Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, February 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In honor of International Women’s Day, The O.S.S. Bar, nestled within the heart of Bangkok’s Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, is delighted to announce a special celebration – The O.S.S. Allies – throughout March, showcasing the talents of Asian female bartenders through special guest shifts. This event is a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of women in the hospitality industry, highlighting their creativity, skill, and passion. Guests are invited to join us in this unique experience, where they can savor exclusive, specially crafted cocktails by some of the most talented female mixologists in the region. This is a golden opportunity for cocktail connoisseurs to interact with renowned mixologists.

Our dynamic roster of guest shifts showcases:

● March 1: Air Benjawan , former head bartender at Rabbit Hole, Highball Bkk and Kilik Social Club; Pumpui Wanaya, Managing Partner at Sixteen Grapes and Saimai Nantharat, Former Brand Advocate for Stranger & Sons.

● March 5: Lina Kang, award-winning mixologist, from IT Bar in South Korea.

● March 16: Alex from OTO, a Japanese-themed cocktail bar in Manila.

● March 21: Fah Beer Suchada , owner of Lost in Thaislation; her birthday and shift coincides with Jim Thompson’s birthday.

● March 23: Chanel Adams, Bar Manager at The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

● March 26: Moa Chadchayaphat, Jameson Brand Ambassador from Thailand; her shift coincides with the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

Special highlights include Fah Beer’s guest shift on March 21st, celebrating both International Women’s Day and Jim Thompson’s birthday, and Moa’s guest shift on March 26th, marking the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

The O.S.S. Bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and mixology aficionados. The bar combines vintage charm with contemporary sophistication, becoming a must-visit for discerning travelers seeking a nuanced Bangkok nightlife experience.

This event is an opportunity to celebrate the month of International Women’s Day and the legacy of Jim Thompson while enjoying special cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Join us at The O.S.S. Bar in March to raise a glass to the talented women shaping the future of bartending.

The O.S.S. Bar is open every night, 6 pm–12 am (midnight).

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

Bangkok, Thailand, February 22, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Bangkok is pleased to present Women in Hospitality 2024 (WIH), an exciting global food and beverage forum set to captivate guests in Bangkok from Thursday, February 29th, to Friday, March 8th, 2024. The event promises an unparalleled experience with a charitable spirit to support women and inspire inclusion, donating 30% of the event’s revenue to the Halfway Home for Women Foundation.

Prepare to embark on an enticing journey featuring a unique mastery series, including engaging masterclasses, bartender takeovers, and an exclusive chef’s table collaboration. The event will bring together an array of acclaimed female food and beverage personalities from Thailand and beyond, dedicated to promoting and empowering women in food, beverage, and hospitality. Highlighting the WIH2024 experience is a remarkable eight-hand dinner aboard the river cruise.

On March 7th, guests will indulge in a culinary spectacle with “8-Hand Women in Gastronomy,” crafted by acclaimed chefs, including Michelin-starred Chef Saki Hoshino of Nawa, Chef Som of Som’s Table, Chef Sasha from Hybrid Restaurant, and Chef Renu from our very own Saffron Signature Thai Restaurant. The eight-course dinner will be expertly paired with an exceptional sake selection by sake expert Naoko from BB&B, ensuring an elevated dining experience. The two-storey cruise offers an alfresco floating bar ‘Moon Deck’ on the upper level and a secluded air-conditioned dining saloon on the lower level, where guests revel in the exclusively crafted tasting menu revolving around seasonal and local Thai ingredients.

In addition to the culinary delights, WIH2024 presents an extraordinary lineup of Women in Mixology takeovers. Kicking off on March 1st is Shatabi Basu, India’s first female bartender, showcasing her innovative cocktail creations, while on March 2nd, the renowned wine produce Penfolds will take centre stage, featuring a vibrant wine tasting experience accompanied by upbeat entertainment from a female DJ. The lineup continues until March 8th, with Monkey Shoulder taking over the night and closing up the forum with exciting notes.

Be a part of one of the most anticipated events of the year, filled with excitement, exquisite mastery, and heartfelt giving. Join us to celebrate the skills and compassion of Women in Hospitality, and make a meaningful impact to our community.

