Category: Latest Travel News

Pokhara, Nepal, June 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 (PASM 2023), under the theme ‘Sustainability through Tourism”, commenced in Pokhara, Nepal on Tuesday, May 30 with 222 delegates from 115 organisations and 22 destinations attending the four-day event.

Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and hosted by the Nepal Tourism Board with support from Event Patron, the Pokhara Municipality, and Local Partner, the Pokhara Tourism Council, the event encompassed various activities over the four-day programme. These included one-day PATA internal meetings for PATA members only (Executive Board & Board Meeting, Chapter Congress, and Government Meeting), a conference and adventure travel mart taking place across two days, the PATA Youth Symposium, and one-day destination experience as well as various networking sessions throughout the event.

“PATA has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the both the Nepal Tourism Board and local industry stakeholders, continuously inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication to the sustainable growth of tourism in the country. That is why the Association was honoured to be able to bring the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 to Pokhara,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “By bringing together a diverse group of international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, our aim was to engage in discussions addressing the challenges and forging solutions for a responsible recovery of the travel and tourism industry, not only in Nepal but also in destinations worldwide. In this manner, PATA remains steadfast in our commitment to facilitating these discussions and working towards our shared objectives.”

On Tuesday, May 30, the PATA Executive Board & Board Meeting, and PATA Chapter Congress took place, which focused on matters of the Association and Chapters respectively. The Government Bilateral Meetings and PATA Government Meeting also occurred at this time, with the latter meeting focusing on the complex issue of Human Capital Development across the region and beyond. The day ended with the Inauguration Ceremony and PATA Awards Presentation, presided over by the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Honourable Surendra Raj Pandey.

The following day began with the main stage conference and keynote presentation from Andrew Staples, Regional Head, (APAC), Policy & Insights, Economist Impact, who provided a succinct and engaging overview of global events, movements and trends – both economic, political, and cultural, and what all this means for tourism, and its growth in the next two years. This was followed by a series of presentations on “Insights into the Future of Tourism in the Asia Pacific” from Dr. Anyu Liu, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Herbert Yum, Research Manager, Euromonitor International; Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, and Sridhar Keppurengan, Head of Cross Border Payments India & South Asia, VISA.

Following a quick break, Carmen Roberts, The Travel Show presenter from BBC News, moderated a panel session on “The Challenges and Opportunities for a Responsible Tourism Industry” with Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB); Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister, Ministry of Tourism Maldives; Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), and Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board.

The rest of the day continued with a panel discussion on “How to Drive Higher Value Tourism” with Rosabella Ong, Principal Client Partner (SEA), Tripadvisor; Lisa Choegyal, Sustainable Tourism Specialist and Director, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, and Upaul Majumdar, Head of Practice – Tourism, Dolma Consulting, moderated by Mr. Semone. This followed by presentations on “The Return of the Chinese Traveller” by Prof. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, CEO, China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI); “The Opportunity of the Indian Market” by SanJeet, Director, DDP Publications Pvt Ltd; “How can artificial intelligence (AI) drive tourism business” by Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink, Thailand; and “Sustainable Tourism Interventions in Nepal” by Raj Gyawali, Tourism Strategy and Promotion Expert, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Binita S. Khadka, Senior External Relations Officer, Asian Development Bank (ADB). In the later afternoon, the mart began, offering attendees the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities with exhibitors from around the region.

The third day of the event began with dynamic panel discussions on “Managing Crises and Challenges in the Post Pandemic World” with Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion), Tourism Malaysia; Madubhani Perera, Director/Public Relations, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Nandini Lahe Thapa, Senior Director – PR and Publicity, Nepal Tourism Board, moderated by John Bailey, Chief Operating Officer, GoCrisis; “Activating Partnerships with Communities for Sustainability” with Lucky Chhetri, Founder Director, 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, Nepal; Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob, Deputy Director-General, DASTA, and Agnes Luz, Chief of Party, USAID Trade and Competitiveness Nepal, moderated by Pavnesh Kumar, Sustainability and Social Responsibility Programme Head, PATA; and “How To Work With Influencers on Social Media” with Monayac Karki, CEO and Co-Founder, Uptrendly, Nepal and Mr. Gibson, moderated Shradha Shrestha, Manager – Tourism Marketing & Promotion, Nepal Tourism Board. The afternoon continued with further one-on-one meetings at the mart, as well as the PATA Youth Symposium.

