Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Fewer people have traveled to every country in the world than have ventured into Outer Space. The Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok marked a historic milestone, bringing together 250 avid travelers. Among them, an unprecedented 31 individuals who had accomplished the remarkable feat of visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries. This gathering set a new world record as the largest documented assembly of travelers who have completed this extraordinary quest.

This group was joined by Harry Mitsidis and Slawek Mutari, two of the four known individuals who have been to every country in the world TWICE.  Other 193ers who attended the Extraordinary Travel Festival included (from left to right in the photo); David Langan (Ireland), Jim Loudin (USA), Luisa Yu (USA),  Randy “The Sultan” Williams, (USA & Slowjamastan), Thomas Casswell (Sweden), Anders Larsson (Sweden), Christer Danielsson (Sweden), Jian Kang (China/Sweden), Chris Sutherland (New Zealand), Boris Kester (Netherlands), Stefan Krasowski (USA), Slawek Mutari (Poland/Kenya), Bengt Hildebrand (Sweden), Konstantin Liorek (Ukraine), Matt McCaughey (USA), Charles Veley (USA), Per Besson (USA), Evelthon Vassiliou (Cyprus), Christian Fleischer (USA), Hayley Kennedy (UK), Harry Mitsidis (UK/Greece), Lucy Shoe (USA), David Yang (USA), Flavio Ferrari Zumbini (Italy), Phillips Connor (Singapore), and Damian Stack (Ireland).

Also attending the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok (but missing in the photo) was Thor “Once Upon A Saga” Pedersen (Denmark), Maurizio Giuliano (Italy), Joel Oleson (USA), and Joao Paulo Peixoto (Portugal).

In addition to their extensive travel experiences, the participants of ETF brought diverse backgrounds to the event. Over 55% had visited more than 100 countries, showcasing their extraordinary dedication to exploration. Representing six continents and spanning ages from 22 to 80, this group highlighted the universal and timeless appeal of global travel.

Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian praised the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) and its host city, Bangkok, Thailand, as a resounding success. From November 15 to 17, 2024, Bangkok hosted the second ETF, bringing together the world’s most passionate and accomplished travelers for three days of sharing experiences, insights, and strategies. The event celebrated the spirit of adventure and exploration, featuring speakers and attendees, 31 of them who have visited all 193 sovereign countries—a feat achieved by fewer than 400 people worldwide.

“This travel festival offers the opportunity to connect and promote your destination or brand to the world’s most accomplished and expert travelers from around the globe,” Gazarian added.  Tourism boards, consumer travel brands and tour providers wishing to make connections or facilitate bookings with this extraordinary group of travelers are also welcome to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

For questions, please visit www.extraordinarytravelfest.com

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, November 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Smartphones are playing an increasingly important role in travellers’ in-destination decision-making. This trend is delineated in an important recent study led by Dr Dan Wang of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Adopting the powerful theoretical lens of “sociomateriality”, the researchers offer insights into the ways in which tourists interact with their Internet-enabled devices while making travel decisions – such as where to visit and what to buy – in real time. Their findings point to rich opportunities for tourism businesses to influence tourists’ spending decisions in the age of the smartphone.

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Hue, Vietnam, December 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Two of Vietnam’s most stylish hotels invite guests to celebrate the festive season with a host of exclusive meals, family friendly activities, special stay packages, New Year’s Eve countdowns and much more.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a serene oceanfront resort with all suites and villas in southern Vietnam, overlooks a sweeping 5km stretch of white sand, while Azerai La Residence, Hue is situated in the former Imperial capital on the Perfume River. Both properties will transform into holiday wonderlands, full of Christmas and New Year spirit.

Here are some highlights from their festive season programs:

AZERAI KE GA BAY

Throughout the festive season, Azerai Ke Ga Bay will host numerous daily activities, including a “Mini Carnival” games area at the activities hub by the beach (from 10am to 11am daily), yoga classes at dawn and dusk, sandcastle building and beach volleyball. Other activities include traditional kite making, Vietnamese leaf folding, surfing and bodyboarding, along with more holiday-specific fun, such as decorating the Christmas tree and candy-cane relay races.

