Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 9, 2020 (travelindex) – Anyone who keeps up with the trends in beauty and wellness would have heard of PRP or platelet-rich plasma, a treatment known to naturally and effectively rejuvenate the skin. By using the patient’s own blood without any added chemicals, PRP stimulates the growth of healthy cells and collagen without the risk of infection or increased skin damage. Reaching cells below the outer layer of the skin, “it is being used to improve skin tone and texture, smooth fine lines, and even promote hair growth,” said Joshua Zeichner, director of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Decades of studies have shown that PRP can also regenerate damaged tissue, eliminate scarring and stretchmarks, even out skin tone and make the skin appear more youthful.

In Bangkok, one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, dermatological specialists at Dr.TATTOF clinics have successfully combined the use of PRP with revolutionary pico-second laser “PicoWay Resolve” to remove scars and stretch marks more efficiently than ever before. According to American-board certified dermatologist and laser specialist Dr. Nattapong Jirurawong, M.D., patients who were treated with both PRP (branded as “MyCELL“) and PicoWay Resolve experienced significantly less redness and enjoyed faster healing, effectively reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks with fewer treatments. For instance, while completely removing pregnancy stretch marks would take approximately 8 to 12 sessions of PicoWay Resolve, PRP can accelerate the healing process to require only 6 sessions. Patients using PRP together with PicoWay Resolve would not only experience faster, more visible results, but also more youthful skin in the treated area.

A leader in the field of aesthetic laser solutions, Dr.TATTOF is moving forward from being the first provider in Thailand to treat with USFDA-approved PicoWay, to being the first in Southeast Asia to accelerate PicoWay’s outstanding effects with PRP. How does it work? PicoWay Resolve’s high-energy beams target scars and stretch marks, breaking the underlying structures in the skin which cause the imperfections. Meanwhile, the laser’s ultra-short pulses enables a photoacoustic that avoids overheating the skin, preventing further scarring. This process spurs the creation of newer, healthier cells that better fade scars and stretch marks. After PicoWay Resolve, the patient’s blood will be drawn, spun in a centrifuge to extract the PRP, finally injecting it into the targeted area using tiny needles for the patient’s highest comfort. The procedure stimulates the patient’s fibroblasts to produce collagen fibers which accelerates the healing process.

About Dr.TATTOF
Following the footsteps of his father, Thailand’s first US-trained dermatologist, Dr. Nattapong Jirurawong founded Dr.TATTOF to erase unwanted memories and improve confidence by removing scars and tattoos. Being the first medical center in Thailand to treat patients with PicoWay was only the beginning. Today, Dr.TATTOF proudly provides various types of world-class laser solutions with gracious Thai hospitality, bringing happy smiles to every patient

At Dr.TATTOF, patients can expect high attention to detail and un-matched sincerity, leading to the most impressive results. Dr.TATTOF has 4 aesthetic medical centers in central Bangkok and 1 in Pattaya. For more information, visit www.drtattof.com/en, call +66(0)99-614-2424 or send a Facebook message to www.facebook.com/dr.tattof/

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 10, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The 2nd Asia Destination Film Forum 2020 will be hosted in Bangkok on 30 January 2020. The event is co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Itthipol Khunpluem, Thailand’s Minister of Culture, and Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuwan, Secretary General of the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Association. It was first launched at the 2018 Mekong Tourism Forum in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and showcases and recognizes films that promote destinations and sustainability, through the power of visual storytelling.

Numerous films have inspired millions to visit destinations. Especially in recent years, there has been a growing phenomenon that tourists visit destinations featured in movies and user-generated social media video clips. Recent research suggests that movies can have a strong influence on tourist decision making and that films do not only provide short-term tourism revenue but can build long-term prosperity in a destination.

Several countries and destinations quickly understood these advantages and have successfully increased the number of tourists through the magic of films.

The forum consists of sessions held by industry leaders, such as Mr. Nick Ray from Hanuman Films, Mr. Joe Cummings, editor at large of Bangkok 101, Ms. Fah Daengdej Host of The Passion on Nation TV 22, and more, exploring how consumers are inspired by visual storytelling from movies to user-generated videos to visit destinations, how tourism boards can leverage films, how businesses can benefit from visual storytelling, and how it can drive sustainability.

With sessions and case studies, such as by Tom Waller, producer of “The Cave” (Thailand), which re-tells the story of the captivating rescuing of the Wild Boards soccer team and their coach last year and by Ekachai Uekrongtham executive producer of the Netflix series “The Stranded” (Thailand), and case studies by the Singapore Tourism Board, Busan City Tourism Organization, as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the event looks at how current films promote destinations.

