Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 11, 2019 (travelindex.com) – London’s West End Men is a concert bringing together some of the best of musical theatre talent to Thailand for the first time. The cast have all played leading roles in mega musicals on the stage in London, and it is very rare that all of them are available to fly to Bangkok to perform on stage at the Thailand Cultural Centre together.

Daniel Koek starred as Jean Valjean in the London production of Les Misérables, Hugh Maynard will be repeating his epic performance as John singing ‘Bui Doi ‘from Miss Saigon as well as songs from the Lion King and Oliver Tompsett who played in Wicked, will be arriving fresh from playing the lead in the Broadway smash hit musical Kinky Boots.

Harriet Jones who played the role of Christine in the Phantom of the Opera for three years in the London production will be a special guest star.

This talented cast will also cover classics from West Side Story, Chess and South Pacific, and the Lion King as well.

It is not often that Asian audiences can experience the magic of the West End right here in Bangkok. To see these stars singing with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, will make this a very unique concert at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road.

Tickets from THB500-4,500 for the concert at 19.30hrs on Saturday January 19th are available at www.thaiticketmajor or call Tel:+66 (0)2 262 3456

Contact: Mike Bridge mikebridge.bigmango@gmail.com
+66 831 986700

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 14, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) will return for its eighth edition on January 21st, 2019, with an action-packed agenda focusing on the mega-projects that are currently transforming the tourism landscape in Bangkok and beyond.

Running under the theme “Managing Tourism – Ensuring Great Experiences and Sustainable Outcomes,” Thailand’s largest annual hospitality event has already secured a record audience of 850 tourism and hospitality industry leaders at the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok for a full afternoon of interactive and informative on-stage sessions.

The keynote speaker at TTF 2019 is Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group Co., Ltd, who will discuss the “Importance of Retail, Entertainment & Hospitality – Better Tourism Experiences” alongside Charles Blocker, CEO of IC Partners. In her role as Chairwoman of one of Thailand’s largest retail operators, Miss Supaluck oversees some of the Kingdom’s biggest attractions including The Emporium, EmQuartier, Siam Paragon and The Mall in Bangkok.

The Mall Group also recently announced a landmark strategic partnership with AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, that will include multi-billion-baht investments in two world-class arenas – “EM Live and BANGKOK ARENA”.

TTF 2019 will zero in on how Thailand’s tourism sector is getting a massive makeover. With international visitor arrivals continuing to shatter all previous records and Bangkok becoming the world’s most-visited city*, the half-day event will examine how the country is developing new infrastructure and facilities to cope with the influx. These include huge integrated tourism projects, vast retail attractions, branded theme parks, urban transport networks, airport rail links and more.

“TTF 2019 comes at a critical crossroads for Thailand’s tourism industry. As growth rates continue to soar, the country needs to evolve and expand its tourism infrastructure to cope with rising demand. TTF 2019 will focus on the major new developments currently taking place in the Kingdom, while looking ahead to the future and discussing how Thailand’s tourism industry should be managed to ensure its long-term success,” said Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and co-organiser of TTF 2019.

“We are delighted to confirm Khun Supaluck as the keynote speaker of TTF 2019. With The Mall Group, she has transformed the concept of the mall from a retail experience to an integrated tourism, shopping and lifestyle destination. This is reflected by the recent partnership with AEG, which will create world-class experiences and attractions. I am confident that her vision and expertise will provide genuine insights for our audience,” he added.

Khun Supaluck added: “Thailand is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and The Mall Group, as Thailand’s leading retail and entertainment complex developer, has aligned itself with the governmental policy of elevating Thailand as a commercial business hub and a global tourist destination, complete with business districts, tourist attractions and modern entertainment centers.”

Following an opening address by Bill Barnett on the topic of “Managing Tourism – Growth & Sustainability,” other key speakers at TTF 2019 will include Robert V.R. Hecker, Managing Director of Horwath HTL and Rahul Mittal, Director of Cistri (Urbus), who will address the “Essentials of Master Planning;” and Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific, who will provide an update on Thailand’s hotel performance and outlook.