The final day of the event allowed delegates the opportunity to explore the beauty of Pokhara and included visits to Phewa Lake, Davis Falls, Gupeshwor Cave, the Peace Stupa and Shiva Temple.

The PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 was generously hosted by the Nepal Tourism Board with support from Event Patron, the Pokhara Municipality; Local Partner, the Pokhara Tourism Council; Event Partners, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Everest Bank Limited, Machhapuchhre Bank Limited, Nabil Bank and the Nepal Investment Bank; Event Tech Partners, Cvent and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); National Carrier, Nepal Airlines; Official Domestic Carriers, Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines, and Youth Sponsors, the Global Peace Foundation, the Guam Visitors Bureau, and the PATA Thailand Chapter.

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 official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

Petra, Jordan, June 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from across the Middle East have met to guide the sector’s development across the region, including as a driver of inclusive employment and rural development.

The 49th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Middle East brought high-level delegations from 12 countries together at the Dead Sea, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, to assess the current state of tourism in the region and advance shared plans for its future.

Middle East: First Region to Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels

For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience

According to UNWTO data, the Middle East is the first global region to exceed pre-pandemic numbers of international tourist arrivals so far in 2023.

• Overall, international arrivals to destinations in the Middle East during the first quarter of 2023 were 15% higher than in the same period of 2019
• Jordan welcomed 4.6 million tourists in 2022, close to the 4.8 million recorded in 2019, with receipts from tourism totaling US$5.8 billion for the year
• On the eve of the Regional Commission meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein to congratulate him on the “rapid and remarkable” recovery of Jordanian tourism. The Secretary-General also commended the strong support shown to tourism by the Jordanian Royal Family and the Government, including for ongoing work to diversify the sector.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism has shown its resilience in the face of crisis. And now, recovery is well underway – with all the challenges and opportunities this brings. For the Middle East, tourism represents an unrivalled driver of employment and opportunity, as well as economic diversification and resilience.”

UNWTO Supports Members’ Priorities in the Middle East

Participants, representing 12 of the 13 UNWTO Member States in the region, and including 7 Ministers of Tourism, benefitted from a comprehensive overview of the Organization’s progress achieving its Programme of Work.:

• Education: Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s work to advance one of its key priorities for tourism. Key achievements include an agreement signed with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop tourism education, including through online courses with the potential to reach up to 300 million people worldwide, and the Jobs Factory, linking 50 employers with 100,000 jobseekers. UNWTO is also launching a first Undergraduate Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and developing plans to make tourism a high school subject.
• Tourism for Rural Development: The UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is growing as a global hub of tourism for rural development. Members were updated on its work, including the Best Tourism Villages initiative, which is welcoming applications for its third edition.
• Innovation: UNWTO is working with its Members to make the Middle East a hub of tourism innovation. Recent initiatives include the Women in Tech Start-Up Competition for the Middle East, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs across the region, and the Tourism Tech Adventures forum held in Qatar.

Looking Ahead

In line with UNWTO’s statutory obligations, Members from the Middle East agreed:

• Jordan will serve as the Chair of the Commission for the Middle East for the period 2023 to 2025. Egypt and Kuwait will serve as the Vice Chairs.
• The Commission will meet in Oman for its 50th meeting.

Bangkok, June 14, 2023 / TOP25RESTAURANTS / The highly anticipated 2023 selection of the top 25 restaurants in Bangkok, was announced today, highlighting the best restaurants in the Thai capital, illustrating why the city is a favourite gastronomy destination for gourmets and gourmands.

This year’s awards recognise the achievements of Bangkok’s best 25 restaurants, chosen and ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index, an objective curation and measuring standard based on artificial intelligence and enhanced by professional discernment.

Sorn restaurant took the city’s top position for fine dining. Sorn is helmed by chef Supaksorn ‘Ice’ Jongsiri, preparing fine Southern Thai cuisine focusing on local seafood enhanced with local ingredients and spices.  The celebrated Thai eatery was closely followed by Chef’s Table and Mezzaluna, the two restaurants share the second position and both are located at lebua, the world’s first luxury vertical destination. In third and fourth position two internationally recognized restaurants for French fine dining, Savelberg and Côte by Mauro Colagreco.

