Category: Latest Travel News

Guilin, China, November 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has once again partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to guide the development of tourism across the region.

For its 17th edition, the 2023 UNWTO-PATA Forum (Guilin, China, 26-27 October) put the focus on maximizing the sector’s ability to drive growth, build economic resilience and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. The Forum is the consolidated leading platform for policymakers, business leaders and a range of tourism stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific.

People, Planet and Prosperity

With co-organizers the Guilin Municipal People’s Government and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Department of Culture and Tourism, as well as with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum explored the best ways of introducing greater sustainability into every level of the tourism ecosystem. Among other areas, discussions centred on priorities including trends, innovation and technology, education and skills, and green investments.

The two-day event featured keynote interventions from UNWTO officials, alongside expert inputs from National Tourism Administrations, National Tourism Organizations and Destination Management Organizations, government officials, NGOs, industry practitioners. The trends, insights, research findings and practices, will be used to develop policies focused on greater sustainability while also raising awareness promote awareness and education about sustainable tourism among forum attendees and the broader general public, including through the more effective use of data.

The Forum also featured a high-level technical session organized by UNWTO around the theme of “Rethinking Tourism in post-pandemic times: understanding and adapting to new trends,” and a panel discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between public and private actors. Within the framework of the Forum, UNWTO officials met with key officials from the region, including the Secretary of CPC Committee and the Mayor of Guilin and with representatives of the Hongkong Polytechnic University.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Akira Back, the innovative and inspiring Asian restaurant on the 37 th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, is inviting guests to embark on a culinary adventure and unlock the secrets of gastronomy with the Nazo Mystery Box.

“Nazo” is a Japanese word that translates as mystery, enigma or puzzle – something that is not easily explained and carries an element of intrigue. It is this very concept that has sparked the imagination of the talented chef at Akira Back.

The Nazo Mystery Box will transport diners on a journey of curiosity and gastronomy. The lid carries an artistic etching of Chef Akira Back himself, and a plume of smoke gently rises from within, offering the only clue to what lies inside.

When the lid is lifted, diners are presented with a series of multi-sensory delights – nine colorful, bite- sized culinary creations, handcrafted by our talented chef using only the finest ingredients imported from Japan. These include premium cuts of tuna such as otoro, chutoro and akami, alongside other exquisite seafood like botan ebi, known for its succulent sweetness, king crab leg, caviar, abalone, and hirame, a high-quality fish famed for its distinctive flavor and firm texture.

This creates the perfect blend of culinary theater and creative gastronomy – an experience that starts with the anticipation of not knowing what the box contains, followed by the courage to take the first bite, and completed by the exquisite flavors that dance on the taste buds.

The Nazo Mystery Box is available daily from 17.30 to 23.00 hrs, exclusively at Akira Back Bangkok, priced at just THB 3,200++ per box. Limited boxes are available, so don’t miss this highly original and intriguing epicurean experience with your loved one!

Advanced reservations are required, please call +66 (0) 2 059 5999 email restaurant- reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com

About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a new landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The hotel offers extensive facilities, including 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across more than 30 venues, two swimming pools, 24-hour fitness center, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.

Bali, Indonesia, November 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Cross Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its latest triumph, an exciting hotel management agreement with PT. Grha Swahita (BIP Group) that will see Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak become part of an exclusive portfolio on 1st January 2024. Nestled at the heart of Seminyak, this gem of a property promises beachside bliss by day and an electrifying nightlife scene after sunset.

Brimming with modernity and a contemporary vibe, the 99-key hotel oozes unadulterated charm, creating an ambiance of serenity and relaxation. The low-rise property offers a variety of gorgeous 55-square-meter suites spanning three floors, while a further 10 suites with stunning views are located on the upper floors. For the ultimate vacation, the expansive 110-square-meter Penthouse Suite has ocean views and is perfect for families and small groups.

“This momentous signing is a pivotal milestone in our continued pursuit of excellence in Indonesia, especially Bali. Seminyak is a beacon of natural beauty, and I am confident this hotel will elevate the stylish beach town to new heights. This partnership embodies the shared vision between Cross Hotels & Resorts and PT. Grha Swahita, thus I anticipate remarkable success on the horizon,” declared Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts.

As Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to build its presence across the Asia-Pacific region, it is unwavering in its commitment to a new corporate vision, one that charts a path towards becoming ‘APAC’s Hotel Management Operator of Choice’, offering owners a revolutionary alternative to conventional chains. This signing becomes Cross Hotels & Resorts’ 8th jewel in Indonesia’s hospitality crown.

With its unwavering commitment to empower owners in key markets, Cross Hotels & Resorts remains leagues ahead of the competition with its unique management formula. In stark contrast to larger, unwieldy chains, Cross Hotels & Resorts grants owners the flexibility to harness a selection of cherished lifestyle brands that resonate with local patrons and international travelers.

Suzanna Tanojo, Principal of PT. Grha Swahita (BIP Group), extolled the partnership, affirming, “Our quest was to unearth a hotel management provider that shared our vision, and in Cross Hotels & Resorts, we’ve found the ideal ally. Cross boasts a formidable global reach, and we place our faith in their specialization. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering dedication to F&B development—a defining factor in our decision-making process.”

Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to attract hotel owners with innovative strategies that boost ancillary revenue and empower GMs to break from tradition to maximize property growth. With its unique approach, Asia-Pacific’s brand leader is reshaping hotel management by redefining the landscape. This reaffirms Cross Hotels & Resorts as a pioneer in the future of the Asia-Pacific’s hospitality sector.

The current portfolio of Cross Hotels & Resorts boasts 28 hotels across four countries, represented under six distinctive brands: Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, Cross Collection, and Kaura, and includes destinations in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam.

About Cross Hotels & Resorts
Cross Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG is one of the world’s largest and progressive travel companies, incorporating diverse worldwide distribution, in destination travel experiences such as transport and touring as well as hotel management solutions. Cross Hotels & Resorts also delivers owner services all the way from the very early sourcing and planning stages of a development, through technical services during build, to pre-opening services and finally professional ongoing hotel management.

Phuket, Thailand, November 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the success of L’Arôme By The Sea in Phuket’s upscale dining scene, we, France L’Arôme Group, are thrilled to present a contemporary French restaurant and all-day dining experience in a 4-storey building, with stunning views of Blue Tree Lagoon. The restaurant, which will be helmed by Executive Chef Julien Burbaud, will open on 15th November 2023.

Chef Julien Burbaud, previously trained by masters of French cuisine including Joël Robuchon, Yannick Alleno and Alain Passard, is now ready to showcase his innovative and precise modern French cuisine at L’Arôme at Blue Tree. Julien was a contestant on the third season of Top Chef France and previously served as the Executive Chef of Fanfan Paris, another restaurant featured in Michelin Guide France, under the umbrella of France Larome Group. We invite you to visit L’Arôme at Blue Tree and enjoy the lively and dynamic culinary experience provided by Chef Julien.

Overlooking the Blue Tree Lagoon, the restaurant complex will house three different concepts under the same roof:

The Ground Floor – All Day Dining
Will operate daily from 10am – 10pm, while serving a relaxed yet refined cuisine. Highlights of the menu include the lobster taco with a chipotle bearnaise sauce and the tomahawk coming from Ranger’s Valley in Australia. In addition, guests can enjoy pizza directly from the wood-fired oven or select a sashimi of the freshest fish available.

The 1st Floor – Fine Dining
Will serve guests Chef Julien’s modern forward-thinking French cuisine. Guests can either opt for the A La Carte options, where a wide range of imported and local products are served with an innovative style, or they can go with our discovery menu. Signatures of the menu include the duck Rossini, where the duck from Rayong is stuffed with a French foie gras and served alongside spiced carrots or the Phuket lobster which is served inside of a ravioli and finished with a lobster bisque enhanced by the addition of lemongrass.

The Canopy – Private Club
Located on the second and third floor of L’Arôme at Blue Tree is an adult’s only space, designed to be a haven of peace and tranquillity, where guests can sip on cocktails while watching the sun set across the horizon.

For reservations call +6682-951-8455 or contact on social media @laromeatbluetree.

