Category: Latest Travel News

Istanbul, Turkiye, August 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that RoyalCert has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status. RoyalCert

RoyalCert is an International certification body with HeadQuarters in Germany and operating in +40 countries globally. RoyalCert offers inspection, training, assessment and certification services to a wide range of industries, including the Tourism Industry, and serving thousands of customers worldwide. With experienced auditors, RoyalCert is committed to sustainable growth, focusing on integrity and customer satisfaction.

The stated scope of the GSTC Accreditation of RoyalCert is for certifying hotels and tour operators in Türkiye, Germany, Italy, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

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.

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 is a months-long procedure, 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.

“We are glad that our Türkiye office is the first locally accredited Certification Body in the country to achieve GSTC Accreditation. Even though RoyalCert holds multiple accreditations for management system certification & inspections services, preparing ourselves to meet GSTC requirements took dedication and time. We are glad to have taken this step and look forward to contributing to the tourism industry’s journey to a more sustainable future” says Christos Markopoulos RoyalCert General Manager.

The GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification of 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.

“Accreditation is an intense and intrusive review of a Certification Body’s management, entire auditing process, and certification-decision-making process,” says GSTC CEO, Randy Durband. “Gaining this mark of compliance to the GSTC Accreditation Manual is rigorous and is designed specifically for tourism and hospitality, without a peer. We applaud RoyalCert for opening themselves up to this level of external review, for which their client businesses are entitled to market favor.”

Hotels that follow sustainability standards that wish to stand out with reputable certification as a sustainable hotel, should seek sustainable hotel certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

Tour Operators that want to demonstrate through their adherence to sustainability standards are encouraged to seek sustainable tour operator certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

Destinations that are managed in accordance with sustainability standards can aim for destination certification by one of the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, August 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / ITE HCMC 2023 will take place from 07 – 09 September 2023 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

On June 24th 2023, Vietnam National Assembly approved the amendments and supplements of the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam, including extending the e-visa validity period to 90 days. This policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry and create a boost to promote its development, attracting international visitors in the coming time. Furthermore, promotion and marketing are essential activities to boost tourism development and enhance destination’s competitiveness. ITE HCMC is considered one of the important and effective solutions for this purpose.

The 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, themed “Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability”, offers three full days of opportunities to network with international and local exhibitors, as well as high-level forums, informative seminars, and top-notch entertainment experiences.

This year, ITE HCMC 2023 will double its scale compared to last year with exceptional quality. Therefore, the event is expected to attract leaders in the international travel industry and over 400 exhibiting companies & brands, of which, the booths from domestic units make up more than 70% and about 30% are international units. As of the end of June 2023, the exhibition has covered over 70% of the exhibition area, with the participation of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) from countries such as Cambodia, Chile, Taiwan (China), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand; Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) from St.Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), and over 45 provinces and cities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City, Da Nang City, Hai Phong City, An Giang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Tinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Kontum, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Lam Dong, Long An, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Nghe An, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Tien Giang, Thua Thien – Hue, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, and Yen Bai.

In addition, the exhibition has attracted the leading tourism businesses such as Saigontourist Group, BenThanh Tourist, Vietravel, Tan Son Nhat Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport, Melia Hotels International, Movenpick, Tam Chuc National Tourism Area, Tung Lam Tourism Area, Muong Thanh Hospitality, and other sponsor in-kind: The Cocoon Vietnam, BLUSaigon and many more.

ITE HCMC 2023 will be held in a hybrid format, combining physical booths and 2D online booths. These online booths will inform international buyers about products, services and a pre-appointment booking system to connect with sellers. Furthermore, the local experience areas will also be the highlight of this year’s expo when displaying and introducing the unique cultural features of Vietnam to international firms and the public through handicrafts, coffee, traditional art workshops, and many more.