Ten restaurants were newly awarded and included in the top 25, among them Juksunchae, the first Korean fine dining in Bangkok, Maison Dunand by 2-star Michelin chef Arnaud Dunand and Wang Hinghoi serving deconstructed Thai food while watching a firefly show (full list below).

Chefs from the top restaurants, assembled at the Italian restaurant La Scala, The Sukhothai Bangkok, waited anxiously the announcement all hoping their hard work and dedication will be recognized and rewarded. Cheers erupted and smiles illuminate faces, as a collective sense of accomplishment filled the room.

Each of TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok Award Winners received a prestigious trophy engraved with the restaurant name and it’s 2023 rank. The trophies were presented by Mr. Boonserm Khunkaew, Deputy Director-General, Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand.

“We are eager to share the 2023 Award Winners in Bangkok, said Bernard Metzger, Founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series. Bangkok’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served in the Thai capital. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and to reveal some new, unique discoveries.”

He further added “I encourage all patrons, industry stakeholders and visitors to join us not only in celebrating the achievements of the winners and be inspired by their accomplishments, but also to support and celebrate culinary arts and efforts from all restaurants in Bangkok, in particular from all our nominees.”

THE 2023 TOP25 RESTAURANTS IN BANGKOK
Ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index

1. Sorn, Southern Thai Cuisine
2. Chef’s Table, French Fine Dining
2. Mezzaluna, Experiential European
3. Savelberg, French Fine Dining
4. Côte by Mauro Colagreco, Innovative French
5. Potong, Progressive Thai-Chinese
6. Le Du, Modern Thai
7. Gaa, Progressive Indian
8. R-Haan, Royal Thai
9. Baan Tepa, Modern Thai
10. Sühring, Modern German
11. IGNIV, Progressive European
12. Blue by A. Ducasse, Classic French
13. Aksorn by David Thompson, Traditional Thai
14. Le Normandie by Alain Roux, French Fine Dining
15. Sushi Masato, Omakase
16. Signature, Floral Cuisine
17. Yu Ting Yuan, Cantonese
18. Maison Dunand, French Contemporary
19. Elements, Modern French
20. Vilas, Classic Thai
21. La Scala, Italian Fine Dining
22. Juksunchae, Modern Korean
23. Resonance, Boundless Cuisine
24. Wang Hinghoi, Deconstructed Thai
25. Keller, Contemporary European

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are based on Travelindex owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index”. Some of the key indicators used by the multi-assets index include, but not limited to, quality of the food, ambience and comfort, value for money, as well as social indicators as online presence, social markers, online footprint, media engagement and review content analysis by AI.

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

The list of the awards winners and all nominated restaurants is available online at: https://bangkok.top25restaurants.com/

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

In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurants Guides in following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Delhi. www.top25restaurants.com

Prachinburi, Thailand, June 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Nestled amid the lush forests and rice fields east of Bangkok, this charming resort offers fantastic facilities, including a 1,000-guest Convention Hall. WorldHotels™ has expanded its portfolio in Thailand with the signing of Tawa Ravadee Resort, an exceptional upscale property that showcases the grace and charm of Thai heritage. This enchanting rural retreat has now joined WorldHotels™ Distinctive, a curated collection of individually established hotels that promise unique, welcoming and attainable stays for discerning travelers.

Overlooking a lake and surrounded by lush forests and rice fields in the Prachinburi province, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park, and approximately 2.5 hours’ drive east of Bangkok, this elegant resort is ideal for leisure breaks, cultural escapes, and out-of-town events.

Guests can stay in contemporary Thai-inspired accommodation, which ranges from the spacious 38-square meter Superior Rooms to the expansive 72-square meter Lakeview Suites. Every room comes fully equipped with modern amenities, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a flatscreen TV with international cable channels, plus a marble bathroom and a private balcony or terrace.

The resort’s bright and inviting Thiwaratree Restaurant serves authentic Thai, pan-Asian and Western cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Lobby Lounge is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy refreshments. Guests can also cool off in an infinity-edged outdoor pool, work out in the fitness center and tee-off at the golf driving range.
Tawa Ravadee Resort is also an outstanding destination for events, with 10 meeting rooms and a dedicated Convention Hall that can host 1,000 guests. These diverse venues create outstanding options for life’s most memorable moments, including corporate retreats and one-of-a-kind weddings.

