Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 28, 2019 (travelindex.com) – At midday today at Vietnam’s Presidential Palace in Hanoi, the new age carrier Vietjet and the airplane manufacturer Boeing Company officially signed a deal for purchasing 100 new 737 MAX airplanes worth around THB400 billion (US$12.7 billion)- according to the manufacturer’s list prices, increasing the airline’s total order of Boeing to 200 airplanes at the moment.

Vietjet President and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister signed the airplane purchase deal, witnessed by Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Donald Trump. The event took place during the historic second United States – North Korea Summit in Hanoi between the two countries’ leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister said, “We are pleased to expand our partnership with Vietjet and to support their impressive growth with new, advanced airplanes such as the 737 MAX. We are confident the MAX will help Vietjet grow more efficiently and provide great travel experiences for their passengers. We are proud to support this economic development, which in turn supports engineering and manufacturing jobs in the United States.”

Vietjet President and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said, “The deal for 100 new airplanes and other agreements for 200 B737 MAX airplanes today are important moves for us to meet our international flight network expansion plan with a higher capacity, thus offering our passengers more exciting experiences when being able to fly to more new international destinations.”

The Vietnamese airlines Thailand-based subsidiary, Thai Vietjet Air Joint Stock Company Limited, operates a growing flight network in Thailand and Vietnam. A dynamic company of over 600 employees that began offering flights in 2015, Thai Vietjet operates five major domestic routes in Thailand and 12 international routes linking Thailand to Vietnam, China and Taiwan. Operating a young fleet of Airbus A320s and A321s, the airline plans to add eight to 10 aircraft every year and extending its network to destinations in ASEAN, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and beyond.

In addition to airplane purchases, Boeing will partner with Vietjet to enhance technical and engineering expertise, train pilots and technicians, and improve management capabilities at the airline and in Vietnam.

Vietjet and General Electric also signed a long-term Engine Support Agreement today, to equip aircraft with LEAP-1B engines, which is valued at US$5.3 billion – according to the manufacturer’s list prices. The agreement includes spare engines and support packages to facilitate the airline’s already-ordered new and modern aircraft. Thus, the total value of signed deals between Vietjet and US companies on this occasion will reach US$18 billion.

About Vietjet
Vietjet is the first airline in Vietnam to operate as a new-age airline offering flexibly-saving ticket fares and diversified services to meet customers’ demands. It provides not only transport services but also uses the latest e-commerce technologies to offer various products and services for consumers. Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. Vietjet was named “Best Ultra Low-Cost Airline 2018” and awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7-stars in 2018 by the world’s only safety and product rating website AirlineRatings.com. The airline has been also listed in the world’s 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in 2018.

Currently, Vietjet operates more than 400 flights daily, carrying more than 65 million passengers to date, with 106 routes covering destinations across Vietnam and international destinations such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, mainland China, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

 

BANGKOK (Thailand) – 26 February 2019 (travelindex.com) – Thailand’s highly competitive real estate industry will be recognized once again at the country’s largest and most prestigious annual gathering for the building sector, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, which is now celebrating its 14th edition.

Presented by Hitachi Elevator, the glitzy awards night will be presented on Friday, 9 August 2019, with various accolades for Developers, Development, and Design, as well as a few special awards for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Sustainable Development, Design and Construction, Building Communities, and Public Facility initiatives.

Among the expected popular categories this year will be for Best Mixed Use Development, mirroring the growing trend of connected, integrated or multi-component properties, particularly in Bangkok’s cosmopolitan areas.

According to consultancy firm JLL Thailand managing director Suphin Mechuchep –– who resumes her role as chairperson of the independent judging panel of the Thailand Property Awards –– such type of projects provides an intelligent solution to the challenges in the sector, including escalating development costs and land prices. One of the top honorees at the 2018 edition was a pioneer in mixed-use and integrated properties, billionaire Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Frasers Property Limited and TCC Assets (Thailand), who was named Thailand Real Estate Personality of the Year.

