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Largest GSTC Global Conference Took Place in Stockholm

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Largest GSTC Global Conference Took Place in Stockholm - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comStockholm, Sweden, April 31, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from April 23rd to April 26th, 2024, brought together 500 delegates from more than 50 countries, along with hundreds of viewers who watched the live broadcasting of the conference.

The conference was held in Royal Djurdgården in two venues: Day 1 of the Global Conference took place at Cirkus and Hasselbacken, and Day 2 took place at three different museums: Museum of Technology, Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Ethnography. The Conference themes were: (A) Environment – Climate and Smart Management; (B) Social – Welcoming and Inclusive; (C) Governance – Thriving and Innovative; (D) Credible Assurance.

Participants included international and regional tourism stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable tourism, including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, academia, development agencies, NGOs, consultants, and more. International participants came from Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

The Royal Highness of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria, attended the conference’s opening ceremony, where former Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeld, Visit Sweden’s Chief Executive Officer Susanne Andersson, Elisabeth Backteman, General Secretary of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, and GSTC Chair, Luigi Cabrini made the opening speeches.

“International tourism has almost reached its pre-pandemic levels with Europe leading the recovery, and some destinations are registering the highest number of visitors ever. Tourism has regained its potential as an essential economic activity, a creator of jobs, and a tool for development.

At the same time, international tensions are high and wars are ravaging in different regions of the world. It seems a paradox that when globalization and the opening of borders make it possible for people to travel freely around the continents, conflicts that we thought would never occur again, are spreading, with their corollary of human loss and destruction.

Tourism from its very beginnings has been defined as a way of promoting mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance. But its full potential as an instrument for peace clearly remains to be realized.” said Mr. Cabrini. (Full speech can be found here)

Speakers from across the world shared insights and discussed the following topics: Tourism Supporting Biodiversity through Nature Positive and Rewilding, Food Waste Reduction, Sustainability in Attractions, Data-based Innovation in Tourism, Green Mobility, Destination Stewardship and Guest Experience, Accessibility and Inclusion in Tourism, among many others. (See here the full conference program.)

Prior to the conference, four onsite GSTC Trainings took place in Stockholm:

GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in English and Swedish for Industry Professionals, the training specifically focused on the GSTC Criteria, the global standards for sustainability in tourism and travel.

GSTC Accessibility and Social Impact in Tourism Course, designed to empower participants with essential knowledge and skills to tap into the thriving accessible and inclusive travel and provide best practices in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
and GSTC Auditor Training, which covered the GSTC Industry Criteria, the audit process, and key issues auditors needed to be aware of.
GSTC2024 TrainingA total of 90 industry professionals joined the training from across Europe and globally. Using the GSTC Industry Criteria and GSTC Destination Criteria as the foundation, the training class covered various topics relevant to our industry and the sustainability challenges and opportunities we are facing today. The II GSTC Academic Symposium was also held in conjunction with the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference for the second time. The symposium provided a forum for researchers and academics to share and discuss current issues in sustainable tourism.

Recordings of the conference’s plenary sessions can be found on the GSTC Facebook page and the other sessions will soon be uploaded to our GSTC YouTube channel. Pictures from the event can be found on our Facebook Albums here. The presentations from each session can be accessed here.

Carbon Footprint Measurement and Other Sustainable Practices during the Conference
As with previous GSTC Conferences, the carbon footprint of the event and the travel of all attendees have been calculated, and offset by Visit Sweden. Other sustainable event practices were carried out, such as reducing paper and plastic usage to a minimum: printing to the minimum, badges made of recyclable paper, and no single-use plastic used during the conference. Meals were strictly vegetarian, with many dishes fully vegan. Public transport was encouraged as well as walking distance venues for the event were provided.

Acknowledgments
Our profound gratitude to all of those who have participated in making this event possible: Visit Sweden and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth as coorganizers of the event, as well as support from Visit Stockholm and Royal Djurgården Society.

Our Exhibitors at the event were Planhotel, GSTC Training Team, CRiS Technologies, Singapore Tourism Board, Lufthansa, APT Valsugana (Italy Working Group), Suwon City, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), and Botswana Tourism Organisation.

Our Media Partners were Travelindex Group, SustainableFirst, Travelmole, Sustainable Hotel News, TravelNews, Travel and Tour World, and India Outbound, which we want to thank for their support in spreading the news about the Conference.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Maximizing Impact of Social Revenue for Online Travel Vendors

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Award-winning social revenue innovator, Joyned, has today announced the launch of its traveler AI Planner, the latest addition to its platform. It harnesses developments in artificial intelligence and big data to provide travel and hospitality vendors with the ability to deliver a personalized experience to maximize satisfaction and revenue.

