Category: Latest Travel News

Berlin, Germany, March 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St.Ange, the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine took to the podium at the PATWA World Tourism and Aviation Leaders Summit to speak on the important topic of ‘New Initiatives for World Tourism.

St.Ange was part of a panel of speakers that included Shruti Shibulal, the CEO and Director of Tamara Leisure Experiences, Winnie Muchanyuka, the CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, H.E. Ilin Dimitrov, Minister of Tourism in Bulgaria and H.E. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism in Jamaica.

After opening remarks by Yatan Ahluwalia, the SG of PATWA in front of a packed conference room, Alain St.Ange spoke about the need for Tourism Destinations and everyone involved in tourism to take stock of what existed before as key USBs (unique selling points) and to analyse why they did not bring the needed returns or if they had worked how to increase their potential further using the most sustainable approach possible.

St.Ange addressed at length the different niche markets and the potential each of them continues to carry and used Cruise Ship Business as one saying that more could be achieved if the merits of this vital industry was understood. He said it remained the Tourism destinations to work with cruise ship companies to get the maximum number of passengers to disembark at a port call and secondly to work to maximise followup potential from all passengers who do not disembark and to look at them as a tourism trade fair on a public day. “Each passenger on board has friends and family members who are potential visitors for the destination if the passengers were properly sold the destination. We should never miss such opportunities” said St.Ange before talking on future strategies and initiatives.

The Seychelles former Minister spoke about consolidation of the workforce and for destinations to ‘claim back’ their tourism industry as it had the potential to put money into the pockets of each and every citizen of their respective countries. “The time to walk alone is gone, join forces as regional blocks, create new tourism destinations as was done in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Make the USPs of one beclme the USPs of every member in the region. Be innovative and always bear in mind that together one is always stronger than being alone and isolated”.

Alain St.Ange ended his address on the essential need of increased visibility for each tourism destination. “Out of sight is out of mind and not relevant anymore as a possible holiday destination” he said in ending.

Madrid, Spain, March 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism must continue to deliver on its potential as a driver of women’s empowerment and opportunity.

To mark International Women’s Day, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and UN Women have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to keep women’s empowerment ‘Centre Stage’ of tourism development.

With the ‘Centre Stage’ model we can help the sector work for women and we will not stop until the girls of tomorrow have the same opportunities as the men of today

Tourism as a gender equality leader

UNWTO research has previously shown the enormous potential of the tourism sector to empower women of all backgrounds. Fifty-four per cent of the global tourism workforce is female, the gender-wage gap is lower in tourism, and the proportion of women in leadership roles is higher than in other sectors. However, much progress is still to be made. Women are still concentrated in lower-paid, precarious and often informal work. Furthermore, UNWTO research has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic hit women in tourism harder than men. For instance, women were more likely to lose their job, have their hours or pay reduced and to shoulder more care responsibilities in all of the countries surveyed.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, said “UNWTO has worked with our partners to study and document the huge contribution women make to tourism.  Now it is time for tourism to give back. With the ‘Centre Stage’ model we can help the sector work for women and we will not stop until the girls of tomorrow have the same opportunities as the men of today.”

Public and private unity

The pioneering ‘Centre Stage’ project was launched in 2021 to address this imbalance and expand tourism’s place in the development agenda and women’s empowerment.  Created by UNWTO, BMZ and UN Women, the project is geared towards creating a people-centred model for tourism development that puts the needs of women at its heart. In bringing together the public sector with tourism businesses and civil society organization, the project directly trained 1,800 people, saw 2,826 women get a promotion, surveyed 27,000 people and reached over 20 million in a global awareness raising campaign.

Berlin, Germany, March 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism is on track to achieve full recovery this year and ready to deliver on its potential as a pillar of peace and sustainability, UNWTO has told sector leaders at ITB in Berlin.

As the leading tourism trade fair celebrates its first in-person event since 2019, UNWTO data shows that more than twice as many people travelled internationally in January  as they did at the start of last year. According to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, the message is clear: “Tourism always comes back”, and the return of ITB, alongside the recent re-opening of China, is clear proof of renewed confidence in international travel.

