Shanzhong Zhu Appointed UNWTO Executive Director

Shanzhong Zhu Appointed UNWTO Executive Director

Madrid (Spain) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili appointed Mr. Shanzhong Zhu as Executive Director of UNWTO. Mr. Zhu, a Chinese national, began his two-year term on 1 January 2018.

Mr. Zhu joined UNWTO in 2014 as Executive Director. Prior to his appointment he was Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

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

Unique Journey Through Northern Italian Cuisine at Shangri-la Chiang Mai

Unique Journey Through Northern Italian Cuisine at Shangri-la Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (Thailand) – January 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Indulge in a unique culinary journey by savoring northern Italian flavors, skillfully blended by Michelin star-rated chef Marco Stabile, from Ora Daria restaurant, in Florence, Italy. Don’t miss this one-of-its-kind opportunity at Shangri-la Hotel Chiang Mai, to enjoy the most genuine Italian cuisine, through mouthwatering 4-course and 6-course menus with selected paired wines.

31 January – 4 February 2018
Lunch: 11 am – 2.30 pm
THB 1,588++ per person
Dinner: 6pm – 10 pm
THB 2,488++ per person (includes a selection of Italian wines)
Where: Shangri-la Chiang Mai Hotel, Dhala Pool Garden, Level 1

Advance reservation required, limited seating available.

For further enquiries and booking:
Call: +66 53 253 888
Email: restaurants.slcm@shangri-la.com
Web: www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai/shangrila/

About Michelin Starred Chef Marco Stabile
Hailing from Pontedera, in Tuscany, chef Marco Stabile has quickly risen to prominence in Italy. He developed his skill for subtle invention whilst working in some of the country’s finest kitchens. Along with his restaurant Ora d’Aria, in Florence—where he is both resident head chef and co-owner—Marco is also an occasional teacher at some of the Italy’s most celebrated culinary schools. He also remains a committed supporter and collaborator with the prestigious ‘Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe’ group (Young Restaurateurs of Europe).

After helping his mother make pasta and traditional Tuscan recipes, Marco Stabile managed to get a job working with Guido Sabatini at Florence’s Club Bell’Arturo, where he learnt how to be organized, and then working with Gaetano Trovoto at the two Michelin-starred Alforno, where he developed his unique styles. Marco Stabile is currently the head chef and owner of the simple and elegant restaurant “Ora d’Aria” (www.oradariaristorante.com) located in Via dei Georgofili (Florence), where he was finally given the chance to best express his personality, his strong, curious, cosmopolitan and innovative spirit, nevertheless deeply rooted in a tradition which is culture, family, territory and which has the courage to reveal itself in the magic of those flavors that recall childhood but filled with an extraordinary sense of the present.

His most challenging task was to win the supports of the locals, who were incredibly proud of their Tuscan culinary traditions. But when started to eat at his restaurant, they were instantly converted. Marco’s cooking takes authentic flavours from his home region and twists them into innovative new combinations. Many of Marco’s dishes are incredibly innovative, combining new flavours, making the most of ground-breaking cooking techniques and presenting traditional food in exciting new ways. Moreover, Marco attempts to make the most of Tuscany’s natural produce. He uses local beef and Tuscan bread, takes traditional regional ingredients and present them in a bright, contemporary way. Despite his awards, Marco keeps the prices at Ora d’Aria as low as possible, so as many people as possible can taste his beautiful cuisine.

“Ora d’Aria” fulfills a great desire, the entry into the prestigious association “Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE), an association which helps young chefs with their careers across the continent, in 2009. Since then, there have been so many awards that the chef is able to boast that it is Marco Stabile’s curiosity and ability to see into the future and predict trends which is commended; an example is his approach to the world of beer that has given him the chance to deal with a versatile product, with many identities, investigating an innovative perspective in the kitchen. This commitment has led to the restaurant “Ora D’Aria” being rewarded for its beer menu, by the Espresso Restaurant Guide, and the for best cuisine with beer from Identity Golose. At the end of 2011 comes the highest accolade of all: the first Michelin star.