Whether it’s travel routes to Paris, the weather in Rome, or an itinerary for Berlin, the AI Planner provides on the spot information to users’ most common booking questions. Perfectly complementing the travel vendor’s existing offering, Joyned’s AI Planner is the ultimate white label solution for vendors seeking to enhance their customers’ trip planning process and overall experience.

This offering is the latest addition to Joyned’s social revenue technology, which enables prospects to communicate, discuss, decide and book together – straight from the vendor’s website. With research suggesting that around 89% of travel carts browsed on mobile are abandoned, Joyned’s social revenue technology fosters better on-site collaboration, appealing to groups who benefit from accessing the same information to book travel together, as well as solo travelers who rely on trusted advice and guidance when planning a trip alone.

“Travel vendors are constantly seeking new ways to increase revenue while improving customer loyalty, retention and booking value. Joyned is already enabling vendors to increase travel site conversations by up to 4x their baseline. The AI planner is the only solution that actively assists high-intent prospects to complete a purchase by reducing their need to seek external information, substantially increasing booking value,” says Michael Levinson, Co-Founder and CPO of Joyned.

“For travel vendors, this improves overall customer experience, and allows them to gain visibility into conversations that would otherwise be unavailable as they traditionally take place away from the website (for example on instant messaging apps or social networks). Using these insights, vendors can better tailor their packages and deals to current customer demands, leading to a significant increase in revenue,” he adds.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Knowledge is Power in the Restaurant Sector

