Category: Latest Travel News

La Manga (Spain) – November 27, 2017 (travelindex.com) – During the World Golf Awards Ceremony at La Manga in Spain, Kenya bagged four major awards and prizes, establishing itself firmly as a Golf Tourism Destination on the world map. The World Golf Awards, which is the most prestigious awards program in the Golf Tourism Industry, serves to reward excellence in Golf Tourism, Golf Courses and Golf Destinations.

The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort won 2 prizes: The Best Golf Hotel in Africa and the Best Golf Hotel in Kenya, while  Vipingo Ridge – Baobab Course won the best Golf Course for the year 2017.

Tobs Kenya Golf Safaris, Travel & Events won Kenya’s Best Golf Tour Operator Award for the 3rd time in a row.

Golf Tourism constitutes a vital segment in the global tourism, as it is the largest segment in the sports and adventure travel market with a market size of US $ 15 billion per year. The World Golf Awards, now in its 4th year is part of the World Travel Awards.

Tobs Cohen, is excited about Kenya winning 4 awards and says: “Since we started our operations in 1991, our objective has always been to promote Kenya as a world class Golf Destination through excellent experiences in world Class Hotels, while playing world class Golf Courses in combination with top class service. I congratulate Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort and Vipingo Baobab Course with these prestigious awards. For ourselves, to win this award for the 3rd time in a row, is proof that we are succeeding in what we are set to do. This Award is an encouragement to continue in our quest to grow Kenya’s potential to attracting many Golfing Tourists.”

East Africa continues to grow as a Golf Tourism Destination, with several new 18 hole championship Golf Courses opening in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. This region boasts a total of more than 50 golf courses.

In combination with superb weather all-year-round, wild life safaris and beach holidays, East Africa is a real Gem for Golfing Tourists.

For more information contact:
Tobs Cohen
Tobs Kenya Golf Safaris, Travel & Events
P.O. Box 20146,
00200 City Square, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-20-2687117
Email: tobs@kenya-golf-safaris.com
www.kenya-golf-safaris.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 24, 2017 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts continues to capitalize on Bangkok’s popularity as an international tourism destination, with the announcement of a brand new hotel at the city’s Don Mueang International Airport.

Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2020, Best Western Nada Don Mueang Hotel will be a modern midscale hotel serving the needs of airport passengers, as well as the rising number of business and leisure travelers exploring North Bangkok.

Upon completion, Best Western Nada Don Mueang Hotel will feature 270 comfortable and contemporary guest rooms, all equipped with the latest high-tech facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests will also be offered a healthy breakfast, providing the perfect start for their busy day ahead.

Best Western Nada Don Mueang Hotel will be the third new-build hotel developed for Best Western Hotels & Resorts by its highly-regarded partner, Nuchinporn Co., Ltd, following Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, which is already operating in North Bangkok, providing stylish upper-midscale stays and extensive MICE facilities, and the millennial-focused Vīb Sanampao Bangkok, which is under construction.

“Bangkok is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international travelers, and many of these visitors are now arriving and departing the city through Don Mueang International Airport,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

“We are delighted to be working with Nuchinporn Co., Ltd. once again, following our two previous partnerships. Together, these three exciting new hotels will provide a choice of high-quality international accommodation and facilities for travelers in the up-and-coming area of North Bangkok,” he added.

“Best Western is excited to be adding the Best Western Nada Don Mueang Hotel to its portfolio of hotels in Bangkok,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “As the city’s tourism continues to rise, Best Western is pleased to offer yet another exceptional hotel that, upon completion, is sure to provide guests with the superior service and amenities that today’s travelers are looking for.”

Home to many of the region’s booming low-cost carriers, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air, Don Mueang International Airport handled more than 25 million passengers in the first eight months of 2017.

With direct connections to many of Asia’s largest cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, plus an extensive network of domestic routes, the growth of Don Mueang has been instrumental in driving intra-regional travel to Bangkok. And with further expansion work planned at Don Mueang in the coming years, including a new light rail link to downtown Bangkok, this airport will continue to play a key role in the growth of Thailand’s tourism industry and economy in future.

