Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, July 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Embark on a gastronomic adventure crafted by Barcelona’s Michelin-starred chef, unveiling premium global ingredients in a vibrant atmosphere of modern Spanish delights. Alegria, an exquisite new Spanish tapas bar, invites discerning individuals to embark on a delightful gastronomic journey. True to its name, Alegria, meaning “happiness” in Spanish, sets the stage for an unparalleled dining experience. This chic establishment serves as a captivating meeting place where guests can relish delectable cuisine, revel in a lively atmosphere, and immerse themselves in Spanish culture. The new Spanish tapas bar offers an enticing fusion of outstanding food, contemporary music, and art, all presented from a fresh perspective while remaining true to the spirit of Spanish traditions.

Alegria serves contemporary Spanish tapas that seamlessly blend the flavors of traditional Spanish dishes with modern twists. Made with premium ingredients sourced from around the world, each culinary creation is a testament to the skill of Spanish Executive Chef David Aparicio Martin, a mastermind behind the success of a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Spain. With meticulous attention to detail, Chef David elevates every dish to new heights, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Situated in the vibrant K Village on Sukhumvit 26, Alegria Spanish Tapas Bar promises to become the hottest tapas bar in the city.

Lapat Boonsri, the founder of Alegria, says, “Alegria aims to bring happiness to all its visitors by drawing inspiration from Spanish food and culture. Through extensive travels and experiencing diverse menus from renowned restaurants worldwide, we discovered the unmatched charm and harmony found in Spanish cuisine. It offers intense flavors reminiscent of Thai cuisine, combined with unique spices. The vibrant colors displayed on each plate add to the distinctive character of Spanish food, making every bite a delight. We proudly introduce Alegria, a restaurant named after the Spanish word for “happiness.”

Our goal is to provide food enthusiasts with a unique dining experience that showcases the chef’s meticulous attention to detail. We source the finest ingredients from around the world and craft dishes with utmost precision using unique cooking techniques. The result is a beautiful arrangement of flavors that delights both the palate and the eyes. At Alegria, we strive to create an atmosphere filled with happiness and fun, ensuring that every guest enjoys the ultimate Spanish dining experience in Bangkok.”

Alegria offers a truly unique experience that celebrates the lively and vibrant Spanish culture. Every aspect of the restaurant is designed to capture the Spanish essence, starting with the colorful decorations that adorn the space. The nicely decorated space infuses Alegria with a modern twist, making it a chic Spanish tapas bar that exudes a sense of fun. One of the highlights is the stunning marble counter bar that encircles the open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the culinary magic unfold before their eyes.

To complement the perfect meal, Alegria offers an impressive selection of fine Spanish wines, aged wines, and specially crafted signature drinks, including both mocktails and cocktails. Attention to detail is also evident in the table decorations and the lively Spanish music that enhance the overall aesthetic, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

David Aparicio Martin, the Executive Chef responsible for crafting the menu at Alegria, boasts an impressive culinary career spanning over 21 years in the global gastronomic industry. Having played a pivotal role in the success of numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. When describing the food concept at Alegria, Chef David says, “We aim to create a fresh and exciting menu that is specifically tailored to Thailand and the vibrant city of Bangkok.

We have curated an exclusive menu for Alegria, showcasing the authentic flavors derived from my grandmother’s secret recipes, combined with the exceptional techniques honed from my time in Michelin-starred establishments. We place great importance on sourcing the finest ingredients from around the world. Our creations range from a tantalizing tapas menu to an extensive selection of signature dishes. With each visit to Alegria, guests can expect to discover something new and satisfying. We promise to deliver an unparalleled experience of delightful food. Moreover, the talented team at Alegria ensures that the beverage offerings are nothing short of extraordinary.”

Drawing inspiration from traditional Spanish cuisine, Alegria brings a contemporary twist to tapas-style Spanish dishes. Let’s delve into some of the restaurant’s exceptional signature creations.

• Red Prawn Tart: a delightful Spanish delicacy comprising minced fresh red prawns infused with a medley of sauces. The natural sweetness of the shrimp is complemented by a refreshing lemon zest sauce, while crispy tarts and a sprinkle of ikura lend a mellow touch to the flavors.
• Ensaladilla de Txangurro, a crab salad elegantly served in a crispy cone. This delectable treat features a generous serving of mouthwatering crab meat salad, complemented by a creamy avocado sauce and a touch of spicy chili sauce.