For more information and reservations, please call 02 679 1200 or email: hostesses-bangkok@banyantree.com

The event lineup:
• February 29th — Spirit of Asia Masterclass by Shatabi Basu
• March 1st — Inspirador Takeover with Shatabi Basu at Moon Bar
• March 2nd — Penfolds Takeover at Saffron Sky Garden
• March 3rd —Jameson Takeover with Moa Chadcha at Moon Bar
• March 4th — EcoSpirits Takeover with Nam Saowanee at Moon Bar
• March 5th — Giffard Takeover with Pei Liu and Green Liu at Moon Bar
• March 6th — Tanqueray Takeover with at Aly Lorenzo at Moon Bar
• March 7th — The 8-Hand Women in Gastronomy offering eight-course tasting menu aboard Saffron
Cruise at THB 5,200 net per person inclusive of sake pairing. Exclusive aperitivo at Vertigo TOO from
4.30 – 5.30 pm. The Saffron Cruise will embark from River City Pier at 6.30 pm.
• March 8th — Monkey Shoulder Takeover with Melody Joy Lim at Moon Bar

Basel, Switzerland, February 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Art Basel reveals 287 leading galleries and expanded city-wide program for its 2024 edition in Basel, the first led by the show’s new Director Maike Cruse

For its 2024 edition in Basel, Art Basel will bring together 287 leading international galleries to present artworks of the highest quality across all media – from painting and sculpture to photography and digital works – by artists ranging from early-twentieth-century Modern pioneers to emerging contemporary practitioners. Art Basel in Basel will once again reaffirm its unparallelled position as a platform for discovery and encounters that drive the art world.

The outstanding diversity of artistic perspectives on view at the fair will be complemented by lively events and activities spanning the entire city and its prominent cultural institutions, highlighting Basel’s unique appeal, and underscoring the significant impact of Art Basel on its hometown.

Maike Cruse, Director of Art Basel in Basel, said: ‘I am looking forward to welcoming the global art community to Basel come June for the upcoming edition of our show. With the addition of 22 new participants, it promises to be exceptionally dynamic and filled with exciting discoveries. I am thrilled about the expansion of the city-wide program, which now includes the public art sector Parcours on Clarastrasse newly curated by Stefanie Hessler. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate our project at Hotel Merian, which will contribute to the continued growth of Art Basel’s presence in the city through a fresh approach.’

22 galleries will join Art Basel in Basel for the first time, including five galleries entering directly into the main sector of the show. They are:

• Karma (Los Angeles, New York)
• Tina Keng Gallery (Taipei)
• Madeln Gallery (Shanghai)

• Mayoral (Paris, Barcelona)
• Yares Art (New York,Santa Fe)

The Feature sector, dedicated to art-historical projects, will welcome 11 first-time participants:

• Almeida & Dale Galeria de Arte (São Paulo)
• Bank (Shanghai)
• Thomas Brambilla (Bergamo)
• Larkin Erdmann Gallery (Zurich)
• Galerie Le Minotaure (Paris)
• Maruani Mercier (Brussels, Knokke, Zaventem)
• Galerie Mueller (Basel)
• Gallery Wendi Norris (San Francisco)
• Parker Gallery (Los Angeles)
• Meredith Rosen Gallery (New York)
• The Third Gallery Aya (Osaka)

The Statements sector, dedicated to solo presentations by emerging artists, will welcome six galleries not having participated in Art Basel in Basel before:

• Galerie Anne-Sarah Bénichou (Paris)
• Felix Gaudlitz (Vienna)
• Nome (Berlin)
• OSL contemporary (Oslo)
• ROH Projects (Jakarta)
• Wooson (Daegu, Seoul)

Seven galleries that previously exhibited in Feature or Statements will graduate into the main sector of the fair. They are Commonwealth and Council (Mexico City, Los Angeles), Crèvecœur (Paris), Gaga (Guadalajara, Mexico City, Los Angeles), Garth Greenan Gallery (New York), Tina Kim Gallery (Seoul, New York), Mazzoleni (Turin, London), and Galerie Bene Taschen (Cologne).

