Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 6, 2017 (travelindex) – Live a life of privilege and discovery at the top end of Thai society. In the heart of Bangkok, check into the heritage-rich luxury of Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel and ignite inspiration. Valid now until 31 December 2017.

Discover the timeless beauty of exotic Thai culture in a uniquely themed 02-bedroom suite, reflecting an intriguing historic period from Thailand’s past, with a “Suite Chic” package that includes additional indulgences such as:
– Complimentary round-trip Airport Transfers in a BMW 7-Series limousine
(valued at THB 4,600)
– THB 5,000 net credit for use of Food and Beverage and Spa Treatments
– Daily 60-min massage per person
– Complimentary access and privileges at Le Royal Club Lounge

Choose from:
– Ruen Thai Themed Suite A lustrous wood-panelled suite styled after the glorious Ayudhya era: THB 40,000++ for single occupancy / THB 45,000++ for double occupancy.
– Rattanakosin Themed Suite Pays tribute to the founder of the Chakri Dynasty and the original Bangkok, King Rama: THB 50,000++ for single occupancy / THB 55,000++ for double occupancy.

Each suite features an experience bathroom with deep soaking tub, creamy marble, priceless decorations and indulgent amenities. Blending seamlessly with the enchanting décor, modern technology is fully integrated—including flat screen televisions, high speed internet access, personal fax machine, DVD and CD player, and IDD telephone.

Elevate your experience exploring resort-like pool, fitness + spa, and award-winning modern French, Thai, Japanese, Cantonese and International dining. All at the city’s vibrant heart, nearby fashionable malls and entertainment and steps from the skytrain.

Reservation + full payment required 24 hours in advance.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact +66 2 650 8800 Ext. 4050 or e-mail us at Reservations.Bangkok@lemeridien.com or visit

Contact:
Virinya Maytheepattanachat
Director of Marketing Communications
Virinya.maytheepattanachat@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 4047
Tipawan Jitman
Marketing Communications Manager
tipawan.jitman@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 6243
Wilasinee Wichienrut
PR Executive
pr.bangkok@lemeridien.com
Tel +66 2650 8800 ext.6250

Singapore – August 3, 2017 (travelindex.com) – ITB Asia has secured a major partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization of Singapore (KTO). The memorandum of cooperation with Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd, organizers of Asia’s leading travel trade show, looks to boost Korea’s appeal as a key destination place in Southeast Asia.

“Korea’s first-class transport infrastructure, world-class readiness, as well as the popularity of Korean pop culture and fashion have boosted the country’s appeal as one of the leading destinations for today’s business and leisure travellers. We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organisation of Singapore this year and delighted that ITB Asia has been chosen as the key platform of choice for KTO in bridging more visitor and buyer connections, and boosting awareness of Korea’s thriving tourism industry,” said Katrina Leung, Executive Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore).

“Looking at the global business trends, growth in corporate travel and MICE, it is clear that Asia will be the most strategic market for us in the next decade. Our partnership with ITB Asia will expand our presence and strengthen our proposition to the Asian and Southeast Asian market. Singapore is a hub for the region, and being located here, ITB Asia is a great platform for us to reach a large number of participants who clearly recognize the benefits of attending. We are excited about the potential opportunities that the show can open up for us,” said Mr Yoon Seung Hwan, Director, Korea Tourism Organization.

According to the latest edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report released by the Union of International Associations (UIA), Korea now ranks in the first spot for global congresses. This result is a reflection of the strong growth by established Korean meeting cities such as Seoul, as well as rising destinations such as Busan, Jeju, and Incheon, contributing to the country’s increasingly diverse business events portfolio.

KTO along with Seoul Tourism Organization, Jeju Convention and Visitors Bureau and HanaTour Services Inc will have their respective booths at ITB Asia 2017 to provide delegates the latest information on Korea’s attractions, convention and activities.

This will follow the success of ITB Asia in 2016, where almost 900 buyers attended the show, leading to a 1:1 ratio between exhibitors and buyers whilst over 50% of buyers signed deals with exhibitors after the event. 43% of attending buyers had purchasing power of USD 500K – USD 1m whilst 85.7% of attending buyers were direct decision makers.

For more information on ITB Asia 2017, visit www.itb-asia.com

For more information or interest to be a Buyer’s Program Partner of ITB Asia 2017, please email: joyce.wang@itb-asia.com or visit:

About ITB Asia 2017
ITB Asia 2017 will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, from 25 – 27 October. It is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The event will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also corporate and MICE travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities and travel technology companies are all expected to attend.

