Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, August 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson’s ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Campaign redefined Thai fashion by seamlessly blending its exquisite Thai silk heritage and craftsmanship with the vibrant works of celebrated contemporary Thai artists. The resounding success of the campaign has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, infusing the Thai fashion industry with fresh energy and new possibilities.

Jim Thompson, the iconic lifestyle brand known for its exquisite Thai silk and craftsmanship, has pushed the boundaries of fashion by combining heritage charm with modern art. The resounding success of the innovative ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE campaign, launched at the beginning of 2023, has redefined art and fashion, leaving a lasting impression on the Thai fashion world. Celebrated Thai artists Pichaya Osothcharoenpol, Nakrob Moonmanas and Kittipong Khamsat (Goh M) infused the world of fashion with the vibrancy of modern art in their distinctive collections, captivating fashion enthusiasts like never before.

Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson, said of the campaign, “The ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE project has been a tremendous success, with celebrated Thai artists bringing unparalleled innovation and excitement to our collections this year. This unique and exceedingly effective campaign is a testament to the immense creativity and ingenuity within Thailand’s flourishing fashion and art industry.”

The Collaborations: A Fusion of Art and Fashion

Jim Thompson launched its Artists in Residence campaign with the Jim Thompson X Pichaya Osothcharoenpol Collection, which celebrated Chinese New Year. Inspired by traditional Chinese cultural elements, renowned artist, designer, and illustrator Pichaya celebrated the Year of the Rabbit with symbols of peace, patience, and prudence. Her contemporary digital painting techniques infused the collection with a vibrant palette of colours: reds, pinks, blues, greens, and yellows.

In time for Songkran (Thai New Year) was Jim Thompson X Nakrob Moonmanas’ Collection. Renowned Thai collage artist and illustrator, Nakrob Moonmanas, drew inspiration from the antiques and fine arts on display at the Jim Thompson House Museum. His artwork masterfully blended local history and culture, uniting the East and the West. The result was a visually striking and thought-provoking collection with historical iconography interwoven with cosmic and space exploration themes.

The third collaboration – Jim Thompson X Goh M Collection – challenged conventional perceptions of colour, fusing pop art, street art, and graffiti with Jim Thompson’s iconic lifestyle aesthetic. Goh M’s distinctive designs featured vibrant pop art-inspired prints with motifs of flowers, local fruits, plants, and elephants. The collection in purple, orange, and green featured Goh M’s signature print and graffiti style.

The ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE campaign has sparked significant interest among fashion enthusiasts, redefining the fashion landscape in Thailand.By collaborating with exceptionally talented Thai artists, Jim Thompson has successfully infused the Thai fashion industry with fresh energy and creativity. The exclusive collections created by these artists have garnered widespread admiration and accolades, attracting new audiences to the brand.

Jim Thompson remains committed to supporting Thai artists and as an iconic lifestyle brand continues producing unique and distinctive works that set it apart in global fashion and lifestyle trends. Stay tuned for more exciting projects from Jim Thompson that exemplify the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.

About Jim Thompson No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, art collector, socialite, and entrepreneur who is recognized as the driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries.

Today, Jim Thompson is the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand with a reputation for beautiful silks and “Beyond Silk”.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Alexander Schillinger, General Manager of The Sukhothai Bangkok appointed Thomas Deledalle as Director of Food & Beverage.

Thomas is no stranger to Bangkok, as he previously served as Restaurant Manager at renowned D’Sens Frenh Restaurant at Dusit Thani Bangkok, Food & Beverage Manager at Plaza Athenee Hotel A Royal Meridien Bangkok and General Manager at Vogue Lounge Bangkok from 2014 – 2018. Afterwards, he has relocated back in France and took over the position of Food & Beverage Director at La Grande Maison de Barnard Magrez and Chateau de la Gaude in respectively.

With over 20 years of experience in this particular field and with the aiming to increase awareness of the hotel’s culinary offerings, we look forward to seeing Thomas apply his experience and grow The Sukhothai Bangkok’s Food and Beverage broadly locally and internationally.

