Cafédirect Premium Coffee Launches its Latest 100% Arabica Ground Espresso Blend

Cafédirect Premium Coffee Launches its Latest 100% Arabica Ground Espresso Blend

Bangkok (Thailand) – December 22, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Cafédirect, the UK’s largest award-winning 100% Fairtrade hot drinks company, is introducing its latest blend of premium coffees – an extraordinary darker roast and intense ‘cuppa’ in its Cafédirect 100% Arabica Espresso Roast and Ground Coffee with a superbly designed packaging – available at gourmet stores and supermarkets of major shopping malls including Central Food Hall, Tops Market, Gourmet Market and Villa Market.

Created for true coffee connoisseurs, this espresso blend is crafted from specially selected beans sourced directly from coffee co-operatives in Peru and Costa Rica; and are meticulously blended and roasted to deliver on consumers’ need for a truly dark and intense high-quality coffee.

This extraordinary “cooperatives-to-table” blend has been perfected by using Peru’s rich Arabica beans as a strong base of the coffee, bringing a natural dark chocolaty taste to each sip. Because of the strong roasting process, that dark chocolaty taste is made all the more powerful. As the ultimate counter-balance, Costa Rica Arabica beans have been added, which softens the mouth feel and gives the coffee a deliciously creamy finish.

To help coffee lovers select a coffee strength that suits his/her taste, Cafédirect has placed a numbered icon ranging from 3 to 6 on each pack. The strength of the coffee depends on a number of factors, namely the composition of coffee beans in the blend as well as the intensity of the roasting process for coffee beans. The Arabica Espresso Roast and Ground Espresso, for example, is a 6, which means that it is a full-bodied and intense coffee, promising a flavour explosion, yet leaving a naturally sweet finish.

Cafédirect 100% Arabica Espresso is finely ground for easy brewing in an espresso machine, stove-top espresso pot or percolator, and cafetiere (plunger).

As a pioneer member of Fairtrade*, Cafédirect’s business model entails 50% of the profits to be returned to the coffee growers who passionately nurture and harvest the beans. This not only improves the lives of the growers but also the quality of each coffee bean. Each purchase of a Cafédirect product is a small stake in the future of thriving coffee grower communities.

A 227-gram Cafédirect 100% Arabica Espresso Roast and Ground Coffee is retailed at Baht 385 per pack at gourmet stores and supermarkets at Central Food Hall, Tops Market, Gourmet Market and Villa Market.

Note: Fairtrade is a global movement with a strong and active presence in the UK represented by the Fairtrade Foundation. It makes a difference to the lives of the people who grow the things we love including coffee. It strives to change the way trade works through better pricing, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries.

About Cafédirect:
1. Cafédirect was founded in 1991 and is a leading social enterprise and 100% Fairtrade hot drinks company.
2. Through direct, personal and long-term relationships, Cafédirect partners with over 280,000 smallholder growers in 40 grower organisations across 12 developing countries.
3. The work of Cafédirect positively impacts the lives of 1.8 million people in developing countries.
4. As a business, Cafédirect is different: Growers have shares in the company and have two seats on the Cafédirect Board of Directors.
5. Cafédirect’s unique approach has seen the company paying fair prices and working directly with smallholder growers so that they can develop their businesses and increase their influence in highly competitive commodity markets.
6. Cafédirect have invested over 50% of their profits back into the growers communities they work with.
7. The re-investments are since 2009 channeled through the Cafédirect Producers Foundation, a grower-held foundation, with a total of £ 6 million re-invested to date.
8. Cafédirect has won over 30 prestigious Great Taste Awards over the last 8 years The Tarrazu Roast & Ground Coffee has just clinched a Great Taste Award in 2016.

Swiss-BelHotel International High at Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards

Swiss-BelHotel International High at Indonesia Travel & Tourism Awards

Jakarta (Indonesia) – December 22, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Global hospitality management chain, Swiss-Belhotel International, is celebrating once again after it was named “Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain” for a record-breaking seventh awards recently at the Indonesia Travel and Tourism Awards (ITTA) 2017-18.

