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New Wafaifo Resort Hoi An in Vietnam Now Open for Booking

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The Wafaifo Resort, a 10-minute walk from Hoi An ancient town in central Vietnam, will open its doors on 1 September

HOI AN, VIETNAM – The Wafaifo Hoi An Resort in the ancient heritage capital of Hoi An in central Vietnam will open its doors to guests on 1 September this year.

Bookings are now available on Wafaifo.com for the phase 1 opening of the privately and locally-owned boutique property which will ultimately offer 134-rooms and suites and a range of dining and lifestyle outlets, a 10-minute walk from Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed heritage attractions.

The resort will deliver a modern interpretation of Hoi An hospitality, dining, wellness and community lifestyles in a lively tourist city where analysts say visitor numbers could repeat 2019 record breaking levels by the end of 2024.

“The museums, night market shops, restaurants and bars in the old quarter in Hoi An are really bustling again,” said Mikkel Krantz (pictured), Commercial Director of Wafaifo Hospitality. “With the upturn in tourism, the timing is right for us to unveil wonderful new hotel rooms and dining options that reflect Hoi An’s unique melting pot culture,” he said.

From 1 September, four room categories will be available at the new downtown resort: Faifo, Swim City, Faifo Terrace, and Wheelchair Friendly.

The initial inventory of rooms include balcony options, king-sized or twin beds, high speed WiFi, 24-hour room service, electronically switchable privacy glass between bedroom and bathroom, ‘see out, not in’ main window, anti-steam bathroom mirror, and all the amenities international guests would expect in a high-end urban resort in Asia.

On food and beverage, the Xua & Nay international and Vietnamese restaurant in the resort will have the only Josper oven and grill in central Vietnam. The charcoal-wood grill is renowned for giving a prized smoky flavour to grilled seafood, meats and vegetables.

“In rooms and food, our quality will be high, but pricing competitive,” said Mr Krantz. “We are creating a community experience where both locals and international tourists, we believe, will be pleasantly surprised and delighted in equal measure.”

From 1 September the resort will also give guests access to a 25 x 6-metre swimming pool and unprecedented wellness, spa, gym, fitness, beauty and health options unique to central Vietnam. There will also be DJ sessions by the pool, a cinema, kids’ club, outdoor playground and a retail lobby shop available from that date.

A highlight for visitors meeting or relaxing in the lobby and adjacent areas of the resort will be a replica Japanese Bridge, a water fountain that ‘dances to music’ and a terracotta statue heritage walk, all suitable for social media posts.

In October the resort will open its fully equipped, high tech meeting facilities.

In early 2025, the Wafaifo Resort Hoi An will also add luxurious suites and a signature Vietnamese fine dining outlet.

The name “Wafaifo”, said Mr Krantz, is a portmanteau word combining “water” and “Faifo,” the ancient former name of Hoi An, a city which grew to regional eminence as a major port in Southeast Asia which traded with merchants from Japan, China, Holland, England and France between the 16th and 19th centuries.

The architectural legacy of that period now attracts tourists from around the world and is a 10-minute walk away from the downtown Wafaifo Resort.

Vietnam’s Tourism Arrivals Rebounding

According to Statista.com,* Vietnam attracted 12.6 million international tourists in 2023, up from 3.6 million in 2022. Analysts at Wafaifo Optimisers, the resort’s inhouse tourism intelligence unit, predict that Vietnam has a chance to match its 2019 all-time high figure of 18 million visitors by year end 2024. Domestic tourism is already a robust and increasingly important market, it said.

Hoi An is a 40-minute drive from Danang International Airport in central Vietnam. Danang has direct air links with 22 cities in 11 countries and four destinations within Vietnam.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Your Forever Begins Here, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

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Step into the wedding of your dreams at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit with our exquisite wedding packages starting at THB 350,000. Enjoy our all-inclusive offerings, along with an exclusive privilege from our esteemed partners.

Our package includes the luxurious venue, a choice between a wedding cake or champagne tower, accommodation for two on your special day, free-flow soft drinks and mixers, standard light and sound systems complete with an LED wall screen, and much more.

Exclusive Partners include Colorful Wedding, LAMOON, Wedding B Planner, Match Me, Present Simple Wedding Et Cetera, and Manita.

Secure this exclusive offer by booking before 31 May 2024, and plan your wedding for any date up to 30 September 2024.

Terms and conditions
• An initial deposit of THB 100,000 net (non-refundable) is required upon reservation.
• This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions.
• The privileges cannot be exchanged for cash.
• The hotel reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice.

