Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid (Spain) – January 19, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Turismo de Portugal I.P (Portugal), Ecotourism Trust (India), Tryponyu (Indonesia) and SEGGITUR (Spain) are the winners of the 14th Edition of the UNWTO Awards for Innovation in Tourism. Fourteen projects among 128 applicants from 55 countries were selected as finalists of the 14th UNWTO Awards for Innovation in Tourism.

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The winning projects, divided into four categories – Public Policy and Governance, Research and Technology, Enterprises, and Non-governmental Organizations –, have been announced at the UNWTO Awards Ceremony held tonight in Madrid at the International Tourism Trade Fair in Spain (FITUR).

“Today we honour the vision and commitment of individuals, administrations, companies and organizations that every day build a better future by harnessing the potential of tourism. The work of all the finalists of the 14 UNWTO Awards on Innovation is an inspiration to all of us”, underlined UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, in his opening remarks.

Attended by nearly 500 participants from different countries, the UNWTO Awards Ceremony, co-organized by IFEMA|FITUR, emphasized how the tourism community has embraced sustainable and innovative approaches.

The UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism are held annually to highlight and promote the work of organizations and individuals around the world that have impacted the tourism sector. Their achievements have served as an inspiration for competitive and sustainable tourism development and the promotion of the values of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The 14th Edition of the UNWTO Awards was organized in collaboration with the International Tourism Trade Fair in Spain (IFEMA/FITUR) and supported by:

– The Macao Government Tourism Office
– The National Secretariat of Tourism of Paraguay-Itaipu Binacional
– The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Argentina
– The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Colombia
– The Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador
– Wonderful Indonesia
– The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; and
– National Geographic

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

Beirut (Lebanon) – January 18, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 158 hotels and resorts in 25 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, will debut its Oaks brand in Lebanon later this year. The group is pleased to announce it has signed a management agreement with Allied Investment Group to operate Oaks Beirut.

Scheduled to launch in mid 2018, the 110-key hotel will be located in Sodeco, a commercial area of Beirut, approximately five minutes’ drive from the vibrant central downtown area and 15 minutes from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport. Previously operating as Hotel de Ville Beirut, the hotel is currently closed for a full refurbishment and will relaunch as Oaks.

To book your Oaks, Anantara, Avani and Tivoli Hotels in Lebanon, Beirut and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Bringing Oaks’ smart simplicity to a new destination, the property will provide modern accommodation with a selection of guest rooms and suites, with facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, a Lounge Bar & café, a rooftop pool and bar, plus dedicated conference facilities.

Providing the luxury of space, Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers a range of contemporary accommodation, from hotel and resort rooms and suites, to furnished serviced apartments, in central city locations and resort destinations. The brand’s growing portfolio currently comprises 56 properties across five countries – Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India and the United Arab Emirates, with more than 6,000 guest rooms under its management.

“We are very excited to announce the forthcoming debut of our Oaks brand in Lebanon later this year, commented Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels. “For Minor Hotels adding Lebanon to our footprint has considerable strategic value and we are very pleased to be partnering with Allied Investment Group to launch our first hotel in the country. Beirut is a dynamic city with so much to offer and is widely regarded as one of the most influential trend setters in the region.”

Joseph Nemer, Owner and CEO of Allied Investment Group, commented, “Allied Investment Group is delighted to be partnering with Minor Hotels to bring their Australian-rooted Oaks brand to Lebanon, which I’m confident will be a success in this vibrant market. The refurbishment of the property is well underway and we look forward to launching Oaks Beirut later this year.”

Minor Hotels currently operates two Oaks properties in the United Arab Emirates – the 165-room Oaks Liwa Heights in Dubai and the 54-room Oaks Liwa Executive Suites in Abu Dhabi. In total across the Middle East region Minor Hotels operates 13 properties across four of its brands – Anantara, AVANI, Tivoli and Oaks – and has a further strong pipeline in the region across these four brands.

To book your Oaks, Anantara, Avani and Tivoli Hotels in Lebanon, Beirut and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with 158 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 25 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America.