Best Western Nada Don Mueang Hotel will become one of the closest internationally-branded hotels to the airport, catering for all passengers arriving at or departing from Don Mueang. It will also provide a convenient base for visitors to nearby local attractions, including IMPACT, Bangkok’s largest conference and exhibition center, the World Medical Center and the Thai government complex.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Asian regional headquarters are located in Bangkok, and the company is highly optimistic about the city’s future. There are currently five Best Western®-branded properties operating in the Thai capital including SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2, which opened recently and became Asia’s first SureStay hotel.

The company’s Bangkok portfolio will expand significantly in the coming years, with several exciting new Best Western hotels scheduled to open in key business, leisure and transit destinations all across the city, under multiple brands.

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 CollectionSM 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) – November 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the Passenger Agency Conference (PAConf), composed of IATA’s member airlines, adopted Resolutions for the full implementation of the New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems (NewGen ISS) initiative. NewGen ISS represents the most extensive and ambitious modernization of the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) since it was created in 1971 to facilitate the global distribution and settlement of funds between travel agents and airlines. Last year, the BSP processed $219 billion in airline funds with 100% on-time settlement.

“Implementation of NewGen ISS is a critical step forward by the global air transport industry in ensuring that the BSP continues to serve the industry’s financial settlement requirements for years to come. It is the culmination of a multi-year engagement with participants in the air travel value chain, including airlines, travel agents, and IT and system providers. It will bring greater options and flexibility to our travel agent partners, while providing even more financial security to airlines,” said Aleks Popovich, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Financial and Distribution Services.

Last year, the PAConf approved the development and introduction of three pillars of NewGen ISS comprising:

– Three levels of travel agent accreditation, offering greater flexibility. Travel agents will be able to choose the model most applicable to their business, as well as to convert across models as their business evolves.
– IATA EasyPay – a voluntary pay-as-you-go e-wallet solution for issuance of airline tickets in the BSP that offers a lower cost per transaction. As a secure form of payment, IATA EasyPay transactions are not part of a travel agent’s cash sales at risk. This allows travel agents a means to lower their financial security amounts held with –
IATA, and to issue transactions which are not included in their BSP remittance capacity.
– Global Default Insurance – an optional financial security alternative for travel agents that presents a cost effective and flexible alternative to bank guarantees and other types of security.

Remittance Holding Capacity
To these three pillars is now added a fourth. The Remittance Holding Capacity (RHC) is a risk management framework to enable safer selling and mitigate losses resulting from travel agency defaults. For the majority of travel agents, the RHC will be calculated based on the average of the three highest reporting periods of the previous 12 months plus 100%. Furthermore, measures will be available allowing travel agents to manage to their RHC, and to continue selling in a secure manner should their RHC ever be reached. A joint travel agent and airline group has been working collaboratively on RHC over the past year.

“Remittance Holding Capacity is about safer selling. Airlines have no desire to restrict or limit travel agent sales. At the same time it is important to have agreed-upon, prudential safeguards in place to protect airline revenues. The RHC levels are the outcome of a collaborative process involving airlines and travel agents, to ensure that travel agents have the flexibility they need, while protecting airline ticket sales,” said Popovich.

Transparency in Payments
Additionally, the Resolution text incorporates provisions related to Transparency in Payments (TIP), a new industry initiative. TIP reveals the different features and costs associated with each form of payment and agent remittance of airline funds. As it stands today, airlines only see the settlement costs after the fact, if at all. No form of remittance is barred by TIP, but travel agents can only use those forms to which an airline has previously given consent. Importantly, TIP allows travel agents to use their own credit cards – previously not supported in the BSP — if an airline consents.

“Transparency in Payments provides a pro-competitive framework for bilateral arrangements between airlines and travel agents that will facilitate the introduction of new and innovative payment solutions,” said Popovich.

