Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, December 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In the spirit of the holiday season, The Sukhothai Bangkok warmly welcomes you to partake in a memorable festive experience featuring enticing room packages, spa promotions, exquisite cuisine, delightful entertainment, and enchanting moments for the entire family.

Accommodation:
Christmas Escapade
Celebrate the joy of the season with the “Christmas Escapade” room package at the Sukhothai Bangkok. Enjoy daily breakfast, indulge in exclusive Club benefits, and savor a scrumptious Christmas Brunch for two.

Book now for an unforgettable Christmas getaway, limited availability!

New Year’s Spectacular
Ring in the New Year with the exclusive “New Year’s Spectacular” room package at the Sukhothai Bangkok! Embrace the excitement and luxury of the season with daily breakfast, indulgent Club benefits, and a lavish Gala Dinner & Firework extravaganza for two.
Book now for an extraordinary New Year’s getaway, limited availability!

Advance booking is required.
For more information, please contact us at
02-344-8888 | reservations@sukhothai.com

Food & Beverage:
Sunday 24 December 2023
COLONNADE
Christmas Brunch
12.00 – 15.00 hrs.
THB 4,500++ Per Person (Food Only)
Beverage package options:
• Soft Drink Package THB 450++ Per Person
• Premium Beverage Package THB 1,650++ Per Person
Entertainment: Live Band

CELADON
Dinner: 17.00 – 23.00 hrs.
A La Carte Menu and Tasting Menu
• Part of The Trail 7 Dishes THB 2,600++ Per Person
• Full Experience 9 Dishes THB 2,800++ Per Person

LA SCALA
Lunch & Dinner
A La Carte Menu, Set Menu and Sharing Menu

Monday 25 December 2023
CELADON
Dinner: 17.00 – 23.00 hrs.
A La Carte Menu and Tasting Menu
• Part of The Trail 7 Dishes THB 2,600++ Per Person
• Full Experience 9 Dishes THB 2,800++ Per Person

LA SCALA
Lunch & Dinner
A La Carte Menu, Set Menu and Sharing Menu

LOBBY SALONS
Christmas Chocolate Buffet
22 – 24 December 2023 | 14.00 – 17.00 hrs.
THB 2,200++ Per Person (Food only)
Festive Chocolate Buffet
29 – 31 December 2023 | 14.00 – 17.00 hrs.
THB 2,200++ Per Person (Food only)

Sunday 31 December 2023
CELADON
Dinner: 17.00 – 23.00 hrs.
A La Carte Menu and Tasting Menu
• Part of The Trail 7 Dishes THB 2,600++ Per Person
• Full Experience 9 Dishes THB 2,800++ Per Person

LA SCALA
Lunch & Dinner
A La Carte Menu, Set Menu and Sharing Menu

*All restaurant guests will receive free entry to Countdown Party & New Year’s Eve Fireworks in The Sukhothai Garden.

Gala Dinner in The Sukhothai Garden
New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner
19.00 – 23.00 hrs.
Adult: THB 6,500 ++ Per Person (Food only) include countdown party
Child: THB 3,500 ++ Per Person (Food only) include countdown party
Beverage package options:
• Soft Drink Package THB 950++ Per Person
• Premium Beverage Package THB 2,450++ Per Person
Entertainment: Live band

Countdown Party & New Year’s Eve Fireworks in The Sukhothai Garden
22.00 – 1.00 hrs.
Ticket: THB 1,500 Net Per Person
Entertainment: Live band & DJ and New Year’s Lucky Draw Prizes!

Advance booking is required.