Expanded City-Wide Programming
Art Basel’s public sector Parcours will be curated for the first time by Stefanie Hessler, Director of Swiss Institute (SI) in New York, succeeding Samuel Leuenberger, who successfully managed and expanded the sector over the past eight years. Hessler aims to recontextualize Parcours as a curated exhibition that will meander through empty storefronts, a hotel, operational shops, and other urban spaces on Basel’s Clarastrasse, which connects the fairgrounds to the Rhine. Through ambitious projects, many of which will be site-specific and newly created, the sector will explore ideas of transformation and circulation within the realms of trade and globalization, the flow of information, and the varied climates and weathers spanning geographies and generations.

In addition, Art Basel will expand its presence within the city by activating the Hotel Merian
as a continuous, around-the-clock venue for artistic events and showcases. The Film sector, curated by writer and curator Filipa Ramos, will return with a compelling selection of moving image works, presented throughout the show week at Basel’s Stadtkino. Free to the public
and hosted on Art Basel’s fair ground, the renowned Conversations program will be for the first time curated by Berlin-based writer, editor, and educator Kimberly Bradley.

More details on the activation of Hotel Merian and the presentations of Art Basel’s special sectors such as Messeplatz, Unlimited, Parcours, Kabinett, Conversations, and Film will be released in the coming months.

Galleries
The fair’s main sector will feature 245 of the world’s leading galleries, presenting painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, photography, video, digital art, and editioned works of the highest quality. Seven galleries that previously exhibited in Feature or Statements will graduate into the main sector of the fair, showcasing the full range of their program, while the sector welcomes five first-time exhibitors.

Feature
Now focusing uniquely on art-historical projects, the sector will include 16 curated presentations and welcome 11 first-time exhibitors. Highlights from the sector include a condensed retrospective of artist Jean Tinguely by newcomer Galerie Mueller (Basel); a presentation of exemplary oil paintings by Basel-born artist Irène Zurkinden by first-time participant Meredith Rosen Gallery (New York); a presentation of Senegalese artist Viyé Diba – an emblematic figure of Modern Senegalese art – by OH Gallery (Dakar); works by prolific American artist Peter Halley, presented by newcomer Maruani Mercier (Brussels, Knokke, Zaventem); and a showcase of the remarkable artistic partnership between Maryn Varbanov and Song Huai-Kuei (aka Madame Song), presented by Bank (Shanghai).

Statements
Dedicated to emerging artists from across the globe, Statements will feature 18 solo presentations and welcome six new entries. Highlights include an installation titled Safe to Visit (2024) by Angolan artist Sandra Poulson, presented by Jahmek Contemporary Art (Luanda); 15 sculptural works representing personal prayers by Norwegian-Sudanese artist Ahmed Umar, presented by newcomer OSL contemporary (Oslo); and a sonic installation
titled An OK Space to Rest (2024) by Indonesian artist Julian Abraham “Togar”, presented by newcomer ROH Projects (Jakarta). Additional highlights include a video installation by Hong Kong artist and filmmaker Tiffany Sia, presented by first-time participant Felix Gaudlitz (Vienna); and a multi-part installation by Argentinian artist La Chola Poblete, presented by Barro (Buenos Aires). For the complete list of exhibitors in Statements, please visit artbasel.com/basel/statements.

The 25th Annual Baloise Art Prize, comprising a cash prize of CHF 30,000 per winner, will be awarded to up to two artists exhibiting in Statements. In addition, the Baloise Group will acquire works by the selected artists to donate to two leading European museums, which will hold solo exhibitions of the artists’ works.

Edition
Spread across both floors of Hall 2, the sector will feature eight leading galleries in the field of prints and editioned works: Borch Editions (Copenhagen), Cristea Roberts Gallery (London), Gemini G.E.L. (Los Angeles), knust kunz gallery editions (Munich), Carolina Nitsch (New York), René Schmitt (Westoverledingen), Susan Sheehan Gallery (New York), and STPI (Singapore).

