Category: Latest Travel News

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The commitment of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to moving closer to its Members and being on the ground in every region has been further demonstrated through confirmed plans for two new Regional Offices.

At the 25th UNWTO General Assembly (16-20 October 2023, Samarkand, Uzbekistan), Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili set out his leadership vision for the Organization, including the aim of adding to the growing network of Regional and Thematic offices. At the Assembly, Mr. Pololikashvili signed an agreement with Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino, to open a Regional Office for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro. Alongside this, UNWTO continues to work closely with the Kingdom of Morocco to establish a Regional Office for Africa in Marrakesh.

Reflecting the clear aims of the leadership vision for both UNWTO and the global tourism sector, Regional Offices will focus on one or more of the Organization’s priorities. The planned Regional Office for Africa will focus on the priorities of innovation and investments in tourism, while the Regional Office for the Americas will also be focused on investment. They will join the Regional Office for the Middle East, opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 2021, which is now a hub for tourism education and tourism for rural development, and the UNWTO Regional office for Asia and the Pacific in Nara, Japan.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s leadership vision for expanding and enhancing UNWTO’s presence on the ground also includes a commitment to new and more diverse Thematic Offices. At the119th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, also held in Samarkand, the Government of Uzbekistan presented its proposal to establish a Thematic Office for Tourism on the Silk Road in the city of Samarkand.

Additionally, after successfully unblocking stalled plans to move on from UNWTO’s home for more than 50 years, the Secretary-General used the occasion of the General Assembly to report that the Spanish Government is now set to start work on a new headquarters in Madrid. Works are expected to conclude in the first semester of 2025.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has further enhanced its status as the global leader in advancing education and skills development for the tourism sector. As one of the top priorities of the Organization’s leadership, and fully endorsed by all Member States, education serves as the foundation for building more resilience and accelerating the shift to greater sustainability.

Against the backdrop of the 25th General Assembly (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 16-20 October 2023), Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili visited the new Tourism Academy Samarkand in Collaboration with UNWTO. The Academy will train students new to the sector as well as those already working in tourism, giving them the skills they need to grow their careers. The Secretary-General praised the commitment of President President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov to investing in education and professional training and for recognizing the role both can play outside of the tourism sector itself.

The Samarkand Academy is just the latest in a growing network of education initiatives spearheaded by UNWTO. Just one month before the General Assembly, against the backdrop of this year’s World Tourism Day (27 September), the Secretary-General visited the newly-opened Riyadh School for Hospitality and Tourism in Collaboration with UNWTO. The school has already welcomed its first students and aims to welcome many thousands more, both from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia itself as well as from across the wider region and the world.

Alongside its Academies, UNWTO is transforming tourism education at every level. The Education Toolkit, launched out of the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East, is designed to support Member States everywhere introduce tourism as a high school subject. This stands alongside the growing UNWTO Tourism Online Academy, the UNWTO Students League and now the Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management offered by UNWTO in partnership with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and the Arts of Switzerland, in supporting people at every stage of their educational journey in tourism.

Education as a priority for the sector will next be highlighted at the Minister Summit hosted by UNWTO at the World Travel Market (London, 6 November).

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, October 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s largest airline, is pleased to announce that it will resume four weekly passenger services to Madrid, Spain’s capital and a city of elegant boulevards and extensive, starting from December 9, 2023.

The four-time weekly services from Addis Ababa will be operated per the below schedule on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Regarding the resumption of the flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are delighted to reinstate our Madrid flights. The new services will continue to be vital in linking Africa with Spain’s arts and financial center creating critical link to the socio-economic relationships between Madrid and more than 60 African cities where Ethiopian Airlines flies to. Once again, we are glad to offer this connection between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines suspended its Madrid flights back in 2020 due to the pandemic; now we are back even stronger to provide our renowned award-winning services to/from the Spanish capital. Our services to Madrid will be operated by the modern Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that furnishes ultra-comfort to our esteemed customers.”

