Category: Latest Travel News

Phuket, Thailand, June 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort is thrilled to announce a culinary extravaganza featuring the acclaimed Chef Fabio Genghini, whose diverse and rich culinary journey spans over two decades and multiple continents. Chef Fabio will be joining us as a guest chef for two weeks from 2nd July 2024 till 13th July 2024, bringing his global expertise and distinctive Italian flavors to our esteemed guests.

Talented Italian Chef Fabio Genghini comes to Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort at Portofino for an exclusive 2-week residency, bringing culinary magic and distinctive Italian flavors to our esteemed guests.

Hailing from his hometown Rome, Chef Fabio’s culinary journey has taken him from the heart of Europe to the vibrant landscapes of Tuscany, and the vibes of London, Malta, the exotic allure of the Middle East, in Dubai and Doha and the enchanting flavors of Asia. With almost a decade within Marriott branded hotels, including esteemed roles at Westin Doha, Sheraton Dubai, and Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok, Chef Fabio brings a global perspective and a wealth of experience to the Pre-opening Marriott Khao Lak kitchen.

Chef Fabio’s passion for cooking ignited during his youth in Rome where he spent his early years on the Tuscany border. His first inspiration came from his grandmother, who introduced him to the joys of fresh, home-cooked meals. Accompanying her to local fresh markets and witnessing her dedication to crafting delicious dishes from scratch.

Chef Fabio states, “I bring modern techniques to the heritage of Italian cuisine, emphasizing ingredients and herbs used in the past, respecting nutrients in a standout of flavors and shines.” His approach seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering dishes that are both nostalgic and contemporary.

Moreover, Chef Fabio’s visit promises to be an extraordinary culinary experience that blends traditional Italian flavors with modern techniques and global influences. His dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to cooking will undoubtedly delight and inspire our guests. This two-week event is not just about enjoying exceptional food; it’s about experiencing the passion and artistry that Chef Fabio brings to every dish. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that celebrates the best of Italian cuisine at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.

Join us for an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and create unforgettable memories.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Chananchida (Bella) Narongkool
Assistant Director of Marketing Communication
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort
Tel: +66(0) 621519936
Email: Chananchida.Narongkool@lemeridien.com

Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Culture-Department of Cultural Promotion, and B. Grimm Group Ltd., will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7th, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, with Principal Clarinet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Andrew Simon performs Mozart’s Clarinet concerto in honour of Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana.

The programme will begin with Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No.1. Composed in 1901, it is the first and most well-known of five marches by Elgar bearing the title “Pomp and Circumstance”, taking their title from a speech in Act 3 of Shakespeare’s Othello. The first March is best known for its trio section, adapted into the popular anthem ‘Land of Hope and Glory’; regardless, the entire march is triumphant and iconic.

This is followed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622. Mozart was the first composer to realise the expressive qualities of the clarinet. Mozart’s writing shows great sensitivity to the character and limitations of the instrument and the relationship of the solo part to the orchestra to allow for breathing and phrasing. It was his last instrumental work, and it survives only in an adaptation by its original publisher. The orchestra, as well as having the customary strings, has flutes, bassoons, and horns without oboes, producing a gentle sound, achieving the effect of support without drowning the soloist. It is generally considered to be Mozart’s best wind concerto.

This work will be performed by soloist Andrew Simon, whose international career was launched by his critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut. The first American-born artist with a career spanning three decades, highlights include over 70 solo performances with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, appearances in 23 Japanese cities, continental premieres of the original version of Copland’s concerto in Australia and Asia, and his Singapore Symphony and New Zealand orchestral debuts performing Mozart’s concerto in its original version on basset clarinet.

To end the performance, the RBSO, with almost a hundred musicians, will play a piece by Gustav Holst: The Planets. The size of the Orchestra is required to match the grandeur of the Planets piece. It is a legendary seven-movement orchestral suite in which each movement takes you through an auditory journey with the planets of the Solar System and their corresponding astrological character. Holst began composing The Planets in 1914; his music-centric spatial explorations may not be scientific, but they are brilliant, dramatic, and picturesque enough to create celestial harmonies.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor: https://www.thaiticketmajor.com/

Bangkok, Thailand, June 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the ratification of the new PATA Executive Board. Peter Semone has been formally endorsed and will serve as the Chair of the Association’s Executive Board for a consecutive second term.