David Keen, CEO of QUO, and Stephan Roemer, CEO of Diethelm Travel Group, will look at “Destination Marketing – Thailand & Overseas Best Cases;” Nikhom Jensiriratanakorn, Director of Horwath HTL, will talk about “Thailand’s Rail System Plans & Reality;” Nihat Ercan, Head of Investment Sales at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, will address the subject of investments with a session entitled “A World View of Hotel Costs – Develop or Acquire?”; Eric Ricaurte, founder & CEO of Greenview, and Prae Piromya, GM of Planning & Operation, Sustainable Development Office at the Central Group, will discuss “The Great Debate – Does Green Pay?,” and Eric Levy, Managing Director of TSI, and Clarence Tan, Managing Director SEA & Korea at InterContinental Hotels Group, will lead a session of attractions called “Hey Neighbor, Can I Borrow Your Waterslide?”. Finally, Wimintra Jangnin, Editor-in-Chief at Hotel Intel will look at “Chindia” (China and India), which currently account for approximately one-third of Thailand’s total overseas arrivals.

Organized by the American Chamber of Commerce – Thailand (AMCHAM) and C9 Hotelworks Hospitality Consulting Group, TTF 2019 is free-to-attend. The event will conclude with an evening cocktail party, hosted by the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok, providing opportunities for networking.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 10, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Savour national specialities infused with Thai water lilies, from flower to root, at Spice Market, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, from now until 28 February 2019.

Chef Warinthorn Sumrithphon, Head Chef at Spice Market carefully prepares a delectable array of local dishes starring a truly Thai ingredient – the water lily. Roots, stems and flowers will be used in creative ways to enhance delicious specialities such as “Yum Suan Bua” – Spicy soft shell crab salad with water lily and lemongrass, “Yum Rak Bua Goong Krob” – Spicy crispy prawn and lotus root, and chilli jam, “Som Tum Lai Bua” – Spicy lotus stem salad, salted eggs, and crispy fish, “Kaow Hor Bai Bua” – Steamed fried rice in lotus leaf, to name a few. Prices start from THB 360 ++ (subject to 10% service charge and 7% VAT).

Spice Market is located on 1st floor, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel (BTS Ratchadamri), and opens daily for lunch from 11.30 am – 2.30 pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 6.00 pm – 10.30 pm daily for dinner.

For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2126 8866 Ext. 1232 or email: spicemarket.asia@anantara.com

For enquiries, please contact:
Nannadda Supakdhanasombat (App)
Director of Marketing Communications and Public Relations
Tel: +66 (0) 2126 8866 ext.1515
Email: nannadda_su@anantara.com

Langkawi (Malaysia) – January 9, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Trinidad Cigar Company is pleased to announce the official launch of its newest cigar divan, the Trinidad Cigar Divan at Fisherman’s Wharf, Jalan Dato Syed Omar, Kuah, Langkawi.

On 11 January 2019, Dato’ Indera Naresh Mohan, CEO of Trinidad Group, along with VIPs including Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz, Tunku Yaacob Khyra, YAM Tengku Shahariah Binti Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, and Datuk Ahmad Shah Hussein Tambakau, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, will officially open Langkawi’s newest hospitality venue.

“Trinidad Cigar Divan, Langkawi will be THE place to enjoy cigars, drinks, and enjoy the best sunsets in Langkawi,” said Dato’ Indera Naresh Mohan. “The divan’s location at Fisherman’s Wharf is ideal with the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, and a variety of food and beverage, tour companies, boating, and retail outlets as neighbours. The Trinidad Cigar Divan will add to the overall attraction of the precinct and Langkawi as a whole.”

The Trinidad Cigar Divan welcomes cigar connoisseurs and interested newcomers alike, providing an intimate space for locals and Malaysian and international tourists to enjoy a cigar while enjoying breath-taking views of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club marina and Kuah Harbour. The divan will stock an array of Cuban, Caribbean, and Central American cigars.

“Langkawi’s reputation as an idyllic tropical resort island is growing internationally, and we’re thrilled to be opening the island’s only true cigar lounge,” said Azham Ahmad, Trinidad Cigar Company’s Langkawi Manager. “Langkawi island’s duty-free status entices Malaysian and international tourism and we’re glad we can include competitively priced cigars in that offer.”

