Category: Latest Travel News

Koh Samui, Thailand, November 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels (BWH), the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels, has reached a major milestone in its expansion strategy in Thailand with the signing of Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui, a modern midscale hotel that marks the group’s arrival on this popular tropical island.

Nestled in the heart of Chaweng, Koh Samui’s liveliest tourist district, surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and just a two minute walk from the soft sands of Chaweng Beach, Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui is perfect for couples, friends and families who want to immerse themselves in the upbeat atmosphere of this vibrant destination.

The hotel’s 63 rooms and suites range from 22 to 42 square meters and all feature contemporary interiors and modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi. Three suites also provide spacious living and seating areas, and the stylish Premier Rooms feature whirlpool bathtubs.

Throughout their stay, guests can unwind in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, enjoy soothing therapies at the spa, savor international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant, or grab light refreshments at the lobby lounge. The property’s central location also puts travelers on the doorstep of Chaweng’s many attractions and activities, from daytime relaxation on Chaweng Beach to sensational shopping, world-class wellness, cultural discoveries, and Samui’s famous nightlife. Samui International Airport is just 10 minutes’ drive away and transfers can be arranged with the hotel.

“We are very pleased to sign this excellent hotel, which marks BWH’s arrival in Koh Samui, one of the world’s most desirable resort islands. Thailand is a key market for us, and we have already successfully introduced our diverse brands to destinations across the kingdom, such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Hua Hin. The addition of Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui to our nationwide portfolio marks an important stage in our growth strategy. We look forward to introducing guests to this charming midscale hotel, which commands a prime position in the heart of Samui’s main tourist district,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH.

Best Western Chaweng Hotel Koh Samui joins BWH’s expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in Thailand, which currently comprises 20 operating properties under nine distinct brands – WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, Best Western Premier®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western®, Vīb®, BW Signature Collection®, SureStay Plus®, and SureStay Collection®– with many more in the pipeline.

For more information about BWH, please visit bwhhotels.com

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.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will preside at the 2024 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon, to be staged on Saturday, 17th February 2024, in the Royal Ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 Bangkok Chef Charity Fundraising Gala Luncheon (11th edition) is being organised by Jivanand Company Limited, led by Managing Director Nuntiya Intralib. For the first time in the history of this charity extravaganza, the 2024 gala will feature 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, in addition to top hotels in Bangkok and Hong Kong, as well as three leading culinary academies in Bangkok. A total of 30 chefs will craft a 10-course gourmet menu for 360 guests at the 2024 Bangkok Chef Charity Gala.

All proceeds from the charity event will benefit hospitals under the Debaratana Vejjanukula Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness.

“I am delighted and honoured that one of the highlights of the 2024 Bangkok Chef Charity is the showcasing of Jun Ka Pak Jasmine Rice which is produced in Surin and Buriram provinces. This rice variety is grown and nourished with organic, natural, chemical-free fertilisers,” said Nuntiya.“The Jun Ka Pak Jasmine Rice will be featured as one the canapés and served with a main dish in the 10-course menu.”

“We also have a brand-new Bangkok Chef Charity logo designed and crafted by a talented student from the Chitrlada Academy,” added Nuntiya.

The one-of-a-kind Bangkok Chef Charity editions, known for being the ‘height of glamour and an affair marked by dazzling attire and luxurious food’, were initiated in 2009 when executive chefs from leading hotels in Bangkok collaborated in pairs to craft an epicurean feast to raise funds for needy children in remote areas of Thailand. The 10th edition, held in 2019, raised an unprecedented 44 million baht, the highest in the event’s 10-year history. All proceeds from the sale of dinner tickets, auctions, and generous donations from guests in attendance, including philanthropists from the city’s elite business and social circles, were presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for charities under Her Royal Patronage and donated to underprivileged schools in remote areas of Northern Thailand.

Once again, ‘young chefs,’ comprising students from Bangkok’s leading international schools, will participate alongside the star chefs.

The 2024 Bangkok Chef Charity is supported by generous sponsors, including Tops Wine Cellar, Evian, Jagota Brothers Trading Co., Ltd., Premium Food, Lucaris, Clement Design Thailand who has contributed specially designed jackets for all participating chefs, Knightsbridge Group, Krungthep Light Orchestra, RP Media Group and Krinbourne Kommunications.

