Category: Latest Travel News

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization has met for the 25th time in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As its own data indicates that global tourism is on track to reach up to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the Assembly brought sector leaders together to advance a clear vision for the long-term transformation of the sector around clear priorities.

Reflecting the broad diversity of the sector, delegations from 117 countries, including 70 Ministerial level representatives, came together for the meeting of the supreme organ of the UN specialized agency for tourism for development. Ahead of the opening plenary, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili had been formally welcomed to Samarkand by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and commended his leadership in boosting levels of investment in the country’s tourism sector and his focus on education and supporting jobs.

We weathered the storm of the pandemic, and now have the opportunity to achieve the long-term transformation of the sector and leave a real legacy for global tourism

A “key moment for tourism”

Opening the General Assembly, Mr Pololikashvili said: “This General Assembly represents a key moment for us as an Organization and for tourism as a sector. We weathered the storm of the pandemic, and now have the opportunity to achieve the long-term transformation of the sector and leave a real legacy for global tourism.”

On the eve of the Assembly, the Secretary-General had published his wide-landmark goal for the sector. “The Journey to 2030: A Vision for a Sector Transformed” sets out clear priorities for the sector in the year ahead and action plans for achieving them.

Also opening the General Assembly, H.E. Aziz Abdukhakimov is Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, underscored his Government’s commitment to bolstering tourism as a pillar of national development and for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Members Applaud Progress

A key part of the First Plenary Session was the Report of the Secretary-General to Members, setting out the Organization’s achievements since the previous General Assembly, held in Madrid, Spain (December, 2021). The report focused on his five core priorities for the sector, both over the last two years and for the two years to come:

• Scale up innovation and digital transformation
• Invest in People with a focus on Human Capital, Education and Jobs
• Boost investments, financing and entrepreneurship
• Foster sustainable and green transition across tourism
• Enhance competitiveness and resilience, through statistics, market intelligence, and product development.

The report to Members also highlighted UNWTO’s heightened relevance and visibility, including as part of the wider United Nations system. During the opening day, Member States were greeted by video messages from key UN leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Director-General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. They all commended UNWTO’s central role in guiding tourism through the pandemic and setting the sector on course for a sustainable and resilient recovery.

Strong, Growing Membership

For the third consecutive General Assembly, UNWTO celebrated its growing size. In Samarkand, Belize was welcomed as the Organization’s newest Member State, taking the total to 160. The Assembly was given an overview of advanced plans to further expand Membership, including to welcome several countries it has been in long-term talks with.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In a world marked by division, bringing people together from different disciplines, sectors and geographies to consider new and different views and find pathways for agreement has never been more essential. More than 450 participants from over 80 countries gathered on 16-18 October in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils to exchange insights and advance solutions to interconnected challenges facing the world.

– A diverse network of more than 450 global experts at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2023 highlighted the value of interdisciplinary and multistakeholder solutions to economic, technological, societal and environmental challenges in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
– The cross-cutting programme in Dubai addressed harnessing artificial intelligence, accelerating the green transition, reviving productivity, addressing antimicrobial resistance and stabilizing trade.
– 30 councils developed proposals for collaboration that can create transformative change in the next three years in each of their topic areas.

From debating models of economic growth to examining the increasing effects of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) to outlining sustainable approaches to climate action and nature protection, the experts from business, government, academia and civil society aligned on shared risks, highlighted new opportunities and committed to continuing constructive, inclusive dialogue and designing proposals for collaboration.

“Future building is fueled by the innate human ability to relentlessly pursue curiosity,” said Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs, adding that the meeting was important to answer new questions in areas such as digital transformation, geopolitical and climate changes, economic and social transformations, space, and advanced science and technology.

Many experts also called for having more “difficult conversations” about how to tackle challenging trade-offs, such as between decarbonization and sustainable development, increased productivity and job disruption, and competition and collaboration.

For businesses, what may seem like short-term risks could instead be long-term opportunities, explained Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding. “Investment in sustainability is not a trade-off for business, but is actually a trade-on,” he said. “It’s about having a green mindset and shifting your perspective.”