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

BWH Hotels Welcomes Miss Earth Air at Best Western Ratchada Bangkok

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, was honored to welcome Ms. Yllana Marie Aduana, one of Southeast Asia’s most inspiring women and the current reigning “Miss Earth – Air” to Best Western Ratchada Hotel, its stylish hotel in the heart of Bangkok.

Ms. Aduana visited the Thai capital to receive her latest honor at the Thailand International Leadership Awards 2024, held on April 27th. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions as ‘Asia’s Most Empowered Young Woman Environmentalist Icon’ and received the prestigious ‘Exceptional Crowned Beauty Education Advocate Award of The Year.’

This marks the latest honor for Ms. Aduana, who won the Miss Philippines Earth title in 2023. A committed conservationist and social campaigner, she co-founded Edukasyon for Every Juan, a non-profit organization that promotes environmental education.

“Through our ‘Earth, People, Community’ initiative, BWH shares a deep commitment to eco-friendly and community-focused operations. This ethos runs through our entire business, and I am delighted that Ms. Aduana, a pioneer of sustainable change and empowerment, has recognized this and chosen to stay with us,” said Rodney Simpson, Managing Director – Operations, BWH Hotels.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Emirates Partners with Aviation Impact Accelerator

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Emirates Partners with Aviation Impact Accelerator - TOP25AIRLINESDubai, United Arab Emirates, May 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Emirates has become an industrial partner of the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), based at the University of Cambridge. The new partnership marks Emirates’ first USD $200 million Sustainability Fund investment for research and development (R&D) projects focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation.

The partnership aims to foster collaboration, providing evidence for a number of the AIA’s climate impact tools, support their data modelling work advancements, and actively engage in future projects dedicated to cutting global aviation emissions.

The AIA initiative is co-led by the University of Cambridge’s Whittle Laboratory and Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL). It is an international group of multi-disciplinary experts developing evidence-based systems, modelling capability, visualisations, and specialised tools to support policy makers, the aviation industry and the wider public with the insights necessary to map, understand and accelerate pathways towards sustainable aviation.

Emirates is joining Boeing, Rolls-Royce, The Royal Air Force, IATA, 4Air, and Flexjet as industrial partners. The modelling capability of the AIA is a collaboration between the Bennett Innovation Lab (a new innovation laboratory set up as part of the New Whittle Laboratory) and CISL, with the objective of looking for ways to accelerate net zero aviation.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Emirates is proud to support the Aviation Impact Accelerator as the first project under our Sustainability Fund. As an industrial partner, we have a unique opportunity to play an active role in constructively sharing our knowledge and insights, broadening the AIA’s reach across geographies and supporting the development of tools that address a spectrum of new aviation technologies and their critical gaps if implemented in the future. The work being undertaken by the Aviation Impact Accelerator provides the potential blueprint for the changes and solutions underway to reduce the long-term climate impact of commercial aviation.”

Professor Rob Miller FREng, Director of the Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge and AIA lead said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Emirates, which will support us in our mission to accelerate the world towards net-zero aviation. Airlines will play a crucial role in the sector’s transition, and we are delighted that Emirates is demonstrating this leadership. We believe that the Sustainability Fund will be pivotal in unlocking actions in the sector.”

Emirates will explore potential collaboration on a number of tools being developed including:

– RECCE: Resource to Climate Comparison Evaluator is designed to allow the industry to quickly compare the potential of a wide range of fuels and technologies in 2035. It allows the user to compare the CO2 and all the non-CO2 climate impacts of aviation, the resource requirements and the costs, and provides a detailed breakdown of where in the system the uncertainties lie. The tool also allows the user to understand the impact of the rate of decarbonisation of neighbouring sectors, such as the power grid or heating, on aviation. RECCE is available free on the AIA webpage.
– JIST: Journey Impact Simulator Tool, is currently under development and allows users to explore the way that they might fly in the future, helping them understand the pathways to net zero aviation. Future fuel and propulsion technology potential and flight operations settings can be adjusted to compare the climate impact.
– CRAFT: Climate Response to Aviation Future Scenarios Tool, allows users to analyse future scenarios, exploring how they might use combinations of technologies, fuels and changes to operations to achieve net zero aviation. The tool is especially powerful for real time exploration of scenarios in interactive policy workshops, allowing leaders in government and industry to chart their way through the complexities of the aviation sector. The tool has been used to power several policy workshops with US, UK and EU governments.

Partnership with the AIA will allow Emirates to participate in workshops exploring all aspects of net-zero aviation, designed to identify opportunities for accelerating action.

