Category: Latest Travel News

Paris, France, January 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Latest flight booking data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its knowledge partner ForwardKeys, shows France is set to keep its pole position as the world’s most popular destination for international arrivals this year.

The research reveals a positive outlook for France’s inbound travel, with arrivals set to almost reach pre-pandemic highs this year.

During her participation at the Destination France event taking place in Chantilly and hosted by President Macron, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, praised France for its steely focus in recognising the economic and cultural value Travel & Tourism brings in jobs and contribution to GDP. This is achieved through a strong private sector working well with government and the regions.

According to latest analysis from WTTC and ForwardKeys, the leading travel data and analytics company, international arrivals in France for the first half of 2024 are at 93% of the same period in 2019, with France cementing its position as the world’s most popular destination.

International arrivals to France are surging significantly in the first half of this year, providing a welcome boost to the sector, which, at its peak, contributed €220 billion to the national economy, and Travel & Tourism businesses up and down the country, supporting 2.7 million livelihoods.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “France’s commitment to Travel & Tourism is not just reflected in the impressive data, but in the unwavering efforts of the government.

“President Macron recognises the real value Travel & Tourism brings to France in terms of the economy, jobs and its standing on the world stage. His support has ensured France remains the world’s most popular destination.”

Research also shows that airlines are ramping up their capacity to match the growing demand from around the world, with the number of seats set to surpass 2019 levels this year.

Olivier Ponti, Vice President Insights at ForwardKeys, added: “With flight bookings on the rise and air carriers set to introduce a record number of seats, France enters 2024 in a strong position.

“Capitalising on the successful hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2023 and on the growing exposure provided by the upcoming Olympic Games, the country is set to be one of most thought-after destinations this year for both regional and long-haul markets.”

This rise in passenger capacity is led by Orly Airport, with an increase of 28%, reaching nearly eight million. Charles de Gaulle remains the busiest airport in France, to reach 18.5 million in the first six months of 2024, just 3% below 2019 levels.

Paris is the world’s most powerful city destination. According to accommodation data from WTTC Knowledge Partner, CoStar, occupancy rates in the French capital reached above 2019 level in the first half of 2023 for over half of hotel classes.

In 2024, other French cities are also going to be popular attractions for foreign visitors. Nice is among the top-performing European cities, with international arrivals expected to reach 94% of pre-pandemic levels.

France as a destination is becoming increasingly popular amongst Spanish and Canadian travellers, with international arrivals exceeding 2019 levels by more than 64% and 54%, respectively.

Irish and South Korean travellers are returning to France in their droves, with visitor numbers up from 2019 levels by 19% and 16%, respectively.

Travellers to France are also spending more money, with bookings of premium cabins witnessing a surge of 21% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of the year.

Last year, WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that the French Travel & Tourism sector is expected to grow at an average of 3% annually over the next decade, twice the 1.5% annual growth rate of the country’s overall economy, to reach more than €297 billion (9.7% of the total economy).

The forecast also revealed the Travel & Tourism sector in France, is expected to create more than 555,000 jobs in the next 10 years, averaging nearly 56,000 new jobs every year, reaching nearly 3.3 million employed within the sector by 2033.

Madrid, Spain, January 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / More than 2,500 hotels will benefit from this collaboration. The partnership aims to support common core principles in hotel sustainability, driving accommodation towards sustainable alignment. In a joint effort to promote sustainability in the Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Biosphere have inked a partnership to promote sustainability criteria in the hotel industry under the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative.

In the current landscape of globalisation and information saturation, where sustainability holds paramount importance, the proliferation of new standards and eco-labels poses a significant challenge for the sector. Identifying clear and consistent sustainability criteria has become increasingly difficult.

Biosphere and WTTC have joined forces and solidified their commitment to fostering a more sustainable hotel industry to establish fundamental steps for global sustainability practices,

This marks a significant milestone for global hotel sustainability, benefiting over 2,500 hotels.

