Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, June 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The city’s most symbolic five-star luxury hotel returns as the centerpiece of Thailand’s hospitality and re-opens its doors to provide guests with unparalleled luxury experiences and elegant designs inspired by Thailand’s rich culture. The world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, has officially re-opened InterContinental Bangkok, known as the city’s most iconic five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Bangkok, after a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover.

Located in Bangkok’s Central Business District directly adjacent to the BTS Chidlom Skytrain, InterContinental Bangkok is at walking distance to the capital’s main lifestyle shopping locations and major business addresses. For two decades, the hotel has been part of the city of angels’ landscape, and its recent multimillion-dollar renovation and an impressive makeover now positions the InterContinental Bangkok like never before, re-emerging as a modern grand hotel designed for contemporary living.

Stephen Gould, General Manager of InterContinental Bangkok said: “As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio InterContinental Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most premium hotels. Welcoming guests back to the InterContinental Life marks a significant milestone for us. Over the course of our renovation, we have thoughtfully woven in a blend of modern sophistication and Thai heritage inspired by the traditions of Thai welcoming ceremonies backed by world-class service. Our elite network of concierges and colleagues combine local expertise and tradition with modernity to spark joy in our guests’ stay, creating truly exceptional experiences and moments that matter for our guests.”

Re-Introducing the InterContinental Life in Bangkok

The hotel re-emerges infused with artistic nods to the beauty of Bangkok’s magnificent palaces and cultural attractions as well as the city’s famous skyline, offering 381 all-new luxury guestrooms, including Club InterContinental rooms and a range of suites.

Guests will experience a fresh aesthetic design at the newly renovated InterContinental Bangkok, inspired by Thailand’s humble culture and reputation as the “land of smiles.”

The lobby’s remarkable centrepiece, a chandelier inspired by the intricate Phuang Malai garland, elegantly welcomes guests with iconic Thai warmth and inspires guests to truly enjoy the InterContinental Life. Throughout the hotel, walls and ceilings showcase Thailand’s heritage and culture with traditional floating flowers and renowned Kranok patterns, which trace back to the Sukhothai Kingdom; while carefully placed modern abstract and local artisan artworks convey the spirit of the Thai welcoming ceremonies and immerse travellers in the country’s rich culture. Even the Grand Ballroom pays tribute to Thai traditions with a chandelier inspired by the elegant attire of traditional Thai dancers.

World-Class Dining

Unique dining experiences will transport guests from west to east at InterContinental Bangkok’s seven dining and bar concepts teamed by some of the most highly skilled head chefs with Michelin-star restaurant leadership experiences.

• SoCal: the debut of the city’s first California-inspired restaurant which features over 50 California wine selections as well as a cuisine and mixology with a variety of fresh flavours, sustainable seasonal produce. Signature dishes include lobster tostada, grilled octopus, pork belly tacos, cioppino seafood stew and slow cooked lamb neck.
• Espresso: An authentic all-day dining with live cooking stations offering quality ingredients, inspired by the street markets of Bangkok where every meal is a journey and a well-travelled experience.
• Fireplace Grill and Bar: Quality classic European dishes since 1966 such as perfectly grilled steaks and seafood, as well as finely crafted desserts.
• Balcony Lounge: A sophisticated ambiance of light dining options, cool refreshments creative afternoon teas, and worldly cocktails made from the finest ingredients.
• Humidor: One of the city’s widest range of whiskies and cigars from around the world for all types of connoisseurs to appreciate.
• Summer Palace: Authentic Cantonese cuisine, exquisitely prepared dim sum and specialities of meals skilfully crafted by talented chefs in a live kitchen atmosphere.
• Butter: A speciality coffee menu, gourmet savouries, sandwiches and salads for eat-in or on the go with teas, coffees as well as patisseries, cakes and sweets.

Dominique Martinez, Food and Beverage Director of InterContinental Bangkok commented on the word-class dining offerings: “Guests should be prepared to indulge in a symphony of flavours as the InterContinental Bangkok reopens its doors. As the city’s iconic hotel, we are passionate about providing guests with a full sense of luxury, including a wide variety of gastronomic pleasures and experiences. Our locally and internationally inspired restaurant and bar concepts have something to offer to everyone, right in the heart of the city.”