The Emirates Sustainability Fund aims to support research and development (R&D) projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. Funds will be disbursed over three years to globally recognised organisations, start-ups and academic institutions working on and contributing to solutions in advanced fuel, energy and propulsion technologies and other emissions reduction solutions. The airline works with technical experts to evaluate opportunities, and disbursements are managed by Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Executive Steering Group.

Alongside its industrial partners, the AIA works in collaboration with:

– HRH King Charles III’s Sustainable Markets Initiative
– The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Target True Zero (TTZ) initiative
– The Aerospace Global Forum
– Cambridge Zero
– The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
– The UK Department for Transport

And academic partners:

– MIT
– The University of Melbourne
– Imperial College London
– University College London
– The University of Technology Sydney

About Emirates
From its global hub in Dubai, Emirates serves customers on six continents, providing high quality air transport services that facilitate tourism and trade. Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge, and its ice inflight entertainment system available in all seats across its fleet, which has topped “best in sky” awards for 16 consecutive years. Emirates is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations across all its businesses and activities, and focusses on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting wildlife and habitats.

About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic centres. The University is a self-governed community of scholars with 31 colleges and six schools. Its mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. Established in 1209, the University is rich in history and discoveries that have benefitted humanity. Cambridge has produced 121 Nobel laureates and the University’s reputation for outstanding academic achievement includes such discoveries as the theories of gravity and evolution, decoding the structure of DNA and splitting the first atom.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Indian Coastal Beverage GOAN FENI Launched in Bangkok

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Indian Coastal Beverage GOAN FENI Launched in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Inspirador Indian Spirits launched today, in a small catch-up session featuring Heritage Feni “TINTO” with the brand owner, Mr. Solomon Diniz. The event took place at NILA Bangkok at Amari Bangkok hotel.

Heritage Feni “TINTO” brings the taste of Goa to Bangkok, and the exclusive session offered a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage and unique flavors of Feni straight from the source.

The Goan custom of distilling cashew fruit into the liquor known as Feni dates back to the 16th century, when Portuguese colonists first brought cashew trees from Brazil to the coastal Indian state.

Tinto was launched on 25th January 2020. The brand is founded by Mr.Solomon Diniz, who is the fourth generation in the feni business. The word “Tinto” is a market place in Portuguese. The brand gets its unique name giving due to the gone by Portuguese era. The shape of the bottle and the serene artwork of the Goan cashew tree with the breathtaking backdrop of Goa couldn’t be better expressed in the well balanced ceramic bottle.

What sets the brand apart is the fact that the Feni is distilled using the old distillation process of clay pot method and using only fallen cashew apple for the process of fermentation which is later distilled 3 times. The distillery is located at Cotombi, Quepem-Goa.

During the session, guests had the chance to engage with Mr. Solomon Diniz and learn more about the history, production process, and cultural significance of Feni.

About NILA Bangkok
NILA Bangkok is a premier destination for culinary and cultural experiences at the heart of the city. In NILA restaurant, rich Indian gastronomy melds with Portuguese nuances, creating a symphony of flavours that is sure to impress the modern palate. Every dish, rooted in the traditions of the Indian coastline, presents a story of the region’s diverse heritage. Set on a stage, designed as an Indian merchant’s home, NILA Bangkok offers a Goan homecoming experience for guests from around the world.

For more information and reservations, please call 0958061327 or email: deepak@inspirador.asia

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Offsets Event Emissions for 2023

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PATA Offsets Event Emissions for 2023 - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that all of PATA’s in-person events from 2023 have been offset in two projects in South Asia. The projects were selected and offset with the support of PATA member Sustainable Travel International, a global non-profit and industry thought leader committed to promoting responsible tourism and supporting the sustainable development of destinations worldwide.

PATA is deeply committed to sustainability and to reducing and mitigating the association’s carbon footprint, particularly of the in-person events where most of PATA’s emissions are generated. As outlined in the Climate Action Plan and Carbon Neutral Events Guidelines, PATA places strong emphasis on avoiding and mitigating events’ emissions through the selection of the destination, the venue’s location and its sustainability efforts, the proximity of official hotels to the venue, availability of public transport, among other strategies. For emissions that cannot be completely eliminated, PATA supports credible local carbon offset projects.

According to PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, “PATA’s events are an intrinsic part of our work. It is through our events that we connect with our members and bring them together to share knowledge, discuss pressing topics in the industry and work together towards a more robust, thriving and sustainable tourism industry. However, we are mindful of our responsibility to mitigate our environmental impact in the destinations where our events are held, and we are proud to announce the offset of the carbon emissions in India and Nepal.”