As partners of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), both organisations are optimistic that standardising their sustainability concepts will undoubtedly catalyse widespread adoption by hotels worldwide.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Hotel Basics is a crucial and inclusive industry initiative, ensuring hotels continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of both travellers and the planet.

“The collaboration between Biosphere and WTTC is a fundamental step towards international standardisation in sustainability, creating a clear and homogeneous pathway for the industry.”

The recent signed agreement between WTTC and Biosphere will lay the groundwork for a network of international criteria homogenisation.

This initiative aims to facilitate the industry’s transition from basic criteria to more advanced global standards, aligning with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 goals of the United Nations. This connection is made possible through the Guide for Sustainable Tourism of UN-SDSN Spain and Biosphere.

Dr. Tomás de Azcárate Bang, President of the Responsible Tourism Institute, said: “Sustainability must be viable, understandable and achievable. This requires consensus and harmonisation of concepts, steps, and measures, which this agreement seeks to accomplish.

“The harmonisation of languages and processes will establish a more stable and defined international framework for all stakeholders aligning with sustainability models.

“This partnership signifies a milestone for the industry. By synching our approaches, we are paving the way for a rock-solid international playbook, inviting all players worldwide to align with sustainability models”.

This collaboration will result in the integration of the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics verification and the Biosphere methodology, creating the most comprehensive international framework for the sector, with a unified vision connected to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hotel Sustainability Basics emerged as a result of a clear demand from a significant group of global hotel brands to develop fundamental sustainability criteria that all accommodation providers must meet as a minimum, designed for the industry, by the industry.

Hotels, guest houses and tourist residences will be able to adopt the 12 criteria of the initiative, focusing primarily on the following main lines of action:

1. Measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, as well as reducing waste and carbon emissions
2. Fundamental actions to protect the environment.
3. Fundamental actions towards a positive contribution to the communities in which they are located.

Madrid, Spain, January UN Tourism has celebrated the first major tourism event of 2024, FITUR travel trade fair in Madrid, advancing its priorities for the sector for the year ahead.

Ahead of FITUR, UN Tourism – the new name for the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released its latest data. The first World Tourism Barometer of the year highlighted the sector’s recovery, with international arrivals back to 88% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2023. With full recovery expected in 2024, UN Tourism again served as the bridge between public and private sector leaders to build a more resilient and sustainable future.

Welcoming Leaders to UN Tourism

With the new UN Tourism name and logo officially announced to Members on the eve of FITUR, the Organization then welcomed a series of high-level visitors to its Madrid headquarters. The visit of the President of the Republic of Ecuador, His Excellency Daniel Noboa Azín underscored his country’s commitment to tourism as a source of growth and development, also reflected in Ecuador being the official partner country of FITUR 2024. Secretary-General Pololikashvili commended President Noboa and Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism Niels Olsen Peet, for making clear the role tourism can play in bringing hope and promoting understanding even in challenging times. In recognition of his leading role, President Noboa Azín was presented with an honorary UN Tourism plaque.

Within the framework of FITUR Secretary-General Pololikashvili also held bilateral meetings with the Ministers of Tourism of Albania, Argentina, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Gabon, Haiti, Jamaica, Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Tanzania, Jordan, Serbia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Focus on tourism investments

UN Tourism has identified investment as a key priority for transforming the sector. Within the framework of FITUR, UN Tourism hosted “Invest in Zambia”, bringing together public sector leaders from the country as well as from other African Member States, alongside high-level private sector representatives and investors.

Alongside this, UN Tourism further built on its partnership with the Investment Bank for Latin America (CAF). The two parties agreed to jointly publish “Tourism Doing Business” Investment Guidelines focused on Brazil, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico and Peru, while also re-launching the revised guidelines for investing in tourism in Ecuador.

Building a more ethical and sustainable sector

UN Tourism gathered together a number of signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. The side event reinforced the shared commitment to addressing climate challenges across the whole of the tourism sector, highlighting key challenges as well as opportunities to do better. Additionally, the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) formally welcomed its newest members, Nuevo León (Mexico) and Petén (Guatemala). They bring the global network to 44 members.