The 2019 Awards will also include competitive residential categories for Bangkok, Samui, Hua Hin, Khao Yai, the Eastern Seaboard, Phang-Nga and Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, North East, and Southern Thailand. As well as their corresponding architectural, interior or landscape design awards, there are also open categories for the commercial sector’s hotel, retail, and office segments.

Niche segments are also duly represented with categories for Best Senior Living Development, Best Smart Home Development, Best Green Development, Best Co-Working Space, and Best Hotel Residence, a new addition to the long-running awards programme.

 

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – February 26, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The news that Air Mauritius is facing losses was followed by a number of tourism trade messages between Mauritians and Seychellois and many were calling for more recognition of our Islanders. Mauritius has a very strong private sector tourism trade and they are seen as the saviour for the Mauritius tourism industry and for work for thousands in Mauritius. The private sector trade in Mauritius have been steady, strong and dynamic. This is why the Air Mauritius news was troubling when they have hospitality and tourism expertise right on their door mat. In Seychelles it is very much the same scenario, and the islanders who remain the backbone of their tourism industry often feel they lack the recognition and the needed support from the Government.

Both these islands have their islanders who are the pillars of their tourism industry and of their economy. They need to be more heard and they need to be respected. The news from the world news wire saying that “Air Mauritius slips back into the red’ troubles the region and every islander of the region.

On North Island as it welcomes being part of The Luxury Collection of Mariott International

North Island announces that it is joining The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, Inc., comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. As one of the world’s leading private islands, North Island is a unique addition to The Luxury Collection as it makes its debut in the Seychelles, one of the world’s most desirable destinations. This iconic island resort is also the first hotel in the portfolio of the newly-launched A Small World Hotel Collection, who will oversee the resort’s integration into The Luxury Collection brand portfolio and the operations of the business.

Ian Vernon sees the Coco de Mer imprint in Miami Airport

Seychelles has a world recognised treasure that grows in our UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Praslin, but the question today is if Praslin and the Praslinois are benefiting from their natural treasure as everyone else seems to be…

Ian Vernon recently posted this message on Social Media:- “Caught this fine specimen of art at the Miami Int’l Airport last month while passing thru on my way home. Bet all my Seychellois family and friends recognize this special bit of island history”.

Air Seychelles to withdraw its flights to Abu Dhabi as it announces resumption of flights to Madagascar.

Seychelles is at the helm of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands once again, and the date when Didier Dogley, the Tourism Minister of the islands took office coincided with the announcement that Air Seychelles will be resuming direct flights to Madagascar. The Big Island of Madagascar deserves better air connectivity with its regional island nations as it remains one of the six islands of this Indian Ocean grouping. Madagascar has just had a change of Government and Joel Randriamandranto is the new Minister for Tourism. He entered office just as Madagascar was fighting a Measles outbreak that caused almost 1000 deaths and many more are left infected. The new Madagascar Minister is facing this new challenge bravely and we owe him the support and all the assistance he deserves.

But on the Seychelles front Members of the Tourism Industry and many serious Business Community members have been questioning the start of the Air Seychelles direct flights to Madagascar especially now with the Measles outbreak. The Business Community see the risks as being too great for our small islands that remain so dependant on tourism and many have said that this is not a very good idea. Seychelles is well connected to Reunion by Air Austral, a strategic partner for Air Madagascar and could be enticed to increase their flights to Seychelles with a better connection with their flights to and from Madagascar. How is Seychelles going to benefit from this .. and does any benefit if any not outweigh the risks to our already very fragile tourism industry as a small island state. Why therefore risk it for a biscuit! A very bad decision in my view and in the view of so many in Seychelles which is unnecessary.

This announcement of restarting the flight to Madagascar came just as Air Seychelles, the National Airline of the Seychelles is considering to discontinue its flights to Abu Dhabi, a tourist hub and one that is linking Seychelles to the World. From within the Airline many are confused and the tourism trade cannot understand the discontinuing of flights from a tourism source market to introduce a flight where we started and pulled out so often in the last number of years because of viability of that route. This link was a commercial one when Air Seychelles flew to Paris as it provided a pool of passengers looking for a cheaper route to Europe. Today Air Seychelles is not flying to Europe and this link is a point to point (Madagascar / Seychelles) and cannot be a sought after route over tourism source markets possible routes.