About Korea Tourism Organization of Singapore (KTO)
Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is a global public enterprise that promotes Korea as an attractive travel destination for business and leisure. KTO has over 30 offices across continents to provide up-to-date travel information and support towards MICE events and leisure travellers. The Korea Tourism Organisation of Singapore is one of the regional MICE offices in the Asia and Oceania region, and works closely with the Korea MICE Bureau (KMB) and all stakeholders to establish Korea as a premier destination for tourists, convention delegates, and business travellers.

Manila (Philippines) – August 1, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Nearly 1,000 experts from over 80 countries convened for three days (21-23 June) in Manila, The Philippines at the 6th International Conference on Tourism Statistics to lay the groundwork for an expanded statistical framework to measure sustainable tourism in its economic, social and environmental dimensions. The outcome “Call for Action on Measuring Sustainable Tourism” represents a global commitment to sustainable tourism and the need to measure it through a consistent statistical approach recognizing that effective sustainable tourism policies require an integrated, coherent and robust information base.

A total of 973 participants from 88 countries, among which Ministers, Chief Statisticians, private sector and key decision makers from international organizations, gathered in Manila to discuss how to advance a rigorous, statistical approach to the measurement of sustainable tourism. To better measure is to better manage, and thus a common and robust set of data is critical for governments and stakeholders to design, implement and monitor effective sustainable tourism policies

“The Manila Conference constitutes a milestone for tourism measurement, not only by extending the current statistical standards beyond their economic focus to cover the social and environmental dimensions, but because it represents a global commitment to sustainable tourism and a recognition of its contribution to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” said UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai.

The Manila Call for Action reflects the collective vision and commitment to collaborate on the further development and implementation of a Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MTS) statistical framework. The document will be formally presented by the Secretary of Tourism of The Philippines, Mrs. Wanda Teo, to the UNWTO General Assembly, taking place in Chengdu, China, this September.

Sustainable tourism is understood as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industries, the environment and host communities. As such it is a continuous process and requires constant monitoring of impacts.

The Conference is part of the process to develop a framework to measure sustainable tourism, and builds upon and expands the two official UN statistical standards for measuring tourism adopted in 2008: the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics 2008 and the Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework 2008.

The Measuring Sustainable Tourism (MST) initiative has received full support of the United Nations Statistics Commission and is geared towards shaping and sharing a common understanding of how to measure the economic, environmental and social aspects of tourism across relevant spatial scales – global, national and subnational levels – while incorporating the possibilities opened by technological advancements and continuing to advocate for the sustainability principles of our sector.

The event is part of the calendar of official events of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017.

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer
Rut Gomez Sobrino
rgomez@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

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – August 1, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Whether the masses realize it yet or not, Seychelles is facing challenging economic times. The latest commentary from key individuals about the state of our country’s economy is that we are “on the road to a recession”. In a recent edition of the Today Newspaper of Seychelles, the respected financial personality, Malika Jivan, took the trouble to address the situation on hand. She was quoted stating, “…our economy has been contracting. A slowdown in various sectors, no FDI, has had a domino effect on the economy. In text book terms, we are in a recession. Consumers cut spending, business cut payroll to cope with falling earnings.”

No Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in the country is a serious problem. Construction companies have confirmed the lack of big projects at the moment in Seychelles. At the same time, our cost of living has not been adjusted to improve the lives of those in the lower wage bracket. On the contrary, the cost of living is increasing.

This year our Nation’s budget was approved by the National Assembly, after a series of drawn-out and exhaustive debates. For the first time in Seychelles’ political history, the majority of seats in the Assembly is held by members of the Opposition. The budget for 2017, therefore, has had the blessing of our elected representatives. We are now midyear and patiently waiting to see results.

Malika Jivan proposes a series of measures, including a commitment to business, to stimulate FDIs, and for Government to be a facilitator of business. She notes that FOREX earning businesses and exports should be encouraged. One such FOREX earning business in Seychelles is undoubtedly tourism. Are we ensuring they have their needed staffing contingent? Are we running to ensure the marketing of the islands is receiving all the budgetary assistance required? The goose that lays the golden egg needs to be nurtured with care and attention. Negative political agendas must be left out of tourism if we want this vital industry to succeed.

