Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, May 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Jim’s Terrace, a new Thai tapas café nestled in the heart of Bangkok City. Located on the 2nd floor of the Iconic Store at Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, Jim’s Terrace offers a delightful menu of Thai tapas, expertly crafted from premium, local organic ingredients.

Designed to evoke the enchanting terrace of Jim Thompson’s legendary ‘House on the Klong’, Jim’s Terrace provides diners an unparalleled setting for enjoying its array of authentic Thai delicacies. With an open-air and spacious design, guests can appreciate the stunning surroundings of the Thai houses and lush garden while savouring delectable dishes such as Northern Style Grilled Sandwich, Jim’s Creamy (oxtail) Croquettes, Satay Wing Lollipops with organic chicken from Klong Phai Farm, Mala Moo Ping made from sous vide pork from Sloane’s Farm in Chiang Rai, Isan Style Beef Tongue, and signature desserts.

“Jim’s Terrace is the perfect way to conclude a visit to the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter,” said Joan Tana Dot, the Food and Beverage Director. He added, “We’ve carefully curated our menu to showcase the authentic flavours of Thai cuisine while also sourcing premium and organic ingredients from local Thai farms and the Royal Projects. Our talented team of chefs have created an innovative menu that highlights the best of Thai cuisine, with a focus on sharing-style small plates. We’re proud to showcase the diverse flavours of Thailand, using only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. Our commitment to quality and authenticity ensures that our guests can experience a true taste of Thailand, while supporting local farmers and suppliers.”

Standout menu items include Crispy Mushroom Chips from the Royal Project, Thai Green Curry Chicken Wrap Tortillas, and Maison Fostier Artisan Thai Charcutier (this Thai style Charcuterie platter is served with four types of peppers, mango jelly, pickled melon and pickled onions). Add greens to the table with the traditional Thai Eggplant Salad and Siam Caesar Salad. For those seeking something more substantial, Jim’s Terrace also offers three main dishes: The Super Isan Burger, Tom Yum Fried Rice, and Jim’s Nachos. The burger brings into play dry-aged Jasmine Wagyu beef from Khon Kaen and organic bacon from Nakhon Ratchasima. While the Tom Yum Rice combines Tom Yum Kung with Paella (Spanish paella), using organic jasmine rice from Rai Thong Fram, Chiang Rai. Jim’s Nachos include pork in red curry topped with Jartisann smoked ricotta cheese and homemade pickles.

Jim’s Terrace also offers special desserts including the exclusive menu item “Choco Banana” from the Kadkokoa x Jim’s Terrace collaboration. Guests can also enjoy Jim’s Terrace signature dessert: Thai Coconut Panna Cotta.

Diners can also indulge in an extensive list of beverages, including tea, coffee, cocktails, mocktails, and wines. Notable drinks include the Lilikoi Crush mocktail, the Momo Pop cocktail, and a carefully curated wine list featuring white, red, and rosé selections. Jim’s Terrace is open Monday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.

About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, an art collector, a socialite, and an entrepreneur who has been famously recognized as the driving force behind the revival of the Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance in 1967 remains the largest mystery in South East Asia until today.

Basel, Switzerland, May 12, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Art Basel is delighted to announce that Maike Cruse, presently Director of Gallery Weekend Berlin, has been appointed to the newly created position of Director, Art Basel in Basel, effective July 2023. In this role, Cruse will lead Art Basel’s premier Swiss edition, overseeing the team in Basel and working closely with the fair’s network of galleries, collectors and artists as well as nurturing close relationships with the city’s leading museums, institutions and cultural partners. Reporting to Vincenzo de Bellis, Director, Fairs and Exhibition Platforms, and working in concert with Andreas Bicker, Head of Business and Management Europe, Cruse will be responsible for shaping the fair’s direction and strengthening its pre-eminent position as a global platform for discovery and encounters that drive the art world. Cruse is returning to Art Basel, having served as Communications Manager from 2008 to 2011.

Maike Cruse is currently the Director of Gallery Weekend Berlin, the annual showcase of the city’s dynamic gallery scene which just celebrated its 19th edition. Cruse brings extensive art fair experience, having previously led art berlin contemporary (2012-2016), and subsequently art berlin (2016-2019). She is well acquainted with Art Basel and the city of Basel’s cultural landscape, having previously worked as Communications Manager for the fair from 2008 to 2011. She also held positions at the KW Institute of Contemporary Art in Berlin and the Berlin Biennale and co-launched the groundbreaking “Forgotten Bar” project in 2008. Cruse has a background in Fine Art, a wide-ranging artworld network, and extensive track record in fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborative formats spotlighting contemporary artists and galleries.