Next Steps
NewGen ISS and Transparency in Payments will be rolled out progressively from March 2018. Certain pillars, including IATA EasyPay and Global Default Insurance (GDI) are already available in some markets. GDI has been implemented in more than 20 markets worldwide, while IATA EasyPay is being piloted in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Aleks Popovich, IATA’s Senior Vice President, Financial and Distribution Services, discusses NewGen ISS.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents nearly 275 airlines comprising 83% of global air traffic.

IATA’s Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) operates in some 180 countries and territories, not including the US, to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting and remitting procedures of IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents, as well as to improve financial control and cash flow for its approximately 400 participating airlines.

The Passenger Agency Conference (PAConf) takes actions on matters (excluding remuneration levels) relating to the relationships between airlines and recognized passenger sales agents and other intermediaries.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Dinner In The Sky Thailand has launched its special brand of Unforgettable High Altitude Dining Experiences in Thailand, the first time this global phenomenon has been made available to Thais and international visitors to Bangkok. Featuring the world’s only suspended dinner table, twenty-two guests are fixed securely in German TUV-approved safety harnesses, enjoying a four-course gourmet dinner prepared by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and accompanied by incredible city views from an area of 1,000 SQ.M. above the Emporium and Dinosaur Planet – Straight off BTS Phrom Phong.

Twenty-two guests will be seating with specially equipped safety belts around a large dinner table with the entire Dinner In The Sky system suspended by a 200-tonne European telescopic boom crane. The experience promises front row seats to the most astonishing views the city has to offer, either at Sunset or late on into the night sky – a culinary experience like nothing else bound by the laws of gravity. And with free UBER rides to and from the experience, the entire night will be a night to remember!

Friso Poldervaart of Dinner In The Sky Thailand can barely contain his excitement as he explains, “Thailand has always been recognized as a leader in Asia for dining options of all kinds. But Dinner In The Sky is Thailand’s first high-end dinner table to be suspended and served at this altitude. This innovation encourages guests to ‘Take their Eating Experience to New Heights’. We’re pleased to say that it’s the first time EVER in Thailand that Dinner In the Sky is ready for take-off. Think of DITS as the World’s most exciting dining event coming to town!”

Dinner In The Sky Thailand is launching in Bangkok on 20th December, 2017. The launch (in every sense of the word) is presented in collaboration with DITS ASIA, The Emporium Group and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, which will also serve as Official Caterer. Mr. Robert Wittebrood, Executive Assistant Manager of Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, spoke on behalf of the hotel: “We have a catering team on site headed by Executive Chef Gaetano Palumbo who has designed a menu that perfectly complements the extraordinary high-altitude experience on first take-off. The food we prepare is of exceptional quality and will be remembered by guests as the other essential half of this extraordinary experience.”

Dinner In The Sky has operations in over 45 countries including France, USA, Holland, Colombia, China, Macau, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan, Portugal and now, finally – Thailand.

Johannes Bergstrom of Dinner In The Sky Thailand says, “Bangkok enjoys a massive Foodie scene, with millions glued to Facebook and Instagram on the lookout for something new. And now we can proudly say, this is it!”

Dinner in the Sky is designed according to German safety standard DIN 4112 regarding flying structures specifications, and has surpassed world-leading German TUV-accredited standards. With more than 10 years of operations in over 45 countries, Dinner in the Sky is a professionally handled production that has been tested and retested to guarantee absolute safety of diners at all times.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, DITS ASIA chose Thailand to become the second South-East Asian country (after Malaysia in 2015) to have the experience. Arvin Randahwa, CEO of DITS ASIA, said, “Dinner In The Sky Thailand will be a perfect addition to the country’s many attractions, and both locals and tourists alike should not miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “

Mr.Manatase Annawat, Deputy Managing Director of The Emporium Group Co., Ltd, adds, “We are pleased to welcome this dining extravaganza to join the Emporium and the EmQuartier Shopping Complex. We are delighted to support this program, and know from the current guest list that it will be immensely popular.”

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) also supports Dinner In The Sky Thailand. DITS is working in co-operation with ‘Amazing Thailand Tourism 2018’, an ongoing and evolving initiative by TAT to continue to grow inbound visitor numbers and tourism revenue.