The first project selected, Tamil Nadu Wind Farm, located in India, entails the installation of a 249.9 MW wind power project aimed at generating clean electricity through renewable wind energy. Over its initial ten-year crediting period, spanning from 2018 to 2028, it is estimated to annually displace approximately 707,515 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions (MTCO2e) by substituting electricity that fossil fuel-based power plants would otherwise generate within the Indian grid.

The project directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by investing in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), by generating employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases, and improving local infrastructure.

The Tamil Nadu Wind Farm project allowed PATA to offset 139.51 MTCO2e from the PATA Destination Forum and Mart which took place in Kuching, Malaysia, in June last year, as well as 86.41 MTCO2e from the PATA Travel Mart held in Delhi, India, in October 2023.

The second project utilised to offset PATA’s 2023 events, the Improved Cookstove initiative, has been operational since 2018 across ten districts in Nepal. It is dedicated to replacing traditional, inefficient cookstoves with clean cookstoves to mitigate household air pollution (HAP). Through its operation, 15,292 improved cookstoves have been disseminated, resulting in an estimated total emission reduction of 28,413 MTCO2e for the monitoring period spanning from November 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021.

The project’s contributions to SDGs include:

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by improving living conditions of communities, reducing health risks associated with HAP, and enhancing the quality of life for women and children.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to energy efficiency and reducing reliance on non-renewable biomass as well as reducing firewood consumption and GHG emissions, conserving forests and biodiversity.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by creating local employment opportunities and economic activities, and promoting local businesses involved in the manufacture and distribution of clean cookstoves.

The Improved Cookstove Project has enabled PATA to offset 108 MTCO2e from the PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart, held in Pokhara, Nepal, in late May 2023. Both the Tamil Nadu Wind Farm and the Improved Cookstove projects are registered and certified by Verra, a non-profit organisation founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. that operates standards in environmental and social markets, including the world’s leading carbon crediting programme, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

Noor adds, “By choosing to offset our 2023 events’ emissions in India and Nepal, two destinations where they were generated, we are not only taking direct accountability but also investing in local sustainability initiatives. This decision reflects our commitment to support the communities where we operate and underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship on a global scale. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sustainable Travel International who helped us offset our emissions and the delegates of the events who contributed to the carbon offset fee. Thank you for your support in making our carbon neutral events a reality.”

PATA extends its gratitude to our hosts: the Nepal Tourism Board, the Pokhara Municipality and the Pokhara Tourism Council, for supporting the 2023 PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart; the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Sarawak Convention Bureau for hosting the 2023 PATA Destination Forum and Mart; and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for sponsoring the 2023 PATA Travel Mart. We take pride in our events, which would not be possible without your kind and continued support.

For any queries, please contact ssr@PATA.org.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Amadeus & UN Tourism Joint Report Americas Reveals Tourism on the Rise

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Amadeus & UN Tourism Joint Report Americas Reveals Tourism on the Rise - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, May 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Data shows strong growth, especially in the Caribbean and Central America. Demand for travel to destinations across the Americas is on the rise, a new report released today by Amadeus in collaboration with UN Tourism shows.

“Travel Insights 2024: Focus on the Americas, May to August 2024,” is the second in a series of reports providing insights into global tourism with a focus on the Americas and its subregions, North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

UN Tourism data shows that an estimated 1.3 billion international tourists were recorded around the world in 2023, an increase of 34% on 2022 volumes, and forward-looking data for 2024 suggests that demand will continue to stay strong. International tourist arrivals in the Americas in 2023 reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

We are happy to strengthen our partnership with Amadeus, with this newest joint report providing our Member States with valuable insights for the year ahead

Looking ahead, Amadeus data shows that searches for travel between May and August 20241 have increased by 132% compared to the same search period in 2023. Air travel indicators for the same search period show that airlines are responding to this growing demand for travel given that air capacity has increased for the May – August period to 111%, compared to 2023 capacity volumes.

Continued growth for the Americas

Travel volumes remain strong, with the US, UK, and Brazil as top markets that are searching for travel to the Americas during the May to August 2024 period.  North America has the greatest share of total searches among the Americas subregions for the search period, capturing the top three searched destinations by worldwide travelers: New York, Toronto and Los Angeles.

Average hotel occupancy across the Americas is tracking at the same level as 2023 for the May to August time period. However, occupancy numbers are expected to grow as the peak travel seasons draw closer due to the increase in last-minute booking patterns.

