Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid, Spain, February 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its prestigious Best Tourism Villages initiative. This initiative marks a continued commitment to advancing rural tourism as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusion, while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural and natural heritage, community values, and sustainable practices that make these destinations unique.

Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained global recognition. Across the previous four editions, UN Tourism has received more than 800 applications from over 100 countries. Today, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network includes 254 members worldwide: over 180 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 70 participating in the Upgrade Programme, representing almost 60 countries across five world regions.

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism serves as a catalyst for opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good.”

Best Tourism Villages 2025 – Applications Open

UN Tourism Member States are invited to submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).

Applications will close on May 19, 2025. The villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages 2025 will be announced in the third quarter of the year on the occasion of a UN Tourism event.

An external Advisory Board comprising global experts will evaluate applications based on nine key areas:

• Cultural and Natural Resources
• Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
• Economic Sustainability
• Social Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability
• Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
• Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
• Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Health, Safety, and Security

Advancing Rural Development through Tourism

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative aims to leverage tourism as a tool for rural development, well-being, and resilience. By combining efforts to value and preserve rural landscapes, cultural diversity, and knowledge systems, the initiative advances innovative tourism strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The initiative comprises three integral components:

• Recognition as Best Tourism Villages: The recognition highlights rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural heritage, community-based values, and sustainability practices. The evaluation is based on their performance across nine areas spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• The Upgrade Programme: Provides targeted support to villages that do not fully meet recognition criteria. These villages benefit from tailored guidance to bridge gaps and enhance their offerings.
• The Best Tourism Villages Network: Serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among recognized villages and those in the Upgrade Programme. The Network organizes capacity-building initiatives to foster connections across sectors.

The initiative is part of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism.

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London, United Kingdom, February 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / OurAfrica.Travel 2025 is officially live, and there has been a flurry of activity on the platform ever since. Buyers and exhibitors are networking and pre-scheduling their meetings for the show from 17 – 21 February 2025.

We are delighted to introduce an exciting new addition to the show with the launch of a Story Series, starting on Tuesday 11^th February until 14^th February. One of the topics is a celebration of some of our tourism industry’s heroes making a difference. These will be hosted by industry legend Colin Bell and will be accompanied by live webinars. Colin will be discussing some of the key topics and challenges in the industry today that will hopefully resonate with most of us.

Colin will be discussing some of the key topics and challenges in the industry today which are not only close to his heart but hopefully resonate with most of us. He has pulled together a list of guests who he will be chatting to during this Story Series, that you definitely won’t want to miss!

Colin Bell started his working life as a safari guide in Botswana in the 1970s. Over the years his travels took him to many far corners of Africa, witnessing first-hand some of the best wildernesses and some of very worst conservation catastrophes. Those coal face experiences led him to become one of the early initiators of the ‘Green Safari‘ tourism model – long before it became a fashionable “thing”.  Over the years he co-founded market leaders including Wilderness Safaris, Great Plains Conservation and now Natural Selection Safaris.

“Story Series started off as a simple idea to create a platform to dive a little deeper into showcasing some trade suppliers who make a difference.   Jonathan Robinson from Bean There Coffee Company and Emma Borg from Painted Wolf Wines sprung to mind! One conversation with Colin Bell later and we had a Story Series concept.  Shortly thereafter, Colin had a line-up of 10 people to interview!” said Co-Founder Allie Hunt.

The line-up includes Dave Wilson, Dr Andrew Baxter, Dr Ross Harvey, Craig Spencer, Dr Colleen Begg, Rod Cassidy, Simon Byron and Jackson Lusiya.

Story Series will also include live webinars about harnessing the power of AI in tourism from David Ryan, CEO & founder of Rhino Africa  and Natalia Rosa, founder of Big Ambitions.  Sammy Kelly, Head of Product Development from The Travel Hub Collection will also offer daily webinars.

Registration for Story Series will open on Friday 7 February and is for show participants only.  Whilst registration for new exhibitors is now closed, registrations for buyers and media is open until 14 February via the OurAfrica.Travel’s website.

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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 5 February 2025 – BE in Sabah 2025: Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events. Sabah is set to shine on the global stage with the highly anticipated BE in SABAH 2025 poised to empower the Asia Pacific region through transformative Business Events. Scheduled to take place from 27 to 28 February 2025, this landmark gathering promises to reshape the narrative of the Business Events industry while spotlighting Sabah as a premier global destination for Business Events.