Following his appointment, Mr Semone said, “It is an honour to be elected by members of the PATA Board of Directors to lead the Association for a second term. Thanks to the strong commitment of the Secretariat staff and outgoing Executive Board members, over the past two years significant progress has been made in regard to PATA’s finances and management. Much work remains to be done and I am confident that the new Executive Board will rise to this challenge.”

Mr Semone is a leading tourism development expert specialising in the Asia Pacific region. He has served in leadership roles for international donor funded projects in Timor-Leste, Lao PDR and Vietnam and is frequently called upon as a short-term expert for UN Tourism and the Asian Development Bank. He is the founder of the internationally acclaimed Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) vocational school. After graduating from Ivy League colleges (UPENN and Cornell), he resided in Indonesia in the 1990s where he established several tourism enterprises and served as an expert tourism adviser to the Government of Indonesia. Mr Semone is widely published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to tourism marketing and destination human capital. He has also authored tourism policies, strategies and action plans for destinations at regional, national and municipal levels. In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time with his family in Bali and California.

During the 73rd PATA Annual General Meeting on Friday, June 7, 2024, PATA also ratified Suman Pandey, President of Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, as the new Vice Chair, and Luzi Matzig, Chairman of Asian Trails Ltd., as the new Secretary/Treasurer of the Association.

Suman Pandey is a well-known figure in Nepalese Tourism and President of Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, a well-known name for diverse and innovative operations. He is also the CEO of Fishtail Air, a Nepalese helicopter company; Director of Summit Air, a fixed wing operator catering to tourists going to the Mt. Everest area; Director of the biggest business complex in Nepal, “Chhaya Centre”, a multi-faceted Mega Complex that includes a five star managed by Starwood under the “Aloft” brand; President of the Himalaya Academy of Travel and Tourism, an academy imparting tourism related vocational trainings, and President of Himalayan Pre- Fab Pvt. Ltd, a company specialising on making eco-friendly prefabricated homes.

His remarkable contributions in the Nepalese Tourism Industry have made him eligible for various titles and decorations including “Suprasidha Gorkha Dakshin Bahu” from the King of Nepal in 2004; “Tourism Icon” by the Nepal Association of Tourism Journalists in 2018; a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by tourism publication Gantabya Nepal in 2017; “Tourism Man of the year” by Gantabya Nepal in 2010; and a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for contributions in tourism by the “American Biographical Institute” (ABI) based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA in 2008, to name a few.

Luzi Matzig began his career with Swissair ground operations in Zurich, Switzerland, and had subsequent postings in London and Berne. In 1971, he moved to Thailand and worked for Diethelm Travel in Bangkok, rising to General Manager and later Group Managing Director overseeing operations in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Yunnan/China. In September 1999, he founded Asian Trails Ltd. and is currently the Chairman. The Asian Trails Group now operates 33 offices with over 500 staff across Thailand, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam.

In addition to managing Asian Trails, Mr Matzig is involved in the cruise and hotel industries, with ventures including Cruise Asia Ltd., Paradise Ko Yao Resort, Treehouse Villas, Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort and Spa, Paradise Beach Samui Resort, SUNSET HOUSE, and the Royal Sands Koh Kong Resort. He established VIP Jets Ltd. for executive air transport in Asia. Mr Matzig serves on the Board of the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, where he was President for 2.5 years, and has held leadership roles in the PATA Thailand Chapter.

Members of the Executive Board for this term include Ben Montgomery, Director of Business Relations Management, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand; Henry Oh, Chairman, Global Tour Ltd., Korea (ROK); Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Convention Bureau, Malaysia; Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore; Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam; and SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Private Limited, India.