Furthermore, Giusto Manetti Battiloro, the historic Florentine company producing edible gold with flavor, “Gold Chef”, an exclusive ingredient for the most modern and refined kitchen, has chosen him for his professional qualities and for his success story. Indeed Marco Stabile brings innovation and imagination, coupled with tradition, to the table. This is the chef who makes edible gold with its flavors shine brightly.

To Retain Edge Hospitality Stakeholders Must Work Together

To Retain Edge Hospitality Stakeholders Must Work Together

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) – January 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The complex relationship between hotel owners, operators and online travel agents (OTAs) is keeping prices higher than necessary and could threaten to undermine the Middle East’s hospitality sector at a time when the supply of rooms is set to reach an all-time high. How the hotel sector can find the right balance for investors, operators, marketers and guests will be among the key talking points at the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit (GIOHIS) 2018 (29-30 January).

As the Middle East looks to absorb the largest pipeline of new rooms in the world, the challenge of attracting tourists to fill them is set to intensify over the coming years. However, the presence of many stakeholders involved in the region’s hotel sector, each of whom takes a piece of the action, is making room costs unnecessarily high, with limited room for improving value to customers.

Simon Allison, chairman of hotel owners’ group HOFTEL which runs GIOHIS, says: “International competition for tourists is higher than ever, so it is essential that Middle East hotels are able to compete on prices or everybody will lose out. This is a particular concern as more supply comes to the market, so we look forward to discussing potential solutions during GIOHIS.”

In the Middle East, the vast majority of hotels carry an international brand. Most guests either book via that brand’s website or, increasingly, they use an OTA which enables them to compare hotel deals and make their booking quickly and easily.

Guests have undoubtedly benefitted from the visibility and options presented by booking through OTAs and from the loyalty programmes of the big brands, but as a small number of companies now dominate these two sectors the opportunities for improving value are diminishing at both ends of the market – for investors and customers.

Allison explains: “The OTAs don’t own any hotel rooms and most of the brands you see on the building don’t either. However, the OTAs take hefty fees for each room booking and the brands take a slice of revenue and another slice of profit from the hotel owner.

“This increases the relative costs of rooms for customers and yet the owner’s margins are also small, meaning they can’t cut prices. There are only two main OTA companies in the world and only a handful of global brands, so they have the concentration of power.”

At GIOHIS 2018, industry experts will discuss the future of the Middle East hospitality sector, and the potential for creating the best outcomes for all stakeholders. At a session entitled, ‘Coping with downturns and disruptors – do the brands have the answers?’ panellists will debate whether brands can really manage to raise revenues or cut costs for owners in a downturn. In what is set to be a high-octane session, Olivier Chavy, CEO of regional giant Mövenpick, and outspoken hotel owner Suchad Chiaranussati, one of the most active real estate fund managers in Asia, will be joined by senior executives from both Booking.com and Expedia to discuss solutions which meet the interest of all parties.

GIOHIS 2018 will take place on 29/30 January 2018 at the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:

For more information or to arrange media interviews, please contact Thompson.tracey04@gmail.com or call: 055 378 2297.

The World of Moroccan Cuisine at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

The World of Moroccan Cuisine at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 24, 2018 (travelindex) – Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, 25 years of the pride, together with Chef Vittario Masterchef of Da Vinci Restaurant, are delighted to invite all food lovers to experience the precious world of Moroccan culinary in “Couscous Friday” started on19 January 2018.

The Moroccan cuisine is an unique and precious essence of Morocco, the country where the rich cultures from many empires combined their magic as bringing it an exotic sense of culinary; Arabian exotic spices, European excellent livestocks, Mediteranean fresh fruits and vegetables and the best Couscous that the world impressed.

Experience new marvelously rich cultures as Chef Vittario, the master chef of Da Vinci Restaurant, has his proud Moroccan roots and is thrilled to charm you with his special Moroccan delicacy and special Couscous recipes.

