Category: Latest Travel News

Port Louis, Mauritius, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, a tourism expert on the tourism island of Mauritius has come out strongly to advocate the need for the island to relook at the Vanilla Islands concept for their marketing. The Doctor and tourism expert published a comprehensive study alongside Maximiliano Korstanje (Argentian) and Shem Wambugu Maingi (Kenyan) which stated that Mauritius forms part of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island Group alongside Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte Islands and that this concept needed to be embraced. It is known that ever since the change from Alain St.Ange, as the Minister of Tourism of Seychelles, who was the driving force behind the regional organisation, this Indian Ocean Islands grouping has been operating in a low-key approach and reduced speed.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, the tourism expert of Mauritius has said that as the island is small with not much to offer apart from the beach and some cultural attractions it needs to work with its neighbours to be more attractive for potential visitors. The Tourism Expert in her document “Tourism in Crisis” stated that Mauritius also needed to push forward the concept of good governance saying that too often tourism enterprises were subject to a cartel of important personalities. She cited the issue of production of fruits and vegetables seeking consultants as examples where it was always the same personalities who benefited.

Dr Vanessa Gaitree Bheekhoo Gowreessunkar, said that Mauritius could also seek the assistance of the UNWTO as has been done by several other countries as she stated that the tourism crisis across the word was not finished and that the world was experiencing a mutation of the tourism industry.

The words by the editors of this tourism document that was published by Nova Science Publishers in the United States on the merit of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands are the exact same words echoed by Alain St.Ange, the former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles at the launch of the regional body that brought together Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte. The organisation was formed in Reunion in 2010 and in 2012 its first President Alain St.Ange was elected at a tourism Minister’s Meeting held in Seychelles. St.Ange was President of the Vanilla Islands for two consecutive years before passing the presidency to President Didier Robert of Reunion in 2014 and the Mauritius Deputy Prime Minister Duval in 2015.

Bangkok, Thailand, April 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit invites couples to take their next big step in life at their hotel for a seamless experience. In addition to its attractive ambience, the hotel has recently partnered with Chef Wai Yin Man aka Chef Man, a Hong Kong culinary expert with over 30 years of experience, to offer exclusive Chinese set menus for wedding banquets. Chef Man has long been renowned for his exceptional Chinese cuisine and the outstanding quality of ingredients he uses in his culinary creations. The set menus, the first of their kind, are designed to offer the bridal couple and their guests the opportunity to celebrate with exquisitely prepared traditional Chinese food.

To provide couples with an even more delightful experience, the hotel has unveiled its All-Inclusive Wedding Package. Designed to add more excitement, this package is thoughtfully crafted to cover all essential elements of a dream wedding celebration.

Mr. Sammy Carolus, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, said, “Finding the ideal venue with exceptional food and service is crucial to making the couple happy and leaving a lasting impression on their guests. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we aim to be the preferred wedding destination in Bangkok that meets the couples’ memorable aspiration for their lifetime love celebration. In collaboration with Chef Man, we offer a variety of delectable Chinese menu set banquet options that will delight the taste buds. Chef Man’s approach to Chinese cuisine is simple – using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients to guarantee an outstanding dining experience for our guests. Moreover, our seasoned events team knows how to make dream weddings come true and will do so for every couple.”

Chef Wai Yin Man is delighted at being able to create these memorable experiences. He said, “It’s an honor to be part of the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s memorable wedding celebrations and we thank the hotel and the couples who trust us to craft a unique Chinese culinary experience. The wedding banquet is traditionally a way for the couple’s families to demonstrate their prosperity and generosity, and the menus must reflect this. Designing a Chinese course menu for wedding banquets is always a challenge, but it’s one that I embrace with passion. We use superior quality, mouthwatering ingredients from various locations in our dishes, such as premium dried abalone, fresh fish, and carefully sorted shrimp. My goal is to create flavorful dishes that satisfy the guests and convey blessings of prosperity, longevity, and fertility to the newlyweds. Collaborating with the five-star Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok is a good opportunity to showcase and combine our culinary artistry with the hotel’s excellent service to make each wedding banquet a marvelous experience.”

