Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 20, 2018 (travelindex) – Wherever Life Takes You, Best Western is There – and for more than 70 years, Best Western Hotels & Resorts flagship midscale hotel brand – Best Western – has been there welcoming travelers with superior value and quality guest service. As part of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ “Today’s Best Western” campaign launched earlier this year, this month, the company is going “Behind the Brands” with a closer look at the evolution of its original Best Western brand.

“Our timeless Best Western brand is trusted across the globe for providing exceptional offerings, service and value to leisure and business travelers alike,” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “We’re excited to highlight the iconic brand that started it all for our company and to celebrate the extraordinary, ongoing evolution Best Western has experienced over the past 72 years.”

The evolution of Best Western has been one to watch, and as the brand itself has innovated from within, the industry has followed suit. Founded in 1946 as Best Western Motels, Best Western has driven change through a number of industry firsts in technology, guest satisfaction and more. Some of the brand’s milestone moments include:

– 1962 – Best Western offered the only hospitality reservations service covering the entire United States.
– 1963 – Best Western was the largest motel chain in the industry with 699 member properties and 35,201 rooms.
– 1974 – Best Western eliminated the word “motel” from its name and began competing directly with other full-service lodging chains, while expanding internationally the following year.
– 1988 – The award-winning Best Western Rewards® (“BWR®”) program was launched to bring extra value to travelers and developers.
– 1995 – Best Western introduced its first listings on the Internet.
– 2004 – Best Western launched the hotel industry’s largest High-Speed Internet Access (HSIA) initiative with the fastest implementation. In just eight months, the company established free wireless or hard-wired HSIA in some portion of the public areas, and at least 15 percent of rooms, at all of its North American properties.
– 2007 – Best Western began using online surveys to keep track of customer satisfaction, one of the first steps in leading the industry in superior customer care.
– 2011 – Best Western celebrated its 65th birthday. With new sister brands Best Western Plus® and Best Western Premier® launched, The World’s Biggest Hotel Family tagline was introduced in the United States and Canada.
– 2012 – Best Western introduced advanced cleaning technologies at its North American properties, becoming the first hotel brand to empower housekeeping staff to set a new standard for guest care through the use of UV wands, black lights and clean remotes.
– 2015 – Best Western experienced a major transformation with the company’s all-encompassing brand refresh, which reinvigorated the brand with groundbreaking initiatives that bring real value to today’s travelers. To signal this modern transformation across brands, the company redesigned the flagship Best Western logo to utilize hand drawn lettering, which is familiar and personable and pulls through the company’s updated blue color. The centerpiece globe comes to life through the use of special effects such as gradient, highlighting and a 3-D treatment. These effects are distinctive within the hotel industry, which traditionally uses two-dimensional logos.

With more than 2,100 locations across the globe and more than 150 in the pipeline today, Best Western is a renowned midscale brand designed for business and leisure travelers seeking first-rate amenities, superior accommodations and incomparable service. Designed to perform positively in almost any location, developers in primary and secondary markets choose the Best Western core brand for its highly-competitive fee structure and industry-leading support, which helps drive more revenue directly to their bottom lines.

Best Western hotels feature contemporary style and spacious accommodations with modern entertainment systems, in-room coffee makers and desks/workspaces; high speed complimentary wireless internet as well as free local & long-distance calls; convenient business and fitness centers and Orgnx® natural, refreshing bath products with carefully selected, nutrient-rich ingredients. The brand’s top-ranked “Build Your Own Breakfast” offers hot, healthy, customizable options available complimentary at most locations, as well.

Staying at a Best Western is now even more rewarding! Book one night at participating hotels in Asia and get up to 50 percent off the second night when you pay with your Citibank credit card! Guests will also be awarded BWR points. This offer is valid from now until December 31, 2018.

For more information on Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit BestWesternHotelAsia.com

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 11 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®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature CollectionSM 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 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. 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 32 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 hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® 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:
Marketing Communications Department
Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
Tel: +66 2 656 1260
Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com
Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

Geneva (Switzerland) – April 19, 2018 (travelindex.com) – WISeKey International Holding Ltd, a leading Swiss cybersecurity , Blockchain and IoT solutions company, today announced that it has partnered with TraNexus, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, to secure the TraNexus Blockchain Engine, using WISeKey’s Cybersecurity IoT technology.

This will be a new Blockchain Travel platform for apps that manage documents, currencies, bookings and experiences to make travel easier, better value, greener and more fun. TraNexus will streamline the travel process for business travelers and tourists alike while creating an entirely new travel experience for green-minded adventure-seekers around the world, with a heavy emphasis on augmented reality and big data applications.

Through the partnership, the TraNexus Blockchain Platform will be secured by the WISeKey RooT of Trust (RoT) technology for IoT, a unique offering that combines all the hardware, software, and Trust Model required to take the blockchain security to a new level. The WISeKey RoT for Blockchain is a vertical security framework, a one-stop-shop security software tool with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-integrate API that manages the life-cycle of devices and their digital certificates. Easy to implement, hard to attack, the WISeKey Trusted Blockchain framework offers secure solutions even when the IoT device is in an unsecured environment, such as during production or in the field.