On Christmas Eve, an exclusive dinner will be served at The Dining Room and The Terrace featuring seared Japanese scallop and caviar; seafood and black truffle consommé; marinated Ke Ga Bay grouper fillet; Tournedos Rossini; and a traditional Christmas pudding. Ahead of the meal, there will be a special beach sunset toast.

Guests can experience the magic of Christmas Morning on Dec. 25 as they listen for Santa’s bell at The Dining Room. They are invited to follow jolly old Saint Nick to the resort’s Infinity Poolside where he will hand out presents to the children and sit for photos.

The resort’s Christmas BBQ Buffet dinner on Dec. 25 presents a veritable feast with Ke Ga Bay seafood on the grill (including local lobster, king prawns, octopus with satay sauce, marinated calamari with salt and chili, and much more), carving stations (featuring glazed honey ham, turkey roasted with herbs and garlic, and roasted U.S. beef striploin) and hot stations (with soups, vongole, fried rice and more), along with a whole host of appetizers and desserts.

On New Year’s Eve, guests will bid farewell to the final sunset of 2024 on the beach before celebrating with a New Year’s Eve Dinner served at the Infinity Poolside. The dinner begins with an amuse bouche of pan-seared foie gras, followed by delicate chestnut and truffle soup, roasted three cheese Ke Ga Bay lobster and Australian lamb rack, and a decadent Valrhona chocolate mousse for dessert.

As midnight approaches, guests are invited for a toast of bubbles at the Infinity Poolside, as the world celebrates the arrival of 2025.

The New Year begins with an auspicious Vietnamese dragon and lion dance at the Infinity Poolside, bringing good luck and prosperity to all. That evening, the hotel’s New Year BBQ Buffet will feature fresh Ke Ga Bay lobster, king prawns, fresh salmon with garlic and herbs, along with glazed honey ham, lamb leg with herbs and garlic, and a roasted Australian tomahawk ribeye steak. Hot soups and delicious pasta, rice and vegetables will be available, in addition to a wide range of appetizers and mouth-watering desserts.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway, is nestled amongst 4.5 hectares of verdant gardens, framed to the east by Hon Ba Island with its historic lighthouse and to the west by soaring sand dunes. This unique and picturesque location provides a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

For more information or to make a booking, call +84 (0) 252 3682 222

AZERAI LA RESIDENCE, HUE
Festive season officially kicks off at Azerai La Residence, Hue on Dec. 10 with a special Christmas tree-lighting and house-lighting ceremony. The festivities include a cocktail reception with expertly crafted drinks poured by a renowned mixologist, complemented by light snacks and live piano music to get guests into the holiday mood.

The hotel also unveils its Festive Season Set Menu on Dec. 10 offering a scrumptious array of seasonal dishes and delightful treats. Both the set menu and the Festive Season Weekend Buffet Breakfast will be offered through Jan. 12, 2025. The buffet breakfast will be available every weekend in December and January.

Guests at Azerai La Residence, Hue can purchase homemade Christmas gingerbread cookies and Christmas cards at the hotel’s Christmas Gingerbread Cookies Corner, with a portion of proceeds benefiting disadvantaged children at the Hope Center Hue.

The hotel’s Festive Season Package includes a two-night stay in a Superior River View room with daily breakfast, a one-way pick-up (or drop-off) at Phu Bai Airport, a signature cocktail and a special Festive Season Set Dinner for two people. The package is valid from Dec. 10 to Jan. 12, 2025. Package guests will also enjoy 15% off the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner or the New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner.