Starting on 19 January 2018, please be invited to experience Morrocan “Couscous
Friday”, every Friday from 5pm – 10.30pm. All you can eat “Couscous” at only 850
Baht person. RSVP 02 261 7100 or restaurants@rembrandtbkk.com and visit our website www.rembrandtbkk.com

About The Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
The Rembrandt Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok off Sukhumvit Road. Guests may access our hotel either from Sukhumvit Soi 18 or Sukhumvit Soi 20 as our property extends the length of the block. We offer luxury, outstanding services, and facilities for all travellers to Bangkok, Thailand. The property is conveniently located near the central business district as well as shopping attractions, city landmarks and vibrant nightlife. Our guests also have the benefit of all major public transportation stations in Bangkok as both skytrain (BTS Asoke Station)and metro (MRT Sukhumvit Station) are just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel or guests may ride on a complimentary 24-hour ‘tuk tuk’ shuttle service to the main road. This quality hotel is a great location for both tourists and business travellers, who will find easy access to Sukhumvit and the Bangkok CBD.

Contact information:
Paemika Mungclasiri (Ms.) – Marketing Communications Manager
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7443 E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com
Sirorat Jaroontham (Ms.) – Marketing Communications Executive
Phone +66 (0) 2261 7100 Ext. 7444 E-mail: pr@rembrandtbkk.com

GTEF Helps Achieve Objectives of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year

GTEF Helps Achieve Objectives of 2018 EU-China Tourism Year

Macao – January 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The seventh edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) is set to be held in Macao on October 23 and 24. GTEF 2018 will present two of the most vibrant economic regions of the world, namely the European Union (EU) and The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (The Greater Bay Area).

In July 2016, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker jointly announced that 2018 would be EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY 2018), with the specific objectives of promoting lesser-known destinations, improving travel and tourism experiences, providing opportunities to increase economic cooperation, and creating an incentive to make quick progress on EU-China visa facilitation and air connectivity.

ECTY 2018 was officially launched at the Doge’s Palace in Venice on January 19, followed by a high-level Business Summit held in the afternoon. At the Opening Ceremony, congratulatory messages from Premier Li and Mr. Juncker were read. International dignitaries at the Opening Ceremony included Mr. Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament; Mr. Qi Xuchun, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Ms. Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs; and Mr. Du Jiang, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA). Among the global tourism industry leaders and experts who attended the Opening Ceremony and participated in the Business Summit were Ms. Pansy Ho, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of GTEF; Mr. Liu Shijun, Secretary-General of World Tourism Alliance and Mr. Dai Bin, Chair of the China Tourism Academy.

Explaining to EU-China tourism stakeholders why GTEF is a unique platform to achieve the objectives of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year, Ms. Ho said, “GTEF… the first public-private-partnership initiative in China to champion the promotion of sustainable development of global tourism, with China, a significant stakeholder, as the core.

As the first forum to discuss global tourism economy in the context of China’s far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative, GTEF pioneers topics at the top of the public-private agenda, focusing on creating opportunities for tourism promotion, cooperation and investment. With the intuitive ability to perceive the importance of Europe-China relations, GTEF is ahead of the game, and has been promoting Europe-China tourism from the start, featuring: Portugal and Spain in 2013, France in 2016, and the 16 Central and Eastern European Countries in 2017.”

Introducing Macao and the critical role she plays in global tourism, Ms. Ho added, “Macao is chosen as the seat of GTEF because, with over 450 years of east-west cultural mix, Macao has openness and inclusiveness in its DNA. Macao is the proud first-generation contributor and recipient of China’s outbound tourism. Since its return to Chinese sovereignty, Macao has grown its tourism arrivals from 6 million to over 30 million, with a population of 600,000 on 32 square kilometers of land area.

Macao is also the designated World Centre of Tourism and Leisure in the mega metropolis of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, which measures 56,000 square kilometers, with a GDP of US$1.39 trillion, and a population of 68 million. With the completion of the 55-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge this year, the potential for trade, investment and tourism within the Greater Bay Area, and between China and the rest of the world, is unprecedented and magnificent.”

GTEF 2018 will use its pragmatic tourism exchange platform to drive discussions on strengthening EU-China commercial and cultural exchanges and unleashing the full potential of the Greater Bay Area. At the same time, the Forum will provide opportunities to build EU-China cooperation and partnership through bilateral trade meetings, business matching, networking, workshops, exhibitions, and other initiatives.