Moreover, ITE HCMC has the exclusive Hosted Buyer Program which provides an opportunity for international tourism businesses to grow their markets and broaden tourism partners’ networks in Vietnam and the Lower Mekong region. The Organizing Committee, together with the Advisory Board comprised of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), and leading tourism businesses, to select and invite over 200 international buyers from 20 countries and territories (increasing by more than 25% compared to 2022). The Hosted Buyer Program is expected to welcome decision makers from international travel agencies, MICE travel companies, luxury travel companies from key inbound markets and potential markets like mainland China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, India, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and many more.

Within the framework of ITE HCMC 2023, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also cooperates with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to organize many exciting activities such as Gala Dinner x World Travel Award – Asia & Oceania Ceremony, Seminar on the introduction of key tourist markets, ITE HCMC Awards 2023, Travel Fun Fair Day and many more.

ITE HCMC 2023 is organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, organized by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros.

Event information:
Exhibition date: 07 – 09 September 2023
09:00 – 16:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: exclusively for business visitors
16:00 – 18:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: for both business visitors and the public
09:00 – 18:00, September 9th, 2023: open to the public
Venue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlight events:
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
Business matching program between international buyers and exhibitors
High-level Tourism Forum on “Digital Transformation Driving Tourism Development” chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
ASEAN Public Relations and Communications Forum “Destination Marketing & Sustainable Communications”
Series of tourism industry seminars
ITE HCMC Award 2023
World Travel Awards – Asia Pacific Ceremony
ASEAN PR Excellence Awards 2023 Ceremony
Vietnam Night
Cambodia Night
Welcome Dinner and Destination survey program for international buyers and press
Thank you Party

Shanghai, China, August 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Trip .com Group, the leading global travel service provider for this year’s highly anticipated event, taking place from 12 – 14 September 2023 in Shanghai.

Trip Group shows strong commitment to ITB China 2023 as a confirmed Official Travel Service Partner and will take center stage in elevating the ITB China experience for all attendees. The ITB China Conference sessions will be enriched with their latest market insights and forecasts, while the ITB China Cruise Night, co-hosted by Trip Group for the fourth consecutive time on the evening of 12 September, will provide unmatched networking opportunities.

Ms. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip Group, said: “The global travel and tourism industry’s recovery is gaining pace, and many new travel-related jobs have been created in recent months. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the industry and Trip Group has been investing in cutting-edge technologies as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the overall travel experience for our customers.”

“Apart from technologies, new demands and trends have emerged in the past few years, and it is important for businesses to build resilience and agility, and adapt to the ever-changing needs of customers. We look forward to engaging and collaborating with our partners to bring this industry to new heights,” Sun added.

Trip Group plans to deepen cooperation with global partners to better serve Chinese tourists, offer high-quality services to outbound travellers, and promote inbound tourism as an engine for economic growth. Cultural exchanges between China and the world will be fostered through travel in both directions.

About Trip Group
Trip Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip .com, Ctrip, Skyscanner and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”.

About ITB China
ITB China 2023 will take place from 12 to 14 September in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. ITB China is the leading B2B exclusive travel trade show focusing on the Chinese travel market, bringing together hand selected top-buyers with industry professionals from all over the world. The show provides various networking events and a unique state-of-the-art matchmaking system to maximize business opportunities. The ITB China Conference takes place in parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading conference organizer TravelDaily.

About ITB Global Brand Family
For more than 50 years the name ITB has stood worldwide for the travel industry knowledge 365 days a year, networking and trendsetting events – in a virtual, in-person or hybrid format alike. As the travel industry resurges, the ITB brand family is among the first to come back to offering on-site in-person events. ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, is making a live-comeback from 12- 14 September 2023 in Shanghai. ITB Asia in Singapore, which takes the broader regional market into scope, will be held live again in Singapore from 25- 27 October 2023. ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from 5 – 7 March 2024, followed by ITB India in Mumbai from 11 to 13 September 2024.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Four dining venues serving Thai and international cuisine in a delightful riverside setting. NAVA at The Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok is more than a restaurant. In fact, the name refers singly to a collection of four distinct food-and-drink outlets; NAVA Kitchen, NAVA Chef’s Table, NAVA Sala and NAVA Terrace — each offering guests an extraordinary culinary experience for any occasion day or night, indoors or out.

