Category: Latest Travel News

Mombasa (Kenya) – December 9, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine who is in Mombasa as a delegate invited for Routes Africa 2019 took to the stage yesterday along side Tony Griffith, the Senior Vice President Consulting at ASM, and as usual he spoke from the heart making points for the betterment of aviation and tourism.

St.Ange is today heading his own Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy and remains a sough after speaker at tourism and aviation forums and conferences. He also issues his own Saint Ange Tourism Report.

The need for political will was highlighted and for the continent’s accredited bodies to stand by the side of African Member States starting with the African Union, IATA AFRICA and AFRAA.

St.Ange’s points were discussed overnight and earlier this morning in a meeting with Steven Small, the Director of Routes, the point was made and agreed that a meeting is needed between Routes, African Union (AU), IATA Africa and AFRAA.

Africa needs a coordination planning meeting in its opening of the air space, routes development and in so doing help tourism to rewrite its own narrative for Africa by Africa.

Steven Small of Routes has said he sees the need for such a meeting to be called and plans to followup.

Alain St.Ange met the press in Nairobi as he was heading for Routes Africa in Mombasa.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Minister was in Nairobi before heading to Mombasa for Routes Africa 2019.

St.Ange, who is now a much respected and sought after speaker for tourism and aviation forums and conferences stopped in Nairobi primarily to meet tourism leaders he deals with through his tourism consultancy business (Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy) from which he issues his weekly tourism report.

After his meetings on Friday some Kenyan press personalities caught up with him at Hilton Nairobi to better understand his tenacity and dedication to tourism.

“I am honoured to again be invited to Routes Africa to sit on a panel of experts in the field of aviation. This subject remains the catalyst for tourism destinations because without a good aviation network tourism as an industry will struggle. This is why every helping hand is important and Africa needs to be relooking at its air routes to ensure better coordinated links” said St.Ange.

The former Minister was also quizzed on tourism in the Indian Ocean as well as politics in Seychelles where he leads the One Seychelles political party.

“Political developments in Seychelles is intensifying day by day as Presidential elections are due in the latter part of 2020. Will it be just a Presidential poll or will the incumbent President call a General Election is anyone’s guess but I can say the One Seychelles as a political party is ready to contest the elections as and when they are called” said St.Ange.

Alain St.Ange will be in Mombasa for the three coming days as one if the invited Routes Africa delegate.

Montreal (Canada) – December 9, 2019 (travelindex.com) – In giving the 16^th Annual Assad Kotaite memorial address in the ICAO headquarters last night, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, co-creator of SUN^x said that air transport was too important for human development for it to become demonized in the fight against existential climate change.

Linking the vision and spirit of Dr Kotaite, long-time ICAO President and Maurice Strong, architect of global sustainable development, with whom he worked closely. He said that both saw Aviation and the Travel & Tourism ecosystem that it powers, as positive change agents in the global transformation to the New Climate Economy. But two interlinked shifts were needed to make the sector “fit for purpose.”

First, there has to be a migration of all tourism to Climate Friendly Travel ~ measured to balance the positive socio-economic aspects and the adverse environmental impacts; green to ensure growth:2050 proof to fit the Paris 1.5^o Climate Neutral trajectory.

Second, we need a “Moon-shot” Approach to bring Aviation fully on board. Lipman said that “Air transport is too important to be ultra-conservative in its ambitions, A 2050 game-plan that still leaves the highest emission percentage of any industry on the planet is not a serious option at a time when the UNFCCC is calling for net zero greenhouse gas to meet the hardening Paris Climate targets.” He proposed a virtual moon-shot of the kind President Kennedy established to put Neil Armstrong on the moon, marshalling all the forces needed to achieve the goal.

He said “the Secretary General of the UN should appoint a Blue Ribbon Commission, chaired by a respected World Leader, like Helen Clarke former Prime Minister of New Zealand and ex UNDP Head with top ranking Members from inside and outside the sector to come up with ambitious solutions to aviation’s long term reliance on fossil fuel propulsion.”