With dynamic plans to expand existing brands and explore strategic acquisitions throughout opportunistic markets, Minor Hotels pursues a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world.

About Oaks Hotels & Resorts
Oaks Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia’s largest self-contained, accommodation providers, currently incorporating a portfolio of 56 properties spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South and Western Australia as well as New Zealand, Thailand, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Madrid (Spain) – January 18, 2018 (travelindex.com) – International tourist arrivals grew by a remarkable 7% in 2017 to reach a total of 1,322 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4%-5%.

Based on data reported by destinations around the world, it is estimated that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) worldwide increased 7% in 2017. This is well above the sustained and consistent trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years.

Led by Mediterranean destinations, Europe recorded extraordinary results for such a large and rather mature region, with 8% more international arrivals than in 2016. Africa consolidated its 2016 rebound with an 8% increase. Asia and the Pacific recorded 6% growth, the Middle East 5% and the Americas 3%.

2017 was characterised by sustained growth in many destinations and a firm recovery in those that suffered decreases in previous years. Results were partly shaped by the global economic upswing and the robust outbound demand from many traditional and emerging source markets, particularly a rebound in tourism spending from Brazil and the Russian Federation after a few years of declines.

“International travel continues to grow strongly, consolidating the tourism sector as a key driver in economic development. As the third export sector in the world, tourism is essential for job creation and the prosperity of communities around the world.” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “Yet as we continue to grow we must work closer together to ensure this growth benefits every member of every host community, and is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Growth expected to continue in 2018

The current strong momentum is expected to continue in 2018, though at a more sustainable pace after eight years of steady expansion following the 2009 economic and financial crisis. Based on current trends, economic prospects and the outlook by the UNWTO Panel of Experts, UNWTO projects international tourist arrivals worldwide to grow at a rate of 4%-5% in 2018. This is somewhat above the 3.8% average increase projected for the period 2010-2020 by UNWTO in its Tourism Towards 2030 long-term forecast. Europe and the Americas are both expected to grow by 3.5%-4.5%, Asia and the Pacific by 5%-6%, Africa by 5%-7% and the Middle East by 4%-6%.

2017 results by UNWTO region

International tourist arrivals in Europe reached 671 million in 2017, a remarkable 8% increase following a comparatively weaker 2016. Growth was driven by the extraordinary results in Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+13%). Western Europe (+7%), Northern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe (both +5%) also recorded robust growth.

Asia and the Pacific (+6%) recorded 324 million international tourist arrivals in 2017. Arrivals in South Asia grew 10%, in South-East Asia 8% and in Oceania 7%. Arrivals to North-East Asia increased by 3%.

The Americas (+3%) welcomed 207 million international tourist arrivals in 2017, with most destinations enjoying positive results. South America (+7%) led growth, followed by Central America and the Caribbean (both +4%), with the latter showing clear signs of recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria. In North America (+2%), robust results in Mexico and Canada contrasted with a decrease in the United States, the region’s largest destination.

Based on available data for Africa, growth in 2017 is estimated at 8%. The region consolidated its 2016 rebound and reached a record 62 million international arrivals. North Africa enjoyed a strong recovery with arrivals growing by 13%, while in Sub-Saharan Africa arrivals increased by 5%.

The Middle East (+5%) received 58 million international tourist arrivals in 2017 with sustained growth in some destinations and a strong recovery in others.

Note: All results in this release are based on preliminary data, as reported by the various destinations around the world, and on estimates by UNWTO of still-missing data. UNWTO will continue to collect data and will present more comprehensive data by country in the April issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Results for both Africa and the Middle East should be read with caution as they are based on limited available data.

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

Phuket (Thailand) – January 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Management of Azimut Yachts Thailand, sole authorized dealer of Italy’s renowned Azimut Yachts in the country, started off the new year with double celebrations at the recent Phuket Rendezvous 2018 – Thailand’s foremost Marine and Luxury Lifestyle Showcase – which was staged at the Royal Phuket Marina.