About the Global Tourism Economy Forum
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and coordinated by GTERC in collaboration with UNWTO. GTEF’s supporting units include the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), European Travel Commission (ETC) and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 8,000 participants from 83 countries and regions, including delegations from 105 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 437 internationally renowned speakers.

For enquiries, please contact:
Mazarine Asia Pacific
Karis Yuen
Communications Associate
Tel: +852 3678 0177/ +852 6447 7120

Human-Centric Economy is Moral Imperative, His Holiness Pope Francis

Human-Centric Economy is Moral Imperative, His Holiness Pope Francis

Geneva (Switzerland) – January 23, 2018 (travelindex.com) – His Holiness Pope Francis helped open the 48th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting with a special message, passionately calling on participants to overcome fragmentation between states and institutions and work together to facilitate more inclusive approaches in an increasingly globalized world.

In a speech delivered by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Pope Francis said: “It is vital to safeguard the dignity of the human person, in particular by offering to all people real opportunities for integral human development and by implementing economic policies that favour the family.”

Echoing the theme of the meeting, Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World, the Pope said, “The entrepreneurial world has enormous potential to effect substantial change by increasing the quality of productivity, creating new jobs, respecting labour laws, fighting against … corruption and promoting social justice.” He continued: “If we want a more secure future, one that encourages the prosperity of all, then it is necessary to keep the compass continually oriented towards ‘true north’,” represented by authentic values.

The World Economic Forum’s 48th Annual Meeting opens today in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. More than 3,000 leaders from around the world are gathering in a collaborative effort to shape the global, regional and industry agendas, with a commitment to improve the state of the world. The meeting brings together governments, international organizations, business, civil society, cultural leaders, media, experts and the young generation, at the highest level and in representative ways.

About the World Economic Forum
The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Bangkok to Become World’s Next Global Mega City

Bangkok to Become World’s Next Global Mega City

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 23, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Industry experts revealed at Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) 2018 that Bangkok is on the cusp of emerging as the world’s next Mega City. Within five years, the rapid expansion of Bangkok’s Metro systems will succeed in opening up unprecedented spaces in the city and with it huge opportunities for the travel and tourism industry.

This has not been lost on one of Thailand’s most prominent real estate developers, Sansiri PLC, who will bring one of the most dynamic New York hospitality brands to Bangkok – The Standard – in a major foray into hospitality as they seek to bring new cutting edge brands to the city.

Sansiri CEO Apichart Chutrakul gave the key note interview to open TTF 2018 on ‘MEGACITY BANGKOK – A Tourism and Hotel Futurescape’ to a packed ballroom of almost 700 travel industry delegates from Thailand and across the region at the InterContinental Bangkok.

In the opening remarks, TTF 2018 Co-Organiser and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks said: “In five short years the electric metro across Greater Bangkok will reach a length of 464 kilometers. This will surpass London who stand at 402 km with their underground and New York City’s subway which measures 380 km. The great promise of the East has now become the new West. Important will be the access to three international interconnected airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao.”

Global research firm STR’s area director Asia Pacific Jesper Palmqvist added that Bangkok was on a strong growth trajectory in terms of hotel performance and infrastructure development would only support this further. “With almost three years of stable growth in terms of hotel performance, Bangkok has firmly put the 2014 decline far behind. By November 2017, RevPAR had grown 3.4% year-over-year, and this against a backdrop of some reasonable strong supply increase at 4.1%.

“The impressive numbers are held up by an ever stable demand growth of around 5% for 18 months after the comeback in 2015, but hotels have also been able to increase rates by more than 2% even with new competing product coming to market. But it’s not just short-term – no less than seven of the months in 2017 saw 10-year records in absolute RevPAR performance – that’s a sign of very strong growth during the past 10 years for the mega city.”

In addition to Apichart Chutrakul, CEO of Sansiri PLC, speakers and panelists at TTF 2018 included Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group; Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director, ICONSIAM; Nikhom Jensiriratanakorn, Director of Horwath HTL; Thomas Schmelter, IHG’s Director of Operations for Thailand & Indochina; Mike Batchelor, JLL’s Managing Director, Investment Sales for Asia; Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific; Thomas Schmelter, Director of Operations – Thailand & IndoChina, IHG Group; and many more.