To learn more about Tawa Ravadee Resort Prachinburi, a member of WorldHotels Distinctive, please visit https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-prachinburi/tawa-ravadee-resort/propertyCode.99366.html

“We are delighted to welcome Tawa Ravadee Resort to WorldHotels. This is an exceptional property that has gained a strong reputation for its captivating blend of Thai culture, natural scenery and world-class facilities. Easily accessible from Bangkok and the city’s two gateway airports, this scenic resort is perfectly suited to domestic and international guests, including business and leisure travelers seeking a fresh and inspiring setting for their next Thai adventure,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of BWH Hotels – Asia Pacific.

Mr. Jatupon Dumnernchanvanit, The Owner of Tawa Ravadee Resort states: “We’re thrilled to transition Tawa Ravadee Resort to WorldHotels, the brand within BWH Hotels. This exciting rebranding enhances our commitment to delivering top-notch service, blending Thai charm with global standards. We anticipate a bright future for our resort in Prachinburi, welcoming guests to experience our refined hospitality under the prestigious WorldHotels.”

In joining WorldHotels, Tawa Rawadee Resort Prachinburi is now part of the industry-leading loyalty program, WorldHotels Rewards℠. Guests staying at any of WorldHotels’ participating properties can enjoy the benefits of our loyalty program, where members receive exclusive access and privileges at our upscale, independent hotels worldwide. Learn more about WorldHotels Rewards here.

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

Bangkok, Thailand, 12 June 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is delighted to announce that five of its exceptional restaurants have been nominated for the for “TOP 25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2023”, which showcase the finest gastronomic experiences the Thai capital has to offer.

Three of the hotel’s onsite dining destinations have been nominated for these prestigious honors, along with two stylish new venues overlooking the Chao Phraya River at Asiatique The Riverfront.

Siam Tea Room, the casual café and authentic Thai restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, has been selected for the “TOP 25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2023,” along with Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, the elegant Cantonese dining destination, and Akira Back Bangkok, the innovative Asian dining destination on the top floor of the hotel.

These popular venues are joined by two more recent additions to the Bangkok culinary scene: The Crystal Grill House, a dramatic glasshouse restaurant and riverside terrace, and The Siam Tea Room at Asiatique, the stylish new Thai restaurant, bakery and café that overlooks the “River of Kings.”

These five fantastic gastronomic destinations have all gained a popular following among local residents and international visitors alike for their world-class cuisine, which blends fresh local and premium imported ingredients with the highest levels of culinary skill.

TOP 25 Restaurants Bangkok is a dining and lifestyle guide that represents the city’s distinctive cuisine and rich cultural heritage. For the “TOP 25 Restaurants Bangkok Awards 2023,” series of restaurants are nominated based on Restaurant Rating Index (RRI), which combines the power of a mathematical algorithm driven by artificial intelligence and re-assessed through the human discernment of some of the world’s top culinary experts. (Click here to see the complete list of nominees)

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park would like to thank the diners of every restaurant for their wonderful feedback, reviews and support. We will continue striving to raise the bar for epicurean experiences in Bangkok!

For more information and reservations, please call 02 059 5999 email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com

About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The hotel offers extensive facilities, including 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across more than 30 venues, two swimming pools, 24-hour fitness center, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.

Bangkok, Thailand, June 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Restaurant Resonance invites you to an exciting culinary collaboration between two truly exceptional Japanese chefs, Ryohei Hieda of Eika, Taipei, and our own Shunsuke Shimomura.

For two nights only on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th June, chefs Ryohei and Shunsuke will present discerning diners at Restaurant Resonance with a sublime 10-course tasting menu designed to take contemporary Japanese cuisine to new heights of creativity and sophistication. Combining traditional technique with a distinctly modern sensibility and a passion for local and seasonal produce, the two chefs will delight you with an unforgettable evening at Restaurant Resonance.