“I am thrilled to welcome back Maike Cruse to Art Basel,” says Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel. “Maike knows the art world intimately and has deep relationships with our global community of galleries, collectors, and institutional audiences, having been at the helm of art fairs and Gallery Weekend Berlin for many years. She has excellent understanding and appreciation of our brand and longstanding ties to the City of Basel and its cultural scene. I am confident that her entrepreneurial mindset, her consummate professionalism, and her unwavering commitment to contemporary art make her uniquely equipped to lead our flagship show in our home city and steering its future direction.”

Vincenzo de Bellis, Director, Fairs and Exhibition Platforms, says: “Maike is a proven leader in the field and an enthusiastic partner to galleries, artists, and collectors. In Berlin she has created an annual showcase that is deeply embedded in the city and unites its diverse cultural actors. Her collaborative spirit means she is uniquely positioned to foster close ties to our many partners and stakeholders in Basel. I could not be more thrilled to welcome back Maike to our team and I’m certain that under her leadership our Basel show will not only remain best in class but strengthen its position for years to come.”

“I am truly looking forward to returning to Art Basel and advancing the Swiss show into the future in collaboration with this exceptional team,” says Maike Cruse. “I have attended every edition of Art Basel in the last nearly 20 years and I have consistently been in active exchange with the fair as Director of Gallery Weekend Berlin. I am truly honored to lead this pre-eminent show in the art and culture city of Basel, to steer its next chapter and contribute to Art Basel remaining the most important platform for galleries worldwide.” Cruse joins Art Basel on July 1st, 2023, and will lead the 2024 edition of the Swiss fair. She will work alongside Art Basel fair Directors Clément Delépine, Director, Paris+ par Art Basel, Angelle Siyang-Le, Director, Art Basel Hong Kong and the yet to be announced Director of Miami Beach, a position for which a search is underway.

About Art Basel
Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded beyond art fairs through new digital platforms and several new initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast and the BMW Art Journey. Art Basel’s Global Media Partner is The Financial Times.

Upcoming Art Basel shows
– Basel, June 15-18, 2023
– Paris+ par Art Basel, October 19-22, 2023
– Miami Beach, December 8-10, 2023
– Hong Kong, March 2024

Madrid, Spain, May 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has welcomed the end of the public health emergency phase for COVID-19 with a summary analysis of the travel restrictions introduced in response to the pandemic.

The decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern represents a major milestone in the global effort to combat the virus. In this context, UNWTO has released its analysis of both the introduction and lifting of travel restrictions during all stages of the pandemic´s emergency phase. “The end of COVID-19 travel restrictions: Summary of findings from the COVID-19 related travel restrictions reports”, highlights key findings of the 11 reports published by the United Nations Specialized Agency for tourism on the issue.

Guiding tourism through crisis

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these reports provided the global tourism sector with timely guidance and assessments on travel restrictions, and examined factors influencing those restrictions, such as tourism’s economic importance, the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and a specific Health and Hygiene Indicator (H&H), as well as grouping destinations according to economic blocs. This allowed for a deeper analysis of the relationship between travel restrictions and sustainability issues.

This new UNWTO report will help in this endeavor and be another milestone in UNWTO’s actions that guided the sector through these unprecedented times

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says “We welcome WHO’s decision to end  the emergency status for COVID- 19. This is an important signal and a moment to stand back and reflect on how we can overcome challenges only in a collaborative manner. We must ensure that we learn the lessons from this phase of the pandemic, including the ones on travel restrictions. This new UNWTO report will help in this endeavor and be another milestone in UNWTO’s actions that guided the sector through these unprecedented times.”

Varied, dynamic approach to travel restrictions

The findings reveal a diverse response from destinations worldwide on travel restrictions. They show that those with better environmental performance, higher health and hygiene standards, and a greater reliance on tourism tended to lift travel restrictions earlier, which allowed for faster recovery in terms of international tourist arrivals. Conversely, emerging economies and SIDS (Small Island Development States) often imposed full border closures more quickly, maintained them for longer and introduced additional requirements for travellers.