The TraNexus Wallet will initially be a central storage location for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), WISeCoins and TraNexus Coin (TNX). Users will be able to purchase TNX inside the application and also be able to instantly convert between Bitcoin & Ethereum whenever they want to do so. The wallet will also be an assembly point for all electronic documentation for the trip as well as the digital identity of the traveler. Ultimately it will become the go to place for e-visas, tickets, hotel bookings etc. as well as the vehicle for payment.

WISeKey will secure the TraNexus Wallet providing users with contactless access to their private key and allowing them to make contactless transactions and payments. The TraNexus Wallet uses a combination of Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology with highly secured solutions provided by the WISeKey Semiconductors and will now be available through the TraNexus Wallet App. Every time a contactless Blockchain transaction is made, such as a cryptocurrency transaction, the private key is verified from the NFC Hardware storage to enable the transaction.

While the exchanges and software wallets continue to get hacked, the hardware wallets have gained popularity as they are providing the most secure solution for transaction and payments. Through the TraNexus Wallet, hardware wallets will become contactless and users will be able to establish multiple private keys into the secure store using the same TraNexus wallet App and access these private keys while making transactions in contactless mode.

“The TraNexus Wallet App will be compatible with most of the existing blockchain technologies and will work as part of an overall system using WISeKey Blockchain-as-a-Service (“BaaS”) technology offerings. WISeKey’s technology offers the security and scalability TraNexus anticipates it will need as the use of TraNexus grows”. Said Professor Geoffrey Lipman the Director of the TraNexus program and long time travel industry leader.

“By combining WISeKey’s Secure Element (our tamper-resistant silicon chip) and its managed Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems with the TraNexus Blockchain we are bringing a powerful solution that increases the level of safety for users of the TraNexus ecosystem, while ensuring maximum interoperability and trust on the system,” said Carlos Moreira, Founder CEO WISeKey.

Blockchain technology can help overcome many existing problems and inefficiencies which have been widely identified: planning, purchasing, security, transportation, accommodations, visitor’s experience, shopping, and again for the return journey. This extends from the products into the linked services, supply chains and infrastructure. We intend to capture blockchain benefits for travellers — to make travel easier, better value, greener and more fun.

Global Travel & Tourism is the world’s largest industry and the total number of travelers doubles every 15 -20 years. There are currently over 1 billion international trips per year and over 4 billion domestic. By 2030, Travel & Tourism is expected to support 1 in 9 of all jobs and to account for 11.4% of global GDP. It will outperform the global economy.

About TraNexus:
TraNexus.” Ireland will manage the sale and routine token auctions, as well as hold and disperse funds. Operations will be handled by a dedicated corporation, “TraNexus Blockchain Solutions” (TBS,) set up in Belgium at the heart of the E.U. A percentage of its income will be devoted to SUNx – the Strong Universal Network, fighting Climate Change through Impact-Travel.

The companies will be fully compliant with evolving global policies and regulations on blockchain and cryptocurrency deployment.

Disclaimer. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus or a listing prospectus. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of TraNexus.

About WISeKey:
WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems with a patented process. WISeKey’s Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust (“RoT”) provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people.

Contact information:
Professor Geoffrey Lipman
Director
GeoffreyL@TraNexus.ie
Marcel Henry
Director
MarcelH@TraNexus.ie

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 17, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Siam Summer Getaway integrated One Siam Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, welcoming Songkran and inheriting beautiful culture, worshiping sacred ancient Buddha, tasting authentic Thai foods, and opening various travel experience from today until 16 April 2017.

Siam Piwat Co., Ltd, a collaboration between 3 leading shopping centers as One Siam: Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery joins force with the government and private sectors to celebrate, inherit beautiful culture Songkan Festival as well as help promote tourism growth, organized Siam Summer Getaway between 12-16 April 2018 at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery. To celebrate Songkran Festival, the company respectfully has invited nine sacred ancient Buddha for people worshipping, and set up exhibitions including digital installation art and activities such as a demonstration of Thai incense making (Nam-ob or Thai perfume) and a demonstration of doing Bai Toey flower to worship Buddha, while also gather more than 50 famous Thai food and dessert restaurants for people to taste at 3 shopping centers.

The opening ceremony was held on Thursday 12 April 2018 at Hall of Fame, M Floor, Siam Paragon. Culture Minister Weera Rojpotchanarat presided over the opening ceremony, joining by Permanent Secretary for Culture Kitayapong Siri, and Naratipe Ruttapradid, Executive of Siam Piwat., and famous actor at the moment Panjan-Porama Imanothai and actress Prang- Kannarun Wongkhajonkai, both dressed traditional Thai costume with valuable diamond jewelry worth over 50 million Baht from Der Mond Jewelry to do many activities at event.