The report highlights several insights for the subregions for the May to August 2024 search period, including:

North America – for North America, the US, the UK, and Brazil are the top markets searching for travel. However, we are seeing growth in air searches from China and Japan for travel in North America.
Central America – the US is the top market searching for trips to Central America (followed by Canada and the UK). Costa Rica remains the most searched-for destination in the subregion.
South America – Argentina and Brazil are also rising in popularity as destinations compared to 2023, based on searches. Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Santiago are the top three searched for destinations by travelers in the Americas searching for travel.
Caribbean – The US, Argentina and France are the top markets searching for Caribbean travel, with Punta Cana the most-searched-for destination.

Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter, President, Hospitality, Amadeus, “This second report from Amadeus’ partnership with UN Tourism continues to show the importance of data insights for the industry. Traveler interest and search patterns continue to change throughout the year, and it is vital that travel organizations are aware of the current trends and those that could continue to evolve. For example, when it comes to hotel occupancy, the data highlights the importance for travel companies to remain flexible so they can be responsive to the last-minute patterns of travelers today.”

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UN Tourism said, “Market intelligence is vital for destinations everywhere, especially as demand for travel continues to rise strongly. We are happy to strengthen our partnership with Amadeus, with this newest joint report providing our Member States with valuable insights for the year ahead.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Two Top Italian Chefs Take You on Exclusive Gastronomic Journey

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Two Top Italian Chefs Take You on Exclusive Gastronomic Journey - TOP25RESTAURANTSBangkok, Thailand, May 2, 2024 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / We are delighted to announce our upcoming collaboration dinner together with Acqua Panna & S. Pellegrino, featuring One MICHELIN Star Chef Antimo Merone from Estro (Hong Kong) & Chef Christian Martena on Saturday, May 11, at CLARA.

Chef Antimo Merone, a proud Naples native, is among the vanguard of chefs rewriting the rules of Italian cuisine. Dedicated to elevating Neapolitan cuisine through modern cooking techniques.

Chef Antimo comes from a farming family and learned at a young age to appreciate the flavours of fine Italian ingredients. From Berlin’s Vai Mó to ALMA in Parma under the legendary Gualtiero Marchesi, Antimo earned his stripes at some of the world’s finest restaurants. The opening of L’Altro in Hong Kong brought him to Asia, which quickly achieved a Michelin star. Soon after, he joined Umberto Bombana’s 8 1⁄2 Otto e Mezzo in Macau as Executive Chef, where he led the kitchen for six years and also earned a Michelin Star.

In 2021, he opened his first restaurant Estro in partnership with JIA Group in Hong Kong. In April 2023, Estro received its first MICHELIN star. In 2024, in addition of retaining its one MICHELIN star, Estro was ranked 71 in the extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant.

During this special evening, Chef Antimo and Chef Christian will highlight their southern heritage with a contemporary flair, presenting their own unique twist on traditional flavors.

Experience a gastronomic journey through southern Italy.
The 7-course menu is priced at THB 4,880++ per person.Limited seats available, reservation required.
For more information & reservations visit clarabangkok.com or call 083-496-3663.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Mountain Tourism Sector Reconvened to Explore New Directions

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Mountain Tourism Sector Reconvened to Explore New Directions - TRAVELINDEXAndorra la Vella, Andorra, May 2, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The 12th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism was held in later March in Andorra, attended by over 400 delegates representing 16 nationalities. This year the theme was “Mountainlikers: Sustainability and Wellbeing, the Keys to Mountain Tourism,” which was live-streamed and can now be viewed on the UN Tourism YouTube channel.

Andorra is one of the eight smallest countries in Europe, yet the small country takes big actions. In 1995, Andorra joined the UNWTO (now UN Tourism) and, subsequently, in 1998, organized the first World Congress of Snow and Mountain Tourism jointly with the UNWTO. Since then, the congress has been held every two years (with the interruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic). Seven Andorran parishes take turns hosting the Congress, and this year, the parish Encomp took the helm.

Sustainability at the core of the sector

Sustainability was the foundation for all discussions, an issue even more crucial under the Andorran magnifier. Surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountain Range, Andorra has more than 90% of its surface unspoiled, but climate change is severely threatening its ecosystem.