About Trinidad Cigar Company:
Trinidad Cigar Company has played a major role in the development of Malaysia’s cigar culture over 20 years. The Company imports, distributes, and retails cigars from Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, and hosts events and brings cigar rollers to tour Malaysia. Launched in early 2018, Cigar House Malaysia caters to cigar lovers purchasing cigars online.

Contact details:
Samuel Spurr
Trinidad Group Marketing Director
Email: samuel@trinidadholdings.com
Tel. 012 88 00 491

Hua Hin (Thailand) – January 9, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a stylish new seafront property in the popular resort town of Hua Hin, on Thailand’s gulf coast. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will feature 410 guest rooms and an array of leisure amenities for all types of guest, including couples and families. Nestled close to the beach just south of Hua Hin town center and 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok, this contemporary resort will provide the perfect destination for locals, expats and international travelers seeking a revitalizing break from the city.

The centerpiece of this elegant resort will be a series of freeform lagoon pools, slides, waterfalls and a special children’s water play zone, all surrounded by tropical palm trees, sun decks and cozy cabanas. Every room features modern amenities and a balcony overlooking these aquatic attractions, while a series of spacious ground floor rooms offer terraces with direct access to the pools.

A sunken pool bar creates an ideal spot to enjoy a cooling daytime drink, while the Beach Bar allows guests to chill out with refreshing drinks and gaze out over the glistening Gulf of Thailand. The hotel also features a restaurant serving breakfast and all-day Thai and international cuisine, a daytime coffee shop and a modern fitness center, and onsite parking will be available.

Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao is owned by One Place Estate Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was held on December 17, 2018, and attended by Mr Pongpipat Kanjanasupat (4th right), Mr Suvichai Janethanaarthakij (4th left), CEOs of One Place Estate, and Olivier Berrivin (3rd right), Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

“Hua Hin has transformed from a charming coastal town into a thriving international tourism destination that now attracts millions of visitors every year. Newly connected with international flights, it now possesses a wide range of attractions including world-class golf courses, wineries, restaurants and enchanting cultural sites. Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will allow guests to experience the best of this impressive destination in comfort and style, with spacious accommodation and fantastic facilities, most notably its exotic outdoor pools,” commented Olivier Berrivin.

“Whether guests are seeking a romantic beachfront retreat, a memorable family vacation or a fun-filled getaway for a group of friends, this new resort has something for everyone. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners at One Place Estate as we bring this exciting project to life,” he added.

Easily accessible by road from Bangkok and the city’s two international airports – Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang – Hua Hin is a vibrant resort town that has attracted Thai and international visitors for many years. It is now better connected than ever before, following the recent launch of ferry services from Pattaya and direct international flights to Hua Hin Airport from Kuala Lumpur. The Thai government is also investing in a major project to expand Hua Hin Airport over the next five years.

Thailand is one of Best Western’s most important strategic markets. The company currently operates nine hotels across the Kingdom, in key destinations including Bangkok, Phuket and Buriram. This nationwide portfolio is set to increase significantly over the coming years, with at least 15 new Best Western hotels scheduled to open in a series of popular and emerging destinations, such as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Prachinburi.

Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Khao Tao will become the first Best Western hotel in Hua Hin.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,200* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers 13 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Sadie HotelSM, Aiden HotelSM, BW Premier Collection® by Best Western, and BW Signature Collection® by Best Western; as well as its recently launched franchise offerings: SureStay® Hotel by Best Western, SureStay Plus® Hotel by Best Western and SureStay Collection® by Best Western. 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-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, 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 nine 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 58 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Best Western-branded hotels were top ranked in J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study – ranking first in breakfast (food and beverage category) for midscale; and second in overall guest satisfaction. Over 35 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.
* All Best Western and SureStay-branded hotels are independently owned and operated.
* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Contact information:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts
BWI (Thailand) Co., Ltd, Gaysorn Place Office Building
999 Ploenchit Road Lumpini Phatumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +662.656.1260
Fax: +662.656.1252
Web: www.bestwesternasia.com