Naratipe Ruttapradid, Senior Executive Vice President – Operations of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd, said To celebrate the Songkran Festival this year, Siam Piwat joining forces among three leading shopping centers at Siam area launched “Siam Summer Getaway” for Thai people and international tourists to enjoy the traditional Thai atmosphere and Thai culture. At Siam Paragon as travel destination for tourists from all over the world, the nine sacred ancient Buddha statues—treasures of the Kingdom from Bangkok National Museum—has been enshrined for people to pay respect during the event. Moreover, various feature activities and exhibition of the pouring-water-and-asking-for-blessing sets were organized, while more than 50 famous Thai foods have been gathered at the event. At Siam Center, the Ideaopolis organized simulation travel destination exhibition to inspire travellers during the summer, while also have famous café for entertaining coffee lover to taste of the aromatic flavor of fine coffee. At Siam Discovery, the Exploratorium, invited everyone to discover themselves with digital installation art. Activity participants can post their travel photo in the Instagram and get a chance to win complimentary air tickets for a year, while many joyful activities are waiting for Thai and foreign tourists to join at the event.

The highlight activity for this year’s Songkran celebrations at Siam Paragon come under the concept of Siam Paragon Wonderful Songkran, welcoming tourists with Thai atmosphere and joining campaign to promote people to wear traditional Thai costume. With a collaboration with Fine Arts Department, the Cultural promotion Department, Culture Ministry, Siam Paragon featured the invitation of the nine sacred ancient Buddha statues, which are considered as the treasures of the Kingdom, to be enshrined at Hall of Fame, M Floor in Siam Paragon Shopping Center.

The nine sacred Buddha statues include 1. Standing Buddha in Double Preaching 2. Medicine Buddha 3. Buddha Holding A Talapatta 4. Reclining Buddha 5. Buddha Stopping The Relatives From Fighting 6.Phra Hai Sok (Healing Sadness Buddha Image) 7. Phra Chai of Nakhon Ratchasima 8. Phra Buddha Sihing in Phutthai Sawan Chapel 9. Buddhga Wlaking in Meditation. Moreover, there were activities such as a demonstration of Thai incense making (Nam-ob or Thai perfume) and a demonstration of doing Bai Toey flower to worship Buddha, which are Suvarnabhumi people local wisdom, while also have exhibition on Thai Songkran history to educate people about valuable history and Thai traditional for Thai and foreigners to learn.

At the Parc Paragon, a food festival on Songkran Food Fest: Taste of Thai Tradition has been organized, bringing more than 50 famous and authentic Thai foods from five categories including Thai rice, Thai noodle, Thai desserts, Thai appetite, and Thai beverage such as Khao Chae Phetchaburi (Rice soaked in cool water) Talad Nang Lerng, Prang Nara Porkball, Chao Wang Fried-pork Siriraj Wang Lang, Grilled-chicken and Grilled-beef Bangmeen, Baan Kanom Thai Chao Wang The Old Siam, and Pork Sago- Thai steamed rice dumpling Mae Kee Ratchawat and etc. The event is decorated with natural materials that reflect the art, culture and abundance of the Kingdom of Thailand from a contemporary perspective to the city living.

At Siam Center, the Ideaopolis, get ready for summer under the concept SIAM CENTER Summer Journey Exhibition” has brought everyone to open new experiences in the latest simulation travel destination exhibition to inspire people creativity and travel during this summer. Also, there has been hip café from Chiang Mai RK Café by Omnia, to impress coffee lover experience the aroma of coffee beans and another cool cafe “Museum Of Everything Jinglebell” – chic café gathering vintage items from around the world as a small museum for people to shop for fun from today to 31 May 2018.

Siam Discovery, The Exploratorium, has invited you to explore the world and discover new identities with the “Summer Exploratorium” campaign in digital installation art format by posting your impressive trip photo on the Instagram and tagged with #godiscoversummer #siamdiscovery, which EyeEm, giant photography who create photo community from all over the world will judge and select winner photos. The winner of the first prize will be awarded a one year complimentary air tickets from AirAsia. The second winner (10 prizes) will receive a gift voucher worth 5,000 baht from Siam Discovery. The photo contest will be held from now until April 30th. Moreover, Siam Discovery has also brought Thai traditional food shops from Rattanakosin Island such as Chao Le Crispy Mussel Pancake, Nai Aun Yen Ta Fo Noodle, Steamed Chives Dumpling Khun Mae, Thai pandan Short Vermicelli in Palm-Sugar Coconut Milk from St. Louis and etc to serve you at Discovery Plaza, Siam Discovery.

In addition, during today until 16 April, the food lovers only show receipts from restaurants in three shopping centers worth 1,000 baht or more and dress in traditional Thai costume, gets a Siam Gift Card worth 500 Baht (limited) for dining and shopping at participants’ restaurants and shops at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery.

