Category: Latest Travel News

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, December 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has concluded the Gastronomy Tourism Project, designed to make Ubud, Indonesia, a global hub of sustainable gastronomy tourism. Within the framework of Indonesia’s annual Tourism National Coordinative Meeting, the project’s final report was presented to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, and to the Gianyar Regional Government.

The UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project in Ubud was developed with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy with the aim of growing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage and boost the local economy, create jobs and drive sustainable and inclusive development. Launched in 2018, it was put on hold during the pandemic, returning at the start of this year. The project was divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: Analysis and diagnosis: inventory and evaluation of gastronomy resources, analysis of demand indicators, market study, online positioning and influencers in gastronomy tourism
• Phase 2: Technical design: conformation of the development of the Gastronomy Tourism experience in Ubud, including governance, communication and positioning models
• Phase 3: Development of the business plan: definition of indicators for measuring the impact and the outcomes of the project, design and format of the gastronomy experiences, business model and a communication plan for key source markets

As part of the project final visit, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will host a workshop for local stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Ubud to discuss the outcomes of the project. The workshop will welcome participants from regional and local Destination Management Organizations, as well as representatives of gastronomy-related businesses and academia, to discuss an action plan and the way forward to turn Ubud into a global hub of sustainable and authentic community-based gastronomic experiences. The workshop will also focus on the next steps, such as the creation of a Gastronomy Tourism Club to support a structured governance model.

Bangkok, Thailand, December 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok unveils its newest gem in the nightlife circuit, The O.S.S. Bar, where the intriguing legacy of Jim Thompson meets masterful mixology. Nestled within the iconic Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, this bar promises an immersive experience, blending historic tales with inventive cocktails, offering patrons a taste of Thompson’s mystique with every sip.

Nestled within the heart of Bangkok’s Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, The O.S.S. Bar beckons those seeking a sublime cocktail experience with the city’s picturesque canals for a backdrop. An extraordinary addition to the historic premises, the bar draws inspiration from the enigmatic life and mysterious 1967 disappearance of Jim Thompson. Blending vintage charm with contemporary sophistication, the bar invites guests into a world of chic intrigue. For those in the know the recently opened, The O.S.S. Bar has become an essential stop, drawing the city’s vibrant cocktail circuit; a must-do for discerning travellers eager for a nuanced Bangkok nightlife experience.

Subtle hints of Jim Thompson’s connection to the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) surround patrons as they embark on a journey through vintage photographs, cherished artefacts, and whispered tales that set the stage for an unforgettable experience and hint at Thompson’s adventures. Guests are promised a trip to an age filled with charm where they can savour their exquisitely crafted drinks against a backdrop of vibrant beats and picturesque surroundings.

This bar itself is an ode to timeless elegance where every cocktail is a curated narrative, reflecting the intricate tapestry of Thompson’s life. The skilfully crafted menu showcases Thompson’s myriad adventures and his larger-than-life persona in four chapters. Each chapter, from his early life to his associations with the O.S.S., and his profound connection to Thailand, offers cocktails inspired by pivotal moments and locales in his journey.

The menu is designed as a field manual, where each drink unfolds a tale. Symbols hinting at its flavour profile – sweet, sour, spicy, bitter or more – convey a nuanced message in a glass. Instead of traditional ingredients, scenes from Jim Thompson’s life offer subtle clues about the cocktail’s essence.

‘Chapter I – Early Life’ delves into Thompson’s formative years. Born March 21, 1906, in Greenville, Delaware, USA, to a prominent textile magnate father he was a descendant of Union General James Harrison Wilson. This chapter gives rise to two evocative cocktails: ‘The Grand Papa’, a luscious, sweet blend, and ‘Class of 28’, a robust drink with subtle bitter notes.

‘Chapter II – The O.S.S. Time’ reflects on Jim Thompson’s tenure in military intelligence, capturing the essence of missions like ‘Fort Monroe’, ‘Operation Forth’, ‘Ceylon’ and ‘C47’. The flavour profiles trace his covert journeys from America, through North Africa and Ceylon, culminating in Bangkok.