BE in SABAH 2025 brings together visionaries, leaders, and innovators from across globe, setting the stage for collaborative growth and sustainable development. Under the inspiring theme “Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events”, the conference will tackle critical challenges, unveil emerging opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships that will shape the industry’s future.

Speaking at the press conference, Datuk Dr. Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, JP, Chief Executive Officer of SICC, shared her vision:
“BE in SABAH goes beyond expectations, offering a remarkable experience that embodies growth, connection, and innovation. It’s an invitation to explore the potential of Business Events, where industry expertise and strategic partnerships seamlessly converge to foster collaboration and success.”

The objective of BE in SABAH 2025 is to fortify the Business Events (BE) industry within the Asia Pacific region, positioning Sabah as a key gateway to East ASEAN. The event will serve as a catalyst for empowering business growth, harnessing the unique strengths of Sabah’s natural and cultural assets to enhance the appeal and impact of business events. Through fostering leadership development, cultivating essential skills, and promoting strategic business planning, BE in SABAH 2025 aims to drive sustainable growth and establish a robust network of professionals, advancing the region’s BE landscape.

Key Highlights of BE in SABAH 2025
• Dynamic Speaker Line-Up
Industry pioneers and thought leaders, including Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, and the ICCA Asia Pacific Board, will deliver keynote speeches and participate in panel discussions.

• Strategic Networking Opportunities: Tailored platforms for attendees to forge connections, explore business collaborations, and strengthen regional ties.

• Focus on Sustainability and Legacy: Workshops and sessions highlighting the importance of eco-conscious event practices and community impact.

• Showcasing Sabah: Exclusive experiences that integrate the state’s natural wonders and cultural treasures into the business events experience.

With an anticipated attendance of over 800 delegates with 40% international participation from across the Asia Pacific and beyond, BE in SABAH 2025 stands as a significant milestone in Sabah’s growing stature within the Business Events industry.

Targeting a diverse range of international delegates from key markets including Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other global business hubs, BE in SABAH 2025 offers unparalleled networking and collaboration opportunities for professionals seeking to expand their reach and explore new ventures.

BE in SABAH 2025 is jointly organised by MACEOS Sabah Chapter and SICC. With the strong backing of the state government—particularly the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Yayasan Sabah Group—as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, the forum underscores Sabah’s growing influence as a premier destination for transformative business events.

Register now to secure your spot at this game-changing event. For more information on participation, sponsorship opportunities, and the programme line-up, visit our official website at www.beinsabah.com.my

BE in SABAH: Gateway to East ASEAN – Elevating Business Events in Asia Pacific
Sabah is set to become the premier gateway for business events (BE) in East ASEAN, positioning itself as a strategic hub for growth in the Asia Pacific region. With its world-class facilities, unique natural beauty, and vibrant cultural diversity, BE in SABAH offers a dynamic platform for international industry leaders to converge, connect, and collaborate. This exclusive event provides unmatched opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and innovative partnerships, driving the future of business events across the Asia Pacific. Experience Sabah’s unmatched potential as the ultimate destination for impactful business events.

About SICC
Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) is owned by Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd of Yayasan Sabah Group – a state sanctioned organization in Sabah, Malaysia. SICC is the largest waterfront purpose-built convention, exhibition and entertainment facility in East Malaysia with a total function space of 153,197sqm. The gross built-up of the complex is 60,514sqm on a 6-hectare site. The multi-functional complex with its well-designed floor plan and extensive pre-function areas are well suited for a wide range of public and private events.

Sabah Overview
Sabah, the Malaysian state on Borneo’s northern part, boasts breathtaking natural wonders, including Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan Island. Rich in resources, with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a diverse rainforest, Sabah offers a captivating experience. The region’s cultural diversity adds a mystical charm, making it a sought-after tourist destination. In response to increasing industry competition, the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organiser & Suppliers (MACEOS) Sabah Chapter and Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) are hosting the second edition of the international Business Events (BE) Conference from 27 to 28 February 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre. With the theme “Empowering Asia Pacific Through Business Events” the event aims to engage key stakeholders, foster growth, and elevate Asia Pacific’s profile in the global Business Events arena, contributing not only to tourism revenue but also sustainable community development.