Spa:
Bespoke to Your Christmas
120-min Dawn of Happiness at THB 6,000++
Retail voucher THB 1,000 for Moringa Project product

My Own Kind-A Christmas
90-min LIFT C.V.S. and Booster VipO2 | THB 7,000++
Receive facial consultation by SIL machine,
4-set of 15-ml facial products and mini mirror

T&C:
1. Available daily 10.00 – 23.00 hrs.
2. Selling date 18 December 2023 to 14 January 2024
3. Any promotion is non-conjunction to other promotion

For more information or reservations, please contact us at
+66 (0)2-344-8676
thesukhothaispa@sukhothai.com

Website: https://www.sukhothai.com/bangkok/en/news-events/festive-celebrations

Maputo, Mozambique, December 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / At the opening of the 9th FIKANI International Tourism Fair in Maputo, Elcia Grandcourt, UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, delivered a keynote speech addressing the current state and promising future of tourism on the continent.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Grandcourt expressed immense honour and pleasure in joining the festivities, extending appreciation to Mozambique for its warm hospitality. She expressed eagerness to explore the wonders of the country, remarking, “It is indeed an immense honour to discuss current challenges, future perspectives and trends of our industry in the African continent with key stakeholders gathered for this important event.”

Elcia painted a vivid picture of the global tourism landscape, emphasising its resilience despite the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Tourism, one of the fastest-growing socio-economic sectors, faced unprecedented consequences, transforming the worldwide landscape. However, after a period of economic decline and standstill, tourism has demonstrated its resilience, building back stronger.”

Turning her attention to Africa, Mrs Grandcourt revealed encouraging statistics, stating, “Africa confirmed the positive trend by regaining 92% of pre-crisis visitors, demonstrating resilience and sustained recovery.” She spotlighted nations like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Morocco, exceeding pre-pandemic levels in January-July 2023, signaling stability and growth.

Mozambique emerged as a beacon of success within the region. The Regional Director commended the country for its innovative marketing strategies, leveraging digital platforms to boost tourism arrivals, earnings, and receipts. “Mozambique stands out as a successful example, demonstrating the resilience of its tourism sector to adapt and face new challenges.”

Grandcourt applauded Mozambique’s proactive visa facilitation policies, exempting nationals of 29 countries from visa requirements since May 2023. The introduction of the innovative e-Visa system, part of Mozambique’s ‘Economic Acceleration Stimulus Package,’ aims to attract tourism, business, and investment to the country.

Connectivity challenges in Africa were not overlooked. Grandcourt emphasised UNWTO’s collaboration with key partners, including the African Union, ICAO, IATA, AFRAA and AFCAC, to address these issues. “The collaborative approach with national administrations, airlines, and organisations is critical to pursue the ambitious ‘open skies project.’”

Grandcourt underscored the importance of attracting investments and fostering private-public partnerships for sustainable tourism development. She introduced UNWTO’s investment guidelines and, in collaboration with Mozambique, launched the “Invest in Mozambique” guidebook.

Digitalization and innovation took centre stage as Grandcourt highlighted UNWTO’s Digital Futures Programme, aiming to support SMEs in the tourism value chain through mentorship and online training. “Harnessing innovation and digital advances provide tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local commYU8unity empowerment, and efficient resource management.”

Education and human capital development were identified as key to Africa’s tourism evolution. Grandcourt emphasised UNWTO’s initiatives, including Tourism Education Guidelines, Education Toolkit, and the UNWTO – HSLU Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable Tourism.

Mrs Grandcourt announced upcoming key events, including the 2nd UNWTO Regional Conference on Brand Africa in Zambia and the 67th UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa in Algeria. She thanked participants for their commitment, stating, “A more sustainable development for our sector is possible only if we join our forces and work together to shape the future of Africa’s tourism.”

First published at VoyagesAfriq

Madrid, Spain, December 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022.

The newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer also shows:

• World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.
• International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month so far since the start of pandemic.
• Overall, tourism recovered 87% of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023. That puts the sector on course to recover almost 90% by the end of the year.
• International tourism receipts could reach USD 1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.