In a glittering award ceremony held in Jakarta on 11th December 2017, Swiss-Belhotel International was presented with the award in recognition of the quality of its hotel portfolio in Indonesia with four properties awarded by the judges.

The voting process included an online ballot that generated more than 50,000 responses, followed by expert assessments from the Board of Advisors and BINUS Business School. The winning hotels were Swiss-Belboutique Yogyakarta (Indonesia’s Leading Boutique Hotel – Yogyakarta), Swiss-Belhotel Airport Jakarta (Indonesia’s Leading Airport Hotel – Jakarta), Grand Swiss-Belhotel Medan (Indonesia’s Leading 5 Star Hotel – Medan) and Swiss-Belinn Luwuk (Indonesia’s Leading Hotel – Central Sulawesi).

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this 7th prestigious award,” said Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International. “With a large and youthful population, rising levels of affluence and a dynamic economy, Indonesia is a hugely important market for us, so it is extremely gratifying to know that our brands are so well-known and respected in the country.”

Since arriving in Indonesia 25 years ago, Swiss-Belhotel International has built an extensive collection of almost 70 hotels and resorts all across the country. This makes Indonesia the hotel group’s largest market globally.

“I would like to thank our entire Indonesian team – at our regional and group offices and at all of our hotels nationwide. We could not succeed without each and every one of them, and this award is a testament to the passion and professionalism they demonstrate on a daily basis,” added Mr Faull.

“We look forward to unveiling even more exciting Indonesian hotels in the future, as we continue to expand our presence across the country. Our mission is to provide high-quality accommodation to guests at all price points, and to bring world-class services and standards to every corner of the Indonesian archipelago,” he said.

Swiss-Belhotel International now operates a broad collection of hotels, resorts and residences all across Indonesia. These include a choice of brands, from upper-upscale Grand Swiss-Belhotel to classic Swiss-Belhotel, extended-stay Swiss-Belresidences and economy Swiss-Belinn. The company is also rolling out its exciting new budget brand, Zest Hotels, in key Indonesian destinations.

The eighth edition of the Indonesia Travel and Tourism Awards (ITTA) was organised by the ITTA Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the growth and development of Indonesian tourism. ITTA 2017-18 recognised the country’s best hotels, resorts, suites, villas, tourism agencies, travel agents, tourist attractions and other tourism stakeholders.

Book your Swiss-Belhotel in Indonesia and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Tanzania and Turkey. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam (numbers may fluctuate).

Movenpick Hotels Signs New Manila Property

Movenpick Hotels Signs New Manila Property

Manila (Philippines) – December 21, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Movenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed a new property in Manila, expanding its portfolio in the Philippines to three properties strong, and marking another milestone in the company’s Asian expansion strategy.

Due to open in Q4 2021, Movenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City will feature a combination of 350 contemporary hotel rooms and suites and 250 stylish residences. All 600 units will offer state-of-the-art technology and upscale amenities, making the hotel ideal for both short and extended stays in Quezon City.

Located in Metro Manila, and featuring a business centre and extensive meeting space, the modern hotel is expected to appeal to leisure and corporate guests, as well as groups.

“The Philippines, which is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, is a target development market as we continue our expansion drive across Asia,” said Andrew Langdon, Global Chief Development Officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.

“Manila has been on our radar for some time and Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City, located in one of the country’s more important commercial centres, affords us the perfect opportunity to leverage the capital’s growing prosperity while showcasing our Swiss hospitality style and exceptional facilities.”

Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Quezon City will feature two upscale restaurants serving Chinese and international cuisine respectively, plus a chic rooftop restaurant and bar boasting panoramic views, which is tipped to become one of Quezon City’s most popular nightspots.

Property highlights also include a swimming pool and fitness centre, plus four function rooms and a large pillar-free ballroom, all fitted with the latest audio-visual technology and designed to host successful conferences, conventions, product launches or social events.

The hotel is just 17km from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines’ main international gateway, offering direct connections to and from major cities including London, New York, Los Angeles and Sydney.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently operates two upscale hotels in the Philippines: Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu and the recently opened Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay.

