Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is accepting submissions for the PATA Face of the Future Award 2024. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024.

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. As part of its activities, the Association is dedicated to Human Capital Development (HCD) across the travel and tourism industry value chain. The primary focus of the Association’s HCD programme is the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.

To highlight PATA’s commitment to HCD, the Association annually presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.

The PATA Face of the Future 2024 will receive full sponsorship to participate and be recognised at PATA Travel Mart 2024 (PTM 2024). Furthermore, the winner will be granted a speaking opportunity at the PATA Youth Symposium and a seat on the PATA Board to represent the PATA youth community.

Other benefits include:

– Speaking opportunities at various PATA events or partner events on behalf of PATA, if and when available
– Global media exposure via PATA’s far-reaching communication channels
– Opportunity to build their profile as a mentor for the PATA Youth Mentorship Programme to help develop young tourism professional students in the region via speaking and mentoring opportunities at PATA Youth webinars and other youth events.
– The privilege of utilising the brand identity logo associated with the PATA Face of the Future
– One blog post on PATA Blog about their passion and journey to success. As an example, please find the blog authored by the Face of the Future 2023 here www.pata.org/blog/empowering-change-through-passion-and-purpose

“The PATA Face of the Future is an initiative focusing on human capital development while emphasising the values of sustainability and social responsibility within the Asia Pacific tourism industry and beyond,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “This award spotlights exceptional individuals and their innovative projects, recognising all participants as a force for positive change. By inspiring both mindset and action, it supports the development across the tourism workforce.”

For information about how to enter, eligibility, and judging criteria, please visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or email PATA Membership and Youth Executive, Mr Nick Chun at fof@PATA.org.

Additionally, PATA Members have the exclusive opportunity to showcase their commitment to human capital development and sustainability through sponsorship of the Face of the Future 2024. Benefits include extensive brand exposure, valuable networking avenues, and a platform to highlight organisational initiatives. For more information, please refer to the aforementioned link and contact.

Now in its 47th edition, PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s international travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision-makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships. The upcoming PATA Travel Mart 2024 is set to commence in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 27 – 29.

For more information about the event, please visit www.pata.org/pata-travel-mart-2024.

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.

Madrid, Spain, March 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has released its latest Tourism Visa Openness report on global visa policies, revealing continuous shifts in international travel regulations. The report sheds light on the evolving landscape of travel facilitation. It includes the Tourism Visa Openness Index that measures the degree to which destinations facilitate tourism and how open a country is in terms of visa facilitation for tourism purposes. Also, mobility scores are included to indicate to the extent to which citizens around the world are subject to visa policies, as well as an in-depth analysis of the reciprocity of visa policies.

Key findings include¹:

Regional Openness Scores:

• Return to Pre-pandemic openness: Destinations’ openness to international travel has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels following the lifting of COVID-19 related travel restrictions. As a consequence of the pandemic, new forms of travel facilitation, such as “nomadic visas”, also appeared.
• Decline in traditional visa requirements: Fewer people worldwide now require a traditional visa to travel, falling from 77% in 2008 to 59% in 2018, and then to 47% in 2023.
• Visa-exempt travel: 21% of the world population do not need any form of visa, an increase from 17% in 2008 and 20% in 2018.
• Visa on arrival: 14% of the world population can apply for visa on arrival, an increase from 6% in 2008. and 15% in 2018.
• eVisas: 18% of the world population can apply for eVisas, an increase from 3% in 2013 and 7% in 2018.

The report looks at visa regulations for tourism by region, highlighting:

• Asia and the Pacific had the highest openness score of all world regions.
• The most open sub-regions are South East Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean.
• The greatest increase in openness since the last report in 2018 was observed in South Asia and West Africa.
• The most restrictive regions remain Central and North Africa, North America and Northern and Western Europe.
• Visa exemptions are particularly prevalent in the Caribbean and Central America.
• Visa on arrival policies is common in East Africa, South Asia, South East Asia and West Africa.
• Traditional visa requests in the Middle East decreased from 71% of the global population in 2015 to 57% in 2023.
• eVisas are prevalent in West and East Africa and South Asia.

Recommendations for streamlined travel

The report underscores the pivotal role of visa policy improvements in fostering tourism growth. Key recommendations include increased integration of tourism perspectives into visa strategies, targeted visa-exemption programs for low-risk traveler markets and expanded visa on arrival facilities. In addition, clear communication on visa policies is vital, along with a streamlined visa application process, accelerated processing times and optimized entry procedures for an enhanced visitor experience.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / ICONSIAM hosts Songkran celebration themed “Thaiconic Songkran Celebration – Joyful Songkran Festival”, Continuing the Legacy of World Heritage. The Songkran Festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. In celebration of the Songkran Festival’s prestigious recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the Chao Phraya River, has collaborated with the government including the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Authority of Thailand, The Government Public Relations Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand and various private sectors to invest over $1.6 million (60 million baht) in marketing activities aiming to elevate “The Iconic Songkran Festival 2024” into a world-class festival, expecting over 1.5 million visitors to attend. Under the concept of “Thaiconic Songkran Celebration: Joyful Songkran Festival, Continuing the Legacy of World Heritage” honors Thai identity by blending traditional Thai recreational activities with contemporary cultural entertainment. This event promises to deliver the most memorable experiences, with grand celebrations filling every corner of ICONSIAM from April 10 to 21, 2024.

Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Company Limited, said, “As a world-class landmark along the Chao Phraya River, serving as a significant tourist destination in Bangkok and Thailand, this year, ICONSIAM plans to host the Songkran event even more spectacularly and memorable than ever before. The celebration is particularly meaningful as the ‘Songkran in Thailand’ festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO at the end of last year. “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024 aims to showcase the traditions and customs of Songkran while welcoming tourists from around the world with warm hospitality and contemporary Thai entertainment. This collaborative effort seeks to create a historic event and promote Songkran in Thailand as a world-class festival. The goal is to honor Thai cultural heritage by blending contemporary elements and presenting it in a way that resonates with future generations, ensuring that this heritage lasts forever. The Songkran Festival is another important factor that will help accelerate economic growth for Thailand. This year, we are confident that there will be at least 1.5 million Thais and international tourists celebrating the Songkran Festival at ICONSIAM, contributing to a 50% increase in shopping centre turnover compared the same period last year.”

“The Iconic Songkran Festival 2024” at ICONSIAM promises a vibrant celebration of Thai culture and traditions, featuring several highlights from April 10 to 21 (12 days):

• Songkran Mahothorndevi Parade: A 7-day parade along the Chao Phraya River from April 10 -16, showcasing Thai cultural richness, featuring 7 famous actresses and artists, including Aff Taksaorn, Pie Rinrada, Becky Rebecca, Bella Ranee, Mai Davika and Diana Flipo, as well as internationally renowned Thai artist Minnie, a member of South Korean girl group (G) I-DLE, to be represented as Miss Songkran 2024.

• Bathing of the Buddha Sihing: ICONSIAM has brought the replica of the Phra Buddha Sihing from Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Chiang Mai Province to be placed at Exit Gate 1, G Floor, ICONLUXE Zone. Visitors can participate in a water-pouring ceremony to ask for blessings and purification. This traditional ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who take part in it.
• Songkran Water Splashing: Enjoy water splashing festivities at Water Splash Landmark at River Park, the only place in Thailand offering such an experience amidst the scenic backdrop of the Chao Phraya River from 10 – 16 April. Moreover, there will also be mini-concerts performed by Nont Tanont, MEAN, PROXIE, 4EVE, ATLAS, BUS, LYKN, and other cultural performances added to the festive atmosphere from 10 – 21 April.

• ICONSIAM x NaRaYa x Collector Project: In an initiative to encourage Thai people to wear the “Floral Shirts” during the Songkran celebration, ICONSIAM teamed up with NaRaYa and Collector Project led by the artist Ek Thongprasert, to create a uniquely floral shirt inspired from the exquisite floral patterns crafted by Thai artisans, which grace the pagodas and the ordination hall of Wat Pho, the artist has transformed these into a contemporary pop art style on shirts under the design “Prosperity in Bloom.” This collaboration celebrates the new beginnings and unparalleled elegance of joy for the New Year.

• Summer Promotion: ICONSIAM offers the “THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION” campaign, featuring promotions and prizes between April 10 to May 5, 2024. Exclusively for ONESIAM members, simply purchase 4,000 baht of products and services within ICONSIAM as well as Siam Takashimaya, between April 1 to April 21, to receive a floral shirt from the ICONSIAM x NaRaYa x Collector Project, valued at 990 baht. Alternatively, shoppers can also redeem the shirt for only 400 baht each when purchasing 2,000 baht of products. Moreover, from April 10 to April 16, 2024, spend a total of 30,000 baht on products within ICONSIAM and receive a gift voucher worth 2,000 baht from participating stores. For more detailed terms and conditions, please inquire at the point of sale.
Overall, the event promises a joyous and culturally enriching experience for visitors, combining traditional festivities with modern entertainment and fun activities.

You are invited to be a part of Thailand’s grand Songkran festival, “THE ICONIC SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2024,” from April 10 to 21, free of charge, at ICONSIAM.

Thassos, Greece, March 27, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism is to work with the Thassos Municipality of Greece to put people at the heart of work to build greater resilience for the sector on the island. In partnership with UN Tourism Affiliate Member ICF, the United Nations Specialized Agency will engage with local tourism stakeholders and residents from across the island on a series of Technical Cooperation projects. The collaborative work will focus on several key areas, all designed to accelerate recovery from the impacts of the pandemic on island tourism and on building greater resilience against future shocks.

Promoting Tourism on Thassos

The project’s main scope is to support the tourism recovery efforts of the island of Thassos after the pandemic, through firstly assessing the marketing initiatives of the island of Thassos and its tourism product offer during the pandemic, and then providing recommendations on improvements. The project partners will:

• Assess the effectiveness of marketing initiatives implemented during the pandemic, with a focus on how compatible they are to current tourism trends and demands.
• Examine the Municipal authorities’ and local stakeholders’ views and opinions on the current tourism products of Thassos
• Research and identify international best practices regarding marketing activities for post-pandemic and identifying both short and long-term models to be implemented for Thassos.
• Identify the tourism markets that will be of importance to Thasos and identify ways of better engaging with them.

