implement good practices.
Kudos to Whl travel !
WHL's commitment to developing tourism has helped countless of people in the developing world, and has shed light on the importance of sustainability. Because of WHL, travelers can now enjoy travel and they also have a chance to give back and get involved in projects that matter. The network is composed of really talented individuals from around the world that I feel so lucky to have met (even in just the virtual world) for now, who are very friendly, humble, and extremely talented in what they do. More power! :)
As a member of WHL named MPO (MarketPlace Operator), we have had a lots of chances to support both local hotels and global travellers. The local hotels have another channel to attract their travellers and then contribute to the local community. While the travellers have an online hotel booking system that it is very easy to process and book their accommodations at anytime and anywhere. We are proud of us have been the member of WHL and will try our best to contribute and promote the development of WHL. We hope WHL will continue to develop the online travel & tour booking system so that we can accommodate with our travellers' expectation as an indispensalble tendency.
---------
An Nguyen
MPO of WHL at Danang, Hoian & Hue - Vietnam.
www.danang-hotel.com ; www.hoian-hotel.com ; www.hue-hotel.com
I have been in the travel industry for more than 25 years and the moment I understand about WHL, I decided to be part of it immediately. Being an enterpreneur myself, I always look for better ways to do my business at a profit and at the same time looking for the best way to contribute back to the local communities and local environment. Looking after the interest of the end user who pay us for our services is another issues that always on our mind as a businessmen trying to be a gentlemen at the same time.
When I know about WHL and what it stands for, I immediately fell in love with the concept which benefits all parties involved in the tourism industry. This is what I call the missing link in the travel trade in developing sustainable tourism.
We are now a proud member of WHL and the market place operator of WHL in Brunei, Kuching, Miri, Mulu and Kuala Lumpur.
All our WHL sites are now still under construction.
Watch out for the launching of our WHL sites soon :
www.borneo-brunei.travel
www.borneo-sarawak.travel
www.borneo-mirimulu.travel
www.kualalumpurhotel-link.travel
WHL has managed to create a special position for itself in the tourism industry and we are proud to part of WHL and share that special position with other responsible citizens of the world.
Thanks Khirul, I appreciate your vote of support and I look forward to seeing your sites live in the near future. Kind Regards.......... Len
Our travel agent has worked with WHL for more than one year,we are glad to see such a good organisation get better and better. As we think, all of MPOs are local for different destinations,so if anyone want their visit different and meaningful,WHL is one of the best choise.
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Everyboby is a sweet gift to themselives.
Many small to medium scale accommodation providers in Sri Lanka lacked the necessary resources to have a global net presence. The WHL model has given a voice to these businesses.
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Virginie Grimault - Mpo Lisbon
Something wrong happen... so again I am Whl Mpo since 2006 and to see how fast it has grown only can mean one thing: they are at the right place at the right moment. And they work hard to deserve it. So another quick word: Bravo!
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Virginie Grimault - Mpo Lisbon
It’s not often that you find a company with whl.travel’s reach, organisation and passion so engaged in the new ideas of social enterprise and ‘making travel fair’. It's fantastic to see whl.travel building exactly the sort of global ethically-minded travel services booking site that the independent traveller and the world so desperately needs. The company shines not only through its goals but also through the dedicated, passionate and incredible people it has brought together in collaboration. This is a fantastic, sustainable business model that also packs all the ethical values that we look for in new companies today.
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Stephen Chapman
Founder & Editor
http://www.maketravelfair.co.uk
I think whl.travel is really going to change tourism..... with a network of real locals in every destination who own/run their own site.... it gives these little guys huge market access, and provides a real local connection for travellers, not just a booking engine with little or no service, and no commitment to helping these destinations.
Gillenium, I couldn't agree more
The WHL.travel model encourages us to refocus how the tourism industry operates in conjunction with local providers. It is at the grass roots that we find the most authentic and rewarding experiences and those who offer the real 'local connection' stand to change the way we see and 'do' travel.
You also make a good point about working with local operators to share best practice, support sustainable development and work together as a team. If we wish to stand up against some of the biggest global challenges, both environmental and social, we can only do that together in a community such as this.
WHL.travel is certainly an inspiring force for positive change
Sally
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www.yoursafeplanet.co.uk
Hi Sally, I appreciate your enthusiasm for what we are doing. I am also a fan of Your Safe Planet which likewise focusses on working with locals to help travellers really understand the destination and immerse themselves in it.
Kind Regards......... Len
We a pleased to be a member of WHL.travel.
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination in south america, and we understand the responsability of preserve our city. So we wish the best of this great community of local operator to provide, great service at low prices, and promoting the sustainable business which allied with social, cultural and ambiental caring we prove that is the best way to have great fun with lowest impact on nature and people.
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Tito Nazaré
Blue Ocean Tour
Office /Fax: 55 21 2255-4711
Help line: 55 21 7842-6232
www.blueoceantour.com.br
www.riodejaneiro-hotels.travel
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www.swazi.travel
Bula from Fiji!
WHL has introduced to the world of travel/tourism the way forward for all players in the industry. For as small as remote budget/backpacker properties in Fiji and Im sure all around the world, they are on a 'high' as to what WHL has provided for in terms of marketing and just having their little properties seen on the internet around the world - that is a blessing in itself.
To promote sustainable tourism development is something WHL is renowned for and we are very proud to be part of World HOtel Link in their vision on world travel and tourism activities especially touching the grassroot level of our country.