H.E. Mr. Xavier Espot Zamora, Prime Minister of Andorra, addressed the Congress. With 83,000 inhabitants, Andorra welcomed 9.3 million visitors and 12 million overnight stays. Tourism contributes a staggering 50%+ of GDP. However, “Andorra needs premium tourism to better balance quantity and quality and to ensure the economic benefits are not diminished by negative natural and social impacts.” Said Xavier Espot. As an example, Andorran’s new tourist tax was designed to improve the quality of the sector. He proudly stated that 90% of Andorra’s territory continued to be protected by the Burne Convention, the European Landscape Convention, and the Convention of Biological Diversity, and Andorra was a candidate to become the first country fully recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
Mrs. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, stated that the mountains were homes for 1100 million people worldwide, and mountain tourism was responsible for 9–16% of international arrivals. With climate change, social and economic inequality, and geopolitical issues, “mountain tourism has unique opportunities to move forward with a positive impact on people and nature,” and “the Congress fits well within the framework of the U.N. declaration of 2023-2027: Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions.” Bayona cited Andorra as an example of new tourism investment and new projects, all of which had the amazing power to add value to the economy. She concluded her congress addresses by saying, “Together, the sector will make sure that mountain tourism is a key driver for sustainable tourism.”

Encamp Mayor, Hon. Mrs. Laura Mas Barrionuevo, stated that “the sustainability of our parish and the well-being of our tourists are the cornerstones of our tourism strategy. In Encamp, we are clear that natural resources are not infinite, and we must give them optimal use and maximum care.” While Andorra had become the international benchmark for high-level professional sporting events and activities, she stated that to sustain all the livelihood and well-being, Andorra needed to protect water, snow, mountains, and all the fundamental elements. The congress topics, including sustainability tourism, AI, mountain tourism, sports tourism, etc., led to responsible tourism.

Surrounding the sustainability issue, several sessions addressed various challenges and strategies, including Get Inspired: Sustainability Is a Way, How to Boost the Growth of Premium Tourism in Mountain Areas All Year Around, and Emerging Tourism Products: A Trendy Phenomenon or a Structural Change. They focused on building resilience for mountain communities and preserving the local heritage. They also shared Best Practices and urged the stakeholders to achieve a balance between the environment, economic growth, and society. Speakers encouraged the sector to engage more collaboration and to learn from each other.

Strong partnerships to address industry’s needs

To continue to focus on the industry’s needs, Sandra Carvao, Director of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UN Tourism, conducted an interactive session to share information and gather audience’s feedback. Through the Mentimeter app, a series of questions were proposed live, and immediate responses were collected. Among many questions was the Traveler Profile – the top answers were couples/active/wellness, solo/active/adventure, groups/active/adventure; for the question on strategies of Fighting Seasonality, the top answers were diversifying activities, customers focusing on high value; for Future Discussion Topics, the audience named sustainability, respecting and protecting local traditions, environment protection, educating travelers, training staff, and building new infrastructure, etc.

A high-level panel was attended by H.E. Mr. Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Trade of Andorra; H.E. Mrs. Rosana Morillo Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain; and Mrs. Alessandra Priante, President of the National Tourism Agency (ENIT) of Italy. Moderated by Natalia Bayona, the speakers addressed policies and strategies for conquering climate change and seasonality, balancing depopulated regions vs. over-tourism, tourism investment in innovative projects and products, technology improvement, etc. Speakers pointed out that some strong innovations evolved from remarkable partnerships with the private sector. Europe accounts for 54% of the tourism volume, so by sharing their perspective, these European countries helped enlighten the attendees with useful insights and experiences.

Jordi Torres stated that Andorra hoped to win the Alpine World Ski Championships 2029 bid. To become a better all-season mountain tourism destination, Andorra relied on AI and new technology to help with innovation. Rosana Morillo stated that of the 83 million arrivals to Spain, 11 million came for sports tourism, which generated 17 billion euros. Being a top country for tourism investment, she shared how the Spanish government worked together with the private sector in tourism investment. Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games with a 4-billion-euro economic impact. Priante stressed the importance of sustaining the long-term benefits of the Games. Additionally, mountains were near the cities, so tourism development should be a cohesive effort in developing municipalities.

The industry is seeing broader partnerships worldwide working towards better sustainable development. A joint project between National Geographic and Andorra Tourism to produce a documentary, Andorra al natural, the environment where ideas germinate, was presented. Javier Corso, a Nat Geo explorer, introduced how six teams of international experts and the Andorran locals experienced Andorra as a sports destination, wellness destination, and premier destination, respectively, and provided perspectives on how to improve tourists’ experiences while preserving Andorra’s pristine natural beauty.

Wellness tourism a major opportunity

Newly added to the congress title this year was wellness tourism. Tourism and wellness are two multi-trillion-dollar industries, and it’s a fast-growing segment that represents huge opportunities. The Global Wellness Institute measured wellness tourism expenditures at $720 billion in 2019, and it further reported the sector’s accelerated expansion post-pandemic.

