Category: Latest Travel News

Sydney, Australia, August 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Leading global hotel brand, BWH Hotels (BWH), announces the signing of new, stylish 120-room hotel, Aiden SCQ, the first Aiden property of BWH’s newest lifestyle boutique brand in Western Australia to join the successful Aiden Darling Harbour opened in 2022.

Situated as the anchor tenant to the new-build, connected urban precinct, Sydney Charles Quarter (SCQ), built by development and investment partner, APPL Group, Aiden SCQ will be an upper mid-scale hotel featuring a six-story building comprised of 80 hotel rooms and 40 apartments with balcony access, a rooftop bar & restaurant, conference & event spaces, outdoor event lawn and pool with a poolside lounge area. Located in West Perth, Aiden will be the jewel in the crown of this dynamic destination for people to live, work and visit.

Danilo Curcuruto, Director of Development at BWH Hotels Australasia, enthuses, “Aiden’s extraordinary global success story continues with remarkable growth and high demand in the Australasian Region. We’re excited to introduce this trendsetting lifestyle brand to the new, exciting precinct of Perth’s Sydney Charles Quarter, confident it will thrive and contribute to its remarkable journey.”

Sydney Charles Quarter will be a mixed-use development area bounded by Charles Street, Newcastle Street, Golding Street and Old Aberdeen Place located on 2.2 hectares. The precinct stage one will include six buildings comprising Aiden SCQ, residential apartments, co-living micro-apartments, commercial office space, fitness, food and beverage offerings, a gourmet supermarket, event spaces, potential for artist’s residences and over 500 parking spaces.

Working in partnership with the APPL Group, the developers behind the full-scale construction of SCQ’s mixed-use urban development, BWH Hotels will further expand the boutique Aiden property portfolio throughout Australasia with the launch of Aiden SCQ.

Michelle Prater, Director of SCQ Pty Ltd says, “The vision for SCQ was to create a vibrant modern connected village. The concept is unique and we’re looking forward to partnering with BWH Hotels to bring the Aiden brand to life in a way that’s exceptional to the precinct’s dynamic persona.”

Collaborating with Mandala Hospitality Group, the brand will manage the operations and property management solutions expanding their portfolio into the West Perth precinct. Mandala will offer full-scale management support including a range of services to oversee the efficient operation and success of the hotel including Operational Management, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Front Office Staff, Human Resources, Property Maintenance and more.

John Zeckendorf, Owner & Principal of Mandala Hospitality Groups says, “We’re delighted to be collaborating with BWH on this opportunity to bring to life the Aiden brand in a new market. It makes for a great opportunity to expand our portfolio in WA and showcase our hotel management solutions. We look forward to this exciting prospect.”

Since the opening of Aiden Darling Harbour in February 2022, the Aiden brand has grown rapidly throughout the world and received international acclaim for its 14 properties located in the US, Germany, Austria, South Korea, France and Italy with 30 Aiden properties recently opened in Scandinavia. Perth, Western Australia will be the latest new addition to the portfolio, continuing its impressive growth trajectory with additional properties scheduled to open in other parts of the world.

Located on the old site of City Motors, the hotel design will pay homage to the rich automotive and cultural histories of the site, with artwork and recycled building components strategically integrated throughout the development. In true Aiden style, guest rooms, reception and foyer will be thoughtfully designed featuring vibrant works of art including sculptures, murals and paintings designed to hero the locale’s rich history.

The Aiden brand reinvigorates the city hotel experience offering affordable luxury, combined with soulful and sophisticated boutique charm. It is designed to break the mould of the stereotypical lifestyle hotel creating a gateway location to the CBD, walking distance from Northbridge, CBD and Leederville and located within Perth’s celebrated Pickle District.

Construction on the interconnected urban village will commence in mid-2024 and completion is estimated mid-2026.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality network comprised of three hotel brands, including WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global network boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands globally 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.