The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline. ”

The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead recovery

• The Middle East continues to lead the recovery by regions in relative terms, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September 2023. The Middle East remains the only world region to surpass 2019 levels this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investments in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events, help underpin this remarkable performance.
• Europe, the world’s largest destination region, welcomed 550 million international tourists over the period, 56% of the global total. That represents 94% of pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was supported by robust intra-regional demand as well as strong demand from the United States.
• Africa recovered 92% of pre-pandemic visitors this nine-month period,  and arrivals in the Americas reached 88% of 2019 numbers this period, as the region benefitted from strong US demand, in particular to Caribbean destinations.
• Asia and the Pacific reached 62% of pre-pandemic levels this period due to slower reopening to international travel. However, performance among subregions is mixed, with South Asia recovering 95% of pre-pandemic levels but North-East Asia only about 50%.

The World Tourism Barometer includes more focused data on regions, as well as sub-regions and individual destinations.

Tourism spending strong

Strong demand for outbound travel was reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels. Germany and the United States spent 13% and 11% more respectively on outbound travel than in the same nine months of 2019, while Italy spent 16% more through August.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. Drawing on data from IATA (the International Air Transport Association) and STR, the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels.

Against this backdrop, international tourism is well on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024 despite economic challenges such as high inflation and weaker global output, as well as important geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

Phuket, Thailand, December 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta officially got underway today in the waters off of Phuket’s Kata Beach. Many of Thailand’s best young sailors are competing in the international dinghy class. Rising nautical stars gracing Kata Bay included Patcharaphan “Stam” Ongkaloy who captured a gold medal in the Optimist Class in the recent Southeast Asia Games in Cambodia. Thanaphat “Poom” Siricharoen, who won a silver medal in the ILCA 4 class of the same competition, is also sailing; as is Ton Rattana, the current ILCA 4 class district champion.

Much of the focus on the King’s Cup is on the foreign racers that travel far and wide to compete in Asia’s most prestigious regatta. But the event is also a platform for young Thai and Asia sailors to showcase their talents and jumpstart their racing careers.

The International Dinghy Classes race from 3-5 December at Kata Beach, divided into four starts today, as follows: Monohull Dinghy Handicap (12 boats); ILCA 4 (15 boats); Open Skiff (17 boats); and Optimist (79 boats).

One hundred and twenty-three dinghies from ten nations including, Canada, China, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, St. Christopher & Nevis, Taiwan, Thailand, the Russian Federation and the USA are competing in the regatta.

It was a great day for women’s racing. Patcharaphan “Stam” Ongkaloy (Yacht Racing Association of Thailand) continued her winning ways capturing the Optimist Girl’s Class today with fellow YRAT sailor Pailin Jaroenpon placing second and Royal Varuna’s Pinchanok Klaysomboon coming in third. All three finished before their first male counterpart crossed the line.

Jirathip Muthiphan then won the Optimist Boy’s Class, followed by Nattakorn Jitsuwan and Panudat Polpool with all three sailors representing YRAT.

The ILCA4 class was won by YRAT’s Nanvatorn Supaamphonwit with clubmate and the top female finisher Paranee Muangngam placing second. RVYC’s Ton Rattana came third in this class.

Open Skiff was won by another woman India’s Anandi Chandavarkar, followed by UWC’s Don Kaewpradab of Thailand in second with Indian Eashaan Mehta, placing third.

The Open Skiff class has a devout following at the nearby Phuket Yacht Club in Ao Chalong under the astute leadership of former Australian national junior champion Scott Duncanson. The popularity of these boats has grown substantially since they were introduced to Phuket a few years back.

The regatta runs from December 2nd to 9th with Beyond Kata hosting the event and the Royal Awards Ceremony.

For more information and result, please visit www.kingscup.com.

The Regatta’s sponsors, including Host Sponsor Kata Group, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, RMA Group, Ford Motor Company (Thailand), Ricoh (Thailand) Limited, Haad Thip PCL, Pine Pacific Corporation Limited, Singha Corporation Co., Ltd., and National Telecom Public Company Limited.

About the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta – Asia’s legendary yacht race under Royal Patronage
Under Royal Patronage, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is organized by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum, with support from the Government of the United Arab Emirates, along with more than 20 corporate and research partners in the food sector, launched today the First Movers Coalition for Food. The initiative uses the combined procurement power for sustainably produced farming products to speed up the adoption of sustainable farming, innovations and transitional funding.