“The ideas, insights and approaches to problem-solving discussed in the councils and cross-cutting sessions are key to creating and advancing the public-private collaboration that is necessary to address the deeply interconnected issues of today,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Testing ideas, challenging each other and fostering collective creativity as we did here will lay the foundations for new innovations and multistakeholder partnerships to meet the demands of the future.”

With recent geopolitical shocks, economic uncertainty, technological and societal shifts, and increased fragmentation, we have arguably entered “a new era,” said Mirek Dušek, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “In this context, being able to simply come together from around the world, from all walks of life, to jointly grapple with dilemmas regarding our collective future could not be more important,” he said.

The 30 Global Future Councils developed proposals that can create transformative change on specific issue areas within the next three years. These ideas will be embedded into the work of one of the Forum’s 10 Centres’ multiyear agendas, as well as published in an insight report as input ahead of the Forum’s Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, in January.

On building trust for global collaboration

Participants emphasized pathways for trust-building and collaboration in areas including advancing technology, trade and investing, and antimicrobial resistance.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Office of the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, spoke on the need to come together to govern AI. “Our view in the UAE is if you’re proactive you tend to be more light-touched than heavy-handed. If you work with the private sector, you ensure that innovation does not get hindered. My rallying cry, everyone, is we need to start. We’re already extremely late.”

“The impact of AI is astronomical, and we haven’t even scratched the surface,” said Khalfan Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Future Foundation. “You need to make sure you create a safe environment, be more inclusive and have the right conversations.”

To support business leaders, the Forum published a white paper on harnessing the AI revolution in industrial operations. Participants also highlighted the potential of technological developments to transform global trade, from increasing traceability and transparency to improving forecasting and inventory control, but they also emphasized the importance of protecting trade relations when geopolitical tensions rise.

“Geopolitics are so intertwined with trade policy that it’s not economic rationale driving decisions,” said Mona Haddad, Global Director, Trade, Investment and Competitiveness, The World Bank. “There is vulnerability to be dependent on a few key countries. Let us carve out sensitive issues and safeguard most of the multilateral trade regime.”

Sally Davies, Master, Trinity College, University of Cambridge, called for urgent global collaboration to address anti-microbial resistance and the spread of “super bugs,” which are among the leading causes of death around the world. It is not only a matter of human health, she stressed, but also has related repercussions for food, environmental and economic security.

Global Future Councils are advancing insights and solutions in this area by:

– Exploring the effects of deglobalization on firms, economies, innovation and societies
– Establishing guiding principles for technology policy
– Facilitating better data exchange within and across counties for cybersecurity
– Assessing the significance of metaverse technologies to industries and economies

On innovation for inclusive growth

Councils and cross-cutting sessions explored what economic growth means in the current context, proposed the kind of growth we should be striving for, and shared ideas on how to create inclusive, sustainable economies.

“We still need growth, but it’s the quality of growth that matters,” said Kumi Kitamori Deputy Director, Environment Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). “It needs to be green, and it needs to be inclusive.”

Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance, London Business School, argued for defining growth not just in physical capital (measured GDP), but also in human capital (education and skills), natural capital (climate and nature), and financial capital (access and assets).

As global shocks and advancing technology create new opportunities and risks, many participants made the case for investing in education and skills to prepare people for future of work.

“The skills gap is huge,” said Eric Parrado, Chief Economist and General Manager, Research Department, The Inter-American Development Bank. “We have to change how we teach kids, we have to change education, and we have to do training for our workers.”

Masood Ahmed, President, Centre for Global Development, also pointed out the need for focusing on development pathways for emerging and low-income countries to raise living standards. “Today, you see income growth stalling in many countries, the gap between the rich and the poor countries, which was narrowing is now stagnant or widening in some cases, and the combination of global challenges, and the geopolitics that have now made it harder to cooperate to deal with global challenges, poses a big threat to the development progress we’ve seen,” he said.