The new report provides an overview on the evolution of travel restrictions, which peaked in May 2020 when 75% of all destinations worldwide had their borders completely closed, bringing international tourism almost to a standstill. With the better understanding on the virus, a more risk-based approach became possible and allowed destinations to replace complete border closure with softer measures, such as testing and vaccination requirements for tourists.

Finally, this new report highlights the current situation with nearly all destinations having lifted COVID-19 related travel restrictions. However, as of 22 March 2023 18 destinations still required vaccination as a condition for entry, which is not consistent with International Health Regulation provisions or current temporary WHO recommendations. UNWTO will continue its close cooperation with WHO monitoring the situation.

Noting the vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, UNWTO emphasizes the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of travel restrictions, recovery strategies and the intricate interplay between the environment, health and tourism sectors.

Tokyo, Japan, May 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit Hotels and Resorts is set to expand its global and domestic footprint by opening three hotels within the next 30 days – including two new properties in Bangkok and its first hotel in Japan.

Hot on the heels of opening its first hotel in Europe, in Greece, and returning to Nairobi, Kenya, in March, with the opening of Dusit Suites Athens and Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, respectively, Dusit is now gearing up to welcome its first dusitD2 branded hotel in Bangkok – dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok – which will soft open on 12 May 2023.

Located on Si Phraya Road, a vibrant street parallel to Silom and Sathorn roads in Bangkok’s central business district, the new hotel comprises 179 well-appointed guest rooms and boasts a sleek, modern design that reflects Thai culture and embodies the upscale nature of the dusitD2 brand.

The hotel’s wide range of facilities includes a stylish lobby, a fully equipped fitness centre, a versatile meeting space with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, an outdoor swimming pool with a panoramic city view, and a multi-level food and beverage concept featuring a grab-and-go gourmet outlet, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, and a Miami-inspired rooftop bar called Mimi serving burgers, shakes, craft beers, and cocktails.

Up next, on 15 May 2023, Dusit will mark the official expansion of its distinctive lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, by opening ASAI Bangkok Sathorn on Sathorn Soi 12 near Bangkok’s central business district, just a five-minute walk from Saint Louis BTS (Skytrain) Station.

Building on the success of ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, one of the top-rated hotels in Bangkok on TripAdvisor, the new hotel will continue the brand’s promise to uniquely link visitors with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – this one renowned for its impressive cluster of hip bars and Thai and international restaurants.

Alongside 106 thoughtfully compact rooms that focus on the essentials, such as highly comfortable beds and powerful showers, the new property boasts a spacious and welcoming communal space that features a cosy neighbourhood bar, a comfortable co-working area, and a unique dining experience created by award-winning chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones, who specialise in authentic Thai cuisine crafted from seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

On 1 June 2023, Dusit will then take the ASAI brand outside of Thailand with the opening of ASAI Kyoto Shijo – Dusit’s first hotel in Japan – which puts guests in the heart of the Shijo-Karasuma neighbourhood, near the famous Nishiki Market in the city’s renowned Downtown area.

Alongside 114 thoughtfully compact rooms designed to offer utmost comfort and convenience, the hotel will feature a large communal hub for work, rest, and play, and a cosy dining room inspired by the rich street-food culture of Bangkok. Regular collaborations with local restaurateurs and artisans and sustainable sourcing of produce will further set the distinctive lifestyle hotel apart.

“As we continue to execute our plan for domestic and global expansion, we are delighted to welcome three new hotels to our portfolio, including our first dusitD2 branded hotel in Bangkok, our second ASAI hotel in Bangkok, and our first hotel in Japan,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “These openings represent significant milestones for our company, and we are confident that their unique positioning and distinctive lifestyle and food and beverage experiences will resonate with travellers from around the world. As we gear up for these launches, we are excited about the future and look forward to making our mark in more key international markets.”

With an additional nine hotels set to open globally before the end of the year, including Dusit’s first entry into Nepal, a second hotel in Japan, and a strategic return to India, Dusit is set to add approximately 1,700 keys to its hotel portfolio, resulting in 62 hotels (13,700 keys) operating across 18 countries worldwide by year-end.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of seven brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, Dusit Suites, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 17 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

Madrid, Spain, May 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022.