Last week we saluted the youth of Seychelles for being committed to saving Seychelles from itself. The positive feedback we have since obtained from the youth has been overwhelming. You are a force to be reckoned with and must continue to make your voices heard. We also need to acknowledge the efforts of those who have launched campaigns to collect accumulated rubbish from Grand Police and the beaches. You are not just talking, which is easy to do, but you are actively striving to protect and preserve our environment, and to keep our beaches as pristine as the holiday brochures say they are.

The tourism trade fair season is just around the corner once again, and as visitor arrival figures show, Italy and France need special attention. The tourism industry’s survival in Seychelles largely depends on air connectivity, but it also depends on our efforts in tapping into key markets. We may find ourselves witnessing sporadic cancellations of flights or discontinuation of air services if our target markets start fading away. The French Tourism Trade Fair will need a special push with private sector participation now that French elections are over and done with. The ball is very much in our court.

Turning Tourism Blue

Small Island Developing States (SIDS), like the Seychelles, rely enormously on tourism for economic growth. Particularly, travelers choose to visit SIDS mainly because of the ocean which surrounds these places, and the many activities associated therewith. The oceans also provide sustenance, protection, and financial income through fishing to the habitants of these places. The oceans give SIDS their identity. Seychelles, like many other SIDS, are considered as ‘ocean states’ mainly due to the fact that they have an Exclusive Economic Zone exponentially larger than their land mass. This fact also makes SIDS much more vulnerable to overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

For this reason, ‘sustainable’ methods are now being embraced by SIDS. Seychelles, in many ways, has taken the lead in sustainable development. Many local touristic establishments have taken it upon themselves to introduce sustainable initiatives, such as using glass bottles instead of plastic, recycling organic waste from their kitchens to produce compost for in-house vegetable gardens, embracing research and science to promote coastal protection and attractions through activities, such as coral growing, and offering a hands-on approach to visitors through nature tours, both on land and underwater.

Tourism competitiveness in the long term is closely linked to the ‘sustainable’ way in which it is developed. Moreover, being a transversal sector, tourism is interrelated with other economic sectors and other maritime activities, which is why it is necessary to consider tourism from an inter-sectorial perspective. Tourism establishments that promote sustainable tendencies are fast becoming one of the most sought-after enterprises by travelers. Sustainable development in the tourism industry is not only showing economic benefits, but also community and socio-economic linkages being formed, cultural preservation being established, and educational awareness to both local and international visitors being promoted.

2017 marks the international year for sustainable tourism. Let the world know how your tourism establishment is being sustainable by contacting our Consultancy team for your chance to be featured in our Report.

Sea Planes in the Indian Ocean

Countries in the Indian Ocean which are so dependent on tourism to bolster the economy recognise the importance of finding ways to increase the yield from tourism. However, a country’s yield from tourism will always be through activities and facilities available for tourists to enjoy over and above the hotels where they stay and the meals they eat.

Riaz Nassurally, an E-Tourism Consultant and Social Media Marketing Director of Mauritius, posted an article recently that should open the eyes of Seychelles and other tourism destinations which have not yet embarked upon the seaplane crusade.
Nassurally writes:-
“Experience the overwhelming play of colours in the lagoons, with a little luck, discover turtles, rays, barracudas or outside of the reef dolphins and whales. All the beauty of Mauritius opened you up through the lagoons. See a play of colours that you will not forget.”

Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mombassa and Zanzibar are all capitalising on the ocean surrounding them to increase their yield from tourism. Maldives has the biggest fleet of sea planes in the world, but Seychelles has none at all.

A few years ago, a company called ‘Sea Wings’ approached Seychelles to set up shop there and offer excursions and guest transfers to and from hotels and the airport. Seychelles at the time did not have any regulations in place to accommodate this innovative attraction to the island’s tourism industry, and accordingly turned down the exciting offer.

Island States must use their resources to increase their yield from tourism. Today we speak widely of the Blue Economy; sea planes form part of activities arising from the Blue Economy. I was fortunate enough to fly in a sea plane in the Maldives. It was an unforgettable experience, and one which I will not likely forget in a hurry. Likewise, tourists too would undoubtedly cherish a similar experience in other island nations, including Seychelles.

Reunion Tourism Federation meets the Seychelles Tourism Board through the Vanilla Islands

The Vanilla Islands organised a meeting recently between the Reunion Tourism Federation and the Seychelles Tourism Board to discuss a joint project in areas of cooperation between the two sister islands.