Global Future Councils are advancing insights and solutions in this area by:

– Defining key concepts including equitable transition and responsible investing
– Investigating potential future shocks and their impact on supply chains
– Creating fresh proposals for policy-makers to support efforts to drive good job creation
– Exploring investments, incentives and partnerships to advance social mobility and close gender gaps

On collective action for climate and nature

Councils also explored topics related to addressing the climate and nature crisis, including clean air, an equitable energy transition and urban mobility.

“We need to think radically differently” about how to urgently protect our planet while also helping the world’s most vulnerable, said Sandor Mulsow, Tenure Professor, Austral University of Chile.

A new report highlights the urgency of the climate crisis facing the Middle East and North African region and provided a blueprint for decarbonization policies that would ensure greater economic diversification, new high-quality jobs and global leadership in sustainable technologies.

“Bold action is required, and it’s required now,” said Henadi Al Saleh, Chair of the Board of Directors, Agility. “From a business perspective, we do see navigating this green pathway beneficial, from revenue contribution, contributing to country targets and at the same time attracting investors.”

Melissa C. Lott, Director, Research and Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, also mentioned the importance of advancing the energy transition while also addressing sustainable development gaps.

“How do we think about creating a future and having a transition pathway that doesn’t make those gaps wider?” she asked. “How do we think not just about minimizing risks to communities that have faced risks in the past and face risks moving forward but where are opportunities realized? How do we provide accessibility?”

Global Future Councils are advancing insights and solutions in this area by:

– Unlocking and de-risking key investments and action across climate and nature systems
– Creating methods for evaluating air quality performance and trends
– Surfacing practical solutions to accelerate the pace of the energy transition
– Building an evidence-based framework for creating sustainable food and water systems

About the Global Future Councils
The World Economic Forum’s network of Global Future Councils is a multistakeholder, interdisciplinary insights network designed to address critical global challenges through transformative ideas. It consists of 30 councils made up of experts across business, government, academia and civil society, from more than 80 countries, who are nominated for two-year terms.

New York, NY, United States, October 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) in partnership with the Global ReformBnB Forum extends a warm invitation to hospitality industry public affairs professionals for the 6th Global ReformBnB General Assembly in Washington D.C, November 15-17th.

Today, our world presents new challenges for hoteliers and the wider tourism industry, more than we’ve seen in decades. Amidst buzzwords like “polycrisis,” “simultaneity,” and “de-globalization,” our sector grapples with unique challenges; the growing dominance of OTAs, the largely unchecked landscape of short-term rentals, the rapid expansion of the tourism sector and the pressure it puts on host communities, and the challenge of re-designing hospitality on a sustainable footing.

Public advocates are, in many ways, the interface between the hotel industry and the world, and our role extends beyond mere observation of its challenges. We strategize, find innovative solutions, and advocate for favorable governmental policies – or, at the very least, ones that won’t hinder our progress.

In doing this, global collaboration is a great help, giving us the opportunity to share knowledge, insights, and best practices. To benefit from this, we have organized an international conference for hotel industry advocates.

Our line-up of esteemed speakers includes Terrell McSweeny, former head of the Federal Trade Commissioner; Amanda Hite, CEO of STR; Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London, and more. They will enrich our program with their expertise, interspersed with networking opportunities, a dinner, and engaging activities.

We will be delighted to see you there and invite you to register online.

London, United Kingdom, October 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announce a major new partnership, aligning to establish a structured framework for hotel sustainability, leading to GSTC Certification.

The partnership endorses the existing WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics whilst paving the way for a stepped progression toward GSTC Certification* for sustainable hotels.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, GSTC and WTTC are joining forces to send a potent message to the market regarding the coherence and collaboration in the Travel & Tourism sector.

The three-stage framework for hotel sustainability will now see the integration between the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics verification and GSTC Certification*, designed to support hotels in their pathway towards full sustainability. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Collaborating with an esteemed body like GSTC reinforces our dedication to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. It’s imperative that we work with key global players like GSTC to drive change, set benchmarks, and inspire others to follow.

With members spanning across the world, GSTC’s rigorous accreditation program not only elevates our initiative but also ensures that the hospitality sector worldwide moves toward a unified vision of sustainability.”