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Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, February 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Promoters, recently appointed as UK Sales & Marketing representatives for Lemala Camps & Lodges and sister company Adrift in East Africa, has hit the ground running ahead of the launch of Lemala Osonjoi Lodge, which is due to welcome its first guests on 15^th July 2025.

Dynamic duo, Lemala’s CEO Director of Operations Leanne Haigh and Head of Sales & Marketing James Haigh, will be visiting the UK during the last week of February and will,  along with the Travel Promoters’ team, be hosting a series of launch events across the country including private lunches and dinners in London, Alderley Edge, Chester, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Dorking and Brighton as well as product meetings and training sessions in between.

The new Lemala Osonjoi Lodge is being built on a hill just back from the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and has been named after the Osonjoi trees, which hold both symbolic and medicinal significance for the local Maasai. The lodge will feature 16 suites with king-size beds and beautiful en-suite bathrooms – with the views taking centre stage via large picture windows throughout. Each suite will also have a cosy nook with double bed for relaxing which can also double up as an extra sleeping area.  A slow-burn wood stove will provide a warm atmosphere and keep guests toasty when the cool mist rolls in, with the lodge located at around 8000 feet.

There will also be two 2-bedroomed suites to accommodate families or up to four adults and two children travelling together.  Suites will be light and beautifully decorated blending African chic with a twist of stylish Nordic design.

Central guest areas will comprise a cozy lounge, bar, outdoor viewing deck and a secluded Forest Spa which boasts the only indoor heated swimming pool in Ngorongoro.

Ideally located just 10 minutes’ drive from the Lemala Gate, Osonjoi guests will be amongst the first to arrive and last to leave the crater floor each day, ensuring a less crowded, unhurried wildlife experience.  Activities will include daily game drives and escorted walks with a Maasai guide.

The addition of Onsonjoi will complete Lemala’s circuit of Tanzanian lodges including Arusha at Hamerkop House by Lemala, Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire and Nanyukie and Kuria Hills in the Serengeti.

 

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 4, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in collaboration with B. Grimm Group Ltd., will present a concert titled “Beethoven and Brahms” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 8th, at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

Daniel Froschauer has been a member of the Vienna State Opera Orchestra since 1995 and the Vienna Philharmonic since 1998. He has performed in both Orchestras as a first violinist, and in 2017, he was elected as Chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic. Daniel Froschauer has appeared as a soloist with, among others, the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, the Japan Philharmonic, the West German Radio Orchestra, the New York Symphonic Ensemble, the Reno Philharmonic the Northwest German Philharmonie, and the New York Virtuosi Strings Chamber Orchestra. He is a member of the Kuehl Quartet and the Vienna Ring Ensemble. As a particular distinction, he received the Young Artist Award from Musical America in New York in 1990, and he was also a prize winner at the Concours International Pierre Lantier in Paris in 1997. Daniel Froschauer performs on the violin ‘Ex Benvenuti, Ex Halphen’ by Antonio Stradivari from the year 1727, on loan from the Angelika Prokopp Foundation.

The first part of the concert will consist of Beethoven’s Septet, composed in 1799. It was one of Beethoven’s most successful and popular works and was circulated in many editions and arrangements. The Septet combines Classical poise with an engaging lightness and charm. It is melodically rich, harmonically clear, and designed to highlight the virtuosity and interplay of the seven instruments. While Beethoven later grew dismissive of the Septet’s immense popularity as it overshadowed his more serious works, it remains a beloved piece, celebrated for its approachable and joyful character.

The second half will have Froschauer perform with the RBSO, Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68, which was a monumental work that firmly established Brahms as a symphonic composer. The piece took Brahms nearly 15 years to complete, reflecting his perfectionism and the immense pressure he felt to live up to Beethoven’s achievements. The work is characterised by its intricate motivic development, lush orchestration, and profound emotional range, from brooding intensity to triumph. Upon its premiere in 1876, the symphony was hailed as a masterpiece, cementing Brahms’s reputation as one of the greatest composers of his time. It remains a cornerstone of the symphonic repertoire, beloved for its rigour, dramatic power, and emotional nature.

Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor:
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2025-beethoven-and-brahms.html

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Pattaya, Thailand, February 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Pattaya Hotel, a 234-room hotel that pays homage to Pattaya’s ethnic diversity and commands expansive views of the Gulf of Thailand, will open its doors to guests on February 15.

Situated in vibrant Pattaya, a short drive from Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand’s east coast, the hotel stands 12 stories high on Second Road, known as Pattaya Sai Song, near an array of attractions.