Building a better tourism

Secretary-General Pololiksahvili was invited to be part of the official inauguration ceremony for ITB 2023, alongside Germany’s Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Berlin Mayor Franziska Giffey, and public and private sector leaders. While welcoming the positive data, he also stressed that tourism has a “responsibility to grow back better. We must speed up and scale up to a more sustainable and resilient tourism.”

Outlining UNWTO’s priorities for the sector, Mr. Pololikashvili urged both governments and businesses to recognize the importance of education and training, as well as the crucial role of investment – the “missing ingredient” for turning plans for greater sustainability and resilience into reality. Investment will be the theme for World Tourism Day 2023, to be celebrated on 27 September.

UNWTO at ITB 2023

At ITB 2023, UNWTO will be part of a special Industry Roundtable, focusing on ‘transitions in travel’, while also sharing key knowledge and insights into tourism’s climate action efforts, and expectations for tourist behaviour as the sector’s recovery continues. UNWTO will also provide an update of its leading work in tourism for rural development, including through the Best Tourism Villages initiative.

Hua Hin, Thailand, March 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin presented, a WTA 250 Tournament which was held in Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan in February, still lingers in the minds of professional tennis players and remains their topic of conversation, even past its completion more than a month ago.

Hua Hin boasts a number of famous tourist spots, namely Vana Nava Water Jungle, Cicada Market, and its white sand beach, all of which are well known to foreigners who have visited before. In fact, this resort town actually offers a lot of charming aspects that are worth discovering. Thus, Proud Group and True Arena Sport Club, on behalf of the organizers, joined hands with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to carry out special activities to highlight Hua Hin as a city of culture and health to tourists from across the world using social media and word-of-mouth.

The first Player ACES activity was held at the Gallery Hua Hin, a vintage automotive museum located on the second floor at Bluport Hua Hin Resort Mall. Attending the event were 2019 Thailand Open champion and former world No. 21 Dayana Yastremska of Ukraine, former world No. 26 Anna Karolina Schmiedlova of Slovak Republic and world No. 142 Katie Boulter of Great Britain. The classic collection piqued the interest of the three WTA players, who even had the unique experience of sitting in some of the classic automobiles.   A part from the antique cars, the gallery also displays paintings by world-class and local artists. The three players also received a tutorial on an Eco-printing technique, which showed them how to transfer colours and shapes of leaves onto cloth bags. In addition, the trio witnessed a session of shoe paintings by young students.

Another ACES activity focused on Muay Thai, the traditional form of self-defense that uses the fists, elbows, lower arms, feet, head and body in battle.  The program was made available to players by Tourism Authority of Thailand and the tournament’s organizers. On this occasion, world No 115 Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia and No 139 Nao Hibino of Japan donned gloves and honed their fighting techniques under the instruction of 2004 taekwondo Olympic bronze medalist and current boxing promoter Yaowapa Boorapolchai at the Legend Arena.

Meanwhile, the 96^th ranked Ysaline Bonaventure of Belgium and former world No. 105 Han Xinyun of China underwent beauty and body treatments conducted by doctor Chanunchida Choomwiset at Chevala Wellness Center on the 2^nd floor of Bluport.

One of the more unique activities Tourism Authority of Thailand and the organizers selected for players was a local culinary class. 2019 US Open winner and former world No. 4 Bianca Andreescu of Canada, No. 41 Lin Zhu of China and No. 330 Ellen Perez of Australia participated in the activity named “Make Thai Cuisine at Proud Thai” where they learned how to prepare “Pineapple Fried Rice” at Proud Thai on the first floor of Bluport. While Pineapple Fried Rice is a well-known and well-liked dish among foreigners, pineapple is a famous product of Prachuab Khiri Khan. The players also learned how to make Taro Balls and Sweet Eggs in Coconut Cream, a tasty Thai sweet dessert menu. A great assortment of coconuts grown by Hua Hin agriculturists were chosen for the session.  During the cookery lesson, a dulcimer band was performing, and Andreescu was so captivated by the Thai instrument that she requested to give it a try herself.

Later in the same location, Andreescu, Lin and Perez observed provincial handicrafts that reflected the Thai way of life and charms from communities nationwide. These artefacts included Benjarong porcelain ware which are the traditional man-made ceramics from the Tha Hong Thai factory in Ratchaburi, bamboo weaving products from Chonburi, Yan Lipao products from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, reed mats from Chanthaburi, wooden items, woven fabrics, goldware, silverware, brassware, accessories and brassware.