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, added, “WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics is a finely crafted entry level for hotels of any size and type to begin their journey to sustainable practices. GSTC’s certification by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies is recognised widely as the gold standard in certification of sustainable hotels, with the highest levels of assurance that exists.

Today’s announcement of the combined pathway provides clarity for beginning and for continuous improvement. Stages must be just that, stages, and not levels to reach and stay in place.” Randy Durband, GSTC CEO

The WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics are already accessible to the industry, and the next phase in collaboration with GSTC is scheduled to launch in 2024.

This will provide the crucial stepping stone between WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics, a three-year programme, and GSTC’s rigorous certification, ensuring a gradual yet comprehensive progression towards sustainability in hospitality.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels®, has continued its rapid expansion in Thailand with the launch of Best Western Click Sathorn 11, Bangkok.

Nestled in a quiet residential street, just moments from the soaring skyscrapers of Sathorn Road, Bangkok’s main financial district, and not far from the lively Silom area and Chao Phraya River, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 is perfectly suited to business and leisure travelers alike.

This modern midscale hotel features 119 contemporary rooms, each of which is fully equipped with comfortable king or twin beds and modern amenities, including a Smart TV and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Throughout their stay, guests can enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the fashionable onsite restaurant. For complete relaxation, the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip with views of the city.

Alternatively, curious explorers can head out and explore the local area which includes shopping at Asiatique The Riverfront, diverse dining at a choice of Thai and international restaurants, world-class medical care at Saint Louis Hospital, and breath-taking views from the Mahanakhon SkyWalk. Saint Louis BTS skytrain station is just a short stroll away, putting the entire city within easy reach.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of another exceptional hotel in Bangkok. This dynamic city is one of the world’s most popular visitor destinations, with a wealth of iconic attractions for all ages. With its unique location that blends residential seclusion and easy access to several central districts, including Sathorn, Silom and the Chao Phraya riverside, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 is set to become a popular option for all types of traveler,” commented Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Thailand recorded 15.32 million international arrivals in the first seven months of 2023, which means that the country is on track towards achieving its target of 25 million overseas visitors this year.

Catering for this upswing in demand, BWH Hotels has celebrated a series of recent hotel openings in Thailand. The group now offers eleven properties in Bangkok, covering six of its intuitive, industry-leading brands: WorldHotels Elite, Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Vīb®, SureStay Plus® and SureStay Collection®. This makes BWH Hotels one of the Thai capital’s leading international hotel operators.

For more information about BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Europe’s tourism leaders have met to advance plans for stronger collaboration both within and outside of the region, including through the landmark Agenda for Europe.

The UNWTO Commission for Europe met within the framework of the 25th session of the Organization’s General Assembly, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. For its second gathering of the year, the meeting brought together high-level representatives from nearly 40 European countries to discuss the challenges impacting the tourism industry in the European region and the way ahead.

Samarkand, with its rich history and cultural significance, serves as an inspiring backdrop for our discussions on the future of European tourism

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for its warm hospitality to all the members and participants of the Organization’s highest statutory meeting:  “Samarkand, with its rich history and cultural significance, serves as an inspiring backdrop for our discussions on the future of European tourism. Together, we can shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector.”

Agenda for European Tourism

The members of the Commission for Europe discussed and adopted the “Agenda for Europe – Tourism Leading the Change,” an initiative proposed by Greece, during the Commission’s 66th meeting, when it was the Commission’s Chair, with the aim of boosting tourism activities in Europe, increasing cooperation levels, and strengthening collaboration with the other UNWTO regions.

The proposed “Agenda for Europe” was elaborated by a dedicated Working Group, comprised by representatives of Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine (current Chair of the Commission for Europe). The Working Group consulted in this regard with the other European members and the Secretariat. The Secretary-General will report to the Executive Council and the General Assembly on this proposed Agenda.

Uzbekistan to Host Silk Road Tourism Hub

The Establishment of UNWTO Thematic Office for Tourism on the Silk Road in Samarkand, Uzbekistan was also one of the key topics of discussion during this 69th meeting of the Commission. The government of Uzbekistan had put forward a proposal to establish the first UNWTO Thematic Office specifically dedicated to the advancement of Tourism on Silk Road, in recognition of the significance role of the Silk Road in promoting global tourism. It underlined that this ambitious initiative was another expression of the commitment of Uzbekistan to a sustainable and resilient tourism development.