For ticket purchase, priced at Baht 15,000 nett per seat, please call Pine Yadathip 086 780 9301. For more information, contact Nuntiya Intralib, Managing Director, Jivanand Company Limited, email: nuntiya@jivanandgroup.com

San Francisco, California, United States, November 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Summit brought together more than 200 influential leaders from the Forum’s AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) and the broader artificial intelligence community to exchange insights and collaborate on the establishment of action plans to promote the responsible development and deployment of generative AI on a global scale.

– More than 200 leaders came together at the World Economic Forum’s AI Governance Summit to promote the responsible development and deployment of generative artificial intelligence.
– Participants called for the establishment of a robust international AI governance framework.
– Topics of discussion included the importance of closing the digital divide and trade-offs in open-source technology.

The event marked a crucial milestone in the ongoing journey of responsible AI development, following the inaugural Responsible AI Leadership conference held in April 2023. The proceedings of that conference led to the publication of the Presidio Recommendations on Responsible Generative AI and the establishment of the AI Governance Alliance, laying the foundation for continued progress in the AI space.

Participants from government, business, academia and civil society emphasized the immense opportunities of integrating AI across diverse sectors, including applications in agriculture and healthcare. They also underscored the pressing need for responsible development and deployment in line with global ethical standards to mitigate potential risks including safety. Key topics of discussion included adaptive and interoperable regulatory frameworks and harmonized standards.

“As we drive innovation in the realm of generative AI, it is important to concurrently navigate existing and novel risks while unlocking unprecedented transformational opportunities, ensuring that progress is responsibly managed for the benefit of global society,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, World Economic Forum.

Crucially, the conversations extended beyond technologically advanced nations. Participants actively explored strategies to ensure that the benefits of AI development are inclusive, reaching not only developed nations but also those developing countries and regions currently lacking the capacity for independent AI model implementation and training. To bridge the digital divide, they called for increased access to critical infrastructure such as data, cloud and computing, along with necessary foundations for better training and education.

Key takeaways from the meeting include:

– Recognizing open source and innovation debate centres to address heightened scrutiny of foundation model releases, involving concerns about risks, transparency and governance, and requiring clear definitions and thoughtful consideration of benefits and downsides for frontier model safety and innovation.
– Promoting global access to vital digital and AI resources, which requires strong public-private collaboration.
– Acknowledging the importance of data, cloud services, computational power and training infrastructure as crucial to bridging the digital divide.
– Advancing global AI governance, which involves developing adaptive regulations, harmonizing standards and fostering ongoing discussions for effective international mechanisms.

About the AI Governance Alliance
The AI Governance Alliance is a World Economic Forum initiative focused on responsible generative artificial intelligence (AI). It brings together influential regional voices and global stakeholders to harness the benefits of generative AI systems and technologies while ensuring equitable and sustainable global impacts.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter has successfully marked a significant milestone in Jim Thompson’s journey towards becoming the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia. The grand event underscoring Jim Thompson’s new tagline, ‘Beyond Silk,’ showcased a dazzling fusion of fashion, art, and gastronomy, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The spectacular opening saw the attendance of several renowned Thai celebrities, including Pruk “Zee” Panich, Chawarin “Nunew” Perdpiriyawong, Thitiya “Baipor” Jirapornsilp, Jumpol “Off” Adulkittiporn, Atthaphan “Gun” Phunsawat and Vasin “Ko” Assawanarunat. Also among the guests were top management from Central Group, King Power, One Bangkok and Siam Piwat.

In a dazzling display of cultural fusion and modern flair, the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter has officially opened its doors, marking a transformative moment for the legendary brand – forging ahead to become the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia. The grand opening, graced by celebrities and punctuated by a fashion showcase of unrivalled creativity, celebrated the new ‘Beyond Silk’ ethos. This destination is now poised to draw visitors from across the globe, setting a new standard for flair and ingenuity in the heart of Thailand.

A state-of-the-art 360-degree video camera captured the breath-taking ambience of the evening in full panoramic glory. Jim Thompson Home Furnishings fabrics were on display, merging the rich legacy of signature designs with contemporary style to craft a unique atmosphere. The evening’s entertainment commenced with the enchanting ‘Silk Fabric Dance’, an artistic performance that elegantly wove movement and textiles. As the drum spectacle unfolded, the dancers’ costumes, masterfully created using Jim Thompson’s silk, showcased the delicate intricacy and exquisite beauty of Thai silk to all present.

