Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid, Spain, January 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.

Middle East, Europe and Africa performed strongest in 2023

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways include:

• The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.
• Europe, the world’s most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
• Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and Americas reached 90%.
• Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-East Asia around 55%.

Available data shows several destinations, including both large, established destinations as well as small and emerging ones, reporting double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2023 when compared to 2019. Four sub-regions exceeded their 2019 arrival levels: Southern Mediterranean Europe, Caribbean, Central America and North Africa.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere. These numbers also recall the critical task of progressing sustainability and inclusion in tourism development”

International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023

The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.

• International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
• Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
• Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.

Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 65% in November, slightly above 62% in November 2022 (based on STR data).

Looking Ahead to 2024

International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks.

The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year. Key considerations include:

• There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.
• Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024.
• Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.
• Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024. In March, Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, and Paris will host the Summer Olympics in July and August.
• Strong travel from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.
• Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.
• Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice.
• Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labor to cope with high demand.
• The evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveler confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.

Encamp, Andorra, January 18, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainability and wellness will be two of the key elements of the debates at the 12th edition of the World Congress of Snow and Mountain Tourism, which this year includes, for the first time, the term wellness in its name, becoming the World Congress Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism and thus reflecting new trends.

The event, which will take place on March 20, 21 and 22, 2024 in Andorra, will feature more than twenty international speakers who will explore new trends in the sector, focusing on the offer of sustainable and wellness experiences.

● For the first time, the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism includes the term wellness in the name of the event, thus becoming the World Congress of Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism.

● The parish of Encamp will host this 12th edition of the Congress.

This edition expects the participation of more than 350 professionals from the tourism sector. Top-level professionals and multiple institutional representatives will debate, for two days, on issues such as sustainability as the development axis of the tourism sector, tourism diversification through the appearance of tourism products that respond to the new demands of future travelers, and technological transformation with a focus on AI applied to the tourism sector.

Organized by the Government of Andorra and the Comú (city council) of Encamp, together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Congress also has the support of the other municipalities of Andorra and of two main sponsors: Andorra Telecom as technological sponsor and Creand as financial sponsor.

Laura Mas Barrionuevo, senior consul of Encamp, the host parish of this edition, highlights the importance of hosting the Congress again at a time when the Comú is working intensely to diversify the economy, promoting investments and actions that help boost the tourism sector. “Encamp wants to be a leader in the modernization of the parish and in generating synergies between the public and private sectors to help achieve sustainable economic development.”

Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, recalls that mountain destinations must have a new perspective and innovative strategies to diversify and improve the quality and competitiveness of the tourist offer. For this reason, the Congress will propose strategies to find joint solutions that improve tourism quality. Other topics will be discussed, such as the effects and challenges generated by climate change, the global competition and the seasonality in mountain areas.

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, highlights the importance of focusing on sustainability in mountain destinations because of their vulnerability to the impact of climate change, and the need to support the development of an annual tourism that protects natural resources and empowers local communities.

The speakers and program for this edition will be published soon on the Congress website: www.mountainlikers.com

The value of sustainiblity and wellness in the touristic offer of mountain destinations

Changes in the market have demonstrated the importance given by today’s tourists to wellness experiences when choosing a destination. For this reason, the Congress will dedicate one of the four sessions to wellness tourism. The promotion and differentiation of mountain tourism, emerging tourism products and the education and training of professionals in the sector will be the themes discussed in the three other sessions proposed by the Congress.

World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism
The Congress is an initiative of the seven Communes and the Government of Andorra, together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of creating a forum for permanent debate on the development and sustainability of tourism in mountain areas. It is organized every two years: the first edition was held in 1998 in Escaldes-Engordany and since then, each edition is organized in a different parish.

Bangkok, Thailand, KJanuary 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sending out invitation to the world that Thailand and its people are always ready to welcome tourists with CARE, reflecting the kingdom’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN), officially rolled out the latest “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign to ensure that tourists from around the world enjoy seamless travel experiences and feel safe and welcome in Thailand.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign is an open communication with Thais and foreign tourists, especially those from China, which has been a key source market for Thailand. We want to share with the world Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise safety standards in the travel and tourism industry, as well as the kingdom’s endless charms as a desirable destination for tourists to come and enjoy memorable, meaningful travel experiences.”