Ethiopian Airlines offers a seamless connection to both leisure and business travelers onboard its more than 140 young and modern fleet to its more than 150 passenger and cargo international and domestic destinations.

Apart from its flight resumption to Madrid, Ethiopian will start new services to Gatwick London and Bangui Central Africa in November while many more new destinations are in the pipeline.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft.

Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in new culinary delights of handmade dim sum and à la carte delicacies at Bangkok’s renowned Cantonese dining destination. InterContinental Bangkok, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the introduction of a fresh new menu at Summer Palace, Bangkok’s favourite destination for Cantonese specialties. The renowned restaurant presents to the public new à la carte and all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch menus that invite guests to indulge in an elevated culinary experience guided by esteemed Executive Chef Shui Wing Yau and his exquisite art of handmade dim sum. The new Summer Palace menus deliver an array of mouthwatering dishes to guests, such as delicate dim sum filled with succulent ingredients seasoned with aromatic spices as well as an impressive selection of seafood, signature lobsters and Peking duck.

Chef Yau, a native of Hong Kong and a two-time recipient of Michelin accomplishments during his tenure in Hong Kong and Shanghai, sets foot in Bangkok as the bold visionary behind the new Summer Palace menu. With more than three decades of international experience from esteemed kitchens which he infuses into the new menus of Summer Palace’s delectable Cantonese cuisine, Chef Yau is driven by a vision to set new industry standards. He is passionate about introducing guests to modern Cantonese delights through fresh ingredients combined with sophisticated cooking techniques that create innovative dishes and are a true representation of Chinese culture.

Commenting on his ambitions for Summer Palace, Chef Yau said,
“The legendary reputation of Summer Palace precedes me. I am honoured to share my craft with those who have a passion for modern Cantonese cuisine in such a well-established dining destination. My new menu is designed to demonstrate the power of food as a catalyst for connection when deep-rooted authenticity is combined with refined modern elegance. Whether guests desire world-class dim sum or à la carte dining options, we have something on offer regardless of the occasion. Summer Palace is a true gem within our culinary offerings at InterContinental Bangkok and we are excited to delight guests with a modern twist to authentic Cantonese cuisine.”

Chef Yau’s Signature Dishes
Guests can enjoy Summer Palace’s array of delightful selections, including Chef Yau’s top recommendations and signature dishes, such as:
• Peking duck
• Iberico char siu
• Tea-smoked chicken with crispy rice
• Deep-fried crispy fish maw
• Stir-fried lobster with egg white and crab roe
• Summer Palace fried rice
• Braised bamboo fungus, fresh mushroom wrapped in bean curd skin with black truffle
• Cooked rice in lobster soup with fresh baby oyster and crispy rice
• Crispy pork belly with spicy mustard
• Deep fried slow cook beef short-rib with garlic, chilli and black bean
• Deep fried snow fish with balsamic vinegar sauce
• Steamed bamboo fish with homemade yellow chilli sauce

Other highlights include an exquisite selection of award-winning and organic premium teas from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, including Arun Tea (awarded “Gourmet Medal” in 2021) and Sayun Tea (awarded “Gourmet Medal” in 2021). The restaurant additionally offers its own unique blend of premium Chinese tea: La Vie En Rose.

An Ambience Fit for Every Occasion
Whether seeking a romantic dinner for two, a business lunch, or a large family dinner, Summer Palace offers seating for any occasion. Ten richly appointed private dining rooms offer intimate and exclusive dining experiences for groups of six to 20 people. The main dining area sets the stage for a lively and communal atmosphere, transporting guests to a world of Cantonese indulgence. A live kitchen introduces a dynamic element to the dining experience, allowing guests the opportunity to witness the skilled art of creating Cantonese delights first-hand.

Summer Palace is offering an all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch starting at THB 1,150++ per person. The menu highlights include Siu Mai with shitake mushroom, steamed black truffle dumplings with vegetables and fresh mushrooms, crispy spring rolls with king crab meat and avocado, and baked stuffed sesame puffs with onion, Iberico ham and mushrooms. For those seeking an à la carte experience, Chef Yau’s new menu features mouth-watering creations ranging from THB 420++ to THB 11,800++.