Last but not least, during a welcome party on the beachfront of InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Thailand Open players and VIP guests were mesmerized by a traditional Thai dancing performance by the Lookmai Nattasin Hua Hin group, which comprised of school and university students in the area. That was a part of the promotional campaigns run by the tournament organizers in response to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s campaign which called for using The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin as a soft power tool to increase Hua Hin’s economy and tourism.

In the end, the The 2023 Thailand Open Hua Hin was a huge success. Chinese Lin Zhu was the last woman standing in the competition. She did, however, leave the Kingdom with a memorable experience of Thai culture in addition to the singles trophy.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of world leading hospitality group Accor, and Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, today announced the signing of the first Fairmont hotel in Thailand. Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is set to open in 2024 as the first project signed under AWC’s multi-property framework agreement with Accor, elevating Bangkok as a global hub for luxury leisure, business and group travel. Under this partnership, AWC and Accor will open more than 1,000 keys across multiple Accor-branded hotels in key tourist destinations throughout the country, providing unique offerings and experiences for guests, and strengthening Thailand as a sustainable tourism destination.

Fairmont is one of Accor’s top global luxury brands, with more than a century of history, and iconic hotels positioned in extraordinary destinations worldwide – from The Plaza in New York City, to The Savoy in London, to Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, to Fairmont The Palm in Dubai – aligning with AWC’s strategy to develop quality assets in prime locations. Fairmont properties around the globe are known for their luxurious guest rooms, world-class public spaces and dining venues, and amazing locations from which they provide guests with unforgettable memories – and Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will be no different.

Located in the heart of the city’s Sukhumvit district, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will bring together a unique interpretation of Fairmont’s timeless aesthetic, designed with ‘a tasteful touch of elegance and simplicity’, the renowned luxury brand’s legendary service, and distinctive offerings, including an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The hotel will serve as a home away from home for guests, brought to life through the design story of ‘The Fantastic Journey of Travel to the Bygone Era’, with elements from handcrafted classic furniture to touches of opulence and sophistication.

“We have great trust in AWC, and are delighted to be working together to bring one of Accor’s most luxurious brands to Bangkok, as the first Fairmont property in Thailand,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “The Fairmont brand is truly legendary, providing world-class services with unforgettable experiences to our treasured guests. We are confident that this partnership with AWC and our shared vision will create a new benchmark for world-class luxury in Bangkok, supporting both the continued growth of the tourism industry in Thailand, as well as the ongoing expansion of the Fairmont brand across Southeast Asia.”

The 419-room hotel will feature a variety of specialty restaurants & bars offering both international and Asian cuisine, rooftop bar with a spectacular view of the skyscrapers in Bangkok’s central business district, swimming pool, fitness center, spa and wellness center. Boasting extensive meeting facilities, scalable with a choice of room size, and equipped with the latest technology, including virtual meeting equipment, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will open as the first fully integrated luxury MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) hotel in Thailand. Bringing a new level of luxury to the capital’s central business district, the hotel is designed to meet the demands of today’s customers, appealing to both locals and overseas guests, and elevating Bangkok as a global hub for the luxury MICE market.

Ms. Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer and President, Asset World Corp Public Company Limited or AWC, states, “We are very pleased to launch the first Fairmont hotel in Thailand, which came after signing a multi-property agreement with Accor in December 2022, to further expand our portfolio for the MICE segment throughout strategic locations in Bangkok. Through the Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, we will introduce Thailand and the country’s hospitality industry to a legendary luxurious hotel brand with unique offerings. Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will be the first AWC affiliated hotel to be managed by Accor, and the top integrated luxury MICE hotel in Thailand, enhancing the capital as a global hub for the luxury MICE market. The introduction of the Fairmont brand will also strengthen the Thai tourism industry, create long-term value, and elevate the surrounding communities and society.”