Cultural events in Basel
The city of Basel will offer visitors an exceptional program of events and special projects throughout the fair week. Beyond the fair, the city’s premier museums and foundations will host a wide range of outstanding exhibitions. Major shows coinciding with Art Basel include:

• Fondation Beyeler
‘The Summer Show’
With contributions by Michael Armitage, Federico Campagna, Ian Cheng, Marlene Dumas, Frida Escobedo, Peter Fischli, Cyprien Gaillard with Victor Man, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Wade Guyton, Carsten Höller with Adam Haar, Pierre Huyghe,

Arthur Jafa, Koo Jeong A, Dozie Kanu, Cildo Meireles, Fujiko Nakaya, Precious Okoyomon, Philippe Parreno, Rachel Rose, Tino Sehgal, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Ramdane Touhami und Adrián Villar Rojas, amongst many others.

• Kunstmuseum Basel
‘Dan Flavin: Dedications in Lights’
‘When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting’
‘Ingenious Women: Women Artists and their Companions’
‘Made in Japan: Colored Woodcuts by Hiroshige, Kunisada and Hokusai’

• Kunsthalle Basel
‘Ghislaine Leung’
‘Toyin Ojih Odutola: Ilé Oriaku’
‘Nolan Oswald Dennis: a recurse 4 [3] worlds’

• Kunsthaus Baselland
‘Rewilding: Opening exhibition of the new Kunsthaus Baselland at Dreispitz’

• Museum Tinguely
‘Mika Rottenberg: Antimatter Factory’

• Vitra Design Museum
‘Transform! Designing the Future of Energy’

• Vitra Schaudepot
‘Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse’

About Stefanie Hessler
Stefanie Hessler is a curator, writer, editor, and the Director of Swiss Institute (SI) in New York. At SI, Hessler has co-curated solo exhibitions by Ali Cherri, Lap-See Lam, and Raven Chacon, as well as initiated the curatorial project Spora, which invites artists to transform the institution through what she calls ‘environmental institutional critique’. Previously, as the Director of Kunsthall Trondheim in Norway, Hessler co-led the exhibition ‘Sex Ecologies’ and edited the accompanying compendium on queer ecologies, sexuality, and care in more-than- human worlds (with Seed Box and The MIT Press, 2021). Selected projects as an independent curator include the 17th MOMENTA Biennale, ‘Sensing Nature’, Montreal; ‘Joan Jonas: Moving Off the Land II’, Ocean Space, Venice; the symposium ‘Practices of
Attention’, 33rd Bienal de São Paulo; the 6th Athens Biennale; and ‘Tidalectics’, TBA21– Augarten, Vienna. Hessler is the author of Prospecting Ocean (The MIT Press, 2019), and has edited over a dozen volumes. She currently serves on the advisory board of the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM), is a founding committee member of the New York chapter of the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), and forms a part of the On Seeing editorial collective between The MIT Press and the Brown University Library.

About Kimberly Bradley
Kimberly Bradley is a writer, editor, and educator based in Berlin. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, ArtReview, and many other publications. Bradley is co-editor of Navigating the Planetary, a reader on transcultural art, and has lectured at NYU Berlin and the Salzburg International Summer Academy of Fine Arts. A former curator and moderator of the talks series at Viennacontemporary, she most recently moderated public events for Forecast, an international mentorship program.

About Filipa Ramos
Filipa Ramos is a Lisbon-born writer and lecturer based in London and the Curator of Art Basel Film. Her research looks at human engagement with animals in the contexts of art and artists’ cinema. Her essays and texts have been published in magazines and books worldwide. With Andrea Lissoni, she founded and curates Vdrome, a programme of artists’ films screenings. She is Lecturer in the MRes Art course at University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins, and the Master’s programme at the Arts Institute of the Hochschule für Gestaltung und Kunst, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, Basel. She was Editor-in-Chief of art-agenda, Associate Editor of Manifesta Journal, and contributor tp dOCUMENTA 13 (2012) and 14 (2017). She edited Animals (Whitechapel Gallery/MIT Press, 2016) and curated the group exhibition Animalesque (Bildmuseet Umeå, Summer 2019, and BALTIC, Gateshead, Winter 2019/20). She curates the ongoing symposia series ‘The Shape of a Circle in the Mind of a Fish with Lucia Pietroiusti’ for the Serpentine Galleries.

About Art Basel
Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded beyond art fairs through new digital platforms and initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. Art Basel’s Global Media Partner is the Financial Times. For further information, please visit artbasel.com.