Under the ‘Land of CARE’ concept, the ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors and strengthens the image of Thais as a good host for tourists.

CARE stands for: Compassion – reflecting the generosity of the Thai people; Assistant – referring to Thais as being a good host and are ready to help tourists when in need; Relief – indicating Thailand as a perfect holiday destination where tourists can relax and explore a wealth of enjoyable travel experiences; and Elevate – highlighting Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise tourism and safety standards.

TAT initially unveiled the campaign in December 2023 during the high-profile press conference, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, that highlighted the commitment from 12 public agencies to work together to facilitate the anticipated millions of travellers on the move in the festive season.

BureauColonel Somchai Theerapatrpaisan, Deputy Commander of General Staff Division, Tourist Police Bureau, said “The Tourist Police is set to step up the safety and security measures in a full effort by implementing technology to assist foreign tourists. This includes using a Tourist Police mobile truck to communicate with tourists and live broadcast the situation to the bureau of the Thai Tourist Police. Also, the ‘POLICE I LERT U’ application which offers several languages such as English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, German, and Arab helps connect foreign tourists with the 24-hour emergency centre 1155. This also serves as a coordinating centre for international organisations and embassies to provide immediate assistance to international tourists.”

Mr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Executive Vice President, Marketing at CPN, said “CPN is poised to become a comprehensive Tourist Hub. Therefore, we have strengthened the safety measures covering the entire department store by installing CCTV cameras and implementing a strict inspection of visitors and vehicles as well as bag checking at the entrance. Also, security guards have consistently been trained to tackle the emergency and unprecedented incidents.”

Mr. Worachat Luxkanalode, Country Head of Grab Thailand, said “Safety is our top priority to us. Grab has continuously developed technology to enhance confidence as well as all steps of passengers’ experiences such as implementing a strict partner driver selection system, using an AI-Powered Facial Authentication, arranging online training for driving safely, employing real-time trip monitoring featuring GPS to track vehicle, and providing a safety centre feature to share a real-time location and provide assistance in case of emergency. We hope that these features will strengthen the traveller’s confidence and shape the impressive experience of travelling in Thailand.”

The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign will involve bringing the leading international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and soft powers as well as reinforce Thailand’s image as a safe destination. The targeted audiences are local and foreign tourists including Chinese travellers. This campaign is expected to garner 100 million impressions.

Madrid, Spain, January 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has launched the world’s biggest digital hub for communities focused on rural tourism. The ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform will boost collaboration across the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, connecting around 200 rural destinations in every global region.

Empowering Village Connections

TourismConnectsRural is designed to facilitate internal communication, allowing villages to exchange experiences and insights, and take part in masterclasses focused on growing tourism as a driver of rural development. Key features of the platform include:

• Experience Exchange: Villages can share their unique experiences, insights, and best practices through the platform, or work together on specific topics creating a dynamic ecosystem of knowledge.
• Masterclasses: A comprehensive bank of masterclasses will allow villages to enhance their skills and sustainable tourism practices.
• Interactive Communication: The platform enables real-time interaction, allowing villagers to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and collaborate effortlessly.
• Event Hub: Villages can showcase their events and stay informed about special occasions, fostering a sense of community through the exchange of information.

Zorista Urosevic, Executive Director at UNWTO says: “UNWTO is empowering rural communities by providing a digital space where they can converse, collaborate, and collectively learn and contribute to the sustainable development of their regions. Communities in our Best Tourism Villages Network now have unprecedented access to a space where they can communicate, share, and learn from their counterparts globally.”

Bangkok, Thailand – January 11, 2024 – The Sukhothai Bangkok proudly announces its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility through the successful culmination of the “Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond” project, held on December 16-17, 2023. The hotel is delighted to share the news of extending support to nine endangered communities, marking a significant milestone in fostering positive change beyond its walls.