Book your Movenpick hotel in Manila Quezon City, the Philippines and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

About Movenpick Hotels & Resorts:
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 16,000 staff members, is represented in 24 countries with 83 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently in operation. Around 40 properties are planned or under construction, including those in Kuredhivaru (Maldives), The Hague (The Netherlands) and Basel (Switzerland). Focusing on expanding within its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities. Of Swiss heritage and with headquarters in central Switzerland (Baar), Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is passionate about delivering premium service and culinary enjoyment – all with a personal touch. Committed to supporting sustainable environments.

Inspiration, a Surrealistic Art Exhibition at River City Bangkok

Inspiration, a Surrealistic Art Exhibition at River City Bangkok

Bangkok (Thailand) – December 20, 2017 (travelindex) – Pagoda Art Club in collaboration with River City Bangkok cordially invites art lovers with a passion for surreal artistic paintings to experience a wide selection of surreal paintings through “Inspiration” surrealistic art exhibition by Dang Buasean, organized during 21 30 December 2017 at RCB Artery, 1st floor, River City Bangkok.

Daeng Buasan, an artist from upcountry, has a strong passion in Buddhist art since he was young. He has always been inspired by the Buddhist philosophies. He started his artist career with the creation of mixed media art. Currently, Dang Buasaen turns his interest into oil or acrylic colored paintings.

“It took two years for me to create these series of paintings for this exhibition. Daeng said that “I love and feel happy with painting as it gives me a sense of accomplishments. There are so many local and international artists that I like. Their works have just inspired and influenced me to do more paintings. Nevertheless, the purpose of this exhibition is to pay respect to those artists. Although, some were gone, their work remain valuable and endlessly inspirational to many painters from generations to generations, including me.”

A total of 17 surrealistic paintings, displayed in the exhibition will reflect how the paintings of world famous painters including Leonardo da Vinci, Oscar Claude Monet, Vincent Willem Van Gogh and many more have played an influential role to Dang Buasaen’s style of painting.

This would be a great opportunity for all art lovers to join the event to experience the beauty of surrealistic paintings and support Khun Dang Buasaen, one of Thailand’s professional artists. The opening reception of the event will be held on Thursday 21st December 2017 starting at 18.30 hrs onwards.

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.

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

Saint Ange Tourism Report – 17th December 2017

Saint Ange Tourism Report – 17th December 2017

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – December 17, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The feeling of Christmas Time is indeed upon us all. In exactly 8 days it will be Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. This is the time for giving and the time of the year for deep reflection. It is at that time of the year that many of us realise and appreciate that we are indeed very lucky to have a family we can count on, and many true friends. At Christmas time spare a thought to those who do not enjoy that privilege.

Seychelles is indeed going through a period of readjustment and adaptation. Many see it as a new Seychelles with its teething problems, whilst others see this as a time for quick gains. Some who have worked hard all their lives see a period of unsettlement where their family’s investments have now become vulnerable, others are in denial and continue with life as if nothing happens. The diverse views and take on the situation on hand shows that it takes all kind to make a world.

This brings us to our quote for this week which is from Albert Einstein: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change

Leadership is what differs a country from the other. It is what gives a better life to citizens of a country over another. Leadership erodes man-made challenges and sacrifices, because no one should be made to live with any man-made actions that often borders on an injustice.

Leadership is also respect and having the ‘needed grandeur d’esprit’, to quote Sir James Mancham, the Seychelles founding President who sadly passed away earlier this year. India saw a classic example of leadership with class this week when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the trouble to tweet a congratulatory message after the election of Rahul Gandhi as President of the Congress Party. Prime Minister Modi said in his tweet:- “I congratulate Rahul Ji on his election as Congress President. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure”. Prime Minister Modi welcomed his adversary as a Leader on the political scene of India. This is respect for others, and as Seychelles Roman Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe said in his New Year Message in 2013 `Respect for each person is the basis for true democracy`.

Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Modi, in so doing, showed that he appreciated the notion that NO ONE had a monopoly on opinions and ideas. As a seasoned leader he welcomed his challenger with no sarcasm and no ill feeling.