The fashion show, a centrepiece of the event, unveiled 42 captivating looks that established a new benchmark for creativity and sophistication. The Jim Thompson collection unveiled a versatile range, bridging the gap between relaxed beachwear and the sophistication of everyday wear for work or travel. The highlight was the dramatic reveal of the last look – ‘Look 42’ – a testament to the enduring innovation, artistry, and heritage that Jim Thompson is celebrated for. The show’s pinnacle look paid homage to regal sophistication with the Ikat Silk/Metallic Jacquard Gown, inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s iconic Thai silk gown. The showstopper gown was a masterful rendition of Jim Thompson’s exquisite metallic and golden silk fabrics, offering a modern take on Thai tradition for the discerning aesthete. Accompanying the fashion show was an artful selection of songs which chronicled the company’s journey since the 1950s each emblematic of its era, and deeply connected to key moments in the brand’s history and to its founder, Mr. Thompson.

Culinary artistry was at the forefront with a menu designed by the executive chef of Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant offering an array of signature dishes. The O.S.S. Bar showcased its celebrated mixologists with meticulously crafted drinks. These unique epicurean experiences not only showcased the brand’s unwavering dedication to delivering exquisite dining experience but also set the stage for an unforgettable after party held at The Moonlight Hall, featuring a line-up of DJs and the admired Thai band – Nisatiwa.

Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter was a celebration of our heritage and a declaration of our future. It represents a pivotal moment as we embark on our mission to become Asia’s first iconic global lifestyle brand. We are proud to showcase Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry to the world through our diverse offerings. We have taken on the important task of making the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter the newest Lifestyle Destination in Bangkok. In pursuit of this vision, Jim Thompson is actively evolving and broadening our enterprise across all fronts, forming strategic collaborations with local and international brands. We are determined to offer a comprehensive experience, ranging from art and culture to gastronomy, fashion, interior, design, and beyond, tailored to meet the eclectic lifestyles of all our guests. Our goal is to maintain our position as the leading iconic lifestyle brand from Asia and a destination of international renown.”

Multitude of attractions within the Heritage Quarter: At the core of the Heritage Quarter lies the Jim Thompson House Museum, an intact collection of six traditional teak structures, relocated from various parts of Thailand by Jim Thompson in the late ’50s to form his residence. Post his mysterious disappearance in 1967, the residence was transformed into a museum showcasing his vast collection of Southeast Asian art. The Museum About the Man offers an exhibition drawn from the James H.W. Thompson Foundation archives, chronicling Thompson’s life and his profound impact on the Thai silk industry, from his architectural beginnings in the US to becoming the “King of Thai Silk.” It also traces the journey of Jim Thompson textiles from high fashion to international acclaim, alongside a display of vintage Jim Thompson dresses from the 1960s.

The Home Furnishings exhibition titled ‘The Evolving world of Jim Thompson Textiles’ recounts the evolution of textiles produced by Thai Silk Company Limited post-Thompson. With its visually arresting cinnabar-hued interiors, the Iconic Store offers a comprehensive retail experience across ready-to-wear, accessories and exclusive home collections. Inspired by Thompson’s love for Thai craftsmanship, the design features a rich palette and free-flowing architecture, leading customers through two levels of high-quality textiles and collaborative projects. Finally, the Jim Thompson Art Center, under The James HW Thompson Foundation, stands as a cultural nexus for local and international art communities, hosting a regular line-up of exhibitions, special programs, discussions and seminars, fostering art in social context and cultural exchanges within its walls and beyond.

The Culinary Landscape at Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter promises to become a food connoisseur’s paradise. Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, has undergone a vibrant transformation, aiming to become a cornerstone of modern Thai cuisine with its creative menu offering an inventive twist to classic flavours through an enticing à la carte menu. The O.S.S. Bar is situated directly above the restaurant, and is a seamless fusion of old-world charm and modern vibes. Its speakeasy ambience, a blend of retro chic and contemporary elegance, provides an atmospheric setting for evening gatherings and relaxed get-togethers fuelled by perfectly crafted cocktails. By day, this space transforms into The O.S.S. Room, a serene setting that overlooks a koi pond and rich foliage of Jim’s garden making it an ideal backdrop for an afternoon tea. Not to be overlooked, Jim’s Terrace presents an array of tapas complemented by a curated beer and wine list.