For a world-class entertainment destination including Sea Life Bangkok, launches the adventure under the sea during the summer on “Amazing story from the deep sea” combines technology presenting animation on the giant screen over 10 meters, Kid Zania Bangkok invites children to experience the Thai style of fun activities such as tom-tom- a tall narrow drum parade, and special shows, while Paragon Cineplex, well-known as Thailand’s largest Cineplex, invites people to wear traditional Thai costume to buy ticket and get one free ticket, while AIS Imax VR, provides 50% discount for movie fans who buy ticket for Ready Player One.

Let’s join in preserving Thai culture in the great Songkran festival filled with an atmosphere of happiness at Siam Summer Getaway from today until 16 April 2018 at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery.

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – April 17, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The cost of operation in Seychelles continues to rise, irrespective of the fact that the islands are in competition with other similar tourism destinations. Increases in food and electricity costs are serving to price Seychelles out of the market. Smaller operators are feeling the burden of these increases, which are stifling their viability and potential growth.

Service and workforce

Seychelles is already battling with an essential part of the industry – service – and remains reliant on foreigners to fill the gap. Recruitment of foreign workers is becoming increasingly difficult, which is further impacting on the prosperity of the service industry. It is not, and will never be, acceptable to merely force down the throat of the industry any unemployed citizen who lacks the basic qualifications, skillset and attitude required for the service industry. With service being key to customer satisfaction, it is important for employers to have a skilled labor force.

Access to Anse Georgette on Praslin

The topical issue regarding a suitable access to the idyllic Anse Georgette of Praslin, which remains a public beach, has been on the cards for a long time. However, the country seems unable, or perhaps unconcerned, to resolve the matter for a more conducive environment for its tourism industry. The current access through the private Golf Couse is not an ideal solution and will result in someone being hit by a golf ball as they navigate the course to reach the beach. The little used main access from the hillside is an unsafe option; someone lost his life a couple of years ago on that same track from Mont Plaisir. A sensible option would surely be to construct a wooden pathway bypassing the golf course and providing tourists and locals alike unfettered and safe access from the main gates of the hotel to the beach.

Air Seychelles redundancies

Air Seychelles had approximately 200 people on a redundancy list. Vimentis Group of Capt Christopher Lespoir working in partnership with the University of Seychelles, the Chamber of Commerce among others, which was currently holding a specialist training and conference in Seychelles said:- “As we were about to launch the 3rd seminar in Seychelles, we took the decision to give all the ones impacted by this a free ticket. Short notice, but 13 came and I can promise that they are not worried about any ‘job security’ anymore”.

Captain Lespoir and his group need to be congratulated for their kind gesture. Actions speak louder than words. The former Air Seychelles staff are also congratulated for taking their future into their own hands. When a door closes another will open.

Seychelles waits to hear of the salaries of the senior staff of the airline and their respective perks, such as any housing allowances they may be enjoying, as their fellow team members are dropped from employment. Today, the airline is moving its City Centre Offices out of Government Buildings in Victoria and moving instead into commercial properties.

The Assumption Island Saga continues

Terry Sandapin, the Chairman of the Save Assumption Group, has shared a photo of his elderly mother taken at a protest demonstration in Victoria. Madame Hooper Hoareau is now 85-years-old and suffers from Parkinson disease, but was still determined to be present to say “No is No”.

The recent news published in India speaks of the remodelling of the Assumption Island project for a military base with India. It remains a sad determination by those in power to refuse to hear the desperate plea of the people about the fate of one of their Nation’s island treasures.

Furthermore, it has not gone without notice that Assumption Island has recently been removed from a high biodiversity protection zone under the highly praised and world renowned Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiative. It was only in October 2017 that Assumption was classed as a High Biodiversity Area- Zone 1, alongside Aldabra. However, it has somehow and mysteriously been removed. When and why did this happen, remain pertinent questions for the relevant Authorities to answer.

With the increased discontent of the Seychellois people in this regard, the only honourable thing to do would be to call for a referendum and let us have our say.

Dublin (Ireland) – April 17, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Speaking today, Geoffrey Lipman, long time sustainable travel advocate, announced a new research and delivery program to advance application of the Blockchain for travel and tourism. He revealed that TraNexus, an Irish company, has put in place steps for an ICO (Initial Coin Offering) that would focus on travellers and improving their trips, as well as help support transformation of the travel and tourism industry by creating a blockchain infrastructure that emphasizes ease of travel and sustainability.

Lipman said that Blockchain technology was widely recognized as in its infancy, but he was quick to highlight that as it evolves, it has a capacity to create solutions in areas such as search, booking, border entry, ticketing, service provision, secure payment, sustainability performance, as well as a range of marketing and product delivery functions. This extends from the products into the linked services, supply chains and infrastructure.

He added “By developing such a traveller-focused chain and related crypto-currency we aim to help make future trips easier, better value, greener and more fun. I am particularly pleased that we will build sustainability in at the core, with a strong focus on Climate Response, and its existential challenge.”

Headed by Lipman, with past leadership roles at the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Air Transport Association, TraNexus staff, board and advisors bring expertise from airlines, hospitality, government, NTOs, the green sector, tech and payments.