Thomas will manage the hotel’s top-tier restaurants. Celadon is our famous traditional Thai restaurant that serves authentic dishes in an enchanting setting with a view of our famous Lotus Pond. Colonnade is the go-to for Bangkokians and in-the-know visitors for a breakfast and legendary Sunday Brunch that provides an unrivaled gastronomic adventure.

Please join us in welcoming Thomas Deledalle.

About The Sukhothai Bangkok
The Sukhothai Bangkok combines traditional refinement with immaculate contemporary style. A haven of calm set amid six acres of lush gardens and water ponds in bustling Bangkok. Once inside its classically elegant grounds, guests are quite literally far from the madding crowds. Wining and dining is a pleasure with world class Restaurants and Bars, including the award-winning La Scala Italian Restaurant, Celadon, home of delicious Thai cuisine and Colonnade an international cuisine Restaurant. On-site leisure facilities include Spa, Fitness Studio with fully-equipped Gym, Sauna and Jacuzzi and a 25-metre outdoor Swimming Pool.

Berlin, Germany, August 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at pace to recover to within 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

The sector is set to contribute €355BN to the national economy this year, getting to within 95% of the 2019 highpoint, and representing 9.3% of the economy. WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 168,000 jobs this year, recovering most of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach 5.6MN.

A look back on last year

Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 43.4% to reach more than €338BN, representing 8.8% of the economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of €374BN.

Last year the sector also created 550,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 5.4MN jobs nationally – one in eight jobs across Germany.
The sector has now recovered over 50% of the 1MN jobs lost during the pandemic.

Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Germany with spending from overseas visitors growing 61% to reach almost €31BN.

Domestic visitor spend is within touching distance of the pre-pandemic level of €307.8BN and is currently €304.4BN, a year-on-year increase of 49%.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in Germany is making a strong recovery. It will contribute €355BN to the German economy this year and employ one in eight jobs across the country.

“Germany is forecast to remain the fifth most popular tourism destination in Europe over the next decade, demonstrating its enduring appeal.”

What does the next decade look like?

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than €440BN by 2033, 10.3% of the overall economy and will employ almost 6.1MN people across the country, with one in seven Germans working in the sector.

Europe

In 2022, the European Travel & Tourism sector contributed €1.9TN to the regional economy, just 7% below the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the region’s GDP contribution from the sector will reach more than €2TN in 2023 – within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.

The sector employed almost 35MN people across the region in 2022, an increase of 2.9MN from the previous year but still 3.2MN behind pre-pandemic levels. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024.

Macao, Macao SAR, August 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Galaxy Macau announced the soft opening of Raffles at Galaxy Macau – a stunning new city landmark. The highly anticipated, all-suite, luxury hospitality experience brings together the best of two world-renowned brands – Galaxy Macau, one of the world’s leading integrated resort, hospitality and entertainment companies; and Raffles, Accor’s legendary hospitality brand which originated in Singapore in 1887. With 450 sumptuous suites, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the brand’s first destination in Macau, raising the bar for luxury hospitality and trendsetting guest experiences in the region. A grand opening, celebrating the addition of the remaining signature restaurants, bar, and a spa, is expected towards the end of the year.

“Raffles will bring its graceful, intuitive and generous style of hospitality to the dynamic culture of Galaxy Macau,” said Gary Rosen, CEO, Accor Greater China. “As our third Raffles destination in Greater China, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the most exciting and luxurious hotel in all of Macau and is a new flagship for the brand. Demand for high-end luxury hospitality is growing exponentially across the region and this is especially true for Raffles – a brand with prestige and heritage that transcends generations and sets the standards in luxury hospitality with its growing portfolio of distinguished locations.”

Marking the latest chapter in the brand’s storied 136-year history, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is carefully designed and tastefully decorated to create the ambience of cultured luxury and refined elegance that is the hallmark of the brand. Located on the resort’s east promenade, the stunning architectural landmark consists of two towers with a glass airbridge that connects the towers across every floor and offers breath-taking vistas towards the Macau skyline, the resort, and neighbouring Hengqin island.