New Data from UNWTO: What We’ve Learned

The second UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year shows that the sector’s swift recovery has continued into 2023. It shows that:

• Overall, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023
• An estimated 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period of 2022.
• Tourism has continued to show its resilience. Revised data for 2022 shows over 960 million tourists travelling internationally last year, meaning two-thirds (66%) of pre-pandemic numbers were recovered.

Recovery by Region in Q1 2023:

• The Middle East saw the strongest performance as the only region exceeding 2019 arrivals (+15%) and the first to recover pre-pandemic numbers in a full quarter.
• Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand.
• Africa reached 88% and the Americas about 85% of 2019 levels
• Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery with  54% of pre-pandemic levels, but this upward trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations, particularly China, have re-opened.

In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals

The UNWTO data also analyses recovery by sub-region and by destination: Southern Mediterranean Europe and North Africa have also recovered pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023, while Western Europe, Northern Europe, Central America and the Caribbean all came close to reaching those levels.

What it Means:

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The start of the year has shown again tourism’s unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals. However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism’s return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development.”

International tourism receipts grew back to hit the USD1 trillion mark in 2022, growing 50% in real terms compared to 2021, driven by the important rebound in international travel. International visitor spending reached 64% of pre-pandemic levels (-36% compared to 2019, measured in real terms). By regions, Europe enjoyed the best results in 2022 with nearly USD 550 billion in tourism receipts (EUR 520 billion), or 87% of pre-pandemic levels. Africa recovered 75% of its pre-pandemic receipts, the Middle East 70% and the Americas 68%. Due to prolonged border shutdowns, Asian destinations earned about 28%.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store?

The Q1 2023 results are in line with UNWTO’s forward-looking scenarios for the year which project international arrivals to recover 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels. UNWTO’s Panel of Experts expressed their confidence in a strong peak season (May-August) in the Northern Hemisphere, reflected in the latest UNWTO Confidence Index which indicates performance for the period is on track to be even better than 2022.

However, tourism’s recovery also faces some challenges.  According to the UNWTO Panel of Experts, the economic situation remains the main factor weighing on the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023, with high inflation and rising oil prices translating into higher transport and accommodations costs.  As a result, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine and other mounting geopolitical tensions, also continue to represent downside risks.

 

Phuket, Thailand, May 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Harboring a deep commitment to flavour enhancement to showcase the best of each ingredient, hom opens today at InterContinental Phuket Resort. Helmed by Chef Ricardo Nunes, the restaurant is a celebration of ancient fermentation processes that have unified cultures for centuries. Innovative techniques, exceptional talent, and an ethereal setting: hom is set to disrupt Southeast Asia’s fine dining scene The restaurant opened recently at the InterContinental Phuket Resort.

Exceptional Talent
Chef Ricardo Nunes – who previously worked at several Michelin-starred establishments including Potong, Belcanto and Gaggan – is a purveyor of locavorism, seasonality and curiosity. Resident Zymologist, Mateo Polanco, works closely with Chef Ricardo to further develop the intricacies of the fermentation techniques utilised across all dishes and beverages at hom. Chef Ricardo and Mateo have a strong belief in the pursuit of perpetual improvement; this innate curiosity and passion for discovery enables the presentation of endlessly innovative menus.

“The techniques used in the hom kitchen centre around flavour elevation; we will excite curious diners by presenting ingredients in new and inspiring ways, whilst maintaining a respect for the true nature of each ingredient,” said Chef Ricardo Nunes of hom.
The hom team is guided by Restaurant Manager, Peter Lucas. Peter boasts over a decade of experience working in Michelin starred establishments; most recently he was the Restaurant Manager of Baan Tepa in Bangkok and has also worked at the likes of Restaurant Savelberg in Thailand and Ciel Blue in The Netherlands.

Innovative Techniques
Chef Ricardo develops the hom menus by first identifying viable ingredients that grow or live on the island of Phuket – proximity is key. The team then explores how ancient fermentation techniques can be used to maximise flavours, elevating the produce whilst still respecting the true nature of each ingredient. The resulting 10-course tasting menu is well-balanced, thanks to the painstaking detail taken by the hom team. Ultimately, their goal is to surprise curious diners and encourage exploration and discovery. The hom beverage programme will seamlessly complement the food offering.