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Publicly disclosing information can have mixed outcomes for catering enterprises, according to Dr Jaehee Gim of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Using recent data from the US, they reached this conclusion after probing the link between information asymmetry and firm value in the famously saturated and competitive restaurant sector. Their discovery of a curvilinear form of the relationship was accompanied by new, practical insights into how the effect of information transparency on firm value is moderated by firm age and debt.
Managers know more about their own firms than investors do. This straightforward fact leads to the well-known information asymmetry problem, which originated in the context of second-hand car sales but also applies in management. It causes unfairness in the stock market because managers can disclose private information to benefit selected parties at their discretion. Asymmetric information can also reduce firms’ own value and give rise to moral hazard. “These information asymmetry problems can collectively distort market efficiency or lead to a complete breakdown of the market”, say the researchers.
Not all sectors are affected in the same way, however. The classical explanation of why information asymmetry hurts firm value is twofold: the resulting high uncertainty discourages investors from buying expensive stocks, while self-serving managers exploit their information advantage for personal gain at firms’ long-term expense. Yet in the restaurant sector, note the researchers, “an overly transparent information environment could also result in the deterioration of firm value”.
Catering is a notoriously uncertain market: restaurants face an environment of constantly shifting customer desires as trends pass by and new technologies appear. “Given customers’ rapidly and constantly changing needs”, say the researchers, “restaurant firms often choose to imitate their successful peers”. However, “disclosing too much information about a firm’s current and future status could create a situation in which the firm’s strategic information is inadvertently shared with its competitors”. This contradicts the usual expectation that sharing information should boost stock value by reducing asymmetry.
The authors thus set out to test, for the first time, the effect of information asymmetry on restaurants’ business value. Given the competing expectations outlined above, they hypothesised an inverted U-shaped profile, with firm value maximised at an intermediate level of information disclosure. Moreover, given the distinct features of the dining trade, they looked at two potential moderating factors of this relationship: firm age and financial leverage (indebtedness).
New restaurants have it tough: three in every 10 that go public are bankrupt within five years. Getting external financing is hard, as investors stand to make few capital gains due to the sector’s high overheads and tight margins; even industry giants have relatively low credit ratings. “Young restaurant firms are in great need of cash to fund quick expansion and thus survive the competitive market”, the authors warn. As small firm size is a significant determinant of restaurant firms’ being delisted, the authors proposed that firm size moderates the information asymmetry–firm value relationship, making asymmetric information more harmful for new ventures.
Managers of highly leveraged firms might be expected to rein in their self-interest under scrutiny from creditors. This is known as the “debt monitoring” hypothesis. Conversely, they might become even more opportunistic to avoid breaching the terms of debt covenants, ultimately harming firm value. Noting that lenders are extra-cautious in the high-risk restaurant sector, the authors reasoned that “creditors in the industry serve as effective monitoring entities for opportunistic managerial behavior”. They thus proposed that leverage weakens the negative effect of information asymmetry on firm value.
To test their hypotheses, the authors focused on the historical bid–ask spread of restaurant firms to measure information asymmetry, as the variation in opinion on companies’ stock value implies the existence of a few informed traders with private access to firm information. As an alternative measure of asymmetry, they calculated a composite index of analysts’ forecast dispersion and return volatility. “When little or no information about a firm’s performance is publicly available, analysts’ forecasts diverge”, the authors explain.
Companies’ ages and debt-to-equity ratios were also obtained to analyse the influence of firm age and leverage on the information asymmetry–firm value relationship. Finally, in this way the researchers obtained a data sample covering 51 restaurant businesses in the US between 1997 and 2019. Armed with this rich information, they proceeded to test whether their theoretical predictions matched the patterns in the data.
As hypothesised, the relationship between firm value and the bid–ask spread turned out to be non-linear. The results of the main test suggested that “a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship exists between information asymmetry, measured by the bid–ask spread, and firm value in the restaurant industry”. This indicates that restaurant businesses maximise their value when they publicly disclose a specific level of operational information. It is disadvantageous to stray from this point in the direction of either more information transparency or asymmetry.
Turning to the moderating role of firm age in this phenomenon, the results were mixed. When the bid–ask spread was used to measure information asymmetry, the authors’ prediction seemed to be confirmed. “The younger a firm is”, they explain, “the more downward and to the left the turning point of the inverted U-shaped curve is located”. That is, for newer restaurants, not only was firm value itself generally lower than for more established businesses, but the ideal extent of information asymmetry was also smaller. However, no significant relationship of this kind was found when using the composite proxy for information asymmetry.
Similar conclusions were derived when investigating how leverage intersected with the role of asymmetric information. According to the model using bid–ask spread data, “the more financially leveraged a firm is, the more upward and to the right the turning point of the inverted U-shaped curve is located”. Thus, less leveraged businesses were on average less valuable and benefited most from a lower level of information asymmetry. Again, however, the use of a composite proxy of information asymmetry caused this observation to vanish, which the authors tentatively attribute to limitations in the method of constructing the index.
The findings have some immediate managerial implications. “When firm managers in the restaurant industry engage in voluntary disclosure activities”, note the researchers, “they may have to keep in mind that the cost of keeping the level of information asymmetry to the minimum might exceed its benefit”. Managers of young and low-leverage restaurant businesses should be particularly wary of the dangers of too little disclosure. In addition, “managers’ decisions to disclose firm information should be based on the trade-off between the cost and benefit of information disclosure”, given that publicising information may harm competitiveness in the restaurant trade.
While previous studies have generally documented a simple negative linear relationship between information asymmetry and firm value, this important study shows that the situation can be more complex in specific sectors. Restaurant managers with an eye on stock value should not rush to share all. In an age when both voluntary and mandatory information disclosure are common, the study provides a useful reminder to practitioners that information transparency can be detrimental to certain firms in specific industries, while also setting the stage for more detailed research in this area.
Gim, Jaehee, Jang, SooCheong (Shawn), Tang, Hugo, Choi, Kyuwan, and Behnke, Carl (2023). Is Information Asymmetry Always Detrimental to Firm Value? Findings from the Restaurant Industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 111, 103481

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 Returning to Thailand

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PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 Returning to Thailand - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024 (PDMF 2024) at Dusit Thani Hua Hin in Cha-Am, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand, from November 12-14, 2024. The event is co-hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phetchaburi City and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), with the support of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

“PATA is excited to be returning to Thailand to organise this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, having previously organized this event in 2018 in Khon Kaen, 2019 in Pattaya and 2022 in Songkhla. We are also delighted to be once working with our valuable partners TCEB, TAT and DASTA and look forward to working with Phetchburi City in organizing this event,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “Our extensive conference programme promises a rich learning experience and opportunities for delegates to expand their networks within the ever-evolving travel and tourism industry. I invite all stakeholders to join us in Cha-Am. Phetchaburi, Thailand to not just learn and expand their networks but to also celebrate and contribute to the ongoing growth of Asia-Pacific travel and tourism.”