Also growing in size and impact is the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. UN Tourism welcomed three new private sector signatories, Piñero, Kuoni and Hotel Taimar to the Code, a comprehensive set of principles that helps to maximise the benefits and minimise the negative impacts that tourism development can have on the environment, cultural heritage and societies around the world.

Best Tourism Villages 2024 Launched

Continuing its work to grow tourism as a pillar of rural development, UN Tourism opened applications for the 2024 edition of its “Best Tourism Villages” initiative.

UN Tourism Member States are invited to submit up to eight candidate villages. Applications are open until 24 April 2024, with the selected villages announced in the third quarter of the year.

Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) takes place in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, from January 22nd to 27th, 2024, in conjunction with the popular Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) trade expo. The Forum includes a number of high-level activities, such as an ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting, an ASEAN NTOs meeting, airline meetings, press briefings, a tourism conference, and the trade expo.

ATF 2024 is themed “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future,” and aims to strengthen collaboration in further improving ASEAN tourism products to attract more international tourists. It also hopes to contribute more to community and to sustainability of tourism within the region, Lao News Agency (KPL) reported on Tuesday. This 42nd edition’s theme will be “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future.” A theme that symbolizes the host country’s and the ASEAN community’s dedication to upholding responsible tourism principles, such as reducing negative consequences and maximizing the benefits of tourism on the environment, society, culture, and economy.

ASEAN Tourism Forum is one of the most significant annual tourism promotional events in Asia, hosted on a rotational basis among the ASEAN member countries. With more than 200 international sellers, 200 international buyers and 50 hosted media, without a doubt, ATF is the biggest travel exchange in Southeast Asia.

The ATF 2024 is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates, including tourism ministers, officials, experts, media, exhibitors, and buyers. It will be a great opportunity for the ASEAN tourism industry to showcase its achievements, potentials, and challenges, as well as to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices. It will also be a platform for the ASEAN tourism community to strengthen its cooperation and partnership with other regions and countries, and to contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in the region and beyond.

The ASEAN Tourism Forum and TRAVEX 2024 brings together tourist sector stakeholders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) ten member states and its dialogue partners. The forum aims to promote ASEAN as a unified tourism destination, create cooperation and partnership between the public and private sectors, and improve the region’s tourism quality and sustainability. This event is regarded as Southeast Asia’s largest travel and tourist trade, bringing hundreds of sellers and buyers from diverse nations.

More details about ATF 2024 and full programme here: https://www.atf.travel/

Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 27, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism ministers from the 10 ASEAN member states met at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and agreed to enhance the region’s global competitiveness by promoting high-quality, responsible, and sustainable tourism practices.

According to Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister, Thailand surpassed other ASEAN nations in tourist arrivals last year, welcoming over 28 million visitors, a remarkable increase of 154% compared to the previous year. She elaborated that the influx of foreign tourists to Thailand in 2023 surged by 11.06 million to reach 28.09 million, marking a 153.94% rise from 2022.

In contrast, Vietnam, another popular tourist destination among ASEAN members, experienced a significant increase in tourist numbers, with 12.06 million visitors in 2023, reflecting a 344.2% surge from the previous year’s 3.66 million. Singapore recorded 12.37 million visitors in 2023, marking a 130% rise from 5.37 million in 2022. Cambodia and the Philippines also saw substantial growth, with tourist arrivals increasing by 139.5% and 105.38% respectively compared to the previous year. Brunei welcomed 82,109 tourists in 2023, a remarkable jump of 345.61% from 18,426 in the preceding year.

During her presentation, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), highlighted the significance of the ASEAN Tourism Forum as a pivotal platform for promoting ASEAN tourism. She emphasized the various components of the event, including meetings of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, a tourism conference, national tourism organization media briefings, and the TRAVEX trade show, in promoting ASEAN as a unique tourism destination globally.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, outlined TAT’s strategy to reinforce Thailand’s image as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. He emphasized efforts to enhance sustainability standards and leverage Thai cultural assets to offer enriching travel experiences.