Presale offers can be found on the TraNexus website at www.tranexus.com and are subject to all relevant regulatory and legal provisions. The ICO is scheduled to commence on June 4, 2018.

About TraNexus
TraNexus is committed to changing the way people travel and revitalizing the travel and tourism industry by making travel easier, greener, more valuable and more fun.

TraNexus will create a series of blockchain-based apps, technologies and more that streamline travel, focusing on apps that manage documents, currencies and experiences to enhance the travel experience from the traveller to the complete tourism economy. TraNexus streamlines the travel process for business travellers and tourists alike while creating an entirely new travel experience for green-minded adventure-seekers around the world. For more information about TraNexus, visit tranexus.com.

TraNexus Limited, Company Registered in Ireland: 624039.

Contacts:
Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Director
GeoffreyL@TraNexus.ie
Marcel Henry, Director
MarcelH@TraNexus.ie

Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) – April 13, 2018 (travelindex.com) – An intense week of exchange of experiences and capacity building linked to wildlife and biodiversity protection has taken place in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A major result of the regional initiative that lies under the framework of the UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative on Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism has been the Declaration of The Regional Conference served to summarize the itinerary training workshops
conducted throughout 2017 which encouraged local communities and tourism stakeholders to act as champions of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. As a result, more than 120 people were trained last year from Niger, Gabon, Benin, Guinea and Democratic Republic of the Congo on how to design and implement local initiatives on tourism and wildlife in their respective countries, which they showcased during the conference.

Opening the Conference, which welcomed more than 100 participants from the five countries in addition to Zimbabwe, the Minister of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Franck Mwe di Malila Apenela underscored “the vital importance of the link between tourism development and biodiversity conservation” and that “it is not a coincidence that the upcoming UNWTO Agenda for Africa encapsulates it as one of its key priorities”. Mr. Shanzhong Zhu, UNWTO Executive Director, said that “the results presented during the conference will provide opportunities to generate economic benefits while stimulating protection and appropriate management of biodiversity in harmony with the sustainable development of tourism”.

The opening ceremony was followed by a key note speech by Seamus Kearney, journalist and producer, who emphasized the potential to involve the media in sustainable tourism-based initiatives and the need to communicate with honesty and transparency.

On the occasion, Mr. Shanzhong Zhu, UNWTO Executive Director met with the DRC Prime Minister H.E. Bruno Tshibala, to discuss the links between economic diversification, tourism development and biodiversity conservation. Mr Zhu welcomed the vision of the government of DRC to put tourism as a priority for job creation.

A ministerial debate involving the Ministers of Tourism of DRC Franck Mwe di Malilia Apenela and of Niger, Ahmet Botto, together with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitalty Industry of Zimbabwe, Dr. Thokozile Chitepo and UNWTO Executive Director, Shanzhong Zhu stressed the relevance of institutional communications and the potential of engaging tourism authorities on wildlife conservation measures.

Involving local communities, developing educational programmes on sustainable tourism and increasing awareness on biodiversity and wildlife were some of the themes underlined in the debate.

“The achievements of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development that we celebrated in 2017, the Lusaka Declaration on Sustainable Tourism and Community Engagement in Africa and the First African Charter on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism adopted by the COP22 constitute the best framework to advance the tourism sector towards more sustainable practices” said the Mr Zhu.

As stated in the Declaration, the undersigning countries commit to “reinforce the role of Sustainable Tourism as a lever for local development and support for the conservation and preservation of the environment” and “to become involved in strengthening the conservation of biodiversity, raise awareness and fight against various forms of over-exploitation of resources including poaching and reduce the carbon footprint of tourism-related activities”.

Strategic Communications at the core of wildlife preservation

Alongside the Regional Conference, delegates participated in a training workshop on communications and media relations in the framework of the UNWTO/Chimelong Programme. Under the topic of communicating the link between wildlife and sustainable tourism, delegates analyzed the potential of wildlife in the promotion of their destinations and revised strategic communications methodologies and practices that can facilitate their work.

The workshop included an exhaustive revision of theoretical and practical approaches to strategic communications as well as of the different modalities of media relations. The creation of innovative products to attract the interest of journalists, building trust-based relations with the media communities and empowering outlets as advocates of wildlife protection and sustainable tourism were part of the training. Through working groups participants had the opportunity to build communications strategies for their touristic products, like the parks of Zongo and Malebo in DRC.

Both the workshop on Communications and Media Relations as well as the Regional Conference take place within the framework of the UNWTO/Chimelong Initiative on Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism. This initiative, which is being implemented between 2017 and 2019, addresses the potential of sustainable tourism as key driver of wildlife protection and conservation in Africa and in Asia. The Programme integrates capacity building of tourism administrations, media engagement on these themes including a Media Award and talent development through a fellowship programmes, among other actions.

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Project Manager for the UNWTO/Chimelong Programme
Rut Gomez
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 65
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100
Fax: +34 91 567 8218

Singapore (Singapore) – April 10, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced its Asian development plans to key industry stakeholders and potential investors at the recent HICAP UPDATE conference in Singapore.