Food systems account for more than 30% of global emissions and are critical in achieving the Paris Agreement and limiting global warming to below 1.5C. Aggregating demand for sustainably produced and low-emission agricultural commodities, therefore, can accelerate the transition to net-zero, nature-positive transitions in food systems.

“Through the First Movers Coalition for Food, leading global companies will send demand signals to catalyse the acceleration and adoption of environmentally friendly farming methods and green innovations. This collective public-private partnership will help de-risk upfront investments into more sustainable food production systems,” said Børge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum.

The First Movers Coalition for Food comprises corporate champions from multinational and regional companies with significant purchasing power, value chain partners, farmer organizations and research partners alongside governments to improve existing food systems.

The new initiative aims to accelerate sustainable farming and production methods and technologies by leveraging collective demand for low-carbon agricultural commodities. It will do so through the power of aggregated demand, aiming for a combined procurement value for low-carbon commodities of $10-$20 billion from coalition members. Corporate partners currently participating in the coalition account for a combined revenue of $2.1 trillion, with operations globally.

Founding members of the First Mover Coalition for Food are leading companies that recognize the need for more sustainable practices and innovation in food production systems. Starting mid-December 2023, the World Economic Forum and participating companies and governments will work jointly to identify the demand commitments and pathways to support and mobilize the ecosystem to enable such transformation. The coalition is expected to publish its initial results of the collaborative work in the summer of 2024.

“The way we produce and eat food causes 30% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, uses over 70% of the world’s freshwater, and is responsible for 80% of deforestation and habitat loss in tropical areas,” said Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates. “If we don’t quickly find new, sustainable ways to produce and consume food, these problems will worsen in only a couple of decades. Showing clear demand for improvements in sustainable agriculture production methods is crucial for reaching our global climate goals, and we need to act now.”

Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive of Majid Al Futtaim, added: “We recognize how our role in reducing emissions across our value chains has an impact on the long-term sustainable health of people and the planet. As an increasing number of customers make the everyday choice to shop sustainably, we as a retailer have the responsibility to deliver more responsibly sourced and produced products. By joining the First Movers Coalition for Food initiative, we aim to amplify the demand for low-emission products and partner with those promoting nature-positive practices, fostering resilient agricultural systems with improved biodiversity and reduced water usage.”

Manny Maceda, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Bain & Company said the coalition will transform how companies procure agricultural commodities, enabling a shift toward eco-friendly production. “This will decrease the risks associated with required investments in low-emissions agri-food production, make it easier to expand to net-zero and nature-positive technologies, and help farmers adopt greener practices such as regenerative agriculture.”

About the First Movers Coalition
The First Movers Coalition for Food builds on the success of the First Movers Coalition for Industry, launched at COP26 in Glasgow by US President Joe Biden and the World Economic Forum in 2021.

The First Movers Coalition for Industry aggregates purchasing demand to create early markets for innovative clean technologies across eight hard-to-abate industry sectors: aviation, shipping, trucking, steel, aluminium, concrete and cement, and chemicals.

To date, the coalition has garnered the support of more than 13 government partners and 90 companies with purchasing commitments of more than $15 billion. This is the most significant demand signal for clean technologies for industrial sectors that the world has ever seen.

First Movers Coalition for Food members
Initial partners working jointly on shaping and accelerating significant demand signals and green procurement commitments include Bayer AG, Cargill, Danone, Louis Dreyfus Company, Majid Al Futtaim Holding Llc, Nestlé, NR Instant Produce PCL, Olam Agri, PepsiCo Inc., Sekem Group, UPL Ltd, Tyson Foods Inc., JBS S.A., and Yara International ASA. More companies will be announced in the coming months. Expert organizations supporting the process include Bain & Company, Ginko Bioworks, Grow Asia, IDH, Indigo Ag, International Rice Research Institute, Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Tropical Forest Alliance, and University of Tokyo. The initiative is endorsed by the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In her recent appearance on Episode 2 of the Healthy Rivers Series “River of Inspiration” by WWF, Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, co-founder and director of the Blue Elephant Group, spoke about the linkages of a healthy river and one of Thailand’s most famous “Tom Yum Goong”. This collaboration has inspired Master Chef Nooror to craft a “Magical Rivers New Year’s Eve Menu” comprising Thai Rivers treasures amongst other Blue Elephant culinary gems, on New Year’s Eve for the Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant, Bangkok and Phuket.