Lipman added “ The Secretary General should make the call at The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Davos session and ask the Forum to manage the program – with a two year delivery mandate, It should engage leaders from Aviation, Tourism, Airframe and Engine Manufacturers and Fossil Fuel companies, the as well as civil society – including the Elon Musk minds, the Richard Branson financing and the Greta Thunberg generation’s enthusiasm”

He concluded that “We need to be imaginative and bold, with the spirit of Assad Kotaite and Maurice Strong, to build a Climate Neutral 2050 for our kids and grandkids”

A full version of Professor Geoffrey Lipman’s 16th Assad Kotaite Memorial Address on

Kuching, Sarawak (Malaysia) – December 9, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2020 (PDMF 2020) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from November 25 – 27. The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture and Minister of Youth & Sports Sarawak, Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the conclusion of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2019 (PDMF 2019) in Pattaya, Thailand.

PDMF 2020 is hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

During PDMF 2019, the Honourable Minister Datuk Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated, “We want the charm of Sarawak to be felt by all of you as Sarawak is rich in the aspects of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals. Come visit us in Kuching next year and you will surely find more to discover. Indeed, you may come as a stranger to Sarawak, but leave as friends and family.”

“Sarawak has certainly been blessed with many natural wonders including our coastline and rivers, the Gunung Mulu UNESCO Heritage Site, the state’s continental shelf rich with oil and gas resources as well as our common fishing grounds with Vietnam and Thailand in the South China Sea. PDMF2020 would augur well towards Visit Sarawak Campaign as well as the Visit Malaysia Year 2020 by highlighting Sarawak and Malaysia on the global tourism map,” he added.

“It is an honour to be working with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture and Minister of Youth & Sports Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau to organise the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2020 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, in advocating for the responsible and sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry in Sarawak,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “Aligning with PATA’s advocacy theme of tourism dispersal, this event will shine the spotlight on a side of Asia unlike anywhere else, as Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity, far from the tourist-trap clichés. The Association remains a strong advocate on the issue of tourism dispersal to secondary and tertiary destination, as it allows people to see the true authentic beauty of the country and its people and at the same provide an economic boost to local communities who greatly benefit from tourism.”

The PATA Destination Marketing Forum (PDMF) gathers the top minds in destination travel for inspiring and insightful discussions on some of the major issues in marketing and managing tourism growth to lesser-known destinations. This action-packed annual event features two nonstop days of learning, discovery and networking. Alongside the one-day conference that brings together high-profile tourism professionals worldwide, the one-day Technical Tour offers an immersive experience of the host destination – a showcase of a lesser-known yet attractive corner of the world and an unprecedented opportunity to explore the region’s natural landscapes and cultural treasures.

The largest among the thirteen Malaysian states, Sarawak is located in northwest Borneo Island, bordered by Sabah (Malaysia), Kalimantan (Indonesia), and Brunei – a gateway to Borneo’s natural wonders and cultural riches. As the capital of Sarawak and one of the major hubs in East Malaysia, Kuching boasts a sophisticated mosaic of cultures, cuisines and cras, with a range of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife to suit most tastes and pockets.

Once a riverine trading post, Kuching’s city centre is well preserved and compact. Best explored by foot or by sampan along the Sarawak River, Kuching’s bustling streets and alleyways are lined with fascinating British Colonial style architecture, archaic Chinese temples and centuries-old shophouses, alongside artisanal shops, cafes and bars.

In advocating sustainable tourism and emerging destinations, PATA is pleased to offer complimentary registration to all interested parties.

For more information about the event, please email events@PATA.org or visit www.PATA.org/pdmf-2020.

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.

Panglao Island, Bohol (Philippines) – December 9, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has expanded its presence in the Philippines with the launch of a brand new beachfront resort in Panglao, the idyllic island in the central province of Bohol.