As the sister event to the popular HICAP (Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific), HICAP UPDATE is a mid-yearly forum that focuses on the latest developments in the region’s hospitality industry, from finance and investment to architecture and interior design.

This year’s HICAP UPDATE took place at the Pan Pacific Singapore on March 27-28, 2018, and Best Western proudly sponsored the conference for the second consecutive year.

Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, took to the stage on the opening morning of the conference to participate in a high-level panel discussion entitled “The Industry Leaders Speak Out.” Held in front of a large audience, this session allowed Olivier to discuss the major opportunities and challenges currently facing hoteliers in the Southeast Asia region, specifically with regards to investments, developments and partnerships.

“HICAP and HICAP UPDATE are undoubtedly the leading events of the year for hoteliers in Southeast Asia, drawing large numbers of highly influential leaders and decision-makers from across the industry,” Olivier commented. “Best Western is delighted to be a sponsor of such a well-respected conference and we look forward to continuing our association with HICAP in future.”

Best Western also used HICAP UPDATE to reveal its latest Asian expansion plans – including its expanded selection of hotel brands. Having operated just three brands as recently as 2015, Best Western has undertaken a period of significant strategic growth and now offers a choice of 11 distinct global hotel concepts, including three so-called “soft brands”.

In Asia (Southeast Asia and Japan), Best Western now has no fewer than 30 new properties in the pipeline, covering five different brands: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb® and BW Premier Collection® by Best Western Once open, these new hotels will increase Best Western’s current Asian portfolio by more than 50 percent.

Thailand is a major area of expansion for the company, with 11 new hotels currently in the pipeline across the kingdom. Other key areas of development for Best Western Asia include Malaysia, where it currently has four hotels in the pipeline including a return to Kuala Lumpur; the Philippines, where Best Western sees significant potential in up-and-coming destinations; and Vietnam, which will welcome two exciting new Best Western properties in 2019.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Best Western, as we expand further across Asia with one of the industry’s largest and most intuitive brand collections. From modern midscale and upscale hotels to cutting-edge millennial concepts, extended-stay options and soft brands covering three different market segments, Best Western has become a one-stop solution for hotel owners and developers across Asia,” Olivier concluded.

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 11 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®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature CollectionSM 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 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. 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 32 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 hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® 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:
Marketing Communications Department
Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
Tel: +66 2 656 1260
Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com
Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – April 10, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Many loyal and hard-working Air Seychelles staff are now finding themselves entering the country’s “unemployed list” after years of dedicated service to the National Airline. These young Seychellois have little option but to abandon their chosen careers in the field. Most of those being laid off are looking to the tourism trade for alternative employment. With the present freeze on construction of large hotels following the carrying capacity study on the islands, it may be difficult for the sheer volume of former Air Seychelles staff to be assimilated into the workforce. Many workers who were laid off when Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort closed for reconstruction late last year are still unemployed. Prospects are slim and we cannot force Air Seychelles cabin crew to take on jobs they were not trained for and have no passion for.

The contract between the Airline and Etihad was the topic on debate in the National Assembly recently. While the Assembly did dedicate some time to pushing political agendas and testing the boundaries of their “absolute privilege” by deliberately making misleading statements, they eventually got to the point and concluded that the redundancy of the Air Seychelles staff would need to go ahead, and that the existing contract with Etihad Holding would need to be maintained.

The cabin crew contingent of the airline took to the streets of Victoria after they sought assistance from the Seychelles Labor Union (SLU), which organised their peaceful protest and liaised with the Police on their behalf after a meeting with the Air Seychelles Staff Association. The Airline has now come back with a slightly better offer for redundancy, but the big bone of contention is that they were being paid a base salary that was inferior to what their colleagues on Etihad were earning and are not receiving flying allowances. The Air Seychelles staff are planning a bigger protest in Victoria shortly to emphasise the extent of their discontent, and are counting on the support of the public in this regard.

Vertical Integration and Monopoly Laws

Seychelles has no monopoly laws barring the business community from entering into any line of business. WTO stands against regulations or practices that promote monopoly of any kind, safeguarding the right of any citizen to enter into any line of business he or she chooses.

This point has been the subject of discussion for a while and it has again been a topic of debate on the SBC Television recently with the private sector now expected to have their opportunity to explain their side of the equation in the coming week. However, the discussions only seem to be centred on tourism and tourism-related businesses. A clear example of a monopoly would be the overlooked sea cucumber fishery, with only a select few individuals dominating the industry, where a quota system indirectly gives a monopoly to those with a licence for the export market – licences are limited in number and are typically given to the same individuals year after year. The same applies for the coco-de-mer kernel export.

The coined descriptive name of “Vertical Integration” does not look at other industries, such as the handling at Port Victoria where a monopoly does exist, nor does it touch the many other businesses who divert into side businesses in a bid to keep their investments on Seychelles soil.