Hotel facilities

Guests have access to a wide range of facilities and on-site amenities, including:

• Oasis: A re-imagined rooftop pool delivering panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline.
• Spa InterContinental: A full-service spa offering HARNN body treatments and Elemis facial treatments. A total of nine treatment rooms including three couple rooms and a traditional Thai massage room.
• Infinity Fitness: A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre with an extensive team of private trainers.
• Meeting and Events: A variety of 19 function rooms, meeting and event spaces, including the Grand Ballroom which accommodates up to 1,000 guests. Onsite 4K LED screen: high-intensity LED lighting fixtures with advanced colour mixing technology, video streaming, conferencing, recording capabilities, satellite communications, mobile projection systems and centrally controlled LCD display screens.

Additionally, a full team of InterContinental colleagues, including the hotel concierge is available to support all guests’ needs and further enrichen their experience with in-depth knowledge and local insights.

InterContinental Bangkok is part of the prestigious InterContinental brand, building on its longstanding heritage, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts continues to refine luxury hospitality and is poised to open more than 30 hotels in the next two years. Having recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, InterContinental is continuing to evolve and redefine its ethos of discovery and modern luxury and this new hotel represents a perfect illustration of this evolution.

InterContinental Bangkok is one of 450 hotels in IHG’s luxury & lifestyle portfolio, one of the largest in the industry, and of the more than 6,000 hotels within the IHG One Rewards platform. Centered around guests, the best-in-class loyalty programme offers richer benefits at 18 leading hotel brands and more ways to be rewarded than ever before, all powered by leading technology on the new IHG One Rewards mobile app.

Room rates start from 9,000THB++ for a Classic Room and is available for stays from 1 June 2023. For reservations or enquiries, please visit intercontinental.com/bangkok

Crans-Montana, Switzerland, June 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has partnered with Les Roches Global Hospitality Management School to support tourism startups in embracing innovation and accelerating their shift to greater sustainability.

Throughout May, the 15 winners of the UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge were given the opportunity to take part in the Acceleration program offered by Spark, Les Roches Hospitality School, at Crans-Montana, the Swiss Campus of the school. The acceleration program focuses on key issues for tourism entrepreneurs and startups, including marketing and finance strategy, market research, fundraising, legal concerns and transparency. The participants also took part in a Technology Challenge, designed to put into practice what they learned at Crans-Montana.

The final, which marked the culmination of the acceleration program, provided an opportunity for the startups to pitch their business ideas. The event was attended by around 100 participants including investors and stakeholders in private equity, international investment funds, consulting firms, Spark’s technology partners, as well as several representatives of the Swiss authorities, indicating the high level of interest and support for the innovative solutions being developed by the startups.

The winning startups included Coastruction (Netherlands), Noytrall (Portugal), SmArt Tourism and Hospitality Consulting (Panama), Quantum Temple (USA), Socialbnb (Germany), Baahdy and Birdy (Norway), Instituto de Accesibilidad (Spain), Kamatjona (Namibia), Weavair (Singapore), R3Charge (Germany), Impact Innovations Institute (Safe YOU) (Armenia), NomadHer (South Korea), Murmuration (France), Evelity by Okeenea Digital (France), and Accessible Qatar (Qatar).

Identifying solutions to the biggest challenges

The UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge is organized by the UNWTO, in collaboration with its partners, to encourage startups and entrepreneurs to develop solutions that address key challenges for the sector. The Challenge features six distinct verticals, enabling applicants to submit their solutions to the pillar that best aligned with their innovations. These verticals included Green and Blue Economies, Local Community Involvement, Tourism Education, Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation, Women Empowerment, and Tourism Tech for Good.

The winning startups of the UNWTO Awake Tourism Competition have also joined the Innovation network, which now comprises 300 leading startups from all the startup competitions organized by the UNWTO’s Innovation department since its establishment in 2018.