President Nelson Mandela of South Africa on his part once said: “No single person, nobody of opinion, no political doctrine, no religious doctrine can claim a monopoly on truth”

This week Bianca Spinner, the Lifestyle Editor of “Hello Joburg Mag” was holidaying at Constance Hotels in Seychelles. Her various posts were being monitored and followed closely, and to the credit of Seychelles as a sought after tourism destination, Bianca Spinner simply posted ‘Paradise Found’ and many more such positive messages to the thousands who follow her.

The National Geographic Traveller Magazine has also this week listed Seychelles on the “Cool List 2018”. Being on the list of cool destinations to watch for in 2018 is a great accolade to receive, especially when it is the experienced the Team of Editors and Writers at National Geographic, who are the ones listing the holiday destination as Number 14 on their “cool list for 2018”.

Seychelles listed as Number 14 on “The Cool List” 2018

Seychelles being on “The Cool List” of Holiday Destinations for 2018, and the publicly posted compliments by Bianca Spinner, puts once again the “Duty of Care” responsibility firmly on Seychelles as a tourism destination. This “Duty of Care” for all “Visitors in Seychelles”, as it should have for its very own citizens living in Paradise. This is a big responsibility, and one we should not take lightly as a country, because it is us that has to issue due warnings if and when we feel we are not in a position to ensure that adequate security and personal safety is assured for all.

Book your dream vacations, hotels and private islands in the Seychelles and around the world at best rates available only at HotelWorlds.com. Pay at the hotel. Book now!

Africa has a new Zimbabwe in its fold, and the echoes from the Tourism Industry of Zimbabwe speaks of the words of encouragement by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the new President of Zimbabwe. Words that touched on the country’s natural resources that must be exploited for national good were echoed by the President at his swearing-in ceremony and was appreciated. “The fabulous natural resources we have as a country must be exploited for national good through mutually gainful partnerships with international investors whose presence in our midst must be valued and secured”. Many from the tourism industry are today saying that the fabulous natural resources is tourism starting with the famous Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe among others.

Tourism has many challenges that continue to creep in making it always a challenge to remain on top of things whilst remaining visible and relevant. Trip Advisor, the guide to many for booking tourism services and holidays was caught when Oobah Butler, an English Journalist created a ‘Fake Restaurant’ and within only six months was able to be listed as the Number 1 Trip Advisor restaurant. With just an address and the needed facilities for making reservations on line, and a group of friends ready to play the game, all was set to trap Trip Advisor with its name, ‘The Shed at Dulwich’, to have it listed as London’s Best Restaurant.

It started off by being placed 18149th on the list of London Restaurants, and became Number 1 in just six months because friends and accomplices posted regular reviews and the restaurant, that never existed, just kept refusing bookings saying they were fully booked. A myth was thus created, and fake restaurant with the name of ‘The Shed at Dulwich’ with its garden address was soon listed as the place to be.

For Trip Advisor this coup was an embarrassment because its recommendations are based on word of mouth and this should represent ‘experienced it’, ‘seen it’ and ‘lived it’, but challenges such as the ‘Fake Restaurant’ incident makes it more difficult for genuine tourism establishments and products needing guest feedback to push their own visibility campaigns.

This week we also saw an unfortunate incident when “The Spirit of Ton Joe” cargo landing craft got stuck on the reef at La Digue island. Joe Albert and his family are important tourism players in Seychelles, and they also own one of the main quarries of the islands. That landing craft is used primarily to cart heavy construction material between the islands of the Seychelles archipelago. The Saint Ange Tourism Report wishes to sympathise with the Joseph Albert Group of Companies for this unfortunate accident.

After intense salvage operations “The Spirit of Ton Joe” was re-floated around 1am last Thursday morning, the 14 December, and it returned to base.

As the World of Entertainment recently said Good Bye to Johnny Halliday in the island of St. Barts, Myrose Hoareau of Reunion Island forwarded to us pictures and reviews of Johnny Halliday’s holiday with Nathalie Baye in Mauritius in 1985. Myrose Hoareau enjoyed the holiday with them as is seen on the cover of Reunion’s Tele 7 Jours Magazine.