Working with Local Stakeholders

UN Tourism will also work with Thassos Municipality and ICF on the implementation of the Thassos Residents Study (TRS). The study will collect information on how local residents view and engage with tourism on the island, both in terms of the sector’s economic impact as well as its socio-cultural impacts. The study will be built around focus groups, interviews and questionnaires. The information obtained will be used for a report, to include a series of recommendations and follow-on actions if necessary.

The project was officially launched at a kick-off event, hosted by UN Tourism in partnership with Thassos Municipality and ICF (8 March) and attended by key stakeholders. The marketing activity will conclude at the end of July, with the Residents Study to run until the end of November, with results published by the end of the year.

Thassos stakeholders welcome UN Tourism support

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona says: “Along with education and capacity building, this technical cooperation project can help create a future for the sector aligned with the sustainable development Goals. Now, when up to 25% of tourism workers in the European Union have low qualifications, we need to give them tools to find innovative ways to succeed in the tourism sector, even more taking into account that 882,000 jobs in the sector will require vocational training by 2030”

The Mayor of Thassos Island, Eleftherios Kyriakides, says: “This is a project that puts our local community at the center of the direct policies of tourism development of the island of Thassos, through synergies and collaborations, by strengthening the diversity and resilience of tourism and therefore to lay the foundations for a balanced and sustainable development of tourism sector, on our island.”

The Head of Tourism of the UN Tourism Affiliate Member ICF, Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos adds: “The management of tourism is paramount to ensure coordination and identify and minimise potential negative impacts. The inclusion acknowledgement of residents as a key stakeholder is the right direction towards a better, more participatory governance that takes into account the interests of local communities. ICF is proud to be joining forces with UN Tourism, paving the way for a targeted tourism development that benefits both the economic and social fabrics of Thassos.”

Bangkok, Thailand, March 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / La Scala, the esteemed restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, is thrilled to welcome Chef Jean-Jacques Vu, a culinary virtuoso previously from Marso & Co. in Paris, to its team. Renowned for his expertise in Mediterranean Italian cuisine, Chef Vu is set to tantalize the taste buds of Bangkok’s discerning diners with his innovative culinary creations.

Born and raised in France, Chef Jean-Jacques Vu’s culinary journey began in a family steeped in gastronomic tradition. With over six years of experience as a distinguished French Chef, he refined his craft under culinary luminaries. Influenced by his family’s prestigious culinary heritage, notably his father’s role as the private chef for Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh, Chef Vu’s formative years were enriched by immersive experiences in embassy receptions and gala dinners, prompting his culinary aspirations and initial internship within the ministries of the French Republic.

I am thrilled to embark on this exciting culinary journey at La Scala,” says Chef Jean-Jacques Vu. My culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in tradition yet infused with innovation, and I am eager to share my passion for Mediterranean Italian cuisine with the vibrant dining scene of Bangkok.

At La Scala, Chef Jean-Jacques Vu invites diners on a culinary voyage through the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, with a menu that celebrates the vibrant flavors and exquisite ingredients of Italian cuisine. From tantalizing appetizers to sumptuous main courses and decadent desserts, each dish is meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.

Highlights from Chef Vu’s menu include:

Appetizers:
Mozza di Buffala with Colored Tomato Pesto alla Genovese and Strawberry Crispy Parmesan
Crispy Octopus with Fennel, Orange, and Passion Fruit Vinaigrette
Main Courses:
Braised Beef Cheek with Spinach Butter, Tomato Petal, and Fregola Sarda
Pan-Seared Lemon Prawn with Black Venere Rice, Spring Onion, Hazelnut, and Bisque Sauce
Desserts:
Creamy Ricotta with Basil Ice Cream, Granola, and Strawberry
Chocolate Ganache with Fromage Blanc Ice Cream and Crumble Meringue

For reservations and inquiries, please contact The Sukhothai Bangkok at +66 (0) 2344 8888 or email promotions@sukhothai.com

Andorra la Vella, Andorra, March 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainability, premium tourism, product development and training were the main themes of the second day of the 12th edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism, held over the last two days at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre. Experts from the mountain tourism sector stressed the importance of the joint involvement of all public and private stakeholders to consolidate the sustainable dimension of the tourism offer.

• Professionals in the mountain tourism sector stress the need to consolidate the sustainable dimension of the tourism offer.
• This year’s edition is carbon neutral, after having calculated the carbon footprint of the Congress and offset the tonnes of CO2 in the Andorra National Greenhouse Gas Offset Market.
• The parish of Ordino takes over as host of the next edition to be held in 2026.

The first talk on the second day of the Congress was given by Sandra Carvao, Director of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UN Tourism, under the title Sharing is Living. An interactive reflection in which attendees at the Congress Centre and those who followed the day via streaming were asked to participate to understand their impressions of mountain tourism, what they believe to be the main challenges for the future, and what actions they are currently implementing to face each of these challenges. Climate change, flow management and ensuring that the benefits remain in the communities were some of the challenges identified as key challenges for the development of mountain tourism.

Working with passion and offering a quality product are essential for premium tourism.