For more information visit www.worldhotels.com, www.bestwestern.com and www.surestay.com.
For BWH Hotels Development opportunities: joinbwhhotels.com.au

About Sydney Charles Quarter
Sydney Charles Quarter is a visionary mixed-use development bounded by Charles Street, Newcastle Street, Golding Street and Old Aberdeen Place in West Perth, Western Australia.

The 2ha site features six buildings comprising residential, a 120-bed short-stay hotel, commercial office space, gym, food and beverage offerings, speciality commercial, a supermarket, rooftop bar, events spaces and potential for artist’s residences. Sydney Charles Quarter will also offer over 500 parking spaces.

Located on the old site of City Motors, construction will commence in mid-2024 and completion is estimated mid-2026.

Phuket, Thailand, August 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / On 11th September 2023, Travelindex will announce the winners of its 2023 TOP25 Restaurants Phuket Awards, highlighting the favorite restaurants that illustrate why the Thai island is a favorite dining destination for gourmets and gourmands.

The 2023 Awards Certificate Ceremony event will be held at the prestigious InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket. It’ll also be the first in-person awards in Phuket, as the previous top 25 restaurants in Phuket were revealed by digital announcements only. Expect the announcements to also appear on the Instagram page, Threads, and X feeds.

We are eager to share the 2023 Award Winners in Phuket, said Bernard Metzger, founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series. Phuket’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served on the island. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and can’t wait to reveal some new discoveries.”

On the day, we’ll find out who the TOP25 Restaurants in Phuket, as well as who the Chefs behind this fabulous recognition. The list of the award winners, as well as all nominated and recognized restaurants, will then be available online.

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are AI-powered and based on the Travelindex-owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index“. The multi-tier rating combines the power of crowd wisdom (social media and review sites) with artificial intelligence (AI) behavioral algorithms enhanced with guidance and expertise from on-the-ground experts, making it a true and objective curation and measuring standard.

The Restaurant Rating Index is a recognized benchmark for rating quality restaurants, and chefs strive to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it increases the restaurant’s reputation and draws in more customers. The restaurants listed always provide an unforgettable dining experience.

To view all Phuket Restaurants Nominees, please go to the Phuket website here

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex
Travelindex is a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning tourists. The TOP25 Restaurants guides leverage the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise to curate a premium selection of restaurants and dining choices, wherever you are. We bring together the best of all cuisines, with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of food and service. The annual TOP25 Awards showcase the most outstanding restaurants and the ultimate collection of dining venues. In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Delhi. www.top25restaurants.com

About the InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket
Inspired by Phuket’s natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s five restaurants and bars offer contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea, and delicacies at Devas’ Lounge. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, six swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and the Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has already garnered international awards such as ‘2019 Readers Choices: The Best Overseas Hotel’ from Travel + Leisure China ‘2019 Best Overseas Hotel’ from Voyage, China, 2022 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and LEED Gold Certification since its official opening in November 2019. Visit us online for more information about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Phuket, Thailand, August 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket’s leading chefs to shine a light on the flourishing sustainable gastronomy movement, with live cooking demonstrations on 4th September and important CSR projects to support local communities. The flourishing farm-to-fork movement will take centre stage at PHIST 2023 (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism), as a group of leading chefs demonstrate how Michelin ratings can raise the bar for sustainability and social responsibility in Thailand.

PHIST 2023, Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality sectors, returns to Phuket on 4th September with an energizing full-day itinerary of interactive debates, discussions and exhibitions, headlined by some of the industry’s biggest names such as Banyan Tree founder KP Ho and design icon Bill Bensley.

Now, it has been revealed that attendees at SAii Laguna Phuket will also be treated to a showcase of world-class farm-to-fork gastronomy by three of the region’s most highly-acclaimed culinary figures: Rick Dingen, Executive Chef at Jampa Restaurant, who has earned a prestigious Michelin Green accolade for his commitment to zero-waste cuisine; Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket, who manages the Veya Pharm organic garden which focuses on clean farming methods; and Tipaporn Phianthong, Head Chef of Banyan Tree Phuket’s Saffron Restaurant.