Looking ahead, the next edition of the global startup competition is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, revolving around the themes of the SDG Competition. This upcoming event will further encourage entrepreneurs to address the Sustainable Development Goals and make a positive impact on the tourism sector.

Bintan, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia, May 30, 2023 / Bintan Resorts, along with Spektrum Aviation, have launched a new tourist attraction for visitors to Bintan called Fly Bintan. Three flights of 12, 30 and 60 minute helicopter rides take passengers up on a bird’s eye flight around the Lagoi and other areas for stunning views of the island’s popular sites.

The Crystal Beach Tour is a 12-minute flight that costs IDR 7,600,000 per flight (up to a maximum of four passengers) and will fly over the Lagoi area of Bintan. Passengers will get to enjoy views of Lagoi Bay, Lagoi Lake, Bintan Resorts Reservoir, Ria Bintan Golf Club, Club Med Bintan, Laguna Golf Club, Banyan Tree Bintan, Cassia Bintan, Nirwana Gardens, Kelong Restaurant, Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel, Treasure Bay and Bintan Resorts Long Coastline.

The Bintan Historical Tour lasts for 30 minutes flying over five historical sights and costs IDR 17,500,000 per flight.

The Paradise Island Tour is the longest of the tours lasting 60 minutes costing IDR 35,000,000 and will fly visitors further afield to sights including Fish Head Island, Nikoi Island and Berakit Island, just to name a few.

Passengers have to be six years old and above to go on Fly Bintan, and the tour operates daily from Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5.30pm local time during daylight hours only. Fly Bintan takes off from Lagoi Bravo Helipad located at BBIR township, which is a short 15 to 20 minute drive away from the resorts in Lagoi.

The Robinson 66, a five-seater single engine helicopter by the Robinson Helicopter Company, is popular for commercial, corporate and tourism use. It is powered by a Rolls Royce RR300 turboshaft engine at 300 horsepower, and achieves a maximum speed of 140 knots and range of 300 nautical miles. It can reach a maximum altitude of 14,000 feet and has large windows that provide excellent views for passengers. Its state-of-the-art technology ensures that passengers ride in smooth, comfortable air-conditioned comfort.

This tour will be operated by certified crew and pilot, with Chief Captain Ken M. Harsoyo at the helm. With 37 years and more than 10,000 hours of flying experience under his belt, Captain Harsoyo has mastered 17 types of single and multi-engine helicopters over the years. He is also a senior instructor at STP Curug, one of the longest established aviation schools in Indonesia.

“We are excited to bring this new attraction to the island for the enjoyment and pleasure of our visitors,” said Mr Abdul Wahab, Group General Manager, Bintan Resorts Cakrawala. “Travellers to Bintan have enjoyed all the resorts and attractions on ground and sea, now for the first time they will have a different experience with Fly Bintan, with birds eye views that are truly stunning. Visitors are always looking for something new to see and do, so we are pleased to be able to bring Fly Bintan to them. This new ride will appeal to adventure seekers, the romantics and also families. Customised flight requests can also be arranged if companies so wish to entertain their guests and VIPs.”

For more details, terms and conditions and booking information, please visit: www.bintan-resorts.com

About Bintan Resorts
Bintan Resorts is a multi-award winning, integrated beach resort destination that is
host to 19 independent beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as an ever-
expanding range of recreational facilities and attractions. It covers the entire northern
coast of Bintan Island and is located just 60 minutes away via a catamaran ferry ride
from Singapore, easily accessible for those looking for the perfect tropical beach
getaway.

Kyoto, Japan, May 29, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels has announced the opening of KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, an elegant new boutique hotel that puts guests in the heart of Japan’s ancient Imperial capital, surrounded by cultural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nestled in a quiet residential street in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, this stylish, low-rise hotel is perfectly positioned for visitors who want to uncover the city’s many historical monuments. These include Nijo Castle, which dates from the 1600s and transports travelers back to the era of the shoguns, and the famous Imperial Palace which is just a short distance away. The hotel is also surrounded by traditional restaurants and shops, leafy parks and floral gardens.