Advancing Youth and Gender Empowerment

The Secretary-General took the opportunity to unveil to the members of Commission for Europe, the release of the Youth4Tourism: A Handbook to Champion Youth Participation in Tourism at the National Level, an initiative, part of the Global Youth Tourism Platform, aimed at increasing youth participation in the tourism sector at the national level. The Handbook provides guidelines for organizing physical and virtual events, along with useful activity examples.

As one of UNWTO’s key priorities, the Secretary-General invited national tourism authorities to implement these guidelines and offer to children and youth, new opportunities to gain knowledge and develop sustainable skills. Through the Handbook the younger generation will be able to explore different aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism and formulate their own vision for the future of tourism, aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. During the Commission meeting, Slovenia and Uzbekistan announced their willingness to host the future editions of the Global Youth Tourism Summit, in 2024 and 2026.

Also in Samarkand, UNWTO signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Ministry of Culture and Moldova State University for the implementation of the Skills Training and the Gender and Tourism Training under the framework of the “Empowering Young Women: Sustainable Livelihoods through Tourism” project in the Republic of Moldova.

Uzbekistan Reaffirms Support for Tourism

Deputy Chair of the Government Commission on Tourism Development and Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Aziz Abdukhakimov, underlined the Uzbekistan Government’s firm commitment to advancing sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. He said: “Today, international tourism demonstrates its efficiency and resilience to new challenges and realizations. For our countries, the tourism industry is a strategic industry, contributing to the growth of prosperity, creating new jobs and strengthening social and humanitarian ties in society.”

As an integral part of the historic Silk Road, Uzbekistan is making comprehensive efforts to promote this tourist destination and aims to ensure its long-term development by establishing the first UNWTO Thematic Office for Tourism on the Silk Road in Samarkand.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan, October 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Affiliate Members of the World Tourism Organization, made up of businesses, destinations and civil society actors, have met to bolster public-private cooperation around shared goals.

The Affiliate Members Plenary Session, the most important statutory meeting of the Affiliate Members, met for the 44th time within the framework of the 25th UNWTO General Assembly, held this week in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Expansion Strategy

Under the theme “Enhancing tourism through public-private cooperation” 150 participants, representing around 70 Affiliate Members met in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, to debate the state of the Affiliate Membership, the main results achieved since the previous Plenary Session, analyse the evolution and results of the ongoing expansion strategy for a quality oriented and geographically balanced Membership and share information and proposals for future projects and collaborations.

In this context, the Affiliate Members Department presented the UNWTO Programme of Work for the period 2024-2025. Among more than 50 different contributions received, selected Affiliate Members had the opportunity to take the stage and explain more in detail the projects and initiatives submitted and that will be implemented in the near future with the Affiliate Members Department and UNWTO’s support.

Recognizing Long-Term Allies

The session also featured a special Award Ceremony in recognition of long-standing Affiliate Members, for their valuable contributions to the successful fulfillment of the mission of the Organization during over 30 years of Membership. Among the awardees, 12 Affiliate Members have been recognized in the bronze category (more than 30 years of Affiliate Membership), 14 in the silver category (more than 40 years of Affiliate Membership) and 1 for the gold category (50 years of Affiliate Membership).

On this occasion, Affiliate Members have also been introduced to the new modernized platform that the Affiliate Members Department will launch in the following weeks, which will provide a more interactive and dynamic management of the network while enhancing networking and collaboration within the Affiliate Members’ network.

The Plenary Session offered the perfect stage to highlight some of the opportunities for Affiliate Members to further engage with UNWTO in two of the main priority topics of the Organization, namely education and the protection of tourists. This is a crucial effort to ensure a better integration of the Affiliate Membership in the UNWTO agenda.