Premium tourism in mountain areas and how to boost its growth all year round was the focus of debate at the first round table, with the participation of Hermann Fercher, General Director of Lech Zürs Tourism in Austria, Caroline Couret, CEO of Creative Tourism Network, Daniel Soucaze, General Manager of Pic du Midi in France and Carme Vidales Molina, Expert on initiatives, businesses and gastronomy, under the moderation of Betim Budzaku, CEO of Andorra Turisme. In his introductory remarks, Budzaku pointed out that “this market segment is looking for quality, safety and experiences. In the case of Andorra, it is growing and, to maintain this line, it is necessary, first, to define the product, but also to have a communication and international marketing plan, strategic partners such as National Geographic or Disney, and to offer a calendar of unique events”, he explained.

“It is not about status and prestige, but about quality of life, individual and collective wellbeing, with greater importance given to time, health and sustainability,” Fercher explained. “We must do something that makes us different, and we must do it with passion because the client values this passion and exclusivity”, continued Vidales, who gave the recipe for premium gastronomic tourism: “a unique ingredient, the premium standard made up of four elements: people (talented professionals), the environment (which must be sustainable), the spaces (welcoming places where you can feel at home), and the story (which must be one of enjoyment)”. Caroline Couret, for her part, spoke of creative tourism as part of the solutions to the future challenges of the sector: “It is a trend under which tourists want to get to discover the local culture by participating in creative and artistic activities with local actors, thus moving on to vocational tourism where the destination is chosen according to hobbies”, she pointed out.

Before the midday break, a round table on tourism products and emerging products was held to discuss how to create and diversify the mountain tourism offer. The round table was moderated by Michel Julian, Senior Programme Officer at UN Tourism, with the participation of Peter Mall, Director and Coordinator of the Austrian village of St. Anton, Domitien Détrie, Director General of the Agence des Pyrénees, and Jordi Serracanta, Councilor on Tourism and Sports of Ordino.

Peter Mall explained the historical evolution of the tourism sector in this Austrian town, conditioned by the arrival of the railway, making St Anton today a reference sports tourism destination, where important sporting events are held every year. Mall insisted on the concept of continuous work to “revive tourism and on the general feeling of responsibility to generate new infrastructures, facilities and services”.

Domitien Détrie, for his part, emphasised cross-border cooperation for the transformation of mountain tourism, insisting on the need to develop and promote the Pyrenees, but always “seeking a balance between the economic order and the preservation of the landscape and natural resources”. The Agence des Pyrénees is carrying out two projects (LIFE and Poctefa PITON) that aim to change the territorial focus based on new models that integrate the cross-border concept. The organization also works on the challenge of climate change in a strategic way and with a transnational vision with the deployment of circular solutions in mountain resorts which. According to Détrie, “the circular economy is currently underdeveloped in mountain tourism”. “Cross-border and European cooperation is a powerful tool for accelerating transformation trajectories”, he concluded.

Lastly, Jordi Serracanta explained to the attendees the tourist destination of the parish of Ordino, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has been awarded the distinction of Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism. Serracanta stressed that “it is a territory ready to take on the challenge of offering a non-overcrowded product with Riberamunt, the project that allows Ordino to have a flow of tourists throughout the parish, 365 days a year”.

Sustainability is the way forward and must be pursued together.

In the afternoon, Mattia Storni, head of Marketing and Communications at the Saas-Fee Tourism Organisation (Switzerland), recognised Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism, and Sarisher Mann, founder of the Sustainable Alpine Tourism Initiative (SATI), took part in a dialogue-conversation moderated by Gottfried Bachler, president of Slow Food Carinita (Austria), under the title ‘Be inspired: sustainability is the way’. “Slow Food does not want to teach anything, nor dictate what should be done, nor is it a marketing brand. It is a global movement to ensure quality, real, local and transparent food about origin and process, offering a unique range of activities,” explained Bachler. “Sustainability is the way forward, it is important to take care of nature, it is our mantra to achieve a balance between the environment, economic growth and society”, remarked Storni, who explained the measures that are being implemented in Saas-Fee, while stressing that “it is a path that all destinations must share together”. For his part, Mann explained the main objectives of SATI: “We want to connect all stakeholders in the outdoor industry and make the processes sustainable, finding solutions that serve to learn from each other,” he explained.

The last round table of the Congress focused on education and training, and how to prepare staff for the change that technology will bring, with the participation of Franklin Carpenter, Director of Tourism Advisory, Horwath HTL (Spain), María Abellanet, president of the CETT in Barcelona and David Hailstones, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer of Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education (Switzerland), under the moderation of Sonia Figueras, Programme Director of the UN Tourism Academy.

Carpenter said that “tourism is at a crossroads: we are currently accelerating climate change, and tourism rightly needs to encourage positive change”. “Artificial intelligence is key to fostering sustainable tourism and doing it faster,” he added, while encouraging attendees to use it for more sustainable and healthy tourism operations and to help reduce environmental impact. “AI is an opportunity for the sector and we must take advantage of it,” he concluded.

For Maria Abellanet, “training and knowledge are a key lever for sustainability, innovation and competitiveness of companies and destinations to achieve a more resilient tourism with a positive impact on people and the planet”. Abellanet is convinced that “trained professionals are the solution to the challenges of tourism”. Finally, Hailstones gave a presentation on change and change management, from the perspective of knowledge transfer, stressing that “the public and private sector must work more closely together and data must be shared”.