Points discussed centred on knowing and understanding the islands, the strategies pertaining to the method of welcoming tourists at key arrival points on each island, the sharing and analysing of information, and the formulating of steps to improve the use of foreign languages.

This bilateral meeting between Reunion and Seychelles falls under the mandate of the Vanilla Islands MOU signed between the two islands’ Tourism Authorities. It is hoped that other Member States of the Indian Ocean grouping will also move to benefit from such bilateral projects with the aim of consolidating tourism in the Indian Ocean Zone.

A win for Seychelles

The Seychelles contestant has won the sought-after Photogenic Model title at the Top Model of the World 2017 Pageant held in El Gouna, Egypt, on 14th July.
Naomy King, the 17-year-old contestant, was chosen to represent Seychelles by Joelle Fabre, Director of the Corel Models Seychelles agency. King ranked fourth at the end of the international competition, an impressive feat.

The Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mrs. Sherin Francis, stated, “We are proud of Naomy’s achievement, her win is also a win for Seychelles. I would like to congratulate her and her mentor for this.”

Fabre was quoted saying, “In spite of her timidity, she was able to use her perfect height and photogenic face to her advantage.”

The Top Model of the World Pageant is organized by the World Beauty Organisation annually. This was Seychelles’ third participation in the competition. In 2009, Nathalie Domingue represented Seychelles on this international platform, winning the Best Catwalk award.

Ukraine’s Julia Gershun was crowned Top Model of the World 2017, ahead of the contestants from San Andres and Mexico.

Saint Ange Consultancy in Indonesia

Saint Ange Consultancy has been whisked away to the exotic shores of Indonesia this week. Alain St.Ange is on an organised familiarisation visit which started in Jakarta and moved to Balikapapan, Tenggarong, Samarinda, Berau, Derawan Island, Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki.

Alain St.Ange was given a tour of the “Taman Mini Indonesia Raya”, a site that is said to be beautiful Indonesia in a miniature park. He was able to appreciate from his visit the unique allure and culture of this wonderful country.

Mr Emil Siwi, expert of Foreign Affairs Relation of the Government of South Lampung Regency, guided Alain St.Ange on this tour.

“I am honoured to be in Indonesia and discussing tourism with different key stake holders,” Alain St.Ange said to the gathered press in Jakarta. This week he also met with Lin Yumiyanti and Fitraya Ramadhanny of Detikcom news media of Indonesia, which is the largest news organisation of Indonesia. Discussions with the Editor in Chief centred on the possibility for news featured in the Saint Ange Tourism Report to be reposted in Indonesia.

Vanilla Islands meeting in Comoros

The Vanilla Islands led a fact-finding mission to the Comoros recently with the aim of strengthening the Island’s tourism industry. The Comoros had taken over the presidency of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands in December 2016.

The Comoros’ tourism industry supported by the island’s Arts and Craft players met the different representatives of foreign embassies who were all on the islands. These included representatives from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, China amongst others to discuss the possibility of investments.

The Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, with Pascal Viroleau as its CEO, continue to work with the six islands (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion and Seychelles) of the Indian Ocean to create much needed visibility for this tourism region and to push for island holiday packages.

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 1, 2017 (travelindex) – River City Bangkok, in collaboration with Elephant Parade, presents “ELEPHANT PARADE BY THE RIVER” during 10 August – 3 September 2017. The exhibition will see a herd of thirty-three 1 x 2 meters brightly coloured elephants – which have been decorated and hand painted by artists and celebrities – to be exhibited throughout the shopping mall. These elephants are for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the charity. What’s more, one of the elephants named “Nam” (literally means “water” in Thai) will be hand painted at the opening reception on 10 August at RCB Artery, 1st Floor, at 6 p.m. by a female celebrity in line with the campaign of “Women’s Journey Thailand” campaign of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote a wide range of activities for women travelers from around the world.

Elephant Parade event was created after founder Marc Spits and his son Mike visited the Friends of the Asian Elephant hospital in Thailand which treats sick and injured elephants. There they saw Mosha, a baby elephant who lost her foot when only seven months old and was the first elephant to receive a prosthetic limb. She is fitted with a new leg every year, and must then learn to walk all over again. Mosha wearing her prosthetic leg is always featured in each Elephant Parade exposition.