Summer Palace is open seven days a week for lunch (11.30 to 14.30 hours) and dinner (18.00 to 22.30 hours). Reservations can be made by calling +66 (0) 2 656 0444.

About InterContinental
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalized and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental®Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
• Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
• Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Garner hotel, avid hotels
• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

London, United Kingdom, October 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental demonstrates its pioneering spirit while paying homage to its rich heritage, paving the way for the luxury traveller of tomorrow. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of an extensive global brand evolution announced today.

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental is set to yet again reimagine the luxury travel experience, striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity. This transformative journey is driven by the brand’s long held belief that travel can expand minds and connect cultures, enhanced by cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and the exceptional talents of InterContinental’s diverse team members.

A FOCUS ON MODERN LUXURY TRAVELLERS AND DIVERSITY

InterContinental aims to captivate the imaginations of modern luxury travellers by satisfying their desire for knowledge and culturally rich experiences. This holistic evolution includes new offerings and experiences, a fresh brand culture, unique brand differentiators, and a game-changing food and beverage and hotel design strategy tailored to the traveller of tomorrow. With InterContinental hotels in the world’s finest cities from Rome to Shanghai, and 93 new hotels and resorts in the pipeline, these concepts will shape the future of InterContinental.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “This isn’t a rebrand or repositioning; rather, it’s a comprehensive transformation from start to finish of InterContinental, ensuring we stay at the forefront of crafting a luxury experience for the modern luxury traveler. Collaborating with our 215 hotels worldwide, we are committed to delivering precisely what todays and tomorrows guests, owners and colleagues require.”

“At its core, this brand evolution revolves around our exceptional team members globally. Alongside a new brand service platform, we’re introducing a fresh brand culture and a range of programmes aimed at attracting and retaining the finest talent in the industry. Our colleague brand culture is grounded in InterContinental’s core belief that travel expands the mind. We unite in diversity and wherever you are in the world, you belong at InterContinental.”

INTENTIONAL FLEXIBILITY FOR MODERN LIFESTYLES

Modern travellers lead diverse lives, and InterContinental acknowledges the need for seamless transitions throughout their day. To address this, the brand is committed to helping guests “shape shift” through their day.

New initiatives include scientifically backed food and beverage programmes aimed at helping guests reduce travel fatigue while ensuring dining options reflect differing guest needs throughout the day. All guests will also receive access to the Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables travelers to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones. InterContinental is collaborating with neuroscience-based designer Isabelle Sjovall to revolutionize guestroom spaces to enhance the restorative process needed for travel fatigue and reimagine other versatile physical spaces so they can seamlessly adapt to evolving needs at different times of the day.

INSIDER EXPERTISE; UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURE

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, with properties in 60 countries, leverages its rich history as a pioneer in hospitality. The brand’s colleagues serve as cultural connectors, helping guests embrace and explore cities and local neighbourhoods. The concierge, at the heart of cultural exploration, will play an even more significant role. InterContinental will develop innovative Concierge Galleries in hotel lobbies, transforming them into epicentres of unrivaled local, cultural knowledge. Going far beyond the standard concierge desk, these new outposts will more closely resemble a luxury boutique, bringing together interactive displays, library spaces and informative features, in some cases even art installations or designer pop-ups. From a design perspective, these social spaces will eschew the traditional desk in favor of a more interactive worktable allowing for more natural and engaging interactions between the guest and concierge.

INCREDIBLE OCCASIONS; THE VERY BEST MOMENTS IN LIFE

Modern luxury travellers place great value on special moments and celebrations but finding time to plan for them can be challenging as life gets busier. Long considered the setting of countless celebrations and special moments, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will further elevate micro-occasions for guests who wish to enjoy any number of life’s milestones, from birthdays to baby showers, through its brand-new Incredible Occasions programme.