The three sophisticated Chinese set menus created by Chef Man, Silver, Gold and Platinum, are priced between THB 20,000 to THB 28,000 per table of 10 persons. The specially designed menus feature dishes that represent happiness, good luck, prosperity, fertility, and longevity through the food’s names, colors, and flavors. The significance of certain dishes in Chinese cuisine goes beyond taste and presentation, especially in wedding banquets. Fish and Pork dishes are integral to the meal as they symbolize wealth and prosperity. Seafood dishes, such as abalone and scallops, are chosen for their auspicious names and serve as blessings for the couple’s future. The long strands of noodles represent longevity, and rice represents fullness implying the blessing that the couple will always have plenty. Desserts like Sweetened Ginkgo Nuts in Syrup and Sweetened Red Beans Soup with Ginkgo Nuts are served to symbolize the sweet relationship of the couple and the happiness that they share with their guests.

As weddings come back in full force after two years of downsized or delayed nuptials, couples are looking for inclusive wedding plans that manage their budget while ensuring their family and guests are treated well. Ms. Parichart Puangniyom, Associate Director of Events at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit says, “Couples prioritize three important factors at weddings: professional venue arrangements, hospitality service staff, and food. In response to these trends, Hyatt Regency Sukhumvit Bangkok has also launched the All-Inclusive Wedding Package valued at 1 million baht, which includes an engagement ceremony, wedding reception, and after-party package, a two-night stay in a Presidential Suite, a honeymoon package as well as other special privileges from co-partners.”

“Couples nowadays are not solely focused on following the latest wedding trends. Rather, they are seeking all-inclusive wedding packages that provide value for money while ensuring that their family and guests are treated well. This allows them to manage their wedding budget wisely without compromising on the overall wedding experience. At Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, we’re not just offering a wedding package but will cater to all their needs to create the best memories on their big day. We want to ensure the Bridal couple has everything they need at one venue,” Ms. Parichart concludes.

Beyond its central location in the heart of Bangkok, an elegant design and five-star service, Hyatt Regency Bangkok has a wide range of event venues that make it a fitting choice for a celebration of any size. Overall, the hotel offers 1,359 square meters of versatile event space. The largest of all the venues is the 617 square meter Regency Ballroom, which can be adjusted to cater to intimate ceremonies and grand parties of up to 700 people. In addition to six-meter-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light to stream in, a contemporary design rich in copper and rose gold tones, and diamond patterns dressing the ceilings and floors, the ballroom has been fitted with all of the latest audio-visual technology that can add even more color to the event.

Couples interested in booking the wedding package can contact Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit for more information or reservations us at +662 098 1234

About Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit is a modern Thai house designed to foster connection – a place where guests can share, socialize and collaborate. The 273-room hotel features 21 suites and recreation facilities such as outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation and 24-hour fitness center as well as 14,628 square feet (1,359 square meters) of meeting and event space to host business conferences and social gatherings.

The hotel is located near the Nana neighborhood – meaning “meeting place” – which has traditionally been a multicultural marketplace where people from around the world connect and exchange ideas. Today it offers travelers an immersive experience of Bangkok’s vibrant street markets. The hotel is also easily accessible, as it is only 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport and 20.5 miles (33 kilometers) from the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain, April 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Government of Mallorca, Consell de Mallorca, and the Mallorca Tourism Foundation and UNWTO have hosted the second edition of the Sustainable Destinations Summit, gathering leading experts, organizations and companies to share best practices and perspectives on environmental, social and economic sustainability in destinations.

The Summit emphasized tourism as a force for good, with momentum building towards a regenerative and nature-positive future. UNWTO and the Government of Mallorca welcomed more than 400 delegates at this year’s event, which showcased the latest developments in sustainability for destinations. Discussions highlighted the interdependence of tourism on natural and cultural resources and the potential mutual benefits, while also providing unique first hand perspectives such as from Chief Frank Antoine from the Bonaparte First Nation, or the view from outer space, as told by Pedro Duque, the first ever Spanish astronaut.

The President of Mallorca Government Ms. Catalina Cladera affirmed that “sustainability is a shared will of Mallorcan society and the axis that marks all the policies of the Consell”. Cladera pointed out that Mallorca and the rest of the islands in this community “are taking firm steps not only to continue being the reference destination in the Mediterranean, but also to lead the tourism of the future.”

In her keynote address, UNWTO Executive Director Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the vital “transition of the sector into a force for good that has a positive impact on the Sustainable Development Agenda and our shared global challenges”. She added: “If managed well, tourism can be an agent for change, but such a transition towards a green, regenerative and nature-positive tourism sector is needed can be achieved in a collaborative manner.”