In 2023, the Hilton trends report stated that overall wellness remains a priority for travelers, as 50% of respondents seek travel experiences that align with their wellness goals and priorities, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. It revealed “rest and relaxation” to be a top driver for travel decisions across generations in 2024. A Hilton survey found that “travelers will reduce other areas of personal spending to prioritize… Their No. 1 reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge, with more emphasis on sleep than ever before.”

Indeed, the trend of sleep tourism is emerging, and it’s predicted to expand to $400 billion in the next four years. Many hotels move quickly to restructure the suites and rooms with new sleep-aide AI tools, beds, music, massage tools, etc. These specialty suites are selling at premium rates.

The Congress allocated a significant amount of time for in-depth discussions about wellness tourism and health tourism. Speakers represented the public and private sectors, including the Ministry of Tourism of Greece, the European Spas, Health Tourism Worldwide based in Hungary, the CHENOT GROUP of Switzerland, and Iconic Andorra. Discussions were geared toward a better understanding of the added value of visitors’ experiences in the mountain territories. Mountains have healing effects, contributing to psychological well-being and general health. And it became clear that health and wellness tourism is not only a growing trend but also a new way of understanding tourism.

Keynote speaker Alice Morrison, an adventurer, author, and TV presenter, addressed this trend among other topics. She pointed out that the fastest-growing segment for adventure tourism was women aged 45 and older. Intrepid Travel found this demographic grew by 83% yearly. An Intrepid Travel survey with 2000 British women also found that 68% of the 45+ women group listed travel as a top priority, and they wanted soft adventure. Morrison urged the industry to respond quickly by including the whole wellness journey in its offerings.

Caldea of Andorra fits this trend perfectly. The 18-floor-tall spa resort is the largest spa in Southern Europe, featuring indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, spa treatments, etc. With a 30-year operation, Caldea can accommodate guests of all ages for a full scale of wellness experiences. Set in front of the magnificent mountain foothills, Caldea is an architectural beauty, shining under the sun and lighted up at night. Some congress delegates skied during the day and soaked in the Caldea thermal spa with a body massage at night. Andorra is an ideal all-season sports and wellness tourism destination.

Research report to aid the sector

A research report, Understanding and Quantifying Mountain Tourism, released in 2023, was presented in detail by Michel Julian, Senior Programme Officer at UN Tourism, and Enric Martínez, Director of Pas Grau International (Andorra). The 80-page and seven-section report was jointly developed by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, and the UNWTO.

The report stated that the mountains were home to 15% of the world´s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. 150 countries identified as mountain destinations as per the existence of mountains accounted for 87% of international tourist arrivals. “Walking and hiking,” “nature tourism,” and “rural tourism” were the predominant activities in mountain destinations, according to the report survey.

The report outlines a broader framework for global mountain tourism, which identifies practical issues and common challenges faced by the sector. The report’s details included how to understand mountain tourism (such as visitors’ motivation, etc.), the estimated global and regional mountain tourism shares, trends and challenges, case studies of four countries, and recommendations. The need for capturing more data was also pointed out.

The report is a comprehensive piece of work for policymakers, researchers, and business practitioners. The full report is available for view and download at: https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/epdf/10.18111/97”89284424023

Building human capital

Tourism is a sector of human capital. Focusing on people means focusing on teams, clients, and the community. Andorra is the host of the UN Tourism Academy, which offers more than 250 programs to over 40 countries. A congress session on education and training hit many key points, including the critical role of equipping human capital with essential knowledge and skills to thrive in a digitalized world; the three-party partnerships with the public + private sectors and academia to drive for better data collection and research analysis to provide a solid foundation for policy and decision-making. Such a partnership would best serve the business world; On a personal level, monitoring small progress and engaging in 1% daily enhancement could lead to a major improvement over time.

The timely topic, the importance of AI was discussed to encourage the adaptation of the use of AI tools. A nine-element model of “Sustainable Tourism Strategy Powered by AI” was shared which includes data centralization, sustainability dashboards, dynamic pricing, etc. AI will help improve accuracy, prediction and data-analysis, etc., therefore to improve overall efficiency and productivity for a business.

Learnings beyond the conference floor

Delegates participated in various social events and continued to network and learn. A welcome dinner event for VIP guests was held at 3 Estanys restaurant near Grau Roig, featuring traditional Andorran dishes and singing artists and music. The 100-person crowd also rode piste-basher along the winding snow road and watched the Encamp-based professional dance company, Esbart Sant Romà, performing a small sketch of the ÀNIMA CLARA show.

