Category: Latest Travel News

Perth, Australia, July 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced its latest round of high-profile speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, featuring top leaders from the world’s leading Travel & Tourism businesses.

Hosted by Tourism Western Australia (TWA), the event will take place in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, from 8-10 October. It stands as the pinnacle of the Travel & Tourism calendar.

Under the theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” the Global Summit will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising innovation and sustainable growth.

Industry trailblazers and international government officials from across the globe will converge in Perth to drive forward efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism.

Top business leaders set to speak include Greg O’Hara, Certares Founder & Senior Managing Director and WTTC Chair, Matt Goldberg, TripAdvisor CEO, Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel President; Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO, Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp Chair of the Board, and James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO, among many others.

Adding star power, renowned wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Robert Irwin will also take the stage. Known for his dedication to wildlife conservation and inspiring positive change, Irwin follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Steve Irwin.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The leading industrialists in Travel & Tourism who are shaping our sector and countries’ economies will be at WTTC’s Summit in Perth. Their insights and leadership are crucial as we shape the future of Travel & Tourism.

“Western Australia, with its stunning natural beauty and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, is the perfect backdrop for this event. Hosting the Global Summit in Perth enables us to pioneer new ideas for tourism while honouring the rich traditions and ancient heritage of the land.”

The event will bring together government representatives from around the world, offering a platform for industry leaders and officials to exchange insights, discuss best practices, and explore innovative strategies to drive the resilience and growth of the Travel & Tourism industry.

WTTC’s 24th Global Summit aims to be a game-changer, setting the course for a dynamic and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism.

Nairobi, Kenya, July 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has today revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in Kenya, contributing KES1TN to the national economy in 2023.

Sector jobs grew 6% to reach a record 1.55MN, accounting for one in 13 jobs across the country.

While domestic visitor spending reached more than KES 466BN last year, almost 15% over the previous peak and setting a new record, spending by overseas visitors continued to trail the highpoint of 1999 to reach just KES 266BN.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “The recovery of Kenya’s Travel & Tourism sector is a testament to its resilience. Achieving record-breaking growth across economic contribution, jobs, and domestic visitor spending highlights the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economy.

“Although international visitor spending is currently lagging behind its high point, the future of Travel and Tourism in Kenya looks strong, with substantial opportunities for growth and development over the next decade.”

What Does This Year Look Like?

According to the global tourism body’s latest research, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to Kenya’s economy is forecast to grow 9% year-on-year to reach almost KES 1.15TN.

Jobs supported by the sector are projected to reach more than 1.6MN, representing almost 8% of jobs in Kenya.

Domestic visitor spending is expected to continue driving the sector to reach KES 521BN, but spending by travellers from overseas is forecast to remain below the previous high to reach KES 289.5BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to KES 1.7TN by 2034, representing 7.4% of Kenya’s economy, and could potentially employ more than 2.2MN people across the country.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, July 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in Saudi Arabia, with new records in GDP contribution, sector jobs and visitor spend.

Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector is now soaring past all previous records, testament to the country’s commitment to becoming a global tourism hot spot.

Last year, the sector grew by more than 32% to contribute a record-breaking SAR 444.3BN to Saudi’s GDP, representing 11.5% of the entire economy. This exceeded the previous record by almost 30% and underscores the sector’s pivotal new role in the nation’s economic framework.

Jobs supported by the sector grew by 436,000 to reach more than 2.5MN, representing almost one in five jobs in the country.

Although the jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, today’s announcement shows sector employment in Travel & Tourism has increased almost 24% since the previous peak.

International visitor spending surged by almost 57% to reach SAR 227.4BN, breaking the previous record by SAR 93.6BN, while domestic visitor spending grew by 21.5% to reach SAR 142.5BN.

Seven years ahead of its target, Saudi Arabia welcomed 100MN tourists in 2023. Today, the country is surging toward even greater heights and has set a more ambitious aim of attracting 150MN tourists by 2030.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said; “Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector’s extraordinary achievements last year mark a pivotal moment in its journey towards becoming a global tourism leader.