Before the closing session, Javier Corso, a National Geographic explorer, presented the documentary ‘Andorra al natural, the environment where ideas germinate’, a project carried out jointly with Andorra Turisme. This initiative aims to improve the impact of tourism on the environment and on people, providing a response to what can be done to ensure that the relationship between the environment and visitors is as fluid and respectful as possible for everyone. The team has set the objectives of the innovation process around three aspects: sports, wellness and premium tourism, forming six working teams in which they have sought to combine local talent with the impetus of international creatives and entrepreneurs.

A carbon neutral Congress

The Honourable Mr. Xavier Fernàndez, Junior Consul of the Encamp Commune, the Hon. Maria del Mar Coma, Mayor of Ordino, Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, and M.I. Sr. Jordi Torres, Minister of Tourism and Trade of Andorra, closed the 12th edition of the Congress, which was attended by over 300 participants of 14 nationalities from all over the world and which, since its beginnings, has been a meeting point for the sector and a space for reflection and debate on the main challenges and objectives facing tourism and, in particular, mountain areas.

This year, for the first time, the carbon footprint of the Congress was calculated, with a final result of 16 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which were offset by the purchase of credits on the Andorra National Greenhouse Gas Offset Market. Those credits correspond to the project for the use of hydrobiodiesel, a 100% renewable fuel from the recycling of cooking oils, which was used in a pioneering way in the snow grooming machines during the World Cup that took place this year in Soldeu. Thanks to the calculation and its compensation, this year’s edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism is carbon neutral.

Encamp, the host parish for this edition, has passed the baton to Ordino, which will become the host parish for the next edition in 2026.

Organised by the Government of Andorra and UN Tourism, with the collaboration of the Común (town council) of Encamp, the Congress also has the support of the other Comuns (town councils) of Andorra and two main sponsors: Andorra Telecom as technological sponsor and Creand Crèdit Andorrà, as financial sponsor.

World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness 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.

More information and registration: http://mountainlikers.com

Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, March 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Nestled directly on Thailand’s gulf coast, Banyan Tree Residences Sichon is a pioneering project that will enable owners to discover the wonders of this authentic and culturally rich destination. Banyan Group, the independent global hospitality company, has announced a new branding partnership with Urasaya Property Co., Ltd, the pioneering real estate developer, as it continues to explore new frontiers and introduce its original style of responsible development in exciting destinations.

The signing of Banyan Tree Residences Sichon, an all-new nature-inspired luxury community set directly on one of Southern Thailand’s finest beaches in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, will enable discerning owners to uncover the wonders of this naturally-beautiful and culturally-rich coastal paradise, while also benefiting from the unparalleled standards and global benefits offered by the Banyan Group including the new rental programme for private residences called Banyan Living.

KP Ho, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings, stated: “At Banyan Group, our commitment lies in curating transformative experiences that are both responsible and sustainable. Through our collaboration with Urasaya Property on this exceptional project, we aim to capitalize on a pioneering opportunity in a promising destination and with the luxury branded residence sector in Thailand experiencing robust demand, we are excited to usher in a new era of sustained growth for Nakhon Si Thammarat. Furthermore, we have every confidence that property owners will appreciate and find significant value in the opportunity to enroll in our new specialized extended-stay rental program, known as Banyan Living.”

Ravi Chandran, Executive Director, Urasaya Property, said: “Sichon is a real hidden gem – an ecological and cultural oasis that feels like Southern Thailand 30 years ago, far from the crowds and congestion of Thailand’s well-established beach resorts. The recent opening of a new international terminal at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport will open up this idyllic region to a wider audience of lifestyle-seeking travellers and create a bright future for the entire area. We would like to thank KP Ho and Banyan Group for sharing our vision.”

At Banyan Tree Residences Sichon, every owner will enjoy complete peace-of-mind, safe in the knowledge that they are supported by the exclusive services of Banyan Group’s signature owner’s programme called the Sanctuary Club which offers all owners unrivalled discounts and privileges throughout the Group’s hotels, restaurants and facilities worldwide whilst every villa may be managed for extended rentals through Banyan Living which manages a portfolio of over 200 units in 10 countries.

Sculpted into 2.5 hectares of prime beachfront land, just 35 minutes’ drive from the newly-expanded Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport, Banyan Tree Residences Sichon is an exclusive collection of four-bedroom pool villas with open-plan interiors that showcase contemporary design, state-of-the-art amenities and Southern Thai elements, personally crafted by local artists and artisans.

All residents will enjoy personal butler service, use of a private boat, and five-star clubhouse facilities including a seafront pool, a high-tech fitness centre, a soothing spa, a restaurant specialising in local and seasonal cuisine, and a beachside bar which acts as the social heart and soul of the project.

The surrounding area is a haven of sustainable adventure and activity. Sichon was recently named as one of the top 10 beaches in Thailand by Lonely Planet, and nearby Khao Luang National Park is blessed with jungle-clad mountains, hiking trails, waterfalls, caves and an amazing array of flora and fauna. The area’s long, smooth roads are ideal for cycling, and golfers can hop on a speedboat for a short ride to Koh Samui to play golf at Santiburi Country Club – and be home in time for sunset. On the way, visitors may even catch a glimpse of Sichon’s iconic pink dolphins.

