Category: Latest Travel News

New York, United States, November 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Bernardin was named the number one restaurant in the world by La Liste, the global restaurant guide and ranking system of the world’s top 1,000 restaurants.

• Discover the World’s Best Restaurants for Fine Dining at TOP25Restaurants.com

The top ranking, which Le Bernardin shares with Paris’ Restaurant Guy Savoy and Frantzén of Stockholm, comes on the heels of the New York seafood temple’s 50th anniversary this fall.

Le Bernardin is the only New York City restaurant among the top 10, and one of 101 United States restaurants, including San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn, Addison in San Diego and New York’s Atomix, featured throughout the entire list.

“To see our team’s dedication recognized by La Liste is incredibly rewarding,” said chef and co-owner, Eric Ripert. “It pushes us to keep striving for excellence everyday, even 50 years in.”

This is the sixth consecutive year La Liste has named Le Bernardin the number one restaurant in the U.S., and the third time it has placed it at the top spot globally. Le Bernardin continues to hold three stars from the Michelin Guide and a four-star rating from The New York Times, which it has maintained across each of its five reviews since opening in New York in 1986. Le Bernardin is also ranked number 44 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List.

La Liste debuted in Paris in 2015, providing an objective and democratic ranking of the world’s most outstanding restaurants powered by a proprietary algorithm that gathers information from hundreds of reviews from such global publications as The New York Times, Michelin Guide and TripAdvisor, and thousands of consumer ratings from all over the world.

• Discover the World’s Best Restaurants for Fine Dining at TOP25Restaurants.com

About Le Bernardin
A fine dining icon for 50 years, Le Bernardin is the internationally acclaimed seafood restaurant from chef Eric Ripert and co-owner Maguy Le Coze. Opened in 1986 in New York by Maguy and her brother Gilbert after the siblings helmed its beloved Paris location for 14 years, the restaurant has held three Michelin stars since the guide’s 2005 New York launch, five consecutive four-star reviews from The New York Times, and is currently ranked number 44 on World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, a testament to its timeless appeal.

Marrakesh, Morocco, November 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is stressing SMEs and talent development as key transformers of global tourism. The two areas were the theme for a thematic session at the ongoing 117th Executive Council Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

Tourism has been one the sector’s most affected by COVID-19. The impact has been particularly acute among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEMs) which are the backbone of the sector and have seen existing challenges in the areas of liquidity and financing, human resources or digitalization accelerated by the pandemic.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said at the opening of the session that the organization recognized the need to help tourism SMES in order to withstand the shocks of COPVID-19.

“As you know, the pandemic hit our sector hard. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of our sector, and they were hit hardest of all. It is these businesses we need to make agents of transformation. But we recognize that not all of them have the tools or the knowledge to adapt to changed circumstances.

“In fact, the pandemic was a reality check for our sector, it showed us just how many small enterprises had not made the shift to digital. It is not because the interest isn’t there. The opposite is true – the vast majority of tourism businesses want to adapt, evolve and innovate. But too many lack the resources to do so. This is where we come in. Through the UNWTO Digital Futures Programme, we offer a platform that aims to reach 2 million SMEs,” he maintained.

In addition to this, the Executive Council has approved the “Marrakech Call to Action” to commit to supporting MSMEs in all of UNWTO’s Members States and be a key part of the sector’s digital transformation.

The Call to Action will target investment in three ways: Digitalization of SMEs to benefit people – this includes through organizing competitions and challenges in specific countries and then helping enterprises to benefit from existing technology as well as emerging tech and deep tech.

Digitalization of SMEs for prosperity: To increase investments and ensure money is targeted where it will make a real difference in accelerating change.

Representing around 80% of all businesses in tourism worldwide, and in some G20 economies as much as 98%, MSMEs are vital for the sector’s competitiveness, job creation and transition to a more sustainable model. Supporting SMEs as agents of transformation in tourism will lead the way towards a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable sector. The importance of digitalization for SMEs needs to be accelerated for economic recovery of the tourism sector by supporting SMEs to unleash digital technologies to create jobs and enhance future resilience in the linkages of the tourism value chain post COVID-19.