At PHIST 2023, these celebrated chefs will stage a series of exciting live cooking demonstrations. Guests will be able to get up-close to the action, learn why sustainable, farm-to-fork and zero-waste dining is so important, and of course, sample the chefs’ mouth-watering culinary creations.

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and co-organiser of PHIST 2023, said: “We are excited to feature these three world-class farm-to-fork chefs at PHIST. Travel to resort islands in Asia has moved beyond the beach; for many guests, trying amazing artisan food gives them a true sense of place. Adopting sustainable practices isn’t just great for the planet, it can help restaurants create authentic dining experiences, support local suppliers, and attract travelling foodies.”

Organic cuisine is at the heart of Banyan Tree Group’s culinary ethos. Xavier Charest-Rehel, Executive Chef at Banyan Tree Phuket, has established the Veya Pharm, which focuses on highly nutritious ingredients such as mushrooms, passionfruit, tomatoes, mulberries, chilies and a wide variety of herbs and spices, all of which are used in the resort’s restaurants and staff canteen.

Chef Xavier commented: “At Banyan Tree Group, we have been committed to the process of using seasonal, regional produce in our kitchens for years, and we are dedicated to finding sustainable alternatives that positively impact the environment and local communities. I am looking forward to showcasing our farm-to-table strategy at PHIST 2023.”

Phuket Hotels Association, the co-organiser of PHIST 2023, actively promotes farm-to-fork dining and zero waste. Under its “Green Planet School” project, the association also helps Phuket’s schools to manage small organic gardens, allowing children to learn about growing their own food and protecting the environment. This initiative has already been rolled out to four schools, each of which has been assigned to one of the association’s member hotels.

To register, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/phist-6-phuket-hotels-island-sustaining-tourism-tickets-644279787187

Bangkok, Thailand, August 29, 2023 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / TAAN by Pranai Phornprapha, Managing director of Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok and Chef Monthep Kamolsilp, TAAN Executive Chef invite you to experience new seasonal menu, “Ayutthaya” inspired by the ancient city of Ayutthaya, this menu pays homage to the diverse influences that have contributed to Thailand’s culinary heritage. With the honor from Natapohn Tameeruks, Peranee Kongthai, Nittha Kuhapremkit, Jongkol Palarit, Veekrit Palarit, Janesuda Parnto, and Paul Sirisant at TAAN 25th Fl. Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok.

TAAN’s creative Thai cuisine celebrates the country’s food artisans and their unique ingredients. Chef and his kitchen team pride themselves on working closely with independent local farmers, whose high-quality, seasonal ingredients provide the inspiration for an ever-changing menu.

Every dish here has a story to tell. The name TAAN itself comes from the Thai word meaning “to have a meal” and it is also a play on pra-taan, which means leader or head of a group. In this respect, TAAN serves farmer-led food. Familiar flavor profiles meet with unexpected combinations and timeless techniques for curries, grilled dishes and soups that are new but unmistakably Thai.

Going beyond a mere culinary experience, the menu aims to connect diners with the cultural heritage and culinary journey that have shaped Thai cuisine. Each course tells a story of tradition, innovation, and enduring flavors that have been passed down through generations, celebrating the past, present, and future of Thai cooking. Immersed in the atmosphere of Ayutthaya through the decorations from Bad Burger, representatives of a group of undergraduate art students from various regions across Thailand come together to present contemporary art, completing the ambiance for the perfect dinner.

Perched on the 25th floor of Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok, TAAN welcomes diners with sweeping 180-degree views of the inner city. To one side is the charming Old Town with its low-rise buildings stretching to the Chao Phraya River; to the other, the vibrant Siam neighborhood with its gleaming malls and sport stadiums.

You are inviting to experience new seasonal menu, “Ayutthaya” at TAAN THB 3,190 ++

Phuket, Thailand, August 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor has partnered with Amchase Phuket HP (Thailand) Ltd, to debut the Handwritten Collection in Thailand, with the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection, set to open in Q4 2023, redefining guest experiences at this iconic address.