About the Thailand Tourism Forum
Thailand Tourism Forum is an annual event held every January and organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Thailand and leading hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks. Now in its sixth year, the event attracts leading industry speakers and a growing number of delegates from around the region. Thailand Tourism Forum offers delegates a unique opportunity to hear hospitality leaders and experts candidly discuss the industry and a forum to take a closer look at numbers, evaluate risk and learn more about important new trends in tourism across all Thai travel destinations.

Russian Tourist Satisfaction Hinges on Hotel Features, PolyU

Russian Tourist Satisfaction Hinges on Hotel Features, PolyU

Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR) – January 25, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The majority of Russian tourists are highly satisfied with Hong Kong’s upmarket hotels, according to the findings of a recent study by Dr Denis Tolkach and Dr Tony Tse of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). A consideration of more than a thousand online reviews written by Russian guests revealed a particular appreciation for Hong Kong’s spectacular views and attentive and friendly hotel staff. While there are a few negative issues that hotels may wish to focus on improving, the findings present an overall positive picture.

Book your hotel in Hong Kong and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Despite its size and importance, the researchers note, little is known about the Russian outbound tourist market “beyond the numbers” provided by various industry reports. Yet, with a population of 144 million and the seventh largest economy in the world, Russia has a potentially huge tourism market. In 2012, for instance, Russian tourists spent US$53.5 billion, accounting to 4.6% of the world’s tourism market and an increase of almost 25% on 2011.

The quality of life in Russia has improved considerably over the past few years, with the researchers explaining that while “holiday travel remains very expensive for the majority”, Russians make up a large share of the global luxury travel market. Many overseas trips are for business or visiting family and friends, rather than for leisure, and Russians often “do not plan and book far in advance”.

Yet to benefit from this situation, destinations need to know what they can do to ensure Russian visitors’ satisfaction. Hotels are an important aspect of a trip, argue the researchers, whether for leisure or business, and they contribute to visitors’ overall travel satisfaction and return visits. Unfortunately, visitors tend to be less satisfied with Hong Kong hotels than many other aspects of the destination such as transportation and attractions. The researchers thus focused on Russian tourists’ perceptions of “upscale hotel attributes” in Hong Kong.

The researchers collected 1,336 online reviews of four and five star hotels in Hong Kong written by Russian-speaking guests. They then conducted a content analysis of the reviews to establish what in particular the respondents found positive and negative in their hotel stay experiences.

A majority of the reviews were written by Russian residents from Moscow, but there were also a few from Kazakhstan, Ukraine and other countries. Not all of the reviewers indicated the purpose of their trip, but of those who did just over 40% were travelling for leisure and 14% for business. Just under 30% of the reviewers were travelling as couples, around 18% with their families, 16% solo and 7% with friends.

The guests were generally impressed with the quality of Hong Kong hotels – almost half gave the highest rating of 10/10, with an overall average of 9.15. As this was higher than the overall rating by all reviewers, the researchers suggest that Russian visitors may have less experience of foreign hotels and thus may have a “lack of awareness of the standards of accommodation outside their own country”. These high ratings were also supported by the reviewers’ comments, as 96.8% contained explicitly positive statements and less than a quarter made any negative comments.

The most common theme, mentioned by more than half of the reviewers, was the hotel location. Guests were particularly impressed when they found themselves in a room with a view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Some guests also offered advice to other travellers, such as to request a room on a higher floor to ensure a good view. As the researchers note, such scenic views are rare in Russia, where most people do not live near the coast.

The guests were also pleased to find that their hotels were easily accessible by “different modes of transport” and close to shopping malls. Indeed, the reviewers advise hotels to make the best of all aspects of their locations. A hotel swimming pool, for instance, can be quite a draw, especially as few Russians get to experience an open air pool at home, so if possible it should have a scenic view.