Destination Seychelles receives exposure at ‘Le salon de Vacances’ fair in Belgium

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), alongside some trade partners, represented destination Seychelles in Belgium during a holiday fair held from February 7, 2019 to February 10, 2019.

Held in the Belgian capital Brussels, over four days, the 61st edition of the ‘Le salon de Vacances’ saw the presence of about hundred thousand visitors, each looking for the perfect destination for their next holiday.

The delegation representing the destination at ‘Le salon de Vacances’ fair was headed by the Regional Director Europe Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, who was accompanied by Ms. Myra Fanchette, the STB Senior Marketing Executive in Paris.

Mr. Eddie d’Offay from Pure Seychelles Hotel and Mrs. Maryse William of Seychelles European Reservation, two representatives of trade partners joined the STB team at the Seychelles’ dedicated stand.

The 350 exhibitors spread out on more than 33,000meter square in different pavilion of the Brussels Expo, gave the public a wide range of activities from different destination to choose from.

The ‘Le salon de Vacances’, above all famous for the information bestowed by tourism professionals from all over the world, reserves from now on new experiences for the visitors

Other than being able to reserve and plan their next trip, visitors had the opportunity to benefit from the wellness zone, and get sessions of massage and relaxation. They were also able to do diving initiation or discover unique flavors coming from the four corners of the world in the cooking theatre.

Consistent with past editions, the ‘Le salon de Vacances’, was a great success. The STB team noted with satisfaction that this year’s edition recorded a good turnout.

The peaks of visitors was specially noted over the weekend which was marked as the most crowded and busiest days with the Belgians public coming out in full force looking for their next holiday destination.

Speaking about the STB’s participation at the ‘Le salon de Vacances’, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin mentioned that Seychelles remains constantly visible on all European markets in order to keep the numbers in elevation.

“The STB office started the New Year on a high note, with its presence at various travel and trade fairs in the different countries under its jurisdiction and this includes the ‘Salon des Vacances’. It is important for us to mark our presence on various fairs specially in Europe as we believe destination Seychelles still has lots to offer in the different market segments and for different holiday budgets,” said Mrs. Willemin.

In 2019, the fair proved to be among one of the biggest national tourism show in Belgium.

Nusa Dua (Bali) – February 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The award-winning beachfront resort, The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali, recently introduced a unique, once in a lifetime beachfront dining experience under the full moon.

The moon plays a significant role in Balinese culture as the yearly calendar is based on the lunar phases. The full moon – symbolizing infinity and perfection – is believed to be the time when the moon god bestowed the blessing of light upon people, reminding them of their own light inside. Each full moon is celebrated by the Balinese people with offerings, ceremonies, and prayers at the local temples.

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Set alongside Mulia Bali’s pier, by the beach of Nusa Dua, Mulia Bali pays homage to the cultural heritage through a culinary presentation, “La La Lune.” With the gentle caress of the tropical breeze, soothing serenade of the Indian Ocean, and the silver ray of the moon, guests can enjoy a delectable seven-course dinner menu created by the award-winning team of Soleil. Featuring Mediterranean inspired dishes, the menu showcases the best ingredients from around the globe. Take the opportunity to share this unique occasion with someone special as a romantic dinner for two, or with friends for a birthday celebration or a simple dinner gathering.

CELEBRATIONS OF THE FINEST THINGS IN LIFE

Complemented by four signature restaurants and bars, as well as a selection of function rooms, indoor and outdoor venues, Mulia Bali is the ideal place to celebrate special moments with friends and family. Various promotions are available for guests such as the Afternoon Soiree at The Bar – a royal tradition of afternoon tea – perfect for social gatherings. For special events, from intimate dinner receptions to an extravagant gala, Mulia Bali’s team of experts is at the ready to create customized packages for you.