In tourism the world over, the strong companies are seen to be diversifying as is the case for the big tour operator TUI’s recent announcement:- “TUI Group becomes the world’s leading provider of services and leisure activities at holiday destinations following the acquisition of Destination Management from Hotelbeds Group”.

The solution is to expand the tourism industry. Some small businesses on Praslin are today proposing their very own online booking service which will see them paying commissions to themselves. For this initiative, they will need visibility and an innovative marketing approach.

Local Tour Operators, commonly referred to as DMCs, remain the partners of the Tourism Board at Tourism Trade Fairs or promotional workshops. Some hotels join in depending on whether the event is taking place in their source market of choice. These hotels have, and continue to enjoy, a very high occupancy level and command a better average room rate because they are known, they are relevant and are today sought after. Some DMCs work on specific tourism markets based on their field of experience and are working. Freezing the local Tour Operators will bring in a freeze on the marketing dollars and the country will need to fork out. Businesses should to be actively showcasing their services or products and finding clients, rather than waiting for clients to turn up on their doorstep.

With looming regulations pertaining to Vertical Integration, which will affect the management of tourists disembarking cruise ships in Seychelles, we must encourage the incoming tourists to purchase excursion packages and entice visitors to spend money on our shores. Statistics reveal that just under 50% of cruise ship passengers do not buy a ship organised excursion when entering Seychelles. The shore excursions that are presold on board the vessel have to be what was offered when contracting with the Cruise ship Operator and with the requested insurance policies based on international norms in place. Here again, the work must be to entice the 50% odd percentage of the passengers who remain on deck, or those who just take a walk to town to look at alternatives, to invest in a local excursion package. The business is here, but we are not tapping into it.

The Seychelles Taxi Association is making attempts to access cruise ships and to offer the services of their members as licensed operators to the passengers sitting on board. They will be working through the Vanilla Islands body. Cruise ships earn their commission on excursions that are presold, but are open to initiatives that will enhance the Seychelles experience for their passengers, especially if this is at no cost to them. We need initiative and foresight to grow our business. First Seychelles worked to increase number of cruise ships coming to Port Victoria, and now need to maximise benefits for the country from these stops.

Commonwealth Games 2018

Seychelles, Mauritius and many mainland African Countries were parading on the Gold Coast of Australia for the opening of the Commonwealth Games 2018. Seychellois were proud to see their Nation’s flag aired on television and featured on this important global platform.

La Digue – Anse Source D’Argent

A new small business offering the rental of clear glass kayaks is receiving positive feedback from visitors, but the dirty swamp-like muddy water clouding a portion of the sea at Source D’Argent is affecting the experiences of tourists and locals who use the clear kayaks around the area. Thousands of visitors pay an entrance fee to visit L’Union Estate to get to the world famous Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue Island.

Encouraging small Seychellois owned businesses to tap into the market is the way to go, BUT we need to get our house in order at the same time. Visitors have sent in comments to air their disappointment and concern that muddy coloured water flows continuously into the ocean just next to the small beach restaurant at Source D’Argent. The reason for the dirty water and the intensity of the dark colouring is for the Authorities to look into, but the option for L’Union Estate to take action in the interim is open for those concerned with the possible impact this is having on the environment and on the La Digue tourism.

The Little Turtle Of Assumption
People of Seychelles. It is your duty to save environment’s beauty !

This Assumption Island saga for the construction of a military base seems to be far from over. The project and the new negotiations are managed in secrecy when the Seychellois People have a right to know. Seychelles is caught in a saga it did not need. In his first Press Conference since assuming office, Vice President Meriton addressed the rising feeling of xenophobia, a departure from the Melting Pot of Cultures tag line the islands were boasting for many years. Seychelles needs to embrace its “friends of all and enemy to none” policy and enshrine this as the Foreign Affairs leading principle instead of playing one against the other. We are too small and any side we take will have adverse consequences for our UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra. This has been one cause that has rallied the people of Seychelles to be ONE and no amount of lobbying will deter the determination now in place to defend the sovereignty of Seychelles and the pristine environment of the islands.

Seychelles Clock Tower is 115 years old

One of the most iconic historical features of Seychelles, the Victoria clock tower, is 115 years this year. It was on April 1 in 1903 that the clock tower was installed in the centre of Victoria, the capital of the island nation.

A landmark dating back to the colonial era, the clock tower was erected in memory of Queen Victoria, who died in 1901.

Seychellois historian Tony Mathiot said that “the inauguration of the Victoria clock tower in our little capital on Wednesday the 1st of April in 1903 was a precursory event that introduced a new chapter in the history of our islands.”

The clock tower, which back then cost around $468 — about $12,300 in today’s dollars — was made of cast iron by Gillet & Johnson, a clockmaker and bell foundry based in Croydon, England. These were known as “Little Big Bens” because of their similarity to the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in London.

Mathiot said, “throughout all those decades, like a living thing the clock tower has witnessed our gradual evolution from an island protectorate to a Republican sovereignty.”