The Russian guests also had mainly positive things to say about the food and drinks served in Hong Kong’s upscale hotels. A quarter of the reviewers specifically mentioned breakfast, with one describing it as “great”, with a “huge variety” of dishes and types of cuisine that made it “impossible to stay hungry”. The researchers explain that while many tourists who are interested in learning about the local culture will choose to eat lunch and dinner outside the hotel, breakfast is usually taken at the hotel and can “set the mood for the day”, so hotels are doing well to satisfy guests.

When it comes to room amenities, the researchers reveal that the “bed appears to be more important than the bathroom” for Russian guests. Room quality overall attracted almost as many positive as negative comments, indicating that although it is a “highly important” aspect of guest satisfaction it can be “challenging to meet guest expectations”. Features that attracted positive comments included modern fittings, large rooms, comfortable beds and positive details such as flowers in the room. The guests surveyed were less impressed if they perceived something was missing, such as hair conditioner or a toilet brush, and several mentioned the dampness of their rooms.

A lack of clarity about payment when booking through online travel agents seemed to “contribute to confusion and dissatisfaction” amongst the Russian guests, even though such problems are not usually the fault of the hotel. Still, the researchers argue that hotels should make clear the form and timing of payment to avoid any confusion, and it can also be helpful to ask guests about their preferred payment arrangements in advance. Some of the issues with money were related to fluctuation in exchange rates, which can result in considerable differences in the amount paid. However, other problems were caused by guests being charged twice, hotels failing to return deposits and credit cards being charged without notifying guests.

Book your hotel in Hong Kong and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

The availability of WiFi tends to be taken for granted these days, so it is perhaps not surprising that guests found it “irritating when they had to pay extra” for such amenities. However, many of the guests also appreciated the “friendly and attentive attitude” of the hotel staff. The researchers explain that sincerity is particularly valued as an important part of Russian culture, and knowledge of such cultural nuances can be very helpful in the hotel sector. Aspects of bad service mentioned in the reviews included “apathy, apparent unwillingness to help” and a “very formal or distanced attitude”.

Interestingly, few of the reviews mentioned the hotel brand as being important, and when it was it tended to be so in a negative context. Maybe, as the researchers suggest, guests have much higher expectations of international brands that are difficult for them to fulfil, or perhaps brands just “lack the power they used to have”.

Managers of four and five star hotels in Hong Kong will be pleased to read that they are providing a highly satisfactory service for their Russian guests. Of course, there is always room for improvement and the researchers highlight a number of problem areas that managers could easily remedy to ensure even greater satisfaction and the growth of the potentially huge Russian tourism market.

Hotel Industry Has All to Play for in Gulf Region’s Post-oil Economy

Hotel Industry Has All to Play for in Gulf Region’s Post-oil Economy

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) – January 22, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The creation of new demand drivers will be critical in ensuring the region’s hospitality sector continues to grow despite the challenges of mounting competition and continued low oil prices. How the GCC economies will drive the leisure and business travel sectors and how hotels will deal with the pressure to fine-tune their offerings to deliver long-term growth will be among the major talking points at the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit 2018 (29-30 January).

The Middle East represents a significant opportunity for the hospitality sector due to the ongoing drive for economic diversification away from oil and gas, but with the world’s highest pipeline of new hotels set to come onstream, the need to differentiate and create new offerings is more important than ever.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Destination Authority notes: “The fundamentals for industry growth in the region are good but it is vital that we challenge ourselves as an industry to respond to the needs and expectations of our customers in new ways. In RAK, we are creating not only new beach resorts but also adventure tourism experiences including the world’s longest zip line.”

The region is surging ahead with innovative resort projects, such as the proposed new Red Sea islands planned for the Saudi coast, while new industrial sectors are also being stimulated such as new logistics and manufacturing hubs in Bahrain. Moreover, having focused largely on luxury up to now, many of the region’s leading developers like WASL in Dubai are now moving into more midscale offerings.

Jerad Bachar from the Bahrain Economic Development Board notes: “Bahrain, along with all countries in the GCC, continues to make great strides in economic diversification.  Bahrain’s economy depends on strong contribution from financial services, manufacturing, and tourism.  We are currently witnessing approximately $32 billion worth of development investment in the Kingdom, with $10 billion directly connected to tourism including the airport modernization program and several resorts and retail destinations.”