The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali

Style sets the tone of the three ultra-luxurious properties set along 30 hectares of the sprawling landscape, on the dramatic coastline of Nusa Dua creating The Mulia and Mulia Resort & Villas. Epitomizing extravagance and opulence, combined with genuine hospitality, the breathtaking resorts are redefining sophistication.

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The Mulia – This ultra high-end Brand from Mulia is a 111 all suite property with individualized Butler Service, meticulous attention to detail and unsurpassed sense of style and space.

Mulia Resort – offers 526 incredibly spectacular rooms, suites, lagoon suites, dining opportunities, and wonderful amenities.

Mulia Villas – The exquisite 108 villa accommodations are the largest of their kind on the island. Ranging from one and two bedroom villas, all the way to the six-bedroom Mulia Mansion.

In 2018, The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas is awarded three prestigious awards from Condé Nast Traveler USA – Reader’s Choice Awards 2018 (“The Best Resorts in the World” and “Top Resorts in Asia” categories); 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Verified List as one of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels; and from Travel+Leisure USA – 2018 World’s Best Awards (under the categories of “Top 100 Hotels in The World”, “Top 10 Resort Hotels in Asia” and “Top 5 Resort Hotels in Indonesia).

Since opening, The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali has been recognized with over 50 International accolades and awards, including The Number One Beach Resort in the World by Condé Nast Traveler USA, and one of the World’s Most Beautiful Beachfront Hotels by CNN, just to name but a few.

Shaviyani Atoll, North Maldives (Maldives)– February 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – With the trend for experiential travel continuing to make tracks, luxury travelers – or ‘Explorers’ – are adopting a ‘carpe diem’ mindset, pursuing adventures that allow them to traverse the world in style. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has announced the launch of its safari-style Jungle Tented Villas that offers authentic experiences of outdoor living under the stars at the heart of resort’s inland jungle. Unleashing the explorer in every traveler, the Tented Villas offers travelers a safari-style, alfresco luxurious living with an outdoor rain shower, roll-top tub and locally-sourced rustic interiors with complete seclusion.

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Set in their own private wonderland of wilderness, the Tented Villas are built to mirror the beauty and diversity of the island’s verdant flora and fauna. Built with wooden frames, amber-toned interiors and walls swathed in white canvas, the indoor and outdoor areas offer a spacious alfresco lounge space complete with handmade wooden furniture, bathing facilities and swimming pool – allowing travelers an opportunity to get closer to nature.

For film aficionados, private pop up cinema screenings can be set up in the Jungle Tented Villas, showcasing cult classics and blockbusters under the stars, while the adventurers can set sail to a nearby deserted island for a castaway picnic. Gourmands can head out to sea for a sunrise fishing trip and learn the art of Maldivian line fishing, before heading back to their jungle abode for a private jungle BBQ enjoy how fresh seafood and traditional Maldivian dishes are prepared on the private decking area. Relaxation-seekers can luxuriate in a spa treatment in the privacy of the villa, or simply bask under the swaying palms and sounds of the canopy by the beach.

A harmonious balance of seclusion, space and adventure, the Tented Villas house a master suite that features a Californian king-sized bed with an en-suite bathroom, a sala for communal dining and relaxation that overlooks a private pool and outdoor bath.

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A sun-soaked sanctuary that opened in April 2018, Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the only resort on the pristine atoll offering 112 luxury villas each with their own private pool. In addition to the luxury safari-style Tented Villas, the Beach Villas and Water Villas inspired by the bohemian rustic chic vibe with copper bathroom fittings and carved wood detailing on furniture are also ideal for couples or families.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is located at Shaviyani Atoll, North Maldives. The resort is accessible by domestic flight in 50 minutes from Male International Airport followed by speedboat from Hanimaadhoo Airport to the resort. Alternatively, guests can book a 50-minute scenic seaplane flight directly to the resort.

 

Hamburg (Germany) – February 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Hamburg is a hotbed for innovation with cutting-edge companies, pioneering start-ups and a new sustainable urban development. This adds up to a wide variety of venues, experts and activities for planners interested in green meetings and the latest thinking.