Additionally, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid remains on the Executive Board as an Ex-Officio member.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, launches ‘Teeshot Bar’ at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The first innovative sports simulator bar with entertainment in a hotel features interactive golf and football sports programming, a karaoke area and a counter bar with a diverse selection of food and beverages. It offers an engaging hub for virtual sports, entertainment, deliciousness, and fun leisure, all within a luxury lifestyle neighborhood in Bangkok’s CBD, Sukhumvit Road. Designed under the concept ‘Sport Innovative: A Hidden Square Venue,’ this state-of-the-art facility caters to business travelers, leisure seekers, families and activity enthusiasts. It also serves as a space for corporate creative activities and fun meetings. The ‘Teeshot Bar’ will redefine the MICE business at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, offering a comprehensive experience, aims to position Bangkok as a world-class destination.

• Teeshot Bar is created under the ‘Sport Innovative A Hidden Square Venue’ concept, fostering a dynamic environment that encourages joyful gathering with physical activity by integrating cutting-edge technology and social lifestyle through sport and entertainment.

• Teeshot Bar’ enhances the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel’s reputation as a premier MICE destination in Bangkok, offering comprehensive amenities and top-notch entertainment.

Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, said “We are delighted to introduce ‘Teeshot Bar’ at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, the newest integrated innovative sports simulator in the heart of Bangkok. Teeshot Bar is more than just a state-of-the-art sports simulator, it is a vibrant hub that combines sports activities with fun, delicious dining, and relaxation, offering a superior and healthy lifestyle experience within the hotel. This hub is designed to create memorable experiences and forge connections among travelers. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, located in the heart of the luxury lifestyle neighborhood of Phrom Phong in Bangkok’s CBD, is a prime destination for global travelers and businesspeople. With the potential to significantly elevate the Thai tourism industry, AWC is confident that the ‘Teeshot Bar’ will introduce a unique and innovative new dimension to the hotel by offering sports entertainment and a vibrant mix of creative activities, it is poised to bring joy and warmly welcome travelers from around the globe.”

Mr. Simon Bell, General Manager of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, said “The launch of ‘Teeshot Bar’ adds a unique touch to Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, elevating the overall experience to satisfy all guests, from retail to MICE delegates. Featuring state-of-the-art sports bar simulators, karaoke area, counter bar and large LED screens for watching sporting events and hosting various social activities, along with the hotel’s renowned food and beverage services, it promises to fully integrate the needs of our guests. Our goal is to provide a memorable and superior experience with comprehensive services, everything under one roof. This supports the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in becoming a premier tourist destination with world-class services, right in the heart of Bangkok.”

At Teeshot Bar, guests are invited to immerse themselves in an unparalleled sports and entertainment experience. Our cutting-edge golf and football programming includes engaging mini-games, virtual tournaments and skill-testing football challenges with various game scenarios. For those who love to sing, our karaoke area provides the perfect spot to belt out favorite tunes with friends. The counter bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, beer and fine wines, with an LED widescreen enhancing the ambiance, making it an ideal backdrop for watching major sports events and hosting social gatherings. Our diverse menu of international premium F&B options features snacks and pizzas, including highlights like mini hamburgers, loaded fries with satay sauce, mayo, chopped onions and Margherita pizza with fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella. Teeshot Bar caters to diverse needs, from business meetings, casual business talks, sophisticated co-working lounge to a vibrant sports entertainment.

The Tee shot Bar, designed with the inspiration to create a dynamic and immersive environment that encourages movement and innovation. Seamlessly integrating technology and social lifestyle, this space features fluid lines and geometric shapes, with a curved bar and angular accents that mirror the fluidity of movement and the aesthetics of sports equipment, while the color palette combines bold hues to evoke energy and passion, balanced by warm and calming grays and whites. Moreover, technology is deeply integrated into the space, featuring virtual reality simulators and golf swing motion capture systems that track movements and provide feedback for improvement and smart lighting with an infinity mirror of fiber optics. Enhancing the overall experience while reducing environmental impact, sports simulators offer an eco-friendly alternative, making the sport more sustainable and accessible for everyone.