‘Chapter III – Thailand: A Dream Come True’ unveils Jim Thompson’s time as Thailand’s silk king. Celebrate this era with concoctions like the thrilling ‘Golden Banana’ and the balanced ‘The House on the Klong’. While ‘K.YEE & K.TUN’ pays homage to Thompson’s dependable cook and houseboy who were a soothing constant in his life. The chapter concludes with the captivating ‘Sunset at Mekong’, a liquid ode to Southeast Asia’s mesmerising allure.

‘Chapter IV – The Unsolved Mystery’ delves into the enigmatic disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967 in Malaysia’s jungles, represented by two cocktails: ‘Moonlight Cottage’ and ‘Mystery’. While ‘Moonlight Cottage’ is inspired by the Cameron Highlands, ‘Mystery’ remains the bartender’s secret – every sip evokes the profound mystery surrounding Thompson’s last days.

Beyond the captivating tales spun by the cocktails, patrons can explore a vast repertoire of beverages from artfully crafted mocktails to a curated wine list. You can also explore Thailand’s rich spirit heritage with authentic Thai spirits, each telling a story of craftsmanship, while whisky enthusiasts can rejoice over an array of choices, ensuring a memorable tasting journey. The bar ensures that every guest, regardless of their drink preference, finds something to suit their palate.

Says Siriwan Sinpan the bar manager, “The O.S.S. Bar is a labour of love, a place where history, creativity, and mixology converge. We’ve crafted each cocktail with meticulous attention to detail, aiming to transport our guests on a journey through time and flavour. Here, every sip tells a story.”

Just below The O.S.S. Bar, the Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, offers a culinary ode to the legendary Silk King. Melding Jim Thompson’s rich history with modern Thai gastronomy, the restaurant offers premium ingredients and inventive dishes. Whether enjoying a casual lunch beside the tranquil koi pond, or delving into an evening of curated wine and innovative Thai cuisine, guests are assured memorable experiences. Embracing the “Vibe Dining” concept, the venue seamlessly combines restaurant and club elements.

At the helm of Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant is Executive Chef Pepe Dasí Jiménez. Also known as Chef Pepe, he brings international acclaim and a special twist on Thai flavours, capturing the contemporary spirit of Thai cuisine. Says Chef Pepe, “Both the bar and restaurant encapsulate the essence of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, offering guests an unparalleled blend of history, innovation, and ambiance.”

Whether patrons begin their evening at the restaurant or the bar, they are guaranteed an immersive experience that blends tradition with contemporary flair. This seamless fusion is epitomized by The O.S.S. Bar. Every element here is meticulously designed to transport patrons into the riveting world of Jim Thompson. As a fresh addition to Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife, The O.S.S. Bar offers both travellers and Bangkok’s discerning cocktail circuit an evening that promises to be as unforgettable as the legend of Jim Thompson himself – a harmonious blend of history, mixology, and entertainment. By day, The O.S.S. Bar transforms into a tearoom – The O.S.S. Room – to offer an elegant afternoon tea experience.

The O.S.S. Bar welcomes cocktail enthusiasts every night, 6 pm–12 am (midnight). Step in for an evening that blends the magic of yesteryears with today’s vibrancy.

For more information on the bar, check out: https://jimthompsonrestaurant.com/th/restaurant/the-oss-bar/

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”.

Bangkok, December 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok will once again play host for the upcoming Thailand Tourism Forum 2024.Topping the event whose theme is ‘Time for Growth’ will be Aditip Panupong from Google giving insight into how AI is changing the country’s tourism sector.

Featuring the leading stakeholders and speakers from across the industry, including Patrick Both, Area General Manager, Luxury & Lifestyle Thailand, IHG Hotels & Resorts, the event will be held at the newly refurbished InterContinental Bangkok, starting at 3pm on Monday January 15.

Speaking about TTF 2024, C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett said “TTF has a bold format that speaks to Thailand’s hotel owners, operators, tourism players and across the industry. Set at the beginning of each year it’s a vital resource to create an impactful dialogue for the industry and should be of interest across of broad spectrum of attendees. Tourism remains the face of brand Thailand, but things are changing, and this event will put these into greater focus for understanding and hopefully creating change.”

The two-hour program features 11 segments which include how Thailand has become Asia’s leader in lifestyle hotels, why chef driven dining and Michelin restaurants are impacting traditional food and beverage offerings and how hotel owners can evaluate the potential to reposition and brand properties in the post-pandemic tourism marketplace.