Within this captivating destination, KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection blends local grace with international standards to create outstanding experiences. The 57 guestrooms are designed in a contemporary Japanese style with organic amenities, innovative technology and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Culture seekers will be delighted to be provided with a traditional house dress to wear for breakfast – the perfect way to start a day of discovery. After exploring the attractions of Kyoto, travelers can unwind with an invigorating workout at the well-equipped gym or dine at the restaurant, which specializes in exceptional French cuisine.

“Guests will experience an exceptional and memorable stay at KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto is not only one of Japan’s most intriguing cities, it is also one of the world’s most engaging places to stay and explore. This unique hotel will put travelers on the doorstep of some of the city’s most significant landmarks and attractions. By blending this cultural charm with BWH Hotels’ timeless standards of global hospitality, we are confident that this hotel will become a popular option for Japanese and international visitors alike,” said Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection is just 15 minutes’ drive from Kyoto Station, which offers Shinkansen bullet train services to and from Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. It is also accessible from several airports, including Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport in Osaka, and Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya.

The opening of KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle, BW Signature Collection reaffirms BWH Hotels’ position as one of the leading major hospitality companies in Japan. The company now offers 14 hotels and resorts all across the country, including locations in key destinations such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Okinawa, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kyoto.

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.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, May 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / “Put people front and centre!” was the core message as UNWTO brought together global branding experts, journalists and content creators to rethink narratives around tourism communications.

Against the backdrop of the 118th session of its Executive Council in Punta Cana, UNWTO hosted a special Thematic Session. Alongside assessing the evolution of tourism communications, the Session saw leading experts explore current and future opportunities for more effectively portraying tourism as an essential driver of development, both in traditional media and on content platforms. With numerous, new and current, media projects, Travelindex Group is at the forefront on the efforts to rethink tourism communication.

UNWTO is working to build a new narrative around tourism as a force for development and transformation

“New Narratives in Tourism”

With tourism high on the political agenda like never before, UNWTO is leading the shift in tourism communications, with a greater focus on the sector’s unique power as a driver of development and opportunity. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We have made huge progress over the past few years in making tourism’s relevance more visible and more appreciated, by governments and by tourists themselves. But we need to make it even clearer. For this reason, UNWTO is working to build a new narrative around tourism as a force for development and transformation.”

The Thematic Session offered a platform to connect content creators with editors and new media platforms, with UNWTO as the bridge between the two.

Branding and Media Experts Lead the Change

• Representing the global leader Interbrand, Pedro Zarzalejos, Associate Director, Strategy and Borja Borrero, Executive Director Iberia, EMEA & Latam charted the evolution of branding and analysed how this has impacted the tourism sector.
• Michael Collins, Founder and Managing of Travel Media gave expert insights into the changing relationship between Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and editors, journalists and content creators.

Instagram and Meta: Keeping Content Relevant

UNWTO first partnered with Instagram in 2021, firstly to help lead recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and then to empower destinations to embrace digital storytelling. In Punta Cana:

• From Instagram, Ernest Voyard, Director of Public Policy, noted how creators are increasingly moving beyond aspirational travel-related content and instead focusing on issues around sustainability and full immersion in destinations.
• From Meta, Sharon Yang, Director of External Affairs, noted how the platform has seen a shift towards creators providing informative tourism and travel-related content, again moving away from more aspirational images and films.

Tourism on the Agenda: The Case of Dominican Republic

Leading journalists and editors from the Dominican Republic assessed how to place tourism on the editorial agenda at every level.