Big ambitions and big data

During the two-day Summit, UNWTO provided updates on several of its key sustainability-related activities, including the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism which has so far seen more than 800 businesses, destinations and governments commit to achieving a Net-Zero tourism sector by 2050 at the latest. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the Food Waste programme were similarly highlighted as effective instruments for accelerating this transition.

UNWTO also made tourism data and destination management a central part of the conversation at the Summit. The Measurement of Sustainable Tourism (MST) Framework and the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO), which counts among its Members the Mallorca Observatory, will play a crucial role in monitoring the sector’s impact on all three sustainability pillars, enabling an evidence-based and informed decision-making.

Private sector importance

The Mallorca government, through its Tourism Foundation and the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, has established a public-private cooperative network across the island and works closely with UNWTO to advance shared goals.

Representing the private sector, Maria Frontera, President of FEHM, (Mallorca´s Hotel Federation) joined Carmen Riu Güell, owner of the RIU Hotels & Resorts chain, to discuss bridging generational perspectives in the pursuit of sustainable tourism development. The event also emphasized the importance of collaboration and circularity in transforming the sector. Additionally, Andreu Serra, Mallorca’s Minister for Transition, Tourism and Sports, the president of FEHM, María Frontera, Mark Tanzer, Executive Director of ABTA, Miguel Sanz, Director General of Turespaña, and Thomas Ellerbeck, Member of the Group Executive Council and Chief Sustainability Officer of TUI Group discussed how destinations committed to sustainability can find a balance between marketing and storytelling.

Closing the Summit, Mrs. Rosa Ana Morillo Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Tourism in Spain, emphasized the crucial role of sustainability for the nation during her closing statement. She acknowledged that tourism is one of the key sectors driving Spain’s economy and stressed the need for resilience and competitiveness within the sector

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May, for the first time in three years.

China lifted its covid-related travel restrictions on 8th January 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad, without having to quarantine upon their return. Bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com.

• Chinese exhibitors back at ATM 2023 for the first time in three years
• Dragon Trail to share survey data on Chinese travellers’ plans and preferences during conference session on the recovery of Chinese tourism in Middle East
• Six million outbound tourists per month from China estimated by summer 2023
• China was the top source market globally in 2019 with 155 million tourists

Furthermore, in a CNN report, Steve Saxon, a partner at McKinsey, based in Shenzhen, predicted the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market commented, “China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending more than $250 billion overseas. However, its isolation from the global market over the past three years has set the industry back by an estimated $840 billion, equivalent, to 16% of the $1.7 trillion spent annually on global tourism, according to UNWTO.”

Dubai received almost one million Chinese visitors in 2019, which was an increase of over 15% compared with 2018. And while the 154,000 Chinese visitors Dubai welcomed over the first 11 months of 2022 was down 83% compared to the same period prior to 2020, it was up 115% year-on-year, which bodes well not only for Dubai, but also for the wider Middle East tourism sector.

Popular destinations such as Dubai, Saudi’s AlUla, Egypt and Jordan, which have consistently marketed to Chinese outbound business-to-consumer and business-to-business, should be in a strong position to benefit from the predicted rebound of Chinese visitor numbers.

“We have noticed a considerable amount of enquiries recently from travel professionals in China. Although we would not expect the same volume of Chinese exhibitors and visitors we received in 2019, we are confident of healthy participation numbers this year,” she added.

Considering the short notice, ATM 2023 has already confirmed the participation of key Chinese exhibitors such as FLIGHTROUTES24 Travel, Shenzhen GoodLuck Trip International and Travel World China, with many more bookings anticipated ahead of the show.
ATM is also organising a dedicated conference session on its Global Stage, entitled ‘China is back on the map: Macro and micro impacts’, in partnership with Dragon Trail International.

An expert panel of speakers including Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director, Marketing and Communications for Dragon Trail International, Peggy Li, CEO & Chief Trouble shooter at sps:affinity and Winnie Chiu, President, Dorsett Hospitality International, will discuss the latest trends that are driving the recovery of Chinese tourism to the Middle East.

Business travel will be integral to the tourism revival. According to a recent survey by the Shanghai Institute of International Studies and PwC China, over 75% of Chinese businesses polled were looking to enter or expand their presence in the Middle East over the next three to five years, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia top destinations for investors.

“I am convinced that the Middle East will experience a surge in Chinese tourism, reminiscent of the rebound we witnessed from Europe and India in late 2021 and early 2022,” said Curtis.