• Black Ink Croquettes, a bite-sized, Spanish-inspired delight. These croquettes are filled with well-seasoned diced squid, enhanced with the unique flavor of black ink. Accompanied by aioli sauce, they offer a tantalizing taste and aroma.

• Pan Con Tomate with Jamón Iberico, a delightful combination of fresh Spanish tomatoes, garlic, and a topping of succulent Jamón Iberico. The ciabatta base provides a perfect canvas for the exquisite flavors. Simple yet delicious, this dish pairs exceptionally well with any drink.

• Jamon Iberico, the famous ham made from the finest Iberico pork knuckle sourced from Spain. This exceptional delicacy boasts intense flavors within the meat. Cured for 36 months and served in thin slices, it delivers a mellowness that perfectly complements bread and beverage of choice.

• Tomato Salad, a special tomato salad featuring exquisite heirloom tomatoes. These sweet and juicy tomatoes are enhanced by a house-special dressing, while bite-sized anchovies add an extra touch of deliciousness to the dish.

• Hamachi Tiradito, showcasing expertly carved and marinated fresh Hamachi. With a secret in-house technique and special seasoning, the fish becomes juicier and more tender. It is served alongside a Garlic Cream Sauce that elevates the flavors to new heights.

• Octopus Tentacles, sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and grilled to perfection, the tentacles acquire an enticing color and aroma. Accompanied by bite-sized potatoes and bell pepper sauce, this dish is a true delight.

• Beef Cheek, made from Australian beef cheek. Slow-cooked for six hours, the meat becomes tender, melting in your mouth. It is served with truffle mash potato boasting the aroma of truffles, and a special sauce crafted using the beef cheek stewed water. Every bite offers a delectable, mellow sensation.

• Arroz Negro, another Alegria signature dish. This flavorful rice dish combines tender squid meat with black ink. Using traditional Spanish paella cooking techniques, we create the perfect “socarrat”, caramelizing the rice and bringing exceptional flavours from the cast iron pan. It is accompanied by perfectly grilled large red prawns and mussels, creating a harmonious seafood medley.

• Basque Burnt Cheesecake: a secret recipe from Chef David’s grandmother, hailing from Spain. This scrumptious cheesecake delights with its firm texture, harmonizing beautifully with a sweet and sour berry sauce. It has become one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, not to be missed.

To complete the dining experience, Alegria offers an extensive menu of cocktails, mocktails, and fine wines. Guests can choose from this diverse selection to find the perfect pairing and enhance their meal even further.

Embark on a culinary journey inspired by the vibrant Spanish Tapas Bar culture at Alegria Spanish Tapas Bar, located on the 2nd floor of K Village in Sukhumvit 26. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 5.00 PM – 11.00 PM. For reservations, please call 093-074-8999 LINE: @alegriatapasbar

Koh Samui, Thailand, July 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Radiant Bliss for every woman’s life journey. Multi-award-winning Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary on Koh Samui, Thailand will launch its first-ever women-focused wellness program, Radiant Bliss, entirely dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing. The new program will commence in July 2023 and caters for women aged 18 and over.

The Radiant Bliss women’s health program is the 18th program on Kamalaya’s extensive wellness menu, dealing with specific symptoms and imbalances for female guests dependent on their health condition and life stage. Whether guests are focusing on fertility, preparing for pregnancy, transitioning to perimenopause or managing menopause itself; the program addresses all phases of women’s health through personalised treatments and therapies.

Together with Kamalaya’s wellness experts, female guests craft a curated journey of well-researched holistic treatments and therapies to support a strong foundation and a path for their unique health goals.

“Women’s health is unique and distinct from men’s health; Radiant Bliss aims to address these specific needs in a highly personalised way. What is special about this program is that it enables women the freedom to co-create an enriching experience for themselves that organically reconnects them to their innate healing wisdom and visionary version of themselves. Our highly skilled and talented experts place emphasis on the full spectrum of health including wellbeing and inner health, so our female guests can truly look to address their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs in one space,” says Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Karina Stewart, Msc. TCM.