In addition to its sun-soaked Lay Beach Club on Beach Road fronting Pattaya Beach, Meliá Pattaya Hotel will cut the ribbon on a rooftop restaurant with a sky bar, an executive lounge, swimming pool with an adjacent bar and function lawn, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, kids club Kidsdom, a fully-equipped gym, coworking space, collection of versatile meeting spaces and more.

Launched by Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International and owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC), the five-star hotel is part of the Meliá brand’s rollout in key destinations across Thailand. Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand’s debut follows the openings of Meliá Koh Samui in 2020, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao in 2021, Meliá Chiang Mai in 2022 and INNSiDE By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit in 2023.

The hotel’s food and beverage outlets collectively reference Pattaya’s diversity of people, their shrines, and markets, especially the longstanding Chinese communities of Chonburi. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, will serve Cantonese cuisine with some Sichuan choices in a setting characterised by pops of red, complemented by black and gold trimmings. Its views of the Gulf make the most of Pattaya’s renowned sunsets.

Specialising in fresh, locally sourced seafood, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Sanehh Sarae tells the story of Pattaya’s Bang Saray fishing village. It is adjacent to Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant Den, which pays tribute to nearby “Little Japanese Town” Si Racha and the influx of Japanese expats to the Kingdom during the “Thailand 3.0” economic era focused on heavy industry and exports.

From the moment guests set foot in the hotel, the cultural immersion experience begins with a lobby and lounge inspired by Nong Mon Market. Its surfaces reference the dish Khao Lam; sticky rice roasted in bamboo sold at the morning market. The hotel’s pool bar embraces Jomtien Beach’s culture and winks at the influx of Americans to Pattaya in the 60s and 70s.

Ranging from a convenient 27 sqm to a generous 125sqm, the hotel’s 218 rooms and 16 suites fall into seven accommodation categories for leisure and business travellers alike. The 27sqm Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Sea View Rooms feature king or twin beds and window-side sofa.

The Premium Room and The Level Premium Sea View Room are each 31 sqm with the latter offering, as the name suggests, views of the Gulf’s azure waters. There are also one- and two-bedroom The Level suites that span 61 to 125 sqm respectively, including The Level Presidential Suite.

Of the property’s room portfolio, 18 rooms and 16 suites will belong to ‘The Level’, an upgraded level of personalised service and benefits that includes exclusive access to The Level Lounge on the hotel’s second floor. An intimate area for indulging an upgraded breakfast and afternoon delicacies that is also suited for casual business meetings, The Level Lounge is fronted by a pre-function room and is adjacent to the hotel’s ballroom Nuaan. The patterned solid wood interiors of the lounge, pre-function room and ballroom are inspired by the Baan Puek Weaving Community.

There will be plenty on offer for families with the swimming pool featuring a thrilling slide and the kids club offering Meliá’s signature kids entertainment program. With a design that deploys an “under the sea” theme inspired by Koh Pai Island and its wreck dive site, the hotel’s Kidsdom will host a variety of engaging yet educational activities.

The hotel is also home to two ballrooms, that usher in an abundance of natural light and feature LED screen technology, as well as three meeting rooms and a co-working space.

Located in the heart of the action in ‘Central Pattaya’, Meliá Pattaya Hotel affords easy access to attractions such as Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Central Festival Pattaya, Terminal21 Shopping Mall, wooden temple Sanctuary of Truth, and Bali Hai Pier. Islands such as Koh Larn are strewn just offshore, offering idyllic spots for swimming and snorkelling.

“Meliá Pattaya Hotel is part of AWC’s mixed use The Aquatique Destinations Pattaya project and a flagship project of our strategic roll-out of the Meliá brand in Thailand, aligned with AWC’s Lifestyle Destination,” said Mrs Wallapa Traisorat, Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s owner and AWC’s CEO and President. “Meliá Pattaya Hotel will redefine luxury hospitality in one of Thailand’s most iconic beachside destinations, reflecting AWC’s commitment to be part of strengthening Thailand as global sustainable destination.”

“AWC understands and shares our dedication to sustainable tourism and our strong service and hospitality philosophy that are epitomized in this exceptional Meliá Hotels International property with unparalleled facilities in the heart of Pattaya,” added Mr Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Asia Pacific of Meliá Hotels International. “Meliá Hotels International is a world leader in leisure and bleisure, positioning Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Thailand as an excellent fit with Pattaya that is renowned as a leisure and events destination with so much to see and do.”