Other key segments include why hotel operators need to reinvent their organizations, data and metrics led insights into Thailand’s hotels performance and transaction market, emerging glamping and outdoor accommodation, and a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of the China, Russian and Indian inbound markets. Green and sustainability is a hotel topic as is tech innovation. A special one-hour prequel, The Thaiger Cage Hospitality Tech Pitch Competition will precede the main event.

Now it it’s 13th year, this annual event organized by hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks has continued to grow with fast-paced candid talks, focus on industry data and a dynamic evolving format covering the latest trends.

TTF 2024 is presented with its leading industry partners InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, STR, Horwath HTL, JLL Hotels and Hospitality, QUO, AMCHAM Thailand, Delivering Asia Communications, Creative Concept AV, Phuket Hotels Association and host venue InterContinental Bangkok. Its media supporters are Thaiger Media and Travel Daily.

Registration for the event is free and space is limited. Sign up at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thailand-tourism-forum-2024-13th-annual-edition-tickets-778891835447?aff=oddtdtcreator

Red Sea, Egypt, December 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Meeting Point, a hotel management company owned by FTI Group, a German company owned by Engineer Samir Sawiris, signed a new management contract for Beach Safari Marsa Alam Hotel.

Meeting Point Group, a hotel management company owned by FTI Group, a German company, and Beach Safari Marsa Alam Group signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement in the presence of Mr. Ibrahim El-Gamal, the financial manager of the group, Ms. Nadiya Ziani, the business development manager of FTI Group, and Mr. Hedi Issa, the executive director of the group in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Beach Safari is located in Marsa Alam on the Red Sea, and offers modern air-conditioned rooms with advanced smart management systems. Wi-Fi service is available at this resort. It has an outdoor pool, a private beach area, a spa, and all water sports activities, as well as various upscale restaurants and entertainment facilities that make the tourist’s stay an unparalleled pleasure.

The signing was attended by Mr. Boshra Ghali, Chairman of Beach Safari Group, Mr. Sameh Lotfi, Board Member, and Dr. Hossam Darwish, Business Development Consultant for the Group.

Mr. Boshra Ghali, Chairman of Beach Safari Group, expressed his happiness for concluding this strategic partnership with FTI Group for hotel management, adding that this partnership confirms Meeting Point and FTI Group’s interest in investing and managing hotels in the Red Sea region as well as ensuring quality and excellence in the hotel sector.

Ms. Nadiya Ziani expressed her happiness with signing the contract, confirming that this partnership with Beach Safari is just the beginning of working with Mr. Boshra Ghali and his distinguished group and that she looks forward to more cooperation in the future.

It is known that FTI Group, headed by Sabine Dorn-Aglagul, the CEO of hotels in FTI Group, is one of the most important international companies that work to bring thousands of tourists to regions of the world.

Santiago, Chile, December 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The tourism sector in Chile experienced a 52.9% growth in income 2022, new UNWTO research into the country’s status as a top destination for investors reveals. The latest edition of the UNWTO “Tourism Doing Business: Investment Guidelines” also makes clear the opportunities available to foreign investors and the challenges caused by both national considerations and global economic conditions.

Launched during the 2nd Tourism Investment Forum of Chile (Santiago, 7 December), “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Chile” highlights the main attributes of the country as a tourist destination and as an attractive place to invest in the sector. The guidelines note:

• Chile is characterized by its free market, diversified and resilient economy, its openness and understanding of global trends, as well as its support mechanisms for innovation readiness to adapt to new trends.
• Solid macroeconomic fundamentals have allowed Chile to stay resilient in the face of changing global conditions and gradually diversify its economy, with mining, particularly copper, as a key sector.
• In tourism, post-pandemic recovery shows 52.9% growth in the sector’s income in 2022 compared to 2021. Furthermore, tourism represents 6.6% of total employment in the Chilean economy.

The UNWTO Guidelines showcase the enormous opportunities the tourism sector offers for investors – and the way in which investment is key to building a more sustainable, inclusive and future-proof sector

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Our focus on Chile caps a productive year for UNWTO as we promote investment in tourism, especially in the Americas. The UNWTO Guidelines showcase the enormous opportunities the tourism sector offers for investors – and the way in which investment is key to building a more sustainable, inclusive and future-proof sector.”