The superb, latest flagship of the Azimut collection – Azimut Grande 35 Metri – clinched the “Best International Motor Yacht (over 30M)” Award at the inaugural Christofle Yacht Style Awards 2018; and the Azimut Yachts Thailand team successfully concluded the first sale of Azimut Flybridge Collection – epitomizing a blend of nautical speed, grace and class – during the four-day mega superyachting event which was participated by nearly 10,000 yacht owners and boating enthusiasts, the region’s leading brokers and dealers and key personalities in the yachting industry as well as some of the biggest brands from around the globe.

“We are truly proud and excited that Azimut has been presented with the high profile Christofle Yacht Style accolade as the Awards’ criteria were based on maritime excellence and creative flair in boat design and innovation”, said Mr. Chanyo Manakulsawasd, Operations Director of Azimut Yachts Thailand. “And the fact that the event was staged in Phuket to a full-house of yachting and luxury aficionados from Southeast Asia and beyond further cements Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s fastest growing yachting and cruising grounds in this region.”

The award was given by the prestigious Christofle Paris in collaboration with Yacht Style, Asia’s definitive yachting and lifestyle publication which extensively covers the latest yachting industry news, regattas and events, as well as high-end fashion, luxury travel, fine wine and spirits unique features, and provides unique access to HNWIs (“High Net Worth Individuals”) across the region.

MGC-Marine (Asia) Company Limited is a subsidiary of Master Group Corporation (Asia) Company Limited, the sole authorized dealer in Thailand of Azimut Yachts from Italy.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 16, 2018 (travelindex) – Da Vinci, the friendly Italian restaurant at the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok opens ‘Al Fresco Brunch’ every Sunday for a delicious taste of Italy – perfect poolside lunching for couples, the family and large groups looking for indoor and outdoor dining at its relaxed best.

Priced at THB 1,250 net from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm starting 21January, 2018.

Da Vinci is a classic Italian trattoria. Value-for-money cuisine with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere and warm, friendly service to match succulent hot plate pastas, stone-baked pizzas, proper Italian vegetables and side dishes of homemade raviolis, flatbreads with smoked salmon, wet-fresh salads and artisanal ice cream, tiramisu and gelatos to finish.

Sync your Sundays to the tunes of our DJ while sipping traditional Italian beverages in an al fresco setting. Da Vinci ‘Al Fresco Brunch’ features a self-serve zone, signature dishes, and live stations featuring foie gras, Italian cheeses, cold cuts, risotto, barbecue meats and seafood, and more.

For reservations please call 02 261 7100 or email: restaurants@rembrandtbkk.com or
visit www.rembrandtbkk.com and Facebook: Davincibkk

Al FrescoBrunch at da Vinci, Rembrandt Hotel
Every Sunday from11.30am – 3.00 pm
Price THB 1,250 net
Including bellinis, soft drink, juice and Italian soda
Children from 6 – 12 years THB 450 net

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 travelers 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 travelers, who will find easy access to Sukhumvit and the Bangkok CBD.

For reservations, please contact 02-261-7100 or book via
facebook.com/rembrandtbkk or please visit www.rembrandtbkk.com

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

Scotland (United Kingdom) – January 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Scottish heritage brand, Glenmuir has unveiled its most stylish collection yet for the Spring Summer season with classic designs, fresh colours and innovative high-performance fabrics.

For those favouring natural fabrics Glenmuir offers double mercerised cotton shirts with a lustrous silk like handle and anti-curl collars. The g.Stirling (RRP: £54.85) and g.Ollie (RRP: £54.85) shirts are constructed with an elegant cross dye fabric. Glenmuir’s signature tartan is featured in the g.Wallace (RRP: £54.85) in fresh colour tones. A new addition to the collection is the g.Iberia (RRP: £44.85) made with pure long staple pima cotton achieving an ultra-soft feel and increasing comfort for players.