The Hamburg Convention Bureau has developed a new online resource – Hamburg – Gateway to the World of Tomorrow – giving meeting and event professionals an insight into leading-edge locations, companies and collaborations, showcasing Hamburg’s credentials as a city for innovative and sustainable business events.

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The city’s future-focused economic clusters include logistics, maritime industries, aerospace, medicine, the life sciences, media and IT as well as renewable energies.

HafenCity is Europe’s largest urban building project and a blueprint for sustainable development. The regenerated former port site is now an innovative mixed use development with sound sustainability credentials, designed to reduce carbon emissions and ensure effective energy use.

Hamburg is the third-largest centre for civil aviation in the world and builds on its reputation through supporting collaboration and nurturing young companies. The ZAL, Hamburg’s Center of Applied Aeronautical Research, where industry and the sciences collaborate closely, is one of the most pioneering research centres for civil aviation in the world.

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Companies, from start-ups to major corporations, come together to collaborate on aviation innovations including new acoustic solutions for quiet cabins. ZAL’s Flight-LAB Demonstrator, the only one of its kind in the world, enables testing conditions that come close to those of a real flight situation.

Hamburg’s Health Innovation Port (HIP) is a platform dedicated to the future of healthcare, bringing start-ups into contact with the sector’s experts. This collaboration space is a unique mix of co-working community, incubator, and mentoring platform, supported by industry, health insurance funds, hospitals and the public sector.

Florian Gerdes, Marketing Manager Conventions at Hamburg Convention Bureau, explains: “Hamburg’s expertise and leadership in the sectors of logistics, maritime industries, aerospace, medicine, the life sciences, media and IT as well as renewable energies is driven by a strong innovative streak. We want to share this innovation with planners through our new online platform and help them to easily tap into the city’s strengths to support their event – by sourcing speakers, sponsorship, attendees and activities, for example.”

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Macao (Macao SAR) – February 20, 2019 – (travelindex.com) – The Venetian Macao has been named ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ at DestinAsian magazine 14th Readers’ Choice Awards which was held in Singapore recently. The prestigious annual awards are based on DestinAsian’s reader nominations across 31 categories including best destinations, airlines, airports and hotels in the Asia-Pacific region.

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The results were generated by a poll conducted by the magazine in late 2018, with readers casting their votes for their favourite tourism and hospitality brands. The Venetian Macao was crowned ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ with Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central, The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central and Conrad Macao, Cotai Central also receiving top 10 recognition in the same category.

“Achieving five hotels in the top 10 of the ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ category, including the number one spot, is hugely encouraging for Sands Resorts Macao,” said Mark McWhinnie, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations & Development, Sands China Ltd. “Results based on the experiences of members of the public are highly valued by the hospitality industry, so this makes the result even more meaningful. It validates the hard work and commitment of our team members and further drives us to continue exceeding guest expectation at every level.”

The destinations featured in the awards, including Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong are some of Asia’s most popular tourism hotspots, and Macao’s inclusion alongside such heavyweights is evidence of its growing recognition as a leading regional destination in its own right.

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Established in 2001, DestinAsian is an award-winning travel magazine covering the Asia-Pacific region, distributed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and the rest of the world.

Sands Resorts Macao offers over 13,000 rooms and suites across seven world-class hotels, including 150 international restaurants, more than 850 duty free shops, luxurious spa facilities and regular concerts and live performances at three theatres and the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena.

Bangkok (Thailand) 4 March – 19 April 2019  (travelindex.com) – Escape the heat of the summer and savour traditional Thai cuisine “Kaow Chae” at Spice Market, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from 4 March – 19 April 2019.