Investments and tourism employment growing

The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of the investment landscape in Chile. Key takeaways include:

• A 31% increase in the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2022 compared to 2021, guided mainly by the reinvestment of profits and the expansions of capital.
• Growing investments in tourism. Chile is ranked in the top 10 in Latin America and the Caribbean in greenfield FDI investment announcements in tourism.
• In addition, the Plan of the Ministry of Public Works to Support Sustainable Tourism to 2030 (Plan Especial de Infraestructura del Ministerio de Obras Públicas de Apoyo al Turismo Sustentable a 2030), advances projects worth USD 4.188 billion until 2026.

Chile also stands out for the development of its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with support institutions such as the Production Promotion Corporation (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción – CORFO) and the Technical Cooperation Service (Servicio de Cooperación Técnica – SERCOTEC). In the tourism field, the Chilean government promotes investments in digital transformation and innovation, including awards from the National Tourism Service for innovative tourism products.

Value and Green Investments

The guidelines set out factors in making Chile an attractive value proposition for investors. These include the quality of its infrastructure, its entrepreneurial ecosystem, its focus on sustainable industries, and its tourist attractions, such as nature tourism, adventure and astrotourism, which stands out due to its clear skies, ideal for astronomic observation. The third chapter also provides an overview of business taxes and specific incentives for tourism investments in the country.

Looking ahead, the guidelines provide insights into green or sustainable investments in Chile, highlighting the country’s strategies and commitments towards sustainability, including the transition towards carbon neutrality and the promotion of energy efficiency and resource conservation projects in the tourism industry.

Nairobi, Kenya, December 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has strengthened its collaboration with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) with the aim of improving connectivity and advancing seamless travel throughout the region.

The new Memorandum of Understanding signed between UNWTO and AFCAC reflects the importance of boosting cooperation between tourism and aviation in order to create jobs and drive inclusive growth in Africa. This agreement is based around shared initiatives, including the promotion of sustainable tourism and the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

UNWTO has actively participated in AFCAC’s recent events, particularly the SAATM Pilot Implementation Project aiming to accelerate Africa’s interconnectivity by 2025. Acknowledging the significance of travel facilitation, UNWTO has also commended countries, including Benin, The Gambia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Seychelles, for offering free visas to African tourists, aligning with the shared vision of increased connectivity.

Hat Yai, Thailand, December 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has continued its rapid expansion in Thailand with the signing of Best Western Plus Patcharee Hat Yai, which will become the first internationally-branded midscale hotel in this dynamic Southern Thai city.

Best Western Plus Patcharee Hat Yai, strategically positioned in the fourth largest city in Thailand, will play a pivotal role in the vicinity of the upcoming Hat Yai Village mixed-use project and is a popular tourist destination for Malaysians, Singaporeans, Indonesians and Thais from neighboring provinces.

Our newly-constructed 210-key property embodies the hallmark features that have established Best Western® as one of the world’s most cherished and reliable midscale hotel brands. Guests will be able to stay in well-appointed modern rooms and enjoy an onsite restaurant serving a selection of Thai, pan-Asian and Western dishes. The bar will provide an inviting setting for a relaxing daytime coffee, before becoming a stylish spot for drinks after dark. Companies can also stage productive meetings in the hotel’s function rooms.

Best Western Plus Patcharee Hat Yai will be surrounded by world-class facilities and services, including residences, a community lifestyle mall with local and international brands, flagship stores, diverse food and beverage options, and close to Hat Yai National Park. Located on Kanjanavanich Road, the hotel will be just 2km from the city center and 21km from Hat Yai International Airport.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Best Western Plus Patcharee Hat Yai, which will introduce an exciting new era of international hospitality to this thriving Southern Thai city. This project reflects the ability of BWH Hotel’s diverse portfolio of brands to meet the needs of owners and developers in every market, from global gateway cities to emerging destinations. We look forward to introducing Best Western’s world-renowned standards to the rising number of business and leisure travelers in Hat Yai,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Located in Songkhla province, not far from the Thai-Malaysian border, Hat Yai is the largest city in Southern Thailand and a key economic, administrative, and cultural center for the entire region. It is home to the historic Prince of Songkhla University, one of Thailand’s most prestigious educational institutions, and Wat Hat Yai Nai temple, which houses the world’s third-largest reclining Buddha statue. Hat Yai Railway Station is also a key junction on the main line between Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Best Western Plus Patcharee Hat Yai joins BWH Hotel’s extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand, which currently comprises 20 operating properties under nine brands, with many more.