Winner of Best Feature Film at the 2019 San Diego International Film Festival “The Steed” (Mongolia), as well as Hanuman Films’ award-winning “The Last Reel” (Cambodia) will screen during the event. In addition, films submitted to the Thailand Film Festival, in collaboration with the Thailand Film Office of the Department of Tourism, and the Mekong Mini Movie Festival, in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will be shown during the Forum. Besides looking at the impact of feature-length movies, the event also includes sessions on the importance of traveler- and blogger-generated visual content and how travel companies can benefit from destinations being film locations.

In the evening, the 2020 Asia Destination Film Awards, as well as the Mekong Mini Movie Festival Awards, will be presented, followed by an authentic Mongolia BBQ Film Festival night with a Mongolian celebrity BBQ chef and traditional cultural performances hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia. Nominations to the Asia Destination Film Awards in the categories Tourism Boards, Travel Industry, User-Generated, Professional Film Makers, and Sustainable Travel, are still open until 17 January 2020 via

Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and founder of the Destination Film Forum and Awards, comments: “Today, video is one of the most powerful mediums when promoting a destination. It has the chance to awaken the wanderlust in the viewer by showing the essence and uniqueness of a place in just a few short moments. However, the power of inspiring people via film goes beyond promoting destinations; it can also drive change and responsible travel behavior, striving to emphasize tourism that is sustainable, responsible, environmentally conscious, and bringing benefits to local communities. In partnership with WWF and Khiri Travel, the Mekong Mini Movie Festival is creating awareness of sustainable tourism and conservation, focusing on the festival’s mascot, the endangered Mekong Dolphin.”

The Asia Destination Film Forum and Awards 2020 will take place on 30 January 2020 at Quaint Bangkok in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Chameleon Strategies. Sponsors include Asset World Corporation, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), HMD Asia, the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia, MIAT Mongolia Airlines, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Its supporting organizations include the Department of Tourism Thailand, ITB Berlin, the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations Thailand, Skål International Thailand, the Thailand Film Office, Travel Massive, as well as the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department. The producer of the event is UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

A Destination Film Forum networking happy hour with film previews will take place at Spectrum Lounge & Bar on the 29th of January at 17:30 hours in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and Travel Massive and supported by the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 8, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and The Wine Merchant came together to host exclusive five-course dinner, accompanied by wines from the world-renowned Château Margaux in France.

Executive Chef Jan Van Dyk and his team created an unforgettable culinary experience, pairing each course with exquisite vintages from the Bordeaux vineyard. Delicate seafood canapes were served with Billecart-Salmon Champagne as guests were welcomed by their hosts. Cauliflower carabineros and foie gras with smoked eel were paired with Pavillon Blanc Du Château Margaux 2016 and Pavillon Rouge Du Château Margaux 2010 respectively. Kiwami striploin was served with Jerusalem artichokes and enhanced with Château Margaux 2003 And Château Margaux 2000, the latter of which has been awarded 100 by Parker in the Wine Advocate. The same accolades have been received by the Château Margaux 1996, which accompanied the souffle.

Guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. Serge Cuypers (first left), Hotel Manager and Mr. Aurelien Valance (second left), Deputy Managing Director of Chateau Margaux, who acted as guest speaker at the dinner.

Photo shows from left to right:
1. Mr. Serge Cuypers, Hotel Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
2. Mr. Aurelien Valance, Deputy Managing Director of Chateau Margaux
3. Mr. Tim Boda, Director of food and beverage, Operational Excellence & Events of Minor Hotels
4. Mr. Jirachai Sethisakko, Director of Beverage and Wine Guru of Minor Hotels

Baku (Azerbaijan) – December 31, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to welcome the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan as its newest government member. The agency is the executive authority carrying out and regulating the state policy in the field of tourism.

“The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan understands the importance of the tremendous growth and influence of the Asia Pacific region and, through PATA’s various activities, they now enjoy access to our Association’s extensive network of members as well as in-depth research and insights to help them to develop tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Dr. Hardy. “In welcoming Azerbaijan to the PATA family, I encourage our members and industry friends to learn much more about this culturally rich and historic destination.”