“This innovative venue elevates the traveler experience to new heights and underscores our commitment to making Phrom Phong and Sukhumvit areas become the ultimate destination for unforgettable lifestyle experiences. It serves as a premier hub for sports enthusiasts, corporate team-building activities, meeting and social gatherings, further solidifying Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s status as a leading MICE hotel in Bangkok. We believe that Teeshot Bar will attract a diverse range of travelers, contribute to the local economy and reinforce Thailand’s reputation as a global tourism destination,” concluded Mrs. Wallapa.

‘Teeshot Bar’ is located on the M floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and is open from 10:00 AM to midnight.

For reservations, please contact: Email: restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com Tel: +66 2 059 5555

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, InterContinental, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, Phenix, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the reConcept, The GALLERY and other

Bangkok, Thailand, June 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / TOP25Restaurants.com, the world’s first organization to use artificial intelligence (AI) to curate and recognize the finest dining establishments across the globe, is thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated list of the top 25 restaurants in Bangkok for 2024. This year marks a new and highly updated edition of the prestigious ranking, a testament to our commitment to celebrating culinary excellence in Bangkok.

The top spot was taken by restaurant POTONG, a Thai-Chinese fine dining restaurant by chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, followed closely by Côte by Mauro Colagreco at Capella hotel and helmed by chef Davide Garavaglia, in third Baan Tepa, the new two-star Michelin restaurant and in fourth came the internationally acclaimed restaurant SORN where Chef Ice serves unmatched Southern Thai food. Seven restaurants were newly awarded and included in the TOP25, among Embassy Room offering the first Catalan Culinary Experience in Bangkok, Chai Jia Chai, a premier modern Cantonese omakase restaurant and restaurant ÎNT surprising guests with progressive Thai, 13-course tasting menu.

Founded by Bernard Metzger, the visionary behind the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series said; “In 2018, when we launched TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok as the world’s first AI-powered restaurant guide our aim was transform how we discover and celebrate exceptional dining experiences. There was no Chat GPT and few people had even heard of AI, artificial intelligence; the goal was to publish a guide that is more dynamic, comprehensive, and objective than any other.”

The TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2024 event took place on June 10, 2024, at the luxurious Park Hyatt Bangkok hotel.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the award certificate to each of the top 25 restaurants Bangkok award winners. These elegant certificates featured the restaurant’s name and its 2024 rank and were personally presented by Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and South Pacific) at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Mr. Noor Ahmad Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). This added a touch of distinction to the evening, underscoring the significance of this recognition.

THE TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok 2024 –
Ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index ( www.top25restaurants.com/thailand/bangkok/ )

1. Potong
2. Côte by Mauro Colagreco
3. Baan Tepa
4. Sorn
5. Embassy Room
6. Mezzaluna
7. INDDEE
8. Chef’s Table
9. Savelberg
10. Sühring
11. Gaa
12. Chai Jia Chai
13. Maison Dunand
14. Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu
15. R-Haan
16. Sushi Masato
17. IGNIV
18. Le Du
19. Juksunchae
20. Khaan
21. Blue by Alain Ducasse
22. Resonance
23. CLARA
24. ÎNT Restaurant
25. Mia

For the first time, Travelindex Group introduced the TOP25 Restaurants Special Awards to honor not only the top 25 winners but also excellence in culinary heritage, groundbreaking innovation in the restaurant industry, and a young rising star chef.

The winners of the special awards are:
• PerfectCheck received the Restaurant Industry Innovation Award
• Chef Goji Kobayashi, Chef-Owner at Sushi Kuuya received the Young Rising Star Chef Award
• North Restaurant, was awarded the Culinary Heritage Excellence Award

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 25 winners and special award recipients and express our gratitude to the culinary community in Bangkok for their unwavering dedication to the art of gastronomy. Your passion and creativity continue to inspire and delight.

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex:
TOP25 Restaurants is the World’s First AI-Powered restaurant guide. It is the only independent, global rating system based on artificial intelligence enhanced by human expertise and discernment. This dynamic synergy not only ensures unparalleled accuracy but enriches the curation process with a depth of understanding and nuance unparalleled elsewhere. The annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards celebrates the most outstanding restaurants and showcases the ultimate collection of dining venues in each destination. TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers and tourists. In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex Group also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Shanghai, Delhi and Dubai. www.top25restaurants.com

Visit us online for more information about Travelindex and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter and YouTube.