Best Western Plus The IvyWall Resort-Panglao opened its doors on November 15, 2019, becoming the first internationally-branded resort in this enchanting destination. This landmark development will provide a significant boost to Panglao’s tourism industry, helping the island attract a new generation of visitors to its stunning shores.

Commanding a prime position in Panglao’s main tourism area, this striking, design-led hotel overlooks the powder-soft sands and crystal clear seas of Alona Beach, just a short distance from many shops and local attractions. Bohol-Panglao International Airport is also less than ten minutes’ drive away, offering regular flights to and from major domestic hubs like Manila, Clark and Cebu City.

Best Western Plus The IvyWall Resort-Panglao features 80 bright and stylish rooms with balconies overlooking the pool, gardens or sea. Some rooms even lead directly into the resort’s freeform outdoor swimming pool, and a selection of sea-facing suites even feature private balconies with Jacuzzis.

Guests can spend endless days soaking up the exotic ambiance, either by the pool or on the beach, which is nestled in front of the resort. The pool bar is a great place to enjoy cool refreshments and light snacks during the day, and there is also a seaside garden, a children’s playground and fitness center, creating a variety of ways to unwind. As the sun sets, guests can head to the Tereza Rooftop Deck for a cocktail or enjoy a memorable evening meal at the rooftop restaurant.

Finally, event planners can take advantage of extensive function facilities, including three meeting rooms, a business center and outdoor spaces for poolside dinners, team-building sessions and dream weddings.

“We are delighted to welcome all domestic and international guests to Panglao, a hidden gem which is now starting to emerge on the world stage. With its perfect location, contemporary design and modern facilities, supported by Best Western’s renowned service standards, Best Western Plus The IvyWall Resort-Panglao will elevate the quality of visitor accommodation to new levels of excellence,” said Olivier Berrivin, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

“We look forward to introducing many more domestic and overseas guests to this delightful destination; Panglao’s tourism industry has a very bright future and we look forward to being an integral part of it for many years to come,” Olivier added.

Nestled in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, connected to Bohol by two bridges, Panglao is a quintessential tropical paradise. Lined with pure white sands, warm shallow seas and vibrant coral reefs, it is a spectacular setting for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Guests can also enjoy boat trips, dolphin watching excursions, kitesurfing, sea kayaking and many other activities.

The opening of Best Western Plus The IvyWall Resort-Panglao reinforces Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ position as one of the biggest hotel groups in the Philippines. The company now operates eight hotels and resorts across the country, including locations in Metro Manila, Angeles City, San Fernando, Puerto Princesa, Cebu City, Subic Bay, and now, Bohol.

For more information and reservations, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel GroupSM global network. With 17 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through recent acquisition, WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive brands are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Studio® and SureStay Collection® franchises**. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com or www.bestwesterndevelopers.com.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Contact information:
Sirimanas Maungrod (Cake) | Senior Regional Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com

Phanintorn Tangtrongjit (Dream) | Assistant Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: phanintorn.tangtrongjit@bestwestern.com

Best Western Hotels and Resorts
BWI (Thailand) Co., Ltd.|Unit 5A-2 | 5th Floor Gaysorn Place Office Building
999 Ploenchit Road Lumpini Phatumwan | Bangkok | 10330 | Thailand
Phone: +662.656.1260 | Fax +662.656.1252| www.bestwesternasia.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – December 7, 2019 (travelindex.com) – A recent celebrity guest spotted at the world renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok  was none other than singer and songwriter Matteo Bocelli,  son of the world-famous Italian opera singer Andrea  Bocelli.  Having a brief cooking lesson from Blue Elephant’s Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, owner chef of the Restaurant, was one of the activities on the singer’s “must do” list during his recent visit to Thailand.  Always prepared to showcase Thailand’s  ‘culinary prides’ highlighting Thai herbs, Chef Nooror taught the VIP guest two popular dishes from the menu, namely, “Tiger Prawns with Black Garlic Pepper Sauce” and “Crab Curry with Betel Leaves”.