Meanwhile, Silk Café offers a more casual vibe, serving sandwiches alongside hot and cold beverages in a spirited, al fresco setting. Completing the F&B offerings is The Moonlight Hall, perfect for grander occasions, combining state-of-the-art technology in a setting that exudes authentic Thai charm, ideal for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings.

This new lifestyle quarter provides a dynamic space where history, art, culture, cuisine and retail experience converge, reflecting Jim Thompson’s vision of crafting a global destination that celebrates the essence of Thai heritage and modernity. The success of Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter’s grand opening has set the stage for the brand to continue its evolution as a leader in the global lifestyle sector with this new venture as a vibrant lifestyle destination, drawing both international and domestic tourists to the heart of Thailand.

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”.

Washington DC, United States, November 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism has again been identified as a key driver of economic recovery and growth in a new report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With UNWTO data pointing to a return to 95% of pre-pandemic tourist numbers by the end of the year in the best case scenario, the IMF report outlines the positive impact the sector’s rapid recovery will have on certain economies worldwide.

According to the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Report, the global economy will grow an estimated 3.0% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024. While this is higher than previous forecasts, it is nevertheless below the 3.5% rate of growth recorded in 2022, pointing to the continued impacts of the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and from the cost-of-living crisis.

Tourism key sector for growth

The WEO report analyses economic growth in every global region, connecting performance with key sectors, including tourism. Notably, those economies with “large travel and tourism sectors” show strong economic resilience and robust levels of economic activity. More specifically, countries where tourism represents a high percentage of GDP   have recorded faster recovery from the impacts of the pandemic in comparison to economies where tourism is not a significant sector.

As the report Foreword notes: “Strong demand for services has supported service-oriented economies—including important tourism destinations such as France and Spain”.

Looking Ahead

The latest outlook from the IMF comes on the back of UNWTO’s most recent analysis of the prospects for tourism, at the global and regional levels. Pending the release of the November 2023 World Tourism Barometer, international tourism is on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued.

Doha, Qatar, November 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has joined Qatar Tourism to recognize the individuals and businesses leading the way in building a better sector in the country.

The inaugural Qatar Tourism Awards, developed in partnership with UNWTO, focused on three principal categories: Service Excellence, Cultural Experiences and Smart Solutions. At the awards ceremony, Qatar Tourism Awards also announced a surprise category, the Community Contribution Award, to recognise individual community members who have gone above and beyond to display hospitality and provide exemplary services to visitors.

The winners were announced at a ceremony that took place at Raffles Doha, attended by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at UNTWO and His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. The winners reflected the broad and diverse nature of the tourism sector, including destinations, experiences, hotels and hospitality establishments. They also recognized those leading the way in building a more innovative and sustainable tourism, in line with UNWTO’s key priorities for the sector.

The full list of all the winners can be found on the Qatar Tourism Awards website.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand celebrated for its beautiful silks, collaborates with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) to launch the brand-new amenity kit designed exclusively for Royal Silk Class passengers. This partnership signifies the first extensive collaboration between THAI and Jim Thompson on such a grand scale. Crafted from biodegradable fabric, the Jim Thompson bag showcases six exclusive prints, thoughtfully paired with a velvety-soft slumber shade in a coordinated design. The bag also sports a selection of premium amenities such as a biodegradable toothbrush, socks, aromatherapy roller, lip balm, hand lotion, and more, all meticulously selected to enhance the comfort of the in-flight experience.

Mr. Chai Eamsiri, Chief Executive Officer, Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), says, “In partnership with Jim Thompson, we are pleased to introduce the new THAI amenity kit for Royal Silk Class passengers travelling on TG routes with flying time over four hours, except for flights operated with A320 aircraft. Our kit has been curated with a focus on comfort, luxury, and sustainability. This not only allows our passengers to journey with convenience and style but also reaffirms our commitment to eco-friendly practices and the reduction of single-use plastics. With many amenities in the kit crafted from biodegradable materials, Jim Thompson’s exclusive prints ensure we preserve Thailand’s aesthetics. Join us in experiencing the perfect blend of Thai elegance and sustainability through our innovative kit. In addition, to further promote this collaboration,celloni THAI Royal Orchid Holidays has specifically prepared a tour package for those who are interested in joining an exclusive trip, inspired by one of the fabric patterns of the amenity kit bag, PORCELAIN. The trip includes visiting a Chinese community and key historical attractions such as Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Rachaburana in Ayutthaya province. The tour will be available in December 2023.”

Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson, says, “This amenity kit symbolizes a remarkable partnership, as both brands share a common objective of elevating Thailand’s presence on the international stage, all while staying committed to their authentic roots. Jim Thompson epitomizes Thai craftsmanship and artistic expression, while THAI represents the nation’s service excellence and cultural heritage as its national airline. We are honoured to partner with THAI and, at the same time, passionate about enabling world travellers the chance to savour a fusion of traditional Thai grace and contemporary design.”

The six exclusive Jim Thompson prints in the amenity kit draw inspiration from diverse facets of Thai culture and natural beauty. Bupha is a vibrant ode to the Dendrobium orchid, which grows in abundance in Thailand. Mini Elephants pays homage to the iconic Thai elephant, showcasing these majestic creatures in a playful display. Porcelain takes cues from the historical connection between Portugal and China, with rich blue hues and enchanted creatures. Amphawa captures the timeless essence of a quaint riverside community in Samut Songkhram, embodying serene canal homes and floating markets. Royal Garland echoes the deep-rooted tradition of crafting garlands as symbols of good fortune in Thai culture. Lastly, Yatra showcases the grandeur of elephant processions, a sight reserved for special occasions. Each print offers passengers a delightful tapestry of Thai experiences.

The collaboration with the national airline to enhance the global travel experience further underscores Jim Thompson’s commitment to innovate and expand its offerings beyond its world-renowned Thai silk heritage under the new “Beyond Silk” tagline.

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”.

Beijing, China, November 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce a new organisational partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), a global international tourism organisation with tourism cities as its focus. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership for constructive cooperation in areas of mutual interest based on the principles of organisational development and mutual benefit.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by PATA Chair Peter Semone and WTCF Secretary-General Yang Shuo on October 18, 2023, during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as the “Forum”) at the event’s Thematic Forum on Sub-national Cooperation in Beijing, China.

“As global travel continues to accelerate and recover from the pandemic, PATA has renewed its focus on the People’s Republic of China and its domestic, inbound and outbound tourism portfolios. Our partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation comes at the right time. WTCF has a superlative network of cities across the globe and is a leading voice for tourism in China, and PATA is finding ways to support the next wave of China’s tourism growth. We look forward to working with WTCF in the coming years for mutual success.” said Mr Semone.

The MOU was included in the List of Practical Cooperation Deliverables of the Forum, a list incorporating a series of practical cooperation projects and bilateral cooperation agreements agreed upon by national governments, financial institutions, local governments, and enterprises. It emphasizes the important roles of the international tourism organisations in promoting the development of the tourism industry.

On signing of the MOU, Mr. Yang stated that “the agreement fully leverages the role of WTCF as a platform. As the initiating and headquarters’ city, Beijing actively promotes the construction of a win-win tourism and cultural industry under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It demonstrates its exemplary and leading role as a BRI hub city, narrates the story of Beijing’s high-level openness to the world, and has ushered into a new stage of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road.”

Mr. Yang also pointed out that “in the future, WTCF will work closely with PATA, fully leverage their respective advantages, implement the practical content of the MOU, and jointly promote the prosperous development of the tourism and cultural industries of the Belt and Road, to ensure that the practical results will benefit more global tourism cities.”

As a global international tourism organization with tourism cities as its primary focus, WTCF adheres to the core concept of “Better City Life through Tourism”. It is dedicated to promoting exchanges and cooperation between cities and organisations and plays a significant role in driving the innovative development of the global tourism industry.

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.

Dakar, Senegal, November 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Senegal has taken a pioneering step as the first African nation to sign the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of travellers in the post-COVID era.

At the 25th General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General UNWTO extended his warm congratulations to the West African nation and several others for their commitment to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). The ICPT is a groundbreaking international legal framework that aims to rebuild consumer confidence in the travel industry and create a more equitable balance of responsibilities among tourism stakeholders.

The Ambassador of Senegal to Spain H.E Mariame Sy signed on behalf of the country.