About Park Hyatt Bangkok
Park Hyatt Bangkok is a Tranquil Oasis above Bustling Bangkok. Centrally located in the heart of the Thai capital’s central business district. Featuring contemporary architecture matched by luxurious residential interiors, expertly curated art, world-class food and wine, and refined service, all coupled with a promise to offer unique Thai experiences that reflect the country’s rich culture, gracious hospitality, and colorful lifestyles. The hotels interior design brief – to create a sophisticated private residence and sanctuary reflecting Thailand’s rich culture – was eloquently executed by New York- based Yabu Pushelberg, who also served as the designers of the brand’s flagship Park Hyatt New York hotel. This is the award0winning design duo’s first hotel in Bangkok, and they have created a calm and stylish environment unfolding through a series of unique and intimate spaces.

About PerfectCheck
PerfectCheck transforms restaurants revenue and profit optimization. PerfectCheck is a cutting-edge, plug-and-play tool designed to give restaurant professionals a clear view of their business performance. The innovative modules let restaurant owners visualize key metrics, optimize table occupancy, enhance menu offerings, and improve server performance – all without manual data analysis. Seamlessly integrating with the POS and Table Management systems, PerfectCheck provides accurate forecasts and actionable insights. Focus on running your restaurant while PerfectCheck maximizes your profitability. www.perfectcheck.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Nicole Lim
Content Editor & Media Relations
TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok
e: media@top25restaurants.com

Bangkok, June 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / On 10th June 2024, Travelindex will announce the winners of its TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2024, highlighting the favourite restaurants that illustrate why the Thai capital is a favourite dining destination for gourmets and gourmands.

The 2024 Awards presentation will be held at the prestigious Park Hyatt Bangkok. It’ll be the first time, TOP25 Restaurants is Introducing Special Awards to recognize more efforts in the restaurants and hospitality sector. Among the introduced Special Awards there will be the “Young Rising Star Chef Award” and the “TOP25 Restaurants Industry Innovation Award”.

“We are eager to share the 2024 Award Winners in Bangkok, said Bernard Metzger, Founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide and Award series. Bangkok’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served in the Thai capital. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and can’t wait to reveal some new discoveries.”

On the day, we’ll find out who are the TOP25 Restaurants in Bangkok as well as who the Chefs are behind this fabulous recognition. The list of the awards winners and also all nominated and recognized restaurants will then be available online.

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are AI-powered and based on the Travelindex owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index”. The multi-tier rating model combines the power of crowd wisdom (social media and review sites) with artificial intelligence behavioural algorithms enhanced with guidance and expertise from on-the-ground experts, making it a true and objective curation and measuring standard.

The Restaurant Rating Index is a recognised benchmark for rating quality restaurants; chefs strive to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it increases the restaurant’s reputation and draws in more customers. All the restaurants listed provide an unforgettable dining experience.

To view all Bangkok Restaurants Nominees, please click here…

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex
TOP25 Restaurants is the World’s First AI-Powered restaurant guide. It is the only independent, global rating system based on artificial intelligence enhanced by human expertise and discernment. This dynamic synergy not only ensures unparalleled accuracy but enriches the curation process with a depth of understanding and nuance unparalleled elsewhere. The annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards celebrates the most outstanding restaurants and showcases the ultimate collection of dining venues in each destination. TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers and tourists.
In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex Group also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Shanghai, Delhi and Dubai. www.top25restaurants.com

About Park Hyatt Bangkok
Park Hyatt Bangkok is a Tranquil Oasis above Bustling Bangkok. Centrally located in the heart of the Thai capital’s central business district. Featuring contemporary architecture matched by luxurious residential interiors, expertly curated art, world-class food and wine, and refined service, all coupled with a promise to offer unique Thai experiences that reflect the country’s rich culture, gracious hospitality, and colorful lifestyles. The hotels interior design brief – to create a sophisticated private residence and sanctuary reflecting Thailand’s rich culture – was eloquently executed by New York- based Yabu Pushelberg, who also served as the designers of the brand’s flagship Park Hyatt New York hotel. This is the award0winning design duo’s first hotel in Bangkok, and they have created a calm and stylish environment unfolding through a series of unique and intimate spaces.