Imagined as the private residence of a fictional 14th-century Italian merchant with an extensive collection of unique artifacts from around the world, Raffles at Galaxy Macau is replete with exquisite art pieces, detailed craftsmanship, and precious materials, from Italian white Statuario marble to hand-crafted crystal chandeliers. The feeling of a luxurious residential pied-à-terre is further conveyed through the discreet, attentive and intuitive service of the Raffles Butlers. Professionally trained, their aim is to make every guest’s stay as seamless, memorable, and heartfelt as possible.

“Set against the captivating allure and glamour of Macau’s brilliance, Raffles at Galaxy Macau represents a remarkable addition to the Raffles portfolio, where narratives transform into enduring legacies and the art of hospitality is positioned to flourish,” affirms Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles & Orient Express. “We are excited to embrace this new arrival as part of our treasured brand, for generations of travellers past and present who appreciate all that Raffles has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you as guests, staying as friends, and returning as family… the Raffles way.”

Spectacular East-Meets-West Interiors and Services
Reflecting Macau’s rich East-Meets-West heritage and modern vibe, Raffles at Galaxy Macau immerses guests in impressive and highly curated spaces that blend the storied traditions of the Raffles brand with the dynamic energy of Galaxy Macau. Paying tribute to Galaxy Macau’s brand heritage, and symbolic of beauty, good luck, and royalty, the property features a subtle peacock motif in a geometric pattern that flows from the beautifully etched glass motifs on the ceilings of the lobby to the suspended ceilings in the residential suites.

An Art-filled Sanctuary
At the heart of Raffles at Galaxy Macau is the show stopping lobby, an art-filled garden sanctuary where the interior and exterior come together to form one stunning space illuminated by natural light. Landscaped with 90 trees, 50,000 shrubs and seasonal flowers, this green space celebrates the beauty of nature with a sustainable design that conserves energy, saves water, and reduces carbon. Here, guests also encounter a magnificent collection of art pieces themed around the four seasons, and which pay tribute to the beauty of Asian nature and the spirit and character of the Raffles brand.

A Sparkling Centrepiece
Taking centre stage in the property’s stunning lobby is the Raffles Lounge & Terrace, featuring traditional European afternoon tea with a twist, including an Éclair Trolley and an array of dining options curated by the French culinary artist Yorick Soh Chin Chiang, the newly appointed Chef de Cuisine of Raffles Lounge & Terrace. By night, Lounge guests will enjoy delicious cocktails, including heritage creations designed by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in the early 1900s – the Singapore Sling and the Macau Million Dollar Cocktail. Cascading above the Lounge is a custom-made chandelier formed of 500,000 crystals and 23,000 crystal rods that connect seamlessly to resemble a diamond. Measuring 15 metres in length, this iconic piece floats against a programmable backlit glass ceiling. Live performances on a beautifully handcrafted piano entertain guests of the Lounge’s champagne and oyster bar.

Raffles Lounge & Terrace is also home to ‘Green Art Wall’, a 70-metre expanse that incorporates hundreds of plants and LED lights to create a unique natural spectacle for guests on arrival. Above, a glass ceiling creates an imaginary sky with ever-changing moods and scenes, using more than 30,000 individually programmable LED nodes. The wall and sky provide an ideal backdrop for ‘Kaleidoscope’ by Singaporean artist Sun Yu-Li – a striking three-metre-tall sculpture that uses changing lights to hint at nature while giving off a distinctly Macau vibe.

Coming Soon
Looking ahead to the grand opening later in the year, guests of Raffles at Galaxy Macau will have the opportunity to experience an array of world-class collaborations that reflect the region’s finest culinary and design talents. Chef and Sushi Master Masaaki Miyakawa, one of only five Michelin-three-starred sushi chefs in Japan, will helm a new signature Sushi-Kappo concept. There will also be an unexpected and modern take on Raffles’ iconic Long Bar, which is being crafted by celebrated interior designer Joyce Wang and will feature a curated cocktail list, including an official Macau Sling, created by Asia’s 50 Best Bars legend Antonio Lai.

