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Discover the Wedding Deal of the Year at the Carlton Wedding Fair

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Discover the Wedding Deal of the Year at the Carlton Wedding FairDiscover the best offer of the year from Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit and bring your dream wedding to life. Our wedding planning experts and partners are here to guide you through every detail, ensuring your special day is perfect in every way.

Offer 1: Book a wedding package and pay a deposit of THB 100,000.
• Enjoy complimentary bring-in decoration valued at THB 35,000.
• Get a complimentary food tasting for 6 persons.

Offer 2: Receive up to four “Wish List” items when you book a package under certain conditions:
• For a THB 550,000 package, choose 2 “Wish List” items.
• For a THB 600,000 package, choose 3 “Wish List” items.
• For a THB 750,000 package, choose 4 “Wish List” items.

Offer 3: Enter a lucky draw worth over THB 89,000 when booking a package and paying the deposit on the event day. Prizes include an Executive Suite, a Deluxe Room with breakfast for 2 persons, dining vouchers, and more.

Wish List Items:
• Complimentary bring-in band and lighting/sound system.
• Complimentary alcohol corkage fee.
• Complimentary bring-in 2 food stalls.
• One barrel of draft beer (Chang or Singha).
• 100 servings of shrimp dumplings from the Michelin Guide Cantonese Restaurant, Wah Lok.
• F&B voucher valued at THB 3,000.
• 50% discount on Carlton Grand Ballroom rental for an after-party.
• One-night stay in a Deluxe Room with breakfast for 2 persons.

Join us at the Carlton Wedding Fair and let us elevate your wedding dreams to unparalleled heights.

Carlton Wedding Fair
Date: 15-16 June 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Contact our Wedding Sales Team for more information at T. 0208907888 or email catering@carltonhotel.co.th.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Announces New Executive Board

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PATA Announces New Executive Board - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the ratification of the new PATA Executive Board. Peter Semone has been formally endorsed and will serve as the Chair of the Association’s Executive Board for a consecutive second term.

Following his appointment, Mr Semone said, “It is an honour to be elected by members of the PATA Board of Directors to lead the Association for a second term. Thanks to the strong commitment of the Secretariat staff and outgoing Executive Board members, over the past two years significant progress has been made in regard to PATA’s finances and management. Much work remains to be done and I am confident that the new Executive Board will rise to this challenge.”

Mr Semone is a leading tourism development expert specialising in the Asia Pacific region. He has served in leadership roles for international donor funded projects in Timor-Leste, Lao PDR and Vietnam and is frequently called upon as a short-term expert for UN Tourism and the Asian Development Bank. He is the founder of the internationally acclaimed Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) vocational school. After graduating from Ivy League colleges (UPENN and Cornell), he resided in Indonesia in the 1990s where he established several tourism enterprises and served as an expert tourism adviser to the Government of Indonesia. Mr Semone is widely published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to tourism marketing and destination human capital. He has also authored tourism policies, strategies and action plans for destinations at regional, national and municipal levels. In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time with his family in Bali and California.

During the 73rd PATA Annual General Meeting on Friday, June 7, 2024, PATA also ratified Suman Pandey, President of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, as the new Vice Chair, and Luzi Matzig, Chairman of Asian Trails Ltd., as the new Secretary/Treasurer of the Association.

Suman Pandey is a well-known figure in Nepalese Tourism and President of Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, a well-known name for diverse and innovative operations. He is also the CEO of Fishtail Air, a Nepalese helicopter company; Director of Summit Air, a fixed wing operator catering to tourists going to the Mt. Everest area; Director of the biggest business complex in Nepal, “Chhaya Centre”, a multi-faceted Mega Complex that includes a five star managed by Starwood under the “Aloft” brand; President of the Himalaya Academy of Travel and Tourism, an academy imparting tourism related vocational trainings, and President of Himalayan Pre- Fab Pvt. Ltd, a company specialising on making eco-friendly prefabricated homes.