For the third year running GIOHIS (the “Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit”) will bring many of the region’s top hotel owners, developers and operators together at the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi. Here they will discuss topical issues which are top-of-mind for many of the sector’s leading executives – around 90 of whom will be there – including:

Is Dubai in danger of being overbuilt and could it be heading for a hard landing?
From motor oil to tanning oil – can the Gulf markets successfully diversify?
OTAs can be seen by owners just as costly booking channels. Are they? And what value beyond distribution can OTAs offer to owners and hotel operators?
Coping with downturns and disruptors – do the brands have the answers?
The merging of hotel and residential offerings – a good extension to our business or a mortal threat to it?

Being run by hotel owners’ alliance HOFTEL, rather than a commercial media or conferencing company, means that GIOHIS can be upfront about addressing the issues which keep owners and their key service providers awake.

Simon Allison, HOFTEL’s Chairman, warns: “2018 will be a year where the Gulf and Indian Ocean market faces challenges like never before – the continuing rise of the online travel agents, the spread of home-sharing and serviced apartments, the consolidation of brands, significant supply increases and, in some places, a tough economic environment.  GIOHIS will allow hotel sector investors to share their insights and solutions in a compact and very transparent forum, lasting less than two days and hearing from some of the region’s top CEOs including Olivier Harnisch, Joe Sita, Suchad Chiaranussati, Khalid Anib, David Anderson, Olivier Chavy, Jalil Mekouar, Simon Coombs and Paul Jones.

Tickets for GIOHIS can be purchased online at

For more press information or to arrange media interviews, please contact Thompson.tracey04@gmail.com or call: 055 378 2297.

Saint Ange Tourism Report – 22nd January 2018

Saint Ange Tourism Report – 22nd January 2018

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – January 22, 2018 (travelindex.com) – We speaks of Assumption Island of the Seychelles and the need to keep Military Bases out of the region. It also addresses the importance of Assumption Island for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra. Quote of the week is seeking a refocus:- Winners focus on winning and the losers focus on winners.

Seychelles is considered to be a leader in the world of tourism, bolstering the pillar of its economy through the active promotion of an environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism policy. Today, thousands of Seychellois depend on tourism for their livelihood, either as investors or as employees in the industry.

Seychelles has been working hard to protect its islands. Its Aldabra Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a Nation, we are fiercely proud of our beautiful islands. In 1965, when the British Government formed the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) by detaching the islands of Farquhar, Aldabra and Desroches from Seychelles, and the Chagos Group from Mauritius, Seychellois took to the streets to demand the return of their islands and objected firmly to any military base being established in the Indian Ocean.

“We want our islands back, they are integrated parts of our country… We want the Indian Ocean to be a Zone of Peace”

Following our Independence in 1976, the three estranged islands were returned to Seychelles.

Today, it would appear that history is repeating itself. Seychellois are up in arms once again following the news that the island of Assumption may become a military base for India. At present, Assumption Island is the base camp for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra; without accessibility to Assumption’s airport, protection and conservation efforts on Aldabra may be hindered.

The unconfirmed plans for Assumption Island beg the question: are we making the most of our valuable and precious natural resource? With Seychelles in dire need of capitalization on its outer islands to boost its tourism, and with most Seychellois never being afforded the opportunity to visit an outer island, would it not be a reasonable and more viable alternative to erect a small tourism establishment on Assumption Island for the benefit of all, as well as maintaining its present role as the Aldabra Atoll base camp?

A couple of years ago, a carrying capacity study for the Tourism Industry was conducted and it became clear that, with its 115 islands, the archipelago of the Seychelles would need to look at further tourism growth by making use of, and developing, some of its outer islands.

It is today important for each and every Seychellois to be consulted on this subject and a referendum is today needed.

Quote for this week was forwarded by a friend who felt Seychelles needed to refocus:

“Winners focus on winning and the losers focus on winners”

It is important to again today acknowledge all who are diligently re-posting the Saint Ange Tourism Report weekly. Our Report ranges far and wide, from Australia to the Americas, from the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands to Africa & Asian and Greater Europe, with your continued support, which is greatly appreciated. You are helping us to grow from strength to strength with each new Edition.