Port-Louis, Mauritius, August 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that Mauritius Standard Bureau (MSB) has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status.

The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB), a non-profit Mauritius Standards Bureau parastatal body in the island of Mauritius, has embarked on a project to provide third-party certification to tourism businesses with the aim of boosting the local tourism industry towards sustainability.

After having developed its own Mauritian Standard (MS 165:2019) for Sustainable Tourism, which has gained recognition from the GSTC in 2019, MSB has successfully completed all the steps towards accreditation.

The stated scope of the GSTC Accreditation of Mauritius Standards Bureau is for certifying hotels/accommodations and tour operators in Mauritius according to the Mauritian Standard on Sustainable Tourism: Blue Oasis (MS 165:2019).

Achieving the GSTC-Accredited status means that a Certification Body has been verified to be conducting proper certification of businesses, such as hotels or tour operators, in a competent and neutral manner, following processes and procedures detailed in the GSTC Accreditation Manual.

Mauritius Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria (or a GSTC-Recognized Standard), have the highest level of assurance* and credibility available. With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.

Attesting to that, those businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body can display a unique GSTC logo with a traceable code. The purpose of the GSTC Accreditation is to provide a higher level of assurance and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which builds confidence and credibility with consumers.

The Accreditation process usually takes more than a year to complete, as GSTC looks very hard at the Certification Body’s operation and its process of certification to assure that they issue certifications based on merit and neutrality.

“Mauritius is one of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which suffers directly from impacts of climate change. Therefore, it is crucial for us to gear towards Sustainable Development. Tourism is a major pillar of our economy and through Sustainable Tourism we are considerably addressing socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts.

This accreditation shows that the Mauritius Standards Bureau has achieved international affirmation for providing third-party certification for Sustainable Tourism to the local Hotels/Accommodations and Tour Operators. It is a major step towards the ultimate goal of making Mauritius a sustainable destination for tourism.” says M Yusuf Foondun, Officer-in-Charge of MSB.

The GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification of Mauritius Hotel/Accommodation & Tour Operator provides detailed technical requirements for certification of Hotel/Accommodation and Tour Operator. Certification Bodies are required to comply with ISO 17065 Conformity Assessment (Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services) and GSTC specific requirements. Among these requirements are impartial and competent certification procedures, auditor experience and qualifications, certification decision making, rigorous surveillance of certified businesses, and proper promotion of their services.

“GTSC Accreditation is a mark of quality that the GSTC places on Certification Bodies that choose to provide formal evidence of compliance to the GSTC Accreditation Manual for rigorous and impartial certification. We congratulate MSB’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and quality. With this accreditation, theirs is the first national program to gain such accreditation and join a select group of Certification Bodies who have reached such a pinnacle of achievement,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

Port Louis, Mauritius, August 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Conference on Rethinking Africa: Rethinking Tourism for Africa: Addressing global challenges; Promoting investment and partnerships brought expert African perspectives to global challenges, highlighting the need of investments towards a greener tourism sector and access to finance within the sector and the need to further strengthen public-private collaboration at every level.

Tourism Ministers set out visions

• Reflecting the heightened relevance of tourism as a solution to a range of global challenges and pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Conference was structured around two thematic sessions with a ministerial panel on Addressing global challenges followed by a second one focusing on “Promoting Investment and Partnerships in Tourism for Economic Development. His Excellency Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing, and Land Use Planning and Minister of Tourism for the Republic of Mauritius, and Vice-Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council joined Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union who delivered the  keynote address .
• A special Ministerial Panel Session focusing on global challenges featured contributions from the Ministers of Tourism of DR Congo Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, Minister of Tourism of Ghana Hon. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Kenya Peninah Malonza, and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage of Zambia Rhodney Sikumba, as well as Ms Lisa Singh, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles and Prof Nazia M Habib, Head, Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge.