Since the Parade started in 2006 various artists have participated and over 1,000 elephants have been created; each an original piece of art. Famous international supporters of Elephant Parade include; Sir Richard Branson, the Duchess of York, Evelyn de Rothschild, Goldie Hawn, Khloe Kardashian, Katy Perry, Tommy Hilfiger, Paul Smith, Joanna Lumley, Michael Palin, Ricky Gervais and Prince Henrik of Denmark.

About River City Bangkok – The Anchor of Arts and Antiques
Sitting elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, River City Bangkok is Asia’s premier arts and antiques hub. For more than three decades, River City Bangkok has continuously offered magnificent products and services under the concept of “THE ANCHOR OF ARTS AND ANTIQUES”. Here, you will be mesmerized by collections of rare masterpieces in many categories imaginable. The furniture, art, and decorative items on display span many eras and locations. What’s more, the shopping center not only features a diverse selection of galleries, but also organizes arts events, workshops and seminars to provide knowledge to collectors, visitors and art lovers.

About Elephant Parade
Elephant Parade is a social enterprise and runs the world’s largest art exhibition of decorated elephant statues. Created by artists and celebrities, each Elephant Parade statue is a unique art piece. The life-size, baby elephant statues are exhibited in international cities and raise awareness for the need of elephant conservation. Limited edition, handcrafted replicas and a select range of products are created from the exhibition elephants. 20% of Elephant Parade net profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects.

For further information, please visit or contact us:
River City Bangkok
23 Charoen Krung 24, Talard Noi
Sampantawong, Bangkok 10100
Opening Hours: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
T (+66) 2 237 0077-8
F (+66) 237 7600
E  marketing@rivercity.co.th
W www.rivercitybangkok.com

Pattaya (Thailand) – July 31, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The Thai Government is driving ahead with its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) plans to develop Thailand’s Gulf region into a key business and leisure hub. With expansion of U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and high speed rail linking Don Muang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports already approved, an additional 230 billion baht has been approved for the third phase of the Laem Chabang deep-sea port, the third phase of the Map Ta Phut deep-sea port and a double-track rail network linking Laem Chabang, Map Ta Phut and Sattahip deep-sea ports, all of which will drive marine tourism in the East of Thailand.

Speaking of the growing importance of Thailand’s East and its geographical importance in the region, Mr. Scott Finsten, Harbour Master of Ocean Marina Yacht Club, said, “The Gulf of Thailand has tremendous natural assets, both offshore and on, and it’s encouraging to see the region getting priority attention from the Thai Government. Not only is Thailand’s East seeing significant government investment but private investment is also increasing. This brings further development of the leisure infrastructure and with Ocean Marina Yacht Club – the largest marina in South East Asia – and Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, we are positioned to support this growth.”

Billed as ‘Thailand’s Biggest Outdoor Lifestyle Boat Show’, the 2017 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show retains its premier position in the global marine events calendar kicking off the Asian boat show season from 23 – 26 November. Organised by and hosted at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya, the event has established itself as the place to do business for the regional marine industry with more than 150 businesses expected to showcase their products and services to an ever-growing number of people with an interest in the marine lifestyle.

“I am pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show for the sixth year from 23 – 26 November at Ocean Marina Yacht Club. Our objective has been clear from day one; that the event be a strategic growth driver for the regional marine industry. The event attracts a growing number of visitor nationalities to experience the best of marine tourism in the East of Thailand each year and this year we aim to grow on our past five years of success. The onshore and in-water displays will be bigger than ever and there will be lots of activities and fun for everyone from the serious boat buyer to the family member who wants to get a glimpse of the marine lifestyle on offer,” commented Mr. Finsten.

Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show generates a minimum of two billion baht annually for the marine and tourism industry in the East through trade at the show and business stimulated throughout the year.

“We have a track record of boat and product sales at the show since we started. But what’s even more important than this are the leads made and the deals and transactions that take place after the show. The event provides a marketing platform and opportunity for interested visitors to see what’s on offer from the industry, and with our close proximity to Bangkok we see many city residents make appointments to come back in the weeks and months after the show for private viewings and sea trials, which leads to more sales,” added Mr. Finsten. “With the EEC gaining momentum and investment pouring into the East coast, marine tourism is set to boom over the coming years.”

The 4-day event format with exhibits along the marina front immediately next to the in-water displays has proven popular with both exhibitors and visitors, and underscores the marine lifestyle that is at the core of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show. The 6th Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show will take place 23 – 26 November at Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand.

About Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show was launched in 2012 to much acclaim from the industry and visitors. Attracting a wide range of marine and leisure exhibitors, the 2017 show will take place 23rd to 26th November at Ocean Marina Yacht Club and will showcase Jomtien and the Greater Pattaya region to the world, underscoring the Gulf of Thailand as a strategic yachting hub in South East Asia.

About Ocean Marina (a prestigious project by Ocean Property)
Situated on Jomtien Beach in Greater Pattaya, Ocean Marina is Thailand’s premier marina resort complex and the largest in South East Asia, a short drive from Bangkok and just one hour from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The world-class marina is complemented by a yacht club, accommodation, fine dining and recreational facilities as well as two luxury residences – San Marino and Ocean Portofino.

Ocean Marina is home to the annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show and Top of the Gulf Regatta – Asia’s largest multi-class regatta – and has been the official venue for leading international events, including CataWorld Cup, 24th SEA Games, as well as large-scale concerts by Grammy, Cool FM and more.

Bangkok (Thailand) – July 31, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Grand Opera Thailand is a professional opera company that also provides training and performances at home and abroad. Stefan Paul Sanchez is the Artistic Director and CEO of European Chamber Opera and Grand Opera Thailand. Stefan maintains a balanced career as an international opera singer, producer, director and teacher and has toured throughout most of the Western and Eastern world.

He formed The European Chamber Opera in 1992. Stefan studied singing and piano at the Royal Academy of Music, London, graduating with distinction. He also studied at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Escuela Superior de Canto in Madrid. He was a student of International Voice Teacher Peter Harrison for over a period of 20 years. In 1998 Stefan was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for his work with opera singers.

On teh 7th August 2017 Grand Opera Thailand and Banyan Tree Bangkok present “Chicago”; Show-stopping songs and dancing from the no. 1 longest-running and most popular ever American Broadway musical.

Also featuring:
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boys
Sound of Music with the Dancers from Bangkok City Ballet
The Boys & Girls of “Le Moulin Noire”

Date: 9 August 2017
Location: Vertigo TOO, 60th Floor, Banyan Tree Bangkok
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm commencement
THB 4,900 for show & 4-course degustation menu with paired wines
THB 2,800 for beverage package

For more information and reservations: Tel. 02 679 1200 or hostesses-bangok@banyantree.com

About Grand Opera Thailand
Grand Opera Thailand, set up in 2011, provides a platform for young Thai opera singers to perform to audiences in Thailand and the region, and later launch them into international opera careers. We aim to provide approachable opera to the public and raise the level of opera appreciation in Thailand. In addition, we also provide a voice training programme for young local singers to prepare them for an international career. Since our introduction in 2012, we have already produced more than 40 concerts and musical engagements to private and public audiences throughout Bangkok and Southeast Asia, and have enjoyed unprecedented success through sell-out performances of Opera performances, attracting intense media interest and acclaim.

Hong Kong – July 28, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The relaxation of visa regulations for mainland Chinese tourists visiting Hong Kong has dramatically increased the number of arrivals, almost completely changed the tourists’ profiles and altered what they do once in the city, according to Ph.D. graduate Dr Anyu Liu and Professor Bob McKercher of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In a recently published article the researchers highlight the extent of changes to visitor behaviour and satisfaction, and note that other countries wanting to adjust their visa regulations to exploit the huge potential of the Chinese tourism market should consider the Hong Kong example and plan ahead.

Outbound tourism from China has long been limited both by the imposition of visa constraints from destination countries and by the Chinese government’s Approved Destination Status scheme. As the researchers note, Chinese citizens can only travel in limited numbers to the scheme’s 146 member countries, usually on group tours.

Yet the volume of Chinese tourists is growing. The number of outbound tourists from China already amounted to 100 million in 2013, with the figure predicted to reach between 200 and 350 million by 2020. Consequently, many countries are rethinking their visa policies to reduce market barriers and fully realize the vast potential of this market. This may seem like good news for destinations, but the researchers point out that it may “have a more profound impact than a sheer volume increase” because increasing tourist numbers and broadening the market base may require destinations to “fundamentally rethink their product offerings”.

The researchers use the example of Hong Kong to illustrate the potential effects of reducing market barriers to Chinese tourists. Although Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, it has full autonomy over immigration control, and mainland visitors, like all others, require valid travel documents, sufficient means of support and re-entry facilities to their home country. Hong Kong, along with Macau, was one of the first places that Chinese tourists were allowed to travel to after China’s opening up in 1983. Since then, the initially severe restrictions have been gradually relaxed through a variety of measures, particularly the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) in 2003 and the introduction of multiple-entry permits in 2008.