“This success is a direct result of the Kingdom’s visionary commitment to the sector, showcasing an impressive fusion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism initiatives. As the sector continues to expand, it promises to play a crucial role in the nation’s diversified economic future, while contributing significantly to global Travel & Tourism development.”

Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said “The latest data from WTTC provides further evidence of the rapid success we have achieved in transforming Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.

“Tourism is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plans and we have made great strides promoting investment in the sector – with more than $800 billion earmarked by 2030 – as well as creating new jobs and growing the contribution of tourism to GDP.”

What Does This Year Look Like?

Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue growing at pace in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach SAR 498BN, while jobs will increase by more than 158,000 jobs to reach nearly 2.7MN.

International visitor spending is projected to reach SAR 256BN, almost double the previous high point, and domestic visitor spending is forecast to reach SAR 155.2BN

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its annual GDP contribution to a staggering SAR 836.1BN by 2034, almost 16% of the Saudi Arabian economy, and will employ more than 3.6MN people across the country, with one in five people working in the sector.

What Does the Region Look Like?

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

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

Houston, Texas, United States, July 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / At the AIAA ASCEND conference in Las Vegas, SpaceFund co-founder Meagan Crawford presented new research that shows the space industry is weakly correlated to eight tested market indices and alternative investment asset classes. This lack of correlation, coupled with the industry’s consistent growth could offer valuable diversification and hedging opportunities for investors.

“As is often the case with new industries, space is not particularly well understood by the markets, or by the institutional investors that drive those markets,” said Meagan Crawford, co-founder of SpaceFund and primary author of the research study. “The purpose of this paper is to add to the growing body of research on space as an investment strategy, allowing institutional investors to consider space assets such as public stocks, private equity, and real estate as viable options for their portfolios.”

Correlation, or the measurement of how two data sets move in relation to each other, is frequently used by asset allocators to help protect their portfolios against Black Swan events and market downturns. However, until now, there has not been any publicly available data on how space relates to other investment opportunities, making it very difficult for investors to assess the viability of space assets as a part of their portfolios. In this study, the space industry was compared to major market indices (S&P 1200, MSCI) and alternative investment asset classes (Global Oil Index, Crude Oil price per Barrel, REIT Index, Hedge Fund Index, Price of Bitcoin in USD, and Gold Return on Investment) and correlation was measured between two space industry data sets and each of these investment opportunities.

“As a former pension fund LP, this research study is exactly the type of content and academic support that is needed to get approvals for a new investment thesis,” said SpaceFund advisor and Former Trustee and Chair, Investment Committee at the US$20B SFERS, E. David Ellington. “The triumvirate of the institutions’ board, staff, and consultants need this data to make intelligent investment decisions.”

The findings of this research suggest that space is weakly correlated to every investment sector tested, making space assets a viable consideration for institutional investors who are looking for opportunities to hedge against unforeseen risks. Additionally, the paper found that during the period tested (2005-2022), the space industry was the only tested sector that did not have a single year of negative growth, making space assets a viable consideration for institutional investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios into high-growth opportunities.

Victoria Falls, Zambia, July 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism successfully held its inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, marking a significant step forward for both the continent and the host nation. The Forum also highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to leveraging gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development across the country and Africa.

Under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center, the forum brought together around 200 delegates from 33 countries, including 11 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the African Union, the Southern African  Development Community (SADC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa!

Opening the landmark event, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa! We leave Victoria Falls with a roadmap that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we do work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet.”

Travelindex Group announced the launch of its TOP25 Restaurants Africa Awards and Restaurant Guides, Africa’s inaugural AI-powered restaurant guides. Building on the success of its groundbreaking, and world’s first, AI-guides in Asia, Travelindex Group is expanding into Africa. This initiative seeks to celebrate the continent’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene while promoting gastronomy as a key driver for sustainable tourism development across Africa.

Leveraging the power of gastronomy 

The discussions at the forum emphasized the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in enhancing local communities and economies throughout Africa. Participants explored the role of gastronomy in elevating Africa’s presence on the global tourism stage, as well as strategies for integrating gastronomy into national tourism policies. There was a strong focus on showcasing Africa’s rich culinary heritage to the world, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among chefs, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Participants discussed the need for effective funding and the significance of combining tradition, innovation, and quality to create unique food tourism experiences. The forum also highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to value local gastronomy and instil pride in Africa’s diverse culinary traditions. This includes working with the African diaspora in promoting African cuisine globally, as well as stepping up education and vocational training.