Born in Nagasaki, Japan, guest chef Ryohei’s impressive culinary pedigree includes working under Chef Seiji Yamamoto, founder of the three-starred Michelin restaurant, Nihonryori RyuGin. Chef Ryohei was later appointed Chef de Cuisine at Shoun RyuGin in Taiwan which was awarded two Michelin stars for three consecutive years and is the recipient of an ‘Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’ award. Today, Chef Ryohei is regarded as a pioneer of the locally sourced food movement. Later this year, Chef Ryohei will showcase his unique style of contemporary Japanese cuisine at the new and eagerly anticipated, Eika restaurant in Taipei.

At the special dinner, Chef Ryohei will collaborate closely with Restaurant Resonance’s own Chef Shunsuke Shimomura, a master chef who boasts an equally impressive pedigree. Before joining us, Chef Shunsuke was R&D chef at the internationally acclaimed Gaggan. His culinary

journey has taken him to the Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen, and Tokyo. At Restaurant Resonance, Chef Shunsuke delights diners with his “Boundless Cuisine” concept – a changing menu of beautifully executed dishes, pure and subtle in flavour. While Chef Shunsuke’s cuisine cleverly incorporates the global influences he has absorbed, his Japanese identity always resonate throughout.

On Thursday 15th and Friday 16th June, diners at Restaurant Resonance will enjoy a fabulous 10-course tasting menu served in elegant surroundings. A feast for the eyes and the palate, highlights will include Chef Ryohei’s intriguing dish, isaki fish with fermented watermelon, and Chef Shunsuke’s signature, uni eggplant.

Dining options include:

10-course tasting menu: THB 8,500++
6-glass wine pairing for an additional THB 4,500++
6-glass tea pairing for an additional THB 1,500++

Reservations for the exclusive evening are available at 5p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 8.30 p.m.

Join chefs Ryohei Hieda and Shunsuke Shimomura for unforgettable evenings of exquisite contemporary Japanese cuisines on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th June, only at Restaurant Resonance!

For reservations or further information, please contact: LINE: @resonance.bkk, call or
WhatsApp: +66 94 798 2897

Forthcoming culinary collaborations at Restaurant Resonance.

6 – 9 July, 2023: A six-hand collaboration with Chef Shunsuke of Restaurant Resonance, Chef Francesca, chef and owner of Baan Peru, and Chef Jorge, the super chef who put Peruvian cuisne on the world map when he was head chef at the renowned restaurant, Gastón Acurio in Lima, Peru.

Sittings available at 5p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 8.30 p.m. THB 8,500++ for 10-course tasting menu.

10 – 11 August, 2023: Chef Shunsuke of Restaurant Resonance with Chef Tariq from Fleurette, an innovative restaurant in Singapore that serves distinctly modern cuisine influenced by the flavours of Japan, France and Singapore.

Sittings available at 5p.m., 6.30 p.m., and 8.30 p.m.
THB 8,500++ for 10-course tasting menu.

Restaurant Resonance
108/4 Sukhumvit 65 Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Restaurant Resonance is conveniently located in one of Sukhumvit’s most vibrant and fashionable districts. The contemporary restaurant features a stylish minimalist interior, allowing diners to relax and focus on exquisite flavours and artistry of Chef Shunsuke Shimomura’s seasonal tasting menus. Tea pairings are available when booked one or two days in advance. Restaurant Resonance is open Tuesday to Friday, 6 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, 12 – 2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The elegant space is also available for exclusive parties and events.

Denpasar, Bali, June 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In an era marked by increasing cultural awareness, quality tourism, environmental concerns, and a growing desire for responsible travel, BBTF presents the theme of the 9th BBTF 2023 in relevance to these global market trends with: “Reconnecting to Quality & Sustainable Tourism”.

Our commitment to promote and preserve destinations has received a positive response from all stakeholders, including major national and international players who have renewed their confidence in the BBTF ability to generate a productive impact and support their market development.

“We have just closed the online registration with a great achievement of 230 sellers from 5 countries. This year we have China, Italia, Malaysia and America with of course majority Indonesia based companies. We are pleased to welcome 337 buyers from 51 countries, in accordance with this year’s target” I Putu Winastra, the head committee of BBTF 2023 and Chairman of ASITA Bali chapter stated.