Protectors and supporters of the local environment, the hom team collaborate closely with local producers. The symbiotic relationship enables knowledge to flow in both directions, ultimately ensuring the safeguarding of local resources and prevention of overproduction.

An Ethereal Setting
The experiential journey begins as soon as guests step foot into the magical InterContinental Phuket Resort. As they journey to the breathtaking Sawan Pavillion, where hom is located, guests are regaled with stories of the resorts’ rich Himmapan past. Inside the pavilion, white and silver tones add to the heavenly feel of the venue, whilst a Monta Flower-inspired chandelier hangs overhead. Prior to departure, a curated memories bag is gifted to each guest. Thoughtful mementos encourage guests to reminisce on their hom experience.

For reservations, please visit www.hom-restaurant.com | Enquiries can be directed to info@hom-restaurant.com | For updates, please follow @homrestaurant on Instagram

Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday; dinner starts at 6:30 pm

About hom
Disrupting Southeast Asia’s fine dining scene, hom is rooted in locavorism and curiosity. Helmed by Executive Chef, Ricardo Nunes, the exceptionally talented team work relentlessly to deliver an impeccable guest experience. Ancient fermentation techniques unlock incredible flavours, whilst maintaining the true essence of ingredients. Set in the heavenly Sawan Pavillion at InterContinental Phuket Resort, hom offers a storied dining journey.

About InterContinental Phuket Resort
Inspired by Phuket’s natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s five restaurant and bars offers contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine beach bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea and delicacies at Devas’ Lounge. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, 6 swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has already garnered international awards such as ‘2019 Readers Choices – The Best Overseas Hotel’ from Travel + Leisure China ‘2019 Best Overseas Hotel’ from Voyage, China, 2022 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and LEED Gold Certification since it’s official opening in November 2019. Visit us online for more about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter About IHG Hotels & Resorts: IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,800 in the development pipeline. • Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo • Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels • Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels • Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 325,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG One Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Phuket, Thailand, May 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / MontAzure Phuket, a cutting-edge luxury residential resort development on the island’s upscale sunset coast, is reaching out to investors and home buyers at a special promotional event, Memorable Moment – Awaken to the Phuket Sunshine, at Bangkok’s EmQuartier from 8-14 May 2023. During the event, MontAzure will showcase its flagship MGallery Residences MontAzure.

Nestled in the lush, forested mountains that slope gently towards a stunning beachfront, M Gallery Residences MontAzure is a freehold lakeside condominium within MontAzure. This prime location grants easy access to an exclusive selection of MontAzure facilities. Managed by internationally renowned AccorHotels, the property presents a considerable opportunity for investment returns. The first MGallery Residences in Thailand offers Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom unit types with a starting price of THB 8.9 million.

Conceptualised by the architects at SODA (Thailand) Ltd and featuring exquisite landscaping by Shma Company Limited, MGallery Residences MontAzure exudes a tranquil, back-to-nature ambience. In addition, the residences boast numerous amenities: leisure and lap pools, children’s pool and play area, pool bar, clubhouse and lobby lounge, fitness centre, yoga and spa facilities, all-day dining restaurant, green deck, starlight deck, relaxation pavilion, and a nature trail with a jogging track.

Special ‘Memorable Moment – Awaken to the Phuket Sunshine’ Offer

Home buyers and investors that reserve their units at the Bangkok event can avail of fantastic offers: a cash discount of up to one million baht, an investment package, a furniture package, a free trip to Phuket and ALL Diamond Membership of AccorHotels – all subject to terms & conditions.

MontAzure, a prime mixed-use residential development with Kamala Beach as its beachfront, is spread over 454 rai (178 acres or 72 hectares) of the mountainside to beachfront land. Within easy reach of both Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town, it includes a beachfront condominium, a resort condominium, InterContinental Phuket Resort, Cafe del Mar, a boutique lifestyle mall, a luxury retirement community and more.

Bangkok, Thailand, May 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s leading B2B travel industry show, the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2023, is scheduled to take place from 31 May to 2 June at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, with pre- and post-tour programmes showcasing meaningful travel experiences across all five regions of Thailand.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “This year, the TTM+ 2023 will continue to shine a spotlight on the Thai tourism industry’s ongoing efforts towards a meaningful travel direction through the promotion and development of high value and sustainable tourism. As the premier showcase of Thai tourism, this year’s TTM+ will present how we are elevating supply and sustainable standards while leveraging the kingdom’s 5F soft-power foundations of Food, Film, Festival, Fight and Fashion to maintain tourists’ confidence in Thailand as a preferred destination.”