The Radiant Bliss program draws on ancient Asian healing traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, alongside holistic Western approaches such as Naturopathy, functional medicine, nutrition and current medical research. The synergistic combination of treatments and therapies from various traditions achieves optimum results and delivers an array of transformational offerings.

Incorporated in the Radiant Bliss program are Life-Enhancement Mentoring sessions to address emotional and individual needs, and functional medicine treatments in Kamalaya’s recently opened Longevity House including IV therapy specifically tailored to women’s health. Guests will also experience Kamalaya’s new Lanna Samunphrai Ron Abdominal Massage for balancing hormones and relieving lower back pain while aiding digestion. Additionally, the new program includes a set of Kamalaya’s own blend of nutraceutical-grade supplementation and remedies for fundamental support of female wellbeing.

After completing the Radiant Bliss program, women will be better educated about their health and equipped with insights and tools to listen to their bodies, understand their needs and synchronise their lifestyle and daily habits towards meeting their personal goals.

Suitable for women aged 18 and over, the Radiant Bliss program is available as an 8-night program, priced at 129,084 THB, however, guests are encouraged to stay for 14 nights (222,696 THB) or 21 nights (324,871 THB) to optimise their monthly cycle and personal health goals. The wellness program includes all treatments in the program and three healthy meals per day. Accommodation is additional and starts at 6,900 THB per night in the Hillside Room based on single occupancy.

As with all guests at Kamalaya, participants in the Radiant Bliss program will receive a wellness consultation and body bio-impedance analysis on arrival, complimentary participation in Kamalaya’s daily holistic schedule of activities and use of the herbal steam caverns, swimming pools, thermal plunge pools and Shakti Fitness Centre.

About Kamalaya
Multi-award-winning Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005, Kamalaya offers a synergistic wellness experience that helps people to embody their life’s potential and achieve optimal lifelong wellbeing while integrating healing therapies from East and West. Including personalised programs that address Detoxification, Stress & Burnout, Gut Health, Sleep Enhancement, Movement & Mobility, Resilience & Immunity, Mental & Emotional Wellbeing and Longevity & Regeneration.

Madrid, Spain, July 12, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / This week will bring tourism back to the United Nations headquarters to emphasize the sector’s unique position to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Reflecting the unprecedented relevance of tourism on the UN agenda, UNWTO together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Republic of Croatia and support from Ministry of Tourism, India, Chair of the G20 Tourism Working Group will gather leaders from the public and private sectors for a high level roundtable at the official side event on “Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability in Tourism” which will be held on Friday 14 July within the framework of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

Inspiring and Guiding Action

The high-level event will further advance UNWTO’s work in making tourism a key pillar of sustainable development, most notably through enhanced public-private partnerships. In New York, UNWTO together with partners will:

• Provide a better understanding of the SDGs from the perspective of tourism and inspire further action among both government and private sector stakeholders.

• Present the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs developed under India’s G20 Presidency.

• Raise awareness about a crucial development that is mobilizing the power of data by forging a global consensus for harmonized data on the economic, social and environmental performance of tourism at international, national and destination levels:  the forthcoming Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST).

• Outline the benefits that private sector can bring to, and draw from, the development of harmonized Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework for Tourism Businesses.

• Share the key points of the recently launched “Achieving the SDGs through tourism: Toolkit of Indicators for Projects (TIPS)” developed in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a comprehensive resource designed to guide users in aligning tourism development projects with the SDGs.

Connecting leading stakeholders

The Forum side event is aimed at inspiring common action between the public, private and academic sectors for the tourism sector to achieve real sustainability by focusing on the economic, social and environmental aspects in tourism as well as governance. Discussions will count on the insights of public, private and academic sector leaders from every global region, as well as key figures from within the United Nations itself.

• Csaba Kőrösi, President of the United Nations General Assembly will join Lachezara Stoeve, President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in officially opening the event.

• Moderated by UNWTO’s Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic, the high-level roundtable discussion will count on the participation of Ministers of Tourism of Croatia, India, Jamaica, Spain and Dr. Ivan Šimonović, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations.