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, said, “It is a great honour to be part of such an acclaimed global network as the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the key markets for us as we are observing a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from this region. Certainly, we are eager to support and contribute to this growth by co-operating with public and private entities in the region’s tourism sector, providing trainings for travel industry representatives and engaging in other capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening ties in the sphere of tourism between Azerbaijan and the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agency’s mission is to demonstrate a strategy focused approach to create an environment fostering the development of tourism in Azerbaijan through holistic institutional framework supported by research, bringing together all involved stakeholders (strategic partnerships), innovation and unique tourism experiences. Its vision is to develop Azerbaijan as a world class tourist destination, converting it into the most attractive and successful tourism destination in the region.

Azerbaijan is situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia (or South Caucasus) on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Historically a part of the Great Silk Road and situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical, economic and cultural interests of many nations and civilizations, Azerbaijan has, since ancient times, aroused the interests of great minds, scientists, travellers and historians. Azerbaijan has an amazing historical and cultural heritage with more than 7500 natural, archaeological, architectural, and historical monuments. Cave drawings at Gobustan, Momine-Khatun and Garabaghlar mausoleums, the Palace of Sheki Khans, the Maiden Tower, the castles of Absheron, medieval manuscripts decorated with magnificent miniature paintings, antique rugs, and works of literature, arts and sculpture – all of this is just a small part of the country’s rich and priceless heritage.

As an emerging tourism destination Azerbaijan offers a variety of travel experiences and ever-improving standards of service. Given the growing tourist interest, the number of rooms in local and international hotel chains is constantly increasing, while travellers can also overnight in everything from medieval caravanserais to guesthouses and farmstays.

Besides the many cultural and natural attractions and experiences, new tourism products are being developed such as a wine route, including visits and tastings at wineries and vineyards throughout the country, as well as adventure activities, hiking and sports tourism. Azerbaijan regularly hosts international multi-sport events, including the Azerbaijan Grand Prix which is held every year in Baku, the nation’s capital.

Azerbaijan’s fire worshipping heritage runs deep in the country’s ancient history but also reflects itself in its modern art, culture and even architecture. Dominating the skyline of Baku, the Flame Towers represent contemporary Azerbaijan – a new, ambitious country, developing and progressive, but still loyal to its roots and origins. Another modern architectural gem is the Heydar Aliyev Centre – a cultural hub where visitors can enjoy modern art, learn about Azerbaijani history and culture at permanent and temporary exhibitions and enjoy performances in the fabulous concert hall.

The country is easily accessible with over 40 direct flights across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, and its new visa-on-arrival offering with a simplified new electronic visa procedure adds to the convenience of visiting. Visas can now be obtained within three days. Since the introduction of electronic visas, the number of tourists coming from European countries has also increased dramatically.

Azerbaijan has set its sights on doubling the number of people visiting the country by 2023. To accomplish this it launched the ‘Take Another Look’ campaign in 2018 which invites travellers to come and unravel the nation’s hidden stories and secrets.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, 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 more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over 4,000 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 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic

Langkawi, Kedah (Malaysia) – January 7, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Umgawa Legendary Adventures has gained much love from Mother Earth! Running an eco-adventure business in an authentic manner has brought diverse cultures and believes under one roof. Cultivating the pillars of sustainability for the future generation. Umgawa™ designs and builds an exclusive adventure experience for everyone, whilst providing travellers a window into the true ethos of Malaysia’s breath-taking wilderness and culture.

Constantly striving to preserve the ecosystem and contributing to the economic growth of Langkawi, we aim to provide our partner and guests a true legendary experience – filled with wild rides, endemic animals and authenticity of the local culture. We create an intoxicating and unforgettable aerial canopy voyage and nature experience for visitors of all ages.

Our primary practices are safety, service quality and of course our sensitivity levels to the environment and local communities. These are the main factors that drive our business in making it sustainable. We are eco-friendly, with no nail installations and no contact of metallic parts that are inserted into the trees. All elements are completely built from eco-friendly and sustainable top-quality materials made possible with minimal maintenance. The usage of the highest quality tropical timber that is highly resistant to rot, fungi and mildew and wire ropes that are highly resistant to abrasion, this allows us to cultivate renewable resources and nature can harvest without pollution.

Leveraging on the strength of the natural plant eco-system, by using the art belay system and safety equipment. Guests are able to view the local rainforest ecosystem and sight the native wildlife and indigenous species that surrounds the grounds of Umgawa™.

When our guests arrive, our dedicated rangers will provide insights of how to care for the environment not only at our ground but throughout the journey. Global warming has been taken seriously in the past decade, and we thrive to do our part in promoting an environment friendly legendary adventure.