The TTM+ 2023 has been conceptualised in line with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ marketing campaign, to showcase travel products, services, and experiences that promote Thai cultural values for a meaningful travel experience. It also corresponds with TAT’s strategy to leverage technology and innovation to add value and transform Thai tourism to ‘Smart Tourism’ and accelerate Thailand’s tourism ecosystem to quality and sustainability.

This year’s TTM+ is expected to attract over 850 participants, including 350 buyers from 50 countries, 400 sellers from across all five regions of Thailand, as well as 100 local and international media. Buyers include those from key source markets – Europe, ASEAN, East Asia, America, and Australia – and emerging markets – Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, and South Africa.

From 31 May-2 June 2023, the scheduled programmes for the TTM+ 2023 include opening ceremony, Thailand product update and TTM Talk for buyers and media, onsite appointment session, welcome reception, and the product update on the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). There are also buyer/seller appointments along with a networking lunch and a business networking happy hour.

There are three pre-tour programmes on 30 and 31 May and six post-tour programmes on 3-5 June. All tour programmes are also conceptualised in line with the TAT’s meaningful travel direction and placing emphasis on experience-based tourism activities, as well as showcasing Thai cultural values through the kingdom’s 5F soft-power foundations.

TAT is also hosting the Amazing Thailand Culinary City event, alongside the TTM+ 2023, during the same dates and at the same venue.

For more information about Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2023, please visit https://thaitravelmartplus.com/

About the TTM+
First held in 2001, the TTM+ has gained a well-earned reputation in visitor source markets the world over, and within Thailand’s tourism industry itself, as a ‘must-attend’ event. This year, the TTM+ 2023 is all set to continue the tradition of providing a valuable platform for sellers and buyers to meet with current and potential business partners and to reinforce relationships with global travel specialists and decision-makers.

First held in 2001, and took place mostly in Bangkok each year since its launch, the TTM+ was relocated to Chiang Mai in 2016 – 17, Pattaya in 2018 – 19, and then Phuket in 2022 as part of the TAT’s strategy to promote provincial destinations.

Geneva, Switzerland, May 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The continuing uncertainty of the global economic outlook is reflected in the striking spread of responses to the latest Chief Economists Outlook, released today. In a survey featured in the report, experts are evenly divided on the prospects for the global economy, with equal shares of 45% saying that a global recession this year is likely or unlikely.

– Growth outlook has strengthened in all regions but chief economists divided on likelihood of a global recession in 2023
– Experts do not see recent bank failures as signs of systemic vulnerability, although further turbulence may be ahead
– Experts concerned about trade-off between managing inflation and maintaining financial stability, with 76% anticipating central banks to struggle to bring down inflation
– Industrial policy is increasingly widespread and could further restructure global supply chains

Chief economists expect both growth and inflation dynamics to vary widely across regions, while on the economic policy front, 72% predict proactive industrial policy to become an increasingly widespread phenomenon over the next three years. Although a majority do not see recent financial-sector disruption as a sign of systemic vulnerability, further bank failures and turbulence are considered likely this year.

Divergent regional dynamics

There has been a notable strengthening in growth expectations since the Chief Economists Outlook: January 2023, but the outlook differs sharply across regions. The most buoyant activity is expected in Asia, with China’s reopening expected to drive a significant rebound for the country and to bolster activity across the continent. More than 90% of the chief economists expect at least moderate growth in both East Asia and Pacific and South Asia.

At the other end of the spectrum, three-quarters of the chief economists still expect weak or very weak growth in Europe. In the United States, respondents were more optimistic in March-April than in January but are still divided on the outlook, with US growth prospects clouded by heightened uncertainty on financial stability and the likely pace and extent of monetary tightening.

On inflation, there was a marked uptick in all regions in the proportion of respondents expecting high inflation in 2023, and 76% of chief economists said they expect the cost of living to remain acute in many countries. Headline rates have begun to ease, but core inflation has been stickier than many expected. The dynamics are particularly stark in Europe and the US, where large majorities of the chief economists (90% and 68% respectively) expect high or very high inflation this year. China remains an outlier on inflation, with only 14% expecting high inflation this year.