Only four months after it was erected, on August 13, Seychelles – a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean – was separated from Mauritius to be governed as an independent crown colony. In that same year, Ernest Bickham Sweet Escott was sworn in as the colony’s first Governor.

Madrid (Spain) – April 10, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Considered by many the best football player of all times, Lionel Messi joins the World Tourism Organization to promote the value of responsible tourism. The UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, appointed Messi as UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism this Saturday at Camp Nou in Barcelona, after the match F.C. Barcelona – Leganés.

“During my travels I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as others ways to see the world and this is very enriching. The World Tourism Organization as a specialized Agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism”, said Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi is an example of talent and constant work in football. Messi is admired all around the world not the least due to the positioning he brought to the F.C. Barcelona in recent years, team with which he won a total of 30 titles, including eight Spanish Leagues, four Champion Leagues and five King’s Cups of Spain.

“Messi is a unique sportsman and an example of how willpower and constant work yield good results. It is a great honour to have Messi joining UNWTO and other well-known personalities in promoting the positive values and benefits that tourism represents” said Zurab Pololikashvili.

Messi is the first football player in history who won five Ballon D´Or – the first four won consecutively – and four European Golden Shoes.

Lionel Messi joins the Spanish football player Fernando Hierro and the mythical Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, as the first personalities that UNWTO appoints to advance the links between sports and tourism and promote the transformative power of responsible tourism.

Contacts:
UNWTO Senior Media Officer
Marcelo Risi
mrisi@unwto.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
comm@UNWTO.org
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100
Fax: +34 91 567 8218

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 4, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Mexicano, the award-winning Mexican restaurante located at the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok has launched Carlos’s Creation Menu, a gourmet fiesta of innovative cuisine to showcase the culinary excellence of Mexico. The Mexicano will feature a unique menu each month created by the international chef Chef Carlos Bravo.

“El Primero Is Still Número Uno” means the first is still number one, which is the perfect definition for Mexicano, Bangkok’s original Mexican Restaurant for more than two glorious decades. Now it ushers in a new era of Mexican food to Bangkok, a genuine South-of-the-Border experience with some inspired Cal-Tex culinary flair into the bargain.

“Carlos’s Creation Menu” a creation by Chef Carlos Bravo whose extensive knowledge of Mexico’s culinary traditions, informs and elevates every dish. He will handcraft his unique menu each month, after sourcing the most exotic and high-quality raw materials to present each dish as a unique accomplishment.

The first set menu this April 2018 includes:

– Camarones En Aguachile Y Tartar De Aguacate, prawn aguachile with avocado tartar.

– Gordita De Cochinita Pibill, deep fried corn cake filled with pork pibill.

– Huachinango Con Almejas Y Chorizo A La Veracruzana, red snapper with clams, chorizo Veracruz style.

– Filete De Res Con Mole Negro Y Habanero, imported beef tenderloin in black mole and habanero chili.

– Torrija De Tres Leches, tres leches cinnamon toast.

“Mexico City is renowned as a land-based paradise, food is its heart and soul” states Chef Carlos Bravo, Mexicano’s Master Chef. He elaborates… “Often recognized for its world-famous dishes such as tacos, re-fried beans, tuna, guacamole and feta. But Mexican cuisine is of the soul – melded by street tastes, trucker and regional specialties and fine dining. So, we want to bring the secrets of Mexican food for food lovers to taste, with a commitment to creating only the best Mexican food in Thailand.”

Same plan with the outstanding beverages that Mexicano has evolved relentlessly, selecting superb Tequila and other fine spirits from around the world to enhance the top quality wines and beers in our wild and wonderful Mexican Bar. Experienced, enigmatic bartenders will showcase a theatre at the bar for your maximum enjoyment.

Mexican favorites include:
– Seduction Summer Sangria
– Mojito Playero
– Michelada
– Hummingbird Margarita
– La Margarita Grande (1L.)

In addition, Mexicano splashed the colors of Latino delight around the shop, echoing the charm and magic of Mexico City, a colorful giant with a powerful culture and thirst for music and the arts. Also, we boast the first and only full on Mexican live band in Bangkok, full power entertainment, and performances bringing Salsa Dancing at special festivals throughout the year. Mexicano will transport you to the Mexican cities of your dreams with their electric festive atmosphere, delicious foods and fabulous fun times!

“Carlos’s Creation Menu” special every month, 5 course THB 990 net per person and 3 course THB 750 net per person.

– “Mexicano” located 1st floor, The Rembrandt Hotel, Soi 18, Sukhumvit, Bangkok.
– Open daily 5.00 pm – 12.00 am.
– Mexican Live Band (except Tuesday).
– El Brunch every Saturday 12.00 pm – 3.00 pm., adults THB 800, children THB 200. Also, private and exclusive dinner service and special food festivals throughout the year.

For reservation, please call 02 261 7100 or e-mail mexicano@rembrandtbkk.com or visit and www.facebook.com/mexicanobkk