On this meaningful occasion, The Sukhothai Bangkok invites representatives from sponsors and communities to join in the distribution of funds raised. The ceremony took place on 11 January 2024 to directly benefit the deserving communities who stand to gain from the collective efforts made during the “Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond” initiative.

The Sukhothai Bangkok is elated to announce a substantial donation sum of THB 540,000 as part of its commitment to making a tangible impact on the communities in need. This substantial contribution is a testament to the hotel’s dedication to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Expressing gratitude to everyone involved in making this endeavor a success, The Sukhothai Bangkok extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible communities being assisted, the dedicated hotel staff, and the generous sponsors who rallied behind this meaningful cause.

Nine communities included:
• Koh Sarn Chao community
• Talad Noi community
• Charoenkrung 103 community
• Baan Bu community
• Talad Mod Tanoi community
• Nang Leong community
• Hua Takae community
• Lampoo Bangkasorb community
• Witchalai Learning Center

Together, this collective effort has made a positive impact that transcends borders and resonates with the spirit of unity. The Sukhothai Bangkok is committed to continuing this incredible journey, standing united with communities, sponsors, and stakeholders, in the pursuit of a brighter and more sustainable future.

About The Sukhothai Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok, a 210-room gem and a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, continues to garner accolades. Offering Thailand’s epitome of luxury, our ancillary facilities include the spa, a gym, and a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool. With modern meeting spaces and exceptional culinary encounters, we proudly stand as one of the Kingdom’s premier hospitality brands. Explore more at https://www.sukhothai.com/bangkok/en

Bangkok, January 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson unveils exclusive upcycled silk iPhone cases in collaboration with Revested Milano – a marriage of Thai tradition and Italian innovation. This pioneering alliance brings forth a sustainable premium line, showcasing the legacy of Thai silk-making and Italian design

Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia renowned for its exquisite Thai silks and “Beyond Silk” offerings, announces a ground-breaking collaboration with Italian fashion innovator Revested Milano. This partnership celebrates the launch of a unique line of iPhone cases, each crafted from upcycled Jim Thompson fabrics, embodying both sustainability and unparalleled craftsmanship.

In a bold move aligned with its international expansion, Jim Thompson has forged a collaboration that reflects a shared ethos with Revested Milano; a bond with their respective territories, a dedication to reviving and enhancing craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality. This collaboration seamlessly blends Thai silk tradition with Italian design ingenuity, utilizing silk in unconventional ways while paying homage to artistic, interior, and fashion influences. Revested Milano is the first brand to produce iPhone accessories in fine Italian fabrics, setting a new standard in premium tech accessories.

“Through our collaboration with Revested Milano, we are not only creating a product that stands out for its design and quality but also makes a statement about the importance of sustainability in fashion. These iPhone cases represent the innovative spirit of both brands and our dedication to preserving the environment,” said Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director at Jim Thompson.

Each iPhone case is a testament to the brands’ shared values; they are distinctly individual, with the placement of fabric patterns varying on each piece, ensuring exclusivity for the discerning customer. Echoing the approach taken with the Jim Thompson X Panpuri collection packaging, these products represent a responsible choice for consumers.

These silk-covered iPhone cases are tailored for the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max (Magsafe; 3 cameras) models and are available in two exquisite patterns, each inspired by the beauty of elephants. The ‘Baby Elephant’ theme set against a classic navy backdrop, features charming baby elephant silhouettes depicted in a variety of delightful poses. The second pattern showcases a ‘Raised Trunk Elephant’ motif in a vibrant yellow, where the elephant motif is repeated to create an engaging pattern that seems to dance across the case. Both patterns are a celebration of these magnificent creatures, offering not just protection for your device but also a statement of style. The cases are lined with a soft grey microfiber to ensure protection.