Promoting innovation in gastronomy 

The event also featured UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge – driving innovation in Africa, in which five entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions to improve the gastronomy and tourism value chains. Gracia Bvute from Zimbabwe won the competition with her project Pabvute Gourmet. On the occasion, UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe recognized the winners of the Youth Photo Contest “A Journey through Zimbabwe´s Gastronomy” – Nokutenda Tombindo, 1st place winner with the photo titled “MAGURU (TRIPE)” and David Sadindi, 2nd place winner with the photo titled “Family meal (sadza nemufushwa)”.

Additionally, four new African UN Tourism Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism for their efforts in promoting national cuisines and advocating for sustainable culinary practices: Chef Yohanis Gebreyesus from Ethiopia, Chef Adenike Adefila from Nigeria, Chef Mounir El Arem from Tunisia, and Chef Carl Joshua Ncube from Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe to host Academy for Culinary Arts 

In addition, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding marked the establishment of the Zimbabwe International Tourism Academy for the Culinary Arts, in partnership with UN Tourism. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to skills development and education, reinforced by the announcement of 100 UN Tourism Academy online scholarships aimed at nurturing culinary talent across the continent.

The second edition of the Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa will be held in Tanzania.

UN Tourism has announced a major step forward in its work to grow education and skills development in Africa with the establishment of the first collaborative Academies in the region.

With African tourism experiencing significant growth, there is now an urgent need to train a wide range of skilled professionals, all equipped with the skills modern tourism businesses need. Reflecting this demand, UN Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia to establish the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality in collaboration with UN Tourism. The Academy will offer a range of courses, all focused on equipping students both new to the sector and establish tourism workers the skills they need to find work or advance in their careers.

Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate

Laying the foundation stone in Livingstone, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate. These new Academies in Collaboration with UN Tourism will help train the tourism workers of tomorrow in a range of specialisms, giving African tourism the talent it needs to thrive.”

Joining the Secretary-General in signing the agreement, the Minister of Tourism of Zambia, Rodney M. Sikumba, said: “ through the adoption of the UN Tourism Education Guidelines, Zambia has been able to reposition the role of education in tourism development. The establishment of the Academy is a game changer of how we will bridge the evident skills gap for the existing and future workforce of our tourism sector.”

Culinary Arts Academy planned for Zimbabwe  

UN Tourism has also agreed to establish the Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. The specialist centre will be hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and focus on training skilled professionals in culinary arts both within the country and right across Africa. The announcement coincides with the celebration of the first UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Africa, an event showcasing the region’s diverse gastronomy and set to bring together leading players from the public and private sectors.

Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said: “We are excited to be working closely with UN Tourism to grow gastronomy tourism in our country and across the wider region. The new Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism signals our shared commitment to empowering tourism workers within the field of culinary arts, putting Zimbabwe firmly on the global gastronomy map.”

Lusaka, Zambia, July 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has united its Member States to focus on promoting “Brand Africa” and exploring new opportunities for growth and diversification across the region.

Held within the framework of the Regional Commission for Africa, “Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the Sector’s Growth Potential”, brought together public and private sector leaders to identify new opportunities and find shared solutions to the most pressing challenges. The Forum formed part of UN Tourism’s wider emphasis on empowering its Members to advance a new, positive narrative for the sector across the continent.

Celebrating uniqueness of African tourism  

Welcoming the high-level participants, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the importance of working closely with African Member States on promoting both the uniqueness and the diversity of tourism in the region. His sentiments were echoed by Executive Director Natalia Bayona, who also emphasized the urgent need to grow investments into the sector to fuel innovation and creativity, thereby putting African destinations more firmly on the global tourism map.

Alongside key UN Tourism experts, stakeholders included the CEO of Zambia Tourism Agency, as well as the heads of Africa Tourism Partners, and key figures from leading civil society actors and businesses from the region, including Meta. Discussions focused on strengthening Brand Africa, including through greater public-private collaboration. Delegates also shared their insights into revolutionizing the image of African in order to drive greater tourism competitiveness, while top media thinkers provided their insights into Think Tank discussions on “shifting the narrative” of African tourism.