• Leading the discussion were Director of Diario Libre, Inés Aizpún, Director of El Día José Monegro, and the Ambassador of the permanent mission of Dominican Republic to UNWTO Aníbal de Castro
• The panel highlighted the importance of diversifying the main messaging, with a focus on everything from film and TV tourism to gastronomy tourism

Content Creators: Raising Awareness

To round out the session, UNWTO welcomed leading content creators to give their expert insights into changing trends in tourism-related content: Instagram Creators Chloé Léger and Marion Payr, provided their experiences from the Dominican Republic from the point-of-view of tourism and travel-creators. They noted:

• A growing interest in content linking tourism with issues including women’s empowerment, community development and wildlife conservation.
• An opportunity for creators to influence the travel choices and behaviours of tourists, in particular in influencing younger consumers to travel more responsibly and ethically

Amalfi Coast, Italy, May 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Hotels announces further strides into Italy with the opening of Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, the second Anantara in Italy.

Nestled high above the town of Amalfi on Italy’s alluring Amalfi Coast, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, is set in a restored 13th-century cliffside Capuchin convent. The 800 year old building underwent a thoughtful renovation to carefully preserve historic features including ornate cloisters and an on-site Baroque church complete with a marble altar and Majolica floor.

With each of the 52 guest rooms and suites elegantly renovated to preserve original elements, the creation of elevated dining concepts and a world class Anantara Spa, all with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, Anantara Amalfi is a jewel on the iconic coast line. The interior design takes its cues from the convent and the simple, artisanal lives of its original inhabitants with materials sourced from nature, blended with the luxurious details for which Anantara is known.

Dining is a celebration of the region with offerings carefully curated by renowned Italian masters. Executive Chef Claudio Lanuto introduces a convento kitchen concept in which fresh seasonal ingredients grown in the convent garden star in a-la-carte, monk-inspired dishes and sensory tasting menus. An internationally renowned pizza master and ambassador of traditional Neapolitan pizza, Gino Sorbillo, invites diners to savour the flavours of Campania region at a new al fresco gourmet pizzeria.

Emphasising its dedication to destination, Anantara offers unique experiences spanning culture, nature, gastronomy and beyond, guided by local gurus including one of the only remaining Franciscan Friars in the region.

Bangkok, Thailand, May 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is promoting ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ in the five regions of Thailand – Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Regions – to leverage gastronomy tourism as a delightful way for Thai and foreign tourists to explore the diversity of Thai food.

TAT is hoping that “hidden dishes” from the country’s five regions will inspire tourists to embark on a culinary journey to explore Thailand and spark a new trend, gastronomy tourism in the Kingdom.

Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said “The promotion of ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ forms part of the TAT’s ongoing strategy to elevate Thailand’s status as a world-class gastronomy tourism destination, and to increase awareness on the diversity of Thailand’s local food culture. Through this initiative, five lesser-known specialty foods have been identified to entice the palate and inspire tourists to explore new culinary experiences and engage in the local community in Thailand. This is also in line with our direction of Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters that encourage travellers to find meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.”

The five ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ represent some of the lesser-known specialty foods that normally are available only when travelling to the destination. Tourists will be inspired to combine the experience of local dishes with exploration of attractions and things to do in Phetchaburi, Trat, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, and Phatthalung.

Representing the Central Region is Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Hua Nod (also known as Kaeng Hua Tan) or Toddy Palm Curry. Phetchaburi, which has been honoured with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) title in the field of Gastronomy, is synonymous with several local specialty foods. The province is known to produce high-quality sea salt and key limes, palm sugar, rose apples, pineapples, and bananas among other items.

Trat in the Eastern Region is known for its marine aquaculture of Pla Yum Sawat (coral grouper, or coral trout), making it the economic fish of the province and a local specialty food. The fish is tasty and can be made into several delicious menus, including Tom Yum (spicy soup) and Sashimi.

In Northern Thailand, one of Chiang Rai’s local specialty foods is Moo Phat Raak Suu (stir-fried pork with the roots of hooker chives or garlic chives), representing an ethnic-Thai dish influenced by Yunnan cuisine. As well as stir frying with pork, the chives’ roots – known for its medicinal benefits and essential nutrients – are also key ingredients of several other local dishes.