“My team and I are looking incredibly forward to the debut of Meliá Pattaya Hotel and to delivering Meliá’s warm Spanish hospitality, distinctive passion for service and focus on the customer’s wellbeing at our one-of-a-kind hotel in an unbeatable location,” said Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s General Manager Javier Gimeno.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel is celebrating its upcoming opening by offering MeliáRewards members a Deluxe Room from THB 3,500 net per night, with breakfast for two adults and one child (aged 11 or below) and THB 500 net resort credit per stay. The opening offer is available to book from now for stays from February 15 until June 30 2025.

For more information or to make a booking, visit melia.com

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited

Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, is redefining the country’s landscape of hospitality, commercial workspaces, and iconic lifestyle destinations with its diversified portfolio, strategically located in prime areas across the nation. Committed to creating new landmark projects that not only set new benchmarks for the industry but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination, AWC collaborates with world-renowned partners, including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hospitality, Okura Hotels, Banyan Tree, Melia International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Hyatt, to deliver unforgettable experiences. Its portfolio features flagship commercial properties such as The Empire, Athenee Tower, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, and Phenix, along with premier F&B destinations like ‘EA’ Rooftop at The Empire, offering world-class top cuisine. AWC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences while championing sustainability in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders through initiatives under three key pillars of Better Planet, Better People, and Better Prosperity (3BETTERs), driving innovation and responsibility to inspire millions and elevate Thailand’s tourism and real estate industry to new heights.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts

Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.

About Meliá Hotels International 

Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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Rawalpindi, Pakistan, February 2, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, is delighted to announce the opening of Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central, marking its debut in one of Pakistan’s most prestigious areas, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Conveniently located close to the Soan River and only 38 kms from Islamabad International Airport, this contemporary property will become one of the first internationally-branded hotels in Rawalpindi – a major city of more than 2.4 million people in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The hotel is surrounded by retail malls, businesses and educational centers. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Taxila and the government offices of Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, are just a short drive away.

Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central provides exceptional accommodations and facilities for business and leisure travelers. The 100 stylish rooms are spacious and fully equipped with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV channels. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast and all-day local and international cuisine at the stylish onsite restaurant.

The hotel is set to become a popular venue for corporate meetings and special events, including weddings. Its function spaces can host up to 200 people and are supported by the latest audiovisual technology, catering, and other professional services.

“Rawalpindi is a captivating travel destination offering a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. We want to provide travelers in one of Pakistan’s key destinations with a choice of outstanding properties to meet their needs for business, leisure, and events. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to this hotel, including our esteemed local guests, a new generation of global explorers, and Best Western Rewards® members who may be discovering the wonders of Pakistan for the first time,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Best Western Hotel Rawalpindi Central is BWH Hotels’ third property in Pakistan, following its existing Best Western Premier® branded hotels in Lahore and Islamabad. With several more properties scheduled to open in the coming months, BWH Hotels is set to become one of the leading international hotel operators in this key South Asian nation.

To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com

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Phuket, Thailand, January 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / At Tamarind Restaurant, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, the menu inspired by the creative of Chef Nok. Drawing from the vibrant flavors of Southern Thai cuisine and elevating them with the precision of French culinary techniques, the new offerings promise a dining experience unlike any other on the island.

The Heart Behind the Cuisine – Chef Nok’s culinary philosophy is rooted in storytelling – blending her passion for Southern Thai flavors with the elegance of French techniques. This innovative menu showcases her ability to honor tradition while embracing creativity, offering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Salmon Sour Curry (Gaeng Som Pla):

A modern take on the beloved Southern Thai classic, this dish highlights the tender flavors of salmon paired with fresh green papaya. Infused with a tangy white wine sauce and hints of curcuma, it’s a refreshing celebration of Phuket’s culinary heritage.

Som Tam Salad with Smoked Rock Lobster:

A bold reimagination of Thailand’s classic Som Tam, this vibrant dish pairs crisp green papaya with smoky, juicy rock lobster. Inspired by Esan flavors and elevated with Andaman-fresh seafood, it delivers the perfect balance of spice, tang, and sweetness.