Tailor-made tours offered a taste of Encamp’s rich tourism resources as well as its vibrant business activities carried out in the 12,000-person community. Among the many sites, the Ethnographic Museum Casa Cristo is a three-level stone/wood house lived by a family in the early 20th century with well-kept original furniture, household items, and agricultural tools; the Sant Romà de Les Bons was built in the 11th century directly on the bare rocks of the hilltop, with an amazing view overlooking the valley, where the ancient and modern settlements mixed together in harmony; and EI Pas de la Casa, a small mountain town, also one of the highest in Europe, boasts a premium skiing resort in Andorra along with a vibrant retail sector. Delegates gained appreciation for Andorrans’ grit and survival wisdom over their long history.

Fabiana Gorassini, Head of the Tourist Information Centre of Sauris Zahre of Italy, while reflecting on the fragile mountain ecosystem, specifically appraised Encamp’s effort in preserving the old village: “There was a certain balance; practically, the new part did not disturb the characteristic traditional houses, and they were clever about that.” Gorassini’s own Italian village became the Best Tourism Village of UN Tourism in 2022. She commented that, being part of the BTV network, her village gained world visibility and benefited from the best practices shared by this worldwide circuit. Attending this congress and being enlightened by new tourism trends, wellness tourism, product development, training, etc., helped her community identify new ways to improve.

The overall congress provided delegates with a full scope of exchange and learning experiences. The interactions and networking opportunities added value for all. For business practitioners, especially, the takeaways included new ideas and tools for business development. The 12th Congress can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=12th+congress+on+snow+and+moutain%2C+wellness+toruism.

The 13th World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism will be held in 2026. The Andorran host parish will be Ordino, a Best Tourism Village awarded by UN Tourism in 2023.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex on travel, agritourism, adventure travel, destinations.

Haybina is an international travel industry journalist and reports in both Chinese and English. Linkedin

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels and Resorts to Showcase Line-up of New Destinations

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Dusit Hotels and Resorts to Showcase Line-up of New Destinations - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comBangkok, Thailand, May 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Hot on the heels of opening 10 hotels last year, including its first properties in Greece, Japan, and Nepal, Dusit is on course to open even more properties this year – including the highly anticipated return of its legendary flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok and its debut in Saudi Arabia with Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh. Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will showcase an impressive array of new destinations, an innovative sustainability initiative, the much-anticipated September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, and its first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh – at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, held from 6 – 9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Led by Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world. This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today.

Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens.

The spotlight will shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.

Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.

Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to 10 new Dusit Hotels and Resorts across existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

Slated for a Q4 2024 opening, the 150-key Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh, is poised to become a key player in Riyadh’s hospitality scene, marking its arrival as the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma-ah. Catering to business travellers, the hotel boasts a convenient location next to Majmaah University and a short drive from the burgeoning Sudair Industrial and Business City. King Khalid International Airport is also easily accessible, just a one-hour and 40-minute drive away.

Beyond its well-appointed rooms and suites, guests will find versatile meeting spaces accommodating up to 200, a range of dining options across two on-site food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and swimming pool access.

Other highlights being showcased include dusitD2 Feydhoo, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a private Maldives island only five minutes by speedboat from Male airport (slated to open in Q4); Osaka Kansai Airport Hotel, the company’s third hotel in Japan (Q3); and the highly anticipated return of the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, which will reopen on 27 September 2024.

Situated in the same prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 – 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel sits at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and a 11,200 sq m Roof Park (all slated to open in 2025).

Designed to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world, the newly built 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sq m. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room faces the green expanse of Lumpini Park, with guests enjoying uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by elegantly designed window seating.

The new version of the hotel also boasts a unique urban wellness concept, elevated dining experiences created in collaboration with renowned chefs, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar created in partnership with award-winning mixologists, and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, boasting an impressive eight-metre-high ceiling and a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for intimate gatherings and large-scale events. The hotel’s new benchmarks in service, design, and overall guest experience will ripple across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.

Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok will be available from 1 May 2024 onwards on dusit.com, allowing early-bird bookers to be the first to experience the reimagined flagship when it opens its doors this September.

Dusit’s team at ATM will also shed light on Dusit’s innovative group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life. Launched in 2023, this comprehensive programme aligns with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals and incorporates a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. It is designed to ensure that each Dusit property operates as sustainably as possible, with measurable key performance indicators to drive effective implementation.

“At Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences while fostering a positive impact on the world around us,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International. “Through our innovative offerings, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and commitment to Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we aim to redefine travel for discerning guests globally. We are excited to share our vision with the industry at ATM 2024 and look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 299 properties operating across 18 countries, including 56 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 243 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline.

About Dusit Hotels and Resorts
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes approximately 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services. Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News