The substantial increase in tourist arrivals across ASEAN countries in 2023 was attributed to the success of joint promotional campaigns by member states. The meeting also reviewed progress on ASEAN’s tourism recovery plan post-Covid-19, noting that 60% of the actions outlined in the ASEAN tourism strategic plan for 2016 to 2025 had been implemented or were in progress.

The ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan underscores the commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development among member countries, aiming for ASEAN to become a quality tourism destination offering diverse experiences by 2025. The meeting in Vientiane focused on measures to accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector, emphasizing cooperation among member states.

Looking ahead, the next ASEAN Tourism Forum is scheduled for January 25 in Johor, Malaysia under the theme “Unity in Motion: Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow.” This gathering will continue to steer the trajectory of ASEAN’s tourism industry towards robust, responsible, and sustainable growth.

Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Malaysia took center stage at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 (ATF2024) in Vientiane, Laos, promoting sustainable development, ecotourism, and community involvement. Their delegation, led by Tourism Secretary General Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, unveiled their vision for responsible tourism through a dazzling official opening ceremony and cultural dances by Istana Budaya.

As ATF2024 unfolded, Malaysia’s booth at TRAVEX, featured stunning eco-tourism attractions and traditional handicrafts by KARYANEKA, captivated visitors. Their focus resonated with the forum’s theme, “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future.”

Beyond promoting their own initiatives, Malaysia celebrated regional unity. In a stunning ceremony, officials from across ASEAN gathered to witness the official handover of the ATF2025 hosting duties to Malaysia. The event, characterized by vibrant cultural performances and warm diplomatic exchanges, served as a beacon of collaboration and shared future ambitions within the region.

The event, held in the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Laos, saw the presence of notable personalities, including Dato Sri Tiong King Sing JP, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture of Malaysia. Also among the delegates were Christina Gracia Frasco, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism of the Philippines, and Dr. They Thet Khine, the Union Minister of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar. Harry Hwang, the Director of the Regional Department of Asia and Pacific, was also in attendance, along with numerous other dignitaries representing various ASEAN nations.

Joining the Malaysian delegation were representatives from Perak Tourism, Melaka Tourism and Johor Tourism as well as local dignitaries, excellencies, media, and tourism industry players. Malaysia will officially become the next host for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, marking its return to hosting ATF since the last event in 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

The Malaysian delegation was led by Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, accompanied by Dato’ Dr. Ammar Bin Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; and H.E. Ambassador Edi Irwan bin Mahmud, Malaysian Ambassador to the Lao PDR.

Highlighting their commitment, Malaysia announced it will host the prestigious ATF2025, marking a return since 2014. This decision further confirms Malaysia’s role as one of the leaders in ASEAN tourism, exemplified by their dedication to showcasing their diverse offerings, from eco-tourism havens to bustling modern cities. The handover ceremony emphasized ASEAN’s unity and collaborative spirit for a bright future in tourism.

Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Captivating the delegates with performances of cultural splendor and unity at the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Vientiane, Laos. ATF 2024 is taking place from February 22nd to 24th, with the theme ‘Quality and Responsible Tourism,’ lights the way to sustain ASEAN’s vibrant future.

The opening ceremony was held at the Don Chan Palace Hotel in presense of the Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR, the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, Mrs. Suansavanh Viyaket among a large number of dignitaries from all ASEAN countries.

Her Excellency, Mrs. Suansavanh Viyaket, emphasized why Laos holds a special place as a preferred tourism destination, distinguishing itself with its breathtaking natural beauty characterized by lush jungles, serene rivers, and majestic mountain ranges. The country’s untouched and pristine environment appeals strongly to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Beyond its natural splendors, Laos is celebrated for the warm hospitality ingrained in its local culture. The Laotian people are renowned for their friendliness, warmly welcoming visitors and eagerly sharing their cultural traditions.

Moreover, Laos boasts a wealth of historical treasures, including the UNESCO-acclaimed town of Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars, and ancient temples like the revered Wat Phou. Each of these sites provides a window into the country’s rich history and heritage.

ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn delivered remarks during the Opening Ceremony and in his speech, Dr. Kao underscored the importance of ASEAN maintaining the positive momentum of progress in the development of the ASEAN tourism sector. He also highlighted that sustainable tourism development is crucial in the conservation and preservation of the environment, local culture and heritage, as well as in driving economic growth in the region.

Themed “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future,” the forum aims to strengthen collaboration in further improving ASEAN tourism products to attract more international tourists.

The Lao government expects to attract at least 2.7 million foreign tourists in 2024, generating about US$401 million in revenue. Foreign tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 2.9 million and generate an income of $434 million in 2025.

To fulfil the expectations, the Lao government is putting every efforts including infrastructure enhancement, tourism products diversification and service quality elevation.

In 2024, Laos will host a series of significant events, including the 44th and 45th ASEAN summits, and other ASEAN-related meetings. The country anticipates these events will further elevate its status as a prime tourist destination, drawing in more visitors and fostering international collaborations, said the report.

Vientiane, Lao PDR, January 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) officially opened the Travel Exhibition (TRAVEX) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024. This year’s event marks a significant step forward in revitalizing ATF, and ASEANTA is committed to working with partners to make it a truly successful platform for the region’s tourism industry.

A Strong Partnership for a Brighter Future

ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga emphasizes the importance of collaboration in this endeavor. He expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR for their invaluable support in organizing TRAVEX 2024. This strong partnership, along with the expertise of event organizer MP Singapore and media partner Travel Weekly Asia, aims to address past challenges and ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all participants.

Soemawilaga acknowledges that change takes time, but he is confident that this year’s event represents a positive step towards a more robust and rejuvenated ATF. He stresses ASEANTA’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to build a brighter future for tourism in the region.

Welcoming Industry Leaders and Boosting Engagement

TRAVEX 2024 welcomes over 200 delegates, representing 105 companies from across the ASEAN region. Additionally, 70 buyers, 26 media representatives, and 130 trade visitors are poised to participate in this vital annual gathering.

In line with ATF’s objectives, TRAVEX provides a platform for knowledge sharing, industry discussions, and the development of collaborative initiatives to drive the growth of ASEAN tourism. This year’s event features an expanded two-day ASEAN Tourism Conference with 34 distinguished speakers, all focused on the theme of “Quality and Responsible Tourism – Sustaining ASEAN Future.”

Appreciation and Optimism for the Future

ASEANTA expresses sincere gratitude to the Government of Lao PDR, MP Singapore, and Travel Weekly Asia for their contributions to TRAVEX 2024. The organization is confident that with continued collaboration and a focus on quality and sustainability, ATF can be a powerful force for the future of ASEAN tourism.

Madrid, Spain, January 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era today with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability with:

• Member States – both as recipients of its services, assistance and as active stakeholders in the Organization’s Programme of Work.
• Individuals – specifically travelers and local communities whose lives flourish through the empowerment of the economy through tourism.
• Private, semi-private, and public organizations – all engaging with UN Tourism’s work, including its data and insights, events and products.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, said: “As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism. The organization takes on the role of driving a sustainable force that is now central to many economies.”

Borja Borrero, Executive Director at Interbrand, said: “Transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism marks a significant new phase for the organization. The revised nomenclature offers several advantages, including simplicity, enhanced comprehension, improved legibility and memorability. It also serves to clarify the agency’s sphere of influence within the global tourism industry. The new elements of the brand are the foundations of a distinct and proprietary image – one that is direct, relatable, and relevant for diverse audiences.”

The new brand expression is not only limited to words and messages but also expands into a reinvented visual discourse. UN Tourism has a new design language starting from its symbol. “Bringing the world closer” is the new tagline that inspires the concept of a Pangea shaping a human figure in action.  This drastic evolution from the former globe symbols reflects the Organization’s emphasis on the dynamic nature of tourism and on putting people first.

Beyond the symbol, the rebrand also includes a revamp of the entire visual system, which is now based on a grid of geographical coordinates meant to help people navigate the brand’s touchpoints, both offline and online, such as events, website, reports, social media channels and campaigns. This system unlocks a rich universe of elements including imagery, fonts, colors, and pictograms all designed to personalize social media campaigns, events, posts, and videos.