“It is an honour that Phetchaburi has been selected as the host for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum” said Phetchaburi Governor Nuttachai Numpoonsuksun. “Participants will be able to experience the enchanting charm of Kaeng Krachan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Phetchaburi is also a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, renowned for using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that elevate and increase economic value with the “3 tastes + 1” concept—incorporating sweetness from palm sugar, sourness from lime, saltiness from salt, and spiciness from Karen chilli. Moreover, Phetchaburi is also home to three palaces belonging to three kings: Rama IV’s Pra Nakhon Khiri Palace (Khao Wang), Rama V’s Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace (Wang Ban Puen), and Rama VI’s Mrigadayavan Palace. With its diverse array of attractions, ranging from mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and forests to historical sites, the culturally significant work of the Ten Essential Traditional Craftsmanship and of course the Cha-Am district, the province is an ideal destination for both domestic and international visitors. Phetchaburi province looks forward to welcoming all delegates of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024”

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau President Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said, “TCEB is grateful for the PATA Destination Marketing Forum being organised in Phetchaburi. I am confident that the city is a perfect destination, considering the objective of PDMF which is to ensure the long-term sustainable growth and development of tourism that will benefit local communities. Phetchaburi is rich in both cultural assets and natural resources covering beaches, national parks, unique local way of life, historic sights, and royal palaces. It was also designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2021 as a result of the city’s rich heritage of local cuisine and dessert. TCEB has been working with local communities in the city to boost their capacities in welcoming MICE visitors. In this connection, TCEB hopes that this important international forum will be an excellent floor of knowledge exchange and will become a stepping stone for the city’s future of MICE industry.”

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said, “The PATA Destination Marketing Forum stems from the desire to help secondary and tertiary destinations responsibly grow and develop into widely recognised tourism attractions. The format of this year’s event is collaborative and informative, delivered through a two-day programme. It offers a unique opportunity for networking, learning, and discovery, consisting of a one-day destination experience, which provides delegates with an unprecedented opportunity to explore the region’s natural landscapes and cultural treasures. On the second day, delegates will participate in a one-day forum with various networking opportunities.”

Delegates attending the event will have the opportunity to choose from three unique destination experiences, planned and crafted by DASTA.

Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration Director-General Gp. Capt. Athikun Kongmee said, “DASTA is delighted to join PATA and all stakeholders in co-hosting PDMF 2024 in Thailand. We, along with our networks of government sector, private sector and local communities, are looking forward to welcoming the hosting team and all PDMF participants to Phetchaburi. DASTA has supported Phetchaburi Province in becoming a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) – a City of Gastronomy and has worked with local communities to develop sustainable community-based tourism and creative activities, in addition to elevating the destinations to be recognized nationally and internationally. DASTA’s technical tour will take you to experience Phetchaburi’s natural and cultural heritage, local history, and unique characteristics; namely its food culture, art, history and architecture, as destination internationally recognized by UCCN and PATA Gold Award 2023 in Culture – Traditional Performing and Visual Arts.”

Located in Central Thailand, Phetchaburi Province was named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2021. Travellers will be captivated by the destination’s vibrant local cuisine, showcasing the province’s farm-to-fork practices. Beyond its delicious dishes crafted from fresh produce and seafood, Phetchaburi Province boasts many stunning attractions, including the picturesque views along Cha-Am Beach, as well as an enchanting community-based tourism experience at Old Phetchaburi Town Riverside Community, a revitalization project which won the 2023 PATA Gold Award for Culture. Located less than 200 km south of Bangkok and just 20 km north of Hua Hin, Cha-Am is a quiet Beach retreat in Petchaburi province.

Registration for the event is complimentary, however, due to limited seating, PATA Members will be given priority on a first-come, first-serve basis.

As PATA acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region, the Association is proud to note that the PATA Destination Marketing Forum is a net zero carbon event. PATA is working with a local green project to help support organisations to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration sources in Thailand. As part of our commitment to sustainability, there will be a nominal charge of USD 10 for carbon offset per person for this event.

For more information, please email events@PATA.org or visit www.pata.org/pata-destination-marketing-forum-2024.

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

Seychelles Small Hotels Association Hold Successful Visibility Drive

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Seychelles Small Hotels Association Hold Successful Visibility Drive - TRAVELINDEXMahé, Victoria, Seychelles, April 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / SSHEA, the “Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association”, the official Association of the Seychelles hospitality establishments of below 25 rooms, held its first big gathering and gala dinner on Friday 12th April at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino. The Association is said to be preparing for a dignified representation of its members in Tourism Road Shows and International Tourism Trade Fairs to ensure greater visibility and consequently, better promote their establishments in the main Seychelles main tourism source markets.