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

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 8, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Twenty-two top chefs from five-star hotels in Thailand and Thai Airways International join together to present their culinary talents creating superb menus using the best quality imported products and pesticide-free vegetables from ‘Jan-Ka-Pak’, Camellia Seed Oil from ‘PatPat’, and ‘coffee’ and the ‘Pagakayaw shawl’ (for auction) from Phufa Shop, all of which are projects initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

In its 10th edition, the 2019 Bangkok Chefs Charity Fundraising Gala Dinner, organized annually by Gourmet One Food Services (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thailand’s leading importer of premium food products, to raise funds for underprivileged children in the remote areas of Thailand, will be staged on Monday, 4 February 2019 in the Royal Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

The 22 foremost chefs from leading hotels in Thailand and Thai Airways International will craft an 11-course gourmet menu using imported premium products such as Foie Gras, Wagyu Beef, Lobsters, Baby Lamb and more alongside pesticide-free vegetables from ‘Jan-Ka-Pak’ and Camellia Seed Oil from ‘PatPat’, two royally-initiated agricultural development projects under the Chaipattana Foundation at Chakrabandh Pensiri Center for Plant Development at Tambon Pongpha, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, as well as coffee from Phufa, The Occupation Promotion Project of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

“We are once again highlighting Camellia Seed Oil from ‘PatPat’ and pesticide-free vegetables from ‘Jan-Ka-Pak’ as ingredients in the creation of this year’s menu in order to continue to let the public be aware about the many benefits of these high-quality products of Chaipattana Foundation in Chiang Rai which has carried out extensive agricultural development projects in order to ensure sustainable benefits for all communities,” said Ms. Nuntiya Hame-ung-gull, Managing Director of Gourmet One.

“This is in line with the Bangkok Chefs Charity’s concept – to serve the ultimate gourmet creation of the country’s 22 leading culinary gurus featuring premium, imported products in combination with health-promoting ingredients such as Camellia Seed Oil and pesticide-free vegetables in support of long-term sustainability,” added Ms. Nuntiya.

This year, apart from the participation of 11 aspiring “Young Chefs” each of whom will partner with two chefs to learn and help in the creation of each dish from the 11-course epicurean menu, adding more fun and colour to the 2019 charity event will be a fashion show by children of society’s prominent personalities featuring the “Pagakayaw” shawl from ‘Phufa Shop’, the Occupation Promotion Project of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The folk “Pagakayaw” products showcased on the catwalk will be part of the evening’s auction as well.

The highlight fund-raising segment of the Bangkok Chefs Charity is none other than the opportunity for dinner guests/philanthropists to make donations; and in return for their generosity, the highest bidders will be presented with a formal gourmet dinner cooked by their preferred chefs at the bidder’s residence or venue of choice. All funds raised during the course of the evening as well as auction of Phufa’s ‘Pagakayaw’ products and ticket sales, without any deductions for expenses, will be presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to benefit the Royal Patrol Police schools.

Since the inaugural Bangkok Chefs Charity which took place in 2009, proceeds amounting to 132.66 million baht, derived from ticket sales and funds raised during each event from the past nine editions, have benefitted the Royal Patrol Police schools under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness, and provided scholarships for needy children as well as contributed towards purchase of teaching and learning materials and sports equipment.

At the 2018 Bangkok Chefs Charity Fundraiser, a total of 32.8 million baht was collected from the fund-raising session and ticket sales. The highest donation of 11.8 million baht was made by Mr. Prayudh and Suvimol Mahagitsiri. Mr. Anant and Piyanuch Raweesaengsun donated 10 million baht. The organizer presented all proceeds (without deductions for expenses) to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to help needy schoolchildren in remote areas of Thailand; and to go towards the construction of the “Bangkok Chefs Charity Border Patrol Police School” at Ban Mae Khor, Mae Charm District, Chiangmai Province in order to provide full educational services to poor children in remote areas.