His remarkable contributions in the Nepalese Tourism Industry have made him eligible for various titles and decorations including “Suprasidha Gorkha Dakshin Bahu” from the King of Nepal in 2004; “Tourism Icon” by the Nepal Association of Tourism Journalists in 2018; a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by tourism publication Gantabya Nepal in 2017; “Tourism Man of the year” by Gantabya Nepal in 2010; and a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for contributions in tourism by the “American Biographical Institute” (ABI) based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA in 2008, to name a few.

Luzi Matzig began his career with Swissair ground operations in Zurich, Switzerland, and had subsequent postings in London and Berne. In 1971, he moved to Thailand and worked for Diethelm Travel in Bangkok, rising to General Manager and later Group Managing Director overseeing operations in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Yunnan/China. In September 1999, he founded Asian Trails Ltd. and is currently the Chairman. The Asian Trails Group now operates 33 offices with over 500 staff across Thailand, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam.

In addition to managing Asian Trails, Mr Matzig is involved in the cruise and hotel industries, with ventures including Cruise Asia Ltd., Paradise Ko Yao Resort, Treehouse Villas, Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort and Spa, Paradise Beach Samui Resort, SUNSET HOUSE, and the Royal Sands Koh Kong Resort. He established VIP Jets Ltd. for executive air transport in Asia. Mr Matzig serves on the Board of the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, where he was President for 2.5 years, and has held leadership roles in the PATA Thailand Chapter.

Members of the Executive Board for this term include Ben Montgomery, Director of Business Relations Management, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand; Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tour Ltd., Korea (ROK); Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Convention Bureau, Malaysia; Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore; Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam; and SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, India.

Additionally, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid remains on the Executive Board as an Ex-Officio member.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management Students Shine at International Events

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PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management Students Shine at International Events - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comStudents of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have had a successful academic year as they were recognised with top prizes at international conferences and summit including the 2024 Global ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) Conference, APacCHRIE Youth Conference and Young Hospitality Summit (YHS) held across the globe.
At the 2024 Global ESG Conference held in Jeju, Korea on 27-29 May, SHTM students won First and Second Prizes at the Undergraduate Students ESG Idea Competition as part of the ESG Global Student Challenge.
First Prize: “Trash to Trend: Upcycling Hotel Waste into Fashionable Treasure” by Mina Kang, student in the BSc in Hotel Management programme; and Jasmine Poon, student in the BSc in Tourism and Events Management programme. Advisor: Dr Sung In Kim, SHTM Assistant Professor.
Second Prize: “GREENIE, Your One-stop Online Platform for Browsing Hotels’ ESG Commitments and Performance Benchmarking” by Christopher Chen, Venus Chung and Ben Lim, students in the BSc in Hotel and Tourism Management programme. Advisor: Dr Ada Lo, SHTM Associate Professor.
Designed to empower the next generation of leaders in ESG practices, the Competition was successful in fostering creativity, critical thinking and collaboration among undergraduate students, and inspiring them to develop innovative solutions that address the practical application of ESG principles.
At the APacCHRIE Youth Conference held on 24-26 May 2024 in Seoul, Korea, SHTM students were bestowed two Best Paper Awards.
First Place: “Exploring the Asymmetric Impact and Relative Competitiveness of Service Attributes on Customer Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction: Impact Asymmetry Competitor Analysis and Two-factor Theory” by Xenia Wong, student in the BSc in Tourism and Events Management programme. Supervisors: Dr Hailey Shin, SHTM Assistant Professor; Dr Hyekyung Park, Assistant Professor, Florida State University; and Dr Minwoo Lee, Associate Professor, University of Houston.
Second Runner-up: “AI-supportive or Vigilant in the Hospitality Industry: Integrating Employee and Consumer Views to Extend the TAM and AIDUA Models” by Yu Jin Yang, student in the BSc in Hotel Management programme. Supervisor: Dr Ivanka Huang, SHTM Research Assistant Professor.
Since its inception in 2002, APacCHRIE has been playing an essential role in promoting academic and research exchange in the hospitality and tourism field in the Asia Pacific region. An extension of APacCHRIE, the Youth Conference supplements its mission and provides an opportunity for students to meet, exchange research information and to network, whilst at the same time fosters an opportunity for leadership development and encourages presentation of high-quality research by undergraduate students.
Earlier this year in March, SHTM students attending the YHS in Lausanne, Switzerland, stood out from competing teams and scooped two prestigious awards.
First Prize: Mandy Leung, student in the BSc in Tourism and Events Management programme, led her team to win the First Prize by proposing and presenting an idea to achieve food waste prevention, sustainability education and facilitation of a circular ecosystem within NEOM in Saudi Arabia.
Second Prize: Cindy Pang, student in the BSc in Tourism and Events Management programme, led her team to win the Second Prize on the topic of “Bridging Concepts, Beyond Realities” with “The Elevate Project”. The team proposed to build an innovative structure with screen and sound technology, and transform footsteps into energy for sustainability that is regenerative and unique within NEOM.
Hosted annually by the EHL Hospitality Business School, the YHS serves as a platform for industry professionals and student delegates to engage in insightful discussions on the latest topics relevant to the industry. As a student-led hospitality summit, student delegates have a chance to work together on unique hospitality projects to solve real-life business problems.
The SHTM is immensely proud of the achievements made by its talented students, and the efforts they made to contribute to the body of knowledge. The School is committed to providing students with different opportunities to ensure that they excel beyond the walls of the classrooms.
About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For 45 years, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 for the seventh consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2022/2023 for six years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.
The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 20 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Welcomes Spanish Chef de Cuisine