France L’Arôme Group
France L’Arôme Group was founded in 2014 in Paris, the epicenter of the French fine dining realm. Since the opening of its first restaurant in Nanjing, China, this young group has been focusing on operating restaurants at some of the most exotic and dynamic destinations around the globe. Currently, the group operates nine acclaimed restaurants across France, China and Thailand. The success of the group is attributable to its philosophy of nurturing young talent. This inspirational pool of international talent is very much at the centre of collaborating on the development, execution and delivery of quality, diversity and originality, led by a forward thinking management team.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the successful completion of the finance and digital skills workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism, which took place in Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines. These workshops were part of PATA’s collaboration with Visa to build the capacity of tourism businesses in Southeast Asia towards efficient financial management and increased digital literacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has urged tourism businesses and destinations across the world to build greater resilience and become more innovative and adaptive. To do so, the tourism industry must strive to be robust enough to withstand crises and unexpected events, but also flexible enough to quickly adapt to new circumstances. For SMEs, this includes, for example, learning how to identify and manage risks, effectively manage finances, increase sustainable practices to save costs and stay competitive, and make use of digital tools and platforms to better reach customers and manage operations.

With this in mind, PATA developed an online learning course covering these topics specifically tailored to tourism SMEs. Although they comprise approximately 80% of all tourism businesses, SMEs are often vulnerable – especially in times of crisis – due to lack of capacity, time and resources. The Finance and Digital Skills course was therefore created to assist SMEs in their resilience-building process and increase their capacity to better navigate the post-COVID-19 tourism era.

The course was developed with the support and expertise of Visa and the Practical Business Skills initiative, and it is available for free in six languages on PATA’s Sustainability Resource Centre website.

To take this knowledge further, PATA and Visa implemented in-person workshops in Hanoi, Jakarta, Siem Reap and the Laguna Province with the invaluable support of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of Indonesia, the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia, and the Philippine Department of Tourism, respectively. These took place from July to September 2023.

Each workshop consisted of two days, the first focussing on Finance Skills and the second on Digital Skills. The first encompasses topics such as financial management (statements, formulas, financing opportunities, etc.), risk management and financial benefits of sustainability, whereas the digital skills workshop covers business digitalisation, digital marketing and online payments, and cybersecurity.

The last set of workshops happened from September 11-12 in Santa Cruz, Laguna Province, in the Philippines. This workshop had the largest number of attendees, 43 owners and managers of local tourism SMEs, mostly travel agencies and accommodation providers. In total, the Finance and Digital Skills workshops were attended by 120 participants in the four destinations.

According to PATA Chair Peter Semone, “Helping build resilience and increase sustainability in tourism is of great significance to us. We have been advocating for it since before the pandemic, but especially with our Tourism Destination Resilience Programme launched in 2021. Our aim is to ensure that the tourism sector never has to undergo the challenges and hardship witnessed during COVID-19. We are therefore delighted to see the high level of interest of SMEs in becoming part of this initiative, to help them be more resilient and adaptive.”

Patsian Low, Vice President of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability for Asia Pacific at Visa, added, “Visa has long been committed to the digital and financial upskilling of small and micro-businesses worldwide.  Given the importance of tourism in Southeast Asia, we are delighted that our partnership with PATA has supported so many small businesses in tourism in the region to move towards greater digitalisation and financial empowerment.  Our partnership with PATA is just one example of how Visa uplifts everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.”

For any queries about PATA’s sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, please contact ssr@PATA.org.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The commitment of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to moving closer to its Members and being on the ground in every region has been further demonstrated through confirmed plans for two new Regional Offices.

At the 25th UNWTO General Assembly (16-20 October 2023, Samarkand, Uzbekistan), Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili set out his leadership vision for the Organization, including the aim of adding to the growing network of Regional and Thematic offices. At the Assembly, Mr. Pololikashvili signed an agreement with Minister of Tourism of Brazil, Celso Sabino, to open a Regional Office for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro. Alongside this, UNWTO continues to work closely with the Kingdom of Morocco to establish a Regional Office for Africa in Marrakesh.