Seats are sold online for 4,990 THB on weekdays and 5,390 THB at the weekend, inclusive of the four-course meal by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. There will be two flight sessions per day: Sunset at 18:00 and City Lights at 19:30. The flight duration is 60 minutes.

– A high quality ‘novelty’ restaurant service and dining experience

– Uses a crane to hoist its diners, table and waiting staff 150 feet (50 meters) into the air with a 200-ton German telescopic boom provided by TSK Diamond

– Guests are served a 1-hour long, 4-course dinner prepared by renowned Chef Gaetano Palumbo from Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

– Guests are required to fill in a release of liability form. Toilets are available on the ground

– Lockers are available for guests to store their personal belongings

– Guests are allowed to take mobile phones and cameras with them during the flight

– The in-the-air suspended table was developed following the highest safety standards and is produced in Belgium

– Hosting up to 22 guests as well as 1 chef and 2 waiters, guests enjoy high quality food & drinks, music and breathtaking views

Forbes magazine called it one of the world’s ten most unusual restaurants. The world’s leading media showed their interest in the concept, and it has been featured on ABC, NBC, TF1, The Herald Tribune, Le Monde, the Frankfurter Allgemeine, People Magazine, Elle and Forbes.

For more information about culinary tourism in Thailand and to discover Thailand and Asia’s best restaurants, please visit www.Top25Restaurants.com

For all your hotel bookings in Brussels, Benelux, Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui and worldwide go to HotelWorlds.com

Livingstone (Zambia) – Novemver 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Alain St.Ange, the Head of Saint Ange Consultancy with its weekly Saint Ange Tourism Report was in Livingstone, Zambia this week as the consultant for the PMAESA (the Ports Body for Southern & Eastern Africa) to bring forth the importance of Cruise Africa for the Continent.

Also present was H.E. Auguste Ngomo, the AU Regional Delegate for Southern Africa, SADC and COMESA. The meeting as could be expected touched on the African Union’s supposed request to Seychelles for St.Ange to be removed as a Candidate for the UNWTO elections for the position of Secretary General and the threat of sanction that this request entailed.

Alain St.Ange is the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine and before that the island’s Minister for Tourism and Culture. He was First President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and was also the former Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the UNWTO. He is today the President of the Seychelles Labor Union, Deputy Secretary General of FORSEAA (Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN) based in Jakarta Indonesia, listed as a Consultant for TMN (Travel Marketing Network) in New York USA, Co-Chair of the SUNx (Strong Universal Network) Organisation in London UK, Vice President & Founding Member of ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners), Consultant to PMAESA (Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa) based in Mombassa Kenya, CIOA (Cruise Indian Ocean Association) based in Durban South Africa and for Cruise Africa.

After the meeting in Livingstone Alain St.Ange said:- “I am happy to report that we discussed the past, the present and the future of our region and its AU Organisation’s possible involvement. The AU is and should be the organisation that rallies us and cannot ever be the body that goes against all what our forefathers fought to break. Respect and sovereignty must be guiding principles that are sacred for the Continent’s grouping to ensure we are and remain proud”.

“We also discussed the need to the AU to be more involved in tourism as a vital industry for the African Continent” St.Ange said in ending.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The hip new technology driven brand offers comfortable yet practical city stays with integrated technology that connects guests with each other and city experiences with complimentary use of 4G connected, interactive in-room smart tablets loaded with a custom hotel app. The tablet has a dedicated chat room for guests to meet up in, chat with each other, and plan activities and trips around the Thai capital. It also features a local area map, a hotel directory, restaurant and room service menus, as well as music streaming via JOOX.

Haven’t Met Silom features 70 smart, stylish rooms in two categories spread through 9 floors. The Awesome (20sqm) room and Sensational (24sqm) room offer comfort and convenience with practical layouts enhanced by quality furnishings and fittings. Room rates start from THB 2500.