This collection also sees the introduction of a revolutionary functional fabric made from wicking yarn. This technical fabric delivers thermoregulation by absorbing moisture from the body improving comfort and providing breathability. Some highlights in this fabric are the g.Exeter shirt on the sportswear trend of using marl tones, g.Hatfield uses the latest sublimation print techniques and g.Lawrence uses laser cutting and bonding technology (All RRPs: £44.85). For ladies the g.Formosa and g.Ellora shirts (Both RRPs: £49.95) deliver a striking look with the new tropical print and flattering side shaped panelling.

The g.Cuthberts (RRP: £49.95) trouser is a breakthrough men’s high performance product made from a lightweight stretch moisture wicking fabric. Silicon grip tape is used on the waist to enhance waist rotation and keep your shirt tucked in whilst the tape is used on the back pocket to keep your glove and score card in place.

Claire Woods – Head of Design, Glenmuir adds: “All of us here in Lanark, Scotland are immensely proud of Glenmuir’s heritage of crafting Scottish quality for over 125 years. The Spring Summer 2018 collection is our most forward thinking range to date which combines our expertise in golf wear with contemporary design, innovative fabrics and vibrant colours.”

About Glenmuir
Glenmuir was founded in 1891 in Lanark, Scotland and continues to thrive in the birthplace of golf. Since it’s creation the brand has been committed to creating golf and knitwear with impeccable care, skill and dedication to the craft. With a history rich in prestige the brand is retailed in luxury golf resorts globally in over thirty countries including Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Japan and Russia and is proud to have produced the European Ryder Cup Team with Shirts and Knitwear for over 30 years. Glenmuir remains a family-run business dedicated to producing the finest golfwear, developing and innovating to maintain its reputation as one of the leading golf brands in the industry.

Phuket (Thailand) – January 18 2018 (travelindex.com) – Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, February’s Thailand Yacht Show (TYS) will attract industry leaders and regional consumers alike by combining the best aspects of yacht charter, the boating industry and the maritime luxury lifestyle.

At a Press Conference in Bangkok today, Prakob Wongmaneerung, Vice Governor of Phuket, Nithee Seeprae, Executive Director of Product Promotion Department of TAT and Andy Treadwell, CEO and Founder of the Thailand Yacht Show, along with numerous officials and key business leaders, gathered to re-confirm their commitment to promoting Thailand as Asia’s premier yachting hub. Their objective is to position Thailand as a new luxury tourism destination for the world’s high-spending yachting community.

The Thailand Yacht Show is conceived to promote superyacht charter holidays, yacht tourism and on-water sporting activities in one of the world’s most beautiful yet virtually undiscovered cruising destinations, to seasoned marine tourists as well as a new, affluent but as yet uninitiated consumer audience from Asia. Unlike any other boat show in the region, TYS is conceived as a “try it and see” event which offers a truly immersive experience for newcomers, with cruises, demonstrations and yacht parties for guests to discover the lifestyle first hand.

TYS boosts Thailand’s image as an international yachting and luxury tourism hub and will attract and engage foreign direct investment, positively impacting the high-end tourism industry in the region. The economic benefits for Thailand’s businesses will include the creation of more jobs and high-end leisure infrastructure and facilities, as well as developing existing first-class natural, cultural and lifestyle assets. All tourism service sectors will achieve positive economic impact and benefits.

Says Treadwell, “Our aim is to make Phuket and Thailand the principal hub for yachting in Asia, and a new winter destination of choice for the global fleet of 5,000 superyachts which are predominantly based in the Mediterranean in the summer. Thailand’s beautiful yachting coastlines, dramatic landscapes, perfect year-round weather, and wonderful hospitality appeal to everyone, and with its excellent infrastructure, facilities, marinas and services to support at least 120 superyachts already, the country is a natural haven for nautical tourism.”

Through its partnership with the Thai government, the Thailand Yacht Show team is undertaking an international destination marketing campaign to bring yacht owners, as well as prospective charterers and buyers, to experience Thailand’s luxury maritime lifestyle first hand. Some tax and immigration issues currently remain unresolved, but Treadwell believes the government’s enthusiastic and proactive stance on eventually changing these reflects their genuine desire to get the world’s biggest superyachts coming to Thailand and the wider ASEAN region to spend their millions of tourism dollars.