Investments to advance Brand Africa  

Reflecting the importance of investments for advancing Brand Africa, the event also saw the official launch of the latest in UN Tourism’s series of Investment Guidelines. The latest publication, focused on Zambia, again provides vital information for international investors, identifying key areas of growth and other opportunities within Zambia’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Phuket, Thailand, July 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / L’Arôme By The Sea is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Chef, Adrien Delcourt. Adrien is a distinguished chef trained under the Robuchon system and a trusted protégé of Frederic Anton, with extensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. His impressive resume includes prestigious establishments such as Le Pré Catelan (three stars) in Paris, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (two stars), Le Jules Verne (one star) atop the Eiffel Tower, and L’Orangerie at Four Seasons George V (one star).

He served as the Executive Chef of the iconic Le Jules Verne, the fine-dining gem atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In 2019, Adrien earned his first Michelin star, and Le Jules Verne was awarded two stars this year.

Throughout his career, Adrien has honed his culinary skills under the mentorship of renowned chefs like Frederic Anton, Axel Menes, and David Bizet, developing a unique cooking style. He is a dynamic and experienced Chef de Cuisine with over a decade of experience in starred restaurant and hotel kitchens.

With a proven track record of managing kitchens and creating innovative, delightful dishes, Adrien specializes in developing seasonal menus and leading culinary teams in fast-paced environments.

Joining him is Manon Anton, our new restaurant manager at L’Arôme By The Sea. Together, Adrien and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and culinary excellence at L’Arôme By The Sea.

New Menu
Chef Delcourt and his team are delighted to debut the new “Vue Sur La Mer” menu on July 25th. The menu is a discovery of the exceptional cuisine from Adrien, which pays homage to the mentors throughout his career and celebrates the best seasonal produce which the sea has to offer. Diners are welcomed with a fresh infusion of hibiscus which not only opens but also refreshes the palates for what lies ahead.

The menu celebrates the beauty of the ocean with the net cast wide to select items such as: Japanese Sea-Urchin, Norwegian black Cod, Kaviari’s Oscietra Caviar however there is not only imported products as local rock fish forms the base of one gelee. Although there is a focus on seafood, diners are treated to a roasted pigeon, for the main, coming from Klong Pai farm in Thailand, those less adventurous may opt to change for a Japanese Wagyu beef.

The signature dish of Adrien’s menu is Langoustine Foie Gras, which shows a complex pairing between land and sea with a poached Atlantic Langoustine being served inside of a roti shell and pair with a delightfully creamy foie-gras jus. This dish shows off the key elements of Adrien’s culinary pillars: technique, savoir-faire and delicate balance.

Situated on the idyllic coastlines near Patong, L’Arôme By The Sea offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views with exquisite culinary creations. As the jewel of Phuket, our restaurant is the perfect escape for those
seeking a blend of gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and impeccable service. L’Arôme By The Sea specializes in delivering contemporary French dishes crafted from premium ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic dinner under the stars or hosting a special event by the water’s edge, our oceanfront setting provides a backdrop like no other.

Experience the best of Phuket’s dining scene at L’Arôme By The Sea, where every meal is a journey of flavors and every moment is a cherished memory. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure, where the rhythm of the waves complements the symphony of tastes on your plate.

About France Larome Group
Since its inception in Paris in 2014, France Larome Group has focused on operating forward-thinking, modern-style restaurants in the world’s most vibrant destinations, currently spanning France, China, Thailand, and Japan. Our flagship brand, L’Arôme, enjoys a reputation that extends to several cities in China. Notably, the Parisian branch Madame Fan and L’Arôme By The Sea in Phuket, Thailand, have both been featured in the Michelin Guide.

Recently completed projects in 2024 include the Chinese fine dining restaurant Madame Fan in Paris and Bistro Des Lettres in the Latin Quarter. Upcoming projects include Bon Pan Asian Tapas in the old town of Phuket, Bistro L’Arôme in Fukuoka, Bistro Des Symphonies in Paris, and Maison L’Arôme, which will offer a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea in Phuket, incorporating several concepts.