Environmental practices do not limit to the area of Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfalls) but extends to the entire island of Langkawi. We take great care in educating all visitors regarding the little environmental practices that they can take-away with them.

Umgawa™ Legendary Adventures meets the needs of the present without having to compromise the ability of the future generations to achieve the purpose of preservation. Plants at our medicinal herbs garden enable staffs to be enlightened on the benefits of flora and fauna thus making this knowledge eco-system friendly. Engaging in our definition of corporate social responsibility, as we practice ethical methods of being sustainable.

For enquiries, please contact
Nick Shahin, General Manager
Email : nick@umgawa.com
Website :www.umgawa.com
Seven Wells Waterfalls
07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
M: +6017 331 2892

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 1, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Singapore’s distinguished Carlton hotel at last arrives in Thailand. From early 2020, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit will reveal what visitors to the Lion City have long known: for outstanding accommodation and superb dining it has to be Carlton. Be among the first to experience the brand’s hospitality in Bangkok with special offer available now.

For years there was talk. Of all the many Singaporean brands and products available in Thailand, why not the quintessential Singapore hotel, Carlton? Travelers have known for decades that at Carlton’s two Singapore properties are found not only excellent accommodation but also some of the best dining in all of Southeast Asia. So, the question has always been, will Carlton come to Bangkok?

The answer stands in the heart of Sukhumvit Road between soi 27 and 29 at a striking, curvilinear 34-story building: Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

The five-star property comprises 338 spacious rooms and suites, along with superior facilities including swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Among venues to enjoy the Carlton dining experience is famed Wah Lok Cantonese restaurant – a Singapore culinary institution for more than 30 years.

Stay ahead of the curve and book early for a stay in March 2020 at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit. A special opening offer available now features any room category at 15% off the hotel’s best available rate along with daily breakfast. The offer also includes 20% off at hotel food and beverage outlets (excluding Wah Lok restaurant), one glass of Chandon Brut sparkling wine, and complimentary late check-out. This special offer is valid for bookings made now to 31 March 2020 for stays throughout March 2020.

Avoid the rush – and there will be one, the wait has been long for Carlton in Bangkok. Book now.

About Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Expanding the Carlton brand from Singapore, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is scheduled to open first quarter 2020. With a striking and unique building façade and enviable location on Sukhumvit road between Asok and Phrom Phong BTS stations, guests will enjoy easy access to luxury shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. This upper-upscale property features 338 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a range of dining options including the signature Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant and a rooftop bar. With over 1,200 sqm of meeting and event space, the hotel can cater for boardroom meetings and grand banquets for up to 600 people. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, kids play area, spa and a fully equipped gym.

 

Abu Dhabi (UAE) – January 1, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Historic project dubbed the “Abrahamic Family House” to be completed by 2022 A new UAE’s landmark, featuring a church, mosque and synagogue, will be built in one location in Abu Dhabi.

The unique and historic project dubbed the “Abrahamic Family House”, which is currently in the first steps of implementation, will take three years to be completed and opened in 2022.

The Abrahamic Family House is among the first projects of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, which was reviewed at its second meeting held at the New York Public Library in which the Committee shared with stakeholders their mission to progress a culture of mutual respect and dialogue across all backgrounds, beliefs and nationalities.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and several top Emirati officials, and representatives of several institutions and partners were present.

The meeting coincides with the beginning of the 74th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

The new body is empowered to provide guidance and counsel on realising the goals of the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” signed by His Holiness, Pope Francis of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, in Abu Dhabi, during the Papal visit in February this year.

Following the Higher Committee’s inaugural meeting at the Vatican earlier this month, the New York gathering was the second time the Higher Committee has met in two weeks.

One of the first projects the Higher Committee will help guide is the Abrahamic Family House, to be located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. A reflection of the Document on Human Fraternity, a church, mosque and synagogue will share a collective space for the first time, serving as a community for inter-religious dialogue and exchange, and nurturing the values of peaceful co-existence and acceptance among different beliefs, nationalities and cultures.

The design of the Abrahamic Family House, by the award-winning and globally-renowned architect, Sir David Adjaye OBE, was unveiled at the New York event.

Reflecting on this historic initiative, His Eminence Elect Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and Higher Committee member, said, “This endeavour is a profoundly moving moment for humanity. Although sadly, evil, hatred and division often make news, there is a hidden sea of goodness that is growing and leads us to hope in dialogue, reciprocal knowledge and the possibility of building, together with the followers of other religions and all men and women of goodwill, a world of fraternity and peace. I would like to thank the UAE for the concrete commitment shown on behalf of human fraternity.”