The Christmas Gala Dinner on Dec. 24 kicks off with a cocktail reception at the hotel’s elegant lobby lounge, followed by a sumptuos dinner at Le Parfum accompanied by the enchanting melodies of a Christmas choir from the Friends of Hue Foundation. The dinner will include a very special appearance from Santa Claus himself, bringing joy to all.

On Christmas Day, guests are invited on a complimentary ride in the hotel limousine to Notre Dame Cathedral in Hue City for Christmas Mass. Advance bookings are required. That afternoon the hotel will host a special Christmas Afternoon Tea in the lobby lounge, along with a fun-filled calligraphy and painting class for kids.

On New Year’s Eve, the festivities kick off with a cocktail reception in the lobby lounge, where there will be a traditional dragon and lion dance (a symbol of luck and prosperity), followed by a gala dinner with an exquisite set menu at Le Parfum. Guests can later return to the lobby lounge for the exciting countdown to the New Year, with a toast of sparkling wine.

The next morning, guests can start the New Year with an “all-you-can-eat” a la carte brunch at Le Parfum. And later that day, the hotel will offer a Hue Delicacies Afternoon Indulgence, a sumptuous afternoon tea buffet, along with a flower arrangement and painting class.

Azerai La Residence, Hue, with 122 rooms and suites, is centered on a colonial mansion that was built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. The mansion’s distinctive façade, including its long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, are hallmarks of the streamline moderne school of art deco architecture.

ABOUT AZERAI
Azerai is a distinctive story and brand of resorts offering guests elegance, refined design, and discreet and attentive service in places of unique beauty and cultural interest. The brand was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, and the name is derived from Zecha’s initials and the latter part of a Persian word, caravanserai, which references the storied old inns of the Middle East.

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Bangkok, December 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / lebua Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce that Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table, two of its flagship fine-dining restaurants, have secured Two Michelin Stars each in the esteemed MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025. This exceptional recognition cements lebua’s standing as a global leader in culinary innovation and a must-visit destination for gourmands worldwide.

Mezzaluna, Bangkok’s renowned fine dining destination, has proudly retained its two Michelin stars for the eighth consecutive year, cementing its position as a leader in Thailand’s culinary scene. Since the Michelin Guide debuted in the country, Mezzaluna has consistently been the only restaurant in Thailand to achieve and maintain the prestigious accolade of two Michelin stars. This extraordinary achievement is a testament to Chef Ryuki Kawasaki’s visionary leadership and the tireless dedication of the team, who work in harmony to blend European culinary techniques with the precision of Japanese artistry. Their unwavering commitment to excellence continues to elevate Mezzaluna as a beacon of world-class gastronomy.

Chef’s Table is a pinnacle of fine dining led by Chef Vincent Thierry. Renowned for its open-kitchen concept, the restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience that seamlessly blends elegance and innovation. Each dish reflects Chef Thierry’s mastery of contemporary French gastronomy. The open kitchen invites diners to witness the artistry behind every culinary masterpiece, transforming each visit into an unforgettable journey of taste and craftsmanship.

These accolades highlight not only the creativity and vision of the chefs but also the dedication of the entire team—both in the kitchen and in service—who strive to create unparalleled dining experiences for every guest.

A Historic Milestone in Fine Dining

This unparalleled achievement sets a new benchmark in the world of fine dining, further establishing lebua as a destination synonymous with innovation, excellence, and world-class hospitality. Guests are invited to experience the magic of both Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table and be part of this historic moment in culinary history.

About Mezzaluna
Ascend to culinary heights at Mezzaluna, Chef Ryuki Kawasaki’s two-Michelin-starred masterpiece, celebrated worldwide for its eight consecutive years of excellence. Indulge in world-class French cuisine, elevated with subtle Japanese influences and crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

At Mezzaluna, the culinary journey extends beyond the plate. The elegant half-moon space, adorned with panoramic windows, offers breathtaking vistas of Bangkok’s iconic skyline, creating a feast for both the palate and the eyes. The open kitchen invites you to witness Chef Kawasaki’s culinary artistry firsthand, adding an element of theater to the dining experience. Mezzaluna’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the impeccable service to the carefully curated wine list, ensuring that every moment spent here becomes a cherished memory.