Renewable energy and latest developments towards sea conservation will be another highlight during the Thailand Yacht Show. “Advances in sustainable technology in transport – the marine industry as well as the automotive sector – are creating a wave of new green products. These are quickly becoming very “current”, sought-after trends and we are going to be introducing some of the most recent trends at TYS”, says Treadwell.

BMW Thailand and Torqeedo Asia-Pacific will present their latest technology – the BMW i8, BMW i3 and the BMW iPerformance range (740Le, 530e, X5 xDrive40e and 330e) on the car side, and the Full Torqeedo electric drive system for boats. “Our showcase highlights one of the objectives and themes of this year’s Thailand Yacht Show – Sustainable Mobility. We are delighted with our progress and projects with partners such as TAT in assisting to create clean sustainable transport onto the water”, says David Hunter, Managing Director for Torqeedo Asia Pacific Ltd.

“BMW i continues to drive sustainable innovation with its futureproof technology and integrated approach. And now the high-voltage battery developed for the i3 is not only powering emissions-free mobility on the road, but on the water too. The BMW Group is supplying lithium-ion batteries to Torqeedo. The marine drive system manufacturer is using them for energy storage in its high-performance Deep Blue electric drive systems.” further adds Lars Nielsen, Sales & Marketing Director for BMW Thailand.

Thailand Yacht Show 2018
Returning to Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina, the third edition of the Thailand Yacht Show (TYS), will take place from 22-25 February 2018.

The lineup for the third edition will feature more of the region’s premier yachting and luxury brands – from stylish superyachts to the latest launches. Local and international visitors will have a chance to view and even try out boats and yachts presented by the country’s leading boat dealers and yacht brokers.

The extraordinary scenery of Phang Nga Bay will serve as a backdrop for electric shows, parties and social gatherings including VIP events on board yachts and floating night-clubs. The popular Demonstration Platform returns again, allowing more intrepid guests to test the latest yachting toys and accessories, and engage in diverse on-water activities.

For enquiries, please contact: info@thailandyachtshow.com or visit: www.thailandyachtshow.com

About Verventia Pte Ltd
Verventia is a global marketing platform and business catalyst, introducing suppliers, distributors, and affluent audiences to new lifestyle products and services. The company’s portfolio of events and extensive connections facilitate the integration of networks to stimulate industry growth and business development.

The dedicated efforts of its experienced team of professionals and partners, well-versed in the implementation of successful event and project management, enable them to deliver with the style, class and discretion required of the buyers and sellers we bring together in unique venues around the world.

Verventia’s current portfolio comprises the Singapore Yacht Show, the Thailand Yacht Show, the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference, the Asia Boating Forum, the Thailand Yachting Forum, and the Singapore Collection.

For enquiries, please contact: info@verventia.com or visit: www.verventia.com
For press accreditations please register at

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – January 15, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Editorial this week speaks of the four branches of Government. The coming repayment of external debts by Seychelles. Tourism Arrival figures and transit passengers. Seychelles last week saw its three Branches of Government hosting events that were followed by a large proportion of the islands. The Speaker of the National Assembly, as Head of the Legislative Branch of Government, was hosting the 24th Commonwealth Conference of Speakers. It was President Danny Faure, the Head of the Executive Branch of Government, who Officially opened the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers. The Chief Justice of Seychelles, Mathilda Twomey, as Head of the Judiciary Branch of Government, was during the same week presiding over the re-opening ceremony of the Supreme Court.

President Danny Faure, as head of the Executive Branch, said: “Connecting Parliament with the public; engaging citizens; remaining accountable, open and transparent; and keeping the institution relevant are critical issues to discuss in the 21st Century. All arms of Government – the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature…need to be mindful of these responsibilities if they are to uphold our democratic tradition”.