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INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Welcomes Spanish Chef de Cuisine - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThailand’s first INNSiDE by Meliá hotel has appointed Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has honed his craft in some of Spain’s finest kitchens, as Spanish chef de cuisine.

The Madrid-born chef joins INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, that debuted in July 2023 in Bangkok’s On Nut neighborhood, after working at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen.

His decade-long experience as a chef includes stints at restaurants Puerta 57, Café Pino, Restaurante La Chans and Rios De Luz. He has also worked at hotels and in catering, including with Morlans Hotels and Globales Don Pedro in Mallorca, and Curcuma Catering and Events.

As part of his studies with the Pérez Valladolid International Cooking School in Valladolid and Madrid’s hotel management school Le Cordon Bleu, he interned extensively at Montellen and Saddle restaurants respectively.

In his new role, Racionero has taken charge of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s signature LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, on the hotel’s two uppermost floors, the 34th and 33rd floors, where every seat is an opportunity to embark on a culinary pilgrimage across Spain.

“Since I was on vacation in Thailand with my mother many years ago, I have not stopped thinking about one day working and living here in Bangkok as the culture is fascinating,” he said. “It’s an honor to share my passion for Spanish cuisine, an extraordinary cuisine, at LUZ by giving it a special, differentiating touch that comes from a very personal place.”

“Through his rich and varied experience at remarkable restaurants in his native Spain, as well as with hotels and in catering, Juan is an all-rounder and the obvious choice to take our diners at LUZ on a culinary journey through Spain’s different regions … as they also take a front-row seat to Bangkok’s compelling skyline,” added the hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson.

In addition to LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the hotel’s dining landscape features all-day Thai dining restaurant The Kites Eatery, The Giant Swing Pool Bar on the 34th floor, and café and lobby bar The Open Living Lounge that’s integrated into the hotel’s 32nd floor coworking space. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit joins a collection of unique urban and beach hotels in 14 different countries designed for those with curious minds who cultivate a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company according to S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024, as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35.

About INNSiDE by Meliá
INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.

INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.

Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam) .

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Carlton Luxury Suite Sensation Elevate Your Stay for High Comfort

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Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit warmly welcomes you to experience our exclusive Carlton Suite Promotion and indulge in the taste of luxury. Elevate your experience with our top-tier suites.