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 19 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.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has brought together sector leaders at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to showcase the progress made in implementing the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action on Tourism. In time for the world’s most important climate conference, the Declaration has been officially included in the Global Climate Action Portal of UNFCCC.

Climate Action Plans for Tourism

The Glasgow Declaration was launched at COP25 in Glasgow (2021), with signatories committing to achieving Net-Zero by 2050 at the latest. Signatories also commit to delivering dedicated Climate Action plans around the Declarations Five Pathways (Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate and Finance). In Dubai:

• UNWTO outlined the collective progress with the first Glasgow Declaration Implementation Report (2023). Of the 420 signatories who have submitted reports, 261 also submitted a Climate Action Plan.
• 70% of signatories who submitted plans are also showcasing how they are measuring the CO₂ emissions related to some or all of their operations. However, the need for consensus around measurement methodologies and boundaries is of growing importance.
• A range of signatories will present at the exhibition booth “Transforming the way we Travel” (Blue Zone, 10-11 December). Among them are the Canary Islands, Bucuti & Tara Resort, Lamington Group, Ponant Cruises, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Guava Amenities, Winnow.
• The diversity of decarbonization approaches reported within Climate Action Plans provides an extensive database of actions applicable to different stakeholders. Analysis of the Plans confirms the added value of working collectively on effectively addressing the challenge of climate change.

In recognition of the efforts of the tourism sector to accelerate climate action, the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has been included by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as one of the initiatives in the Global Climate Action Platform.

UNWTO Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic, highlighted the importance for the tourism sector to take action at all levels encouraging Member States to sign the Glasgow Declaration in order to accelerate the transition towards the commitments of the Paris Agreement.

Concrete Climate Action for the Sector

A tourism-focused official COP28 side event showcased the sector’s capacity to enact concrete climate action. This includes through the measurement of emissions, decarbonization strategies, regenerative approaches for destinations and innovative finance. Participants included the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Iberostar Group, Radisson Hotel Group, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and NOAH ReGen.

During the side-event, UNWTO released for a public consultation the Policy Guidance to support climate action by National Tourism Authorities, developed as part of the deliverables of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. The process involved the nomination of Climate Action Focal Points in 57 Ministries of Tourism, to support Member States with capacity building on climate action.

The Glasgow Declaration: Growing in Size and Impact

As of November 2023, the number of signatories has grown to 857, coming from every continent (and from over 90 countries). Each of them has made the commitment to support the global goals set by the Paris Agreement (of halving emissions by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2050 at the latest) by publishing a Climate Action Plan and reporting on its implementation publicly on an annual basis.

Geneva, Switzerland, December 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Climate finance was central to discussions at COP28 in Dubai and funding to reach net-zero and restore biodiversity is still falling short. New research highlights priorities for action and shows how partnerships between organizations from the philanthropy, private and public sectors can create a positive domino effect, cut emissions at speed and allow for a just transition.

Case studies of the report, developed in collaboration with McKinsey, include the global coalition Mangrove Breakthrough – securing the protection of 15 million hectares of mangroves worldwide – as well as the reshaping of land degradation in Latin America through Initiative 20×20 and the Breathe London project on enhancing air quality. Other proven partnerships include, the Energy Transition Accelerator in developing countries.

“For partnerships to work effectively, various stakeholders should be willing to come together to bring collective as well as individual expertise and resources to find solutions,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Without working with other partners to find the right intervention points, it is difficult for a single institution to deploy their funds.”

The transition to a net-zero economy presents a critical and necessary shift but is unavoidably costly. The financial gap lies in the extensive overhaul required in industries to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable practices. The initial investments demand substantial funding, often beyond the capacity of many individual businesses or governments. Bridging this divide necessitates collaborative efforts and innovative financing models to mitigate risks and incentivize investments.