Andrea Bianconi, the visionary behind Revested Milano, has long been driven by an enduring passion for fashion, style, and the high standards of Italian craftsmanship. With a minimalist philosophy, he cherishes quality over quantity and his innovative spirit is fuelled by cutting-edge technology. His creations are a homage to Italy’s historical expertise in textiles, drawing inspiration from the renowned wool of Biella and the celebrated silks of Como. It is this reverence for heritage and commitment to sustainable innovation that has shaped Revested Milano’s ethos. Speaking on the collaboration with Jim Thompson he said, “This is not just about fashion or accessories; it’s about legacy, sustainability, and the art of surprise. We are thrilled to bring together the best of our worlds – the finesse of Thai silk and the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.”

This latest offering from Jim Thompson, in collaboration with Revested Milano, is more than a product; it is a narrative of shared history, creativity, and forward-thinking vision. The iPhone cases are available now, providing a tangible piece of art for those who appreciate the confluence of tradition and modernity.

About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, art collector, socialite, and entrepreneur who is recognized as the driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries. Today, Jim Thompson is the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand with a reputation for beautiful silks and “Beyond Silk”.

Madrid, Spain, January 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The recovery of the global tourism sector in 2023 and the good prospects for 2024 were the focus of the meeting held today between the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili, and the Minister of Industry and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain, Jordi Hereu.

During the meeting, the priorities of the sector for this year were also analyzed, identifying challenges shared by both entities, including, among others; innovation, education, as well as social and environmental sustainability. In short, tourism for development focused on people, the planet and prosperity.

At the meeting, the Spanish Minister also informed Secretary-General Pololikashvili of the progress of the construction of the future UNWTO headquarters, at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones in Madrid. The new building, which will replace the headquarters that have homed UNWTO for 50 years, will have an exhibition hall and three floors that will house the offices and other services.

This meeting comes just days before FITUR, a major meeting point, especially for the Spanish and Latin American tourism sector. This year’s FITUR brings together representatives from 160 countries.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Vietjet has been once again listed in the world’s safest airlines for 2024, the global airline safety and product rating website. In making its annual evaluation, AirlineRatings monitored 385 global airlines by considering the airlines’ incident records in recent years, fleet age, results of audits conducted by the governing body of aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other aviation authorities. Vietjet and other notable low-cost peers in the world have been honored in the top 10 for many consecutive years, rewarding their excellent performances in flight safety for flight crew and passengers.

AirlineRatings, Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said: “Vietjet’s dedication to maintaining a culture of safety across all aspects of operations is commendable, especially when it is actively expanding the flight network. The implementation of robust safety management system and strict compliance with international regulations have contributed to the airline’s excellent technical reliability indicators. This, in turn, ensures the highest level of safety for their operations in many years.”

AirlineRatings also rates Vietjet at seven-star level, the highest ranking for aviation safety in the world for many consecutive years since 2018.

Vietjet has continously added new aircraft to its modern and fuel-efficient fleet, with technical reliability at 99.72% among top operators in the region and the world. The airline is constantly investing into training, aircraft engineering and MRO services to ensure the highest standard in terms of safety and quality. In recent moves, Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) has officially become a training partner of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure high quality aviation workforce. In addition, Vietjet and Lao Airlines have joined forces to operate an aircraft maintenance center at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. This collaboration enhances the airline’s proactive approach to aircraft maintenance management.

AirlineRatings rates the safety, in-flight product, and has been used by millions of passengers from 195 countries and has become the industry standard for safety, product rating.

About Vietjet
The new-age carrier Vietjet has not only revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam but also been a pioneering airline across the region and around the world. With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations and performance, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers’ demands.

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnam’s largest private carrier, the airline was awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars in 2018 and 2019 by the world’s only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world’s 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in 2018 and 2019. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.

Geneva, Switzerland, January 12, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Architect and educator Diébédo Francis Kéré, Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme and Oscar-winning actor Michelle Yeoh, and producer, guitarist, composer and humanitarian Nile Rodgers are the recipients of the 30th annual Crystal Award, the World Economic Forum announced today.

The winners will be honoured at the opening session of the Forum’s Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, on the evening of Monday, 15 January. The award celebrates the achievements of leading artists who are bridge-builders and role models for all leaders of society.