The unofficial fourth branch of Government, the Media, is a powerful broadcaster of information, which cannot be overlooked. Their reach is exacerbated in the digital age, with news snippets readily available at the touch of a button. The Media can be a facilitator of transparency, thwarting the culture of sweeping negative news under the carpet. However, they can also be used to spread discord and to push agendas if there are no checks and balances on their power, much like every other branch of Government.

This year, Seychelles will need to repay its debts and/or external loans that are now due. We may consequently expect our island Nation to dip into its reserves. These difficult times should see tourism as an industry, the pillar of the economy, assume an even greater role of importance.

The 2017 Tourism Arrival figures were assisted heavily by Air Seychelles, with what the official statistics are listing as Transit in the Visitor Arrival figures. Some three thousand arrivals in the country are transits and counted as part of the visitor arrival figures. Many in the country would prefer to see unbeatable point-to-point offers by Air Seychelles for Seychelles. They are after all the insurance for the island’s tourism industry. Air Seychelles will be welcoming its new CEO this coming week and we wish him well.

The quote for this week is on challenges; President Nelson Mandela stated the following when he received the Freedom of the City of London award in July 1996:

“We do face major challenges, but none are as daunting as those we have already surmounted”

Encouraging Seychellois to invest in his or her own country must be the safest way forward. How to continue to do this is in itself a challenge and the country will need to relook at its “ease of doing business” records and correct the obstacles that continue to hamper its progress. Fairness in development should be guided by anti-monopoly laws to ensure everyone can be in competition if he or she so decides.

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.

Phoenix, Arizona (United States) – January 15, 2018 (travelindex) – In a year marked by giving back, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ hoteliers have committed approximately $1 million over the next five years in support of the brand’s charitable arm – Best Western for a Better World (BWBW). Portions of these funds were donated to the American Red Cross – the charity’s disaster relief partner – to aid victims in the aftermath of 2017’s powerful hurricanes and wildfires.

“Since our brand’s beginnings, Best Western hotel owners have felt a strong sense of responsibility to the communities in which they work and live,” said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “Our employees and hoteliers were deeply saddened by the wave of disasters that impacted the nation this year. I am inspired by the many heroes, including members of our own Best Western family, who mobilized to support first response efforts and bring hope and healing to disaster victims.”

Members of Best Western’s industry-leading loyalty program, Best Western Rewards® (BWR®), also supported disaster relief efforts this year through the donation of BWR points. As a result, Best Western contributed an additional $250,000 to the American Red Cross to bolster relief efforts associated with Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. These funds were used to provide critical services to disaster victims such as meals, emergency shelter and medical assistance. “

The Red Cross relies on the generous donations of our corporate partners to fuel our first-response efforts and provide emergency relief to families and communities impacted by disaster,” said Kurt Kroemer, Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona American Red Cross. “We thank Best Western – along with its hoteliers and BWR members – for their steadfast partnership and financial support, which helps us provide rapid, on-the-ground services when they are most needed.”

In addition to disaster response, BWBW supports initiatives in the areas of education and poverty. Therefore, BWBW partnered with charity: water – a non-profit organization that provides clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations – to fund water projects in the countries of Nepal and Ethiopia. The projects, completed in the spring of this year, included the construction of water infiltration and well systems, which has brought clean drinking water and handwashing stations to local children and families.

BWBW believes in the power of education to transform lives. To this end, BWBW has formed a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) in support of their Opening Doors to Opportunity campaign. One of the campaign’s primary focal areas is to offer scholarship opportunities to some of the hospitality industry’s brightest students. “We are dedicated to ensuring a strong and thriving hotel industry both now and in the future,” said AH&LEF Interim President Rosanna Maietta. “It’s partners like Best Western that make this critical endeavor possible, allowing us to identify and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.”