Heritage seekers can visit enchanting sites such as Wat Phra Mahatat, Thailand’s oldest temple, while ancient crafts such as batik weaving are kept alive in artisan villages, and a new generation of culinary trailblazers showcase organic produce, including a craft chocolate plantation. Residents can also rub shoulders with local people and purchase fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables at village markets.

About Banyan Group
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme with Banyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

About Urasaya Property
Urasaya Property is the developer of Banyan Tree Residences Sichon, a new private luxury beachfront villa development, which will showcase the natural and cultural wonders of Sichon, in Southern Thailand’s Nakhon Si Thammarat province. With 15 breath-taking pool villas, plus a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and spa, this pioneering project will embrace local materials and time-honoured craftsmanship to deliver highly authentic experiences. Residents will be able to explore the beachfront market, savour fresh seafood, and even spot pink dolphins in the crystal-clear waters offshore – as well as explore the mountainous region of Khao Luang National Park, which serves as the picturesque backdrop for the project.

Nairobi, Kenya, March 22, 2024 / VISITKENYA / June Chepkemei, former Acting Managing Director at Kenya Investment Authority, has been appointed as the new CEO of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), succeeding John Chirchir. Her three-year tenure was confirmed via a gazette notice on March 19, 2024.

Chepkemei, previously tasked with attracting investments to Kenya, brings a wealth of experience, having led successful bids for international events like the 41st IASP world conference. Recognized for her digital leadership, she spearheaded initiatives like the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative.

With a background in communications and marketing, Chepkemei is well-equipped to promote Kenya’s tourism industry. Her appointment signals a fresh direction for Kenya’s tourism sector under her leadership.

Chepkemei will hold the position for the next three years, succeeding John Chirchir who has been at the helm of the tourism board in acting capacity since November 2022.

Her appointment was confirmed via a gazette notice date March 19, 2024.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 37(1) of the Tourism Act, 2011, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife appoints June Teclar Chepkemei to be the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board,” the notice reads in part.

Chepkemei was appointed Acting KenInvest MD in January 2023 by then Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

She was at the time tasked with the responsibility of spearheading strategies to attract and grow investments to Kenya from USD 500 million to USD 10 billion by end of 2023.

In 2022, Chepkemei successfully led Kenya’s team in a fruitful bid to host the 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) world conference slated for 2024.

She was also part of the team that was charged with delivering Technology and Innovation Jamhuri in 2022.

She has served as a member of the Taskforce on the Kenya Media Policy Guidelines, following her appointment by then ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs CS in 2021.

Chepkemei was named among the Top 25 Women in Digital 2021 having pioneered the Konza Innovation Ecosystem Initiative that brought together various industry stakeholders to support the commercialization of research, innovation and the development of new solutions and enterprises within Konza Technopolis.

In 2017, June was appointed as the Project Coordinator for a New Institute of Strategic National Importance, Kenya Advance Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), that was developed by the Ministry of ICT & Digital Economy in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Before joining Konza, Chepkemei was the Communications Business Partner at Safaricom Limited, after a six year stint in the media industry where she rose through the ranks from an intern to become a Business News Editor.

She holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from Moi University, a Bachelor’s Degree in PR & Communications from Moi University, Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Marketing from The Chartered Institute of Marketing of the UK, and an Executive Certificate on Innovation from Stanford Centre For Professional Development.

She is also a Chartered Marketer by the Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.

Andorra la Vella, Andorra, March 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / More than 400 participants of over 16 nationalities attended the first day of the 12th edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism, which is being held at the Andorra la Vella Congress Centre under the title ‘Sustainability and Wellness, the keys to mountain tourism’.

More than thirty international speakers, with top-level professionals and numerous institutional representatives, will take part over two days in the round tables which will deal with present and future issues in the sector and define and specify the future axes of development of snow, mountain and wellness tourism. Over the course of these two days, the speakers will address issues such as: sustainability as the main axis for the development of the sector, tourism diversification, emerging products in response to the demands of the new tourist as well as the training and human resources needs in mountain tourism.

• More than 400 participants of over 16 nationalities attended the first day of the 12th edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism.

• Mountain tourism can become the solution to the great challenges of the future for many mountain communities, but it must face its biggest challenge: climate change. To overcome it, the sector will have to broaden horizons and create new opportunities.

• The proven healing effect of the mountains and their contribution to mental wellbeing and general health explains the growth of mountain tourism in recent years.

Tourism as a solution to the great challenges of the future.

In the inaugural session, His Excellency Xavier Espot, Prime Minister of the Principality of Andorra, stressed that the country’s tourism sector has recovered pre-pandemic figures, “figures that provoke enthusiasm with more than 9 million tourists and 12 million overnight stays in 2023”. He highlighted, however, the importance of “seeking a balance that ensures environmental continuity and the well-being of the people, moving towards a model based on sustainability to find a balance between quantity and quality”.

“Tourism should not be seen as a problem, but as part of the solutions to the great challenges of the future, because a tourism that respects nature, culture and society also guarantees resources for the future,” added Espot.

In that same perspective, Natalia Bayona, Executive director of UN Tourism, declared that “mountain tourism can become the lifeline for many mountain communities as it offers a large number of opportunities for growth, but respect for nature and natural resources is essential”.

The Honorable Laura Mas, Mayor of Encamp, the host parish of this edition, reminded us that “we must be committed to tourism that gives value to all the particularities of our environment, always with sustainability in mind”.