The Crystal Award is presented at Davos each year by Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum. The cultural leaders receiving the 2024 Crystal Award were chosen for their ability to connect us to each other, help us reflect on the human condition and provide visions of the world that can cut through the limitations of short-term or linear thinking.

Diébédo Francis Kéré
Kéré receives the 2024 Crystal Award for his exemplary leadership in providing the Gando community with the means to create a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable future through projects that focus on education, health and the environment.

Kéré is a native of Burkina Faso and studied at the Technical University of Berlin. Parallel to his studies, he established the Kéré Foundation to support the development of his home village. In 2005, he opened the architectural office Kéré Architecture. His architectural practice has received national and international recognition, including the Pritzker Prize (2022), the Praemium Imperiale (2023) and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2004), awarded for his first building, the Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso.

Kéré has developed innovative construction strategies that combine traditional building techniques and materials with modern methods. His use of local materials, local knowledge and local technologies creates holistic and sustainable design solutions. He is currently working on the Benin National Assembly, the Goethe-Institut Senegal in Dakar and a mausoleum for Burkinabè revolutionary Thomas Sankara in Ouagadougou. He has held professorships at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Swiss Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. Since 2017, he is professor at TU Munich and Yale University (2019).

“I have witnessed the power of architecture as a tool for social transformation, from laying the bricks for a school building in my native Gando, to designing a new national parliament for Benin,” he said. “Regardless of wealth, we must be conscious of our environmental impact and strive to bring comfort and a sustainable future to all.”

Michelle Yeoh
For over four decades, Yeoh has built an iconic career that has made her one of the most prominent Asian actors in Hollywood. In 2023, she made history becoming the first actor of Asian descent to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has starred in over 60 films, including the James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies; Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Memoirs of a Geisha; Sunshine; The Lady; Crazy Rich Asians; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; and sci-fi franchise TV series Star Trek: Discovery. Through her work, she has challenged the traditional views of Asian women by creating strong female roles.

Appointed in 2016 as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the Sustainable Development Goals, Yeoh is committed to raising awareness and mobilizing support for the SDGs, sustainable fashion and disaster-preparedness. In addition, she is a strong advocate for road safety and has recently participated in a UN campaign #StreetsForLife with JCDecaux to raise awareness in response to the global road safety crisis.

Yeoh has visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China to help launch the Pandas for the Global Goals campaign and has collaborated with National Geographic to produce the documentary, Among the Great Apes with Michelle Yeoh, while emphasizing the importance of responsible consumerism and ethical business practices. Her appointment as a member of the International Olympic Committee in October 2023 has given her the power to promote global understanding and goodwill through sports.

“Our true identity as human beings lies not in our differences but in our collective ability to embrace and include every individual, regardless of their background or beliefs,” she said. “It is through this acceptance and unity that we uncover the essence of our shared humanity.”

Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers receives the 2024 Crystal Award for his extraordinary efforts to make the world a more peaceful, equal and inclusive place through his music, his exemplary commitment to fighting systemic racism, inequality and injustice, and by championing innovative youth voices to decision-making tables.

Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner, Apple Music Producer-in-Residence, Songwriters Hall of Fame Chairman, and Hipgnosis Songs Co-Founder. With CHIC, Rodgers pioneered a musical language with hits like “Le Freak” and sparked hip-hop with “Good Times” and “Rapper’s Delight”. His work in The CHIC Organization – including Sister Sledge (“We Are Family”) Diana Ross (“I’m Coming Out”), David Bowie (“Let’s Dance”) and Madonna (“Like a Virgin”) – has led to sales of 500+ million albums, while his Grammy Award-winning collaborations with Daft Punk (“Random Access Memories”) and Beyoncé (“Renaissance”) are at the vanguard of contemporary hits.

Rodgers’s activism began as a teen Black Panther in New York. He participated in Live Aid in 1985 and the Concert for Ukraine in 2023. After 9/11, he co-founded the We Are Family Foundation, promoting cultural diversity while empowering young people to change the world.