“At AWC, we have recognized that the luxury meeting market has become one of the fastest growing segments since the end of the pandemic, with AWC’s occupancy rate for MICE almost doubling between 2021 and 2022. As one of the most popular destinations in the world for both leisure and business travelers, Bangkok is renowned for its food and culture, and its reputation as a lifestyle destination with strong logistics infrastructure and convenient transportation. Therefore, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will be ideally positioned to meet the needs of a new era of luxury events with a distinctive and unique design,” Ms. Wallapa added.

Aligning with both Fairmont’s and AWC’s commitments to sustainability, the hotel will meet LEED and WELL green building standards that prioritize energy saving and a circular economy model on waste management. The property will be located in the Sukhumvit mid-town and Asoke junction, with easy access to the BTS Skytrain and underground MRT train network, surrounded by offices of multinational companies, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and shopping centers including EM District.

With more than 90 hotels around the globe, and a record-breaking pipeline under development, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit joins a growing portfolio of renowned properties in Asia, including Fairmont Singapore, at the heart of the lion city; Fairmont Makati, which recently celebrated its 10th birthday; and Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, the newest expression of urban luxury in the center of the South Korean capital.

Fairmont is part of Accor, the second largest operator of luxury hotels in the world. Additional luxury brands in the Accor portfolio include Raffles, Orient Express, Sofitel, and more. Upon its opening, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit will join ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s award-winning lifestyle loyalty program.

About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexists with the infinite – an unrivaled portfolio of more than 90 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

ABOUT AWC
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.

London, March 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In the 22nd annual IAGTO Awards, five very different golf destinations – Cyprus, Dubai, Los Cabos, South Carolina and Thailand – have each been proclaimed as Golf Destination of the Year for 2023.

Established in 2000 and recognised as the most prestigious awards in the global golf tourism industry, the 2023 edition of the IAGTO Awards celebrates not only these five golf destinations, but also the outstanding service provided by 60 golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, receptive operators and tourist boards in 22 countries. This year, members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) across five continents were invited to vote for destinations and businesses that delivered a great experience for golf travellers in 2022.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said “IAGTO golf tour operators handle 90% of international golf vacation sales worldwide, so they are in a great position to assess the performance of golf destinations and the service provided by industry partners, through the experience of their customers. We currently have 669 golf tour operators in 61 countries which explains the geographical diversity of this year’s Awards recipients.

“It’s great to see relatively small golf destinations such as Cyprus, Dubai and Los Cabos in the mix with the established giants of South Carolina and Thailand. Recipients of our Outstanding Service Award include the renowned golf resorts of Adare Manor, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Casa de Campo, Fancourt and SO/ Sotogrande Resort, alongside the relative newcomers of Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia, Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Vietnam and the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal.

“There are also names likely unfamiliar to golfers themselves, as the Awards also recognise specialist golf receptive operators, such as PAGS in Portugal and Desert Gate Tourism in the United Arab Emirates which organise the ground arrangements for international golf tour operators. Lesser-known winners include El Gouna Golf Club on Egypt’s Red Sea coast and Heritage Hotels in Kenya.

“Finally, hats off to the tourist boards who did such a great job supporting the golf tourism industry last year, including Cadiz Tourism in Spain’s Andalucía region, Florida’s First Coast of Golf in north east Florida and England’s Golf Coast, in the country’s north west, among others.”

The annual IAGTO Awards are voted for by IAGTO’s specialist golf tour operator members. For the 2023 Awards, each was asked to vote for what they considered to be the destinations and businesses that delivered a great experience for golf travellers in 2022, with the top five destinations named Golf Destination of the Year winners and 60 golf tourism industry service providers honoured with Outstanding Service awards.

About IAGTO
Established in 1997, IAGTO is the global trade organisation of the golf tourism industry, and has 2400 members in over 90 countries including almost 700 golf tour operator members in 61 countries, which control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and which collectively have annual sales of over €2.5 billion. IAGTO runs annual Asia, Europe and North America Golf Tourism Conventions, along with regular Destination Conventions. IAGTO established the International Golf Travel Writers Association in 2000, the year in which the first prestigious annual IAGTO Awards also took place.

Berlin, Germany, March 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / On March 8, 2023, at this year’s ITB Berlin Expo, South African Tourism in partnership with VoyagesAfriq will host an event on Africa’s attractiveness for hospitality investments and tourism.

The continent continues to see massive growth in the hospitality sector with hundreds of beds added each year as global hotel franchises build new facilities or take over management of existing ones.