Commenting on the occasion, Judge Mohammad Mahmoud Abdul Salam, Higher Committee member and Former Advisor to the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, remarked, “The formation of the Committee has come at an important time and has required all peace lovers to unite and join the efforts to spread coexistence, brotherhood, and tolerance throughout the world. I am moved by this energy and determination to spread the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity to achieve security, coexistence, and peace for everyone. I was amazed by the mutual humanity concerns that both His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Dr. Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, shared when they met last February; they were determined to achieve happiness for all humanity no matter the religion or nationality.”

Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig, Senior Rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation and a Higher Committee member, said, “This is an important opportunity for all who believe in the power of faith and humanity. It will help build bridges between religious leaders and communities as well as foster peace and harmony in an era that is too often defined by difference. I am honoured to be part of such an esteemed group working to champion love over hate, justice over injustice, and faith over fear.”

Sir David Adjaye, Founder and Principal of Adjaye Associates, stated, “I am humbled and honoured that our design has been selected. I believe architecture should work to enshrine the kind of world we want to live in, a world of tolerance, openness, and constant advancement. We hope we have set out a plan for a beautiful and thought-provoking space that celebrates the three faiths. The space will be open to the world, and our hope is that through these buildings people of all faiths and from across society can learn and engage in a mission of peaceful coexistence for generations to come.”

Leshan, Sichuan (China) – January 2, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise PATA Travel Mart 2020 in Leshan, Sichuan, China from September 3-6. The event will be hosted by the Leshan Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau.

“We are delighted to be returning to Leshan, Sichuan, China for PATA Travel Mart 2020, having previously worked closely with our various partners to organise the PATA Annual Summit 2015, as well as the annual Emei Global Summit,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “With its rich culture and beautiful natural landscapes, tt is the perfect setting for people to access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships, and I would like to welcome members and non-members to join us at this very special destination.”

Leshan is a prefecture-level city located at the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers in the Sichuan Province of China The city is located on the south-western fringe of the Red Basin in southern Sichuan, about 120 km (75 miles) from Chengdu.

Leshan is one of the most mature tourist destinations in Sichuan and even China. It annually receives over 25 million visitors. The Leshan Giant Buddha of Mount Emei, a Cultural, Heritage and National 5A tourist attraction, draws worldwide attention due to its profound influence on Buddhist culture and is surrounded by a unique natural landscape. Leshan City is a paradise for leisure and holiday. Other leisure activities in the area include hot springs, skiing and rural tourism.

Travellers can connect to Leshan via Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, then land transfer by car, bus or by speed train from the airport to Leshan city. It takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes by car or bus, and forty minutes by speed train.

For more information or to register for PATA Travel Mart, please email PTM@PATA.org.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, 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 more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over 4,000 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 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 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 official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 3, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Minor International (MINT) has announced that through its subsidiary NH Hotel Group (NHH) it will operate a unique portfolio of eight high-end hotels with a total of 1,115 rooms in prime locations in Europe – in Italy, France, Czech Republic and Hungary. NHH will lease the hotels from Covivio, a leading European real estate investor. The hotels will be rebranded to MINT and NHH’s hotel brands, including Anantara and NH Collection, following an extensive repositioning work programme to be pursued by Covivio in all the properties in the coming months.

The hotels, formerly the prestigious Boscolo portfolio, consists of six iconic properties, including Palazzo Naiadi in Rome, Italy; The Carlo IV in Prague, Czech Republic; Hotel Plaza in Nice, France; The NY Palace and The NY Residence in Budapest, Hungary; and Grand Hotel Dei Dogi in Venice, Italy; and two premium hotels in Italy, namely Bellini Hotel in Venice and Palazzo Gaddi in Florence.

After the acquisition by Covivio of the eight hotels, NHH will operate this high-end hotel portfolio under a long-term sustainable lease contract. The closing of the transaction is expected to be fully complete by the end of the first half of 2020. The handover of the hotels will take place at the same time of the closing, except for the hotels in Florence and Nice, which are currently under a full refurbishment, and expected to be completed by June 2020 and January 2021 respectively.

“MINT and NHH have been leveraging on both parties’ strengths for cross-expansion”, said Mr. Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of MINT and CEO of Minor Hotels. “We are very excited about the potential of the Anantara brand in Europe. Anantara’s brand strength, coupled with NHH’s strong relationship with real estate investors has enabled us to expand our luxury hotel portfolio in Europe at a much faster pace. Following the launch of Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Spain in July and the signing in October of a hotel in Dublin, Ireland, to be rebranded to Anantara in 2020, this strategic transaction will notably strengthen the presence of our luxury Anantara brand in key privileged destinations in Europe.”