We are committed to using the highest quality ingredients from the best sources, meticulously telling the story of a specific time, place, culture, or cuisine. Whether it’s our high-end French fine dining or our bistro brands, we strive to deliver extraordinary and unique dining experiences.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has awarded Jane Park, Assistant Manager – F&B Revenue Management & Operations at Hotel ICON, the title of Face of the Future 2024. Additionally, two exceptional candidates have also been recognised in the categories of Sustainability Initiatives and Strategic Management.

Since 2002, the PATA Face of the Future award has been bestowed to enterprising individuals whose leadership shines through their involvement with tourism campaigns, or demonstrated commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in a spirit in line with the Association’s mission.

“The tourism industry must make a concerted effort in allowing the younger generation to be the thought leaders and permit them to shape the future of the travel and tourism industry, because, after all, they are the beneficiary,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, “In embracing this crucial mindset change, we acknowledge the significant roles of the next generation who are more tech-savvy, quality-conscious, well-informed, and environmentally responsible-minded which can help drive innovation to the next level. As a leader in the travel and tourism industry, PATA recognises the huge contribution that the future generation can bring to the table as we can adopt their thinking processes into our mainstream strategy. The PATA Face of the Future is undoubtedly crucial in our effort to move towards the future tourism economy.”

Mayur Patel, Head of Asia OAG Aviation and PATA Executive Board Member, had been invited to act as the Head Judge for this year’s PATA Face of the Future judging panel. Mr Patel himself was named the PATA Face of the Future in 2002, the first in a longline of celebrated rising stars in the tourism industry who reflected on the true value of this award throughout the decades.

“PATA has consistently led in human capital development and in recognising and nurturing young tourism professionals. We applaud your participation in this special award, which celebrates an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. As young leaders in this dynamic industry, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism, which evolves continuously with changing trends. Your passion and innovation are essential for driving the industry forward,” said Mr Patel.

Upon learning of her award, Jane Park remarked, “It is with great honour that I accept this prestigious award. Having graduated from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which is ranked number one in hospitality and tourism management in the world, gives me a strong sense of commitment to excellence, for myself and the team I work with, from the kitchen to the guest area. I see countless possibilities to inspire staff to find pride and joy in the hospitality industry through our single independent property, Hotel ICON. I thank PATA for giving independent property staff like myself a chance, as I believe this sends a strong message that even small changes can make a big impact”

Ms Park graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During her tenure in the Elite Management Trainee programme at Hotel ICON, she recognised that service staff are the essence of the hospitality industry, and their ability to deliver exceptional service is critical in fostering guest loyalty and enhancing brand reputation. To emphasise the significance of guest service, Ms Park successfully undertook two projects in collaboration with Hotel Executives at Hotel ICON, focusing on developing a revenue generation strategy and menu engineering for the Food & Beverage outlets.

In alignment with Hotel ICON’s philosophy, “We Love to Care,” Ms Park launched the Delight Your Guest programme, which enables staff at all levels to participate in the planning process and create memorable experiences for hotel guests. This programme has contributed to Hotel ICON being named the most reviewed hotel in Hong Kong SAR for 2022.

For her second project, Ms Park collaborated with the Director of Revenue and Marketing to develop a more sophisticated approach to planning, yield management, and forecasting for Food & Beverage operations. Implemented in April 2024, this new method has already led to an increase in market bookings despite challenging recovery conditions. By prioritising guest experience, fostering a collaborative environment, and promoting innovative revenue management strategies, Ms Park ensures that service staff can take pride in and derive satisfaction from their valuable contributions to the industry.

As the 2024 PATA Face of the Future, Jane Park has been invited to join the PATA Board, representing the youth community of the Association. Ms Park has also been granted full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2024, alongside other benefits as a winner.

This year, PATA has also awarded Amine Gabbouj, Coordinator of the IGLTA Foundation, recognition for Sustainability Initiatives, while Karnchana Phakpho, Chairperson of the International Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme at Bangkok University, received recognition for Strategic Management.