The 2019 Bangkok Chefs Charity Fundraising Gala Dinner, to be once again graciously presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, will take place on Monday, 4 February 2019 at 17.00 hrs. in the Royal Ballroom of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Participating chefs and hotels and Thai Airways International as follows:

No.	Hotel	Chef
1	Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant camp & Resort Chiang Rai	Chef Pisit Jinopong
2	Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel	Chef Jan Van Dyk
3	Angsana Laguna Phuket	Chef Jose Martin Ruiz Borja
4	Capella Bangkok	Chef Antony Scholtmeyer
5	Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World	Chef Somchai Deeying
6	Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok	Chef Markus Zuck
7	InterContinental  Bangkok	Chef Rolando Manesco
8	JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok	Chef Kevin B. Thomson
9	Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok	Chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier
10	Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok	Chef Dominique Bugnand
11	Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok	Chef Norbert Kostner
12	Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park	Chef Michael Hogan
13	Millennium Hilton Bangkok	Chef Shaiful Kassim
14	Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel	Chef Matthias Mittnacht
15	Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok	Chef Marc Erwin Cibrowius
16	Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury collection Hotel	Chef Gaetano Palumbo
17	Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok	Chef Stefan Trepp
18	Thai Airways International Public Company Limited	Chef Pierre Andre Hauss
19	The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok	Chef Gael Lardiere
20	The Landmark Bangkok	Chef Philippe Gaudal
21	The Peninsula Bangkok	Chef Stefan Leitner
22	The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok	Chef Alessandro Santi

Apart from the 11-course gourmet menu using ingredients from Chaipattana Foundation and premium imported products, the 2019 Bangkok Chefs Charity Fundraising Gala Dinner is also supported by Central Wine Cellar.

For those who are interested to join the 2019 Bangkok Chefs Charity Fundraising Gala Dinner, tickets are @Baht 12,500 per seat (10 seats per table). For reservations or more information, please contact Gourmet One Food Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd., tel. 02 403 3388, ext. 108 or call 091-837-5555 Line:@gourmetone or contact Khun Rachanee, F&B Department, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, tel. 02 659 0302 or 02 659 9000, ext. “F&B”.

Additional Information:

‘Jan-Ka-Pak’
Pesticide-free vegetables come from Jan-Ka-Pak’s agricultural plots at Chakrabandh Pensiri Center for Plant Development at Tambon Pongpha, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province.
‘Jan-Ka-Pak’ is the reverse of ‘Chakrabandh’, the name of His Highness Prince Chakrabandh Pensiri, scholar and agricultural practitioner.

‘Jan-Ka-Pak’ was set up by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who later designated the Chaipattana and Mae Fah Luang foundations to establish the Chakrabandh Pensiri Center for Plant Development in commemoration of the 100th Birthday Anniversary of His Highness Prince Chakrabandh Pensiri. The Center’s objective is to improve and develop plant varieties for farmers and agriculturalists.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, through her many overseas visits, has brought back high quality seeds and given to the Center for further experiment and development. Pesticide-free vegetables produced from one of these seeds has once again made its way into the menu of the 2019 Bangkok Chefs Charity.

Camellia Seed Oil from ‘PatPat’ – produced by Chaipattana Foundation
Benefits: Good for health, has a high boiling point (252 degrees centigrade) suitable for all types of cooking and food preparations. The oil has a high level of unsaturated fats (good cholesterol), which helps reduce cholesterol when compared with other types of oil in the market. It can prevent paralysis, cardiovascular disease, high-blood pressure and diabetes.
Camellia Seed Oil also contains Omega-3 (0.3%), Omega-6 (9.2%) and Omega-9 (77.7%).

Phufa Shop
Established in 1995 as a distribution channel for the products from the Occupational Incentive Project initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to provide support for the poor people living in remote rural areas to have additional occupation to increase their income from agricultural activities in order to raise their living quality. The “Pagakayaw” shawl is one of the outstanding folk art products on sale at Phufa Shops. www.phufa.org.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (India) – January 8, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has gathered a diverse line-up of thought leaders, innovators and pioneers to share their insights and knowledge on one of the fastest growing tourism sectors of travel at the upcoming PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2019 (ATRTCM 2019) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.

The event, generously hosted by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, will be held at the Ganga Resort GMVN from February 13-15 with the theme ‘Rejuvenate Your Soul Through Travel’.

“Adventure travel has become one of the fastest growing tourism sectors as travellers look for new, out-of-the ordinary experiences. In addition, tourists are also seeking to incorporate healthier activities into their travel itineraries. This year’s event will examine both adventure travel and wellness tourism and how best to capitalise on these growing industries,” said PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy. “Rishikesh, India with its backdrop of tall mountains amidst the gushing sounds of crystal-clear waters provides the perfect setting for this event, encompassing both excitement and tranquilly.”