Advancing investments and partnerships

In line with UNWTO’s priorities for the sector, the second session put the focus on the importance of building strategic relations and partnerships as well as the vital need for more and better-targeted investments in tourism, building tourism intelligence particularly in projects with the potential to deliver greater sustainability, resilience and inclusivity. UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona opened the session with an overview of the tourism investment climate followed by presentations  by Mr. Kevin Ramkaloan CEO Business Mauritius and messages from Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Leila Farah Mokaddenm, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank.

Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism Philda Kereng, and Hon. Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Côte d´Ivoire, also contributed their unique, expert insights into rethinking tourism investments and partnerships. They were joined by Ms. Amanda Serumaga – Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board and Mr. Mamadu Serifo Jaquite, Mamadu Serifo Jaquite, Commissioner in charge of the Department of Human Development of the West African Monetary and Economic Union

The Mauritius Declaration

The conference culminated with the presentation of the Mauritius Declaration by the host country and UNWTO. The program of actions proposed in the Mauritius Declaration, aims to promote sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystems through multi-sectoral partnerships, ethical practices, investment promotion, nature-based solutions, decarbonization, coordination of public health, policy alignment and data-driven decision-making. This program includes a range of measures, including:

• Encourage partnership and tourism ethics;
• The promotion of investment, innovation and accessibility to financing;
• Public health coordination and crisis management;
• The integration of internal and regional tourism;
• The encouragement of responsible and solidarity tourism;
• The implementation of blue tourism;
• Partnerships between public, private and community actors and models of  governance; And
• Pan-African Fund for Sustainable Tourism;

To enable this programme to be carried out under the best possible conditions, the Declaration also calls for the support, in accordance with their respective mandates, of the Member States of the UNWTO, the African Union Commission, the regional economic communities organizations, regional aviation institutions, banking institutions, the African Development Bank, international aid partners, donor communities and financial institutions.

Cairo, Egypt, August 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / AAPSO Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organization is a non-Government body emerging from the International Conference held in Bandung-Indonesia in 1955. And it is a global Non-Government Organization dedicated to the principles of national liberation and solidarity of under-developed and emerging countries’ people, spreading all kinds of love, peace, lenity and development in all aspects.

For that purpose, it was announced as an NGO in the name of the Afro-Asian Solidarity Council and during the first conference conducted by the organization in 1958 in its Cairo permanent headquarters, Arab Republic of Egypt. And in the presence of 607 participants out of its founding countries.

AAPSO main goal is sustainability. and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world. AAPSO call, is taking actions to end poverty, inequality, protect our planet, and ensure health, justice and prosperity of people.

AAPSO goals are in line with United Nations 2030 Agenda. The organization, with the presence of this large number of members around the world, is seriously working as a soft power to achieve the goals of 2030.

It has a special interest in supporting the tourism, investment, and health and wellness sectors, it has established a special sector for sustainable development. In order to achieve these noble goals, AAPSO has established an executive arm, which is the African-Asian Union, (AFASU) to help achieving its goals within Asia and Africa.

AAPSO is currently globally headed by Prof. Dr. Helmy El-Hadidi – the former Minister of Health in the Arab Republic of Egypt, is the President of AFASU and it is under the financial and administrative supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Egypt. He is assisted by his Vice President Alain St.Ange, who is the Head of Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy of Seychelles and the former successful Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of the mid-ocean island nation.

The Afro-Asian People Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) is a mass non-government organization with national committees, and their members in more than 90 countries in Asia and Africa and has associate member committees in Europe, Russia and Latin America.

It is an associate, active and observer member in many major international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the League of Arab States, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and most organizations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

This is a highly significant global organization with a rich and extensive background in African and Asian nations. It holds the distinction of being the oldest non-governmental organization globally, with a widespread membership that extends beyond Africa and Asia.

Dr. Hossam Darwish, one of the creators of the concept of the Arab tourism capital that many countries vie for and take pride in, and in AFASU union has create various accolades for the tourism industry. The most significant among them is the “African Tourism Capital” Award and the “Asian Tourism Capital” Award, which are given annually to a city that meets the criteria established by a committee of renowned tourism professionals in all aspects.

