Dear Colleagues & Friends,
To this day, if you hail from the Indian sub-continent or from South-east Asia, astrology exerts a formidable influence on your life. On Day One, parents use the services of professional astrologers who will determine the position of the various planets at the exact time and place of your birth and from that information, prepare a birth chart, thereby mapping out your future. All aspects of life such as health, finance, marriage, children, etc., are forecast. It is also the practise of individuals and families to seek celestial blessings from the planets before taking major decisions such as buying a car or a house, matching the planetary charts of the boy and the girl to determine compatibility, planning a wedding date, and even travel! Astrology claims to tell us how different events and different places will affect us. In other words, the ‘stars’ must align for us to be successful in our decisions. Conde Nast Traveler suggested that back in 1978 Jim Lewis, an American astrologer, pioneered astro-cartography for travelers wishing stress-free travel and ever since the practise has been making its way into the mainstream market. Given the numerous choices of destinations and each with their respective geopolitical environments, travellers are often seeking help in narrowing down their holiday travel choices. This prediction may ring true as a fast-developing trend in North America for future travellers.
Speaking of astrology, one of my favourite memories is of my uncle (my mother’s younger brother) and sitting with him as he prepared birth-charts for new-born babies. He was a well-known and highly respected astrologer in our little town, and local families would come to him for those customary services when planning minor or major events. By profession, my uncle was a bank manager, however his love for astrology was his passion and he gained knowledge through various sources. However, he never charged a penny for any consultation as he firmly believed that he would lose his cosmic prowess if he made it commercial. It’s been decades since his passing, but I still recall some of the conversations he had with the families who came in for consultations about migrating to foreign lands or prior to taking lengthy international journeys.
Let’s also talk a bit about gastronomy in travel… another of my favourite subjects! A renowned British chef, food writer and broadcaster recently launched a 5-day immersive food experience in the lovely Kenyan region of Laikipia. While not an entirely new concept in travel, it still captures my imagination. His kitchen-in-the-wild program offers guests a unique 5-day experience of the prolific wildlife of Northern Kenya, side-by side with a team of world class chefs and bartenders.
Combined with activities such as walking safaris and thrilling game drives in the Laikipia conservancy, there are cooking and cocktail masterclasses, art workshops, foraging expeditions and much more. Imagine ending the day with ‘sundowners’ in spellbinding locations in the vast Laikipia plateau before gathering round the communal table for a celebratory feast cooked by the famous guest chefs and paired with drinks prepared by bartenders extraordinaire! What piqued my interest in this product was the fact that by bringing this calibre of chefs into new landscapes never previously travelled plus the introduction of new local ingredients will inevitably result in exciting and collaborative cooking. Under these circumstances, chefs’ imaginations run wild resulting in truly unique menus. Let me know if there’s any interest from your clients.
And finally, to the subject that is of great concern to all of us. It can all be summed up in one word…Tariffs! With the expectation of imposed 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, the United States has effectively created severe economic consequences for Canadians. Most experts believe that the short 30-day reprieve granted by the new administration is unlikely to change the long-term outlook. What’s hurting us terribly right now is the depleted value of our Canadian $ against the greenback. Prices are bound to increase resulting in a further draining of consumer confidence and will negatively impact travel spending. ACTA – the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors – has said that Canada has long been one of the United States’ closest allies and most reliable trading partners and that these tariffs harm not only Canadian businesses but also American consumers and companies that rely on seamless trade with Canada.
But there’s always a silver lining! For the next 4 years, or until the dust settles, why not help your clients plan their holidays to Africa, Europe or Asia? Give it some serious thought. Our pride and our future is on the line!
Until next time,
Firdosh
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