Matteo Bocelli, started singing and writing songs from a young age.  He inherited his musical genes including his remardkable, soaring vocals from his father, Andrea Bocelli, touted to possess the world’s most beautiful voice.  Andrea Bocelli has just signed with Capitol Records, home to world’s famous musicians such as Katy Perry, Sam Smith and Halsey, among many others.

Blue Elephant Restaurant Bangkok featured in the Top25Restaurants.com Bangkok by the trusted Restaurant Rating Index and Travelindex. Read the full review at www.top25restaurants.com/bangkok/

 

Istanbul (Turkey) – December 6, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, a leading luxury brand within the Accor group, is pleased to announce the opening of its first hotel in Turkey, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim. The hotel officially opened in early November in Taksim Square, known as the heart of modern Istanbul, where both locals and visitors shop, dine and spend time taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The hotel, developed in collaboration with Turkey-based Tuna Group, is a luxury haven offering an impeccable blend of Sofitel’s inspired mix of French modern elegance with the cosmopolitan style of Istanbul.

“We are excited to introduce the Sofitel brand to Turkey, a market where we want to drive further growth over the next three to five years,” said Alexis Delaroff, COO of Accor New East Europe. “We believe that the addition of new luxury product into the city will serve as a key tourism driver, enticing travelers to explore one of Turkey’s most dynamic cities, while also delighting locals as a sophisticated and stylish destination for dining and entertainment.”

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is infused with the soul and character of the historic site where it resides. The location has been a famous hotspot within the bustling Taksim neighborhood for over a century. Originally home to the grand Magic Cinema, the property went on to become one of the most famous nightclubs in Istanbul. Maxim opened in 1921, and reigned at the top of Istanbul’s nightlife for several decades. Today, Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is the newest and most anticipated luxury hotel in the Taksim neighborhood.

Guests of Sofitel Istanbul Taksim will revel in the luxury of 202 chic guestrooms including 33 suites, each suite outfitted with Hermés products while all other guestrooms will feature Atelier Cologne bathroom amenities for guests to delight in. Guestrooms offer expansive views of Taksim Square or the nearby Bosphorus strait, one of the world’s most strategic waterways and a popular Istanbul landmark. Club and suite guests have exclusive access to the property’s Club Millésime, with special services such as private check-in, personalized service, afternoon tea and treats, and more. The hotel is equipped to host business and social events of all kinds, with two elegant ballrooms and three well outfitted meeting rooms.

Helping travelers maintain their health away from home, the wellness facilities impress at the Sofitel Istanbul Taksim. A rare find in Istanbul, the hotel’s outdoor rooftop swimming pool is the ideal spot for guests to unwind and take in panoramic views of the captivating city. The hotel’s state-of-the-art Sofitel Spa promises exhilarating and rejuvenating treatments inspired by traditional Turkish rituals with the delicacy of French cosmetology, featuring products from French luxury skincare brand Sothys. Outfitted with an indoor pool, seven treatment rooms, a traditional Turkish Hammam, steam room, sauna, and fully equipped fitness center, the Sofitel Spa is a haven within the energetic city.

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim delights with its enticing dining options. Featuring a beautiful outdoor terrace fit with its own gazebo, The Oven is a European brasserie that takes its name from the wood fired oven it uses to create its signature Turkish and French inspired dishes. On the hotel’s ground floor sits a charming patisserie, Cake Box, which artistically serves authentic French sweets and traditional Turkish classics. A must see is the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, which serves up modern Turkish mezze, tasty bites and chic cocktails, not to mention striking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. While La Table, a breakfast and buffet venue, and The Lobby Bar, a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, coffee or light bite after an exciting day of exploring Istanbul, round out the dining options at the hotel.

About Sofitel Hotels and Resorts
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts is an ambassador of modern French style, culture and art-de-vivre around the world. Established in 1964, Sofitel is the first international luxury hotel brand to originate from France with almost 120 chic and remarkable hotels in the world’s most sought after destinations. Sofitel exudes a refined and understated sense of modern luxury, always blending a touch of French decadence with the very best of the locale. The Sofitel collection includes such notable hotels as Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Munich Bayerpost, Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Sofitel is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 4,900 hotels and residences across 110 countries.