About Chef’s Table
An exclusive, two-Michelin-starred culinary sanctuary on the 61st floor, Chef’s Table offers an intimate dining experience like no other. Every table enjoys a front-row seat to Chef Vincent Thierry’s culinary artistry in the open kitchen, where the exquisite Molteni stove serves as a centerpiece. Chef Thierry believes that “true luxury lies in simplicity,” and his contemporary French cuisine reflects this philosophy, focusing on showcasing the natural flavors of exceptional ingredients through precise techniques and elegant presentations.

At Chef’s Table, the boundaries between diner and chef blur as you become an active participant in the culinary performance. The intimate setting allows for interaction with the chefs, providing insights into their inspirations and techniques. The stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline serve as a backdrop to this unforgettable dining experience, creating memories that will linger long after the last bite.

About lebua Hotels & Resorts
lebua Hotels & Resorts is a global luxury brand known for its extraordinary hospitality experiences, including world-renowned dining and exclusive accommodations. With properties in Bangkok and New Zealand, lebua offers a seamless blend of iconic destinations and culinary excellence.

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Koh Samui, Thailand, December 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Saffron, a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the luxury resort of Banyan Tree Samui, has been recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide in its restaurant recommendations for 2025.

The French-based Michelin Guide, famed for its accreditation of “stars” to the most exquisite restaurants in the world, last week announced its Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 in which Saffron is listed among only a handful of dining venues on the tropical island.

Opened in 2010, Saffron hosts set evening dinners in a sophisticated and tranquil ambience, and offers a culinary journey of Thailand’s most innovative cuisine. An elegant dining establishment perched on a hillside and commanding spectacular vistas across the Gulf of Thailand, its chefs are renowned for creating combinations of flavours through a delicate blending of Thai herbs and spices.

This award-winning restaurant serves specialties such as: Khong Wang Ruam, an appetizer for two featuring freshly prepared crisp rice noodle-wrapped prawn; grilled tender chicken breast satay; fried floppy seabass rice noodle rolls; and pomelo salad with tamarind sauce; as well as Pu Nim Thod Yum Lychee Nham Sawaros, a palate-tingling dish of crispy soft-shell crab, lychee salad, mint, lemongrass, and spicy passion fruit dressing.

One of Saffron’s most recent features is a Chef’s Table evening when guests can be treated to a gueridon-style table service by one of the kitchen’s chefs who specialise in Thai and Southern Thai cuisines. The chef guides the diners through the preparation of Thai cuisine in an educational and entertaining setting, and outlines local techniques and recipes including the famed Tom Yum Koong, a traditional spicy prawn soup with condensed milk, lemongrass, mushroom and coriander.

The Chef’s Table dinners are complemented by Thailand’s own Monsoon Valley wines, which have surprised many a connoisseur in recent years with their full-bodied flavours.

“The Michelin Guide rating shows great recognition of our Saffron culinary team and their daily dedication to and love of producing excellent food,” said Director of Food & Beverage and Cuisine Rainer Roersch. “We have already seen an increase in outside customers who have become aware of Saffron through the Michelin Guide. Our aim is to satisfy each and every guest with outstanding food and exemplary service.”

Saffron’s host hotel, the 5-star Banyan Tree Samui, was among the recipients when Michelin recently announced an inaugural ranking system of “keys” to acclaim the most outstanding hotels in the world. The 2024 Michelin Guide hotel selection in Thailand included a total of eight Three-Key hotels (its highest decoration), 19 Two-Key hotels, and 31 One Key hotels. Each hotel had been anonymously visited and assessed by Michelin inspectors. Banyan Tree Samui was recognised with two “keys”.

In addition to recognition in the prestigious Michelin, Saffron has received a Best Restaurant Award four times by Tatler Magazine.