The Incredible Occasions programme will help signpost bookable spaces around the hotel, where groups of guests can enjoy privacy while celebrating memorable moments. Unlike grand settings or spacious ballrooms, each intimate space will include programming and packages, consisting of amenities and experiences, such as beautiful tablescapes, decadent candlelit dinners or private masterclasses which can be offered.

Bringing together expertise, infrastructure and imagination, InterContinental will also unveil Celebration Suites across its global portfolio. These are reimagined spaces designed specifically to help guests elevate life’s most special moments, from lavish dinner parties to landmark birthdays.

CULTIVATED ELEGANCE; A PORTFOLIO OF FASCINATION

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts boasts a diverse portfolio of remarkable properties catering to various travel needs and purposes. The brand evolution focuses on further elevating quality design and timeless style under the umbrella of “Cultivated Elegance.”

Melissa Messmer, Global Head of Design for Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Each InterContinental hotel or resort is an experience-driven bespoke concept, tied together by our new Design Pillars that form the strength of our brand design style, Cultivated Elegance.”

InterContinental’s diverse style domains cater to different traveller preferences, from idyllic escapes such as InterContinental Maldives to romantic getaways at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace to unique stays at properties such as Bill Bensley-designed InterContinental Khao Yai.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ global brand evolution embraces modernity, diversity and the desire for meaningful experiences, ensuring that guests can continue to explore the world while feeling right at home.

With acquisitions and new brand launches, IHG Hotels & Resorts has become a significant player in the luxury & lifestyle segment, offering a unique portfolio that spans over 479 properties in more than 70 countries.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Starting in November 2023, The Sukhothai Bangkok proudly presents Sushi Kappo Takizawa Pop-Up – an exquisite traditional Japanese Omakase experience by Chef Shumpei Takizawa. Renowned for his mastery of Japanese Omakase cuisine, Chef Takizawa’s passion for traditional Japanese culinary artistry and commitment to perfection promise to redefine the Omakase dining experience in Bangkok

Hailing from Shizuoka, where his family specializes in producing dried fish products like Katsuo bushi for Dashi, Chef Takizawa’s journey began in his childhood. He honed his skills in the United States, Europe, and the UAE, continually exploring and mastering various techniques to elevate his culinary expertise. In 2013, he returned to Japan, dedicating himself to the traditional style of Edomae-sushi at Michelin-starred sushi bars in Hokkaido and Tokyo. By 2018, he had assumed control of their Los Angeles branch, achieving a remarkable 2 Michelin stars in his first year. In 2020, he ventured to Bangkok, serving as a consultant before finally establishing his own Omakase restaurant.

Chef Takizawa’s Omakase Style seamlessly blends traditional Edomae Sushi with Kappo dishes. Edomae Sushi involves aging, marinating, and curing, while Kappo dishes fuse authentic Japanese cooking with influences from other culinary traditions such as French and Chinese. Hence, Chef Takizawa’s rice and Dashi quality are different from other Omakase places.

To commemorate the inauguration of Takizawa’s pop-up restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, limited seating is being offered to ensure an intimate and unforgettable dining experience. Guests are strongly encouraged to make reservations in advance to secure their place at this culinary masterpiece.

Open daily for lunch and diner
Lunch 2,900++ | Dinner 5,900++ per person

For reservation or more information, please contact:
Tel: 0806433323

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has put tourism on the agenda of the World Investment Forum, the biggest investment gathering led by the United Nations.

In partnership with the Forum’s organizers, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UNWTO held a special high-level dialogue that brought together both the investment and tourism communities.

Investment Framework for Tourism

At the “Accelerating Green Investment in Tourism for Sustainable Development” side event, UNWTO presented its new comprehensive tourism investment framework  focused on innovation, education and sustainability for a more comprehensive economic development. Alongside this, UNWTO also announced that it will partner with UNCTAD to provide a set of Guiding Principles for Tourism Investment in Sustainable Tourism. These will help stakeholders from every part of the sector implement the framework and further boost investments in tourism, one of UNWTO’s core priorities for the sector.