Amine Gabbouj is committed to promoting equality and advocating for LGBTQ+ tourism in developing destinations. In his role as the coordinator of the IGLTA Foundation, Mr Gabbouj channels his experience in international tourism management to foster transformative change within the industry.

Since founding the PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter in 2022, Karnchana Phakpho has devoted her efforts into guiding projects aimed at preserving environmental and tourism destinations. As chairperson and professor of the International Tourism and Hospitality Management Programme at Bangkok University, she continues to foster curriculum development and partnerships to ensure students excel in the industry.

List of the distinguished judges:

– Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG; and 2002 PATA Face of the Future
– Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Asia Travel Association
– Erica Wong, Head of Strategic Planning & Insights, Hong Kong Tourism Board
– Sangeetha Liyanapathirana, Manager – Health, Hygiene and Sustainability, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts; and 2023 PATA Face of the Future
– Paul Pruangkarn, Chief of Staff, Pacific Asia Travel Association

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.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand with a series of mouth-watering mooncake collections at its hotels and resorts, all handcrafted with exquisite ingredients and presented in beautiful gift boxes that reflect the grace and elegance of this meaningful time of year.

The culinary experts at nine hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket have created a selection of classic and contemporary mooncakes that can be enjoyed as a sublime snack or as the perfect present for friends, family and colleagues.

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok has unveiled its Signature Box with floral and bird patterns, or a Pastel Art Box designed by Arianna Caroli. Guests can discover traditional and signature flavors, including mandarin yuzu with macadamia nuts, and dark chocolate with Chanthaburi durian. Prices start from THB 1,088 for a four-piece of assorted classic.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok is revealing its artistic side this Mid-Autumn Festival with a selection of mouth-watering mooncakes at Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. Paying homage to the beauty and symbolism of traditional Chinese art, this exclusive collection is intended to foster a spirit of cultural connection. A four-piece box is priced at THB 1,388 net.

The St. Regis Bangkok invites you to step into a world of luxury with its “Exquisite Mooncakes” collection. Four exceptional flavors – durian & single egg yolk, lotus seed & single egg yolk, red bean & single egg yolk, and green tea with pistachio – will be presented in an elegantly crafted watch box. The early bird price is THB 1,688 net per box from now until 15 August 2024.

W Bangkok is celebrating the “Year of the Dragon” with a dragon-patterned travel box that contains a choice of traditional baked and “snowskin” mooncakes, with innovative flavors including durian, banoffee, chocolate chili, blueberry orchid tea and more! A box of four is priced at just THB 1,699 net for early bird orders from now until 31 August 2024.

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel is immersing its guests in “REN Mooncakes Radiance” with a choice of fantastic flavors, including durian paste & egg yolk, lotus seed paste & egg yolk, chestnut macadamia, and pandan custard with coconut. Available at Fei Ya restaurant, a box of four assorted is available at THB 888 net for early bird offer from now until 7 September 2024.

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse has collaborated with The Gallery, a local social enterprise, and Thai artists to craft its 2024 mooncake collection. Discover four distinct flavors, each inspired by one of the hotel’s restaurants, and presented in special boxes crafted using traditional Chiang Mai paper. Prices start from THB 1,288 net per box.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will tell the “Story of the Dragon” with its limited edition mooncake boxes. Five elegant giftbox options are available, featuring classic recipes and a trio of signature flavors: raspberry cocoa, green tea & pine nut, and custard & malted chocolate Rocher. Prices start from just THB 1,288 net for a box of four mooncakes.

Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with a delectable selection of mooncakes that embrace natural ingredients, including local durian. Two baked options – durian & melon seed and classic mixed nuts – will be available at Café 22, priced at THB 818 for a box of four.4

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town has unveiled an auspicious red box, adorned with natural motifs including birds and flowers. Four varieties – double egg yolk & sweet white lotus paste, red bean paste & goji berry, pandan lotus paste & melon seed, and green tea paste – have been selected for their health-giving properties. Prices start at THB 1,288 net.

Mooncakes are an inseparable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated all across East Asia on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. These tasty treats can be enjoyed as a delightful daytime snack with loved ones, accompanied by a pot of tea, or presented to friends, family, colleagues or business partners as an auspicious gift.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 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 award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.