Joining private and public actors with philanthropic efforts offers a strategic approach to unlocking the transition to net-zero and restore nature. Philanthropy, with its nimble and risk-tolerant characteristics, plays a pivotal role in providing early-stage funding, catalysing wider investments while securing the most equitable outcomes.

The philanthropic-public-private partnership model uses the collective power of its members to bridge critical financing and knowledge gaps and generates capital structures that expedite a faster transition to sustainability. Examples of its use are already prominent. Over the past 20 years, more than 50 climate and nature-focused philanthropic-public-private partnerships have surfaced, indicating initial strides in addressing climate-financing hurdles.

Philanthropic-public-private partnership successes

With more than 40 partners, the Mangrove Breakthrough coalition is mobilizing $50 million-$100 million over the next 10 years to protect and restore mangroves worldwide. The decade-old Power Africa partnership – bringing together political leaders, private companies and financial institutions – has increased energy access to 37.5 million people across sub-Saharan Africa while closing on 14,000 megawatts of clean energy projects.

Some $2.5 billion in private capital has been pledged to support government initiatives through Initiative 20×20. Gathering 150 partners to reshape land degradation in Latin America and the Caribbean, the collaboration is propelling restoration efforts throughout the area, safeguarding and reviving over 50 million hectares.

Billions of dollars are being channelled through the multi stakeholder initiative, Energy Transition Accelerator, that fast-tracks the shift to renewable energy sources in developing countries. The partnership assists nations in their energy transition strategies through a voluntary carbon market framework, while at the same time expanding energy access for people in poverty.

Philanthropic public-private collaborations are not bound solely to emerging economies. Breathe London is a collaborative initiative by the Clean Air Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clarity, the Mayor of London and local communities focusing on enhancing air quality. The initiative’s success has led to Breathe Cities, raising air-quality standards in cities around the world.

Bridging philanthropic, public and private efforts has proven powerful potential. Despite successes, new partnerships are often challenged when seeking to assemble and steer stakeholders, costing them significant time and resources. For an effective collaboration, philanthropic-public-private partnerships must be brought together under the right conditions with aligned objectives, a long-term perspective and a robust operational core.

The report’s Analytical framework guides partnerships based on their materiality, suitability and feasibility, having identified 31 intervention areas where joint action is set to accelerate high, scalable and immediate impact globally addressing 30% of emissions.

“Our research aims to support the creation, sustenance and scaling of these partnerships by exploring where to focus their efforts and how to ensure their success,” said Daniel Pacthod, Global Co-leader, McKinsey Sustainability. “We hope it gives them the confidence to partner with others for outsized impact and, crucially, save time in forming partnerships, as it’s time that we can scarcely afford to lose.”

New muscle for capacity-building

Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) – a World Economic Forum initiative – identifies, convenes and amplifies new and existing public, private and philanthropic partnerships for climate and nature. Backed by 75+ partners of the world’s most important philanthropic partners, representing $12 billion/year of philanthropic capital, GAEA, operating in five climate crisis arrears (energy systems, nature, food systems, industry decarbonization, climate and health), is designed to streamline the process of forming partnerships, ultimately saving time and assets that are crucial in the global race against climate change.

Bangkok, Thailand, December 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the dynamic global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, is celebrating another win after Best Western was honored with the “Mid-Range Hotel Brand Award” at the Lifestyle + Travel Awards 2023.

This significant accolade was presented to Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels, in a ceremony held on Thursday November 23, 2023. The awards were voted for by the discerning readers of Lifestyle + Travel magazine.

Expressing his gratitude, Olivier stated, “We are delighted to be awarded the “Mid-Range Hotel Brand” at the Lifestyle + Travel Awards. While BWH Hotels continues to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of guests in every sector of the market, it is gratifying that our core midscale concept is still upholding its reputation in this increasingly competitive marketplace. I would like to thank all our supporters, especially the Lifestyle + Travel esteemed readers.”

With over 75 years of hospitality excellence and expertise, BWH Hotels now compasses 19 distinct hotel brands, including the iconic Best Western, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, @HOME by Best WesternSM, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Signature Collection®, BW Premier Collectionfour WorldHotels brands and five SureStay Hotels brands, allowing BWH Hotels to meet the needs of guests, owners and developers in almost every sector of the market.

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 19 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.