About PerfectCheck
PerfectCheck transforms restaurants revenue and profit optimization. PerfectCheck is a cutting-edge, plug-and-play tool designed to give restaurant professionals a clear view of their business performance. The innovative modules let restaurant owners visualize key metrics, optimize table occupancy, enhance menu offerings, and improve server performance – all without manual data analysis. Seamlessly integrating with the POS and Table Management systems, PerfectCheck provides accurate forecasts and actionable insights. Focus on running your restaurant while PerfectCheck maximizes your profitability. www.perfectcheck.com

For media enquiries please contact:
Nicole Lim
Content Editor & Media Relations
TOP25 Restaurants International
e: nicole@top25restaurants.com

Bangkok, Thailand, May 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Japanese Omakase restaurant Sushi Kuuya, located in the heart of Bangkok, has added to its international reputation as it has been Nominated to the TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Award 2024.

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

The recently open Sushi Kuuya has been thrilling discerning dinners with Japanese omakase experience, located in Langsuan, Bangkok. Centrally located, close to a number of hotels and just a short walk from BTS Chitlom station. Sushi Kuuya serves exclusively 8 guests in two rounds at 17:30 and 19:30.

In addition, we offer our guests a special selection of traditional sushi made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each meal showcases Chef Goji’s skill and respect for Japanese cuisine. Our wild bluefin tuna is sourced from Fujita Suisan, the tuna broker who also supplies tuna for Chef Jiro. Our menu varies with the seasons because we believe each ingredient has its peak time, so we only serve the best available throughout the year.

About Sushi Kuuya
Sushi Kuuya is a traditional sushi omakase restaurant offering an authentic and intimate dining experience. Opened in December 2023, it quickly became notable in the culinary scene. The name “Sushi Kuuya” comes from a local slang in Hakata, chosen by the chef’s father to honor their hometown in Fukuoka. The term “食うや” (Kūya), meaning “let’s go eat,” is a friendly invitation to dine.

The restaurant’s logo, sketched by a revered fish monger from Yaizu, Shizuoka, embodies respect, tradition, and the art of sushi. Sushi Kuuya was founded by Chef Goji Kobayashi and his wife, who are passionate about Japanese cuisine and excellence. Chef Goji, an American-born Japanese chef with over 16 years of experience, brings refined skills from a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco to Sushi Kuuya.

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

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

Contact:
E-mail: sushikuuyabkk@gmail.com
Phone number: (66)92-916-9299
Web: www.sushikuuya.com Instagram: @sushikuuyabkk

Bangkok, Thailand, May 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, was honored to welcome Ms. Yllana Marie Aduana, one of Southeast Asia’s most inspiring women and the current reigning “Miss Earth – Air” to Best Western Ratchada Hotel, its stylish hotel in the heart of Bangkok.

Ms. Aduana visited the Thai capital to receive her latest honor at the Thailand International Leadership Awards 2024, held on April 27th. She was recognized for her exceptional contributions as ‘Asia’s Most Empowered Young Woman Environmentalist Icon’ and received the prestigious ‘Exceptional Crowned Beauty Education Advocate Award of The Year.’

This marks the latest honor for Ms. Aduana, who won the Miss Philippines Earth title in 2023. A committed conservationist and social campaigner, she co-founded Edukasyon for Every Juan, a non-profit organization that promotes environmental education.