Solutions for Transition

The high-level debate made clear the need for solutions to unlock finance, accelerate green investments in tourism and contribute to sustainable development, particularly relevant as the UAE prepares to host the COP28 climate conference next month.

The dialogues stressed the vital need for a sustainable transition, not just for the planet, but also for tourism itself, for boosting competitiveness and increasing resilience, while emphasised the need of a robust and supportive investment policy framework. Central to this will be delivering additional green investments (traditional and non-traditional), financing and enhancing innovation and technology is much needed in the tourism sector to support and accelerate this transformation. Additionally, the importance of investing in human workforce and specific skills development at every level of education was underlined within the context of green transition.

Moreover, the crucial role of non-traditional investments in enhancing innovation through the creation and diffusion of technologies and mobility startups with the power to decarbonize and unlock new business models and accelerate the green transition was outlined during the discussion.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The power of visual storytelling to highlight tourism as a force for good has been celebrated with the 2023 edition of the UNWTO Tourism Video Competition. Member States from all regions were invited to submit their videos for consideration, with jury made up of top media professionals judging them based on how well they communicate the positive impact of tourism. The competition was divided into two categories.

Tourism and the Decade of Action

For this category, submissions were judged on how well they show how the tourism sector is advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through references to one or more of the 17 Global Goals.

‘Exceptional Stories of Sustainable Tourism’

Here, Member States were asked for remarkable examples which showcase the human face of tourism and make clear the positive social impact the sector can deliver for communities and individuals.

The winners were announced during the UNWTO General Assembly, taking place this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The 2023 winners are:

Decade of Action:

• Africa: The Gambia– Welcome to Gambia
• Americas: Panamá – Panamá vive por más
• Asia and the Pacific: Philippines – Tourism Heroes of Palawan
• Europe: Georgia – Stumari
• Middle East: Oman – Experience Oman

Exceptional Stories:

• Africa: Kenya – Magical Kenya
• Americas: Panama – Panamá vive por más
• Asia and the Pacific: Philippines – Tourism Hero of Zamboanga City
• Europe: Switzerland – My Swisstainable Journey – Ivano Künzli
• Middle East: Egypt – Visit Esna

Bangkok, Thailand, 26 October 2023 – Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Adrian Rudin as Managing Director of two highly anticipated properties in Dusit’s esteemed portfolio – the reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel and ultra-luxury Dusit Residences.

Currently under development opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok, where the iconic original Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel once stood, both properties are integral components of Dusit’s most significant project to date – Dusit Central Park – a visionary mixed-use development that will also encompass a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end shopping mall, and a sprawling public rooftop park.

Set to make its grand debut in mid-2024, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok represents a contemporary transformation of the original hotel, which first graced the Bangkok skyline in 1970 as the city’s grandest and tallest edifice, famous for housing Bangkok’s most elegant ballroom. As a testament to this storied legacy, the revitalised hotel has been meticulously designed to elevate Dusit’s standing on the world stage while redefining its heritage through a modern lens.

Set over 49 floors and crowned with an iconic golden spire, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok will be a multifaceted destination offering an array of dining, wellness, and event facilities. This includes a breathtaking elevated ballroom affording panoramic views of Lumpini Park. Each of the hotel’s 257 spacious and exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites will also provide captivating vistas of this expansive green oasis in the heart of the city.

Drawing inspiration from Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the neighbouring Dusit Residences is also dedicated to embracing Dusit’s rich legacy, and promises to offer a seamless fusion of luxury, comfort, and convenience for residents when it opens in early 2026.

Mr Rudin, a Swiss national, brings over three decades of experience in leading luxury hotels under renowned banners such as Shangri-La and Kempinski Hotels. Pivotal positions he has held in his career include, amongst others, Hotel Manager of Shangri-La Singapore, General Manager of Traders Hotel in Singapore, and Opening General Manager of Shangri-La properties in Abu Dhabi and Beijing.

Before joining Dusit, he served as General Manager of Sindhorn Bangkok Kempinski and Vice President of Operations for China and Southeast Asia at Kempinski Hotels, where he skillfully managed the operations of 25 Kempinski and NUO Hotels, while providing invaluable support for new ventures.