• Representing the private sector will be Matt Callaghan, Director of EasyJet Holidays, while Edward Brooks, Executive Director and co-Founder of Oxford SDG Impact Lab, will provide the academic perspective.

Macao, Macao SAR, July 12, 2023 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / Globally renowned Chef André Chiang takes on role of Culinary Ambassador. Chefs will curate creative dining experiences to bolster Macau’s culinary industry. Wynn Macau is pleased to reveal a visionary plan for new restaurant concepts, where creativity takes center stage to create exciting dining experiences for visitors from around the world.

Globally renowned Chef André Chiang will take on the new role of Culinary Ambassador with Wynn Macau, having previously successfully served as Culinary Director for Sichuan Moon. Celebrated around the world as a culinary genius, Chef André will create a new Sichuan Moon restaurant at Wynn Palace which will open in a new, intimate setting to be announced soon. The new concept will deliver an unparalleled personalized culinary journey for our guests at Wynn. Sichuan Moon will close at the end of July to move to its new location, and in his new role as Culinary Ambassador, Chef André and the entire Sichuan Moon team will host a series of innovative events in August, including “Sichuan Moon Culinary Tours” in Shanghai and Singapore.

On the heels of his world-renowned success at Wing Lei Palace of Wynn Palace, Cantonese Master Chef Tam Kwok Fung – one of the most revered Chinese chefs in the world and celebrated “Chef of the Year” by the 2023 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide – will present a new restaurant concept of his own in the existing Sichuan Moon location. This new concept is based upon his personal vision for elevating Cantonese cuisine to a global level. With the traditions of Cantonese cuisine at its core, the new culinary experience will integrate the concept of the Chinese 24 Solar Terms found in the Lunar New Year calendar. Culinary artistry and creativity will work in harmony to nurture body and soul, highlighting the importance of China’s rich culinary culture.

By showcasing the extraordinary culinary skills of Chef Tam as well as the traditions of Cantonese cuisine through premium ingredients and innovative presentation, the new restaurant will present the rich culture of Cantonese cuisine to the world in an even more profound and meaningful way.

Renowned for his exceptional Chinese and Western culinary skills, as well as his in-depth knowledge of ingredients, Executive Chef Wilson Fam is set to take the helm of Wing Lei Palace as Executive Chef. Chef Fam will lead the Wynn Lei Palace team of experienced chefs to present his talent for crafting extraordinary regional Chinese cuisine.

Armed with nearly 20 years of culinary experience, Chef Fam has garnered praise from his peers in the culinary industry for pushing the boundaries of creativity and his impressive cooking skills. Under Chef Fam’s leadership, Wing Lei Palace will present the finest of Chinese cuisine in a refreshing vibrant setting.

About Wynn Macau
Wynn Macau is a luxury hotel and casino resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,010 spacious rooms and suites, approximately 294,000 square feet of casino space, approximately 64,300 square feet of retail space, 14 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including Macau’s only choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed music from Broadway tunes to renowned Chinese songs, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

About Wynn Palace
Wynn Palace is the second luxury integrated resort from international resort developer Wynn Resorts in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, following the launch of Wynn Macau. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, suites and villas, versatile meeting facilities, over 107,000 square feet of renowned luxury retail, 14 food and beverage outlets, Macau’s largest spa, a salon, a pool and approximately 468,000 square feet of casino space. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling 8- acre Performance Lake that mesmerizes guests with a choreographed display of water, music and light, the unique SkyCab, spectacular, large-scale floral displays and an extensive collection of art works by some of the world’s leading artists.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Enjoy with us the very special occasion of our hotel anniversary by booking the Ruby Jubilee stay package and joining with us to celebrate this important milestone 40th anniversary of Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Special privileges during your stay include room upgrade and dinner by the Chao Phraya River

During your stay with us, we are delighted to offer room upgrade with our compliments a bottle of private label wine daily, and buy 1 get 1 free BBQ buffet dinner at THB 1,800++. Come and join in the fun!