“Through our ‘Earth, People, Community’ initiative, BWH shares a deep commitment to eco-friendly and community-focused operations. This ethos runs through our entire business, and I am delighted that Ms. Aduana, a pioneer of sustainable change and empowerment, has recognized this and chosen to stay with us,” said Rodney Simpson, Managing Director – Operations, BWH Hotels.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Macao, Macao SAR, May 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / During the PATA Annual Summit 2024, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) celebrated the contributions of three tourism professionals and industry leaders who have dedicated their efforts, skills and expertise to the betterment of the Association, and contribute to the overall development of Asia Pacific tourism and beyond. In addition, the Association also recognised the appointment of Soon-Hwa Wong as PATA Ambassador for Greater China.

The PATA Life Membership, the PATA Award of Merit and the PATA Chairman’s Award were presented on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the PATA Annual Summit 2024 Welcome Dinner Reception and PATA Awards Presentation, hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office and SJM Resorts, S.A. during the PATA Annual Summit 2024 held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, Macao, China.

“PATA congratulates all four individuals on this sincere acknowledgement of their passion and leadership in ensuring the responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific and beyond,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “With their guidance, the Association continues to grow and serve its purpose in supporting the industry. Their tireless efforts should inspire all of us as fellow tourism professionals to fulfil our roles in driving tourism forward.”

The PATA Life Membership was awarded to Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. As the Association’s highest individual honour, the award serves to recognise individuals for their leadership and dedication to PATA.

Mr Ng has held prominent positions in various committees and associations in the travel and tourism industry. He served as the Chairman of the PATA Singapore Chapter from 2008 to 2016 and is currently an Advisor to the Chapter. Mr Ng has also been a council and advisory member of PATA, serving as an Industry Council Member, Proxy Member, and Board Member between 1990 and 2023. Currently, he holds a position on the Supervisory Board of PATA.

Aside from his contributions to PATA, Mr Ng joined TTG Asia Media in 1984 and has since made significant contributions to its growth and success. In October 2000, he transitioned from being the Executive Director at Miller Freeman Pte Ltd to becoming the Managing Director at TTG Asia Media. Under his leadership, TTG Asia Media achieved consistent organic growth and established profitable portfolios in event management, tourism, and travel trade publishing. Mr Ng’s strategic vision also led to the expansion of TTG Asia Media’s geographic presence across Asia.

The Association was honoured to present Ms Elizabeth M. Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter, with the PATA Award of Merit. This award is reserved for individuals who have consistently contributed to PATA and the PATA chapter network over an extended period of time.

Ms Chin has played a pivotal role in the success of the PATA New York Chapter and supported numerous workings of the Association as a whole. She began her professional journey as a corporate auditor, followed by over 25 years of diverse experiences across various industries, ranging from food service to entertainment. In 1986, Ms Chin founded and has since served as the owner of ECI Travel World, providing travel experiences tailored to exploring spectacular destinations worldwide.

Mr Mayur Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, was presented with the PATA Chairman’s Award. This distinct Award bestowed by the PATA Chair acknowledging an individual for their support, loyalty and dedication during their tenure.

Mr Patel is responsible for business development and leading the sales organisation in the region. Prior to joining OAG, he was Head of Regional Sales, ASPAC, Middle East and North Africa at Amadeus where he was responsible for the Travel Intelligence business. Mr Patel spent over seven years at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in a variety of roles focussed on aviation data solutions and services.

As PATA Ambassador for Greater China, Soon Hwa shall serve as a representative of PATA in the region. The Ambassador will work towards achieving the goals of PATA, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry, and enhancing the presence of PATA in Greater China.

With over 40 years of experience in Asia Pacific travel and tourism, Soon Hwa is a seasoned and versatile senior business leader who can help companies navigate the complex and dynamic market opportunities in the region. As the CEO of AsiaChina Pte Ltd, he leverages his extensive network of high-level contacts and deep understanding of the two-way tourism and trade flows between Asia Pacific and China to provide effective and tailored solutions for clients and partners across various sectors, such as destination management, aviation, car rental, urban mobility, travel agency, and startup.

He is also passionate about driving change and transformation in the industry, as evidenced by his involvement in various association leadership roles, such as the Immediate Past Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the current Chair of PATA Singapore Chapter, and the Honorary Chairman of the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS). Through these platforms, he collaborates with senior tourism leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators to shape the future of tourism and hospitality in the region and beyond.