With his appointment as Managing Director of Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Residences, Mr Rudin will play a crucial role in shaping the success of both new properties, including securing future MICE business ahead of the hotel’s grand opening next year.

“Being entrusted with the stewardship of these prestigious Dusit properties is both a privilege and an honour,” said Mr Rudin. “I look forward to working with our exceptional teams to breathe vibrant life into Dusit’s storied legacy as we curate unparalleled guest experiences, continue to redefine hospitality’s highest standards, and deliver one of the most impressive venues for memorable meetings and events in Bangkok.”

Mr Rudin holds an Advanced Certificate in Hotel Management from SHL (Schweizerische Hotel Fachschule Luzern) and an Executive Education certificate from Cornell Hotel Management School at Cornell University, New York.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 19 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / International delegates and media attending the 25th UNWTO General Assembly have expressed their delight of the historical city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan.

Many who spoke about their impressions of the capital city, which is a cultural citadel, have been surprised with the developments and commitments of the government to position Uzbekistan as a new tourism draw.

Hosting UNWTO’s highest organisational structure for the first time, Uzbekistan staged one of the culturally enriching side events to celebrate the historical city.

Speaking to VoyagesAfriq on their impressions of the General Assembly, Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism of Zambia, was excited. From his arrival at night to the glowing sun in the morning that unraveled the country’s beauty.

“When we arrived in Uzbekistan, I was not sure where we were. From the airport to the train and finally to Samarkand, we saw amazing places,” Sikumba said.

Speaking at the General Assembly, the Zambian minister noted that the number of participants at this year’s assembly was overwhelming.

But what resonated with him were the opening ceremony speeches by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, president of Uzbekistan and Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO secretary general.

“The Uzbekistan president’s speech reflected the views of Hakainde Hichilema, my president, on a number of issues particularly PPP, safe cities, open skies and connectivity, which is a big issue in Africa. We are looking at creating airstrips across our provinces in Zambia to make it easier for people to travel”.

He was also impressed with the plenary sessions where he saw figures from his colleagues who are pushing boundaries for tourism to become economic driver of their respective countries.

“Tourism gives, it never takes away unlike other sectors,” Sikumba concluded.

On his part, Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives, expressed that the General Assembly was super good.

On his impression about the host country, he noted, “From our arrival to the hosting, the Uzbekistan team has been good. The venue is new and marvelous”. He was also impressed with the exciting opening ceremony and great speeches by the Uzbekistan president and the secretary general of the UNWTO. “The Investment Forum was very insightful and it challenged all of us here.

“Considering that the General Assembly is well organized, it is a landmark success.
Also pulsatile the UNWTO secretary general has been in charge for some years now and he has been leading the global body in some of the most difficult times during the pandemic.

Now we have moved to the next level of tourism and the General Assembly will draw the roadmap to this next level of global tourism,” Mausoom assured.

Folorunsho Coker, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), was exceptionally excited being at the General Assembly.

“What I have witnessed so far here in Samarkand identifies that tourism is a good state of being and if your country is in a good state, the reward you will get is tourism.

“People will bring their resources to come to discover what you have to offer from whatever form of tourism you have,” Coker said.

He is concerned about improved air connectivity in Africa.

“We need greater connectivity, in the world today, 95 percent of global tourism is enjoyed by 5 percent of countries in the tourism ecosystem.

“There is a need to explore deeper, open minds like the Saudis are doing with their sponsorships,” he said.
On his impressions about the host country, the Nigerian tourism boss said, “We are standing on brand new infrastructure in Samarkand and this investment was done in two years.

“From what I can see, this is going to be the center of MICE for the ‘STAN’ countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and others”.

He thinks there is a lesson to learn from Uzbekistan.

“This country has oil and it is investing in tourism. Nigeria has oil too, and should invest in tourism as well,” he strongly called for more investments in the tourism sector of his country.

First published on VoyagesAfriq by Kojo Bentum Williams