Finally, as I have said before I will say it again, I will not stop to throw stones at every barking dog because this will just delay me getting to my destination, and as was said in a previous editorial:- “When people throw you stones it’s because you are a good tree full of fruits. they see a lot of harvest in you. Don’t go down to their level by throwing them back the stones, but throw them your FRUITS so the seeds of yourself may inspire them to change their ways. 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 go from strength to strength with each new Edition.

IHG and SKS Group to Debut Holiday Inn in Johor Bahru Malaysia

IHG and SKS Group to Debut Holiday Inn in Johor Bahru Malaysia

Johor Bahru City (Malaysia) – December 21, 2017 (travelindex.com) – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with SKS Hotel Residences and Resorts Sdn. Bhd., a member of SKS Group, to debut the Holiday Inn brand in the capital of Johor, Malaysia, with the new 318-room Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre.

With its flagship location in the city’s downtown core just 30 kilometres away from the Senai International Airport, the hotel will offer convenient access to international travellers, while visitors from neighbouring Singapore will appreciate the excellent pedestrian connectivity to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex (CIQ), as well as its strategic proximity to the upcoming Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS) linking Johor Bahru to Woodlands in Singapore.

Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre will be part of the Komtar JBCC mixed-use development comprising retail and commercial office spaces. Situated a stone’s throw away from two of Johor Bahru’s most popular malls – Komtar JBCC and Johor Bahru City Square – leisure guests can look forward to a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options at their doorstep or a quick stroll away, including the Angry Birds Activity Park located at the mall situated underneath the hotel. The hotel will also be connected to the Persada Johor International Convention Centre via the Persada Link Bridge covered skywalk, enabling corporate and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) delegates to commute easily to the convention centre and downtown offices.

Rajit Sukumaran, Chief Development Officer AMEA, IHG said: “Johor Bahru holds enormous economic potential that is further fuelled by its strong connectivity to Singapore – with heightened visitor influx expected with the completion of the Singapore-Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System in 2024.”

“The state government is also investing in developing the downtown area into a tourism and business hub. These factors bode well for us, representing an excellent opportunity to bring the most recognised hotel brand in the world, Holiday Inn, to Johor Bahru,” he added.

As one of the first hotels in Johor Bahru to offer internationally branded mid-scale accommodation, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre will be equipped with six meeting rooms, a business centre, as well as an outdoor pool and gym for guests to enjoy their downtime. It will also feature an all-day dining restaurant and a lounge offering the Holiday Inn brand’s signature Kids Stay and Eat Freeprogramme, where kids under the age of 12 can stay and dine for free – making it an ideal accommodation choice for family, leisure and business travellers alike.

The owner, SKS Group, is one of Johor’s largest developers with a strong hotel portfolio that includes four upcoming hotels in Western Australia, as well as several existing and pipeline hotels in Johor Bahru and Desaru.

Cindi Sim, Group Managing Director, SKS Group said: “With our growing portfolio in the hospitality industry, it is a natural progression for us to look for a hotel partner with a strong track record of operating international hotels. We are delighted to work with IHG to bring the Holiday Inn brand to Johor Bahru. The brand’s mid-scale positioning will be an excellent fit for corporate and leisure travellers, and coupled with its strategic location, we believe Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre will be well-received when it opens its doors to guests in 2020.”

The Holiday Inn brand enjoys a strong presence in the region with 23 hotels and resorts in South East Asia. In Malaysia, IHG has five hotels open across three brands: InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts, and Holiday Inn Express. The group plans to grow its presence by more than double in the next three to five years, with a further eight hotels in the country’s development pipeline.

Book your Holiday Inn hotel in Johor Bahru Malaysia and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now!

About IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group):
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, EVEN® Hotels, HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Holiday Inn Resort®, avid™ hotels, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®.

IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns nearly 5,300 hotels and more than 785,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with more than 1,500 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG® Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 350,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

About SKS Group: Founded in 1983, SKS Group is a multi-disciplinary organisation with core business that spans across property development, hospitality, investment holding and credit finance in Johor, Malaysia and Perth, Western Australia.