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, May 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that all of PATA’s in-person events from 2023 have been offset in two projects in South Asia. The projects were selected and offset with the support of PATA member Sustainable Travel International, a global non-profit and industry thought leader committed to promoting responsible tourism and supporting the sustainable development of destinations worldwide.

PATA is deeply committed to sustainability and to reducing and mitigating the association’s carbon footprint, particularly of the in-person events where most of PATA’s emissions are generated. As outlined in the Climate Action Plan and Carbon Neutral Events Guidelines, PATA places strong emphasis on avoiding and mitigating events’ emissions through the selection of the destination, the venue’s location and its sustainability efforts, the proximity of official hotels to the venue, availability of public transport, among other strategies. For emissions that cannot be completely eliminated, PATA supports credible local carbon offset projects.

According to PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid, “PATA’s events are an intrinsic part of our work. It is through our events that we connect with our members and bring them together to share knowledge, discuss pressing topics in the industry and work together towards a more robust, thriving and sustainable tourism industry. However, we are mindful of our responsibility to mitigate our environmental impact in the destinations where our events are held, and we are proud to announce the offset of the carbon emissions in India and Nepal.”

The first project selected, Tamil Nadu Wind Farm, located in India, entails the installation of a 249.9 MW wind power project aimed at generating clean electricity through renewable wind energy. Over its initial ten-year crediting period, spanning from 2018 to 2028, it is estimated to annually displace approximately 707,515 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions (MTCO2e) by substituting electricity that fossil fuel-based power plants would otherwise generate within the Indian grid.

The project directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by investing in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), by generating employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases, and improving local infrastructure.

The Tamil Nadu Wind Farm project allowed PATA to offset 139.51 MTCO2e from the PATA Destination Forum and Mart which took place in Kuching, Malaysia, in June last year, as well as 86.41 MTCO2e from the PATA Travel Mart held in Delhi, India, in October 2023.

The second project utilised to offset PATA’s 2023 events, the Improved Cookstove initiative, has been operational since 2018 across ten districts in Nepal. It is dedicated to replacing traditional, inefficient cookstoves with clean cookstoves to mitigate household air pollution (HAP). Through its operation, 15,292 improved cookstoves have been disseminated, resulting in an estimated total emission reduction of 28,413 MTCO2e for the monitoring period spanning from November 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021.

The project’s contributions to SDGs include:

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), by improving living conditions of communities, reducing health risks associated with HAP, and enhancing the quality of life for women and children.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by contributing to energy efficiency and reducing reliance on non-renewable biomass as well as reducing firewood consumption and GHG emissions, conserving forests and biodiversity.

SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by creating local employment opportunities and economic activities, and promoting local businesses involved in the manufacture and distribution of clean cookstoves.

The Improved Cookstove Project has enabled PATA to offset 108 MTCO2e from the PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart, held in Pokhara, Nepal, in late May 2023. Both the Tamil Nadu Wind Farm and the Improved Cookstove projects are registered and certified by Verra, a non-profit organisation founded in 2007 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. that operates standards in environmental and social markets, including the world’s leading carbon crediting programme, the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

Noor adds, “By choosing to offset our 2023 events’ emissions in India and Nepal, two destinations where they were generated, we are not only taking direct accountability but also investing in local sustainability initiatives. This decision reflects our commitment to support the communities where we operate and underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship on a global scale. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sustainable Travel International who helped us offset our emissions and the delegates of the events who contributed to the carbon offset fee. Thank you for your support in making our carbon neutral events a reality.”

PATA extends its gratitude to our hosts: the Nepal Tourism Board, the Pokhara Municipality and the Pokhara Tourism Council, for supporting the 2023 PATA Annual Summit & Adventure Mart; the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Sarawak Convention Bureau for hosting the 2023 PATA Destination Forum and Mart; and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for sponsoring the 2023 PATA Travel Mart. We take pride in our events, which would not be possible without your kind and continued support.

For any queries, please contact ssr@PATA.org.