“Only 3% of the water on our planet is fresh. Yet these precious waters are rich with surprise. All life on land is ultimately dependent on fresh water.”
– Sir David Attenborough, WWF Ambassador –

“Human food comes from nature, from rivers and canals. Because of this, we humans must preserve rivers and canals. I’m a chef who’s proud of ingredients from rivers and canals.”
– Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe –

On Sunday, 31st December 2023 from 5.30 pm, diners are invited to join Master Chef Nooror on a magical night of exquisite flavours and rich bounties of the river and show a commitment to sustainable luxury.

Some of the highlights of the “Magical Rivers New Year’s Eve Menu” comprise ‘Duo Jaeng Lon’ made from fresh pink organic lotus petals filled with Banana Prawn; ‘Auspicious Duck Laab’; ‘Foie Gras Tomato Dip’; ‘River Prawn Tom Yum Bisque’, a specially created recipe of creamy soup made from Ayutthaya River Prawn; “Ravioli Kao Soy’; ‘Hor Mok Blue Crab Curry’; and ‘Thai Wagyu Beef Salad & Grape’; and the legendary ‘Bespoken Massaman Lamb’; “Khao Yum’ amongst other flavourful selections.

The ”Magical Rivers New Year’s Eve Set Menu to be served on Sunday, 31st December 2023 from 5.30 pm to 11.00 pm is @Baht 6,800 plus plus per person.

For bookings or more information please call tel. 02 673 9353-8

About Blue Elephant
The story of Blue Elephant began as a result of the great passion for Thai food of Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founding chef and director of the Blue Elephant Group.

Blue Elephant opened its first restaurant in Brussels, Belgium in 1980 with Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, her husband Karl Steppe, who has always been passionate about Thai culture and Thai cuisine, and their good friends and partners Chai Wayno & Somboon Insusri. Initially extremely popular among the citizens and expatriate members of Brussels, Master Chef Nooror’s Thai food soon gained its reputation in other parts of Europe, the Middle East and other countries in Asia.

From her love of cooking and of Thai cuisine and culture, Master Chef Nooror has become a staunch advocate and ambassador by promoting Thai cuisine and culture to the rest of the world. Sourcing from only the finest and premium produce from the Royal Project and from all over Thailand with emphasis on products with health benefits, Master Chef Nooror has created the most palatable, authentic and, most important of all, healthy Thai menus.

In 2002, Master Chef Nooror returned to Thailand to further explore her heritage and bring back to life forgotten recipes from bygone eras as well as to share her precious heirloom recipes handed down from generation to generation. Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant Bangkok opened its doors in 2002; and the Phuket branch in 2010.

In 2006, Blue Spice Company Limited was established to manufacture and export premium spices, curry pastes and sauces amongst others under the Blue Elephant brand. Today, Blue Elephant products are available in almost 45 countries worldwide as well as in leading supermarkets throughout Thailand.

In 2020, the Blue Elephant Group celebrated 40 years of continuously achieving milestones in the culinary world both locally and overseas.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Sukhothai Bangkok cordially invites you to attend a fundraising charity event, “Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond,” to support the social development projects of endangered communities in Bangkok. For the forth year of the project celebration, The Sukhothai Bangkok and its preferred partners, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) – Tourism Division, are planning to expand the scale of the event. Hence, the project is now called “Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond Vol.4” and this marks our fourth event since 2017.