Reflecting the clear aims of the leadership vision for both UNWTO and the global tourism sector, Regional Offices will focus on one or more of the Organization’s priorities. The planned Regional Office for Africa will focus on the priorities of innovation and investments in tourism, while the Regional Office for the Americas will also be focused on investment. They will join the Regional Office for the Middle East, opened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 2021, which is now a hub for tourism education and tourism for rural development, and the UNWTO Regional office for Asia and the Pacific in Nara, Japan.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s leadership vision for expanding and enhancing UNWTO’s presence on the ground also includes a commitment to new and more diverse Thematic Offices. At the119th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, also held in Samarkand, the Government of Uzbekistan presented its proposal to establish a Thematic Office for Tourism on the Silk Road in the city of Samarkand.

Additionally, after successfully unblocking stalled plans to move on from UNWTO’s home for more than 50 years, the Secretary-General used the occasion of the General Assembly to report that the Spanish Government is now set to start work on a new headquarters in Madrid. Works are expected to conclude in the first semester of 2025.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has further enhanced its status as the global leader in advancing education and skills development for the tourism sector. As one of the top priorities of the Organization’s leadership, and fully endorsed by all Member States, education serves as the foundation for building more resilience and accelerating the shift to greater sustainability.

Against the backdrop of the 25th General Assembly (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 16-20 October 2023), Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili visited the new Tourism Academy Samarkand in Collaboration with UNWTO. The Academy will train students new to the sector as well as those already working in tourism, giving them the skills they need to grow their careers. The Secretary-General praised the commitment of President President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov to investing in education and professional training and for recognizing the role both can play outside of the tourism sector itself.

The Samarkand Academy is just the latest in a growing network of education initiatives spearheaded by UNWTO. Just one month before the General Assembly, against the backdrop of this year’s World Tourism Day (27 September), the Secretary-General visited the newly-opened Riyadh School for Hospitality and Tourism in Collaboration with UNWTO. The school has already welcomed its first students and aims to welcome many thousands more, both from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia itself as well as from across the wider region and the world.

Alongside its Academies, UNWTO is transforming tourism education at every level. The Education Toolkit, launched out of the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East, is designed to support Member States everywhere introduce tourism as a high school subject. This stands alongside the growing UNWTO Tourism Online Academy, the UNWTO Students League and now the Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management offered by UNWTO in partnership with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and the Arts of Switzerland, in supporting people at every stage of their educational journey in tourism.

Education as a priority for the sector will next be highlighted at the Minister Summit hosted by UNWTO at the World Travel Market (London, 6 November).

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, October 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ethiopian Airlines Group, the fastest-growing global airline brand and the continent’s largest airline, is pleased to announce that it will resume four weekly passenger services to Madrid, Spain’s capital and a city of elegant boulevards and extensive, starting from December 9, 2023.

The four-time weekly services from Addis Ababa will be operated per the below schedule on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Regarding the resumption of the flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are delighted to reinstate our Madrid flights. The new services will continue to be vital in linking Africa with Spain’s arts and financial center creating critical link to the socio-economic relationships between Madrid and more than 60 African cities where Ethiopian Airlines flies to. Once again, we are glad to offer this connection between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines suspended its Madrid flights back in 2020 due to the pandemic; now we are back even stronger to provide our renowned award-winning services to/from the Spanish capital. Our services to Madrid will be operated by the modern Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft that furnishes ultra-comfort to our esteemed customers.”

Ethiopian Airlines offers a seamless connection to both leisure and business travelers onboard its more than 140 young and modern fleet to its more than 150 passenger and cargo international and domestic destinations.

Apart from its flight resumption to Madrid, Ethiopian will start new services to Gatwick London and Bangui Central Africa in November while many more new destinations are in the pipeline.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft.

Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in new culinary delights of handmade dim sum and à la carte delicacies at Bangkok’s renowned Cantonese dining destination. InterContinental Bangkok, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced the introduction of a fresh new menu at Summer Palace, Bangkok’s favourite destination for Cantonese specialties. The renowned restaurant presents to the public new à la carte and all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch menus that invite guests to indulge in an elevated culinary experience guided by esteemed Executive Chef Shui Wing Yau and his exquisite art of handmade dim sum. The new Summer Palace menus deliver an array of mouthwatering dishes to guests, such as delicate dim sum filled with succulent ingredients seasoned with aromatic spices as well as an impressive selection of seafood, signature lobsters and Peking duck.