Alice Morrison, writer and TV presenter, gave a talk entitled “Our marvelous mountains: opportunities and challenges”, in which she pointed out the future challenges that mountain tourism must face, highlighting climate change as the most important one. “To face it, new opportunities will have to be created that will force us to broaden horizons in order to expand the existing market”, she pointed out.

Growth will be sustainable, or it will not be.

The morning continued with the high-level panel, moderated by Natalia Bayona, with the participation of Mr. Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Trade of Andorra, Rosana Morillo Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain and Alessandra Priante, President of the National Tourism Agency (ENIT) of Italy. As an introduction, Natalia Bayona stressed that mountain tourism “is a driving force for development and progress, but the characteristics of each territory must be taken into account so as not to lose its essence”.

“Mountain tourism is a lever of our economy, and we must take advantage of mountain areas not only in winter, but also to deseasonalise tourism and be more sustainable in order to avoid overcrowding,” explained Jordi Torres. “This sector has a very important future, but only if we take care of and respect the environment”, he added.

For her part, Rosina Morillo said that mountain tourism “helps us to deseasonalise tourism in Spain and invest in unpopulated areas of the country to fix the population in these areas”, but added that “when we talk about sustainability, we must also take into account social sustainability, seeking a balance with the territories and their communities”.

Alessandra Priante described the current moment as the ideal time “to reflect and have a clear vision of tourism as a driving force for the economy”. She also pointed out that “the mountain is more than just sport: we cannot forget about gastronomy and wellbeing, an element on which the existing offer must be developed”.

All the speakers agreed on a final common message: the importance of a balance with the local communities and the environment, as growth must go hand in hand with the protection of the ecosystem.

Michel Julian, Senior Programme Officer at UN Tourism, and Enric Martínez, Director of Pas Grau International (Andorra), then presented the report “Understanding and quantifying mountain tourism”, with the aim of obtaining a more holistic view of what is happening in the sector. Michel Julian highlighted the need to “make progress in the capture of data that will help in decision-making, and in this sense, AI will be a key element”.

Health and wellness tourism, a rising trend.

“Our motto is back to nature”. This is how Csilla Mezösi, Secretary General of the European Spas Association, began her speech. “It is not a trend, but a normal development: there are many positive effects of being in contact with nature. Spas appear as places where physical and mental wellbeing can be offered. Mountains have healing effects, contributing to psychological well-being and general health,” she added.

The afternoon session began with a round table dedicated to health and wellness tourism, with the participation of David Astrié, director of ICONIC Andorra, Athina Babakou, Director of Strategic Planning for the Ministry of Tourism of Greece, Emma Haefeli, Director of Marketing and PR of Chenot Group, and Carlos Cendra, Marketing and Communication Director at Mabrian.

The last session of this first day focused on the conversation between László Puczko, General Director of Health Tourism Worldwide, from Hungary, and Joan Muro, President of the Health Tourism Association of Andorra Health Destination, in which it became clear that health and wellness tourism is not only a growing trend, but a new way of understanding tourism.

Organised by the Government of Andorra and UN Tourism, with the collaboration of the Común (town council) of Encamp, the Congress also has the support of the other Comuns (town councils) of Andorra and two main sponsors: Andorra Telecom as technological sponsor and Creand Crèdit Andorrà, as financial sponsor.

World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness 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.

More information: http://mountainlikers.com

Bohol, Philippines, March 23, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The inaugural PATA International Conference on Women in Travel, organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted by the Department of Tourism, Philippines, concluded on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the BE Grand Resort in Bohol, Philippines. With nearly 200 delegates from 15 destinations in attendance, the conference brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss the critical role of women in the travel and tourism sector.

Throughout the three-day event, delegates explored the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the travel industry, celebrating their achievements and addressing gender disparities. Keynote speakers, influential panellists, and engaging discussions highlighted the pressing need for gender equality and empowerment in the tourism workforce, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and career growth for all ‘women in travel’.

Pressing issues such as the underrepresentation of women in senior management positions were addressed in the conference. Discussions also focused on actionable steps to promote women’s leadership development, foster entrepreneurship, and advance sustainable practices with women as agents of change.

Delivering her keynote message at the preeminent event, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed hundreds of speakers and delegates from the Philippines and all over the world, including Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to PATA for its partnership with the Philippines in the inaugural holding of the International Conference on Women in Travel. Holding this conference in the Philippines is timely, especially here where over 50 percent of the workforce of our country is composed of women, and here in our region in the Asia Pacific, where nearly 50 percent of the tourism industry is composed of women. We recognize the importance of this conference focusing on empowering women, tourism professionals, promoting gender equality, fostering leadership stories, successes, and opportunities,” Secretary Frasco said.

In her keynote remarks, Secretary Frasco also shared before delegates her fair share of challenges of juggling official duties as a woman leader and a mother of four children, from her tenure as a three-term Mayor of the Municipality of Liloan in Cebu amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Supertyphoon Odette that hit Cebu in 2021, and now as Secretary of the DOT and the youngest member of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s cabinet upon the President’s invitation in 2022.

“I recognize that countless women must similarly confront the challenge of juggling work with caregiving responsibilities, and unfortunately, many of these significant sacrifices go unnoticed and underappreciated,” Secretary Frasco said.