Menus take inspiration from Thailand’s riverine and seafaring heritage, as seen in recipes reflecting the great bounty of produce in and along the Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers as well as from Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea waters.

Indeed waterways and coastlines have long defined the Thai way of life, providing sustenance, transport and recreation in all regions of the country. That’s certainly so at The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok on the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River. The famed River of Kings is central to Bangkok living and throughout centuries has been the very pulse of the city. In Bangkok the river is life, and a healthy life it is — something fully reflected in Nava chefs’ imaginative use of local ingredients to create delicious and life-enhancing fare.

International cookery further enhances the NAVA dining experience. Venues feature a variety of Asian cuisines such as Japanese and Chinese in addition to a wide range of European culinary traditions. The latter, moreover, bears upon more than dish selection; it also emerges in innovative blends of Thai and Western preparation, presentation and serving methods as applied by talented chefs at each NAVA location.

NAVA Kitchen
All-day dining by the river featuring signature breakfast, Thai à la carte menu items and grilled specialties, with focus on traditional recipes in dishes made with seasonal and local ingredients. A fidelity to Thai culinary heritage is similarly confirmed in, for instance, the restaurant’s own custom-built charcoal grill.

NAVA Chef’s Table
Where cookery and dining combine for a bravura theatrical performance. Highlighting regular appearances by celebrity guest chefs who showcase their craft and passion before an appreciative audience. Likewise an excellent venue for private dinners and corporate events.

NAVA Chef’s Table is also venue for the hotel’s fun and informative cooking classes. It’s an excellent setting for chefs to showcase their considerable expertise and undeniable flair, while participants have chance to learn using the restaurant’s top-of-the-line cookery equipment.

NAVA Sala
To appetite-arousing food and drink, add visually alluring design inspired by famous Wat Arun just across the river. Expect wonderful afternoon teas, outstanding set menus and delightful river views. Also ideal for private gatherings.

NAVA Terrace
Charming open-air, riverfront setting as part of an intriguing hybrid of informal Thai restaurant/café and Japanese izakaya. Also great for sundowners before dinner as well as night-time lounging by the Chao Phraya. Pet-friendly too.

Phuket, Thailand, July 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / PHIST is an innovative event rallying the hotel industry and its stakeholders to discuss environmental sustainability and community benefit. PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism) 2023 offers hotel industry and its stakeholders a platform to discuss both environmental sustainability and social impact and governance.

The learning event day will feature an exhibition area with over 30 sustainable organisations showcasing their products and services, and offer attendees a mix of short expert panels and thematic discussions, covering topics including destination development, ocean health and impacts, hotel sustainability governance, community tourism, and global trends on sustainability. Speakers include a mix of industry experts from both local and international organizations.

Date
Monday, 4 September 2023

Venue
SAii Laguna Phuket

Organizer
Phuket Hotels Association, Greenview, C9 Hotelworks

Registration
Attendance is complimentary. Advance registration is required and only those with confirmed Eventbrite registration QR codes. Please register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/phist-6-phuket-hotels-island-sustaining-tourism-tickets-644279787187?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Port Louis, Mauritius, July 29, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from across Africa have met to rethink and realign the sector’s role as a driver of development and opportunity across the region.

At the 66th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, Member States joined representatives from international organizations and the private sector to focus on opportunities around tourism jobs and investments while also recognizing the vital need to address challenges including the climate crisis.

The UNWTO Agenda for Africa has been adapted. Our vision for African tourism is also one of strong governance, more education and more and better jobs

Tourism in Africa: Bouncing Back

According to the latest UNWTO data, tourism across Africa is returning to strength following the unprecedented crisis caused by the pandemic:

• International arrivals across Africa were back to 88% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of the first quarter of this year.
• At the sub-regional level, North Africa is performing particularly strongly. Here, arrivals were actually 4% higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 in the same period.
• Globally international tourism receipts reached USD 1 billion in 2022, a 50% growth in real terms compared to 2021. Among African destinations with available data, Morocco and Mauritius notably exceeded their 2019 tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2023.