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is committed to leaving a positive imprint on the communities it serves around the world. To make a donation in support of BWBW and its charitable initiatives, visit

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,200† hotels in more than 100† countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers 11 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature CollectionSM by Best Western; as well as its recently launched franchise offerings: SureStay® Hotel by Best Western, SureStay Plus® Hotel by Best Western and SureStay CollectionSM by Best Western. Now celebrating more than 70 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and award-winning online and mobile booking capabilities. Best Western continues to set industry records regarding awards and accolades, including 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. Best Western has also won nine consecutive AAA®/CAA® Lodging Partner of the Year awards, recognizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and great value to AAA/CAA’s nearly 58 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Best Western-branded hotels were top ranked in J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study – ranking first in breakfast (food and beverage category) for midscale; and second in overall guest satisfaction. Over 32 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Through its partnership with Google® Street View, Best Western is the first major company of its size and scale to launch a virtual reality experience for customers, setting a new industry standard and reinventing how guests view hotels.

* All Best Western and SureStay-branded hotels are independently owned and operated.
+ Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Contact information:
USA head office
Kelly Dalton
Director, Communications
602.957.5752
Kelly.Dalton@BestWestern.com

Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com
Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

Macao (Macao SAR) – January 11, 2018 (travelindex.com) – World-renowned singer Celine Dion has announced she will bring her highly anticipated Celine Dion Live 2018 to The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena on June 29 and 30, 2018. Part of a seven-city tour across the Asia-Pacific region kicking off June 26 in Tokyo, tickets for Celine Dion Live 2018 in Macao will go on sale soon at all Cotai Ticketing box offices.

One of the most immediately recognised, widely respected and successful performers in pop music history, Celine Dion has sold almost 250 million albums during her 30-year career, earning five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards and seven American Music Awards. In 2004 she received the Diamond award at the World Music Awards recognising her status as the best-selling female artist of all time. In 2016, the Billboard Music Awards presented her with the lifetime achievement Icon Award. Celine continues to break records with her ongoing Las Vegas residency which has seen her play over 1,000 shows to more than four million fans.

Ticketing details:
Event : Celine Dion Live 2018 in Macao
Date and Time : June 29 & 30, 2018 (Fri & Sat), 8 p.m.
Venue : Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macao

Ticket Prices:
MOP/ HKD 4,880 (VVIP)
MOP/ HKD 2,680 (VIP)
MOP/ HKD 1,680 (A Reserve)
MOP/ HKD 1,080 (B Reserve)
MOP/ HKD 680 (C Reserve)
MOP/ HKD 480 (D Reserve)

Ferry Packages: Add MOP/HKD 108 to ticket price for a round trip Cotai Water Jet ferry ticket between Hong Kong and Macao.

Ticketing Outlets:
Cotai Ticketing Box offices:
– The Parisian Macao – Main Lobby Box Office (Level 1)
– The Venetian Macao – Cotai Arena and Main Lobby box offices
– Four Seasons Hotel Macao – The Plaza™ Macao box office
– Sands® Macao – Level 1 box office
– Sands® Cotai Central – Sheraton Main Lobby and Holiday Inn Main Lobby box offices
Phone:
– Macao: +853 2882 8818
– Hong Kong: +852 6333 6660
– China toll-free: 4001 206 618

AEG Presents
AEG Presents is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents promotes more than 8,000 shows annually worldwide.

Entertainment at Sands China Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination. The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena and 1,800-seat Venetian Theatre are the only venues in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues and Pollstar’s Top 200 Worldwide Theatre Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world and region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.

The 1,800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a theatre experience like no other in the region.

The 650-seat Sands Theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dance to modern performances, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.

The 1,200-seat, purpose-built Parisian Theatre is Sands China Ltd.’s latest entertainment venue. The Paris-style theatre offers an elegant experience for world-class entertainment of all kinds.

The latest addition is the impressive new Sands Cotai Theatre. With 1,700 seats, this state of the art venue was purpose built by Sands China Ltd for the arrival of the highly anticipated Monkey King – China Show from the renowned Beijing Huayan Group. Eight years in the making, the stage show combines dance, acrobatics, drama, martial arts, magic, advanced 3D effects, LED screen projections, video mapping and full surround sound, together with creative lighting effects, choreography, music and spectacular costumes.

Offering world-class diversity and quality, Sands China Ltd.’s next generation of live venues is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.