Chef Yau, a native of Hong Kong and a two-time recipient of Michelin accomplishments during his tenure in Hong Kong and Shanghai, sets foot in Bangkok as the bold visionary behind the new Summer Palace menu. With more than three decades of international experience from esteemed kitchens which he infuses into the new menus of Summer Palace’s delectable Cantonese cuisine, Chef Yau is driven by a vision to set new industry standards. He is passionate about introducing guests to modern Cantonese delights through fresh ingredients combined with sophisticated cooking techniques that create innovative dishes and are a true representation of Chinese culture.

Commenting on his ambitions for Summer Palace, Chef Yau said,
“The legendary reputation of Summer Palace precedes me. I am honoured to share my craft with those who have a passion for modern Cantonese cuisine in such a well-established dining destination. My new menu is designed to demonstrate the power of food as a catalyst for connection when deep-rooted authenticity is combined with refined modern elegance. Whether guests desire world-class dim sum or à la carte dining options, we have something on offer regardless of the occasion. Summer Palace is a true gem within our culinary offerings at InterContinental Bangkok and we are excited to delight guests with a modern twist to authentic Cantonese cuisine.”

Chef Yau’s Signature Dishes
Guests can enjoy Summer Palace’s array of delightful selections, including Chef Yau’s top recommendations and signature dishes, such as:
• Peking duck
• Iberico char siu
• Tea-smoked chicken with crispy rice
• Deep-fried crispy fish maw
• Stir-fried lobster with egg white and crab roe
• Summer Palace fried rice
• Braised bamboo fungus, fresh mushroom wrapped in bean curd skin with black truffle
• Cooked rice in lobster soup with fresh baby oyster and crispy rice
• Crispy pork belly with spicy mustard
• Deep fried slow cook beef short-rib with garlic, chilli and black bean
• Deep fried snow fish with balsamic vinegar sauce
• Steamed bamboo fish with homemade yellow chilli sauce

Other highlights include an exquisite selection of award-winning and organic premium teas from Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, including Arun Tea (awarded “Gourmet Medal” in 2021) and Sayun Tea (awarded “Gourmet Medal” in 2021). The restaurant additionally offers its own unique blend of premium Chinese tea: La Vie En Rose.

An Ambience Fit for Every Occasion
Whether seeking a romantic dinner for two, a business lunch, or a large family dinner, Summer Palace offers seating for any occasion. Ten richly appointed private dining rooms offer intimate and exclusive dining experiences for groups of six to 20 people. The main dining area sets the stage for a lively and communal atmosphere, transporting guests to a world of Cantonese indulgence. A live kitchen introduces a dynamic element to the dining experience, allowing guests the opportunity to witness the skilled art of creating Cantonese delights first-hand.

Summer Palace is offering an all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch starting at THB 1,150++ per person. The menu highlights include Siu Mai with shitake mushroom, steamed black truffle dumplings with vegetables and fresh mushrooms, crispy spring rolls with king crab meat and avocado, and baked stuffed sesame puffs with onion, Iberico ham and mushrooms. For those seeking an à la carte experience, Chef Yau’s new menu features mouth-watering creations ranging from THB 420++ to THB 11,800++.

Summer Palace is open seven days a week for lunch (11.30 to 14.30 hours) and dinner (18.00 to 22.30 hours). Reservations can be made by calling +66 (0) 2 656 0444.

About InterContinental
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalized and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental®Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
• Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
• Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Garner hotel, avid hotels
• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
• Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

London, United Kingdom, October 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental demonstrates its pioneering spirit while paying homage to its rich heritage, paving the way for the luxury traveller of tomorrow. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of an extensive global brand evolution announced today.

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental is set to yet again reimagine the luxury travel experience, striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity. This transformative journey is driven by the brand’s long held belief that travel can expand minds and connect cultures, enhanced by cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and the exceptional talents of InterContinental’s diverse team members.

A FOCUS ON MODERN LUXURY TRAVELLERS AND DIVERSITY

InterContinental aims to captivate the imaginations of modern luxury travellers by satisfying their desire for knowledge and culturally rich experiences. This holistic evolution includes new offerings and experiences, a fresh brand culture, unique brand differentiators, and a game-changing food and beverage and hotel design strategy tailored to the traveller of tomorrow. With InterContinental hotels in the world’s finest cities from Rome to Shanghai, and 93 new hotels and resorts in the pipeline, these concepts will shape the future of InterContinental.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “This isn’t a rebrand or repositioning; rather, it’s a comprehensive transformation from start to finish of InterContinental, ensuring we stay at the forefront of crafting a luxury experience for the modern luxury traveler. Collaborating with our 215 hotels worldwide, we are committed to delivering precisely what todays and tomorrows guests, owners and colleagues require.”