Other highlights at ATM 2023 include exploring the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will likely evolve. It will enable delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

To register for ATM 2023, please log on to: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 30th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. About Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2023. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes ILTM Arabia, ARIVAL Dubai, Influencers’ events and activations, ITIC, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events as well as a series of country forums.

Siem Reap, Cambodia, March 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Destination Mekong (DM) and Siem Reap Tourism Club (STC) co-hosted their first Destination Siem Reap networking day under the theme ‘Together Smarter Stronger’. Designed as a creative and interactive event, Destination Siem Reap was primarily dedicated to the community of professionals in travel, tourism, hospitality and related sectors, especially existing and potential members/partners of DM and STC. It mainly aimed to promote business collaborations and public-private partnerships and help generate tourism income and job opportunities in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and more widely in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

Destination Mekong and Siem Reap Tourism Club also intended to facilitate a dynamic and inclusive platform to share stories, experiences, and good practices while giving a voice to those too often excluded from mainstream conversations.

Destination Siem Reap took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia and was sponsored by AZ Group as key partner, and Sapathana Bank. This local networking day was the first joint action of DM and STC, giving life to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they had signed during the 2022 Destination Mekong Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Destination Siem Reap program’s main part occurred in the morning at Memoire Angkor Palace. It started with a multiplayer networking breakfast in the garden followed by a workshop featuring two sessions on 1. Promoting Siem Reap as a Sustainable Tourism Destination, and 2. Promoting Siem Reap as a Smart Tourism Destination.

After opening remarks by Catherine Germier-Hamel, CEO of Destination Mekong and Philip Kao, President of Siem Reap Tourism Club, Mr Sieng Neak, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Development and International Cooperation Department of the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, gave congratulatory remarks. Mr Erkan Bilal, Managing Director of AZ Group, then gave a speech before the signing of the MoU between Destination Mekong and AZ Group. Through this MoU, both parties expressed their will to ‘align their visions and core values and enter into a strategic collaboration towards promoting travel, ECO-Tourism, sustainable projects and hospitality of Mekong Region at local, regional & global levels and in other related fields’.

During the two morning sessions, ten speakers from a variety of backgrounds shared their positive experiences and inspiring stories to stimulate sustainable tourism recovery and resilience in Siem Reap. Ms. Katrine Solhaug, Owner and General Manager of Babel Guesthouse, explained how her business succeeded in surviving the COVID pandemic. She also raised concerns over noise pollution issues in Siem Reap and insisted that the support of the public sector was crucial to solving them. Ms. Sophany Mao, Director of Spoons Cambodia Organization, which provides hospitality training to disadvantaged young Cambodians, mentioned the difficulty of securing funds to train enough students in spite of many applications.

Other speakers were (by alphabetical order):
Clemy Balasoto, Founder & CEO of The Better Cambodia, who introduced the latest trends in e-marketing and how Siem Reap business can be prepared;
Ty Chea, Head of Sales, Urban Living Solutions, who shared his love for Siem Reap and encouraged all to join the ‘We Love Siem Reap Campaign’;
Jean-Pierre Gagnon, DCEO of Sathapana Bank, spoke about the key role of FINTECH as an important mechanism to support sustainable tourism development and briefly presented the cutting-edge services offered by Sathapana bank;
Vannak Hang, General Manager of Angkor Green Gardens by Dara, talked about the property as a smart and eco-friendly accommodation;
Nicolas Hatz, Tourism Development Expert at GIZ ICONE, highlighted the findings of a recent GIZ study on travel trends and travellers’ profiles in Siem Reap, urging all local operators to take advantage of it,
Philippe Kao, President of STC, stressed the importance of working together and actions over words, as well as addressing labour shortage with a training project initiated by STC through funding from the Cambodian Ministry of Finance;
and Torsten Munther, Managing Director of Fair Trade Village who stressed the necessity to include older people in the local tourism workforce and especially when t comes to handicrafts, so that they can also get a sustainable income and participate in community development and empowerment efforts.

The workshop was attended by 120 representatives from the public and private sectors, including high-level officials from the Ministry of Tourism, travel operators and agents, accommodation and travel experience providers, tourism-related social enterprises, investors, developers, representatives of the academia, international development organisations and NGOs, consultants, media representatives, etc.