Welcoming delegates, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The UNWTO Agenda for Africa has been adapted. Our vision for African tourism is also one of strong governance, more education and more and better jobs. To achieve it, we aim to promote innovation, advocate for Brand Africa, facilitate travel, and unlock growth through investment and public-private partnerships.

Members meet in Mauritius

UNWTO welcomed delegations from 33 countries, including 22 Ministers of Tourism, two Deputy Ministers and four Ambassadors to the meeting, the most important annual event for the region’s Member States.

Reflecting the high level of political support for the event, and for UNWTO’s mission to guide tourism development across Africa, the meeting welcomed the attendance of the Prime Minister Republic of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, as well as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Mauritius, and Vice-Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council Steven Obeegadoo. Also in attendance were the African Union Commissioner for Trade and Development, Albert Muchanga, the Secretary-General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, the Secretary-General of the Commonweath, Patricia Scotland KC, Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary-General Lai Mohammed, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles Lisa S. Singh, the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Amanda Seumaga, and representatives from the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and from IFEMA and the Tui Care Foundation.

Members were provided with an overview of UNWTO’s achievements over the past year, with a particular focus on core priorities for tourism in Africa:

• Tourism Investments: UNWTO presented a new set of Investment Guidelines for Mauritius, designed to connected investors with tourism projects in the country. The Guidelines follow on from similar publications focused on Tanzania, with editions for Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Zambia in development. UNWTO has also held two Tourism Investment Forums in Africa.
• Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment: With tourism recognized for its unique ability to drive gender equality and empower African youth, Members were advised on the progress of the UNWTO Women in Tourism Leadership for Africa Committee, and the Organization’s focus on education and training. Key achievements include the Travel Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (Zambia, May 2023) and plans to open an International Academy in Nigeria.
• Advocating for ‘Brand Africa’: Members were provided with an update on UNWTO’s work to empower African tourism professionals to take charge of the narrative, including through two editions of the Brand Africa Think Tank Dialogue and plans for a UNWTO Media Training Workshop.

In close collaboration with its Member States from across the region, UNWTO has also updated its Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth. The revised roadmap reflects the new challenges of post-pandemic tourism and the priorities outlined by Members.

Tourism addresses climate action

UNWTO continues to lead tourism’s shift to greater sustainability, recognizing the impact of extreme weather events, including the potential for heat waves to cut off the lifeline the sector offers for destinations worldwide. In Mauritius, Members were given an update of UNWTO’s work around sustainability, most notably its leadership of the One Planet Tourism Network and the progress of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Tourism for rural development

Against the backdrop of the Regional Commission meeting, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili enjoyed an official visit to Le Morne, recognized by UNWTO as one of its Best Tourism Villages. The Mauritian village of Old Grand Port was also awarded the accolade.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok invites world travelers and pleasure seekers to embark on an extraordinary journey along the enchanting banks of the Chao Phraya River. Nestled in Bangkok’s Charoen Krung Road neighborhood, this downtown destination surprises and captivates guests at every turn, offering a unique lifestyle experience within a single location.

By the River, Out of the Ordinary
The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok is more than just a riverside hotel; it is an extraordinary haven. Comprising three main buildings surrounded by lush grounds, this smaller riverside hotel offers a home base for longer holidays or a home-away-from-home for couples and families seeking a city getaway. Experience superior accommodations, diverse dining options, and a wide range of leisure and activity spaces, all in a single waterfront location.

Combining the premium touches of world-class hotel brands with an unrivaled focus on lifestyle, activities, and unique concepts, The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok offers an unparalleled experience that sets it apart from the rest.

Stay, Taste, Relax, Shop, Socialize, Work
The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok introduces the “Concept Living Space” approach, refining and elevating the hospitality experience. This philosophy encompasses six essential components: Stay, Taste, Relax, Shop, Socialize, and Work. From accommodation choices to dining and lounging venues, relaxation facilities to activity spaces, and specialty retail shops featuring international and Thai brands, every element of hospitality is thoughtfully curated.