Madrid (Spain) – December 05, 2019 (travelindex.com) – This COP25 side-event hosted by WTTC in partnership with UNFCCC focussed on the 2050 Climate Neutral ambitions of the Travel & Tourism industry.

The event was opened by UNFCCC Executive Director Patricia Espinosa and WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara who called for increased Travel & Tourism low carbon ambition with Climate Friendly Travel as the new norm. They pledged intensified cooperation to drive this.

A panel of thought-leaders from across the sector, moderated by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, SUN^x Malta Co-creator, then focussed on the responsibility of the world’s largest industry to meet the 2050 targets agreed at Paris in 2015. The panel covered Aviation, Cruises, Tour Operators, Reservations, and Carbon Trading.

Professor Lipman reviewed the findings from the inaugural Climate Friendly Travel Ambitions Report, produced in partnership with WTTC. Taking 2019 as a benchmark for the state of the industry, the report concluded that Travel & Tourism needs to get more engaged, must increase ambitions to Climate Neutral 2050 and must solve critical challenges around aviation growth and no carbon long term operations.

 As part of its response to this SUN^x Malta is developing a 2050 Climate Neutral Ambitions Registry where organisations and coalitions can publish their targets for 2050 and how they will achieve them; coupled with an annual Think Tank to review and update the previous year’s report.

Lipman also referenced development of a SUN^x learning portal to share best practice, a Climate Champions Program to support 100,000 next generation change-markers, and SDG-17 Partnerships to help support the transition towards a Climate Neutral sector.

The event concluded with a commitment to collaboration by UNWTO Executive Director Dr. Manuel Butler Halter.

A full recording of the event can be viewed here.

SustainableFirst.com supports the efforts of SUNx, UNFCCC and WTTC for the 2050 Climate Neutral ambitions of the Travel and Tourism industry. More at www.SustainableFirst.com

Prachinburi (Thailand) – May 15, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts was recently selected to host a major event designed to showcase the natural beauty and authentic culture of Thailand’s exquisite eastern provinces, and to promote the region as a tourism destination.

Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the “More Fun @ The East” event was held on April 24-25, 2019, at Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, the group’s exceptional new resort in Prachinburi province. The industry-leading event gathered approximately 300 travel trade delegates for a series of face-to-face buyer-seller meetings.

The event was attended by Piboon Hattakitkosol, Governor of Prachinburi, along with TAT executives including Wiboon Nimitrwanich, Executive Director for the Eastern Region; Auttaphol Wannakij, Deputy Executive Director for the Eastern Region; Sophon Tontayatai, Director of the Eastern Market Division; and Sakol Thongkam, Director of the Nakhon Nayok Office (Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi and Sa Kaeo provinces).

“We are delighted to welcome the TAT’s senior executives, VIPs and our esteemed travel trade partners to Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western for this important regional tourism expo,” said Matthew Horvat, the resort’s General Manager. “Thailand’s eastern provinces, including Prachinburi, hold incredible potential for domestic and international tourism. Our natural beauty, captivating culture and exciting activities are just waiting to be discovered. Resorts like ours are also now proving that the region has the ability to host world-class events and vacations,”

Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western is the perfect venue for out-of-town meetings and conferences, with extensive function space including an 800-guest convention hall and several other meeting rooms that can cater up to 200 delegates. The “More Fun @ The East” event occupied two of the resort’s meeting rooms, while the convention hall was used for a glittering gala dinner on the final evening.

Prachinburi is one of the “secondary destinations” being actively promoted by the TAT, as it works to spread the benefits of tourism to more parts of Thailand. In October 2018, the TAT launched a new campaign inviting tourists to “Visit a Secondary City: Must Try, Must Love and Must Care.” This focuses on promoting low-carbon, eco-friendly tourism in the kingdom’s less-visited destinations.