Situated in proximity to Patong Beach, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection offers 161 meticulously designed guest rooms, each featuring a private balcony that embraces the island’s natural beauty.

The property rebranding marks the debut of Thailand’s inaugural Handwritten Collection, following from the recent signing of the brand’s first address in Singapore. Anchored in a commitment to authentic hospitality and style, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection will mirror the persona of its hosts, striving to craft sincere and heartfelt encounters.

Guests are invited to partake in an authentic journey, where interactions echo the warmth of the local community. At its core, this midscale retreat offers an innovative culinary experience, with the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant becoming a hub for gastronomic exploration. Guests can also enjoy pizzas and Indian cuisine at the dedicated dining outlets, with the bar providing a space for meaningful connections in an environment that harmonizes style with accessibility.

For holistic rejuvenation, the spa will introduce treatments that align with the locale’s spirit, catering to both body and soul. This tranquil sanctuary will offer reprieve, allowing guests to recharge amidst serene surroundings.

The swimming pool, nestled amidst lush greenery, will beckon guests with its tranquillity, offering an ideal escape to bask under the sun. The contemporary fitness centre is set to encourage guests to prioritize wellness, offering state-of-the-art equipment for an active lifestyle during their stay.

Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia commented: “The Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection is a testament to our commitment to delivering an unparalleled guest experience. The partnership with Amchase Phuket HP (Thailand) Ltd. and the launch of this hotel mark an important milestone for Accor in Phuket, one of our strategic destinations. We are excited to offer a distinctive blend of heartfelt hospitality and stylish accommodation.”

Michiel Lugt, Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection General Manager added: “We are delighted to be working with Accor in debuting the Handwritten Collection in Thailand with the rebranding of our established hotel. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of our first guests, who will experience a tranquil sanctuary, perfect for relaxation and meaningful connections, promising an unforgettable escape in the heart and soul of Phuket.”

Strategically positioned on the west coast of Phuket, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection offers swift access to key attractions, with Patong Beach located a mere 2 minutes’ walk away, while the cultural gems of Phuket Old Town are a 30 minutes’ drive away. Phuket International Airport is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of the hotel.

The Handwritten Collection brand, launched by Accor in January 2023, is comprised of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience. The brand seeks to offer a variety of hotels with individual personalities, intimately reflecting the character and warmth of the people who look after them. Like a handwritten note, each host’s individual touches are subtly encountered at select moments throughout the guest stay – from a warm welcome that cascades into conversation, to freshly baked treats. Accor has already opened addresses in Australia, France and Estonia under the Handwritten Collection, with a healthy pipeline of hotels throughout the globe.

As anticipation builds toward the October 2023 opening, the Andaman Beach Hotel Phuket – Handwritten Collection promises an experience that is refreshingly human—a genuine embrace, a heartfelt welcome, and the opportunity to forge real connections.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok’s premier destination for live jazz music, is proud to announce the launch of its all-new Jazz Afternoon Tea experience on 26 August 2023. Renowned for hosting some of the finest musicians on the jazz scene, including multiple Grammy Award winners, the venue is now poised to elevate your afternoon tea experience with a live duo jazz band accompaniment.

“Our commitment has always been to offer unparalleled experiences to our guests,” said Mr. Andras Borocz, Director of Food and Beverage, reflecting on the ethos of The Living Room. “Throughout our journey, we’ve constantly sought to elevate the sensory experiences of our patrons. With the Jazz Afternoon Tea, we are setting a new benchmark. We believe in evoking emotions, and what better way than by blending the elegance of our afternoon tea with the raw, soulful power of live jazz? Our Jazz Afternoon Tea isn’t just a meal; it’s a crescendo of senses, a serenade for the soul.” Behind this innovative experience lies the synthesis of two arts ¬– culinary finesse that goes into each bite served and the enchanting melodies of live jazz — music that moves, that tells stories, that resonates deep within the soul.