In the afternoon, participants were offered the opportunity to join a two-hour cycling tour co-organized by LoLei Travel and EHT Paul Dubrule and visit handicraft workshops. This dense networking day ended with an evening party at Spoons Restaurant and Café, where guests celebrated the WWF Earth Hour 2023 with candlelight to raise awareness about the importance of saving energy.

One of the highlights of the event was Destination Mekong’s signature cocktail, Mekong Morning, which was served to the panellists of the workshop and to all guests at the evening party. Philip Kao, President of STC, stressed that ‘we all know that a dream without action is a fantasy and cannot be true! That’s the reason why we are here!’

Catherine Germier-Hamel, CEO of DM, mentioned that ‘to achieve tourism recovery and resilience, building trust and strong connections is crucial. Through our networking events and together with our partners, we are willing to help the industry regain confidence and bet on cooperation rather than competition. She added that it was vital to transform intentions and ambitions into concrete actions.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Flow Yacht Club, the premier provider of luxury fractional yacht ownership, recently launched its unique service platform that offers the ultimate luxury and adventure allowing clients to experience the thrill of yacht ownership without the full financial commitment as well as mitigating worries about maintenance costs and other expenses that go hand in hand with yacht ownership.

According to Khun Narumon Yongsakul, CEO of Flow Yacht Club “Throughout my wide-ranging experience in the luxury yachting industry and based on my discussions with clients who are yacht owners as well as potential yacht owners, I discovered three major ‘paint points’:

1) Many yacht owners are concerned about their yacht being left idle and unattended for extended periods due to time constraints
2) Worries about the hassle of constant maintenance of the yacht
3) Challenges in moving the yacht from one place to another.”

“In order to help solve these three main problems faced by many in the yachting circles, we are proud to present the Flow Yacht Platform that would provide a unique and unparalleled sailing experience with focus on quality, convenience and lifestyle thus further elevating luxury yachting in Thailand in general,” said Khun Narumon.

Flow Yacht Club’s fractional ownership model allows up to four co-owners per yacht which in turn expedites the transaction process. Such owners who automatically become members of the Club can also take advantage of privileges including regular maintenance services by Flow Yacht Club for a period of four years to ensure the client’s yacht is in excellent condition at all times.

Flow Yacht Club members also have the flexibility to book their yacht for a specific time frame or duration, giving them the freedom to sail whenever it suits their schedule. A team of experienced and certified captains are also on hand to assist with any sailing needs.

“With decades of experience in the yacht ownership business and a proven track record of providing exceptional service to our owners and clients, we are highly confident Flow Yacht Club and will elevate yachting services to the next level affording a hassle-free and seamless sailing experiences to our members. Our extensive network globally also grants us access to the most sought after yachts as well as giving opportunities for our fractional owners or members to explore new destinations,” said Khun Narumon in conclusion.

Bangkok, After 15 successful years, the legendary “Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant” is closing for renovations, only to return with a fresh concept inspired by Jim Thompson’s life and legacy. This culinary journey, steeped in respect for the past, present, and future, is set to launch by mid 2023. The new concept will showcase an extensive selection of traditional Thai dishes, Progressive Thai creations and special Chef’s Degustation menus aiming to transport diners back to the magical atmosphere of Thompson’s own dining table.

• Revamped Concept: Launching mid 2023, the renovated “Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant” will blend tradition and innovation, inspired by Thompson’s life and legacy.
• Captivating Design: Featuring contemporary furnishings, rich materials, and open kitchen, the stunning design creates a theatrical and timeless dining atmosphere.
• Unique Environment: The location by the pond with a view of the klong and the Jim Thompson House provides a one-of-a-kind setting, creating an urban oasis.
• Varied F&B offerings: From a casual lunch or a vibrant dining experience, to exquisite afternoon tea and an exciting bar, on offer is a range of options to suit any preference.
• Multi Purposes Function Rooms: Featuring cutting-edge technology, our venue can host a variety of private functions, including weddings, seminars, board meetings, and more.

Renowned for his exceptional hospitality, Jim Thompson welcomed writers, diplomats, and Hollywood stars to sample delectable Thai delicacies at his table. The new concept and restaurant design will honour Thompson’s hosting skills and generous spirit, featuring discreet Jim Thompson imagery, contemporary furnishings, and Split into different levels it will offer everything from a casual dining room and an al fresco terrace to formal dining areas and private rooms.

The restaurant will offer a variety of dining experiences, ranging from a casual lunch for museum-goers to a high-energy vibe dining scene in the evenings. Guests can also enjoy a unique afternoon tea with a stunning view of the Jim Thompson house and garden or unwind with pre- or post-prandial cocktails at the bar overlooking the serene klong.