“At its core, this brand evolution revolves around our exceptional team members globally. Alongside a new brand service platform, we’re introducing a fresh brand culture and a range of programmes aimed at attracting and retaining the finest talent in the industry. Our colleague brand culture is grounded in InterContinental’s core belief that travel expands the mind. We unite in diversity and wherever you are in the world, you belong at InterContinental.”

INTENTIONAL FLEXIBILITY FOR MODERN LIFESTYLES

Modern travellers lead diverse lives, and InterContinental acknowledges the need for seamless transitions throughout their day. To address this, the brand is committed to helping guests “shape shift” through their day.

New initiatives include scientifically backed food and beverage programmes aimed at helping guests reduce travel fatigue while ensuring dining options reflect differing guest needs throughout the day. All guests will also receive access to the Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables travelers to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones. InterContinental is collaborating with neuroscience-based designer Isabelle Sjovall to revolutionize guestroom spaces to enhance the restorative process needed for travel fatigue and reimagine other versatile physical spaces so they can seamlessly adapt to evolving needs at different times of the day.

INSIDER EXPERTISE; UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURE

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, with properties in 60 countries, leverages its rich history as a pioneer in hospitality. The brand’s colleagues serve as cultural connectors, helping guests embrace and explore cities and local neighbourhoods. The concierge, at the heart of cultural exploration, will play an even more significant role. InterContinental will develop innovative Concierge Galleries in hotel lobbies, transforming them into epicentres of unrivaled local, cultural knowledge. Going far beyond the standard concierge desk, these new outposts will more closely resemble a luxury boutique, bringing together interactive displays, library spaces and informative features, in some cases even art installations or designer pop-ups. From a design perspective, these social spaces will eschew the traditional desk in favor of a more interactive worktable allowing for more natural and engaging interactions between the guest and concierge.

INCREDIBLE OCCASIONS; THE VERY BEST MOMENTS IN LIFE

Modern luxury travellers place great value on special moments and celebrations but finding time to plan for them can be challenging as life gets busier. Long considered the setting of countless celebrations and special moments, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will further elevate micro-occasions for guests who wish to enjoy any number of life’s milestones, from birthdays to baby showers, through its brand-new Incredible Occasions programme.

The Incredible Occasions programme will help signpost bookable spaces around the hotel, where groups of guests can enjoy privacy while celebrating memorable moments. Unlike grand settings or spacious ballrooms, each intimate space will include programming and packages, consisting of amenities and experiences, such as beautiful tablescapes, decadent candlelit dinners or private masterclasses which can be offered.

Bringing together expertise, infrastructure and imagination, InterContinental will also unveil Celebration Suites across its global portfolio. These are reimagined spaces designed specifically to help guests elevate life’s most special moments, from lavish dinner parties to landmark birthdays.

CULTIVATED ELEGANCE; A PORTFOLIO OF FASCINATION

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts boasts a diverse portfolio of remarkable properties catering to various travel needs and purposes. The brand evolution focuses on further elevating quality design and timeless style under the umbrella of “Cultivated Elegance.”

Melissa Messmer, Global Head of Design for Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Each InterContinental hotel or resort is an experience-driven bespoke concept, tied together by our new Design Pillars that form the strength of our brand design style, Cultivated Elegance.”

InterContinental’s diverse style domains cater to different traveller preferences, from idyllic escapes such as InterContinental Maldives to romantic getaways at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace to unique stays at properties such as Bill Bensley-designed InterContinental Khao Yai.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ global brand evolution embraces modernity, diversity and the desire for meaningful experiences, ensuring that guests can continue to explore the world while feeling right at home.

With acquisitions and new brand launches, IHG Hotels & Resorts has become a significant player in the luxury & lifestyle segment, offering a unique portfolio that spans over 479 properties in more than 70 countries.