 Delve into a delicious set of Kaow Chae – steamed rice soaked in cool jasmine-scented water, and six tasty typical Thai side dishes “Kapi Song Krueng” – deep-fried shrimp paste balls, “Hua Pak Kard Warn” – sweet dried turnip, “Hom Sod Sai” – deep-fried shallots with shredded pork, “Pla Yie Son” – sweet shredded fish, “Prig Yuak Sod Sai” – steamed green chili stuffed with minced pork wrapped in egg net, and “Moo Foi Warn” – sweet shredded pork, carefully prepared by Thai Chef Warinthorn Sumrithphon.

Experience this Thai summer treat “Kaow Chae” at Spice Market, available daily this summer (except Sunday), between 11.30 am – 2.30 pm, from 4 March – 19 April 2019. Priced at THB 720++ per set (price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax).

Pattaya (Thailand) – February 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – South Korean Jenny Shin snatched the lead with a birdie on the last hole during an exciting second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 ladies golf tournament at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course in Chonburi province on Friday.

The 67^th-ranked South Korean had five birdies and one bogey in her round of 68 on Friday to lead the field by one stroke at 11-under par. Three players were tied in second place on 10-under – American Lizette Salas, Australian Minjee Lee and Eun-Hee Ji of South Korea.

Shin said she was feeling the heat and thought she could have played better: “I wasn’t hydrated enough this morning and I could feel it by late afternoon. I thought I could have made a few more putts. I will try to make sure I’m hydrated more tomorrow.”

Salas, 29, said she was happy to be tied in second place and added that she had spent a lot of time in the gym during the off season. “I’m not a rookie anymore, I’m a vet, so it’s time to get serious. I’ve found I can more aggressive with the driving game and things are starting to pay off,” she said.

Thailand’s two superstar women’s golfers, the Jutanugarn sisters, had very different rounds on Friday. The 18th-ranked Moriya came out firing in her second round, carding three birdies in a row on the 6th, 7th and 8th holes, followed by birdies on the 11th, 17th and 18th. However, she stumbled with a bogey on the 9th to finish her first nine with a two-under 34. She shared 9th place on the leaderboard with seven others at the end of the day.

The 13th proved to be an unlucky hole for her and she had a bogey, the only blemish in the second half of her round.

After finishing her round, Moriya said she’d been making adjustments to her swing, but was happy with her play in general. “I’ve been working with a coach for a while, but it’s just something I’ve been working on and it’s not that easy. I’m really close to getting there, but sometimes it’s going to be a bit off. I just have to be patient.”

She said the subtle changes to her game were taking time but improving her play. “I’m just trying to play it one shot at a time and just keep moving. I mean, everybody can hit a bad shot, but when I hit a bad shot I just close the door and try to move forward.”

Moriya, who had her first win on the tour last season, said she had to keep working on her game and hopefully the good results would come. “I have to keep working on what I have to do and keep patient and just be the best I can.”

When asked if she wanted to take over her younger sister Ariya’s ranking as world number one, Moriya laughed and said she’d be lying if she said she didn’t. “Well, if I said no it’d mean I lied. Of course I want to do my best, but I don’t really focus on what position I want to be, I just focus on what I am on the golf course and do my best.”

Moriya added that it was great to be playing in Thailand. “I have played so many times on this golf course it feels like growing up here, even though now I only play here once a year in this tournament. I always feel a really warm welcome here.”

Asked if it was good to be the leading Thai player, Moriya laughed and gave a diplomatic reply. “Well, a lot of people are still playing, there are still a lot of holes to go and a lot of birdie chances out there.” At the end of play she remained the leading Thai player.

Younger sister Ariya, the No.1 women’s player in the world, started well with a birdie on the 1st, but had a bogey on the 5th and an uncharacteristic double bogey on the 6th. She finished her first nine with a four-over 40.

The top ranked lady player bounced back on her second nine holes with four birdies and no bogies to end the day with a 72 and tied in 19th place. “It was not a very good front nine, but on the back nine I came back pretty good. I’m confident for tomorrow, but I still have a lot of things to work on,” Ariya said after finishing her round. “I need to be more committed.”

Ariya admitted she had not been happy with her game in her past few tournaments. “I got worried and scared after I made a bogey, and then a double bogey, so it was pretty tough for me. I’m nervous and worried because I’ve not played well in the last few tournaments.