Available for booking now until 30 June 2024, guests can choose from our top three suites:
• One Bedroom Entertainment Suite at THB 8,600++
• Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite at THB 11,600++
• Two Bedroom Carlton Suite at THB 12,600++

Enjoy exclusive benefits including:
• Accommodation for up to 2 persons in the One Bedroom Entertainment Suite, and up to 4 persons in both Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite and the Two Bedroom Carlton Suite
• Indulge in an international breakfast buffet at Plate Restaurant
• Enjoy Carlton Club Benefits, including access to the Carlton Club Lounge from 10:30 am – 8:30 pm daily, where you can savor coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• Delight in Twilight Treats with complimentary pre-dinner beverages and canapés at the Carlton Club Lounge from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Book and stay with us from now until 30 June 2024 to experience a luxury stay.
Reserve your suite today at https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=9065&rate=sp

Terms & Conditions
• One Bedroom Entertainment Suite includes breakfast and club lounge benefits for 2 persons.
• Two Bedroom Carlton Suite and Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite include breakfast and club benefits for 4 persons.
• If the number of guests exceeds the maximum capacity of each room, an extra charge of THB 2,354 net per person will apply.
• A credit card guarantee is required at the time of booking.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before arrival.
• Rates valid until 30 June 2024
• The hotel reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice.

For more information or to make a reservation please contact 020907888 or email reservations@carltonhotel.co.th

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fairlawns Unveils Ardmore Satara Suite

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Fairlawns Unveils Ardmore Satara Suite - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comFairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, located in Johannesburg’s upmarket Sandton district, has collaborated with Ardmore Designs to craft the captivating new Satara Suite, which will launch on 27 June 2024.

Renowned artist Sydney Hadebe, acclaimed for his signature Ardmore fabric and scarf
designs, joined forces with Wiseman Mpofu, a shining star among Ardmore’s talented
painters. Together, they were entrusted with the task of adorning the wall of the large suite, with an awe-inspiring twenty-four square meter hand-painted mural.

The vision was to create a one-of-a-kind Ardmore Suite, celebrating the spirit of
Africa in vibrant hues and intricate designs. A tapestry of vibrant flora, with
majestic leopards nestled amidst the branches – a tableau reminiscent of one of
Africa’s untamed wilderness areas in the Kruger, Satara. ” said Michael Kewley,
Creative and Managing Director of Fairlawns.

From the jaw-dropping mural wall to the delicate Ardmore ceramics and luxury home accents throughout the suite, the Ardmore Satara Suite is a harmonious fusion of art, craftsmanship and hospitality.

Ardmore Founder and Creative Director, Fée Halsted is currently in the United Kingdom for their annual exhibition, including their acclaimed Protea Plains collection at Patrick Mavros’ flagship store in Fulham Road, London until 31 May 2024. The showcase is running alongside the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show where South Africa has just won its 38th Gold Medal as well as “Best Exhibit in the Pavilion” and “Best New Design”.

The Ardmore Suite is a beautiful addition to Fairlawns, a suburban oasis that oozes
personality, surrounded by 5.5 acres of gardens. It is an immersive retreat in which to relax – perhaps after a long flight and before heading off on safari or to explore the many wonders of the Rainbow Nation. The Balinese Spa Garden is a beautiful sanctuary where guest can enjoy an outdoor massage or relax around the heated pool – and the property has variety of excellent dining offerings.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management celebrates 45 years of Educational Excellence