The highlights of the event were the launch of the gathering by guest of Honor, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, the Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism. This was followed by an enlightening discourse by the world-renowned speaker, the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Alain St.Ange, on the ‘Unique Selling Points’ (USPs) of Seychelles, especially its small Seychellois-owned and managed establishments and the unveiling of the SSHEA very ‘first cut’ of its promotional video that opened with a Seychelles sunrise and the distinct crowing of a very energetic cockerel. It went on for just over 4 minutes with pictures of what the authentic Seychellois kreol culture and sceneries have to offer. The clip ends with a Moutia around a fire on the beach.

Present were members of the Diplomatic Corps, high-level representatives from diverse corporate organizations, proprietors of small tourism establishment and SSHEA members from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Mr. Peter Sinon, Founding Chairperson of SSHEA, very ably acted as the MC for the evening.

In his official launching of the event, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde commended SSHEA, an association that is barely 8 months old, for having gone the extra mile in such a short time to be able to bring together over 250 guests at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay for such an event. He pledged his continued commitment and support to the Seychelles small establishments that he makes a point to visit every Friday, when he is in the country. So far he has visited over 350 Small Hotels and Establishments. He laid emphasis on the need for all tourism stakeholders to work together to keep the destination attractive and pristine by practicing sustainable tourism. He sternly warned against practices that may kill the goose that lays the golden egg and urged caution by all stakeholders.

Mr. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine started his talk by immediately dispelling the perceived dichotomy and rivalry between the big & small hotels. He said that the tourism industry relies on all its stakeholders, and it is necessary that the islands all need to pull in the same direction and work as a coordinated team. “It may be true that there are specificities amongst groups and levels of services on offer, but there is no doubt that we must all do our respective parts to the best of our respective abilities to encourage visitors to return or to positively recommend Seychelles in their respective reviews and word of mouth” said former Minister St.Ange.

Mr. St Ange pointed to the ‘proof in the pudding’ before our very eyes, This is through the partnership between SSHEA and Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino that falls in the larger hotels category. “Yet, there has been room for cooperation and collaboration” former Minister St.Ange said. He went on to state that when he looks around he sees sizeable corporations such as Seybrew, ISPC, Takamaka Rum distillery, the Banks, Eboo and others who have either sponsored the event and/or paid for their tables of 10 guests or more and this inclusive of the two largest Seychellois owned and managed DMCs being Mr Joe Albert of Creole Holidays and Mr Alan Mason of Mason’s Travel who personally responded positively to a sponsorship request from SSHEA. They are the two that inspired many Seychellois to join the industry since they both started from humble beginnings to be what and where they are today being our pillars and pride of our tourism industry.

Former Minister St.Ange pointed out that each and every guest is part of Seychelles unique selling points – ensuring that the visitor to Seychelles has a memorable experience that will either bring him or her back or recommend with some insistence for family and friends to follow in their footsteps to come and experience Seychelles.

From the time they walked in the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino lobby, guests were treated as special celebrities. They were invited to have their pictures taken by a professional photographer. They were then welcomed to enjoy a selection of 3 Takamaka Rum cocktails or mock tails, whilst listening to popular tunes by Ms Sandra Esparon. The event had all the ingredients for a successful if not excellent venue for good food, drinks, music, dancing and networking that ended happily after almost four hours of drinking and dancing.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Restaurant INT Nominated by Prestigious Restaurant Guide and Awards

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Restaurant INT Nominated by Prestigious Restaurant Guide and Awards - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comBangkok, Thailand, April 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Restaurant INT, located in the heart of Bangkok, has added to its international reputation as it has been Nominated to the TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Award 2024.

Chef Knock, Executive Chef at Restaurant INT, recently receiving the nomination certificate to the TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2024, said “We are thrilled to be included in this amazing restaurant awards. The hospitality industry is so competitive nowadays, with many exceptional restaurants and chefs creating outstanding experiences for their guests. So, to have been Nominated for the 2024 awards among some of the world’s greatest chefs is a truly astonishing achievement.”

The recently open Restaurant INT has been thrilling discerning dinners progressive Thai food. Located on the Best western, Sukhumvit road in Bangkok with only 10 minutes from Emsphere. Restaurant INT is open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm. The restaurant serves progressive Thai cuisine. In addition, the restaurant can fit up to 30 peoples which ideally for small celebrations occasions such as wedding ceremony, graduation celebration or gathering events.

“Reinterpreting” complex palates of Thai cuisine with French twists is a passion of Chef Knock – with passion for food and experience of working in numbers of renowned restaurants in Thailand together with his “culinary memory”- results in a course that deconstructs familiar Thai dishes yet emanates the warmth, comfort and nostalgic tastes from yesteryears

About Restaurant INT
INT- a prefix means “between” “Between” people, cultures, and nations, permeate remarkable culinary scenes. At Restaurant INT, Chef Knock invites you to a journey. A course that interweaves international finest ingredients and exquisite cooking techniques. The interplay of Thai favorite savors and intricate textures and delicacy of haute cuisine.