Selection Committee in Basel
Sadie Coles, Sadie Coles HQ, London
Peter Freeman, Peter Freeman, Inc., New York Jochen Meyer, Meyer Riegger, Berlin, Karlsruhe Atsuko Ninagawa, Take Ninagawa, Tokyo
Jan Mot, Jan Mot, Brussels
Franco Noero, Galleria Franco Noero, Turin
Franck Prazan, Applicat-Prazan, Paris
Prateek Raja, Experimenter, Kolkata

The expert for the Feature sector:
Isabel Mignoni, Galería Elvira González, Madrid

The experts for the Statements sectors:
Jennifer Chert, ChertLüdde, Berlin
Bridget Donahue, Bridget Donahue, New York
Aleya Hamza, Gypsum Gallery, Cairo

The expert for the Edition sector:
Carolina Nitsch, Carolina Nitsch, New York

The expert for classical photography:
Thomas Zander, Galerie Thomas Zander, Cologne

Partners
UBS & Contemporary Art
Global Lead Partner of Art Basel, UBS has a long history of supporting contemporary art and artists. The firm has one of the world’s most important corporate art collections. UBS seeks to advance the international conversation about the art market through its global lead partnership with Art Basel, and as co-publisher of the ‘Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report’ and the ‘Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting’. UBS also supports some of the world’s most important arts institutions, events and fairs. UBS provides its clients with insight into the art market, collecting, and legacy planning through its UBS Collectors Circle and UBS Art Advisory. For more information about UBS’s commitment to contemporary art, visit ubs.com/art.

Art Basel’s Associate Partners are Audemars Piguet, whose contemporary art commissioning program, ‘Audemars Piguet Contemporary’, works with artists to support and develop an unrealized artwork which explores a new direction in their practice; and NetJets – the world leader in private aviation, partnering with Art Basel to showcase emerging artists through their lounge activations in Art Basel in Basel, Paris + and Miami Beach. Art Basel is also supported globally by BMW, Ruinart, Sanlorenzo, GOAT, and Quintessentially. Art Basel’s Global Media Partner is the Financial Times.

Local Partners in Basel are Baloise, whose Art Prize is awarded to up to two artists exhibiting in the Statements sector, La Prairie,Chateau d’Esclans ,Vitra, Enea Landscape Architecture, and Mövenpick Hotel Basel. For more information, please visit artbasel.com/partners.

Important Dates

Preview (by invitation only)
Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Public opening dates
Thursday, June 13, 2023 – Sunday, June 16, 2024

Upcoming Art Basel shows:
Hong Kong, March 28–30, 2024
Basel, June 13–16, 2024
Paris+ par Art Basel, October 18-20, 2024
Miami Beach, December 6–8, 2024

Brussels, Belgium, February 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / WTTC President & CEO launched Call to Action ahead of 2024 elections. In a decisive move to shape the future of the Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today issued a ‘Call to Action’, urging EU stakeholders to support a sector that employs over 22MN people and contributes €1.4TN to the European Union’s economy.

The Call to Action from the global tourism body highlights three key areas of focus to modernise and enhance the sector which would see it reach its potential of a €1.9TN contribution to the European Union’s economy by 2033.

WTTC forecasts that by 2033, the Travel & Tourism sector will reach this ground-breaking figure, equivalent to one in ten euros in the European Union’s economy.

The Economic Impact Research (EIR) from WTTC also forecast that the sector will support the creation of almost 4MN more new jobs by 2033, to reach 26.4MN – one in eight jobs across the EU.

A more sustainable future

WTTC is urging the EU to carry out policy impact assessments on the implementation of legislation on the sector, ensuring the transition to a green and sustainable future is achievable and works hand in hand with the sector to reach net zero emissions targets.

The Call to Action encourages EU leaders to consider the role and commitments already made by the Travel & Tourism sector, so that any future environmental legislation complements, rather than hinders, the work already being undertaken.

Supporting ease of travel across borders

WTTC is dedicated to supporting streamlined policies which facilitate smooth, hassle-free travel, stimulating growth and create more job opportunities. A critical component of this is simplifying visa processes.