In Northeastern Thailand (or Isan), Khon Kaen’s Au Pla (spicy and salty freshwater-fish curry) showcases the flavourful and distinctive Thai-Isan food culture. Isan has many rivers, where freshwater fish are in abundance, thus many local dishes use freshwater fish as key ingredients. Khon Kaen is among the four Isan provinces – others being Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani – featured in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023. Travelindex announced the imminent launch of it’s TOP25 Restaurants Thailand covering all Thai regions and cities and with a special section dedicated to “Thailand’s Hidden Dishes” from all provinces.

Phatthalung’s most popular local specialty foods include Kaeng Nam Khoei Yod Waai (coconut-based curry with shrimp or fish paste sauce and rattan shoots). Southern Thailand is known for using Nam Khoei (shrimp or fish paste sauce) as seasoning rather than Nam Pla (fish sauce). In Phatthalung, the use of Yod Waai or rattan shoots – known for its medicinal benefits and are abundance in the province, makes it a local specialty dish.

In April 2023, TAT has worked with popular travel pages on Facebook – Chinotoshare, Koendanai, Sneakout, Pai Ngai Ma Ngai, and Pai Ka Pai – to create awareness on the five Thailand’s Hidden Dishes among Thai tourists. The exposure achieved over 1 million reach and was expected to help distribute about 100 million Baht in food and tourism spending to the local economy. Activities in the pipeline include fam trips for international KOLs to boost awareness among foreign tourists.

“Through the promotion of the Thailand’s Hidden Dishes initiative, TAT also aims to encourage local restaurants and eateries to include local specialty foods in the menus to cater to growing demands from tourists in search of new culinary experiences,” Mr. Chattan concluded.

Bangkok, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Fun-filled children’s centres reveal expansion strategy, including immersive new recreational and eco-sensitive experiences for all ages, from tots to teens. Destination Group, the leading owner and operator of leisure resorts and attractions in Thailand, has announced plans to raise the bar for family travel experience in Thailand – and across Asia – with the launch of a new experiential and sustainable guest concept at Siam Adventure Club, its vibrant family activity centres.

Currently available at four internationally-branded resorts – Radisson Phuket Resort & Suites, Radisson Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Phuket Surin Beach, and Holiday Inn Phuket Karon Beach (with more to follow!) – Siam Adventure Club immerses kids in a world of fun with carefully crafted itineraries, while ensuring stress-free holidays for parents.

Ideal for children of all ages, from tots to teens, each Siam Adventure Club comprises an amazing array of activities and amenities. Led by Elfie and Eloise, the friendly elephant mascots, these centres are the heart and soul of their resort, with themed events, parties, sports, games, excursions, merchandise and much more.

As families now flock back to Thailand, Siam Adventure Club has revealed an exciting pipeline of plans for the future, with a focus on uplifting experiences. Fresh activities will focus on sustainability and community interaction, as well as live entertainment and new opportunities to embrace state-of-the-art technology, such as virtual reality and AI.

Guests can look forward to making a splash at the Mini Sharks swimming school, which is scheduled to launch ahead of the upcoming high season. Other new-look zones including Kids’ World, Arcade Galaxy, Hangout, Movie World and Champions Sports Bar are also awaiting every family with various types of fun and will surely create lifetime memories for everyone.

Partnerships with responsible partners such as elephant sanctuaries also enable families to head out into their destination, enjoy sustainable experiences and make lifelong memories. Launching this summer, this environmental concept will capture the imagination of today’s generation of eco-conscious youngsters. Dedicated events will also support local community projects through the group’s Destination Kids foundation.

Every aspect of Siam Adventure Club is being overseen by professionally-trained team members. New local, expat and international team members are being recruited and trained through unique multi-level employee training system to deliver and create outstanding guest journeys – like a cruise ship-style experience on land.

Looking ahead, new Siam Adventure Clubs will be launched in the popular Thai resorts of Pattaya and Khao Lak, and the first international Siam Adventure Club is being planned in Bali, Indonesia.

“In today’s hospitality industry, guests no longer seek just a comfortable bed or a lavish room; they crave unforgettable moments and experiences that create lasting memories. At Siam Adventure Club, we create an immersive journey full of fun, where each touchpoint becomes a cherished memory,” said Gary Dowson, Director of Fun at Destination Group.