Special in Celebration of our Ruby Jubilee year, every Baht spent with a minimum of THB 10,000 on rooms, restaurants, catering and weddings at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers throughout July and August 2023 will be eligible for a chance to win an Exclusive Experiences by the Chao Phraya River at a value of THB 2M in total. (1 prize x Grand prize worth at THB 1,000,000 package / 5 prizes x 2nd prize worth at THB 100,000 package / 10 prizes x 3rd prize worth of THB 50,000 package)

Ruby Jubilee Celebrations package details included below:
• Room rates start from THB 6,150++ for non-member or THB 5,842++ for Marriott Bonvoy Member
• Room upgrade to Premium Deluxe Riverview
• Eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points earning
• Receive one bottle of private label wine on daily basis
• Complimentary BBQ buffet dinner at Feast when accompanied by one paying adult at THB 1,800++ per person
• Package available for stay period until 31 August 2023

For more information or reservation, please call +66 2 266 0123, e-mail at res172.royalorchid@sheraton.com or visit our: www.royalorchidsheraton.com

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts makes it easy for guests to feel welcome at over 435 hotels in more than 70 countries and territories around the world. As the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands sitting at the center of hundreds of communities around the world, Sheraton has a rich heritage in creating a sense of belonging for guests, wherever they are in the world. Sheraton is currently undergoing a major brand transformation, creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers at properties across the globe. The new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton on Facebook, and @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram. Sheraton 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.

Madrid, Spain, July 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO will work with Alpitour World as a strategic partner to advance innovation, education and sustainability across every part of the tourism sector.

Reflecting UNWTO’s focus on harnessing the power of public-private partnerships, the newly-signed Memorandum of Understanding with Alpitour World, will see the two organizations work together around shared strategic goals. In this context, the two organizations will particularly focus on supporting innovators and driving forward the digital transformation of the sector.

Working together for a smarter tourism

The partnership between UNWTO and Alpitour is aimed at strengthening the links between tourism’s public and private sectors. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Alpitour World President Gabriele Burgio. Among its key aims are to:

• Develop strategic collaborations in the field of tourism innovation, including through supporting the creation of a tourism startup ecosystem.

• Recognize and supporting the best new talent through the organization of Start-Up Competitions focused on advancing tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Advance tourism as a pillar of rural development, including through Alpitour World’s support of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO initiative.

• Collaborate in training hospitality workers, including through joint education courses and other training materials

This Memorandum of Understanding lays the foundations for future, specific joint initiatives, establishing Alpitour World as a key partner of UNWTO in innovation and sustainability.

• Alpitour World is a leading tourism operator, with its own airline, hotel chain and a global network of more than 2,400 travel agencies.

• As part of the partnership, UNWTO and Alpitour World will hold regular joint meetings and strategy sessions as they continue to advance their collaboration and adapt to the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing tourism.

London, United Kingdom, June 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Zero Carbon Forum is set to launch Marketplace, a ‘first of its kind’ new services directory designed to connect innovative supply chain businesses with brewing and hospitality operators to help them reach net zero faster.

Marketplace is open for applications and will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for hospitality and brewing operators to source the essential products and services they need to help radically reduce their carbon emissions. The new platform will feature a product and services directory to allow users to segment by the most relevant emissions area such as food, energy and packaging and accelerate the pace of reduction action. The directory will be published in Q4 2023 following a review of applications.

With a raft of pioneering businesses already signed up to the venture, the forum is on the lookout for more innovative suppliers of all sizes and growth stages to add to the Marketplace brand list and showcase their carbon reducing product or service.

Cutting edge brands already on board include BioFase (biodegradable products made from avocado stones), Britvic (pioneering soft drinks dispense innovation to reduce packaging),Gentle Farming (regenerative agriculture), Guardians of Grub (a food waste reduction initiative from WRAP), Keenan (decarbonisation of food waste collection services),Mitsubishi Electric (decarbonisation of buildings with efficient heat pumps and chillers), Quintex Systems (kitchen energy efficiency specialists) Wildfarmed (regenerative flour with an end-to-end, audited and traceable supply chain) and Yum Bug (protein from edible insects).

Mark Chapman, CEO at Zero Carbon Forum said: “Up to 90% of hospitality and brewing emissions are from the supply chain. And 35% of the UK’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from food and drink.