Stay: The hotel offers 235 rooms and suites in nine configurations, catering to diverse needs and styles. From Deluxe Rooms with city, pool, or river views to lavish Penthouse Suites, each accommodation type is equipped with outstanding amenities, including smart TVs, minibars, premium bedding, and signature Salil pajamas.

Taste: Indulge in diverse dining experiences at stylish riverside venues serving Thai and international cuisine. From NAVA, a collection of four distinct food-and-drink outlets, to Jumbo Lobster at Riverside, Pacific Cigar Divan, Brix Dessert and Brix Mini Bar, Ray – Cocktail & Bite, Taproom by the River, Shaloba, Rintaro, and MARs – The Wine Space, there is a culinary delight for every occasion.

Relax: Enjoy superior facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation, including the soothing Harnn Heritage Spa Riverside, Bangkok’s first-ever rooftop aquatherapy pool at Rabbit Moon Aquatherapy, a modern fitness room at The Fitness, and The Studio for yoga and group activities. The swimming pool, with its whirlpool feature and stunning river vie ws, is the perfect leisure centerpiece.

Shop: Explore distinctive gifts by global brands and one-of-a-kind items from The Salil’s own collection. Visit Karmakamet and The Galleria, featuring lifestyle products from brands like PDM and Madmatter Studio, where craftsmanship and Thai cultural heritage shine.

Socialize: The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok offers versatile venues for meetings, social events, and community activities. From the elegant Ballroom and various event sites to The Dressing Room, The Pier, Pet Zone, and inviting lifestyle spaces, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Work: Conduct business in style at The Salil Hotel Riverside – Bangkok’s downtown riverside location. The fully configurable Ballroom and function areas provide a sophisticated setting for meetings, conferences, and product launches. The Playroom offers a well-equipped pre-function area.

Unparalleled Location and Contact Information
Conveniently located just off Charoenkrung Road, The Salil Hotel Riverside is a mere 1.5 km from BTS SkyTrain Saphan Taksin station. Shuttle-boat service is available for guests and visitors to and from the station. The hotel is also within walking distance of lifestyle complex Asiatique The Riverfront. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car or bus.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact us at +66 (0) 02 8448787 or reservations@thesalilriverside.com.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Renowned purveyor of exquisite home furnishings fabrics, wallpaper, furniture, and more, Jim Thompson Home Furnishings, is proud to announce the highly-anticipated “Jim Thompson Brunch Club” at 5th floor the Surawong flagship store – The Blue Room and At Kachama’s, Home Furnishings Surawong Showroom. This exclusive open house promises an immersive experience, offering designers, artists, homeowners, contractors, and all potential clients, a unique opportunity to explore unparalleled offerings. The brunch club offers visitors the facility to connect with the passionate, creative team at these showrooms and serves as a vibrant ‘creative hub’ for all in search of inspiration and innovation.

Jim Thompson Brunch Club promises a fusion of creativity and collaboration as guests immerse themselves in the world of home furnishings and witness the pinnacle of creativity. This club aims to strengthen connections with designers, designer firms, homeowners, contractors, and potential clients while showcasing the latest collections and brand capabilities. Guests will be able to embark on an unforgettable journey of the senses as the Brunch Club treats them to an array of culinary delights. Curated by the new executive chef, Chef Pepe Dasí, this culinary experience will complement the leisurely exploration of collections, providing a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.

Sasaya N Vesanen, Chief Commercial Officer – Home Furnishings of Jim Thompson, shared her enthusiasm, ‘Jim Thompson’s products are meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs and lifestyles of all customers, whether they are from the B2B or B2C sectors. Through our Jim Thompson Brunch Club, the aim is to inspire confidence and ignite creativity in clients by showcasing the versatility and quality of Jim Thompson Home Furnishings products. The Brunch Club underscores our identity as a vibrant creative hub that embraces designers, artists, and seekers of inspiration while offering a design sanctuary that encourages exploration and experimentation with our extensive product range.”