Cloud 9 Restaurant offers guests a daily breakfast buffet, complemented by a la carte Asian and International dishes, with generous portions served at affordable prices. There is also a 24-hour lounge with complimentary soft drinks and snacks. Cloud 9 Casual Rooftop is the hotel’s stylish al fresco pool bar with quality drinks, creative Thai fusion food and stunning cityscape views Mr. Chayaphon Hunrungroj, Chairman of Sincere Capital Land said, “We invested THB120 million in this new project to target millennial travellers from Asia and around the world. Thailand has a lot of new hotels launching, but not many of them target the real needs of millennial travellers. As a new Thai brand we aim to offer affordable, experience- led stays. Our target occupancy is 80% in the first year and we expect this to reach 90% in the second year.”

Mr. Patrick Pratummanee, Executive Director explains the inspiration behind the Haven’t Met concept. “Today’s young, affluent travellers are looking for practical comfort in convenient location. They need a base to explore the city and they want to know the best things to see, to do, and what’s new. They also want to share their travel experience with their social network and make new friends.”

Haven’t Met Silom offers these entire benefits and the hotel app lets them plan their trip together before they check in, share experiences during the stay and upload memories after their trip. The app gives them the inside track on what Bangkok has to offer, and they can then experience the city with a choice of specially selected travel experiences that can be booked directly on the tablet.

“The experiences are what really connect guests to Bangkok so we have selected the best and partnered with a range of operators to offer a wide range of memorable excursions and adventures. The experiences are all carefully chosen so travellers can really get under the skin of the city,” adds Mr. Pratummanee

Haven’t Met Experiences include everything from sampling local street food to the finest gourmet dining. Guests can choose to visit a pop-up market, or explore the city’s sophisticated retail malls. They can relax with a sublime spa treatment to sooth their muscles after a session of Muay Thai boxing training, then head out on a party night to the city’s coolest rooftop bars.

“In a city as varied as Bangkok the key to a memorable stay is being able to choose the experiences you will enjoy the most” adds Mr. Pratummanee. “Exploring local and international attractions, discovering the history and traditions of the city, or diving into contemporary culture. That is what travel is all about. Haven’t Met Silom introduces the many faces of Bangkok,” he adds.

The company expects to break even in five years and the team at Haven’t Met Hotels is currently exploring new destinations in Thailand to launch owned and managed hotel properties in downtown, riverfront locations in Bangkok and other cities, as well as resort destinations like Phuket.

About Haven’t Met Silom
Haven’t Met Silom puts guests in the heart of the Thai capital and offers a hip, social, tech driven stay with a choice of 70 rooms and two room types, plus the Cloud 9 Restaurant, Lounge and Rooftop bar. Inspiring guided urban experiences reveal the best of Bangkok’s food, shopping, nightlife, culture and adventure activities. For solo travellers or groups of friends HAVEN’T MET SILOM offers a convenient, stylish and comfortable base from which to uncover the secrets of Asia’s City of Angels.

Bangkok (Thailand)- November 23, 2017 (travelindex) – Kick off the holiday season with discounted rates at select JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok during the Black Friday-Cyber Monday weekend. Whether your winter visit is for a family vacation or a romantic holiday getaway, indulge in savings of up to 15 percent off rate starts from THB 4, 700++.

From Enjoy an affordable November getaway to discounts on future stays and luxurious amenities, there’s no time like the “present” to plan a Bangkok vacation. Take advantage of the Black Friday-Cyber Monday Weekend Sale and book from November 24 -November 27 for a stay anytime from November 24, 2017 to October 31, 2018.

With a central location, some of the friendliest staff in the city and comfortable rooms JW Marriott Hotel offers a relaxing stay in central Bangkok. With five different rooms types there are options for everyone, with recent room renovations to bring the hotel up-to-date in terms of design and technology. The Premier rooms offer an elegant combination of lightwood flooring, overall natural tones accentuated with marble materials sets a perfect backdrop for traditional Thai mural paintings and decorations to make a visual impact. With this complete makeover, the JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok will have the latest in style, décor and state-of-the-art features that is unparalleled in the city, giving guests a unique look and feel to their stay.