Additionally, the function rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can host events of different sizes and styles, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Casual Lunch Spot: Perfect for museum visitors looking for a break during a hectic day of sightseeing and shopping. It will offer authentic Thai cuisine in an al fresco setting overlooking the pond filled with beautiful koi fishes.

Vibe Dining: In the evenings, the menu is upgraded and enhanced with a great wine list, beats, catering to the beautiful people in the mood for a gastronomic journey. This menu will focus on progressive Thai cuisine and degustation menus.

Afternoon Tea: The delightful Afternoon Tea will embody the essence of the Jim Thompson lifestyle, complete with unparalleled views of the Jim Thompson house and garden – a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and a great alternative from the typical afternoon tea in 5 star hotels. This experience is perfect for those looking to pass the afternoon in a relaxing yet elegant setting while indulging in a selection of sweet and savoury treats.

The OSS Bar: The OSS Bar, inspired by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the intelligence agency of the United States during World War II, will be the ideal spot for pre-dinner and post-dinner drinks. Our team of professional mixologists is dedicated to crafting some of the finest cocktails in town while providing exceptional hospitality. The OSS story will be woven into our beverage offerings, enriching the overall experience through captivating storytelling. To further enhance the atmosphere, we will feature live music, creating the perfect ambiance for our guests. Additionally, our stunning terrace will invite patrons to savour their drinks, enjoy a cigar, or simply unwind while taking in the picturesque views of the klong.

Function Rooms: Designed to cater to a range of events and occasions they are equipped with a 4mx2m high-definition LED screen and VC conference facilities. The Function Rooms can accommodate up to 50 persons for seminars, 100 for private dinners, and 150 for cocktail events, with direct and private access to the terrace overlooking the klong. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a special celebration, or a social gathering, the versatile function rooms provide the perfect setting for a successful and memorable event.

Leading the F&B experience is a world-class chef with extensive expertise and a passion for showcasing the best of local cuisine. The revamped Jim Thompson Hospitality quarter is set to open by mid 2023.

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

Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental Bangkok set to reopen doors after multimillion-dollar renovation. InterContinental Bangkok, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, will reopen after a multimillion-dollar renovation in June 2023. The city’s most iconic five-star luxury hotel is soon to return as the centrepiece of Thailand’s travel and hospitality sector after a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover that delivers a new level of sophistication, style and luxury to travellers and city goers alike.

Precisely located in the heart of the city and conveniently adjacent to the BTS Chit Lom Skytrain station, InterContinental Bangkok delivers unparalleled walkability to abundant lifestyle shopping locations and major business addresses just steps from the door of guests’ rooms.

Visitors will be awestruck by the new interior of the hotel with its lavish design across public spaces as well as the fully renovated 381 luxury rooms and newly added two-bedroom suites. The fresh aesthetic is designed to introduce travellers to Thailand’s rich culture through a blend of handmade artwork crafted by local artisans and modern abstract art inspired by Thai welcoming ceremonies.

Discover More
Unique dining experiences will transport guests to distant destinations, such as Southern California, with the debut of the city’s first Southern Californian restaurant SoCal, which features an extensive wine selection of 47 Californian Vintages. Families will experience nostalgia and novelty as they dine in the newly renovated Fireplace Grill and Bar, Bangkok’s original luxury steakhouse, and taste authentic Cantonese cuisine at the soon-to-open Summer Palace by the hotel’s talented Cantonese chef, Chef Yau, a two-time Michelin star winner.

Amenities and services where guests at the InterContinental Bangkok can ‘discover more’ include:
• A new luxury jacuzzi in the rooftop pool with unrestricted panoramic views of the city
• A full-service spa offering HARNN body treatments and Elemis facial treatments
• A state-of-the-art fitness centre with an extensive team of private trainers
• A variety of meeting and event spaces, including the Grand Ballroom, to accommodate up to 1,000 guests

InterContinental Bangkok has long specialised in regional and overseas MICE, group bookings and FITs. Flexible conference and event space featuring 19 venues is fully integrated, making the hotel a premier venue for multi-purpose and themed events.

The new InterContinental Bangkok will additionally offer guests an opportunity to ‘discover more’ with enhanced offerings such as a dedicated wedding studio for couples seeking to tie the knot. The full-service space can hold meetings with any, and all, service providers of a couple’s choosing – from photographers, videographers, wedding planners, officiants, florists, and musicians – to make their special day most memorable.