The researchers suggest that the introduction of the IVS was perhaps the most ground-breaking policy as it allowed Chinese tourists to travel independently rather than as part of organised tour groups. The gradual extension of the scheme has had a huge effect on the market, driving a 13.7% annual increase in visitor numbers through to the end of 2015. A slight drop in arrivals was noted last year.

Multiple entry permits also allowed the residents of nearby Shenzhen to enter Hong Kong as often as they like without restriction, resulting in a 30% annual increase in the number of day visitor arrivals. Yet the policy is highly controversial, the researchers point out, because many of these visitors come to shop in residential shopping districts, where they have “proven to be voracious consumers of household products”, leaving local residents short of basic goods. As a result, the Hong Kong government revised the policy in 2015, allowing people from Shenzhen to visit only once a week, which led to a decline in arrivals by 11% in 2016.

The researchers set out to quantify how the liberalization of visa rules and the consequential increase in Chinese visitor numbers to Hong Kong have affected visitor profiles and behaviour. They based their study on data from the Visitor Profile Reports issued annually by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which are compiled from face-to-face interviews with tourists at their points of departure. Drawing on the results from 1998 to 2012, they divided their observations into two periods – the pre-IVS period from 1998 to 2003 and the post-IVS period from 2004 to 2012.

The HKTB’s interviewers ask visitors about their type of trip, length of stay, travel itinerary, places visited, shopping items and expenditure, satisfaction and intention to revisit. The researchers focused on the “Vacation Overnight Visitor” segment as travellers in this category were most likely to represent the discretionary pleasure tourist market.

The first difference the researchers observe in considering the survey findings is change in the gender ratio, with the proportion of female visitors increasing from around a third of arrivals to more than 60% since the implementation of the IVS. The proportion of married people has declined from more than 80% to less than 70%, the mean age has fallen by 2 years to 36.6 and the share of travel parties including children or grandchildren has increased from 6% to 24%. Overall, the figures suggest a broadening of the market to include more families and more housewives who are traveling with or without their children.

Yet, the researchers point out that the most profound change is that Hong Kong “has evolved to become a single-stay, short break destination” visited mainly by independent tourists on repeat visits. Since the introduction of the IVS, the average length of stay has decreased from 3.5 to 2.5 nights, while the percentage of those traveling independently has undergone an astonishing increase from 7% in 2000 to 80% since 2008, with a corresponding drop in the popularity of organised day tours.

The emergence of the independent traveller free from the confines of the tour group has dramatically altered the behaviour of Chinese tourists. Today’s short-break tourists are proportionately much less likely to visit Hong Kong’s tourist attractions than in the past. The researchers suggest it could be that the opening of more attractions, such as Hong Kong Disneyland, has created greater choice, or that tourists now have the “free choice of where to go”. In fact, now that they have a choice, the majority seem to be more interested in shopping than visiting attractions, as this is the only activity that has retained its popularity over time.

Mainland visitors are, however, buying different types of goods. The researchers note that although the HKTB does not differentiate between consumer goods, designer clothes and high-end fashion items, anecdotal evidence suggests that these items are “among the most popular”, along with items such as snacks and cosmetics. A notable increase in purchases of Western and traditional Chinese medicines may reflect concerns about product safety in China. Overall, China’s new independent travellers are spending more than before.

As these tourists have become more independent, their satisfaction with the destination has also increased. The greatest jump is in satisfaction with shopping, from an average score of 45 out of 100 before implementation of the IVS to around 80 since, which the researchers suggest has occurred because mainland visitors are now free from organised tours and can shop where they wish rather than “being forced into shops sanctioned by tour guides”.

Satisfaction with hotels has also increased as the market has matured and the proportion of package tours has declined. The researchers explain that in the early days, inexperienced Chinese hotel guests were confused by the provision of in-room amenities such as mini-bars, and did not realize that they had to pay for them. Consequently, hotels tended to provide minimal or no amenities, but this situation has changed as Chinese tourists have become more aware and, consequently, more satisfied.

The researchers argue that the changes Hong Kong has witnessed since the liberalization of entry requirements for mainland Chinese visitors could be considered a “harbinger of what will happen” if other countries decide to take similar steps to capitalize on the potential of the market. Yet they caution that the relaxation of visa policies could well result in destinations being “overwhelmed by newly independent tourists”. Countries that aim to do so should recognize and plan for this eventuality by preparing for large increases in tourist numbers and changing their product mix to cater to the demands of a different type of tourist.