Tourism has the power to rejuvenate and to transform but in the age of overtourism and mass tourism, rejuvenation does not necessarily happen organically. It is the result of careful planning by destinations, thoughtful experience design by tour operators and mindfulness by tourists. This year’s conference programme explores the themes of niche tourism, especially those unique to Rishikesh – a place of rejuvenation through its wellness and adventure travel products.

Confirmed speakers include Ajay Jain, Speaker, Writer and Owner – Kunzum Travel Cafe; Apoorva Prasad, Editor-in-Chief and Founder – The Outdoor Journal; Mariellen Ward, Digital Storyteller, Content Marketer and Traveller – Breathedreamgo; Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO – PATA; Daw Moe Moe Lwin, Director and Vice Chairperson – Yangon Heritage Trust; Mohan Narayanaswamy, Managing Director – Travel Scope; Natasha Martin, Managing Director – Bannikin Asia; Paul Brady, Editorial Strategist – Skift; Philippa Kaye, Founder – Indian Experiences; Rajeev Tewari, CEO – Garhwal Himalayan Explorations Pvt. Ltd.; Robin Weber Pollak, President – Journeys International; Rohan Prakash, CEO – Trip 360; Shradha Shrestha, Manager – Brand Promotion and Corporate Marketing, Nepal Tourism Board; Trevor Jonas Benson, Director of Food Tourism Innovation – Culinary Tourism Alliance; Vivienne Tang, Founder – Destination Deluxe, and Yosha Gupta, Founder – Meraki.

The conference will explore various topics including ‘Rejuvenating Your Soul Through Travel’; ‘Storytelling to Sell Travel on Instagram’; ‘Using Sustainability to Future-Proof Our Destination’; ‘Trends to India’; ‘Creating Experiences that are Regenerative’; ‘Marketing to the New Adventure Travellers’; ‘Tourism as a Tool for Rejuvenation’; ‘A Special Story of Indian Rejuvenation’, and ‘Sustaining our Souls: Vision-Driven Leadership in Adventure Tourism’.

Nestled amidst lush greeneries guarded by the breathtaking hills of northern Uttarakhand, the tranquil city of Rishikesh is oft­en claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World’. The city attracts tourists from all over the world for its numerous adventure sports such as white-water raft­ing, cliff-jumping, kayaking and camping. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’, Rishikesh is also a designated starting point for treks to numerous Himalayan pilgrimage centres and shrines.

For more information or to register for the event as a seller, conference or media delegate, please visit www.PATA.org/ATRTCM or email ATRTCM@PATA.org.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over a hundred young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 PATA Student Chapters globally. Their local activities underpins PATA’s membership in Uniting Travel, a coalition of the world’s major Travel & Tourism organisations dedicated to ensuring that the sector speaks with one voice and acts in unison on the major issues and includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London. Visit www.PATA.org.
Media Contact:

PATA
Paul Pruangkarn
Director – Communications
+66 (02) 658-2000 | communications@PATA.org | Bangkok, Thailand

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – January 7, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Welcome to the first edition of our Volume 3 series. This year is not set to be an easy one for Seychelles as hinted or otherwise echoed by the President of the Republic at his last Press Conference, and also reiterated by the Leader of the Opposition during his closing remarks in the National Assembly’s last session for 2018. A difficult year with many new cost increases are set to make the lives of the ordinary Seychellois even more difficult as businesses are also going to be hit in one way or another. The difficulties Seychelles will experience in 2019 are all man-made and locally legislated.