Guests will embark on a journey of discovery with three remarkable brands – Jim Thompson, N0.9, and Fox Linton – showcased in 11 mock-up rooms. Designed by interior designer Dao-Vichada Sitakalin, these rooms beautifully depict various styles and applications of textiles. Attendees will be captivated by the endless design possibilities and find inspiration to transform their living spaces. Additionally, they can immerse themselves in the intriguing stories of renowned designers such as Kachama, Tony Duquette, and Richard Smith.

While Jim Thompson Home Furnishings’ heritage lies in exquisite silks, the company has evolved far beyond. The new tagline, “Beyond Silk,” embodies the commitment to offering diverse products to meet every customer’s unique needs. Jim Thompson Home Furnishings embraces the boundless potential of interior design. Guests will delight in the abundance of options, including wovens, prints, embroideries, casements, sheers, indoor/outdoor fabrics, trimmings, and wallpapers.

Jim Thompson Brunch Club goes beyond providing an inspirational experience; it allows guests to acquire exceptional furnishings and hand-picked antiques displayed in each room and at 3rd floor “Jim Thompson Curated” where you can find well-known brands such as Lotus Arts de Vivre, Muse Design, De Siam, and Studio 21. Moreover, Jim Thompson Home Furnishings’ in-house curtain-making, upholstery, and decorative fabric services offer a seamless process to bring design visions to life.

About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an art collector, a socialite, and an entrepreneur who has been famously recognized as the driving force behind the revival of the Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains the largest mystery in South East Asia until today.

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

Bangkok, Thailand, July 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental Bangkok is set to welcome this year’s forthcoming Mid-Autumn Festival with treats of premium baked mooncakes, each with a corresponding signature gift box marking creative excellence and culinary craftmanship.

Traditionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the end of the autumn harvest, where families and friends come together for thanksgiving and worship. The celebration has since evolved into a gathering to moon-gaze together, where mooncakes are gifted and lanterns are displayed throughout cities.

InterContinental Bangkok’s 2023 mooncakes perfectly blend Thai tradition and distinctive flavours, with an exquisite gift box inspired by the beauty of a traditional Phuang Malai, a symbol of good luck, respect and honour, whereas the round shape of the garland box symbolises completeness and reunion, embellished in royal blue and elegant glittering gold patterns that pay homage to Bangkok’s skyline.

Crafted by local designers, the lavish festive packaging for InterContinental Bangkok’s mooncake gift boxes makes the perfect gift for any cherished relationship—family, friends or colleagues. The floral tassels of the Phuang Malai adorning each gift box are made from clay, infusing a unique touch of artistry that reflects Thai heritage. Inspired by traditional Thai welcoming ceremonies, the Phuang Malai symbolise InterContinental Bangkok’s dedication to modern sophistication while paying homage to Thailand’s rich culture.

InterContinental Bangkok’s mooncakes are handcrafted in-house by the talented chefs of Summer Palace. They are sourced using the highest quality local ingredients for freshness. Sourcing locally is also a testament to InterContinental Bangkok’s commitment to sustainability by helping to reduce the hotels carbon footprint and supporting local Thai businesses.

Dominique Martinez, Food and Beverage Director of InterContinental Bangkok said,
“The Mid-Autumn festival is a great occasion to showcase Thailand’s diverse cultures and celebrations. This year at InterContinental Bangkok, we are introducing homemade mooncakes freshly baked daily and made with the most premium and quality ingredients by our talented culinary team at our Chinese restaurant Summer Palace. From the delicious flavours of each variation to the beautifully designed packaging suitable for gifts or simple personal enjoyment, our team has carefully crafted every detail of the mooncakes to make sure this year’s festival is the most enjoyable and delicious yet.”

Mooncakes will be available at Summer Palace and Butter from now until 29 September 2023, renowned dining venues at InterContinental Bangkok, from 11:30 to 22:30 hrs.

InterContinental Bangkok’s mooncakes are homemade on site. Flavours include luscious durian custard, aromatic coffee custard, mildly nutty red bean with egg yolk and sweet lotus seed with egg yolk.