“I think we have to understand that we are humans, so we are always going to make mistakes and we are always going to have worries. I do enjoy seeing the kids, who come up to me and say ‘you inspire me’, and that means so much to me.”

The sisters are well placed and within striking distance of the heavily congested field above them going into the third round.

Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras had the third best finish of the eight Thai players in the field and ended her second round tied in 39th place with a one-under par. Pornanong Phatlum was one shot back with an even-par score, followed by amateur Attaya Thitikul on one over.

Also on one over in a tie for 48th place was Thai Thidapa Suwannapura.

Seventy of the best women’s players in the world are battling for total prizemoney of US$1.6 million, with the winner receiving $240,000.

The inaugural Honda LPGA Thailand, conducted in 2006, was played at the Amata Spring Country Club before moving to the Siam Country Club Pattaya’s Old Course in 2007. The tournament was not held in 2008, but returned to the LPGA schedule in 2009, played on Siam Country Club Pattaya’s Plantation Course. The tournament moved back to the Old Course in 2010, and has been held there ever since.

From 2006-09 and from 2011 to present, the tournament has been played as the Honda LPGA Thailand. The Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 is organized by IMG Thailand, with the Honda Automobile (Thailand) Company as the main sponsor. The co-sponsors include Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT), Nation Sports Development Fund, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Betagro Group. Other partners include Siam Daikin Sale Company, EVA Airways Corp., Siam GS Sales Company, AON (Thailand) Limited, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Boon Rawd Brewery Company, Aero Media Group, ECCO Golf, Ricoh Thailand, Under Armour Thailand, Suntory Pepsico Beverage (Thailand) Company, Charn Issara Estate, Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel, ThreeSixtyFive Public Company, Bridgestone Golf, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, NEC, and CNX Golf Company.

 

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB is encouraging Thai MICE entrepreneurs to make changes to their businesses to prepare for the challenges ahead. With governments worldwide placing increasing importance on the MICE industry as an economic driver, competition in the global market is ramping up. The bureau has thus adopted MICE Intelligence combined with Data Analytics to respond to the changing behaviors of the MICE community with a strategy driven by MICE Intelligence and Innovation that encompasses 16 highlighted projects based on the 3-year MICE business development plan (2019-2021). In addition, the bureau has launched a MICE Intelligence & Resource Center on its website, allowing all target groups – entrepreneurs, businessmen, students and the public – to jointly foster MICE business through the power of data and create sustainable economic growth.

Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President for TCEB’s Strategic Business Development & Innovation, says that taking account of the visions of the 20-year national strategy on security, prosperity and sustainability, a coherent digital strategy will be a crucial mechanism for growth. In line with the government’s policy, TCEB is placing emphasis on 3 key goals, namely revenue generation, innovation-driven development, and equitable distribution of income and prosperity.

In terms of the MICE strategy for this year, TCEB is aiming to boost the quality MICE market and distribute income to the cities. To accomplish this, the bureau is reorganizing its operating structure and has created a new MICE Intelligence & Innovation department. In addition, TCEB has unveiled the 3-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (2019-2021), which is based on a study of the behaviors of MICE travelers and private operators. These operational guidelines have spawned 16 highlighted projects, which will be implemented over the next three years. Through the new department, TCEB will work closely with operators to substantially boost the MICE sector in creating revenue and knowledge.

TCEB has studied the major trends in global MICE business development including the changing behavior of business travelers. The study indicates that business travelers require events offering a full range of services. An optimum outcome will be expected even though they will have little time to engage in the event.

As MICE travelers are important to economic growth, governments around the world are trying to catalyze the MICE industry and boost the number of MICE travelers. In the past, governments mainly supported budgets to develop personnel, venues and win more MICE events. However, financial support on its own cannot meet customer needs and ensure sustainable growth of the MICE business. In addition to financing, many countries are designing strategies to support the industry through other means. Several countries including Thailand are moving from the role of general information provider to offering more insightful information, allowing the operators to come up with concrete business plans through Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence.