What is the African / Asian Capital of Tourism Award?

AFASU is keen to launch the concept of the African Tourism Capital, and Asian Tourism Capital, as an annual competition and award in accordance with several criteria developed by a team of experts and consultants, conforming to international standards in similar sectors. Accordingly, the nominated cities will be evaluated to win the best touristic city in the continents of Asia and Africa.

Being bestowed with this award means that the city has earned the highest rating from a prominent committee of travel and tourism experts across all sectors of tourism& travel industry. The ceremony of crowning the winning tourism capital will be held in September/October of each year, whereby only one city will be awarded over each continent as the winning city in the 2023/ 2024 edition of the African and Asian Tourism Capital.

The aim of the award:
– Promoting touristic destinations who strive to improve themselves to offer tourists best possible experience.
– A great marketing tools. The award highlights to tourists all over the world a city that truly deserves a visit due to its exceptional offerings and commitment to meeting international standards for quality in tourism.
– AFASU aims to keep tourism ahead of the curve, the union plays a big role in developing the tourism industry and supports this sector in the winning city with in-person training sessions, digital educational courses… etc.
– We will market the capital of tourism in cooperation with the winner city utilizing all our tools.

The Capital of tourism city winner will be the capital of conferences, festivals, security, and safety, and it is a completely safe investment centre for local, regional an international investor. It will be the capital of events of all kinds.

It is the capital of tourism and the capital of attraction for large and small investors and for small and medium companies.

Other Members of the AFASU Board include a number of influential tourism personalities such as: Major General Hossam Badr El-Din, Mr. Kamel Abu Ali, Dr.Adel Al-Maslamani, Mr. Enan Galaly, Dr. Jens Thraenhart, Ms. Sally Khattab, Mr. Theodore Koumelis and Mr. Bernard Metzger.

AFASU union partners with a panel of travel and tourism industry experts, travel writers and consumer travel buyers from around the globe, all are members of the Afro-Asian Union AFASU, they meet to choose the winner of the African and Asian tourism capital Awards from a compiled short list of nominated cities who successfully matched the set-up criteria.

The AFASU Golden Awards Committee who will be moving with the “African Tourism Capital” Award and the “Asian Tourism Capital” Award are: Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Mr. Mike Ball, Mr. Sachin Bansal, Ms. Jacinta Nzioka, Ms. Abigail Olagbaye, Ms. Zainab Ansell, Ms. Budi Mudi Astuti, Mr. Nicolas Dubrocard, Mr. Raj Bhandari, Cap. Tarek Girtallah, Ms.Nehad Farouk, Dr.Dalia Amin, Mr.Emmanuel Frimpong, Ms.Sophea Sok and Mr.Ahmad Fahad Al-Juaed.

The diversity of nationalities with relevant personalities coming also from Africa and Asia gives credibility to the Organisation and to the Award.

Danang, Vietnam, August 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Nestled on a stunning stretch of sandy beach, just steps from the sea yet also within the dynamic city center, Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is the ultimate setting for special events. This is the place where life’s most important moments are staged and memories are made. However, it takes more than a breath-taking location to ensure the success of a meeting; it takes a point of difference – that unique creative spark that inspires delegates and leaves a lasting impression.

At Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, meetings are brought to life by a team of professional planners who are dedicated to making every aspect of the event a success. This starts with the venue; a choice of six exceptional spaces and 1,055 square metres of flexible function space offers options for every occasion, from out-of-town business meetings and training sessions to corporate conferences, award ceremonies, weddings and more.

For glamorous gala gatherings, the beautiful 741-square meter pillar-free Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 delegates and is enhanced with a spectacular 28-square meter LED screen. This beautiful ballroom can also be flexibly divided into two spaces for more intimate get-togethers, a collection of function spaces can comfortably cater for events of between 10 and 60 guests, and state-of-the-art technology can provide options for the new era of hybrid meetings.