“We in hospitality are the biggest industry to be affected, therefore we must act. We can’t reach net zero without engaging suppliers and Marketplace has been conceived to provide operators with innovative sustainable services and solutions that help accelerate the transformational change we need to make.”

Brands and suppliers that feature in Marketplace are validated via an entry selection procedure to ensure products and services support net zero goals.

Mark continues: “We have less than three years to radically reduce emissions to maintain a habitable planet. Customers, employees and investors expect businesses to take climate action and they will buy from the companies that do. The brands and suppliers showcased in the Marketplace directory are doing game changing work to help the hospitality sector reach net zero.

“We want to champion this great work to facilitate real and seismic change. We look forward to working with more suppliers of all shapes and sizes as we grow Marketplace and make it the definitive resource for the hospitality and brewing industry”

About Zero Carbon Forum
The Zero Carbon Forum is a non-profit organisation which builds on 10 years of carbon reduction collaboration in the UK’s hospitality and Brewing sector. It enables members to reach their decarbonisation targets faster, more efficiently and more cost effectively than acting alone.

The Zero Carbon Forum published its publicly available roadmap to achieve net zero carbon ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November 2021.

Members pledge to work collaboratively, by sharing carbon reduction plans and initiatives. By combining expertise and resources the forum helps to identify all possible actions to decarbonise operations across tens of thousands of outlets and their supply chains.

The Zero Carbon Forum is endorsed by government and backed by trade associations UK Hospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association. Members include leading UK and global hospitality organisations, including Adnams, Azzurri Group, Boparan Restaurants, Brewdog, Burger King UK, Côte Restaurant Group, Fuller’s, Greene King, Honest Burgers, InterContinental Hotels (IHG) Hotels & Resorts, JD Wetherspoon, KFC, Marston’s PLC, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, McMullen’s Brewery, Mitchells & Butlers PLC (MAB), Nando’s UK and IRE, Pizza Express, Pizza Hut Restaurants UK, Revolution Bars, Shepherd-Neame Ltd, St. Austell, Stonegate, The Restaurant Group (including Wagamama), Wadworth Brewery, WSH, and Young & Co. Brewery, PLC.

About London Essence
In 1896, the founders of The London Essence Company began to develop exquisite essences for the city’s finest perfume houses. Informed by this innovative heritage, The London Essence today creates luxurious drinks with purest flavours derived from quality ingredients. An ensemble of botanicals is artfully selected by their team of flavour experts and gently distilled until their true essence is captured. The result is a premium mixer that doesn’t cloak the flavour of the spirit it accompanies but rather accentuates it.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The once daily flights to both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to become twice daily on 17 August 2023 – offer tourists increased choice in travelling to Thailand. Bangkok has become the first international destination for Malaysia’s newest low-cost airline MYAirline, with the launch of a new daily direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 28 June 2023 and a second daily flight to Don Mueang International Airport on 1 July 2023.
From 17 August 2023 a second daily flight will be added to both airports, bringing the total daily flights operated by MYAirline between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to four.

The airline, established in January 2021, said it was the first Malaysian carrier to fly to both Bangkok airports, and that it planned to add flights to other destinations in Thailand in the future, such as Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.

Mrs. Sirintara Surakanitaya, TAT Kuala Lumpur Office Director, said “MYAirline is providing tourists with more options and flexibility in terms of traveling between Thailand and Malaysia, catering to travelers’ specific needs and enabling them to plan their itineraries more efficiently.”

The 180 passengers including media and bloggers onboard MYAirline’s inaugural flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport on 28 June – Flight Z9 550 – were welcomed upon arrival by TAT and airport staff.

Brussels, Belgium, July 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the EU Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to reach 98% of the 2019 peak. The sector is set to contribute €1.44BN to the EU economy in 2023 and 2MN more Travel and Tourism jobs across the EU last year.

The sector is set to contribute €1.44BN to the economy this year, edging close to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of €1.47BN.

WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 687K jobs this year, recovering almost 90% of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach more than 22.4MN, with one in nine workers across the EU, in the Travel & Tourism sector.

A look back on last year

Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 40.5% to reach more than €1.37BN, representing 8.7% of the Bloc’s economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of 9.6% of the economy.