Today, we speak of our Blue Economy as a newly discovered national asset, yet Seychelles has been a leader in the field of Conservation for many years. Our Conservation Policy protected our seas, today positioned at the very centre of the Blue Economy, and our island’s policies was aimed at protecting our assets both above and below the sea. Sea Turtles were protected, and hunting with Spear Fishing Guns was banned. Lobsters were fished in dedicated season and Sea Cucumber fishing was per a quota system. National Parks were created and the concept of Wild Life Clubs were introduced. Seychellois fought for the return of their three islands that formed part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and we objected to the creation of the military base on Aldabra, favouring instead, to have a Nature Reserve created. Today this same reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Vallee de Mai Gardens of Praslin were also declared a Nature Reserve with thousands of acres of prime land all in the name of conservation. Protection versus destruction brought positive results as the Seychellois made sacrifices in safeguarding their territory. Beaches were cleaned and reefs protected, fishermen were encouraged to be more conscious of their industry and boat owners played their part. Was that the Blue Economy? We did not say Oil but said conservation. The sacrifices by Seychelles and the Seychellois may all be wasted efforts if now in 2019 a military base is to be set up just next door to Aldabra the island our parents and grand parents fought to see its return from Great Britain. The Blue Economy is a nice talking subject but Seychelles must walk the talk to be taken seriously by us Seychellois first.

This call as Sea Level Rise is seen as troubling

Mr Corgat’s call for ratification of the Government’s decision for a military base comes as our Renowned Environmentalist Nirmal Jivan Shah said in his own post:- Danger, Danger! A new study reveals that Seychelles, Bangladesh and Cocos Keeling Islands have high rates of sea level rise. These regions are therefore highly vulnerable to coastal flooding induced by the accelerating sea level rise in future decades, posing significant threats to coastal communities and ecosystems. The findings published in the Journal of Hydrology indicate that vertical land motion is an important factor affecting sea level changes for the regions of Seychelles and Cocos Islands. There is a strong relationship between air temperature and sea level rise for all studied regions.

Seychelles at the 5th International Young Chef Olympiad 2019

Murla Marie from the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) has confirmed that Cheftestant Tracy Celine URANIE will represent Seychelles and Mentor Chef Erryl Jeremiah Morel will be spearheading the island’s team for the 5th International YoungChefOlympiad 2019.

The opening of doors for our young Seychellois is a responsibility of the islands and we can say Congratulations to The Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) for standing behind our young professionals. Experience is gathered through such events and the Seychellois Team will return home ready to share with colleagues and friends all they have picked up in this continuously evolving trade.

Air Seychelles in day to day discussions

The recent posting on Social media announcing that effective 1st January 2019 the removal of Etihad Guest Program and Partner Airline in Air Seychelles Public Announcements raised many an eyebrow. It should have been expected ever since Air Seychelles became part of the Etihad Holdings and was removed as part of the Etihad Airline body. Air Seychelles Crew conducting the Public Announcements must now refrain from mentioning “EY (Etihad) Guests programme script, Etihad Airways and Partner Airline” according to the note posted on Social Media for all to see through staff connections. This is a blow to Air Seychelles as it will be seen by all as an adverse situation.

The second even more contentious discussion point is the ‘subsidising of travel to India’ by Seychelles. Advertised flight rates by Air Seychelles posted only five days ago states the following:- Johannesburg to Mumbai South African Rands 5306 for flights between 1 January to 30 June and a flight from Johannesburg to Seychelles is South African Rands 7792 for travels during the same period. India is some 5 hours more one way from Seychelles and it is cheaper to fly via Seychelles and benefit of some Rands 2400 per ticket. A straight promotion for travel to India over holidays to Seychelles.

Flights from Seychelles to South Africa are advertised at Seychelles Rupees 7169 or South African Rands 7366.

Similarly a Seychelles to Mauritius ticket cost if available Rupees 7813 and a Mumbai to Mauritius is being advertised at Indian Rupees 38071 (Seychelles Rupees 7469 approx.).

Air Seychelles was and should be the partner for the tourism industry of Seychelles. It was created as the insurance policy for the islands tourism industry. Today we have moved away from these key principles and we are acting as just an airline looking at itself. This principle should push Government to open 5th Freedom Rights to create competition on the Seychelles route to help tourism and Seychellois with their travels.

Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – January 4, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Only in Dubai set of initiatives will deliver authentic and world-class end-to-end destination experiences across travel touchpoints. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is rolling out a set of initiatives to deliver end-to-end “Only in Dubai” experiences to ensure tourists get to enjoy an unforgettable stay in the emirate, and encourage repeat visitation, as part of efforts to further strengthen and sustain the city’s world-class propositions.