Guests will have access to a best-in-class loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, which is centered around its guests – giving them richer benefits and more ways to earn than ever before, all powered by leading technology on its new mobile app. Dine, save and earn at InterContinental Bangkok as it joins the IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges programme where members can save up to 20% off their bill and earn 100 IHG Rewards points with every US$10 spent when they present their membership card or virtual card on the IHG App. Non-members can visit IHG One Rewards to learn more or register to become a member

Room rates start from 7500THB ++ for a Classic Room and is available for stays from June 1. For reservations call +66 2 6560444.

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalised and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives.

Munich, Germany, March 30, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO will work with its Affiliate Member AVIAREPS to offer grants for destination marketing and research services to five countries in Europe.

The UNWTO + AVIAREPS Destination Marketing Grant will allow selected Member States to benefit from a range of digital marketing services, to be supplied on a pro bono basis. Services include as assistance with campaign websites, landing pages, webinars, online press conferences, e-learning programmes and virtual events provided via the AVIAREPS Ecosystem. The grants will also cover destination research and analysis, PR services and will allow the recipient to participate in various AVIAREPS Roadshows, held throughout the year to connect travel industry buyers with destinations.

With our Affiliate Member AVIAREPS, we are proud to support tourism professionals across Europe to build skills and knowledge to promote their destinations and accelerate recovery

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism is one of the most dynamic sectors in the world, and UNWTO is committed to driving innovation forward and supporting education and training at every level. With our Affiliate Member AVIAREPS, we are proud to support tourism professionals across Europe to build skills and knowledge to promote their destinations and accelerate recovery”.

Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism at AVIAREPS adds: “We are delighted to partner with UNWTO to support selected countries free of charge to quickly get back on their feet after the pandemic and to boost the sustainable expansion of their tourism industry. We are excited to provide our latest digital solutions, international networks, and expertise, to the countries selected by UNWTO, and hope to expand this collaboration with UNWTO to all regions around the world.”

UNWTO will announce which of the five of its European Member States will be eligible for the grants in due course.

Zurich, Switzerland, March 29, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The board of Swiss Deluxe Hotels – the group of the 39 most exclusive 5-star hotels in Switzerland – has appointed Nathalie Seiler-Hayez as its new managing director. She succeeds Jan E. Brucker, who will pass on the baton at the next General Meeting in Interlaken on 26 June 2023.

Jan E. Brucker has played an influential role in shaping the development of Swiss Deluxe Hotels in recent years. As managing director, he has been responsible for the business of Swiss Deluxe Hotels for three years, having served as the association’s president for ten years and vice president for three years. He was the face of the Widder Hotel in Zurich for 19 years as general manager, but now wants to devote himself to his own projects with his company Brucker Hospitality Consulting.

Nathalie Seiler-Hayez managed the historic Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne for seven years. A graduate of the EHL Hospitality Business School, she began her career at the Hôtel Lutetia in Paris in Sales & Marketing. She then relocated to New York and worked for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. On her return to Europe, she was appointed general manager of the Radisson Blu Champs Elysées Hotel and supervised the opening of the InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel in 2007. In 2010, Nathalie Seiler-Hayez assumed the running of the renowned Connaught in London. Back in Switzerland, she was named “Hotelière of the Year” in the Sonntagszeitung’s hotel rating of 2018, and, under her management, the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne was named “Hotel of the Year” by Gault&Millau in 2022.

“I feel very connected to this wonderful association, which does so much to promote the luxury hotel sector in Switzerland and provide hoteliers with solutions in a rapidly changing world,” says Nathalie Seiler-Hayez.

The selection process by the board of Swiss Deluxe Hotels saw her application for the post of general manager prevail over the other candidates with a variety of professional backgrounds.

“It is, for us, a great pleasure and an honour to have found in Nathalie Seiler-Hayez a managing director with a proven track record, who brings the experience from the international luxury hotel industry and at the same time knows the needs and demands of the members of Swiss Deluxe Hotels,” says Michael Smithuis, President of Swiss Deluxe Hotels and general manager of the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Montreux. “Maintaining the amicable and collegial atmosphere among the members – what we call the Amicale – is a key element of our association, and hence one of the priorities of Nathalie Seiler-Hayez as the incoming managing director.”