Last year the sector also created 2MN more jobs from the previous year to reach 21.8MN jobs – one in ten across the EU.

According to the global tourism body’s annual research, the sector has now recovered 3.1MN of the 3.6MN jobs lost during the pandemic.

Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to the EU with spending from overseas visitors growing 81% year on year, to reach almost €385BN.

Domestic visitor spend fully recovered in 2022, exceeding the pre-pandemic high of €809BN, to reach €814BN.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in the EU is recovering strongly with high visitor demand. The number of jobs created by Travel & Tourism stands at 21.8MN, but by the end of this year it will reach nearly 22.5MN jobs, just 2% behind 2019 numbers.

“Travel & Tourism is a key economic growth sector and driver of jobs in the EU due to the importance of the sector in so many countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Our most recent Cities Economic Impact Report revealed that Paris remains the world’s most popular tourist destination.”

What does the next decade look like?

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to almost €1.9BN by 2033, more than 10% of the EU economy and will employ over 26.3MN people across the region, with one in eight EU residents working in the sector.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Ms Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia and the election of Dr. Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, USA to the PATA Executive Board for a two-year term beginning June 27, 2023.

On the announcement, PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “I would like to first thank Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives for his time and contribution on the Executive Board over the past two years. His support and experience were a great asset to us during a critical time for our industry coming out of the pandemic. I would also like to welcome back Ms Noredah Othman and welcome Dr. Gerald Perez to the Executive Board. Their proven track record and background will make them a great asset to PATA and our members.”

With 30 years’ experience in Sabah Tourism, Ms Noredah Othman is the longest-serving officer with Sabah Tourism Board. She is responsible for marketing and promotion of the destination.

Ms. Noredah Othman has held various positions since October 1990 and served as Deputy General Manager (Support Services) from 2016. Prior to that, she was the Senior Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA markets from 2011 to 2015. She was the Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe and Australia from 2005-2010.

Ms. Othman, a mother of three children, completed her education in Singapore, started her career as tourist assistant with the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the forerunner of STB, in 1990. Between 1991 and 2005, she held the position of assistant public affairs officer and later as communications manager. Ms. Othman was awarded the PATA Foundation’s scholarship for Executive Development for Tourism (EDIT) Programme in 2015.

Dr. Gerry Perez is a dedicated and accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in tourism and public service. Born and raised on Guam, he graduated from Fr. Duenas Memorial School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management with honors from the University of Idaho. He also holds a PhD in Tourism Development and Public Policy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

In his private business endeavours, Dr. Perez has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success. He retired in 2003 as a Travel Retail Executive, where he oversaw over 500 employees during his 23-year tenure. He is also the proprietor of Micromed Suppliers and has served as the General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau. Gerry’s outstanding business acumen led to his induction into the Guam Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2017, and he represented the White House Business Conference as a delegate in 1994.

With an unwavering commitment to promoting tourism, Dr. Perez has been actively involved in various organizations and conferences. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Guam Visitors Bureau and is a founding member of the Micronesia Cruise Association. As a renowned speaker, he has shared his expertise at international forums such as the Beijing International Forum on Chinese Overseas Travel and the SKAL Asia Tourism Congress. Gerry’s dedication to the tourism industry is further demonstrated through his memberships in the Guam Tourism Foundation and the Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gerry has been actively engaged in civic and government roles. He has served as the Chairman of the GovGuam Retirement Fund Board of Trustees and the Vice-Chairman of the University of Guam Board of Regents. Gerry has also held positions in organizations such as KGTF Public Television, the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist.

Ms. Othman and Dr. Perez will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Benjamin Liao, Vice Chair, PATA and Chairman, Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei, Singapore; Suman Pandey, Secretary/Treasurer PATA and President, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Nepal; Tunku Iskandar, Group President, Mitra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia; SanJeet, Managing Director, DDP Publications Private Ltd., India; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd., Thailand, and Dr. Fanny Vong, President – Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), Macao, China, as well as non-voting members, Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte., Ltd., Singapore and Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore.

The new Executive Board members were ratified at the PATA Annual General Meeting held online on June 27, 2023.

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.