Shelbyville, Tenn, United States, October 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Uncle Nearest, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey company of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, has proudly secured ownership of Domaine Saint Martin. Nestled along the scenic Charente River in the city of Cognac, France, this esteemed estate traces its lineage back over 350 years, first to the Lord Mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville, and subsequently to various cognac-making luminaries including the Martell family, its four-generation custodian.

Portion of Domaine Saint Martin, now owned by a French subsidiary of Uncle Nearest, Inc.
Encompassing over 100 acres with Charente River frontage and a unique island, the property adjoins a significant cooperage, expansive cellars, and a distillery. Furthermore, its 50 acres dedicated to Grande Champagne vineyards make it Cognac city’s crown jewel. To be labeled Cognac, the spirit must be exclusively produced in the Cognac region of France, which comprises six distinct crus. The Grande Champagne cru stands out as the most sought-after.

“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in Cognac echoes this essence,” remarked Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO.

Throughout the past year, Weaver and her team, involving key spirits industry figures, have delved deep into Cognac’s roots, extracting groundbreaking insights which she believes will captivate global audiences.

“Our brand strategy pivots from the norm. We are unveiling a short film first at several film festivals, then launching the brand,” teased Weaver, hinting at an exploration of Cognac’s history that surpasses even Uncle Nearest’s meticulous research standards. Similar to The Story of Nearest Green, this cinematic portrayal of Cognac’s ascent across America, Europe, and Asia will be narrated by award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, with filming commencing this Spring.

Spirits industry stalwart, Adrian Parker, takes the helm as president of this new venture, which is owned by Uncle Nearest, Inc., but will not share the same brand name. He is flanked by seasoned spirits professionals Brielle Caruso, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer, and Chauncey Hamlett from The Formulation Group, who heads innovation.

“Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never before been seen,” said Adrian Parker. “In four years, they have grown Nearest Green Distillery to the seventh most visited distillery in the world. While there recently, I observed cars backed up for 1.5 miles each way trying to get in, with more than 14,000 visiting that weekend. The Uncle Nearest team went from distribution in one state to all 50 states in less than two years and their sales now rank them in the top 10 of all ultra-premium American whiskey companies, the only independent company in that ranking.”

Parker, Caruso, Hamlett, and the Cognac team are entrusted with expanding upon Uncle Nearest’s success blueprint. The strategic roadmap, according to Weaver, entailed exhaustive historical research as the foundation, collaborating with a globally renowned artist to amplify the story, assembling a top-tier team that is finely attuned to the discerning Cognac consumer’s desires, and then securing a well-known historic property as provenance.

While more will be unveiled in 2024, Weaver has invited her vast community on Instagram to join her and the Uncle Nearest team on this exhilarating journey as they seek to prove lightning in a bottle can strike twice.

About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand’s portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, amassing over 900 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 581 Gold medals or higher, which includes 97 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 30,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 432-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The highly anticipated ASEAN Café Show 2023 is back and bigger than ever before! Presented by Kavin Intertrade, this exceptional event will grace us from October 26 to 29, held at Halls 103-104, BITEC, Bangkok.

With the support of The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Department of Agriculture, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and The Office of SMEs Promotion and Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion, this year’s edition boasts an expanded exhibition area spanning an impressive 10,000 square meters. Over 250 companies from Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Singapore will participate as exhibitors, unveiling innovative products and services that allow visitors to explore the latest trends and technological advancements.

The show will feature diverse product categories, including equipment for coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream parlours, raw materials, packaging, shop solutions, ready-to-serve drinks, confectioneries, and more.

In addition to this extensive product showcase, Kavin Intertrade has joined forces with various esteemed associations, such as the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, the Barista Association of Thailand, the Thai Coffee Association, the Thailand Coffee and Tea Association, and the Bakery Association (Thailand), to curate nearly 50 invaluable activities. These activities are designed to enhance the skills of operators and visitors alike, offering opportunities to learn and refine their craft. Barista champions, renowned chefs, and industry experts will share their expertise in crafting exquisite coffee, tea, beverages, bakery items, and ice cream recipes.

One of the standout events of the show is the annual Thailand National Coffee Roasting Championship 2024, organized in collaboration with the Barista Association of Thailand. It will determine the champion who will represent Thailand on the global stage in Denmark next year.