About TOP25 Restaurants
The TOP25 Restaurants guides leverage the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise to curate a premium selection of restaurants and dining choices, wherever you are. We bring together the best of all cuisines, with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of food and service. The annual TOP25 Awards showcase the most outstanding restaurants and the ultimate collection of dining venues.

The annual awards and rankings are based on the patented, artificial intelligence and algorithm driven “Restaurant Rating Index” and re-assessed by some of the world’s top culinary experts. TOP25Restaurants.com is the World’s 1st Restaurant Guide combining artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning with human expertise. Restaurant ratings and reviews are critical in the consumer decision making process and TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok cuts through the clutter of available dining choices and guide you towards the best places. www.top25restaurants.com

Contact information:
Sukhumvit Located at Best Western Plus Sukhumvit 20 Hotel, Rooftop floor, 17 Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
E-mail: restaurantintbkk@gmail.com
Phone number: 093 256 9995
Instagram: restaurant_int

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event

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UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comNew York, United Nations, April 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The United Nations General Assembly has held a second thematic event focused on tourism and the sector’s critical role in critical role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and resilience.

Organized by the President of the General Assembly in collaboration with UN Tourism, the event was held at the UN Headquarters within the framework of Sustainability Week. The presence of Member States, Observers, civil society organizations, and UN agencies reflected a growing collective commitment to harnessing the transformative power of tourism for inclusive and sustainable development.

The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises.

Addressing the General Assembly, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The growing significance of the tourism sector for our societies and our economies brings with it extra responsibility. We cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut again. Resilience in the tourism is not just a matter of planning or reacting to crises. It is also about proactively addressing the underlying factors of those crises. Unsustainable consumption is leading to biodiversity loss, climate change and the emergence of pandemics. It’s vital that we adopt policies that accelerate transformative change.”

The President of the General Assembly, His Excellency Dennis Francis, said: “We need a global tourism sector that is sustainable – one with deep local value chains that expand demand for locally made products and services in ways that also directly and positively benefit local communities; a sector that serves as a positive force for biodiversity conservation, heritage protection and climate friendly livelihoods.”

High-level platform for statistics-led strategy

The thematic event provided a platform for Member States to share best practices, strategies, and innovative approaches to promote sustainable and resilient tourism, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key highlights included:

Fireside Chat: The Future of Tourism – Leaders from the tourism industry, academia, and civil society engaged in a dynamic discussion on the future of tourism and the need for innovative solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Ministerial Roundtables: Discussions were held on the launch of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism and strategies for fostering resilient tourism in the face of global challenges. Ministers and high-level officials shared insights and commitments to advance sustainable tourism practices and policies.

In closing, the President of the General Assembly reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership to address the complex challenges facing the tourism sector and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism as a catalyst for positive change.

In February, the UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution to declare 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. The resolution invites UN Tourism to work with Governments, UN agencies and international organizations to on the implementation of the themed year.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 Successfully Hosted in China’s Lijiang

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Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 Successfully Hosted in China’s Lijiang - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comLijiang, Yunnan Province, China, April 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 opened yesterday in the enchanting city of Lijiang, China. This year’s forum was themed Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel, present were travel professionals and stakeholders from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) engaging in a constructive discussions and bi-lateral meetings dedicated to reshaping the future of the GMS. The Greater Mekong Subregion includes six countries, namely Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 attracted over 400 tourism professionals and stakeholders, comprising tourism ministers, leaders, NTOs, NGOs, media and private sector representatives. The forum focused on collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies, and inspired delegates to explore new forms of tourism that deliver economic benefits, environmental consciousness and cultural enrichment.

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 was hosted by the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, Yunnan Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, the People’s Government of Lijiang City, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. It is co-organised by Lijiang Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and Network International Culturalink Entities.

The keynote speech delivered by H.E. Zhang Zheng, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, P.R.C. offered a vision into the future of GMS travel, spotlighting the shift towards sustainable and conscious tourism in redefining tomorrow’s travel. He urged all participants to engage in constructive dialogues, uncover opportunities, and contribute to shaping the GMS’s future, pioneering sustainable, culturally rich, and technologically advanced travel experiences.

To promote sub-regional tourism development, H.E. Zhang Zheng, suggested the parties work together to build a regional tourism brand and improve the resilience of tourism development. China is willing to strengthen cooperative connections with member countries, continue to build consensus, and promote tourism cooperation in the Sub-region to a new level.