The resort’s seafront setting – including the lush beachside lawn – is also a natural arena for open-air corporate and social gatherings. For groups seeking unique outdoor activities, group yoga and tai chi sessions (which are available on request), the weekly coconut harvesting show, cooking classes and beach games will create talking points, break down boundaries and bring delegates closer together. The resort’s team of passionate and professional planners can also craft a wide range of dynamic team-building sessions.

Gastronomy is an important pillar of every celebration, and Danang Marriott Resort & Spa can arrange a wide range of customized culinary occasions, from chic cocktail receptions to glamorous gala dinners. Goji Kitchen + Bar is a vibrant international culinary marketplace with indoor and outdoor seating, while Madame Son showcases Vietnamese and fusion cuisine, Non Nuoc Bar is ideal for cool drinks, light snacks and a regular seafood buffet, and the sophisticated Writer’s Bar specializes in afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Epicurean events can also be highly personalized, with options including a barbecue dinner in the comfort and privacy of a villa, a seafood buffet with a live cooking show by the beach, and even a pool party with DJs, dancers and drinks!

The lush countryside surrounding Danang can set the scene for inspiring group activities. From championship golf courses designed by the sport’s biggest names to intriguing cultural attractions, such as the Buddhist sanctuaries of the Marble Mountains, the spectacular Golden Bridge which appears to be held aloft by giant hands, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town of Hoi An, this is a destination that can stimulate the senses.

“With its blend of beachfront style and urban infrastructure, Danang has everything meeting planners could ask for. But it takes more than just stunning scenery to host world-class events; it requires passion, creativity and an intuitive ability to understand the unique requirements of each guest. Danang Marriott Resort & Spa works hand-in-hand with our clients to ensure that their important occasion runs smoothly, inspires their delegates and ensures maximum productivity. And being just 20 minutes from Danang International Airport, every guest can come and go with ease,” said Piotr Madej, General Manager, Danang Marriott Resort & Spa.

Under the “Spark This Moment” package, Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is inviting meeting planners to create unforgettable get-together on the pure shores of Vietnam’s central coast. This rewarding offer includes one complimentary room night for every 20 room nights booked, a 60-minute welcome reception with free-flow soft drinks or local beer, and double Marriott Bonvoy points! This promotion is valid for bookings made until 30th September 2023, and events hosted before 31st December 2023.

About Marriott Hotels
With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality – placing people first is the brand’s living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that embrace style, design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com, and stay connected on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter, and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels 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.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 31 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®.

Marrakesh, Morocco, August 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has recognized the most influential innovators reshaping tourism in the Kingdom of Morocco. The finalists of the first Moroccan Tourism Startup Competition showcase the power of the sector for driving post-pandemic recovery, protecting cultural and natural heritage and providing opportunities for both rural and urban communities.

After being announced in November 2022, the competition attracted 135 applications from across the Kingdom. The competition focused on identifying solutions to advance the development of the Moroccan tourism, reaching out to startups with a focus on five pillars:

• Innovation in blue and green economies (life under water)
• Innovation in natural heritage: Nature, trekking & hiking.
• Innovation in natural heritage: Desert & Oasis Adventure.
• Innovation in cultural heritage: Preservation through cultural innovation.
• Sustainable Urban Futures: Innovation in urban tourism.

Ten Finalists Announced

The Kingdom of Morocco is a true leader in tourism, with innovation being a crucial aspect in its rapid recovery from the impacts of the pandemic

The startups were judged on their solutions and on their commitment to tourism as a pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals. Of the 135 startups that entered the competition, 60% look forward to achieving sustainable SDG8, focused on decent work and economic growth, and 54% wish to achieve SDG17, focused on partnerships.

The ten finalists reflect the diverse talent of the Moroccan national tourism sector.