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The School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) celebrated “45 Years of Educational Excellence” by hosting a gala dinner at Hotel ICON on 30 May. Nearly 300 guests from around the world attended the event to celebrate the School’s 45th anniversary. The School also announced that Mr Jung-Ho SUH, Chairman of the Ambassador Hotel Group was inducted into the SHTM Gallery of Honour on the same day and presented him the prestigious SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award at the dinner.
In her welcome address, Dr Miranda LOU, Executive Vice President of PolyU, said, “The year 2024 represents a special milestone for the SHTM. For everyone at the School and the University, the key thing to celebrate is not the mere passage of time, but the vision and scale of achievement that have led to the creation of a world-leading centre of educational and research excellence that continues to set new standards for advancing knowledge and serving the hospitality and tourism industry. I have full confidence in the SHTM’s ability to reach even greater heights of global excellence and continue to lead development in the field in the years ahead.”
In its pursuit of excellence, the SHTM strongly emphasises innovative research and encourages a robust research culture amongst its international faculty of more than 90 academics from 20 countries and regions worldwide. In the current academic year, more than 1,450 students from around the world are enrolled on the School’s programmes, which range from the undergraduate to doctoral levels.
The upscale Hotel ICON, which opened in 2011, is at the core of the SHTM’s innovative approach to education and research. This unique, purpose-built and purpose-driven hotel not only supports the School in nurturing a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals who will become leaders in hospitality and tourism, but also enables SHTM faculty members to conduct in-depth research to advise this global industry.
Along with providing world-class facilities for learning and research, the School has continuously expanded its innovative programme offerings over the years. In 2023, SHTM became a two-time recipient of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) Institutional Achievement Award, exactly two decades after first receiving this recognition from the Society in 2003.
These impressive results are due to the hard work and endeavours of all SHTM and Hotel ICON colleagues. They would also not have been possible without the support and guidance from PolyU, members of the School’s International Advisory Board, the School’s Advisory Committee, the industry and SHTM alumni. As the School bids farewell to its first 45 years, it sets its sights on achieving further global excellence in the field over the next decades.
The celebration culminated in the announcement of the prestigious 2024 SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr Jung-Ho Suh, Chairman of the Ambassador Hotel Group, was honoured with the accolade.
An esteemed leader in the dynamic field of hospitality, Mr Suh is a pioneer of the hospitality industry in Korea. He has achieved remarkable business success by expanding Ambassador Hotel Group, one of the country’s top hotel groups, to embrace a highly diverse range of brands under Accor-Ambassador Korea. His achievements and contributions to the hospitality industry are exceptional. Mr Suh is truly a role model for future hospitality professionals and a source of inspiration for all.
At the ceremony, Mr Suh said, “It is a great honour to be bestowed the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award. I am humbled to accept it and join past recipients, whom I have long admired and respected. It has been a tremendous pleasure to be a part of this exciting global industry, which has, in itself, been extremely rewarding.”
“The SHTM, under the leadership of Dean Kaye Chon, has gone from strength to strength, and is now among the top few hotel and tourism schools in the world. I am very much encouraged to have witnessed the School’s ongoing efforts in nurturing generations of hospitality leaders, driving the overall development of the industry. On the occasion of the School’s 45th anniversary, may I congratulate all SHTM faculty and staff on achieving this major milestone,” he continued.
Highly regarded for his exemplary achievements in hospitality, Mr Suh has relentlessly pursued innovation and success, both within the Ambassador Hotel organisation and in the broader hospitality industry. His strong academic foundation, which includes a Bachelor’s degree from the College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and an MBA degree from UNLV’s Business College, has equipped him with a profound understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for the profession. The numerous accolades Mr Suh received for his contributions to the tourism industry in Korea and France further validate his exceptional leadership and dedication. Please visit the School’s website for the biography of Mr Jung-Ho Suh.
Expressing his sincere congratulations to Mr Suh on receiving the honour, Prof. Kaye CHON, SHTM Dean, Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management, said, “The SHTM prides itself in being a leading force in education and research in hospitality and tourism. Our commitment to excellence is well supported by industry heavyweights and visionary leaders such as Mr Jung-Ho Suh. With steadfast support from our industry partners, our School is committed to nurturing the bright minds who will become future leaders of this very exciting global industry.”
The Gallery of Honour is located in the SHTM lobby and displays portraits of the outstanding recipients of the SHTM Lifetime Achievement Award, who represent the world’s most successful hospitality organisations and recognisable brands. The School established the Award to honour individuals who have made substantial contributions to the development of hospitality and tourism in Hong Kong, the region and the world, as these leaders have helped define the global hospitality landscape and drive the industry forward.
*****
About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For 45 years, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023 for the seventh consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2022/2023 for six years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.
The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 20 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Press contact : Ms Pauline Ngan, Senior Marketing Manager
                           School of Hotel and Tourism Management
Telephone : (852) 3400 2634
E-mail : pauline.ngan@polyu.edu.hk
Website : https://www.polyu.edu.hk/shtm/

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Laguna Lang Co Enhances Status as Vietnam’s Most Sustainable Luxury Properties

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Laguna Lang Co has reaffirmed its position as one of Vietnam’s leading sustainable luxury lifestyle hubs by retaining its EarthCheck “Gold Certification” for 2024.