The global tourism body is urging the EU to continue its drive toward visa-free travel and remove existing barriers. WTTC encourages the EU to rollout the already delayed Entry-Exit System to ensure a more seamless traveller experience.

Boosting the digitalisation of the sector

The digitalisation of the sector is vital and WTTC is urging the European Union to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. This will increase efficiencies, reduce costs, and create opportunities for development and economic growth.

The EU should pursue policies that allow for contactless travel and support the innovative implementation of AI across the sector. WTTC will support the EU to enable the digitalisation of passports, streamlining of visa applications, and across the whole traveller journey.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “The Travel & Tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth in the EU and the measures within our Call to Action will ensure the sector continues to grow sustainably, attract new talent and prosper.

“We urge the EU to adopt these recommendations for the benefit of businesses and travellers globally. As the sector modernises and unlocks the digital transformation of travel, together with the European Union we can achieve unprecedented growth.”

These key areas, outlined at the onset of a new political era in Europe, are critical for the pragmatic policy implementation and support the sector desperately needs.

WTTC’s ‘Call to Action’ emphasises the opportunity for the EU’s Travel & Tourism sector to remain competitive, and achieve greater success, ensuring its continued growth and resilience, provided these actions are implemented.

Check out the ‘Call to Action for the Next European Political Cycle‘ here.

Kingston, Jamaica, February 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism put the focus on building a more resilient sector during an official visit to Jamaica. With the latest UN Tourism data showing international arrivals returning to 87% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of 2023, emphasis has now shifted to protecting the sector from future shocks. The official visit of the delegation led by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili coincided with the second Global Tourism Resilience Day. A series of high-level meetings in Jamaica also advanced shared efforts around ethical, inclusive and sustainable tourism as well as the priorities of education and investment.

Investments and education to build resilience

Every level of tourism must be ready to deal with shocks and emergencies and able to adapt to whatever challenge comes our way

Through the work of UN Tourism, Global Tourism Resilience Day (17 September) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2023 with the aim of protecting the sector, including its businesses and workers, from future shocks. The second annual celebration was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, itself one of the leading destinations in the Caribbean and Americas. UN Tourism Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined Jamaican Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and leaders from the public and private sectors for a special one-day conference on the theme. UN Tourism advanced work for greater resilience through:

• Investments: As part of an ongoing collaboration with the Development Bank of Latina American and the Caribbean (CAF), UN Tourism will add to its collection of “Tourism Doing Business” investment guidelines with an edition focused on Jamaica. The guidelines will identify opportunities for investors in the country’s tourism sector, with a focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
• Education: In Montego Bay, the UN Tourism delegation advanced plans to work with Jamaica’s Centre for Resilience on a number of new, targeted education programmes. UN Tourism will also work with the Ministry of Tourism to explore plans to establish a Tourism Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism. The Academy would serve the wider Caribbean region.

“Resilience takes many forms,” the UN Tourism Secretary-General said opening the conference. “Every level of tourism must be ready to deal with shocks and emergencies and able to adapt to whatever challenge comes our way. For many developing countries, including the least developed countries, small island developing states, countries in Africa and middle-income countries – we cannot allow the lifeline of tourism to be cut for too long.”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister welcomes UN Tourism

On the eve of the Global Tourism Resilience Day celebrations, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, met with Secretary-General Pololikashvili to discuss shared priorities for growing tourism in size and impact across both Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region. The Prime Minister also invited the UN Tourism leadership to join the official opening of Parliament.

Nagoya, Japan, February 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, will welcome back a newly-renovated and rebranded hotel, the Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae from the 13th of March 2024, in the vibrant Sakae district of Nagoya, one of Japan’s largest and key cities.

The former Best Western Nagoya had grown a reputation as one of the city’s most popular internationally branded midscale hotels. Now, following an extensive refurbishment to bring it into line with the elevated brand standards of Best Western Plus®, this stylish downtown property is ready to embark on an exciting new era of hospitality.