The Group’s hotel portfolio consists of four properties with more than 1,000 guestrooms operating in Johor Bahru and Desaru, one upcoming hotel in Johor Bahru Sentral, Malaysia and another four hotels in Perth, Western Australia. Visit www.sksgroup.com.my for more information

Legacy of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017

Legacy of International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017

Geneva (Switzerland) – December 19, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Participants from around the world joined the Official Closing ceremony of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 at the Palace of Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland. The event reviewed the year’s main achievements and discussed the roadmap for advancing the contribution of tourism towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“2017, the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, has been a unique opportunity for all of us to come together to promote the contribution of tourism to shape a better future for people and planet and to contribute to making this world a better place.“ said UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, opening of the event. “We count on you as we embark on this exciting new journey towards 2030. I trust that together, as a sector, as people with the same vision and commitment, we will go far.” he added.

“Sustainability remains the bedrock of our activity. We will continue to drive the conversation on planning for and managing tourism growth, define a sector-wide response to climate change, work on how the sector can reduce illegal trade in wildlife and contribute to inclusive job creation” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

“It is so important that we succeed in making tourism sustainable by making sustainable tourism economically viable, culturally accepted, and universally practiced.” said Michael Møller, Director General, United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). “The United Nations World Tourism Organization deserves great credit for tackling this head on throughout this past year.” he added.

“I personally believe that the future of tourism lies in enabling ICT capacities. Accordingly, we should harness those powers for smart tourism… I believe that the way forward in our journey to 2030, is smart tourism. I call on all of you to guide me and support me in this endeavor” said Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization in Jordan.

”In the future, a strong international cooperation of all relevant actors involved in the tourism sector should become the driving force to promote sustainable tourism and to implement tourism policies efficiently” said Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, State Secretary Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland.

Addressing the event was also HM King Simeon II, Special Ambassador of the IY2017 who stressed the importance of public/private partnerships for sustainable tourism.

The panel discussions counted with the participation of the Ministers of Tourism of Costa Rica, Mauricio Ventura, Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett and Kenya, Najib Balala alongside representatives of IY2017 partners such All Nippon Airways, Amadeus, the Balearic Islands Tourism Agency, ECPAT International, the Institute for Tourism and Leisure, HTW Chur University in Switzerland, Minube, Myclimate, PRMEDIACO and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the United Arab Emirates.

As part of the legacy of the IY2017, UNWTO presented the results of the ‘Tourism and SDGs’ Report developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report which looks into the links between tourism and the SDGs in national policies as well as private sector strategies shows the relevance for the sector of Goals 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

On the occasion, UNWTO launched the Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals Programme as a legacy of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. The Programme aims at advocating for the contribution of sustainable tourism´s to the 17 SDGs and encouraging the full integration of tourism and the SDGs in national, regional and global agendas. It includes the future ‘Tourism and SDGs’ online platform – a co-creation space to inspire and empower the tourism sector to act – developed by UNWTO with the support of SECO and an Ambassadors Initiative.

The Tourism and SDGs Ambassadors designated on the occasion include HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the President of Costa Rica, HE Luis Guillermo Solís, Mr. Huayong Ge, President of UnionPay China; Dr Talal Abu Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization and Dr Michael Frenzel, President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry.

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

Book your hotel in Geneva and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now!

Discover Unique Christmas Gifts at the River City Winter Gifts Fair

Discover Unique Christmas Gifts at the River City Winter Gifts Fair

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 30, 2017 (travelindex) – Looking for some unique Christmas gift ideas for this Winter? Just grab your friends and head over to join in “Winter Gifts Fair” at RCB Artery, 1st floor, River City Bangkok during 8 17 December 2017 starting from 10.00 hrs. – 22.00 hrs.

The event offers a wide variety of gifts and souvenirs at over 30 booths. Products include various types of cell phone cases and cell phone finger holders from Sayaa Gadget, chic handmade handbags from Indy Bag and Jonathan Lepkins, fragrances, bedding products, accessories, cotton clothes, linen clothes, dried fruits, bakeries, stainless equipment and many more.