When making an online reservation, visit Book your corporate rate for Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sale 2017 , or call +662 656 7700 and ask for Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sale. Rates are based on availability, black-out dates apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion and is not applicable for group or citywide business.

Visit the hotel website at www.jwmarriottbangkokhotel.com and social media channels for exciting updates at www.facebook.com/JWMarriottBKK, follow us at www.instagram.com/JWMarriottBKK and friend us at Line’s official: @jwmarriottbkk

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 23, 2017 (travelindex) – U Say Systems, the company behind the popular U Say Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback platform is poised to become a leading player in South East Asia by 2020.

Based in Bangkok, Thailand, U Say has come to dominate the VOC market in the country over the past three years. Their fully customizable surveys are instantly recognizable for their elegant design, and are easily accessible on any internet connected device or dedicated iOS app.
U Say already boasts an impressive client list across multiple industries, including Tops Marketplace, H&M, The Grand Hyatt, IKEA, Dean & Deluca, Segafredo, Zen Restaurants, Sofitel Hotels, Pullman Hotels and many more.

U Say Co-founder and COO, Nathan Lyle-Vogts was quoted as saying:
“We’ve made a commitment to develop our platform based on discussions with our business clients. I believe this truly sets us apart in the industry. This year alone U Say has implemented dozens of design changes and new features. Our willingness to continually modify and improve the system results in a high client retention rate and a superior product.”

Having firmly established its position in Thailand, U Say has its eyes set on the wider South East Asian market.

Director of Sales, Panthatip Mongkolsri said:
“In South East Asia we see an enormous opportunity with very few companies on the ground offering a high quality VOC solution. In 2018 we will triple the size of our Bangkok-based sales team, while at the same time pushing into new markets in the region, beginning with Indonesia and Cambodia.”

A key component of the expansion will include working with partners in addition to integrating U Say with existing software products. Talks are currently underway to team up with some of the world’s largest online restaurant booking providers with an official announcement likely in the near future. Collaboration with leading POS providers is also being explored.
With its clear focus on design, an established customer base, and commitment to client-driven development, U Say Systems is a company to watch in the years to come.

The U Say Systems office is located in central Bangkok.

For more information please visit www.usay.co, email info@usaysystems.com, or call +66 (0) 2 105 4606.

Hong Kong – November 24, 2017 (travelindex.com) – On November 24, Hong Kong signed free trade and investment agreements with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a clear vote against the rising regional and international trade protectionism.

The ASEAN Hong Kong China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) was signed on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit held in Manila, Philippines. It consequently came after leaders attending an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Viet Nam agreed to tackle “unfair trade practices” and “market-distorting subsidies”. Hong Kong and ASEAN commenced negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Agreement in July 2014. They are expected to take effect on January 1, 2019, at the earliest.

Hong Kong has agreed to allocate HKD 25 million (USD 3.2 million) over five years for the implementation of the Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) Work Programme and to foster and launch economic collaboration plans notably covering customs, logistics, e-commerce and professional services. Under this Programme, Hong Kong also agreed to support and implement several strategies to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) and emerging entrepreneurial landscape by creating promotion missions and incentives for both foreign and local investments.

Hong Kong have increasing trade and economic ties with ASEAN. Based on ASEAN statistics, merchandise trade in 2016 between ASEAN and Hong Kong was valued at USD 93.3 billion, a 1.3 per cent increase from USD 92.1 billion in 2015. Total foreign direct investment flows from Hong Kong to ASEAN amounted to USD 9.9 billion, a staggering 141 per cent increase from USD 4.1 billion in 2015. At the end of 2015, ASEAN ranked sixth among Hong Kong’s destinations of outward direct investment, after mainland China, Korea, Japan, India, Australia and New-Zealand, with a stock of HKD 218 billion. It also ranked sixth among Hong Kong’s sources of inward direct investment, with a stock of HKD 555 billion.