One of the key pillars of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2022-2025, the “Only in Dubai” set of initiatives will deliver authentic and world-class end-to-end destination experiences across travel touchpoints that are tailored to relevant segments of tourists.

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The tourism strategy announced by Dubai’s visionary leadership aims to make Dubai the most visited city in the world, targeting 25 million visitors annually by 2025, and the unparalleled “Only in Dubai’ experiences will offer regular unexpected delight moments and active reduction of detractor moments or pain points that will positively impact guest happiness to inspire the millions of tourists to re-visit Dubai.

Measuring visitor recommendation and satisfaction is being done through Tourism’s Happiness Index, which was launched under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This index, measures not only Dubai’s ability to exceed service expectations, but also helps ensure that every visitor to Dubai becomes a passionate loyalist and a firm advocate of the city.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “While our world-class propositions and experiences showcase the diversity of the destination offerings and provide segment-based preferences for tourists, we are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to curate, create and deliver personalised end-to-end experiences. This means that visitors will be able to enjoy memorable moments at every step of their journey, which starts from the time they start planning their trip to Dubai and even after they leave Dubai. By providing “Only in Dubai” experiences, tourists are bound to leave the city in a happy frame of mind, carrying with them many memorable moments that will only make them want to come back or spread the word about Dubai’s delightful offerings among families and friends.”

Dubai Tourism will develop end-to-end “Only in Dubai” experiences with the help of the emirate’s agile and responsive ecosystem, featuring collaborations with partners and stakeholders in creating various specialised programmes, activations and authentic one-of-a-kind experiences.

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Dubai Tourism has already laid a solid groundwork for the elevation of customer service through the Dubai Way programme run by its Dubai College of Tourism (DCT). The Dubai Way programme is targeted at government and private sector staff engaged in tourist-facing roles in a range of sectors from hospitality to retail to the domestic transportation service, with the aim of imparting standardised information and instructions and ensuring excellent guest relations and customer service at tourist touchpoints across the emirate.

About Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism)
With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism’s mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate’s commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

For further information, please contact:
Dubai Tourism
mediarelations@dubaitourism.ae
+971 600 55 5559

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 3, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The latest Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index has shown Bangkok came in second on the list of Asian destinations ranked. The rating, which measured by social and environmental sustainability strategies, industry supplier support, and Convention Bureau strategy and initiatives, also accentuated TCEB’s performance as a top scorer when compared to Convention Bureaus in other Asian destinations participated in the ranking.

International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) recently gave out GDS-Index Awards to top five destinations recognised for their sustainable practices in the business tourism and events industry.
List of cities with the five highest overall scores are Gothenburg (Sweden); Copenhagen (Denmark), Reykjavík (Iceland), Oslo (Norway), and Uppsala (Sweden) respectively.

According to the index, top five Asian cities with highest overall scores are Kyoto (Japan), Bangkok (Thailand), Goyang (South Korea), Sapporo (Japan), and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) respectively.

Bangkok was ranked second in Asia and 21st in the world according to the GDS-Index. The ranking was measured across four key areas including city environmental strategy and infrastructure (14 topics); city social sustainability performance (4 topics); industry supplier support (8 topics); and Convention Bureau (CVB) strategy and initiatives (12 topics). In overall, Bangkok received a total score of 58%. The city scored 69% in the area of CVB’s performance or higher scores than the global benchmark which stood at 53%.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB, said that Bangkok and TCEB participated in the GDS-Index for the first time and the bureau is delighted with the result. The ranking showcases the country’s commitment to the international standard and the focus on environmental sustainability for meetings and events industry.

“Given the fact that international MICE travellers increasingly focus on sustainability while the GDS-Index aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, therefore, this ranking certainly benefits both MICE industry and Thailand at the same time,” said Mr Chiruit.

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) is a prize-winning grassroots Scandinavian initiative that evolved into the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide. A collaborative partnership between ICCA, European Cities Marketing, IMEX and MCI Group, promotes knowledge sharing, capacity building, and benchmarking.

According to ICCA and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Thailand ranked fifth in Asia for international conventions and seventh in Asia for international exhibitions. Both indexes spotlighted Thailand as the number one destination for conventions and exhibitions among ASEAN countries.