Personalities and leaders participating in the MTF 2024 from Yunnan Province and Lijiang City addressing the Forum: H.E. Wang Hao, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Yunnan, Dr Pu Hong, Party Secretary of CPC Lijiang Municipal Committee, Mr. Li Gang, Mayor of Lijiang City and others participants included leaders of CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, Provincial Government, Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Provincial Office of Foreign Affairs. Principal Leaders of CPC Municipal Committee, Standing Committee of Municipal People’s Congress, the municipal People’s Government, CPPCC of Lijiang City, Division Head of the People’s Government and Municipal Counterparts.

Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of MTCO (Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office) said as the co-organizer of MTF 2024, it is vital for tourism insiders to share best practices, experiences, and current status of tourism development within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Key stakeholders from public and private sectors gathering together today here in Lijiang will create a unique opportunity to spearhead innovative and collaborative frameworks to redefine tomorrow’s travel on joined visionary journeys. I am thrilled to see such great turnout for this event. We are excited to see the profile of MTF delegates evolving and expanding, with more participation from international organizations, development partners and, most importantly, local communities. It is our mission to foster inclusive growth in the tourism sector in GMS region.

Present were also observers and principal leaders of four Prefectures and Cities in the 2nd Joint Conference on High-quality Transformation and Upgrading of Tourism in Northwestern Yunnan; Heads of the Culture and Tourism Bureau, Heads of Tourism Association, and Representatives of Key Culture and Tourism Enterprises; Representatives of Prefectures and Cities in Core Provinces and Regions of the Great Shangri-La Eco-tourism Area, such as Ganzi Prefecture, Aba Prefecture, Liangshan Prefecture, and Panzhihua City of Sichuan Province, Lhasa City and Qamdo City of Xizang Autonomous Region, Guoluo Prefecture of Qinghai Province, and Gannan Prefecture of Gansu Province.

Among the Government delegations from the other five GMS countries in attendance were; from Vietnam Mr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) led the business delegation attending Mekong Tourism Forum 2024. From Cambodia, Mr. Veth Youvanneath, Deputy Director General Ministry of Tourism. From Lao PDR, Mr. Khom Douangchantha, Director General of Tourism, Marketing Department and Mr. Kettasone Sundara, Director of Tourism Marketing Activities Division. From Myanmar, Maung Maung Kyaw, Director-General and Mr. Tin Myo Aung, Deputy Director, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Mr. Thein Htwe, Chairman Myanmar Travel Association, Mr. Thein Win, Vice Chairman, Myanmar Hotelier Association. From Thailand, Patsawut Rattanakarn, International Relations Officer, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Watcharakrit Yaemot, Chief International Cooperation Section, Office of the Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand.

A panel session on Unleashing Potential: Enhancing International Cooperation to Propel Tourism Growth addressed strategies for strengthening cooperation and fostering a unified, prosperous, and responsible future for GMS tourism.

This session shared the significance of cooperation as an important part of the travel experience in the GMS region. Sustainability was discussed as a fundamental part of tourism resilience. This session took a holistic look at how the sustainable travel serves as an instrument to address major development challenges in the Mekong region and discusses leveraging the innovations in digital technologies for transformation in sustainability.

The forum concluded with the handing over of the Mekong Tourism Forum flag from Lijiang, the MTF 2024 host, to Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, who will host the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 and symbolizing unity in promoting GMS tourism.

Among the international media covering the Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 in Lijiang,  Travelindex Group was represented by it’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Bernard Metzger.

All Mekong Tourism Forum 2024 delegates experienced Lijiang’s charm firsthand during the Technical Tour, igniting inspiration for sustainable tourism.

Delegates had a chance to join a field study, an on-site exploration of Lijiang’s Old Town, and see an exhibition at the museum showcasing Lijiang’s cultural heritage. Lijiang’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing innovative cultural heritage blending with modern tourism, smart management, and integration into the thriving tourism industry.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sip and Stays at Madi Paidi Bangkok

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Sip and Stays at Madi Paidi Bangkok - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, April 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Enticing new package offers two hours of free-flow beverages, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast and more to let guests experience the buzz of Bangkok’s most trend-setting district. Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection, the stylish boutique hotel which brings the art of storytelling to life in Thong Lor, is inviting guests to discover the vibrant spirit of Bangkok’s trendiest district – including complimentary drinks at EKKALUCK Bar – with its enticing new package.