Price details for InterContinental Bangkok’s Mooncakes are detailed below:
1. Single piece: THB 220 per box
2. Box of 4 pieces: THB 1,188 per box
3. Box of 8 pieces: THB 1,588 per box
To celebrate this joyous occasion, InterContinental Bangkok is offering an exclusive Early Bird promotion until 31 July 2023. Get 20% off with a minimum purchase of 5 boxes (box of 4 or 8 pieces).

To explore InterContinental Bangkok’s mooncake collection or to place an order, please visit Summer Palace or Butter. For reservations or enquiries, call +66 (0) 2 656 0444.

Izmir, Turkiye, July 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Situated on the western coast of Türkiye, İzmir serves as a prominent nexus in the Aegean region. Its historical roots, seen in sites like Ephesus and Pergamon, trace back to Greek and Roman times, adding a rich layer of antiquity to the city.

İzmir’s downtown area, characterized by Konak Square and the bustling Kemeraltı Market, offers a blend of old and new, reflecting the city’s evolution through the ages. The coastal town also boasts a notable seafront promenade, the Kordon, providing an expansive outlook onto the Aegean Sea.

Sustainability in İzmir

The City joined EBRD’s Green Cities Framework in early 2019. The Green City Action Plan (GCAP) for Izmir aims to identify, prioritize and address the priority environmental challenges, and establish a vision and projects to enable a green future for the City. With its proposal of 46 actions that include infrastructure investments, policy measures, capacity development and advocacy, the proposal is designed to help achieve its vision for a green İzmir.

In 2020, by joining the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) and preparing and implementing a Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), İzmir Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), has voluntarily committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience.

The CoM signatories’ objectives to be achieved by 2030 are to:
· Reduce CO2 emissions by at least 40% against the baseline year
· Increase climate resilience (i.e. develop a climate action plan)
· Provide secure access to sustainable and affordable energy in a manner that is integrated with the mitigation and adaptation plans İzmir’s SECAP has been aligned with the development of its Green City Action Plan (GCAP) which aims to identify, prioritize and address the most pressing environmental challenges, aligning with IBB Strategic Plan Vision, enabling a future for Izmir that is more compatible with nature.

Also, the Global Climate Community of İzmir was established last May, a collective focused on furthering İzmir’s mission of becoming a Climate Neutral and Smart City to combat the global climate crisis.

Tunç Soyer, Mayor of İzmir said: “With this membership, İzmir took its first important step in the field of sustainable tourism. Works in harmony with nature and the environment will be introduced to the world as tourism elements. The interest in sustainable tourism is increasing in the world and the principles of sustainability in tourism have an important role in the choice of destinations. We acted proactively to become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.”

GSTC Welcomes İzmir
“We warmly welcome İzmir as a new member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. İzmir’s commitment to sustainability reflects its deep respect for its historical richness and symbolizes an approach towards its emerging sustainable future” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.

GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in tourism development and management to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can help achieve certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

About Izmir Metropolitan Municipality
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality serves more than 4 million citizens within the borders of 30 districts. İzmir is a city with high tourism potential with its natural, cultural, and archaeological values. İzmir’s tourism strategy is based on the idea of “transporting many concepts, ideas, and approaches that shape world civilizations from İzmir to the world”. The main axis of İzmir tourism is that the city is located in the Mediterranean basin. It has been determined as historical, cultural, and archeological tourism that provides positive differentiation.

As the local administration of a city that has such a high tourism potential and the number of tourists is constantly increasing, İzmir needed regulation in its organizational structure. Accordingly, the Tourism Department was established in July 2019 to meet the needs of the tourism sector and work on behalf of tourism. The Tourism Department carries out its activities under the direction of the Foreign Relations and Tourism Department.

The Tourism Department continues to work to promote the city’s values, to promote attraction centers around the world, and to make the city a meeting center on a world scale. Different projects such as international fairs, tourism information offices, city tours, and mobile applications are carried out.