The event will be held on June 14th-17th, 2023 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) in the presence of Qatar Airways and buyers from Europe, the Middle East, ASEAN, Australia, America and Asia, that all together will strengthen the positioning of BBTF and the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies – ASITA Bali chapter. The trust of key market players in our organization is also expressed by the attendance of reputable hotel operators such as Marriott International group, Hyatt group, Archipelago group, Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Cross Hotel, Bali Villa Association (BVA), Ubud Hotel Association (UHA), Swiss-Belhotel International among many other high-ranking companies and associations as sellers.

This year some new integrated industry from state-owned enterprises will join BBTF for the first time together with a series of Indonesian exciting exhibitors such as Regions of Bali, Yogyakarta (DIY), DKI Jakarta, East Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung Islands, Riau Islands, West Java, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), South Sulawesi and West Sumatera.

In response to market demand, BBTF will showcase and promote sustainable tourism products for a responsible future. Further, particular focus is also being given to health, emphasizing the current growth of the wellness and medical tourism industry as well as community-based tourism.

Business contracts to be generated within one year during our B2B event are estimated to reach IDR 8.5 trillion in 2023, showing a 63.5 percent increase compared to the IDR 5.2 trillion produced in 2022. A very promising progress that hopefully will keep on growing in months ahead.

This year, BBTF committee presents some top speakers and invites stakeholders on a tourism seminar prior to the tradeshow. Opportunities and challenges of quality and sustainable tourism, and health tourism business development will be discussed. New learnings on sustainable tourism practices will be reviewed too, as experiences that can create positive ripple effects, benefiting not only the environment but also the local economies and communities that rely on tourism revenues.

“BBTF is taking proactive steps to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for the tourism industry – this year we invite Indonesian goverment officials to open the event. The chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR-RI) together with the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.” commented I Putu Winastra – referring to the brief agenda of this forthcoming annual Indonesia’s leading international travel fair.

For more information about BBTF 2023, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/

About BBTF
BBTF is an annual event with the intention to establish a benchmark for travel & tourism events and destinations in Indonesia. Supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, BBTF holds B2B events and aims at advancing the tourism industry through business sessions and direct promotion, as best practices in MICE and Leisure Management. Together with exhibitors and buyers from numerous countries around the world, BBTF facilitates Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSA) and business sessions for buyers and sellers to negotiate on their long-term leisure and corporate travel needs. Corporations, travel agents, hotel & resort chains, cruise operators, convention planners, venue operators and travel buyers can leverage the two and half days of business-to-business sessions to enhance their respective brands in the Indonesian and Asia Pacific markets.

In addition to the B2B sessions, the travel fair features an extensive program of activities for all delegates. From the fantastic networking events, to the inspirational knowledge program, the business of meetings has never been so rewarding. Bali is chosen as the venue because it is the gateway to Indonesia’s archipelago for global travelers and the island contributes up to 40% of all visitors to the nation each year.

Organized by the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) Bali chapter in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and other stakeholders, this year BBTF is pleased to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs joining for the first time and willing to connect Indonesia’s potential to the world. Another highlight will be the contribution of the South Bali Badung Regency, with diverse destinations putting Bali on the map of quality tourism. After having successfully conducted the world recognized G20 in Nusa Dua, Bali is now ready to meet new market demands. This annual event is led by a passionate committee and supported by members of ASITA, public sector, and local government in order to promote and facilitate the development of tourism business in Indonesia and Bali in particular.

Sofia, Bulgaria, June 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / European tourism leaders have met to advance shared plans for the sector’s future. The 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe (31 May – 2 June, Sofia, Bulgaria), assessed the current state of tourism in the region while also recognizing the vital importance of education, jobs and investments for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Bulgaria Leads High-Level Political Support for Tourism

Ahead of the meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Rumen Radev and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria Galab Donev, accompanied by Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria Ilin Dimitrov, to discuss shared priorities and areas of cooperation.

• Prime Minister Donev welcomed the latest UNWTO data which shows Bulgaria is among the fastest recovering of European destinations, with international arrivals in the first quarter of year 27% higher than in 2019.
• In recognition of their leadership, President Radev awarded UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and the Director for Europe Alessandra Priante with the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 1st Class and 2nd Class respectively, at a special ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall.
• The two parties jointly recognized tourism’s importance for driving economic development and strengthening peace and understanding.
• The UNWTO delegation welcomed the Bulgarian Government’s work to diversify its tourism sector, with a focus on growing new areas including wellness, health and gastronomy tourism and supporting rural communities.