While it is only 160km from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, Prachinburi province shares a border with Cambodia. The province also contains parts of three national parks – Khao Yai, Thap Lan and Pang Sida – which together cover more than 3,000 square kilometers, the largest area of protected land in Thailand. This creates outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Nestled in Prachinburi’s verdant countryside, Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western is an idyllic low-rise rural retreat that exudes tropical elegance. Accommodation includes 199 rooms and suites with garden and lake views. Guests can cool off in the tropical outdoor pool, be pampered in the spa, or enjoy a wide range of activities including tennis, badminton, cycling, snooker and a golf driving range. Alternatively, guests can head out and explore the local area, which features forests, waterfalls and ancient ruins.

The opening of this new hotel earlier this year marked the debut of the BW Signature Collection in Asia, a collection of upper midscale hotels and resorts that reflect the unique charm and culture of their destination.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of approximately 4,500 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide*. Best Western offers 16 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market. Best Western branded hotels include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, AidenSM, SadieSM, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature Collection®. Through recent acquisition, Best Western now also offers WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive brands. Completing its portfolio, Best Western offers SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, and SureStay Collection® franchises**. Now celebrating more than 70 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and award-winning online and mobile booking capabilities. Best Western continues to set industry records regarding awards and accolades, including 66 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2018, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-midscale and midscale hotel brands respectively for two consecutive years, and Fast Company honoring Best Western Hotels & Resorts with a spot in the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality category. Best Western has also won 10 consecutive AAA®/CAA® Lodging Partner of the Year awards, recognizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and great value to AAA/CAA’s nearly 60 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Best Western-branded hotels were top ranked in breakfast (food and beverage category) by J.D. Power’s 2018 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study – ranking first for midscale; and second for upper midscale. Nearly 40 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western-branded hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Google® Street View provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Through its partnership with Google Street View, Best Western is the first major company of its size and scale to launch a virtual reality experience for customers, setting a new industry standard and reinventing how guests view hotels.
* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Contact information:
Sirimanas Maungrod (Cake) | Senior Regional Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com

Phanintorn Tangtrongjit (Dream) | Assistant Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: phanintorn.tangtrongjit@bestwestern.com

Best Western Hotels & Resorts
BWI (Thailand) Co., Ltd.|Unit 5A-2 | 5th Floor Gaysorn Place Office Building
999 Ploenchit Road Lumpini Phatumwan | Bangkok | 10330 | Thailand
Phone: +662.656.1260 | Fax +662.656.1252| www.bestwesternasia.com

Cebu (Philippines) – May 14, 2019  (travelindex.com) – The sold-out PATA Annual Summit 2019 in Cebu, Philippines officially ended over the weekend. The conference featured opinion leaders from both public and private sectors, including the co-founder of Airbnb and leaders of five tourism boards worldwide, among many other influencers in the travel and tourism industry within Asia Pacific and beyond.

Conference topics included the ‘State of the World Economy’, ‘The Current and Future State of Travel and Tourism in Asia Pacific’, ‘Navigating the Numbers’, ‘Travelling the Unknown to Find Yourself’, ‘Accessible Tourism for All’, ‘Destination Management in Times of Uncertainty’ and ‘Mainstreaming Sustainable Tourism’, ‘The Power of Data and Insights for Responsible Development’, and ‘The Future of Sustainable Destination Branding’.

If you missed it, don’t worry! Here are 10 key things we learnt from the conference:

1. The world economy has been slowing down since 2018 and will continue to slow in 2020, reflecting a trend that The Economist calls ‘slowbalisation’. This does not mean that growth is disappearing: there is slowing global integration on traditional measures but deeper integration elsewhere. Positioning for short-term volatility but longer-term growth is key.

2. Global growth and the ‘center of economic supremacy’ is moving back towards Asia, where it was located before the 1800s industrial revolution. Envisioning the world in 2050, Asian, Middle Eastern and African economies will populate the top 20 economies, led by China and India.