The Jazz Afternoon Tea presents a selection of savouries and sweets on a unique tea stand, artfully crafted from classic wind instruments like the French horn, saxophone, and trumpet. This stand, with its elevated tiers for treats, seamlessly merges the culinary and musical worlds. Begin with an indulgent selection of savoury treats, from the refined Iberico ham paired with refreshing mint and compressed melon, to the rich smoked salmon on rye bread, enhanced with horseradish crème and ikura. For those with an affinity for traditional flavours, the Skagen toast – a classic Swedish shrimp masterpiece – and the decadent watercress and egg sandwich topped with truffle caviar are sure to captivate.

As you transition to the sweeter side of the menu, freshly baked classic scones await, perfectly paired with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Dive deeper into a world of desserts with enticing strawberry truffles, salted caramel lollipops enrobed in sumptuous chocolate, fragrant lavender and white chocolate mousse, tart green apple mousse, and a lavish honey & lemon cheesecake. Enhance your afternoon indulgence with a handpicked selection of TWG teas or a hearty Segafredo coffee. For an added touch of luxury, guests can elevate their experience with a sparkling glass of prosecco. The pricing for this opulent affair is THB 1,200++ per person, or THB 1,400++ should you choose to include the prosecco. The afternoon tea is offered every Saturday from 14:00 – 17:00 hrs.

Elevating the afternoon tea experience is the jazz duo, featuring the vocalist – Naritha Ari (Pim) and Jirayu Wantanabode (Boss) on the piano. Their synergy brings forth a blend of classic jazz standards interspersed with contemporary improvisations; their sonic tapestry complementing the gourmet offerings of the afternoon tea.

The Jazz Afternoon Tea is a testament to The Living Room’s dedication to pushing boundaries, constantly innovating, and ensuring every guest walks away with a memory, not just a meal. With a captivating live music schedule that includes piano music and live jazz sets, The Living Room promises an auditory treat for all its patrons.

For more information, please call 02 649 8888 or visit https://sheratongrandesukhumvit.info/dining

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of nearly 120 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

Tel Aviv, Israel, August 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX  Innovation, tourism for rural development and high-level cooperation were the focus of this week’s official visit of the UNWTO Secretary-General to Israel.

As a founding Member State, joining in 1975, Israel has played an active role in UNWTO’s work and continues to serve on several important Committees and bodies. Following on from the official visit of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, to the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid in July, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led a delegation to Israel for a series of high-level discussions around shared priorities.

In Jerusalem, Secretary-General Pololikashvili held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Eli Cohen. Mr Pololikashvili commended Israel’s active role in tourism governance and its commitment to several UNWTO priorities for the sector.

• Israel is an elected member of the Task Force on Redesigning Tourism for Future. Alongside Spain, Israel was chosen to represent the region of Europe in this UNWTO subsidiary body.
• Israel also serves as member of the UNWTO Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness for the period 2019-2023.
• Discussions explored possibilities of deepening relations with Israel around shared priorities for tourism. The focus here was on topics including tourism innovation and entrepreneurship and also investments in tourism.

Also in Jerusalem, Secretary-General Pololikashvili and the UNWTO delegation received a warm welcome at the Ministry of Tourism, to discuss the deepening of cooperation between UNWTO and Israel. Discussions focused on shared priorities for tourism both in the country and across the wider region, most notably education, innovations, sustainability, data collection, accessibility, legal instruments

Tourism for Rural Development: Israel’s Best Tourism Villages

To conclude the official visit, the UNWTO delegation visited Kfar Kama, named as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO in 2022. The village was given the award in recognition of its commitment to harnessing the power of tourism to preserve and celebrate its unique local culture. The Israeli village of Neot Semadar was also selected to be part of the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme.

Advancing Tourism Innovation

Recognizing Israel’s focus on innovation and digital transformation, the UNWTO delegation met with leading representatives of the country’s start-up community. Led by UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona, the delegation worked with local innovators to identify the benefits that innovation and digital transformation can deliver both within tourism and in other economic sectors.