Nestled in the heart of Sakae, Nagoya’s central commercial district which is filled with high-rise corporate offices, world-class attractions, shopping malls and eclectic bars and restaurants, Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae is perfectly positioned for business and leisure travelers alike. Local landmarks include the Sky Boat Ferris Wheel, Nagoya City Science Museum with its spectacular planetarium, and Nagoya City Art Museum, which features work from highly acclaimed Japanese and international artists.

Convenience is key at Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae, which offers seamless connectivity. Chubu Centrair International Airport is just 40km away. Nagoya Station, which offers Shinkansen services to Tokyo and Osaka, is within reach, and Sakae Station is linked to two urban metro lines, which makes getting around the city completely stress-free.

The 143 contemporary rooms all come fully equipped with modern amenities and all bathrooms feature revitalizing power showers. There is also the convenience of an onsite restaurant serving breakfast daily.

“We are delighted to unveil Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae, which provides elevated midscale hospitality to guests in the epicenter of the city. As a major Asian metropolis and the home of multinational companies such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and bullet train manufacturer Nippon Sharyo, this is a central hub for corporate travel, as well as an increasingly popular destination for leisure seekers. The rebranding of the former Best Western Nagoya reflects the strength of BWH’s portfolio of 18 brands to cater to the evolving needs of hotels owners and developers in every market. We look forward to welcoming all travelers to this revitalized midscale hotel,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Best Western Plus Hotel Nagoya Sakae joins BWH’s extensive nationwide portfolio in Japan, which currently comprises of 21 hotels in key cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Kyoto, including two beach resorts in Okinawa.

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

Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Secretary-General of UN Tourism has concluded an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Zurab Pololikashvili led a high-level delegation to the country to join the official inauguration of the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition and for a series of bilateral meetings to advance common goals around tourism resilience, diversity and rural development.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined Iran’s President, His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, in opening the 17th edition of the Exhibition. At the leading event, UN Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Iran grow its tourism sector through promotion and investments, while also supporting the country in educating a new generation of tourism workers. Mr Pololikashvili also met with the Mayor of Tehran, Ali Reza Zakani, with bilateral talks focusing on working together to make the city a more attractive destination both for tourists and for investors.

The Secretary-General explored the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition alongside Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami and Deputy Minister Dr. Ali Asghar Shalbafian. The UN Tourism leadership commended their hard work building the sector, with particular recognition of how tourism is celebrating Iran’s diverse ethnic groups and traditions while also providing a common vision for the future of the country. Representing UN Tourism’s growing Affiliate Members network, the CEO of Abbas Abad Cultural and Tourism Area, Seyed Hossein Hejazi, also met with Secretary-General Pololikashvili to make clear the role the private sector is playing in advancing shared goals.

In line with the Organization’s emphasis on rural development, Governor Malek Rahmati was presented with a plaque to commemorate Kandovan being included in the list of Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism. The significant potential for growing tourism as a pillar of rural development, benefitting communities across Iran, was also noted, with UN Tourism ready to work with destinations to help them join the Best Tourism Villages network.

Bangkok, Thailand, February 16, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Celadon, renowned for its exquisite Thai cuisine, invites diners on an unprecedented gastronomic journey with its latest offering, the Celadon Tasting Menu curated by the esteemed Chef Rosarin (Rin).

Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Thai culinary traditions, Chef Rin and her dedicated team have meticulously crafted a 7-course tasting menu designed to showcase the diverse flavors and regional specialties of Thailand. From the lush jungles of Chiang Rai to the bustling streets of Bangkok, each dish is a celebration of authentic Thai home cooking at its finest.

Priced at THB 2,800++ per person, the full experience menu features an array of tantalizing dishes, including:

• Marinated Deep-Fried Pork with Blue Crab, Garlic Glutinous Rice, Ginger, Shallot, Chili, and Peanut
• Golden Puff Beef Massaman Curry
• Chiang Rai Style Spicy Smoked Duck Breast with Dried Chili Paste and Aromatic Herb
• Clear Soup Yellowtail Fish with Roasted Shallot, Garlic, Green Mango, Turmeric, and Coconut Vinegar Juice
• Grilled River Prawn with Tamarind-Shrimp Paste Dipping Sauce and Crunchy Vegetable
• Jungle Curry Free Range Chicken with Chili, Lemongrass, and Fresh Cardamom
• Crispy Coconut Shell with Kaffir Lime Marmalade and Muskmelon Coconut Milk Sorbet

Speaking about the menu, Chef Rin expressed her passion for preserving the authenticity of Thai cuisine while adding her own creative flair. “With more than 20 years of experience as a Thai chef, I strive to maintain the original taste and traditional recipes that are rarely found elsewhere,” she shared.