Here are some of the highlights:
• Coffee Cupping: Indulge in the rich flavours of award-winning Thai coffee beans from the Thailand Department of Agriculture’s 2023 competition.
• Champion Village: Witness the skills of Thai barista champions, both past and present, and learn from world-class baristas who will share their secrets to brewing exceptional coffee.
• Thai GI Coffees Mini-exhibition and Tasting: Embark on a sensory journey to savour the unique charm of coffee beans from various geographical sources. Taste their exceptional and internationally recognized flavours at the Coffee GI exhibition (Geographical Indicator Banner). Featuring coffee beans from the Singha Cave, Thep Sadej, and Dong Ma Fai.
• Coffee Seminar and Discussion: Expand your knowledge and stay updated with the latest coffee industry trends by joining seminars and discussions led by experts and coffee connoisseurs. They will guide you towards the sustainable development of the Thai coffee industry.
• Bakery, Chocolate, Ice Cream, and Beverage Demonstrations: Be captivated by mesmerizing demonstrations in these delightful categories.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Register today for a fast-track entry. It is free!
https://eventpassinsight.co/kavin/publics/create/visitor/acs23/step1/en

Bangkok, Thailand, October 12, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, launches “Kissuisen,” the first premium Japanese restaurant that offers a combination of the authentic elements of Japanese culture and cuisine in a beautifully curated dining experience at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse.

• Kissuisen offers four premium restaurants with four original types of authentic Japanese cuisine in one place : CHI IZAKAYA BAR & DINING” presents vibrant and lively Izakaya-style Japanese cuisine, “KAEN TEPPANYAKI AND GRILL” presents Japanese cuisine in the Teppanyaki style, “SEIFU OMAKASE BAR” presents Japanese cuisine in the Omakase style with premium seasonal ingredients, “MIZU SAKE BAR” offers a rare and exclusive collection of sake from distilleries in Japan.

• The restaurant incorporates design elements inspired by Japan’s philosophical ‘Godai‘ elements: earth, fire, wind, and water.

• Offering outstanding authentic Japanese recipes curated by Japanese chefs with the essence of culture by using premium seasonal ingredients. Featuring a wide selection of rare and exclusive Japanese Sake, providing a truly authentic Japanese restaurant dining experience.

With an exquisite menu meticulously created by Japanese chefs, the restaurant offers four restaurants with four original types of authentic Japanese cuisine in one place: “CHI IZAKAYA BAR & DINING” presents vibrant and lively Izakaya-style Japanese cuisine, “KAEN TEPPANYAKI AND GRILL” presents Japanese cuisine in the Teppanyaki style, “SEIFU OMAKASE BAR” presents Japanese cuisine in the Omakase style with premium seasonal ingredients, “MIZU SAKE BAR” offers a rare and exclusive collection of sake from distilleries in Japan, and “PRIVATE DINING ROOMS” offer a Bento style set menu, all inspired by Japan’s philosophical ‘Godai’ elements: earth, fire, wind, and water. The interior is adorned with unique materials and designs, offering an impressive Japanese dining experience for both Thai and international guests while enhancing the Silom-Surawongse area as world-class destination for pleasure and culinary delights.

Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, said that “AWC is delighted to introduce ‘Kissuisen,’ which brings together the art of four authentic Japanese restaurants and cuisines in one place. Kissuisen offers diverse flavors and culinary arts from seasonal ingredients prepared by experienced and world-class award-winning chefs, led by ‘Chef X, Attapol Naito Thangthong’, an Executive Chef at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, together with Japanese cuisine chef ‘Chef Yuichi Mitsui’ and ‘Chef Ken, Chawarit Inoue’ to co-create special menus for customers and authentic Japanese food lovers. The unique decor makes guests feel like they are dining in a traditional Japanese house, right in the heart of Bangkok.”