• UNWTO invited the start-up community to take advantage of its leading support network for innovators, including the various UNWTO innovation programs and competitions.
• To date, Israel participated in all UNWTO global competitions and challenges with 7 winners selected from more than 150 applicants.
• Executive Director Bayona led discussions exploring potential opportunities to further cooperate on capacity building, training and sharing knowledge related to the innovation expertise the country has when it comes to startups, entrepreneurship in the tourism sector and how they can mentor others to scale up their projects.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Winners of the 2023 PATA Gold Awards are announced today by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Generously supported and sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) since 1995, this year’s awards recognise the achievements of 23 separate organisations and individuals, including the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Galaxy Entertainment Group, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Incheon Tourism Organization, Jeju Tourism Organization, Kerala Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization, MGM China, Nepal Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Sands China Limited, Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, SriLankan Airlines, SOTC Travel Ltd, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Fiji, and TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd.

The 2023 PATA Gold Award Presentation hosted by MGTO will take place in New Delhi, India on Thursday, October 5 during PATA Travel Mart 2023.

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office said, “Congratulations to all winners for the talent displayed in this year’s amazing initiatives which bring a new vigour to tourism in the post-pandemic era. With Macao committed to build a diverse and quality destination, we are honoured to support the PATA Gold Awards and help inspire a vibrant and sustainable development of the industry in the Asia Pacific region.”

“On behalf of PATA, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all PATA Gold Award winners and Grand Title winners, as well as all of this year’s participants for their submissions. I look forward to celebrating the accomplishment of this year’s winners who truly represent the values of the Association in working towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region,” added PATA Chair Peter Semone. “In addition, I would also like to once again thank MGTO for their valuable support and cooperation towards this mission.”

Under the guidance of PATA headquarters, 22 independent judges from around the world selected the winners of the 21 Gold Awards and two Grand Title Winners.

The PATA Grand Title Winners were presented to outstanding entries in two principal categories: Marketing, and Sustainability and Social Responsibility.

MGM China, China received the PATA Gold Award 2023 Grand Title in Marketing for its “Turning A Traditional Cultural Symbol Into A Marketing Catalyst” campaign. Ten years ago, MGM launched the Lion IP brand strategy with the first Lion Dance Championship, leveraging the lion dance – an internationally recognised Lingnan culture icon — and turned this local cultural symbol into long-term brand engagement strategy. The company proposed the development concept of “tourism+”, which champions local culture as its central theme under the Lion IP strategy. Using this one element, the team injected new vitality with modern techniques to create multiple touch points and experiences that ranged from art, exhibitions, and performances, to competitions and training programs. These initiatives transformed a common, everyday language into a powerful cultural symbol that was embraced by audiences of all ages, transcending generations and regions. The success of this strategy is seen through the results that proved how it resonates – and continues to resonate – with a local and global audience. Just as importantly, the strategy has not only inspired MGM, but has also reinvigorated the city of Macau.

The PATA Gold Award 2023 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility was awarded to Waterbom Bali, Indonesia for its innovative ‘Karmic Returns’ program. The renowned waterpark, located in Bali, Indonesia, is at the forefront of sustainability practices. Since becoming the first waterpark to achieve carbon neutrality in 2017, Waterbom has set ambitious goals to become the world’s leading sustainable waterpark, focusing on waste, water, and energy reduction. Through its vigilant ‘Green Team,’ the park meticulously monitors, records, and reports its resource consumption, fostering a team culture of ecological awareness. Waterbom employs various methods to conserve water, including rainwater harvesting and a closed-loop filtration system, while also replacing groundwater with recharge wells. The park has an onsite waste management facility, where they create their own compost for gardens. In Q1 2023, they achieved a 97% recycling rate for materials and reduced waste sent to landfills to just 3.4%. Sustainability is deeply ingrained in the park’s ethos, influencing staff training and all operational facets. This highlights Waterbom Bali’s exceptional dedication to environmental responsibility.

Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, this year’s awards attracted a total of 108 entries from travel and tourism organisations and individuals from around the globe.