“The Individualist – Sip & Stays” is ideal for experience-seeking solo travelers or curious couples who want to socialize in style and feel the heartbeat of Bangkok. Having enjoyed a chilled early check-in from 12pm (midday) onwards, guests have plenty of time to unwind and soak up the vibe of Madi Paidi Bangkok, which is nestled on a peaceful, leafy residential street.

Take a dip in the rooftop Vitamin Dee Pool, workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, or head out and explore the city – Thong Lor BTS skytrain station is just moments away! Then, as the sun sets, revelers can drop in at EKKALUCK Bar for two hours of free-flow drinks, before stepping out to discover the legendary nightlife scene of Thong Lor, which is just around the corner from the hotel.

After a luxurious night in a chic room or suite, each of which is themed on one of Thailand’s precious gemstones, every guest can wake up and savor one of Bangkok’s best breakfasts at EKKALUCK. And, with a lazy late check-out at 4pm, travelers have plenty of time to relax and re-energize before they continue their adventure.

“The Individualist – Sip & Stays” package is available from now until 30 June 2024, and every Marriott Bonvoy member will be rewarded with 1,000 bonus points! Terms & conditions apply*.

So, don’t miss out – simply visit to craft your individualist journey in Thong Lor with Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,800 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Autograph Collection® Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 295 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 50 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism in UAE Reaches New Heights, Reveals WTTC

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Tourism in UAE Reaches New Heights, Reveals WTTC - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAbu Dhabi, UAE, April 23, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in the UAE, with new peaks achieved across key metrics including the sector’s GDP contribution, jobs and visitor spend.

The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector is now soaring past all previous records, testament to the country’s commitment to attracting tourists from around the world to destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

Last year, the sector grew by more than a quarter (26%) to contribute a record-breaking AED 220BN to the UAE’s GDP representing 11.7% of the entire economy. This exceeded the previous record set in 2019 by almost 15% and underscores the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic framework.

Jobs supported by Travel & Tourism grew by 41,000 to reach more than 809,000, representing one in nine jobs in the country. Although the jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, today’s announcement shows sector jobs have now increased 11% since the 2019 highpoint

While domestic visitor spending fully recovered in 2022, it continued to grow last year to reach more than AED 55.5BN which is almost 40% higher than 2019.

International visitor spending surged by almost 40% in 2023 to reach over AED 175BN, 12% above 2019 levels, reflecting the UAE’s enduring appeal as a top global tourism destination.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said; “The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector has not only recovered; it soared to new heights, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic landscape.

“The remarkable growth in both employment and visitor spending is a testament to the UAE’s strategic vision and commitment to enhancing its Travel & Tourism. As the sector continues to set benchmarks for the global travel industry, it underscores the importance of sustainable and inclusive strategies in driving prosperity.”

Speaking from the VFS Global iConnect conference in Abu Dhabi, Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO of VFS Global, added: “The UAE has always been a key contributor to global travel and this market has significantly powered the travel recovery post the pandemic.

“The findings of WTTC’s research are extremely encouraging and as a key stakeholder of the travel ecosystem, VFS Global remains committed to supporting the ongoing travel recovery and ensuring seamless and secure cross-border mobility.”

What Does This Year Look Like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will continue to grow at pace in 2024 with GDP set to reach over AED 236BN. Jobs will increase by more than 23,500 jobs to reach nearly 833,000. International visitor spending is projected to grow by nearly 10% to reach AED 192BN and domestic visitor spending is forecast to increase by 4.3% to reach almost AED 58BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to more than AED 275BN by 2034, almost 11% of the UAE economy. It is also projected to employ more than 928,000 people across the country, with one in nine residents working in the sector.

Across the Middle East
The Middle Eastern Travel & Tourism sector grew by more than 25% in 2023 to reach almost $460BN USD. Jobs reached nearly 7.75MN and international spending grew by 50% to reach $179.8BN USD. Domestic visitor spending grew by 16.5% to reach more than $205BN USD

WTTC is forecasting that Travel & Tourism across the region will continue to grow throughout 2024 with the GDP contribution set to reach $507BN USD. Jobs are forecast to reach 8.3MN, international visitor spending is forecast to reach $198BN USD and domestic visitor spending is expected to reach more than $224BN USD.

UAE Flight Booking Trends
According to the global tourism body’s knowledge partner ForwardKeys, international arrivals at Abu Dhabi and Dubai grew more than 9% above 2019 numbers last year.

Flight bookings to Abu Dhabi for the second quarter of 2024 are also showing strong growth, 59% ahead of last year, whilst bookings to Dubai are up 13%.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News