“My parents socialized me to care about people and give to others though we were ourselves financially poor,” he said. “When music gave me the opportunity to reach hearts the world over, I realized I’d been given a priceless gift. When I give that gift to others, I get back more than the wealthiest person on earth.”

Phuket, Thailand, January 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Having retired following 25 years with Banyan Tree Holdings, Ravi Chandran has never been busier. It is not exactly what was planned by the affable former chief executive of Laguna Phuket. But the explosion of growth post-Covid in the hospitality and real estate sectors combined with a savvy business reputation has had his phone ringing off the hook. So, what is he up to these days?

Your name seems to be popping up a lot again these days?

I have always been keen to make a positive contribution to society. This is really what drives me. My father, Cpt. Chandran MBE OBE was a passionate campaigner for social housing who spent his life trying to help those in need. Before he passed away, he set up the Chandran Foundation, which was his way of giving back and making a difference to people’s lives. Now led by my sister, Chitra, the foundation focuses on the welfare of young people in areas of education, nutrition and family. I have been a Special Project Manager for the Chandran Foundation for the last 15 months, and this has been a very rewarding and fulfilling time in my life.

So why did you step down after 25 years with Banyan Tree Holdings?

I loved my time with Banyan Tree Holdings and it was an honour to work directly with founder KP Ho. But after 25 years and Covid I just wanted to slow down a little and move away from the day-to-day. I enjoyed wonderful years with Banyan Tree and Laguna – and though the last two to three years were tough I am proud that we were central to supporting the “Phuket Sandbox” initiative and helping restart Thailand’s tourism industry upon which so many people depend.

After leading Asia’s top integrated resort destination how were you able to relax?

It was a strange experience to start with. After 25 years, I was not used to not working. But I tried to focus the things I never previously had time for. For six months I travelled, exercised and ate well. I am fortunate to live in Phuket, so I took long early morning walks every day, which helped to refocus. I thought I might be bored, but actually I wasn’t – I enjoyed this time immensely and had plenty to keep me busy. Most importantly, I was able to spend time with Waticha Chandran (Chon), my wife, as well as with my cats!

So how and why did you start working again?

Over the years I have been fortunately to make many good friends and it was through this that out of the blue came Urasaya Beachfront Residences, an eco-sensitive project at Sichon Beach in Nakhorn Si Thammarat province. A friend in the music business told me he was planning to develop a collection of high-end beachfront pool villas at Sichon Beach, a stunning sandy strip voted by Lonely Planet last year as one of Thailand’s best. Yet no one knows about it. The project is aimed at people who love Thailand, but want an escape from the main tourist areas. He invited me to visit, and I was sold. Sichon has so much potential; it feels like Thailand 30 years ago – peaceful, authentic, natural. Crucially, the development has coincided with the opening of a new international terminal at Nakhorn Si Thammarat Airport, which paves the way for an exciting new era of sustainable tourism in the province.

How about Phuket where you live?

Again, things have opened up as a result of friends and family. My wife knows the owners of Amora Hotels & Resorts, a family-run hotel group which operates six properties: three in Thailand and three in Australia. The young owner Earp Siriphatrawan contacted me for some help. We spoke and I quickly realised they share my own values; they value people and invest in their team members, many of whom have been with the group for decades. I have agreed to help them move from a traditional legacy hotel group to a modern hospitality company, with plans for expansion both in Thailand and Australia. This February will be the grand opening of Amora Beach Resort Phuket following a THB 500 million investment.

I hear you are also working in real estate – advising on a large 73 rai destination-wellness concept

That’s correct. I was contacted by a former colleague who asked me for some help. Gardens of Eden is an interesting project, a nature-inspired concept that blends wellness, luxury and sustainability. Located on Bangtao Beach, 70% of the total area will be retained as green space, setting a new benchmark for large-scale developments on the island. It is a project that will have a positive impact on Phuket.

So, what’s next?

I am happy enjoying what I’m doing at the moment, having the ability to pick and choose which projects to get involved with that are geared to making positive change. Plus of course enjoying family time.