The event will therefore look at this growing interest in Africa and how it can be safeguarded as the continent positions itself as the next tourism frontier.

The roundtable discussion will feature leading experts on the topic with the ultimate aim of growing Africa’s hospitality sector.

MEDIA INVITATION
Africa as an attractive investment destination for global hospitality brands:
South African Tourism and VoyagesAfriq invite you to a roundtable discussion on Africa’s attractiveness for hospitality investments and tourism during this year’s ITB Berlin Expo. The discussion will feature leading experts on the topic paving the way for the growth of this sector on the African continent.

Date: Wednesday 8th March 2023 Time: 11:00-12:30

Venue: Messe Berlin, Room Room 27: Gamma 6

Kindly RSVP with the following contacts

Contact info Kojo: kojo@voyagesafriq.com

Contact info Thandiwe: thandiwe@southafrica.net

Da Nang, Vietnam, March 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott Hotel’s first hotel in Vietnam is nestled on the country’s stunning central coast, with a collection of spacious rooms, suites and villas, plus five pools and exceptional facilities for couples, kids, friends and events. Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is nestled directly on Non Nuoc Beach, overlooking the East Sea. Danang Marriott Resort & Spa recently opened its doors on Vietnam’s stunning central coast, offering fantastic facilities for fun-filled family vacations, seafront escapes and unforgettable events overlooking the ocean. Nestled on Non Nuoc Beach, close to downtown Danang, this stylish retreat made its debut late last year and has already become one of the city’s most popular places to stay, meet, dine and unwind.

An oasis of tranquility, the resort offers a wide range of facilities help all ages to unwind, disconnect from their daily lives and soak up the relaxing ambiance. Guests can take a dip in a choice of five infinity pools, including a dedicated kid’s pool, or soothe their senses at Quan Spa, a haven of wellness that features 12 treatment rooms, a foot massage area, beauty salon, steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi. The fitness center is ideal for invigorating workouts, the kid’s club will excite and inspire youngsters, and bicycle rental is available for curious explorers who want to uncover the local area, including the mesmerizing Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc stone carving village, which are located close to the resort.

Danang Marriott Resort & Spa’s 200 spacious rooms and suites are blessed with Indochine architecture and adorned with contemporary interiors, wooden floors and furnishings, 24-hour room service and views of the lush gardens and glistening sea. The 39 villas provide plenty of space for families and friends to unwind together, with three or four bedrooms and private pools.

Marriott Hotels’ signature Great Room lobby concept invites travellers to come together and enjoy light refreshments, while Goji Kitchen + Bar is a vibrant international culinary marketplace that stages the daily breakfast and all-day dining, including bountiful buffets with authentic Vietnamese, pan-Asian and Western cuisine and indoor or alfresco seating. Alternatively, Madame Son is an elegant restaurant that showcases the authentic flavors of Vietnamese and fusion cuisine.

Corporate visitors and wedding planners can explore 1,055 square meters of world-class event space, including a 500-pax Grand Ballroom which can also be divided into two, plus four meeting rooms and an intimate boardroom, all supported by audio-visual technology and professional services. The lush gardens, long beach, sea views and warm climate also make Danang Marriott Resort & Spa the ultimate venue for alfresco events, including one-of-a-kind weddings.

When guests are not busy working or relaxing, Vietnam’s central coast promises an amazing array of attractions, from beautiful beaches and championship golf courses to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary, and the breath-taking Ba Na Hills and Son Tra Nature Reserve. Danang International Airport is just 11km away, offering direct connections to and from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Guests can choose to stay in a collection of 39 spacious and stylish pool villas
As the inaugural Marriott Hotels branded resort in Vietnam, this fully refurbished property promises to deliver world-class hospitality with sophisticated spaces, enriching experiences and exceptional service are designed to clear the mind, inspire brilliance and spark new ways of thinking, whether guests are visiting for leisure, business or a special event.

“We are delighted to introduce guests to Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, an oasis of tranquility, amazing events and fun for all ages on Vietnam’s central coast. With its prime beachfront setting, fantastic facilities, diverse dining and engaging event spaces, our resort is perfectly placed to attract business and leisure guests alike. We look forward to introducing the many wonders of Danang and Vietnam’s central coast to our discerning clientele,” said Piotr Madej – General Manager.

Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is now inviting guests to add a little extra romance to their stay with the One & Only package. The ideal promotion includes a complimentary room upgrade, a daily 60-minute treatment at Quan Spa, daily buffet breakfast for two people, a special turndown service, and a 20% discount on food and drinks. Book now using the promotional code LVU.

About Marriott Hotels
With more than 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hosting – placing people first is the brand’s living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, within modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, with its forward-thinking spirit including the Greatroom lobby and M Club that elevate style and design.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that submission for the 14th Thailand Tourism Awards, the country’s most prestigious awards that recognises the Thai travel industry’s best and brightest, opens from 1 March to 30 April, 2023. The winners will be announced on 8 September, 2023, and the awards ceremony will as usual be held on World Tourism Day (27 September), as a symbolic gesture of recognition that builds awareness for responsible and sustainable tourism.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The Thailand Tourism Awards plays a pivotal role in elevating the positive image of Thailand as a tourism destination that is clean, convenient, safe, fair, and environmentally friendly. The biannual awards will continue to signify quality and excellence in tourism and hospitality operations, while underlining Thailand’s new direction towards high value and sustainable tourism.”

This corresponds with the TAT’s ongoing commitment to drive the Thai tourism industry towards safe and sustainable travel in line with Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green or BCG Economic Model and the Sustainable Tourism Goal which in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is under the goal of making tourism part of Thailand’s commitment to promote low-carbon tourism and implementation of climate action for sustainability.

Two new categories of Low Carbon and Sustainability, and Tour Programme have been added to the three exiting categories – attraction, accommodation, and health and wellness tourism.

Each category features Thailand Tourism Awards (Outstanding), Thailand Tourism Gold Awards (Excellence), and Hall of Fame Awards for entries that had received three consecutive Thailand Tourism Gold Awards.

Selection and judging process is classified under three concepts: sustainable tourism, safety and health administration and tourist interest.

The biannual Thailand Tourism Awards serve as a catalyst for the winners, who benefit by leveraging the publicity and increased interested in their products that help drive business development.

Winners are also invited to partner with TAT in its marketing activities; such as, participations in travel shows in Thailand and overseas. They also get additional publicity via TAT’s marketing tools on the Thailand Tourism Awards and by attending TAT’s seminar and workshops.

Full information on the Awards can be found at https://tourismawards.tourismthailand.org,

Bangkok, Thailand, March 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces the resignation of Liz Ortiguera as its Chief Executive Officer. Upon her notification, PATA Vice Chair Benjamin Liao said, “Liz served PATA with distinction as the first Asian female CEO in the organization’s 72-year history. On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank her for her leadership of the Association during a difficult period for the industry.”

“We recognize her many accomplishments as PATA CEO including new agreements with the Singapore Tourism Board, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Trip.com as well as the expanded partnerships with Visa, MasterCard, and Airbnb. New projects included PATA’s first Annual Summit in the Middle East, the PATA-Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) APAC Travel Summit, PATA-World Bank Government Recovery Insights Forum Series, the Tourism Destination Resilience Program launch and the ongoing Weekly Asia-Pacific Destination Recovery Dashboard.”

Commenting on her tenure at PATA, Ms. Ortiguera said, “It was a true honor to have served as PATA’s CEO. I am confident that PATA, with its diverse member base of industry leaders, can continue to support and lead our industry’s recovery and growth. PATA is even more critical as a business community today to support new partnerships, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.”

“I am handing back the reins with thanks to PATA Members for the opportunity to lead at this critical time of global industry recovery. I had the opportunity to work with some deeply committed, hard-working and talented individuals within the PATA team as well as our valued members and partners. They embody the heart and the spirit of what PATA could be in everything they do,” Ms. Ortiguera added.

In response to Ms. Ortiguera’s departure, PATA Chair Peter Semone stated that, “the Executive Board has established five Expert Task Forces or ETFs to review critical elements of PATA’s development strategy, including Brand and Voice, Events, Membership Engagement, Organizational Design and Digital Readiness. The recommendations of these ETFs will help define PATA’s new direction strategically and operationally.”

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.