“Kissuisen” means “Purity” in Japanese, reflecting the beauty of nature to reveal the true essence of the culinary art and the art of decoration in the restaurant. Each floor is adorned with premium-grade materials and distinctive designs in accordance with the traditions and cultures of various types of dining. Starting from the entrance, guests are welcomed to relax in the ambience of the serene Zen garden with sand art and bonsai trees. Inside the restaurant, the decor features high-quality materials of Hinoki, a sacred fragrant wood from the Land of the Rising Sun that emits a unique fragrance. This extends to the architectural elements specific to Japanese design, including Tatami mats, Japanese Shoji sliding door, a Genkan reception area, Engawa walkways along the veranda, and interior decorations crafted from wooden sake barrels to create an atmosphere for dining and enhancing the sophistication of the authentic Japanese dining experience.

“Kissuisen” restaurant embodies the essence of an authentic Japanese dining experience in four main styles including:

CHI IZAKAYA BAR & DINING (Earth) located on the 1st and Mezzanine Floors, presents vibrant and lively Izakaya-style Japanese cuisine. The menu features artfully crafted dishes by Binchotan, premium-grade charcoal, known for its distinctive aroma. This dedication to purity and quality is highly praised and is a cornerstone of many renowned Izakayas. Among the highlighted dishes are Charcoal-seared tuna tataki or Gyu karubi yaki. PRIVATE DINING ROOMS located on the 2nd floor, consist of three uniquely decorated rooms, catering to customers seeking privacy or conducting business meetings. It offers a Bento style set menu for lunch, and Ozen set menu for dinner, with a variety of authentic Japanese dishes available.

KAEN TEPPANYAKI AND GRILL (Fire) located on the 3rd floor, this venue presents Japanese cuisine in the Teppanyaki style. It offers a taste experience using the elements of fire enhanced by the artistry and culinary skills of experienced chefs. The ingredients used are of premium quality and vary according to the seasons, such as Phuket lobster and Matsusaka Beef Sirloin, renowned for its high-quality in Japan.

SEIFU OMAKASE BAR (Wind) located on the 4th floor, this venue offers Japanese cuisine in Omakase style. It draws inspiration from the beautiful patterns on the restaurant’s walls, which convey the story of the seasonal winds that bring forth the finest produce such as mountain vegetables and selections from the fish market. These carefully selected ingredients are presented on the dining table, showcasing the art of taste with precision and expertise by Chef Yuichi Mitsui. Offering Omakase standard course for lunch and dinner for THB 4,588++ with 12 pieces, and an Exclusive course for dinner for THB 8,888++ with 15 pieces.

MIZU SAKE BAR (Water) The Sake Bar, located on the 5th-floor rooftop, offers an exclusive experience in the art of Japanese-style beverages. It showcases a rare and exclusive collection of sake from distilleries in Japan, as well as special sake-based cocktails. These beverages are complemented by a selection of Japanese-style appetizers, providing a truly exceptional way to conclude your special evening.

“Kissuisen,” a premium Japanese restaurant, has been designed as a gathering venue for special occasions, business negotiations, or anyone who appreciates Japanese cuisine. It caters to customers seeking a comprehensive variety of offerings in one place. “Kissuisen” is the fifth restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, representing a fusion of diverse national cultures. This includes “Praya Kitchen,” offering traditional Thai cuisine and international buffets; “Yao Restaurant,” presenting modern Chinese cuisine with a private dining room; “Yao Rooftop Bar,” providing a menu of food and beverages with views of the city and the Chao Phraya River, perfect for evenings from the rooftop; The Lobby Lounge; and Pool Bar. The facilities also include large ballrooms, function rooms, The Surawongse Rooftop, a spacious outdoor garden on the rooftop, accommodating up to 300 guests, ideal for various events. AWC believes that the introduction of “Kissuisen” will further enhance the potential of the Silom-Surawongse area, positioning it as a leading destination for Japanese-style food and beverages in Bangkok”, Mrs. Wallapa concluded.

“Kissuisen” restaurant is located in the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse. The Isakaya, the Private Dining Room, the Teppanyaki, and the Omakase, are open daily for both lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Sake bar is also open daily in the evening, from 5:00 PM until midnight.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.assetworldcorp-th.com/en/home.