Samoa Hotel Association (SHA) is probably the first and only industry association who is an MPO. Prior to our introduction to WHL, the association was going no-where and its membership was very minimal. 2005 saw the launch of WHL, increase in membership numbers and the most exciting outcome was being able to finally list and offer our rural based "beach fale" operations to the world. These beach fales are family owned, at grass root level and located on some of the most beautiful beaches in Samoa. Unfortunately there was no Marketing dollar nor the knowledge to promote this unique product. Welcome WHL!!! We can link the growth of the beach fale phenomena directly to the commencement of the SHA & WHL partnership.
The WHL model of "local connection" is critical in providing a personalised service as well as the opportunity to deal directly with knowledgable locals who know the product and can assist in removing uncertainty and reduce stress in booking a new destination.
We still have members who do not have internet connections, however, we provide that bridge between our visitors and our members. Its a win-win situation for all. The increase in bookings has resulted in our members growing economically, thereby empowering them to take their own destinies in hand and improve their livelihoods.
WHL offers out of the way MPOs exceptional support service which would not have been available locally and if imported, would have been costly. With the increase in our booking commissions, our Association is now able to sustain itself without any outside assistance. This independance has enabled the association to grow in strength and lobby and advocate on issues impacting on its members, environment, culture, and on policy development of the country.
Thank you WHL, and PEDF/IFC for giving SHA the opportunity to improve the livelihoods of our people and our economy through Tourism. It has surely made a humongous difference in such a short time. Everyone wants to be on our site www.samoa-hotels.ws now.
The steady expansion of the whl.travel network across the globe is projecting new hopes in many tourism destinations which would have been struggling for identity otherwise. WHL has well stated objectives, clear-cut action plans and committed geniuses to make sure that its goals are achieved duly.
While the reach of technology is becoming virtually boundless, WHL is effortlessly trying to provide an efficient 'local connection' per destination to travellers. Being such a connection is really an honour and working hand in hand with WHL is a matter of pride.
Considering whl.travel merely as a chain of travel portals would be an understatement of its sensible concepts, credible efforts and meritable accomplishments. I am confident that WHL will continue to set examples of sustainable and responsible tourism.
WHL, I wish you all the best. Rest of the world, are you listening?
Navin Man Shrestha
MPO, Kathmandu - Nepal
www.KathmanduHotel-Link.com
I was actually just reflecting yesterday about how fortunate I am to be a part of this network. No way could any centrally based organization have the kind of global, grassroots impact that whl.travel can. I have had the amazing opportunity to meet many of the operators in the netwok and am regularly awed by their passion and commitment to preserving their destinations - my travel experience is absolutely enriched by their hospitality and all the good work they are doing.
WHL and its team have come a long way for the last 3 years. And they have helped the SME accommodation providers to be online where as these providers do not have the resources and finance to do so. The unique part of WHL is that the traveller does his bookings directly with an MPO who is located in the perticular country where travellers book. The sustainable concept and caring for destination shows that WHL teams commitment for the local community.We are proud to be a part of WHL.travel.
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FeltNation Co.,Ltd
Mongolia Hotels Team
www.mongoliahotel-link.com
Your Online Hotel Booking Service in Mongolia
WHL has opened the door for small rural operators in the Solomon Islands and brought them into the 21st Century by showcasing their world. We know there is a bright future for all involved and thank WHL for their efforts.
There's a Grassroot project implemented in Mongolia funded by Japanese government. The routine operations of the project is to educate nomadic families, teach them how to grow vegetables, how to use and trade their cattle products etc. But there's something is missing. Tourism is likely to be one of the main gateways to development of Mongolia. As tourism is considered essential, sustainability concept is always mentioned. Sustainable tourism is relatively a new concept for many of Mongolians but people have already started thinking of that. WHL's policy towards strengthening local connections, community development can be depicted as the right initiative to contribute to this important matter of sustainable tourism. I'm sure WHL has a vast, empty space to fill in.
Batbold
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FeltNation Co.,Ltd
Mongolia Hotels Team
www.mongoliahotel-link.com
Your Online Hotel Booking Service in Mongolia
For 10 years I was looking to find a solution that support a local operator in its effort to reach the world traveller without having to compromised it core values of ECO and Sustainable Tourism.
Thank you WHL.travel to giving me this opportunity.
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WHL Mauritius
www.holidays-mauritius.travel
What WHL.travel does in promotion of travel destinations in developing countries is truly remarkable and is worth the greatest appreciation. WHL.travel has introduced Uzbekistan to people who actually value sustainable approaches to tourism, opening our destination to great new opportunities. We now reveal our country from a different angle, inviting travellers to make a real acquaintance with local culture, meet our people and dive into our traditions. We are grateful to WHL.travel and all the people behind it for providing this valuable connection between travellers and destinations.
Thank you WHL!
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Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva MPO team and Afsona Travel Agency
www.samarkand-bukhara-travel.com
To many Bosnia and Herzegovina is a place which carries with it negative connotations of war and strife. But thanks to Len and the entire WHL team, we are slowly changing our image and joining a large family of responsible tourism destinations. Online booking, caring for destination, seo, networking, market access are but some of the areas that WHL has helped us out with. There are many booking sites available on the net, most of them focus exclusively on making commissions. WHL however strives to build up a longterm relationships with its local partners that is both socially responsible and financially sustainable for all involved. It's this synergy between tourism and responsible development which makes WHL a global social business truly supporting local initiatives.
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Thierry
If everything starts with a thought, why not let it be a positive one!
www.greenvisions.ba
www.sarajevo-travel.ba
We love your idea. Sustainable tourism is what we need to do! Thanks WHL! We are so happy to join with you in any project!
WHL is a great concept which is easily applied on the newly developed tourist destination in developing countries. The system developed by WHL could bridge the small hotels to the independent travelers worldwide online. At the same time WHL also teachs people on how to implement tourism sustainability in their business practice. It is the reason why I join WHL recently.
Whl.travel has the human touch...
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www.swazi.travel
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