“Which is why ever since I came into the fold of the DOT, it became my mission to ensure that the efforts of the Department must not only be focused on achieving numbers and targets, rather, it must also focus on ensuring the well-being of our workforce, dedicated to building a tourism industry that ensures that we put tourism workers at the forefront of the government’s priorities, particularly, women, who play a pivotal role in shaping our tourism landscape—from our female guides, all the way to our female officials. I sought to leverage the feminist values that guided me as Mayor: sensitivity, nurturance, humanity, and love, and extend them to a national scale, ensuring that the tourism sector serves not only as a vehicle of economic prosperity, but also as a force for promoting human dignity,” the DOT chief added.

Towards this direction, the DOT, for the first time ever, has appointed Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women’s Rights and Child Safety (TourISM WoRCS) Officers across the regions in the country to ensure that the Philippines “remains a woman- and child-safe destination”, with the Tourism Worcs manual soon to be rolled out among the Department’s various operational units to equip them with the knowledge and tools to effectively combat sexual harassment, trafficking and gender-based violence within the sector.

Furthermore, in a bid to herald the unique and world-renowned brand of Filipino hospitality and invest in the Filipino workforce, Secretary Frasco shared the DOT’s attainment of its target of training 100,000 workers on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program in 2023. The DOT surpassed this goal, having trained 127,125 workers trained on the FBSE last year. Of this, 70,208 or 55.2% of the trained workforce are women.

“This milestone sets a resoundingly optimistic tone for our industry, affirming our long-held belief that women can and should access meaningful opportunities within the tourism sector,” Secretary Frasco said.

“As a result of the unwavering commitment of Tourism Secretary H.E. Christina Garcia Fransco and the steadfast support provided by the Department of Tourism Philippines, this inaugural conference was an enormous success. Building on this outcome, PATA remains committed to organising the PATA International Conference on Women in Travel with other member destinations in the future to ensure that conversations on women’s empowerment can continue and be elevated,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

He added, “As a community, we must unite to discuss tangible strategies aimed at breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and implementing industry-wide changes that pave the pathways for women to excel in the travel industry. It is the Association’s wish that this event served as a catalyst for impactful initiatives and collaborative efforts towards a better future for women in all facets of tourism.”

To further highlight the significance of women’s leadership, Senator Loren Legarda, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senate of the Philippines, delivered the closing keynote, emphasising the need for concerted efforts to achieve gender parity in the sector.

During the conference, delegates had the chance to hear from a diverse line-up of inspiring speakers from various sectors, including Senator Loren Legarda, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Senate of the Philippines; H.E. Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines; the Honourable Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Governor of the Province of Bohol; Atty. Mae Elaine T. Bathan, Undersecretary, Legal and Special Concerns and Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary and Chairperson, Gender and Development Focal Point System of the Department of Tourism, Philippines; Dr. Saninuj “PONG” Sawasdikosol, DM, President of San Travel Service & Business Consultants / Woman Activist & Advocate in LGBTQ Community, San Francisco; Maria Patria Alodia Puyat, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Philippines; Christine Ella Castañeda, DEAFInite Tour Guide; Aye Mya Mya Soe, General Manager – Cambodia, Intrepid Travel; Chieko Yokota, Gender Specialist, Gender Equality Division, Asian Development Bank (ADB); Preeti Naini, Regional Product Manager, APAC, Go City; Queenie Chung, Deputy General Manager, Vpon HK; Ha Lam, Founder, The Happy Firm; Linda Adami, Founder and CEO, Quantum Temple; Maria Paz Alberto, Chair, PATA Philippine Chapter; Nandini Lahe Thapa, Officiating CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB); Dr. Supawan Teerarat, PhD., President, National Food Institute, Foundation of Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry, Thailand and Former Senior Vice President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Prime Minister’s Office; Catherine Turvill, President Nurture Wellness Village, Nurture Farmacy, Spa & Wellness Professionals, Philippines; Shradha Shrestha, Manager, Nepal Tourism Board and National Project Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project, Nepal, and Sangeetha Liyanapathirana, Manager – Health, Hygiene and Sustainability, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and 2023 PATA Face of the Future, Sri Lanka.

Topics included ‘Breaking Barriers: Women’s Empowerment in the Travel Industry’, ‘Gender Equality and Development’, ‘Women Behind the Scenes’, ‘Tourism Startups and Entrepreneurship’, ‘Leading the Way: Inspirational Women in Travel’, and ‘Sustainable Travel: Women as Agents of Change’.

The conference concluded with a welcome dinner reception hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines, providing delegates with networking opportunities and continued discussions on joint efforts in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in travel and tourism.

On the final day of the programme, delegates had the option of joining two different technical tours arranged by the Department of Tourism, Philippines:

– Southern Bohol Circuit Tour, where participants explored the wonders of Southern Bohol, including a visit to Santa Monica Parish Church of Alburquerque, experiencing the making of Bohol’s popular delicacy ‘Calamay’, and engaging in a variety of activities at the Bohol Bee Farm;
– Bohol Countryside Tour, where delegates took a relaxing journey through the Bohol Countryside, explored the geological marvels of the Chocolate Hills and drifted down the Loboc River on a serene cruise.

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 includes 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 of 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.