The 88-key Banyan Tree Samui is a luxury all-pool villa resort, with a pristine beach, blissful spa escapes, exquisite dining offerings, a personal concierge, and unparalleled views of the Gulf of Thailand. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private beach is flanked by coral reefs.

The resort hosts three restaurants, a spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, December 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The globe’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism has awarded The Hari Hong Kong ‘EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status’ for its raft of sustainability measures.

EarthCheck’s certification programs involve stringent benchmarking to bolster sustainability and help consumers make informed decisions. The certification draws on more than 30 years of EarthCheck working with research centres and universities globally to address sustainability and climate change issues facing tourism destinations, communities and businesses.

To achieve Benchmarked Bronze status, The Hari Hong Kong has excelled across key performance areas including energy efficiency, water use, carbon emissions, chemicals, community and employee impact, paper use, waste and more.

EarthCheck deemed the hotel a “Regional Leader”, meaning an “exemplary standard of performance for the type and location of an operation”, in areas such as waste sent to landfill, energy consumption and potable water consumption. The Hari Hong Kong’s waste sent to landfill, for example, was 3.3L per guest night, a third of the regional average of 9.4L per guest per night. The hotel’s energy consumption per guest per night was 90.5 MJ, half the regional average of 180.3 MJ per guest per night. Its potable water consumption was 223.3L per guest per night, less than two thirds of the regional average of 360.9L per guest per night.

“We know that your team has worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, which demonstrates your commitment to preserving and enhancing your natural surroundings, cultural heritage, local community and economy,” EarthCheck said. “Thank you for being a world leader in sustainability.”

From the outset, The Hari Hong Kong, which opened in December 2020 in the heart of vibrant Wan Chai, was established through sustainable design and construction which sought to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The hotel then achieved EarthCheck evaluation in 2022, began working on the certification programme at the beginning of this year and will target EarthCheck Silver status for next year.

“To continually improve in environmental and social sustainability, our commitment extends to energy efficiency, water conservation, reduction of waste and single-use plastic, solid waste management, community involvement, training and education, support of local employment, and minimizing our carbon footprint; present in The Hari sustainability action plan, each measured against the annual Benchmarking Assessment of EarthCheck,” said The Hari Hong Kong’s General Manager Edward E. Snoeks.

“We are also dedicated to growing in an organic and sustainable manner through continuous monitoring of our consumption, purchasing responsibly and fostering positive relationships with our local suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider community alike.”

The Hari Hong Kong is also a LEED (Silver), BEAM Plus (Silver) and BEEO certified hotel in recognition for its sustainable design, construction and energy efficiency performance.

A green wall on the facade of the hotel’s second floor terrace stretches three stories high, bringing down the temperature of surrounding areas between two to four degrees Celsius.

In addition to its sustainability measures, the hotel also supports local charities, such as, for example, the Hong Chi Association to help provide education, training and empowerment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The Hari will direct all proceeds from its upcoming Christmas Market in the lobby on Dec. 9 from 5pm to Hong Chi.

Spearheading the likes of The Hari Art Prize in support of emerging artists, The Hari Chronicles to foster ongoing conversations about art, design and culture, and the new “The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour” which ventures off the beaten track, The Hari Hong Kong also has a deep connection with art, culture, and its community.

About The Hari Hong Kong
Opened in December 2020, The Hari Hong Kong is the vision of Dr. Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels Ltd, and the second hotel to open under the ‘The Hari’ brand. The first hotel, The Hari London opened in August 2016. The Harilela Group was established in 1959 and is still wholly owned by the Harilela family. The Harilela Group is the parent company of Harilela Hotels which owns 15 properties across Hong Kong, China, Asia, Europe, and the US.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Skyview Hotel Bangkok is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Dessi De Vries as its new Executive Chef, ushering in a new era of culinary excellence. Known for his impeccable technique and innovative approach to cooking, Chef Dessi unveiled his signature creations at an Exclusive Wine Pairing Dinner on Friday 29 November at PRIME Restaurant.