The project has evolved from our creation of the APPEAR concept to preserve disappearing communities and cultures, making them reappear through sustainable tourism. We have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) – Tourism Division. The Sukhothai Bangkok has collaborated in this project to promote sustainable activities within six disappearing communities while improving the livelihoods of the locals. The six endangered communities include Koh Sarn Chao, Bang Lamphu, Hua Takhe, Bang Kradi, Ban Bu, and Nang Loeng.

In addition to these six communities, we also have another communities joining in the event: Talad Noi, Hala Market at Charoenkrung 103, Klong Ladmayom Market, Taladname Song Klong in Taling Chan, Bangkok Dee Jung, Talad Mod Ta Noi and Lumpoo Community. This year, we are also open to private companies interested in showcasing their products at the event.

We anticipate an attendance of approximately 1000 guests per day over the weekends. This event represents a significant milestone, and we are committed to making it even more remarkable than before. We would like to invite you to participate in this end-of-year charity event. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the hidden gems of Bangkok’s old neighborhoods, but you will also support community social projects and experience the different traditions of twelve local communities. You can participate in a range of fascinating cultural activities, many of which are slowly being forgotten and lost in time, including:

• Creative Thai arts and crafts workshops by community artisans, such as sustainable kites made from leaf-gilded black lacquer (Lai Rod Nam), hand embroidery of Mon shawls, Mon paper crafts, and self-portrait drawing.
• Rare musical, dance, and craft performances, such as banana trunk carving, vintage stone powder flower garland (Pang Puang) creation, Mon music, and Chatree dancing.
• Learning secret recipes from community grandmas, such as golden threads and kanom Jak.
• Shopping for unique gifts or simply enjoying an endless assortment of delicious food and desserts, including Mon caramel and mung bean marzipan.
• Trying the ancient Rae Rai, bale jelly, and Thai steamed red lotus stem cake.
• Enjoying special deals with vouchers from the luxurious five-star hotel, The Sukhothai Bangkok, including room, Food & Beverage, and spa packages.
• Discovering unusual artifacts and participating in the community auction to bid on art pieces by community artists and handmade bronze knives.
• Display and showcase service and product from multiple sponsors at the event.

We are excited to announce that at the upcoming Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond Vol.4 event, all proceeds from sales will be dedicated to supporting community-driven social projects. Once event costs are covered, the entirety of the sales revenue will be directed towards the following impactful initiatives:

Children’s Library: Promoting a love for learning and literacy among the young minds of our community.
Playground: Creating a safe and vibrant space for children to play, explore, and make cherished memories.
Study Center: Providing a conducive environment for students to excel in their education.
Museum Refurbishment: Breathing new life into a local museum, preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage.

Your attendance at Bangkok Uncovered & Beyond Vol.4 on 16-17 December 2023 will not only offer you a unique and enriching experience but will also contribute significantly to the betterment of our community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing in this collective endeavor to make a positive impact. Together, we can make a difference.

For more information about the event and to stay updated on our progress, please contact:
Chutima Limpasurat
Director of Marketing Communications
02 344 8888 or Chutima.l@sukhothai.com

Madrid, Spain, November 30, 2023 / TAVELINDEX / The collaboration agreement will run until 2026 and will focus on digital entrepreneurship, innovation, application of new technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) and talent development.

Telefónica and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have followed through on their commitment to cooperate by signing a new collaboration framework, valid until 2026, with the aim of promoting tourism development that is more digital, sustainable and inclusive.

The United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism and Telefónica will continue to work together at the global level and will focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.

New projects, new scopes

In this regard, Telefónica Tech, the telecom operator’s strategic digital business unit, and the UNWTO will promote the ‘Digital Futures’ programme, which seeks to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions. These digital tools have the ability to transform companies and make them more competitive, sustainable and resilient, as they help them make better business decisions based on exhaustively analysed data. Such technologies also allow them to offer more personalized and competitive products and services, optimize resources, and increase the profitability of the tourism sector.