As one of Asia’s most ambitious integrated resorts, Laguna Lang Co encompasses the acclaimed Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co hotels, along with Laguna Golf Lang Co, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design.

Located in a region celebrated for its pristine nature, Laguna Lang Co maintains a focus on sustainability in line with Banyan Group’s emphasis on environmental stewardship. And the retention of EarthCheck Gold status for the 9th consecutive year underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

“Here at Laguna Lang Co, we are fortunate to enjoy one of the most beautiful locations in Vietnam,” said Gavin Herholdt, Managing Director of Laguna Lang Co. “With such privilege comes deep responsibility, and we are proud that our efforts have once again been recognized by EarthCheck.”

The property is onboard with Banyan Group’s new Stay For Good program which invites guests at its various destinations globally to experience the world authentically.

At Laguna Lang Co, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation is a focus. The property is home to 15 different bird species including the Bar-Bellied Pitta and Davison’s Leaf Warbler. Guests can explore the resort and learn more about the winged residents. Other eco-conscious activities under the program include forest walks, excursions to local farms to witness sustainable local agricultural practices, and cycle rides to local fishing villages.

Back at the award-winning Angsana Lang Co hotel, a Bird Photo Gallery features images contributed by bird photographers taken at the resort and nearby locations around Lang Co Bay.

“Under Stay For Good, we want our guests to fully immerse in the beautiful nature of Lang Co and experience the heritage and traditions of local communities,” added Herholdt.

Other notable sustainability initiatives at Laguna Lang Co include a ban on single-use plastics and its “edible golf course,” featuring rice fields tended by water buffalos. Additional measures include the installation of a plant to replace plastic bottles with reusable glass ones, and a filtration factory to save further on water usage. Approximately 31% of the water currently used at the property is recycled.

Connections with the local community are also a priority. Outreach includes organizing golf clinics for local children, prioritizing the purchase of locally-sourced food and ingredients, employing people from the Lang Co vicinity, and stocking local products. Indeed, 80% of the goods sold at resort galleries are sourced locally.

Recently, the property has introduced a pledge to reduce meat production and consumption by introducing a minimum of one meat-free day per month at the project’s associate canteen, while F&B outlets across the board have widened their variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Laguna Lang Co also offers English for Fun classes and operates a kindergarten for children of staff.

“We will continue to prioritize environmental protection and community engagement,” added Herholdt. “We are committed to leading the industry in sustainability here in Vietnam. Our journey can help deliver impactful projects and initiatives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bangkok’s Top Restaurants to Shine at Prestigious TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2024

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Bangkok, June 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / On 10th June 2024, Travelindex will announce the winners of its TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2024, highlighting the favourite restaurants that illustrate why the Thai capital is a favourite dining destination for gourmets and gourmands.

The 2024 Awards presentation will be held at the prestigious Park Hyatt Bangkok. It’ll be the first time, TOP25 Restaurants is Introducing Special Awards to recognize more efforts in the restaurants and hospitality sector. Among the introduced Special Awards there will be the “Young Rising Star Chef Award” and the “TOP25 Restaurants Industry Innovation Award”.

“We are eager to share the 2024 Award Winners in Bangkok, said Bernard Metzger, Founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide and Award series. Bangkok’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served in the Thai capital. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and can’t wait to reveal some new discoveries.”

On the day, we’ll find out who are the TOP25 Restaurants in Bangkok as well as who the Chefs are behind this fabulous recognition. The list of the awards winners and also all nominated and recognized restaurants will then be available online.

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are AI-powered and based on the Travelindex owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index”. The multi-tier rating model combines the power of crowd wisdom (social media and review sites) with artificial intelligence behavioural algorithms enhanced with guidance and expertise from on-the-ground experts, making it a true and objective curation and measuring standard.

The Restaurant Rating Index is a recognised benchmark for rating quality restaurants; chefs strive to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it increases the restaurant’s reputation and draws in more customers. All the restaurants listed provide an unforgettable dining experience.