An Evening of Elegance: The Wine Pairing Dinner
This exclusive event showcased Chef Dessi’s artistry through a meticulously curated five-course menu, featuring premium ingredients paired with an exquisite selection of wines.

Highlights of the Evening:
● Amuse-Bouche: Langoustine served with free-flow Brushtail Estate Sparkling Wine
● Live food stations: Guests explored wine-paired culinary delights at interactive stations.

Featured Pairings:
● Hamachi: Paired with Cranswick Lakefield Chardonnay
● Iberico Pork: Complemented by Terre Di Mario Vino Rosso
● Norwegian Salmon: Matched with Mataverde Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
● Barbary Duck: Paired with Terre Di Mario Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOP
Guests were invited to embark on a gastronomic journey, where each pairing was thoughtfully designed to enhance flavors and textures of the dishes, delivering a harmonious and memorable dining experience.

Meet Chef Dessi: A Global Culinary Visionary
Hailing from The Netherlands, Chef Dessi brings a wealth of experience from prestigious kitchens around the globe, including Michelin-starred restaurants, royal households, and five-star luxury hotels.

His career highlights include:
● Serving as Executive Chef for the Dutch royal family, preparing meals for visiting dignitaries and royalty.
● Honing his craft in renowned establishments such as Auberge De Kieviet and Petrossian Paris.
● Leading culinary teams in international destinations such as the Maldives, Vietnam, and Thailand, where he blended traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Chef Dessi’s passion for innovation and his dedication to elevating dining experiences promise to redefine Skyview Hotel Bangkok’s culinary offerings.

A Night to Remember
The Wine Pairing Dinner offered an intimate glimpse of Chef Dessi’s culinary vision, setting the stage for an exciting future at Skyview Hotel Bangkok.

A New Chapter for Skyview Hotel Bangkok
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Dessi to our team,” said Markus Hesse, General Manager of Skyview Hotel Bangkok. “His global expertise and fresh perspective will undoubtedly elevate our dining experiences. The Wine Pairing Dinner was just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey.”

About Skyview Hotel Bangkok
Skyview Hotel Bangkok is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s dynamic EM District. Offering world-class accommodations, exceptional dining, and elegant event spaces, the hotel is dedicated to providing exceptional service and an unforgettable experience for both business and leisure travelers.

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Koh Samui, December 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / We invite you to experience cherished traditions in a tropical paradise this festive season – think Christmas markets, sipping on eggnog and mulled wine, indulging in heartwarming Christmas carols and joyous family feasts. Ring in the new year with a spectacular beachside celebration, featuring dazzling fireworks and dancing under the stars.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 2, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Millennium Hilton Bangkok has officially launched its new restaurant, OXBO Bangkok, located on the third floor of the hotel. It offers a cutting-edge dining experience that combines meticulous flavours with the “Bound by Nature” philosophy. The concept highlights sustainability and the use of locally sourced ingredients, connecting people with nature through fresh, local produce and thoughtful preparation.

Chef Oliver Afonso, Head Chef at OXBO, is the driving force behind the restaurant’s culinary creativity and excellence. With a wealth of global culinary experience, Chef Oliver combines expertise honed in Michelin-starred kitchens with a philosophy of simple yet distinctive cuisine. Originally from Venezuela and raised in Spain, he began his culinary journey at the age of 16, later working in prestigious establishments such as Gaggan, recognised as Asia’s Best Restaurant for four consecutive years.

As Head Chef at OXBO, Chef Oliver has curated a menu that seamlessly blends Thai flavours with international influences. His approach emphasises the use of seasonal ingredients and sustainable resources, working closely with local farmers to ensure the finest quality in every dish. From seafood sourced from the Gulf of Thailand and fresh vegetables from organic farms in Chiang Rai, to premium meats from world-class producers, every ingredient is meticulously selected. Chef Oliver also oversees the hotel’s own vegetable garden to further ensure the freshness and quality of the ingredients used.