This is exactly the time to step up our efforts to transform our sector, with a skilled workforce and proper investments vital for making it more resilient, sustainable and inclusive

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “European tourism is recovering strongly and on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. This is exactly the time to step up our efforts to transform our sector, with a skilled workforce and proper investments vital for making it more resilient, sustainable and inclusive.”

European Members Focus on Key Priorities

High-level delegations representing 40 countries, a historic high participation, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Tourism, gathered for the Regional Commission. Member States were given an overview of UNWTO’s work, with a focus on:

• Jobs: UNWTO continues to support the Institutions of the European Union in the context of the European Year of Skills, with the co-implementation phase of the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism now underway to re-skill the tourism workforce of the European Union.
• Education: Members were updated on the creation of a first Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management, in partnership with the Lucerne University of Applied Arts and Sciences, and to launch a toolkit designed to help make tourism a subject in high schools worldwide.
• Investments: Identified as a key priority for the sector, UNWTO set the stage for World Tourism Day 2023 (27 September) with its theme of ‘Green Investments’, and also looked ahead to the UNWTO Tourism Investment Forum (Yerevan, Armenia, September 2023).
• Sustainability: UNWTO continues to guide global tourism’s climate action efforts, key works include the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (49 signatories to date, with 17 from European countries), and the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism (800+ signatories to date, more than half from Europe).

The UNWTO Regional Director outlined how European Members champion tourism as a driver of resilience and recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic and amid the fragile socio-political situation in the region, caused by the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Looking Ahead

Adhering to the Organization’s statutory obligations, Members agreed:

• Ukraine will serve as the Chair of the Commission for Europe for the period 2023 to 2025. Greece and Hungary will serve as the Vice Chairs.
• World Tourism Day 2024, to be held around the theme of “Tourism and Peace” will be officially hosted by Georgia.
• The Commission will meet in Uzbekistan this fall for its 69th meeting and in Albania in 2024 for its 70th meeting.

On the eve of the meeting, UNWTO launched the Global Startup Competition for Mega Events and MICE Tourism, with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan and the participation of UEFA, the International Congress and Convention Association, and Mastercard. Finally, following an earlier announcement, UNWTO and Aviareps announced that Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Romania and Uzbekistan will be the first five countries to benefit from their collaboration.

Angeles City, Philippines, June 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels is celebrating the opening of a major extension at Best Western Plus Metro Clark in the Philippines. Situated in the heart of Angeles City, this 14-story hotel has been upgraded and rebranded. Formerly known as Best Western Metro Clark, it now offers a total of 186 contemporary rooms, all equipped with comfortable king or twin beds, modern amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Three diverse international dining options are available, including Namari Japanese Bistro, The Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant and Cactus Jack Smokehouse. Guests who want to relax with refreshments and great views of Angeles City can chill out at Jack’s Pool Bar.

Travelers can also cool off in the outdoor pool and work out at the fitness center, while the hotel’s extensive event space makes Best Western Plus Metro Clark an outstanding venue for corporate meetings and social gatherings.

Best Western Plus Metro Clark is easily accessible, just 10km from Clark International Airport and approximately 2.5 hours’ drive from Manila. With a prime position on the McArthur Highway, Angeles City’s main thoroughfare, the hotel is surrounded by attractions including restaurants, bars, shops and casinos. The Saver’s Mall is located right next door.

“We are delighted to celebrate the extension and relaunch of Best Western Plus Metro Clark. This was already a popular place to stay in the center of Angeles City. Now, following this important extension, we will be able to attract a wider range of travelers – including business and leisure guests – while also attracting local residents and other visitors to our restaurants. We look forward to welcoming everybody to this newly revitalized hotel,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Best Western now operates five hotels in the Philippines: Best Western Plus Metro Clark, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel, Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC LUXE Angeles City, and SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview.