Hong Kong also have steady trade relations with Thailand and Viet Nam. The average annual growth rate in bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Thailand was 9% from 2006 to 2010, but increased dramatically by 34% from HKD 82.7 billion in 2009 to HKD 110.8 billion in 2010. Since 2015, Thailand is Hong Kong’s 9th largest trading partner; 11th largest market for domestic exports and 13th largest market for re-exports; and 8th largest source of imports. Comparatively, the average annual growth rate in bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Viet Nam was 31% from 2006 to 2010. The bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Viet Nam increased by 39% from HKD 35.0 billion in 2009 to HKD 48.8 billion in 2010. In the past 3 years, Viet Nam was Hong Kong’s 18th largest trading partner; 14th largest market for domestic exports and 14th largest market for re-exports; and 22nd largest source of imports.

Hong Kong being one of the world’s freest and most open economies, these agreements will consequently mean that ASEAN countries will gradually reducing or even eliminating customs duties on Hong Kong goods, removing restrictions for trade in services and red tapes while ensuring and enhancing protection within the region.

The agreements will also allow travelers to stay longer for business purposes. Currently, seven of the ASEAN countries only allow Hong Kong travelers to stay between 14 to 30 days without a visa. The proposed amendment should allow business visitors to stay up to 90 days.

The ASEAN grouping includes 10 countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

About Harvey Law Group
Founded in 1992 by Jean-François Harvey, the firm has maintained a strong presence throughout Asia, South America, and the Middle East since its early beginnings. Today, it has evolved into a leading multinational immigration and business law firm, providing sophisticated legal representation to businesses and individuals with regards to global immigration and tax strategies in multiple jurisdictions. HLG notably has offices in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Xiamen, Phnom Penh, Yangon, Manila, Montreal, Miami, Paris, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada and Dominica.

Mr. Bastien Trelcat
Harvey Law Group Managing Partner – Southeast Asia
Mr. Samuel Harvey
Marketing Manager – Hong Kong and Philippines

Hua Hin (Thailand) – November 22, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin has announced the appointment of Mr. Richard Mehr as General Manager, effective from 13 November 2017.

Swiss born raised in a family of hoteliers, Richard Mehr perpetuated the family tradition in South East Asia. He is no stranger to Hua Hin as he opened and managed two properties between the years 2006 to 2013, Putahracsa Resort and Banyan Resort & Golf. He was also the President of the Hua Hin & Cha-Am Skal Club from 2010 to 2013 and the Bailli of the Andaman Wine Club.

Previous to his appointment, he was the General Manager of the high-end renowned luxurious property, Samujana – Koh Samui.

Mehr brings along 28 years’ experience in managing hotels and resorts, golf resorts, wellness and high-end luxury properties, including 4 years as Director of sales for a multi-million US company based in Asia and in Europe and was Group Director of Operations for the well-known chain of exclusive properties, Fusion Resorts & Suites in Vietnam.

With a proven track record in senior management, Richard Mehr is a hands on professional with a keen eye for details and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences meeting the highest international standards across a range of segments.

About Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups and includes 1,400 hotels in operation and under development with more than 220,000 rooms and a footprint spanning 115 countries and territories. The Carlson Rezidor portfolio includes a powerful set of global brands: Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza®, Park Inn® by Radisson and Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM. In most hotels, guests can benefit from Club CarlsonSM, one of the 2015 – 2016 “Top Three Hotel Rewards Programs” as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and its brands employ 90,000 people worldwide and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Singapore, and Brussels.

About Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin
Radisson Blu Resort Hua Hin is the first Carlson Rezidor property in Hua Hin, the world-famous seaside resort town in the west of Thailand. For centuries, Hua Hin has been known as the summer resorts destination for the Thai Royalty and aristocrats. The area is also home to some of the country’s best golf courses, often used for international championships. Business and leisure travelers visiting Resort Hua Hin can experience world renowned Radisson Blu’s first class accommodation and guest facilities, complemented with its international service philosophy of Yes I Can!SM and 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee.

Contact information:
Warin Jittniyom, PR Manager
T: +66 (0) 32 421-777 ext. 5003