Contact information:
Ms Pauline Ngan, Senior Marketing Manager
School of Hotel and Tourism Management
Telephone : (852) 3400 2634
E-mail : pauline.ngan@polyu.edu.hk
Website : www.polyu.edu.hk/htm

Bangkok (Thailand) – July 28, 2017 (travelindex) – Unlock Bangkok and uncover exceptionally elevating experiences at Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel with a “All Day All Yours” package. Special rates starting from THB 5,200++ per night for Athénée Room with a minimum stay of 02 nights. Valid now until 30 December 2018.

Located centrally on Wireless Road moments away from the skytrain, Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel is fully equipped with superb facilities including 24-hour fitness, outdoor swimming pool and jogging track in the tropical garden. The hotel is also one of Bangkok’s most gastronomically vibrant hotels offers the opportunity to explore lavish buffets, classic + creative Cantonese, Japanese, Thai and Modern French restaurants. Not to mention the sophisticated lobby bar and chic patisserie.

Enjoy discounted rates and all the comforts of your sophisticated home away from home, including:
– Complimentary minibar throughout your stay
– Check-out at the same time as you checked-in
– Daily Signature Breakfast Buffet
– One time per stay Afternoon Tea for 2 persons at The Bakery

Rate starts from THB 5,200++ per night for Athénée Room with a minimum stay of 02 nights.

Book now through December 30, 2018 at SPG.com/takethree for stays from now through December 30, 2018.

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For more information or to make a reservation, please contact +66 2 650 8800 Ext. 4050 or e-mail us at Reservations.Bangkok@lemeridien.com or visit

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Virinya Maytheepattanachat
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Virinya.maytheepattanachat@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 4047
Tipawan Jitman
Marketing Communications Manager
tipawan.jitman@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 6243
Wilasinee Wichienrut
PR Executive
pr.bangkok@lemeridien.com
Tel +66 2650 8800 ext.6250

Auckland (New Zealand) – July 26, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Tourism industry leaders in New Zealand are set to address the challenges and opportunities facing public and private organisations as the nation seeks to maximise the sector’s economic benefits.

The Tourism Leaders Forum, with the title ‘Being Future Ready’, is presented jointly by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The event takes place on Thursday 28 September 2017 at the Lysaght Building in Auckland from 15.30 hrs.

Confirmed speakers for the Tourism Leaders panel session include Nick Hill, CEO – ATEED; Chris Roberts, CEO of Tourism Industry Aoteroa (TIA); Stephen England-Hall, CEO of Tourism New Zealand, and Cam Wallace – Chief Revenue Officer at Air New Zealand.

The panel discussion with tourism industry leaders is being moderated by Hywel Griffith, the BBC World News correspondent for Australia and New Zealand.

Former TIA Chief Executive Martin Snedden, who masterminded the nation’s Tourism 2025 Plan, is opening the Forum and is set to provide an overview of the Plan’s objectives. Delegates will be welcomed by PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy.

The programme is designed as an important forerunner to the annual PATA Global Insights Conference taking place for the third consecutive year on Friday 29 September at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel in Auckland.

PATA Regional Director – Pacific Chris Flynn said, “This Tourism Leaders Forum brings together an important and influential group to address issues, threats, challenges and opportunities for New Zealand’s tourism sector in line with the Tourism 2025 Plan and beyond. Our role, at PATA, is to encourage responsible and sustainable development that delivers tangible economic benefits, particularly for local communities. I’m sure that the views expressed at this Forum will influence the direction of our Global Insights Conference taking place during the course of the following day.”

Delegates attending PGIC on 29 September enjoy complimentary admission to the Tourism Leaders Forum on 28 September. Registration for the Forum alone is US$100.

Chris Flynn added, “Capacity restrictions at the venue on 28 September mean that we are processing registrations on a first-come, first-served basis and I recommend early registration to avoid disappointment.”

The programme begins at 15.30 hrs. (registration & refreshments) and concludes at 17.35 hrs. with a cocktail reception sponsored kindly by SKYCITY Entertainment.

For more details and to register, please visit:

About PATA
Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 25 international airlines and airports, 108 hospitality organisations, 72 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 36 local PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. Their grassroots activism underpins PATA’s membership of the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC), which includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, Sydney and London.