To view all Bangkok Restaurants Nominees, please click here…

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex
TOP25 Restaurants is the World’s First AI-Powered restaurant guide. It is the only independent, global rating system based on artificial intelligence enhanced by human expertise and discernment. This dynamic synergy not only ensures unparalleled accuracy but enriches the curation process with a depth of understanding and nuance unparalleled elsewhere. The annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards celebrates the most outstanding restaurants and showcases the ultimate collection of dining venues in each destination. TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers and tourists.
In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex Group also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Shanghai, Delhi and Dubai. www.top25restaurants.com

About Park Hyatt Bangkok
Park Hyatt Bangkok is a Tranquil Oasis above Bustling Bangkok. Centrally located in the heart of the Thai capital’s central business district. Featuring contemporary architecture matched by luxurious residential interiors, expertly curated art, world-class food and wine, and refined service, all coupled with a promise to offer unique Thai experiences that reflect the country’s rich culture, gracious hospitality, and colorful lifestyles. The hotels interior design brief – to create a sophisticated private residence and sanctuary reflecting Thailand’s rich culture – was eloquently executed by New York- based Yabu Pushelberg, who also served as the designers of the brand’s flagship Park Hyatt New York hotel. This is the award0winning design duo’s first hotel in Bangkok, and they have created a calm and stylish environment unfolding through a series of unique and intimate spaces.

About PerfectCheck
PerfectCheck transforms restaurants revenue and profit optimization. PerfectCheck is a cutting-edge, plug-and-play tool designed to give restaurant professionals a clear view of their business performance. The innovative modules let restaurant owners visualize key metrics, optimize table occupancy, enhance menu offerings, and improve server performance – all without manual data analysis. Seamlessly integrating with the POS and Table Management systems, PerfectCheck provides accurate forecasts and actionable insights. Focus on running your restaurant while PerfectCheck maximizes your profitability. www.perfectcheck.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Nicole Lim
Content Editor & Media Relations
TOP25 Restaurants International
e: nicole@top25restaurants.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hospitality in the Time of COVID-19