Financial sector tremors

In the wake of recent bank collapses and financial market turbulence, chief economists expressed confidence in the systemic integrity of global markets. However, two-thirds highlighted the likelihood of further bank failures and disruption, while more than 80% said they expect businesses to find bank loans more difficult to secure as a result of tightening lending criteria. They also pointed to the knock-on effects of high interest rates, notably in the property sector, where two-thirds expect high rates to cause significant disruption in 2023-2024.

Changing face of globalization

The chief economists were unanimous in anticipating further changes in the structure of global supply chains. When asked which business strategies they expect to contribute to this reconfiguration, they highlighted adaption to geopolitical fault lines (94%), the prioritization of resilience over efficiency (91%), diversification of suppliers (84%) and an increased focus on environmental sustainability (77%).

They also pointed to the increasing significance of proactive industrial policy, with almost three-quarters expecting it to become a widespread approach to economic policy around the world. Respondents were divided on whether industrial policy will act as an engine of innovation, but they highlighted several potential concerns, including a deepening of geo-economic tensions (91%), the stifling of competition (70%) and a problematic increase in sovereign debt levels (68%).

“The latest edition of the Outlook highlights the uncertainty of current economic developments,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Labour markets are proving resilient for now, but growth remains sluggish, global tensions are deepening, and the cost of living remains acute in many countries. These results confirm the urgent need for both short-term global policy coordination as well as longer-term cooperation around a new framework for growth that will hardwire inclusion, sustainability and resilience into economic policy.”

The World Economic Forum’s Growth Summit, taking place in Geneva 2-3 May, will address the global growth outlook, hotspots in the global economy, and questions of competition and cooperation, as well as employment, skills and equity.

About the Chief Economists Outlook Report

This edition of the Chief Economist Outlook builds on the latest policy development research as well as consultations and surveys with leading chief economists from both the public and private sectors, organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society. It aims to summarize the emerging contours of the current economic environment and identify priorities for further action by policy-makers and business leaders in response to the compounding shocks to the global economy. The survey featured in this briefing was conducted in March-April 2023.

Istanbul, Turkiye, May 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reminded stakeholders of the critical role that aviation plays at times of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

“When crises strike, aviation is there. Connectivity is essential to get aid and first responders to where they are needed. The response to the recent earthquake in Southern Türkiye and Syria was no exception. Airlines helped save lives in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. And airlines continue to help accelerate the recovery with vital cargo shipments,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, as the airline industry met in Istanbul for the IATA World Cargo Symposium.

While there is no comprehensive tabulation of the support that aviation provided, a limited review of 29 key carriers serving the Türkiye market reveals an impressive relief effort. These airlines:

– Delivered over 3,500 tons of aid from over 90 countries
– Operated over 350 relief and repatriation flights to affected areas
– Provided transport for over 130,000 responders from across the world

Critical supplies delivered included winter jackets, blankets, toilets, hygiene articles, food, fire guards’ equipment, power generators, tents, water distribution ramps, flashlights, sleeping bags, and medical supplies, among other items.

Airlink provides a good example of how the aviation sector responds to crises. It is a non-profit organization that coordinates donated airline resources and NGO needs in times of humanitarian disaster. Working with its NGO and airline partners, Airlink has coordinated the transport of 1,000 tons of aid supplies to the affected area, with an additional pipeline of 300 tons.

Resilience of cities and infrastructure are key components of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SGD 9 and 11 respectively). This is tested in times of crisis when air transport’s role is both as an essential infrastructure component in its own right and a vital lifeline for communities.

“Each and every day airlines make an enormous positive contribution to humanity by connecting people, cultures, businesses and economies. This fosters economic growth and social development. When disaster strikes, these links become even more critical. Everyone in aviation can be proud of the essential supplies, critical talent and hope that planes carry to disaster affected areas. With that in mind, we encourage all our stakeholders to join us in ensuring that aviation can fulfil this role by becoming ever more safe, secure, reliable and sustainable,” said Walsh.

“Airlines have shown exceptional compassion and solidarity, delivering vital supplies and aid to affected communities around the world. During crises, we bring hope, relief, and aid, striving to rebuild lives together. I am proud to be part of an industry that makes such a difference,” said Walsh.