“Each dish is like a piece of art, reflecting our deep connection to nature. We use modern cooking techniques to enhance flavours and bring new dimensions to the dining experience,” Chef Oliver said.

The restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and an open kitchen, allowing guests to observe the creativity and skill behind each dish. Mr Tim Tate, General Manager of Millennium Hilton Bangkok, commented, “At OXBO, guests will enjoy a unique blend of luxury and approachability, complemented by the breathtaking river views and the immersive, participatory experience that embodies Hilton’s global standards.”

OXBO Bangkok is the first Hilton-branded restaurant in the Asia-Pacific region to operate under the “Bound by Nature” concept. This philosophy focuses on sustainable, high-quality ingredients sourced from across Thailand, including Khao Yai, Chiang Rai, Surat Thani, and Bangkok, alongside fresh herbs from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

“Using sustainably sourced ingredients not only enhances the taste and quality of our dishes but also reduces our environmental impact, aligning with Hilton’s commitment to sustainability,” Mr Tim added.

OXBO offers seating for up to 70 guests and features an open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work. The menu includes a diverse selection of dishes, from premium meats and fresh seafood to vibrant vegetables, complemented by an extensive wine list of over 100 brands and a gin collection featuring more than 30 varieties from around the world. Guests are also invited to create bespoke cocktails tailored to their preferences.

For food enthusiasts seeking an exceptional dining experience in a distinctive setting, OXBO Bangkok is poised to become one of Bangkok’s most sought-after dining destinations.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Today, sustainability is a topic of discussion across a wide range of industries. As with the tourism industry, which is considered the main income of many countries, sustainability is a top priority to be aware of in order to create a balance between both natural and man-made tourism destinations and the attempts to take advantage of these two resources. This is to prevent the deterioration of the planet.

Therefore, Travel And Tourism Research Association or TTRA, a non-profit organization which has been run for more than 50 years with the objective to reinforce research, analysis, and marketing standards related to travel and tourism among over 20 members worldwide, has organized an annual seminar under the topic “Tourism and Travel Sustainable Transformations in the Asia Pacific” in Bangkok, Thailand.

Every year, the venue of the event will be rotated to enable seminar participants to gain and exchange diverse knowledge, experiences, and cultures from various countries. This year, Thailand was chosen as the destination for the seminar and Dusit Thani College, a leading higher education specialized in hospitality business under Dusit International, was trusted to host the event on 30 November – 3 December 2024 at Srinakarin Hall, Dusit Thani College Bangkok.

Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College, gave an opening speech that “For Thailand, the tourism industry has been the main source of income since 1987. During that time, there were about 2.4 million tourists visiting Thailand per year. However, according to year 2023 data, there were about 2.4 million tourists visiting Thailand per month and there will be around 35 million tourists in total for the year 2024. These data reflect how much the tourism industry is growing. However, growth comes with deprivation, especially in terms of the environment, way of living of local communities, and culture. We hope that this seminar can be a space where the theories in the research can be put into practice, as well as a platform for the exchange of ideas for our industry.”

While Dr. Aaron Tham, President of TTRA Asia Pacific Chapter, gave a speech to warmly welcome seminar participants to Thailand, one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that sustainability is a topic that every industry around the world places an importance on, while TTRA is willing to support each organization to achieve the ambition.

Throughout the past period, the global tourism industry has constantly been evolving. However, economic, political, and even human resource constraints and rapid technological advancements are factors that affect global tourism. Therefore, it is necessary to research in order to adjust and evaluate the market, as well as to seek new business models and opportunities. Especially in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, there have been more new and intense competition in many destinations around the world. This situation urges all relevant sectors to conduct research to create sustainability for the industry. That’s what TTRA and Dusit Thani College, the host of the event, expect participants to gain from this seminar.

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