The new brand will be gradually implemented across all UN Tourism touchpoints over the next few months, beginning with digital channels such as the website, social media accounts and newsletters, followed by physical spaces such as offices and events, and elements such as reports and stationary.

Bangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In an exclusive collaboration between celebrated Mexican chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano together with chef Alonso Luna Zarate and Parisian caviar house Kaviari, Ojo at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is throwing an exclusive caviar-focused five-course dinner on Thursday, 8th February 2024.

Nestled in the heart of Paris, Kaviari is one of the world’s leading caviar houses. With a legacy rooted in the splendor of wild Iranian caviar, the family-run company offer only the best caviar sourced from around the globe. The night will start with a tasting round, where the prized ingredient will be served on its own as caviar bumps or with classic accompaniments. In the five-course dinner that’s to follow, Ojo’s Chef Paco Ruano and Chef Alonso will use Kaviari’s precious pearls to enhance traditional Mexican flavors, each dish paired with Aqua Panna or San Pellegrino water.

The opening set is a duo of Macadamia Tartlet with smoked cream, salsa de uña, Kristal caviar and nasturtium, and Tostada Huevona with A4 wagyu beef tataki, pickled chanterelles, Baeri caviar and chili ponzu. Next, guests will be served an elevated version of Mexican street-food favorite, Sope, made with bluefin tuna, ant eggs, burnt avocado, Oscietra caviar and epazote herb, followed by the delectable Uchepo Young Corn Tamal with stracciatella cheese, fresh cream, salsa roja and Kaviari’s buttery Transmontanus caviar obtained from white sturgeon. Grilled Turbot with atole-dashi sauce, Oscietra caviar and garlic flowers completes the savory part, while Platanos con Crema provides a sweet finale of grilled banana, palm sugar, fresh cream and dried and pressed Kaviari en Barre roe.

The Ojo X Kaviari dinner will take place at Ojo on 8th February from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm. The price of a five-course set menu is THB 5,500++ per person, including Aqua Panna or San Pellegrino water pairings and a gift of mother-of-pearl caviar spoons from Ojo. Champagne pairing is available at a surcharge.

For more information, please visit https://ojobangkok.com/happenings/. To make a reservation, please call +66 2 085 8888

About The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon:
Bangkok’s spirit of innovation and unconventionality made the Thai capital the perfect locale for our Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Located in one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the 155-room hotel is already a landmark. With rooms ranging from 40 sqm to a sprawling 144 sqm penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness center and spa, meetings rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a fit for any traveler, at any time of day or night. There’s the Parlor, the hub of the hotel for check-in and out, cocktails, work or lounging, the eclectic and unexpected Tea Room, American steakhouse classics at The Standard Grill, a new craft beer bar, Double Standard and award-winning Chinese cuisine, sparkling ambiance and impeccable wine list by Mott 32, and two remarkable sky-high dining experience from Ojo a Mexican-inspired restaurant directed by one of the finest chefs in Mexico to Sky Beach the highest alfresco rooftop bar in Bangkok.

About Standard International:
Standard International is the parent company of The Standard hotels. Created in 1999, The Standard hotels are known for their pioneering design, taste-making clientele, and unrelenting un-standard-ness. Launched originally in Hollywood, The Standard has now opened properties in marquee locations across the globe including in New York, Miami, London, the Maldives, and Hua Hin, The Standard, Ibiza and the brand’s Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Standard hotels in Lisbon, Milan, Melbourne, Singapore, Dublin and Brussels are under development. The goal of every Standard project—be it a city hotel, a seaside resort, or a rooftop bar—is to defy convention, up the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that only The Standard can. The Standard’s unconventional and playful sensibility combined with careful consideration of design and service details, have established its reputation as a pioneer in hospitality, travel, dining, and nightlife. Standard International also owns a majority stake in the Bunkhouse Group and The Peri hotels.