• For innovation in blue and green economies, the winning startups are MOUJA, The Surf and Watersports Guide for Morocco and NAMA SOCIAL HUB, an event agency specializing in the organization of events for surfing enthusiasts in Imssouane.
• In the trekking and hiking category, the two finalists areANEGMA, a reservation platform for atypical and unusual accommodation in Morocco, INTO THE WILD, a concept for novel accommodation in national parks.
• For innovation in deserts and oasis adventures, the finalists are UMNYA Morocco Experiences, an innovative eco-accommodation, and TERRE DES ETOILES, an atypical and original eco-accommodation.
• The finalists in the preservation through cultural innovation categoryare ATAR, a mobile application to discover cultural heritage and MACHI MOUCHKIL, a Moroccan street food concept.
• Finally, MAROCULTOUR, an online booking service for cultural tours on an electric tricycle driven by Moroccan women, and PIKALA BIKES, an ecological transport concept that offers an authentic experience for tourists to explore the city of Marrakech by bike, are the finalists for innovation in urban tourism.

Embracing innovation

The collaboration between UNWTO and the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development has two key aims. Firstly, to invigorate the tourism sector by infusing it with fresh ideas and creative solutions. And secondly, to create a sustainable framework that benefits both the environment and the local communities.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvil says: “The Kingdom of Morocco is a true leader in tourism, with innovation being a crucial aspect in its rapid recovery from the impacts of the pandemic”.

Her excellency Fatim- Zahra Ammor emphasized that “Through our start-up contest with UNWTO, we have unwavering confidence in the creativity and potential of Moroccan tourism start-ups. Today, I am incredibly proud of the 10 winning start-ups. They will receive invaluable mentorship, personalized support, and global access to venture capitalists. This will not only help them grow but also enhance our tourists’ experiences and create new job opportunities.”

Imad Barrakad, CEO of SMIT adds: “I am proud to see so many innovative projects in a promising sector looking for new creative ideas. Together we can make the difference!”

Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of the UNWTO mentioned how “tourism needs the power of startups and sustainable driven companies to start again”.

A Winning Network

SMIT guides the growth and planning of Moroccan tourism and aims to support groundbreaking ideas to fulfill the needs of startups and SMEs. UNWTO has collaborated with Huawei, Plug and Play, Cercle de l’innovation, Accelab, Hospitality Web Services, Emerging Business Factory who will be supporting the finalists with mentorship and acceleration programmes, and will participate in the Tourism Tech Adventures edition where the winners will be announced.

Stay connected with UNWTO

For more information on UNWTO initiatives, finalists and winner’s announcement, visit the organization website, and also the accounts @unwto and @unwtoacademy in social media platforms.

More information on specific challenges https://www.unwto.org/unwto-challenges
For contacting the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Innovation: innovation@unwto.org  iei@unwto.org

Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is thrilled to announce that its flagship brand, Centara Grand, has been recognised as the strongest brand in Thailand by Brand Finance’s prestigious Thailand 50 2023 report. This esteemed ranking highlights Centara Grand’s exceptional performance in terms of brand equity, trust, and value over the past year.

Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation and strategy consultancy, evaluates thousands of renowned brands across various sectors and countries annually, with its Thailand 50 2023 report showcasing the top 50 most valuable and strongest brands in the country.

This year, Centara Grand emerged as Thailand’s strongest brand with both an impressive brand strength index score and strong financial results contributing to the brand’s overall ranking, something which will surely only be enhanced by the recent opening of the first Centara hotel in Japan – Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. Centara Grand’s top position signifies not only its outstanding brand equity but also the trust and loyalty it has garnered from the public and guests alike. With the ranking partly based on surveys, this accolade underscores the faith in Centara Grand as a leading hospitality brand.

“We are deeply honoured for Centara Grand to be named the strongest brand in Thailand by Brand Finance in their esteemed Thailand 50 2023 report,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief executive officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brand Finance and our valued stakeholders for their trust and support. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, and as we celebrate our milestone 40th anniversary this year, we are more motivated than ever to continue striving for greatness.”

As Centara Hotels & Resorts aspires to be among the world’s top 100 hotel groups by 2027, this prestigious ranking strengthens the company’s resolve to continue enhancing its offerings and showcase a new wave of Thai-inspired hospitality on the global stage.

ABOUT CENTARA
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 93 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.