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

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

Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The ANA Group joins the “Pokémon Air Adventure” program in collaboration with The Pokémon Company to celebrate the inaugural flight of the new “Pikachu Jet NH” direct from Tokyo to Bangkok. An ANA aircraft has been specially transformed into the all-new Pikachu Jet, complete with a spectacular Pokémon livery on the exterior and a Pikachu-themed designs through the interior, including themed cabin crew aprons and other in-flight amenities. In addition, exclusive commemorative gifts will be available for all Pikachu Jet passengers, making every flight a magical Pokémon-filled adventure infused with Japanese hospitality.

Mr. Seido Terasawa, General manager, Thailand, All Nippon Airways (ANA), gave a statement on the exciting partnership between ANA and The Pokémon Company: “We are both proud and honored to announce the debut flight of the “Pikachu Jet NH”, which will be flying from Tokyo (Haneda) to Bangkok on 4th June 2023. This partnership underscores ANA’s continued commitment to the Thai market as we seek to offer Thai passengers a unique experience at the highest quality. We look forward to welcoming passengers with limited edition Pokémon merchandise that will make their first flight a one-of-a-kind journey.”

The Pikachu Jet NH aircraft features an exclusive livery specially designed for ANA, in which the Legendary Sky High Pokémon Rayquaza appears on the entire fuselage to create an impressively striking visual. Fellow Pokémon Charizard, Latios, Latias, Vivillon, and Rowlet, together with other airborne Pokémon are present alongside Pikachu on the body of the plane, shining rays of hope and endless possibilities on an interconnected world full of wonder. Moreover, passengers flying on the Pikachu Jet NH will receive commemorative gifts such as Pikachu-adorned Kifuda (Japanese wooden tags), Pokémon stickers, and special Pokémon-themed boarding certificates. To tie the entire journey together, ANA will welcome passengers aboard with special boarding music that will bring the world of Pokémon to life.

The Pikachu Jet NH (Boeing 787-9) begins its service with ANA Flight 847 (from Haneda to Bangkok), it will be followed by ANA Flight 850 (from Bangkok to Haneda) on Sunday, 4th June 2023. It will operate from 4th June to 28th October 2023. The routes will cover various destinations around the world as follows (*subject to change due to changes in operations):

● Haneda – Bangkok (NH847/NH850/NH849/NH848)
● Haneda – Singapore (NH841/NH844/NH843/NH842)
● Haneda – Jakarta (NH855/NH856)
● Haneda – Manila (NH869/NH870)
● Haneda – Ho Chi Minh City (NH891/NH892)
● Haneda – Delhi (NH837/NH838)
● Haneda – Sydney (NH879/NH880/NH889/NH890)
● Haneda – Vancouver (NH116/NH115)
● Haneda – Honolulu (NH186/NH185)

“With triple daily flights from Bangkok to Tokyo, ANA aims to expand its network to meet the demand for travel to and from Japan. Together with our wonderful Thai cabin crew on board, we look forward to providing the best of Japanese hospitality in the air and exploring different parts of Japan with our passengers.,” added Mr. Seido Terasawa.

About ANA
Founded in 1952 with just two helicopters, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has grown to become the largest airline in Japan. ANA HOLDINGS Inc. (ANA HD), established in 2013, is the largest airline group holding company in Japan including ANA and Peach Aviation, the leading LCC in Japan.

ANA is a launch customer and the largest operator of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, making ANA HD the biggest Dreamliner owner in the world. A member of Star Alliance since 1999, ANA has joint venture agreements with United Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss International Airlines and Austrian Airlines – giving it a truly global presence.

The airline’s legacy of superior service has been recognized with SKYTRAX’s 5-Star rating every year since 2013, with ANA being the only Japanese airline to win this prestigious designation for 10 consecutive years. ANA has been recognized by Air Transport World as “Airline of the Year” three times (2007, 2013 and 2018); it is one of only a select few airlines to win this prominent award multiple times.

In 2022, ANA received first place in the Global airline and Asia Pacific categories at the CIRIUM On-Time Performance Awards, marking the second consecutive year ANA was recognized as the most on-time airline in the world. ANA is the only company in the aviation industry to receive the Gold Class distinction from the 2022 S&P Global Sustainability Awards and ANA HD has been selected as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index list for the sixth consecutive year and the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index list for the seventh consecutive year.

About Pokémon Air Adventures
By bringing you closer to other people and other regions, Pokémon Air Adventures will show you the joy of travel. The Pikachu Jet will serve as a symbol of this grand experience.