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Hospitality in the Time of COVID-19 - TRAVELINDEXHospitality employees’ stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and their later career trajectories may depend on both their experiences in the workplace and personal traits, according to Dr Wei-Jue Huang of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Hospitality work is demanding, and the pandemic and associated economic crisis may have led hospitality workers to reconsider their career trajectories. Through direct interviews with current and former employees in the U.S. hospitality industry, the researchers explored how workplace experiences during the pandemic affected these employees’ subsequent career choices.
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has upended industries worldwide. However, few have been hit harder than hospitality and tourism. Globally, more than 60 million jobs in this industry were lost in 2020 alone. The spread of COVID-19 and related social distancing practices posed fundamental challenges to the hospitality and tourism industry. “Although the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality workforce may seem similar to previous global crises and depressions”, say the researchers, “COVID-19 is different, as it impacts hospitality and tourism directly”.
In addition to hindering the warm interpersonal exchanges that are characteristic of hospitality settings, the pandemic led to “travel shaming”, a form of social pressure that deterred potential travellers wishing to escape pandemic restrictions. Such pressure, along with tourists’ concerns about their own health, further reduced demand for hospitality services.
These challenges struck directly at the heart of the industry. “Considering future prospects”, the authors note, “employees became more acutely aware of the vulnerability of the industry and developed ‘backup plans’ outside the industry”. This led to “multiple talent crises”. One such crisis that has received considerable attention in the press is the “Great Resignation”, a trend of voluntary employee resignation in response to increased stress levels and untenable working conditions.
Given the excess demands placed on hospitality workers, this employment trend has led to substantial concerns that employees might pursue careers in new fields. Alternatively, however, situations such as the pandemic may present a “unique opportunity to bolster employer–employee relationships”, say the researchers. Accordingly, they explored the circumstances affecting U.S. hospitality workers and their decisions to remain in, leave, or return to the industry after the pandemic.
“Hospitality employees”, according to the researchers, “are the backbone of the business and first-hand witnesses to the detrimental effects of the pandemic on the industry”. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased hospitality employees’ stress levels, leading to negative consequences such as burnout and substance abuse. Employees under stress even may choose to leave their employers or the industry altogether.
During the pandemic, industry employees faced challenges such as layoffs and furlough arrangements, as well as wage decreases, which affected both their livelihood and mental health. The researchers thus consider it essential to understand hospitality employees’ lived experiences during the pandemic, observing that “individuals experience the situation differently based on where they are and how their daily life, work, family, health practices, etc. have changed”.
They explored how employees coped with stress and other difficulties, aiming to understand “how those experiences shaped their ultimate decisions” regarding their hospitality careers. Their exploration was based on the transactional model of stress and coping, which states that a person’s interactions with their environment affect their ability to cope with and adapt to challenges, and career construction theory, which explains “how individuals develop their professions by aligning their self and social identity with their work”.
In particular, the researchers studied “career adaptability”, a key component of the career construction theory previously shown to have a positive effect on employees’ capacity to work beyond their formal job descriptions. Such adaptability, however, can be a “double-edged sword”; although it can promote employees’ resilience in a supportive workplace, it can also increase their “turnover intention”, or intent to pursue other employment, in a workplace that is hostile or uncertain.
The researchers interviewed 31 adults who had worked in the US hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the participants were recruited through the researchers’ networks. These earliest participants were then asked to recommend other potential participants (i.e., snowball sampling). Nearly 30% of the participants had remained employed at the time of the interviews. The others had been laid off or furloughed.
The researchers describe their study as “phenomenological research”, a popular approach in tourism research that “sees the participants as ‘experts’, allows their voices to be heard, and gives credibility to their accounts within studies”. This approach allowed the researchers to learn directly from hospitality employees about how they had adapted during the pandemic. The interview questions thus were designed to gain information about the participants’ backgrounds, experiences in the industry before and during the pandemic, ways of coping with stress, and future career plans.
During the interviews, the participants spoke candidly about their stresses and coping strategies during the pandemic. Those who remained in the workplace faced new responsibilities and work formats (e.g., remote work) and increased workloads and expectations. Those who were laid off or furloughed faced financial challenges. Both groups of participants expressed concerns about the risks to their own health and that of their loved ones.
To cope with these stresses, those facing financial difficulties applied new budgeting strategies, relied on unemployment benefits, or even took other jobs. For those seeking new opportunities, “relationship-building and networking appeared to be popular strategies”. Some participants took the opportunity to rest and “engaged in various recreation and leisure activities to help themselves feel better”. The researchers suggest that employers “consider promoting various employee-assistance programmes that cover aspects such as mental health consultancy and leisure/recreation activities”.
The participants had experienced a great deal of uncertainty due to the quickly changing pandemic situation. However, the researchers observe that “transparent communication is the key to maintaining a positive employer–employee relationship”. Participants whose employers were candid about their decisions to lay off employees viewed their employers positively. Those whose employers were not transparent tended to negatively view their employers and, in some cases, the industry, leading them to seek employment elsewhere. These findings suggest that in a crisis, employers can do much to alleviate their employees’ uncertainty and anxiety by simply being transparent and communicating openly.
Other factors also influenced the participants’ attitudes and decisions regarding their careers. Those “who remain[ed] employed appeared to be well adapted to the circumstances” and were passionate about their work and optimistic about the industry’s future. Among those who were laid off and furloughed, “positive working experiences, including a healthy working environment and a strong bond with the team, as well as a sense of empathy towards the employer”, influenced the participants’ decisions to remain in the hospitality industry. Employers are advised to provide a supportive workplace and to foster team-building and professional investment among their employees.
Although this study focused on experiences in the U.S. hospitality industry during a global pandemic, the researchers note that the participants’ concerns were “comparable to those of other major career crises”. The finding that support and transparency from employers can both reduce employees’ stress and help to retain them in the industry may be applicable to other crises and to the global hospitality industry. “To create a sustainable, resilient, and engaged workforce”, conclude the researchers, “hospitality practitioners must commit to crafting positive relationships with their employees both in regular and crisis times”. Employers are encouraged to maintain open channels of communication, support employees’ development and provide stress relief.
Liu-Lastres, Bingjie, Huang, Wei-Jue, and Bao, Huilin (2023). Exploring Hospitality Workers’ Career Choices in the Wake of COVID-19: Insights from a Phenomenological Inquiry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 111, 103485.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News