About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with 536 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 55 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – January 5, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Welcome to 2020! A new year with new challenges for Seychelles and for the world of tourism as a whole. Firstly 2020 will see Seychelles cruise into election mode from very early as the Political Parties will launch their campaign for the coming Presidential elections. Indications are for an end August or early September elections to ensure that all is done before the end of the current mandate of the sitting President.

The recent shark attack that took place on Praslin island as a visitor was enjoying an early evening swim has made news headlines right around the world; a sad and rare shark attack resulted in her arm being amputated. Nature comes with its own challenges, but seeing a shark so close to the beach shows that either the shark population is increasing, or that potentially overfishing has resulted in reduced food stock for our larger predators, brining them coming closer to shore for their meals

Our experts are no doubt discussing the incident and analysing the cause for what happened, but one thing we can do and should be doing, is ensuring positive news about Seychelles, its key USPs and new attractions are given greater visibility, especially when an incident occurs that challenges the status quo.

On their part Mauritius was forced to halt air traffic as cyclone Calvinia was approaching as was announced during the last days of 2019. This affected Flights from Mauritius’ main airport to Rodrigues, and all flights into and out of the island following the closure of the international airport. Tropical cyclone Calvinia passed the island with wind speeds of between 111 and 129 miles per hour, making it a category 3 cyclone.

For Madagascar it was being discussed that Air Madagascar had reportedly lost the interlining agreement with Air Mauritius.

Air Seychelles continues to suffer with passengers connecting through Mauritius enroute to Reunion as they cannot check-in their luggage all the way through and need to complete immigration and custom formalities in Mauritius and then recheck in again for an Air Austral onward flight. Three Vanilla Islands still cannot cooperate to promote two or three island combination is a real let down to the region’s tourism industry.

The second challenge for the tourism industry as a whole is the recent escalation of tension in the Middle East and the GCC region where the military head of Iran lost his life. Seychelles like many tourism dependent countries have important airlift stock form and through that region that connects them and us to major tourism source markets. We can all pray that the situation does not escalate further. Oil prices are already going up and may be the start of trying moments for everyone.

“Nothing pleases me more than the tide of change and awareness of our footprint on the environment” – Denis Private Island in Seychelles leads the way

Denis Private Island in the Seychelles has always been our favourite place in the world; in part due to its spectacular beauty and unique luxury that cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world, but also because of its core values around conservation and sustainability. I was beyond exited to see their latest initiative to hashtag#saveaturtle hashtag#noplasticstraws hashtag#strawssuck

Denis Island is a living, breathing island community, for those who believe giving back to nature is the only way to receive its bounty in return.”

Seychelles Tourism Board staff movement for 2020

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s Management and Board would like to inform all its partners and stakeholders of the following staff movement to be effective January 1, 2020.

In line with the STB’s mandate to promote the destination and in views of increasing the effectiveness of its operations, the following overseas rotations and appointments are to be noted;

Mrs. Lena Hoareau will be stationed in the STB Office in Paris, as the new director for Russia, CIS & Eastern European markets, Mrs. Hoareau moves from the STB office in South Africa where she has been in post since July 2015.

Moving to STB Office based UK; Ms. Karen Confait will replace Ms. Christine Vel, for the UK, Ireland and Scandinavian markets while Ms. Vel will be taking on the South Africa and Other Africa markets after being posted in the UK for the past 2 years.

Effective April 2020, the STB office in Germany, Austria and Switzerland will see the departure of its current Director Mrs. Edith Hunzinger, who is retiring from her 12-years position on that market. Mrs. Hunzinger will be replaced by Ms. Josephine Damrow as Director for the German and Austrian markets and Ms. Judeline Edmond for the Swiss Market.

Ms. Judeline Edmond has been appointed as Director for Switzerland will be based in the STB Paris office. Ms. Edmond’s was formerly a Sales and Marketing Manager at Crown and Champa Resorts in Maldives.

Ending her service with the STB, Ms. Aliette Esther will be leaving the position she has been occupying for the past 8 years as the Tourism Attaché at the STB Abu Dhabi office. The Abu Dhabi territory will now be added to the Middle East portfolio overseen by Ms. Stephanie Lablache based at the STB Headquarters in Seychelles.