PATA Grand Title Winners 2023

Marketing
Turning A Traditional Cultural Symbol Into A Marketing Catalyst
MGM China, China

Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Karmic Returns
Waterbom Bali, Indonesia

PATA Gold Award Winners 2023 – Marketing

Marketing Campaign (National – Asia)
Through the lens of GenZ
Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR

Marketing Campaign (National – Pacific)
Where Happiness Comes Naturally
Tourism Fiji, Fiji

Marketing Campaign (State and city – Global)
Pack Up for Kerala
Kerala Tourism, India

Marketing – Carrier
Around the Island
SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka

Marketing – Hospitality
Melco Style x B. Duck @ Studio City
Melco, Macao, China

Marketing – Industry
Kick – starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian traveler
SOTC Travel Ltd, India

Digital Marketing Campaign
Incheon smart tourism project
Incheon Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)

Printed Marketing Campaign
Korea Unique Venue Promotion Project
Korea Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)

Travel Video
Catching Sabah
Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia

Travel Photograph
A Valley in Bloom
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand

Destination Article
Hiking in Australia’s Healing Lands
Rachel Lees, Australia

Business Article
Fancy Feasts
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Singapore

PATA Gold Award Winners 2023 – Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Climate Change Initiative
Galaxy Entertainment Group Environmental and Sustainability Practices
Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macao, China

Corporate and Social Responsibility
Beacon of Sustainability
Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, Thailand

Community-Based Tourism
Kareum Stay
Jeju Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)

Culture
The Revitalization of Old Phetchaburi Town Riverside Community through the Establishment of Cultural Community-Based Tourism
Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand

Heritage
Rejuvenating and Appreciating
MGM China, China

Human Capital Development Initiative
Sands Retail Academy – “Ticket To A Lifestyle Journey”
Sands China Limited, Macao, China

Tourism Destination Resilience (Asia Pacific)
Alabao Bay Secret Land Reappearance Plan
Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Chinese Taipei

Tourism for All
Leofoo Senior Travel Service
Leofoo Tourism Group, Chinese Taipei

Women Empowerment Initiative
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal

JUDGING COMMITTEE FOR GOLD AWARDS 2023

Ms. Ana Savšek, Head of Department, Content Digital Marketing, Slovenian Tourist Board, Slovenia, Slovenia
Ms. Ana Tripković Marković, Phd, Director, National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, Montenegro
Mr. Chris Adams, Global Head of Research & Insights, Miles Partnership, New Zealand
Mr. Fabrizio Orlando, Global Director, Industry Relations, Tripadvisor, United Kingdom
Dr. Faith Ong, Senior Lecturer, The University of Queensland, Australia
Ms. Hannah Pearson , Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), USA
Ms. Jen Grover, Senior Regional Manager, Business Development APAC, Expedia Group Media Solutions, USA
Ms. Jessie F. McComb, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist – Tourism, World Bank Group, USA
Mr. Justin Farmer, SVP, Business Strategy, MMGY Global, USA
Prof. Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
Mr. Kok Kee LIM, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific Public Sector Lead, Mastercard Inc., Singapore
Mr. Leon Rais, Head of Cross Border Travel Asia Pacific, Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd, Singapore
Ms. Montakarn Suvanatap Kittipaisalsilp, Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO Bangkok, Thailand
Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Spain
Ms. Natalie Kidd, Managing Director, Asia, Intrepid Travel, Australia
Mr. NobuTaka ISHIKURE, Chairman, Goltz et ses amis, Japan
Mr. Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management & Media Relations, Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH / visitBerlin, Germany
Mr. Shiva Dhakal, Managing Director, Royal Mountain Travel, Nepal
Mr. Steven Liew, Director of Public Policy – APAC, Airbnb Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore
Ms. Suyin Lee, Managing Director, Discova Travel, Singapore
Ms. Topaz Smith, Community Lead, Aviation, Travel & Tourism, World Economic Forum (WEF), USA
Ms. Verra Wang, Senior PR manager, Trip.com Group, China

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Valletta, Malta, August 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Offer of a Free Scholarship for Climate Friendly Travel Diploma for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing countries

Together with Malta’s Ministry of Tourism and the Institute for Tourism Studies, SUNx Malta will offer 50 Free Scholarships – one for each of the 39 SIDS and 11 for other developing countries from around the world (Uganda, India, Bali, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru) for our 2023 online two-year Climate Friendly Travel Diploma. The course begins on 2nd October 2023.