Addressing the assembly, Mr. Pololikashvili highlighted the essence of a harmonized international legal framework in restoring trust among travellers. He stressed the necessity of clear, transparent, and efficient frameworks to safeguard tourists as consumers, asserting that the ICPT would deliver precisely that.

“This is a landmark first,” Mr. Pololikashvili declared, emphasising the uniqueness of the ICPT as a legal instrument created by UNWTO. Its primary objective is to ensure the protection of tourists and their consumer rights. By doing so, it aims to boost confidence within the tourism sector.

The success of the ICPT, as Mr. Pololikashvili underlined, depends on governments worldwide actively adhering to its provisions. He commended eight countries, Argentina, Brazil, Lebanon, Lithuania, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay, and Venezuela, for taking the pioneering step of adhering to the code and hoped they would serve as exemplars for other nations.

“Your leadership is essential for addressing some of the biggest challenges that our sector is facing. It means we are placing the wellbeing of the tourists at the heart of what we do,” the Secretary General maintained.

Mr. Pololikashvili also stressed the essential role of leadership in addressing the challenges that the tourism sector is currently facing. Placing the well-being of tourists at the heart of their efforts, he urged nations to work collaboratively to ensure a better recovery for the industry.

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) sets forth a comprehensive set of international standards for the protection of tourists in emergency situations. Furthermore, it addresses consumer rights of tourists in a post-COVID-19 world. The code builds upon the work done by UNWTO and has been adapted to the unique circumstances created by the ongoing pandemic. It offers a coordinated approach to assisting international tourists during emergency situations, with the ultimate goal of fostering a safer and more secure environment for travelers.

The adherence of nations to the ICPT represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the tourism industry emerges from the challenges of the pandemic more resilient and responsive to the needs of tourists worldwide.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO brought together top tourism and travel practitioners of 20 countries from across Africa to explore ways to deliver more effective tourism communications and showcase the sector’s role as a pillar of development.

The first Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop in Africa (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 13-15 November) recognized the heightened relevance of tourism and the current opportunity to gain greater visibility outside of the sector itself. Based on this premise, the three-day event focused on the opportunities for placing tourism in the mainstream conversation as well as the ongoing challenges facing communities, destinations and Africa as a region.

“Leaning by doing”

Reflecting UNWTO’s collaborative approach to communications, the workshop prioritised active learning among both participants and trainers. To gain a better understanding of why tourism matters and of how this needs to be communicated, the first day began with visits to three case studies in and around Victoria Falls:

• Tourism for Wildlife Conservation: A visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust provided an opportunity to community-led conservation in action, offering a better understanding of where tourism is supporting wildlife protection and where it can do more.
• Tourism for Development: Face-to-face meetings with the leaders and members of Umuzi Village made clear the challenges small destinations face in gaining access to the benefits tourism can offer, particularly with regards to outreach, communications and promotion.
• Tourism for Nature: The rainforests inside Victoria Falls Nations Park served as an example of tourism’s ability to support the preservation of ecosystems, though again making clear how the sector’s full potential is not always realized.

The field trips provided the basis for the interactive learning sessions and workshops of the following two days. The 50 participants, drawn from 20 countries and from communications, destination management and tourism governance, were tasked with addressing three of the key challenges facing tourism communicators today: pitching to the media, building and curating media relations, and focusing the narrative on tourism for development.

The workshop was informed by presentations from experts from UNWTO as well as from across the media spectrum (Meta, Channels TV, TraveMedia Ireland) and from top content creators. The interactive presentations again focused on the most relevant issues, including ways to place tourism in the mainstream media, harnessing the power of social media for tourism for development, working with the media, and effective communications to showcase tourism’s importance for culture, heritage and communities.

Solutions and debates

With the focus of the Field Trips as the foundations, participants were tasked with presenting their solutions to the three main challenges outlined. With the focus again on interactive learning, the different backgrounds and viewpoints informed discussions around how best to pitch tourism to the wider media, how to work with media in an ever-changing landscape, and how to move beyond tourism as just a leisure activity. The discussions both highlighted the shared goals of diverse destinations while also making clear the gaps in knowledge that still need to be filled, with UNWTO standing ready to deliver further media training.

Alongside exploring the solutions to growing tourism as a media topic, the workshop also focused on crisis communications, again utilizing the diverse expertise of participants and the examples of the field trips to identify ways to be more proactive and build readiness.