Born and raised in Thailand, Chef Rin’s culinary journey began under the guidance of her grandmothers, both esteemed Thai chefs and pâtissiers. She honed her skills at The Regent Bangkok and later served as Assistant Head Chef at the renowned Siam House Restaurant and Millennium Hilton Bangkok before joining The Sukhothai Bangkok.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact The Sukhothai Bangkok at +66 (0) 2344 8888

Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure with Celadon’s new tasting menu, where every dish tells a story of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.

About Celadon
Celadon is a premier Thai restaurant located at The Sukhothai Bangkok, offering an unparalleled dining experience that celebrates the essence of Thai cuisine. Led by Chef Rosarin (Rin), Celadon is renowned for its commitment to authenticity and innovation in Thai culinary arts.

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

Singapore, Singapore, February 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Soon-Hwa Wong as its Ambassador for Greater China.

“China will continue to play a pivotal role in driving tourism growth across the Pacific Asia Region. It is crucial for PATA to actively engage with all sectors of China’s expanding travel and tourism industry, from government to industry stakeholders. Recognising the significance of China’s tourism sector, the PATA Executive Board has appointed Soon-Hwa as the PATA Ambassador for Greater China for a two-year term. Soon-Hwa’s deep understanding of both PATA and China makes him the ideal candidate for this role,” stated PATA Chair Peter Semone.

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

Soon Hwa’s first official business trip to China was way back in 1985. He has made regular trips to different parts of China since then. In 2007, he relocated to Shanghai when he was regional head of Hertz Asia Pacific to set up the first fully owned foreign car rental company in China. He spent 3 years there from 2007 to 2010 and has now built a strong network of business contacts and good working relationships with relevant government agencies. He is fluent in English and Mandarin, including several Chinese dialects.

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

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

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which 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.

Valletta, Malta, February 15, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta and Les Roches, together with The Earth Charter Institute, CBCGDF, and ECPD, announce the Strong Earth Awards 2024. Recognizing students with a passion for advancing Climate Friendly Travel and promoting sustainability aligned with the Paris 1.5 goals.

This award will grant 10 outstanding students €500 each, sponsored by Les Roches and SUNx Malta. This year there will be a Special Award of 1000 Euro In honour of the late Valere Tjolle, a pioneer of Green Tourism. The winners will be announced during SUNx Malta’s Strong Earth Youth Summit (SEYS) held on April 29, 2024.

All entrants will receive a complimentary copy of the Earth Charter from the Earth Charter Institute, along with an electronic version of the book “Remembering Maurice F Strong” from ECPD (European Centre for Peace and Development.

Students are invited to submit a thought-provoking 500-word essay on “Why is the Earth Charter more relevant today than when it was introduced by Maurice Strong and Mikhail Gorbachev in 2005 – especially for tourism in Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?”

The Strong Earth Awards shed light on the Earth Charter’s vital sustainability messages and the visionary work of Maurice Strong, resonating in today’s climate-challenged world.

To learn more about the awards, visit www.thesunprogram.com. Explore the Earth Charter’s principles and values at www.earthcharter.org.

Please submit entries as Word documents to awards@thesunprogram.com, including the following – Full Name, Country, Gender, Word Count, and Name of University (if a student).

Submission Deadline: March 17, 2024

Judging will be conducted by a panel, co-chaired by Professor Geoffrey Lipman and Joceline Favre-Bulle, Director of Operations at Les Roches.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta, emphasizes, “As the IPCC Report starkly reminds us, time is running out to address the existential Climate Crisis. A point strongly underscored by the recent TPCC (Tourism Panel on Climate Change) Stocktake. The Earth Charter, conceptualized by Maurice Strong, is an essential foundation for comprehending Climate Friendly Travel and fostering much-needed resilience”

For more information, please contact awards@thesunprogram.com or call +32495250789