3. Short-term rentals such as Airbnb are here to stay and the accommodations ecosystem will continue to experience fundamental change. Hotels are increasingly seeking to offer unique experiences such as offering apartment-like accommodations, while entrepreneurs are seen scaling up the apartment model and operating it more like a hotel.

4. Data is important but one should never trust data without understanding their source or the context in which they are presented. For example, international tourist arrivals may have risen over the past few years, but a closer look will reveal that spend per visitor has decreased. At the same time, spend per arrival may seem low but it is possible that the impact of that spend could have a bigger impact than that of higher number.

5. In order for the community to become stakeholders of tourism, we must work within our cultural contexts to appropriately engage the locals and provide them with value. One example would be an initiative in the UAE that helped uplift societal perceptions of widows while providing them with livelihood through tourism. By showing how tourism can help create jobs and income, we can demonstrate its value to the community.

6. Public-private partnerships are very important for the future of responsible tourism. Governments can lead in creating sustainable policies but the private sector must help enforce the practices. Sustainability that comes from the top down can guide the responsible actions of future generations, but should also take into account small businesses that may not be able to afford the needed resources.

7. Accessible travel is not just about building infrastructure like wheelchair ramps. It is about integrating universal design to accommodate all forms of disabilities and to include groups such as children and seniors. There are simple solutions that you could implement to attract this rapidly growing yet underserved sector of the market, such as printing out an extra menu with large text.

8. Urbanisation will continue to drive emerging markets over the next few years especially in China and India, which will bolster the new middle class and create new opportunities. It is necessary to invest, build infrastructure, and think about how to anticipate shaping the future.

9. The protectionism trend in our global economy can be attributed to those who feel they have not benefited from globalisation. In order to reverse this trajectory, we must provide opportunities for everyone so the feeling of inequality can shift towards a positive direction.

10. Marketing the destination should be refocused to managing the destination, as more and more destinations face the challenge of over-tourism. Tourism brands must have a strong, authentic story based on the values of the destination, then be able to communicate the story well by creating products that are in line with the brand vision.

Pattaya (Thailand) – May 14, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Renowned Southeast Asian boutique hospitality brand, X2 [Cross-To] Resorts, has officially launched its latest boutique resort, X2 Pattaya Oceanphere – a stylish all-pool villa retreat at Bang Saray Beach, a former pirate haven and traditional fishing community on Thailand’s idyllic Eastern Seaboard.

Accessible in just 1.5 hours by car or taxi from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is an enchanting destination for weekend breaks and international vacations. Nestled just 450 metres from the shoreline, where crystal clear seas gently lap golden sands, this sleek resort is suitable for couples, friends or families who want to experience design-led luxury in an authentic local ambience.

“X2 Pattaya Oceanphere is an exceptional addition to our portfolio and to Bang Saray, which is one of the most alluring stretches of coast on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. This area’s fabled history as a pirate haven is perfectly complemented and contrasted by the cutting-edge chic and upscale amenities of X2. We look forward to welcoming guests to Bang Saray’s first all-pool villa resort and introducing a new era of world-class hospitality to this captivating destination,” commented Steve Lockhart, Cluster General Manager of X2 Pattaya Oceanphere and X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere.

“We are thrilled to open X2 Pattaya Oceanphere and bring our vision of a smart, stylish new property to life. Bang Saray is an authentic destination that captures the charm of a Thai coastal community. By blending this traditional ambience with contemporary design and world-class facilities, we are giving our guests exactly what they want – experiential stays that push the boundaries, while also embracing contemporary comfort and reflecting the spirit of the destination,” said Mr. Chanin Vanijwongse, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat Group, the hotel’s owner and developer.

The 59 pool villas at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere include a choice of one-, two- and four-bedroom options, designed in a unique geometric style that resembles rice terraces gently cascading towards the coast. Starting from 137 square metres in size, each villa comes fully equipped with spacious living areas, bathrooms, a kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor sala, terrace and private pool. The bedding in each room features state-of-the-art 37.5® Technology, which is designed to keep guests cool and comfortable by maintaining the body temperature at 37.5 degree throughout the night. The four-bedroom pool villas are perfectly suited to families and groups of friends.