For this reason, the TCEB has initiated the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department to promote the adoption of innovations and data for MICE development with particular emphasis on creating innovations based on the real demands of entrepreneurs. The bureau conducted a survey of the expectations of those involved in the MICE business need to deploy innovations and data. It then designed and developed 16 key MICE intelligence and innovation projects that meet the needs of target groups.

The roadmap of the MICE business development driven by MICE Intelligence & Innovation (2019-2021) consists of 6 strategies and 16 key projects:

Strategy 1 is Support and Sponsorship provided for event organizing and suppliers. It features 4 projects: (1) Paperless MICE Lane Request as a fast track to welcome VIPs at the airports; (2) TCEB Online Financial Support Request; (3) TCEB Help Desk Chatbot; and (4) MICE Permit Advisor, which is an advisory service on importing goods for the exhibitions and applying for visas.
Strategy 2 is Developing MICE Supply and encompasses 3 projects: (1) MICE Online Standard Assessment allowing entrepreneurs to apply for MICE standard certificates; (2) MICE Career Portal for job search and guidance; and (3) MICE Digital Learning Platform allowing suppliers to enhance their capacities.
Strategy 3 is Enhancing Attendee Experience through an event application for attendee project to accommodate integrated services for event participants.
Strategy 4 is Organizing Event with Efficiency. This features two projects: (1) A Mobile Application to accommodate the organizers; and (2) Event Traffic Analytics to assess visitors via video.
Strategy 5 is Connecting MICE Supply & Demand and encompasses 5 projects: (1) Event Opportunities Portal which compiles the names and information about events for bidding; (2) MICE Crowd Funding Platform, a fund-raising center to support the organization of the event; (3) MICE Supply Marketplace for visitors’ registration or exhibitors’ bookings; (4) Event Discovery Platform; and (5) e-Commerce Platform, a marketplace for MICE products and services to create business opportunities pre and post events.
Strategy 6 is MICE Intelligence & Resource Center and features the MICE Intelligence & Resource Center project, a comprehensive MICE database available via the website for assistance in creating innovations.

TCEB is also hosting the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Conference 2019 on 22 February 2019 in Bangkok on the concept “Break through the Hype – Uncover the Reality of Customer Insights”. This platform, which has been created by TCEB’s MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department, will introduce the strategies and 16 highlighted projects under the 3-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (2019-2021). Moreover, the bureau encourages suppliers and individuals to raise awareness on harnessing innovations and Big Data to set a plan and strategies for the future MICE development.

The first project launched by TCEB, the MICE Intelligence & Resource Center, will dramatically shape MICE innovations and data and is aimed at suppliers as well as the business, educational and public sectors. All will have access to the center, leading to an exchange of knowledge among people in the industry. The TCEB has collaborated with the global leading partners including World Bank, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Frost & Sullivan, business consulting firm involved in market research and analysis, and media intelligence firm, Meltwater Singapore.

Local and international speakers will also be on hand to share knowledge during the event. They include Mr. Gordon Alexander Candelin – Design Director, McKinsey & Company and Mr. Khanet Kijsaereborerug – Business Connect Commercial Consultant, LINE Thailand etc.
The conference is divided into 3 parts. During the first part, each speaker will be allocated a 20-minute slot to address his topic. The second part has two breakout sessions enabling participants to ask for insights, while the final part is a panel discussion with an open Q&A session. The conference has been designed in such a way as to allow participants to truly focus on the contents.

“Previously, Thailand’s MICE industry grew by an average of 5-10% annually. The adoption of innovation and technology as enablers will potentially drive the industry to grow by 20% a year. Meanwhile, technology will also reduce inequality, allowing all parties to access information equally. The technology will also create empowering partnerships allowing individuals the opportunities to create startups or businesses through a MICE platform. Finally, the innovation and technology will create countless business opportunities, exchanges of knowledge and extend the industry, leading to the sustainable strengthening of MICE competitiveness.” Mrs. Supawan concludes.