It’s finally winter break, a perfect time to chill, relax and enjoy Chaophraya river’s scenery and cool breeze with various menu of food and coffee and buy some New Year’s gifts for your beloved ones in Winter Gifts Fair.

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.

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

Exciting New Hotel in Central Sapporo by Best Western Hotels Launched

Exciting New Hotel in Central Sapporo by Best Western Hotels Launched

Sapporo (Japan) – December 19, 2017 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has unveiled Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen, an exciting new midscale hotel in the center of northern Japan’s largest city.

Nestled in the heart of Sapporo’s Chuo-ku, or “central ward”, the hotel is surrounded by shops, leisure attractions, offices, and opposite the popular Odori Park. This makes Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen the ideal choice for all types of visitor to the city, including those wishing to experience the magic of the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts more than two million people to Odori Park each year. Next year’s event will be held between February 5th and 12th, 2018.

Officially opening in the first quarter of 2018, Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen features 60 comfortable and contemporary rooms, all equipped with cutting-edge facilities, spacious working areas and complimentary Wi-Fi.

“Sapporo is one of Japan’s largest cities and the gateway to the island of Hokkaido, so we are delighted to be able to cater to travelers in this vibrant city,” Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

“With its perfect downtown setting, modern rooms and excellent service standards, Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen is sure to become popular with business and leisure travelers alike. Guests can look forward to a year-round calendar of events in Odori Park, including the Hokkaido Marathon, “Sakura” cherry blossom season, Autumn Festival and, of course, the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.

“This opening marks Best Western’s return to Sapporo, as we continue to expand in Japan’s most popular destinations. With 15 hotels now either operating or under development across the country, Best Western is confirming its position as one of Japan’s leading international hotel groups,” Olivier added.

Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen is located just 600 meters from JR Sapporo Station and approximately one hour’s drive from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, which provides direct connections to and from major cities all across Asia and beyond. It is also less than two hours from the famous ski slopes and year-round outdoor activities of Niseko.

This new hotel is the latest in a series of exciting developments for Best Western in Japan. Earlier this year, Best Western Tokyo Nishikasai Grande became the company’s third property in Japan’s capital city, and the rebranding of The Hotel Nagasaki marked the launch of Asia’s first operating BW Premier Collection® hotel. Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto recently opened in Japan’s second largest city, and Best Western Yamagata Airport welcomed its first guests in October 2017.

This expansion comes as Japan prepares to host a series of major international sporting events, including the 2020 Olympic Games and the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which will include matches staged in Sapporo.

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

Contact information:
Marketing Communications Department
Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
Tel: +66 2 656 1260
Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com
Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

SUNx and IH&RA Partner for Climate Resilience

SUNx and IH&RA Partner for Climate Resilience

Hangzhou (China) – December 18, 2017 (travelindex.com) – On the final day of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) Annual Congress in Hangzhou, China an MOU was signed between IHRA and SUNx – Strong Universal Network. The agreement focuses on climate resilience and sustainable development generally, as well as specifically advancing Maurice Strong Legacy Scholarships and the Emeraude green quality program.

Ghassan Aidi, President of IH&RA – which is devoted to promoting and defending the interests of the hotel and restaurant industry worldwide said: “We are delighted to cooperate with SUNx to bring a sharper focus to our work to help Hotels and hospitality companies respond to the very real challenges of Climate Change Resilience. We share a common view that we need to make that shift now to maintain our quality service towards customers, while progressively strengthening sustainability standards.”

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Co-founder of SUNx a legacy of the late Maurice Strong – sustainable development pioneer said: “We know that Climate Change is an eXistential threat that is already here and look forward to working with IH&RA to help hospitality companies understand the urgency of responding to the challenge. We believe that our concept of Impact-Travel, measured: green: 2050 proofed can be an important strategic change agent. In addition Maurice Strong Legacy scholarships for graduate trainees will be a CSR-fuelled vehicle for preparing for the fundamental change in course that climate resilience demands.”

For further details please contact:
Professor Geoffrey Lipman
SUNx Co-founder
glipman@thesunprogram.com