As part of an effort to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the sustainability of the sector, Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area that connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, is collaborating in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism Innovation Challenge in Colombia, with the support of the Vice-Ministry of Tourism of Colombia. Its mentoring support generates connections with the business and venture capital ecosystem, which is essential for all entrepreneurs who are working to offer innovative solutions and promote development, taking into account local communities as well as natural and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, training processes (reskilling and upskilling) will be addressed so that employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that digitalization brings to an industry that is so important to the economy of many countries.

To this end, training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism. These will be offered by reference stakeholders that aim to help those who are beginning to take their first steps or wish to evolve their projects. For their part, Telefónica and UNWTO will collaborate in learning initiatives through accessible content as the Tourism, Gastronomy and Hospitality 4.0 Nanodegree developed by Fundación Telefónica and CEOE through the UNWTO Digital Futures programme, focused on accelerating the economic recovery of the tourism sector through the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers. Telefónica is a fully private company whose shares are listed on the continuous market of the Spanish stock exchanges and on the New York and Lima stock exchanges.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in the magic of the holiday season with our exclusive ‘Luxe Riverfront December Escape’ package at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers by the Chao Phraya River. Revel in the enchanting evening with complimentary dinner and sundowner package at the iconic Siam Yacht Club restaurant to make your December unforgettable.

Book a minimum 2-night say, and treat yourself to an enchanting riverside escape.

Package Highlights:
• Room with river view guarantee include with a delectable breakfast for 2 persons
• One-time international buffet to enjoy a sumptuous dinner for two at Feast restaurant
• One-time sundowner package, savor the moment on sipping your favorite beverages and watching the sun dip below the horizon for a memorable experience by the Chao Phraya River at the iconic Siam Yacht Club.
• Complimentary rate check out at 16.00 hrs.
• Room rates start from THB 5,100++
• Package available from stay period until 17th December 2023.

‘Luxe Riverfront December Escape’ is available for book now for stay period from 3rd December to 17th December 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your December unforgettable. Treat yourself to a riverside retreat and create lasting memories at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers.

To make a reservation or book now, please click visit website www.royalorchidsheraton.com

About Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 430 hotels and resorts in nearly 70 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space.

Sheraton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,700 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.

Madrid, Spain, November 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Members of the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) have met to exchange insights on the importance of governance, participatory approaches and timely data in advancing sustainability in destinations.

Made up of leading destinations, members of the World Tourism Organization’s INSTO network are at the forefront of work to conceive and implement sustainable development practices at the ground level. These practices, which focus on inclusivity and making decisions based on evidence, are leading to a positive shift towards tourism development that is both resilient and inclusive.

Data-driven transformation

The meeting showcased the Observatories’ efforts in various measurement areas such as local satisfaction levels, destination carrying capacity, and environmental and social aspects of tourism. INSTO members emphasized the challenges they face in monitoring, underscoring the importance of reliable data obtained through partnerships with diverse providers. They also highlighted the selection of relevant indicators tailored to each destination’s specific needs, making it easier to compare between destinations.

The INSTO destinations emphasized the importance of timely and evidence-based policy actions that support the ongoing transformation of the tourism sector. Discussions centred around real-world examples and experiences from leading destinations as well as progress in the Measurement of Sustainable Tourism and One Planet initiatives and the efforts related to biodiversity climate action.

New Members welcomed

The INSTO network continues to expand, welcoming four new Observatories during this week’s meeting: Gifu Prefecture in Japan, Cali in the Valle de Cauca in Colombia, the Centro de Portugal, and the Atlantic Coast of Ireland. These destinations have demonstrated their work towards sustainable tourism through participatory approaches, evidence generation and transparency – essential requirements for INSTO membership. Additionally, three members have joined since the beginning of 2023: Yucatan and Tlaxcala in Mexico and the Monitoring Centre from the Batanes Islands in the Philippines, bringing the total INSTO membership to 42.

All INSTO members are committed to assessing the impact of tourism in 11 mandatory areas spanning economic, environmental and socio-economic dimensions. This commitment aligns with the new Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MST) framework UNWTO is developing, which goes beyond broad indicators such as GDP.