Lobster Tom Yum Spaghettini:

Where East meets West—this fusion dish marries the fiery, citrusy notes of Tom Yum with delicate homemade spaghettini, topped with succulent Phuket-sourced lobster. A modern, flavor-packed twist on a beloved classic.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation – Tamarind Restaurant’s menu is more than just food – it’s an experience. Each plate is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the intersection of Southern Thai heritage and French-inspired refinement. Expect bold flavors, artful presentation, and a dining journey that reflects Chef Nok’s dedication to pushing boundaries.

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Geneva, Switzerland, January 26, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan announced that the sixteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) will take place in Viet Nam in October 2025 with the theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development”.

Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan highlighted the historic significance of this year’s conference. She stated, “Viet Nam represents not just a development success story, but a testament to how trade and development can work together to transform the lives of people.” She added, “Asia’s rising economic influence, achievements in regional integration, and growing diplomatic leadership make Viet Nam the ideal setting to reimagine the future of global trade and development.”

UNCTAD 16 is the United Nation’s major conference on trade and development, where nations come together to discuss current global trade, finance, investment and technological trends and challenges.

Heads of State, Ministers of Trade and Economy from UNCTAD’s 195 member states, Heads of international organizations, Nobel prize winning economists, leading civil society organizations, development banks, financial and global trade organizations are expected to attend UNCTAD 16.

About UN Trade and Development
UN trade and development (formerly known as UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

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Madrid, Spain, January 25, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has further advanced its partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) with the launch of new guidelines promoting tourism investments in Brazil and Panama.

Within the framework of the 2025 FITUR international tourism trade fair, the two organizations jointly hosted a special Investments Breakfast, bringing together public and private sector leaders to explore opportunities and challenges surrounding driving investments into the sector across the region. The event highlighted the massive investment potential of the region, noting:

• Between 2019 and 2023, Latin America and the Caribbean attracted 213 greenfield foreign direct investment projects in tourism
• These projects generated more than US$20 billion in capital and more than 73,000 jobs

The Americas, as a whole, is one of the regions with the best recovery, registering a 7% increase in international arrivals in the last year. This progress consolidates the region as a dynamic destination in constant recovery, with a high probability of closing the year with higher values than in 2019

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The Americas, as a whole, is one of the regions with the best recovery, registering a 7% increase in international arrivals in the last year. This progress consolidates the region as a dynamic destination in constant recovery, with a high probability of closing the year with higher values than in 2019. However, this progress requires the continued support of strategic investments. UN Tourism and CAF are working together to grow and direct investments in the sector, to boost resilience and promote sustainable growth.”

Investment Guidelines: Brazil and Panama editions launched 

Further advancing the strategic collaboration between UN Tourism and CAF, investment guidelines focused on Brazil and Panama were presented at the event. The guidelines, part of UN Tourism’s growing portfolio of “Tourism Doing Business” publications, outline the investment potential of destinations, making clear opportunities and challenges and charting key numbers and trends. Key takeaways of the latest additions to the series include:

• Inward FDI flows in Brazil amounted to USD 65,897 million in 2023, which represented a decrease of 10.2% compared to 2022, and a growth of 0.8% compared to 2019.
• According to the OECD, Brazil was the second largest destination of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2023, surpassed only by the United States
• In the first half of 2024, Panama attracted USD 1.61 billion in FDI, an increase of 23% over the same period in 2023, standing out in the region as a reliable destination for foreign investment in all sectors.
• Panama consolidated its position as the country in Central America with the second-highest number of greenfield FDI project announcements in tourism between 2018 and 2023. In this period, the country registered 6 tourism projects, representing 20.1% of the region’s announcements, with a total investment of USD 2,652 million and the creation of more than 13,800 jobs.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona adds: “The Americas is one of the most exciting global regions for tourism investments in the world right now. More than US$20 billion worth of greenfield investment in capital has flowed into the country over recent years, creating tens of thousands of jobs and transforming the sector. With CAF, UN Tourism is taking tourism investments to the next level, building a more resilient and diverse sector right across the region.”

UN Tourism Backs CAF’s Regional Brand

In Madrid, UN Tourism reaffirmed its support for the Regional Brand, created by CAF to unify the region under a common identity. This brand is designed to strengthen the region’s voice globally, promote investments, boost tourism, and position Latin America and the Caribbean as a region capable of offering solutions to major global challenges.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili commended the initiative, noting it will play a “fundamental role in consolidating the region” around shared goals. Moving forward, UN Tourism will utilize the CAF Regional Brand in its communications and events focused on the region.

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