Days at X2 Pattaya Oceanphere start with the signature X2 free-flow Champagne breakfast at Ocean Bistro, the bright all-day restaurant. This vibrant venue is set to elevate the standard of dining in Bang Saray, with a contemporary Asian and international à la carte menu that focuses on locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, including the freshest seafood.

The resort’s spectacular rooftop pool is a sublime setting to chill out during the day, while Chili Blue, the pool bar, serves refreshing daytime drinks and stunning sunset cocktails, overseen by our resident mixologist. In-room dining is available and guests can also purchase ready-made dishes that they can reheat in the peace and privacy of their pool villa.

Visitors to Bang Saray can spend their days exploring the surrounding area, which is filled with cultural charm, natural beauty and modern attractions. With its unspoiled stretches of sand, this is an attractive destination for beach lovers. Once home to a legendary band of pirates, descendants of whom still live in the area today, Bang Saray presents an insight into Thailand’s rich coastal heritage. Guests can stroll along the sand and visit beach bars and seafood shacks, or visit Bang Saray Walking Street Market which sells genuine Thai products and handicrafts.

Away from the beach, guests can discover an array of activities including world-class water parks, championship golf courses, vineyards and botanical gardens. The rolling green hills are ideal for cycling, the azure sea is perfect for scuba diving, and the colourful nightlife of Pattaya is just a short drive away.

Part of BHMA Hotels and Resorts, X2 is an international lifestyle brand covering hotels, resorts, villas, branded residences and spas. With an emphasis on design, style and simplicity, the brand is unpretentious and understated, just like its customers. Following the launch of X2 Pattaya Oceanphere, there are now six X2 Resorts operating across Thailand, including X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, X2 River Kwai Resort, X2 Kui Buri Resort, X2 Koh Samui Resort, and X2 Khao Lak Anda Mani Resort. The brand also operates a collection of five villas and residences in Thailand and Australia.

X2 Resorts’ footprint will continue to expand later this year with the highly-anticipated launch of X2 Breakers Bali, marking the brand’s Indonesian debut. This is one of six projects in the pipeline, as X2 strengthens its portfolio in some of Asia’s most desirable destinations.

As well as being easy to reach from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bang Saray is accessible via U-Tapao International Airport. Just 20 minutes’ drive from the resort, this rapidly expanding air hub offers direct flights from cities in Thailand, China, Malaysia and further afield. In the coming years, the development of a high-speed rail link along the Eastern Seaboard will further enhance connectivity in this up-and-coming destination.

About Habitat Group
Habitat Group was founded in 2012 and is a leading premium property-for-investment developer in Thailand with extensive experience in developing hotel branded residences and a track record of delivering award-winning resorts with strong ROI for investors. Habitat Group’s portfolio includes upscale branded resort residences in prime locations in Pattaya as well as high-end low rise condominiums in Bangkok’s Central Business District. For more information, please visit www.habitatgroup.co.th.

About X2 [Cross-To] Resorts
X2 [Cross-To] Resorts is part of BHMA Hotels and Resorts’ distinctive portfolio and consists of design-driven luxury properties in unchartered destinations, from lush islands to heritage cities in Thailand and beyond. These stylish and elegant resorts cater to modern travellers with discerning taste, offering them the understated luxury they seek in a relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretence. X2 Resorts artfully provides authentic and anticipatory experiences that are seamlessly integrated with rustic nature and local charm. Currently, there are seven X2 Resorts and three X2 Villas dotted in three countries in the Asia Pacific; future plans call for more than X additional lifestyle and design hotel projects over the next several years.

For further information, please contact:
Steve Lockhart
Cluster General Manager
X2 Pattaya Oceanphere
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere
Tel: +66 8 1438 2183
E-mail: Steve.Lockhart@bhmahotels.com
Website: www.x2lobby.com