For the 2022 Diploma, we offered 46 scholarships for LDCs and 4 for Ukraine. And these will become National SUNx Chapters to advance Climate Friendly Travel on September 27th which is World Tourism Day.

The Diploma is a world first and trains students to support Travel & Tourism companies and communities to be climate resilient and to pursue Climate Friendly Travel Growth; as well as in transforming to achieve Zero GHG emissions by 2050. It also trains them to help to build Climate Friendly Travel Communities – preparing them for jobs in Sustainable Transport, Hospitality, Destination Management or Government Services.

You can find more details about the diploma and scholarship application link please click Climate Friendly Travel Diploma Scholarships .

The ideal candidate must be a graduate, with a commitment to a career in Travel & Tourism and have fluent English. They must be able to commit to two years of online engagement and be ready to work with us to help build Climate Friendly Travel Chapters of thoughtful Climate Response advocates in their countries.

To Apply, please click here

Tokyo, Japan, August 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The New Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport joins WorldHotels Distinctive Collection. WorldHotels is delighted to announce its second new hotel in Tokyo, Japan with the addition of Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo. The property is an exceptional 1,557-room hotel comprised of 12 thoughtfully designed room categories. The hotel is committed to providing an opulent stay experience that only a high-end hotel can provide.

“As WorldHotels expands throughout Asia, we continue to identify leading, luxury properties to add to the brands portfolio,” said Ron Pohl, President of WorldHotels. “Villa Fontaine Grand Hotel Airport perfectly fits that mold, providing high-end accommodations right outside of Japan’s busiest international airport.”

Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport was originally developed in response to the diverse requirements of Haneda Airport, a 24-hour international hub. Connected directly to the airport, the hotel provides a truly hospitable and seamless arrival and departure experience expected of an international airport hotel. The property also serves as an ideal location for events and conferences, supported by the culinary delights within its restaurants and lounge. Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport provides convenient access to the Tokyo monorail, which can take passengers directly to Tokyo in 15 minutes, as well as an all-weather bus terminal that connects travelers to regional cities and tourist destinations throughout Japan.

Haneda Airport has been recognized as the Best Airport in Asia for two consecutive years and in 2022 was ranked second in the World’s Best Airports for a fourth consecutive year by Skytrax.

“Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport is the comprehensive next step of growing our portfolio of hotels and resorts in select destinations around the world,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations-APAC. “It is an honor to partner with Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd., a well-established developer in Japan. It’s also a great opportunity for WorldHotels to increase our footprint in Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolis, mixes of ultramodern and the traditional, the city is a truly unique destination both domestically & internationally.”

Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport is a significant addition to WorldHotels’ Distinctive collection in Asia Pacific. Providing an array of products and services, the property fulfills an important need for WorldHotels to further strengthen its portfolio near Haneda Airport, which is consistently recognized as one of the world’s best airports for its seamless international access and further support of Haneda Airport as the primary gateway to Japan.

In joining WorldHotels Collection, Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport is now part of the industry-leading loyalty program, WorldHotels Rewards℠. The third largest hotel loyalty program in the world offers guests exclusive access and privileges with “member-only” offers such as room upgrades, priority privileges, bonus points eligible and more.

About WorldHotels
WorldHotels is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWH Hotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts around the globe, expertly curated to inspire unique, life enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels is comprised of four unique collections, each with its own personality and style to appeal to the needs of today’s traveler. The collections include: WorldHotels™ Luxury, WorldHotels™ Elite, WorldHotels™ Crafted and WorldHotels™ Distinctive. For more information visit WorldHotels.com.