For more information about Destination Group, please visit destination-group.com.

Koh Samui, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, a leading luxury resort on Samui Island, announced its roaring success for 15 consecutive years as this year marks its 15 anniversary and revealed ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy to add a new dimension to and redefine luxury. The hi-end retreat aspires to elevate itself to world-class status based on three pillars, namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A. is conceived to answer trends of modern travellers and in response to the recovery of Samui tourism.

Chonlada Soonthonvasu, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort’s managing director, said, “Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is a luxury resort that originated in Thailand and is managed by Thais. As this year marks its 15th anniversary, Silavadee has always been popular among Thai and foreign guests due to various factors such as its pristine location, world-class facilities, superb and meticulous service as well as warmth and uniqueness of Thai hospitality.

Now that Koh Samui welcomes the return of tourists with open arms, Silavadee has reached a 90% booking rate from foreign guests, 20% of whom are repeating guests from Europe, the US, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan while guests in new markets in Saudi Arabia and Israel also head for Silavadee. Most of them have made direct online bookings with the resort, as a result of online marketing plans executed during the height of the Covid-19 crisis which directly linked promotions and news to the consumers. Moreover, guests now are inclined to stay for longer periods and spend more compared to when they did in pre-Covid 2020. Therefore, Silavadee projected a 10% growth by the end of this year in comparison to 2020.

As 2023 marks Silavadee’s 15th anniversary, a new strategy called “The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A” has been introduced to deliver utter relaxation to guests through the resort’s three main pillars namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A answers to the needs of modern travellers who seek a different kind of luxury than they’ve experienced before and responds to the speedy rebound of Samui tourism in the post-Covid-19 world as well as competition among tourism operators on Samui which looks to be increasingly intense.

“For the past 15 years, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort has been recognised and lauded by Thai and foreign guests as a superb resort with great service, beautiful location and unique natural surroundings. These factors motivate us to improve our service level and deliver a higher kind of luxury and we believe that our ‘New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy will guide us to create a truly relaxing experience for guests and help push Samui tourism”, said Chonlada.

The three pillars of ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy comprises of
1) S: Sustainability, one of the core policies of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, runs on the concept of “Back to Nature”. It started from the resort’s construction which keeps the natural abundance intact and uses eco-friendly materials for building and amenities within the resort. This year Silavadee will reinforce its commitment to sustainability, environment and community through various actions such as the distribution of income to the local communities by purchasing snacks from local vendors on Koh Samui, sourcing of ingredients within the island to cut transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, turning food leftover into compost for its in-house farm to combat food waste. Guests will also have opportunities to participate in activities which promote the environment and sustainability. For example, a visit to Silavadee Farm which runs on the circular economy concept. It is where vegetables, flowers and melons are grown and chickens are raised for ingredients to be used at the resort.

2) E: Experience is exceptional stay experience. This year, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort plans to elevate a stay into an experience for guests and provide service to meet the trends and behaviours of guests from the moment they book a stay to the checkout. To live up to its motto of ‘Silavadee Pool Spa Resort gives more than other luxury resorts’, there are in-room and in-resort amenities upgrades, new dishes and drinks, and highly attentive service to cater to individual needs and feelings of each guest. The resort hosts training sessions for its 200 staff on a regular basis to equip them with service minds to cater to the needs of guests more specifically. First-time guests will receive impressive experience and service while repeating guests will notice the improvement in their stay experience that the resort strives to deliver. The Experience pillar is Silavadee’s strong point which makes the resort well-known worldwide.

3) A: Activity refers to on-site inclusive activities. Currently, the resort offers a variety of activities for the convenience of the guests. On the occasion of its 15 anniversary in 2023, the resort has planned many activities to entertain guests no matter what lifestyle they have, including wellness service, exercise programme and consultation, food and beverage programmes, DJ sets and live music bands. These activities change monthly so guests can experience different activities during each visit and season.

“Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Koh Samui” comprises 80 guestrooms, 36 units of which are Deluxe type averaging 50sqm in size. Higher tier accommodation includes 40 Pool Villas and 4 Pool Villa Suites. The resort is well-equipped with various facilities such as Thai restaurant The Height, all-day dining restaurant Moon and rooftop bar Star. Silavadee Spa offers pampering and natural treatments in a serene setting. Moreover, guests can rest assured that security and hygiene measures are in place at the resort while all staff adhere to rules and regulations issued by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, guests can enjoy exclusive experiences and privileges until the end of 2023. They can enjoy the specially crafted cocktail Sila 15th, which is made from 15-year-old whiskey and local tropical fruits such as coconut, with smooth sips at the rooftop bar Star. Guests can also embark on an epicurean journey through an exclusive fine-dining seven-course menu created from local ingredients to embody southern Thai culture. It’s affordably priced at 1,800 baht per person and available at The Height. Last by not least is the ‘Silavadee 15th Anniversary’ package which offers a 45% discount from Flexi promotion along with 1,500 baht of resort credit per stay. The offer stands until the end of 2023 so guests can experience ‘The New Chapters of Luxury’ and celebrate the anniversary with Silavadee.

To book a room or find out more about Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, please visit www.silavadeeresort.com

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, May 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / With global tourism on track to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, UNWTO convened its Executive Council to advance plans to place education, investments and sustainability at the centre of the sector’s future.

Ahead of the 118th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer showed international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The  first quarter global results of 2023 set the pace for this upward trend to continue.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action. Building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism sector will require more and better-targeted investments, skilled workers and more innovation. UNWTO is working closely with our Member States to make significant progress in all these areas and we leave Punta Cana with a clear focus around shared goals and a shared vision for our sector.”

In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action.

Highest Political Support for Tourism

UNWTO welcomed delegations from 40 countries to its Council meeting, with the high-level political support reflecting tourism’s heightened relevance.

• UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic. The one-on-one meeting focused on tourism investments and education, both shared priorities.
• The 118th session of the Executive Council counted on the participation of high-level delegations from 40 countries, including 30 Council members.
• Secretary-General Pololikashvili was awarded the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic’s “Champion of Tourism” recognition for his leadership of the sector and friendship of the country.

Guiding Tourism Forward

The UNWTO Secretary-General gave Member States an overview of the Organization’s work since the previous Executive Council (Marrakesh, Morocco, 25 November 2022) as well as UNWTO’s priorities looking ahead:

• The Secretary-General’s report provided an up-to-date overview of tourism numbers and trends, identifying potential challenges for 2023 and beyond, including the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical uncertainty.
• Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s key achievements around its main priorities (investments, education and jobs, innovation and tourism and rural development).
• Participants were provided with a update on UNWTO’s status as an Organization, including plans to open new Regional and Thematic offices, and new approaches to tourism governance.

Focus on Sustainability

On the eve of the Executive Council, UNWTO participated in an International Forum on Sustainable Tourism organized by the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, UNWTO:

• invited the Dominican Republic and Maldives to become the first countries to sign up to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, designed to reduce waste and increase circularity in the sector;
• provided an overview of its central role in advancing sustainability, including as part of the One Planet Network, which UNWTO will continue to lead in 2024-25; and
• announced progress on the creation of a landmark first global standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

Education, Jobs and Investments: Priorities for Tourism

During its Executive Council session, the UNWTO Secretariat provided updates on progress made in advancing its key priorities of education, jobs and investments:

• UNWTO and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have partnered for a Bachelor’s Degree in International Sustainable Tourism
• Reflecting the feedback of Members, UNWTO is set to launch a new Educational Toolkit to help make tourism a subject in high schools everywhere
• UNWTO Investment Guidelines are serving as the bridge between investors, destinations and projects, with editions focused on countries in the Americas and Africa
• Plans to create a Pan-African Tourism Fund, a Guarantee Fund to provide security for banks, investors and financial institutions, continue to advance

Within the framework of the Executive Council, UNWTO held the first ever Thematic Session on tourism communications and its role in building a new narrative focused on the sector’s importance for economic development and social opportunity.