At the same time, as recovery consolidates workforce challenges have become more evident as the pandemic also accelerated a series of shifts happening in the world of work, adequate new skills, education, and training. Tourism businesses previously faced some challenges filling jobs that were sometimes perceived as being low-wage and low-skilled, with little chance of career advancement or steady employment; with pandemic shutdowns, laid-off employees in the tourism appear to be moving into other sectors, leaving many tourism jobs unfilled. Indeed, the increasing challenges related to the attraction and retention of talent in tourism mean the sector needs to promote value-added jobs, improve job-related conditions, including life-work balance, tackle inequalities and focus on career development especially for women, youth and people in vulnerable situations.

Challenges identified by G20 economies, which relate as well to overall countries, include

For SMEs
− Lack of access to finance
− Lack of access to market intelligence
− Market uncertainty
− The volatility of the working force
− Changing consumer trends and needs
− Low level of innovation
− Need to strengthen sustainability-orientation and developing new sustainable product

For talent development
− Need to review national policies and strategies to ensure adequate human capital in tourism
− Increase level of skills and qualification
− Improve the attractiveness of the tourism sector
− Support labour and skills upgrades through digitization
− Improve business adoption of new technologies and leveraging of new trends and meeting new consumer needs
− Up-skill workers and incentivize employers to hire and retain workers.

The digitalization of SMEs for the planet – with sustainable practices and the SDGs as our guides. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili is of the firm belief that “the effort will be worth it” and that “innovation can help small businesses cut costs and become more efficient. It will help them become more competitive in a truly global market.”

“It will also be essential if we are serious about making tourism more inclusive and sustainable,” he emphasized.

Marrakesh Call to Action: Marrakesh Digital Futures Pledge: Enabling the diffusion of digital technologies for SMEs to accelerate economic recovery of the tourism sector H.E. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Morocco and H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The pledge will encourage to contribute to the closing of the technology skill gap in the tourism SMEs by identifying 10.000 SMEs per respective country to take the digital diagnostic tool and implement specific training programs fostering partnerships with the large technology companies to accelerate digital transformation, and innovative solutions for SMEs and the tourism Sector.

Marrakesh, Morocco, November 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from every global region have met to advance plans to transform the sector against a backdrop of challenges old and new.

UNWTO convened its Executive Council in Marrakesh, Morocco, as the sector’s recovery continues to gather pace. According to UNWTO data released this week, international arrivals are on track to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. However, building on its year-long call for both public and private sector leaders to “rethink tourism”, UNWTO placed innovation, investments and education and youth empowerment at the centre of discussions, while also emphasizing heightened interest for transformation through Climate Action and the sector’s importance for rural development everywhere.

Welcoming 16 Ministers of Tourism and delegations from 36 countries, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili underscored that “the window of opportunity to transform our sector will not stay open for long”. He emphasized that “now is the time to fast-track building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable sector”, and reminded this leading UNWTO governing body that tourism’s success cannot longer be measured based on numbers alone, “but rather on the impact our sector has on lives, on livelihoods and the wellbeing of both people and planet”.

UN recognition as UNWTO delivers

Now is the time to fast-track building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable sector

On the eve of the Marrakesh meeting, the United Nations General Assembly was presented with a draft resolution calling on all parts of the UN system to promote tourism in their work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The resolution, which so far has the support of 104 countries, is the culmination of UNWTO’s enhanced presence at the highest political level. It is also a reflection of the unprecedented recognition of tourism’s importance to economic and social wellbeing and integrates the key strategic work streams of UNWTO. In particular, it draws attention to tourism’s power to help build inclusive societies and protect ecosystems.

Alongside sharing this landmark moment for the sector, in his report to Members on its achievements since the previous Council meeting, Secretary-General Pololikashvili illustrated how UNWTO is leading the transformation of the tourism. Central to this is a stepping up of education and training programmes, promoting investments in tourism for growth and sustainability, and through providing technical assistance for Member States in every region. Executive Council Members also heard how UNWTO has delivered in advocating for tourism at the very highest level.

His Excellency Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicraft, and Social and Solidarity Economy of the Kingdom of Morocco warmly welcomed the UNWTO leadership and his fellow Ministers to Marrakesh. She added: “This important session of the UNWTO Executive Council provides us with the opportunity to reaffirm priority orientations to promote the prosperity and development of our sector. I am looking forward to a more resilient tourism in the African continent thanks to an inclusive continental approach that will increase the awareness of Africa’s assets thus improving the attractiveness of Africa as a destination.”

SMEs, Digitalisation and rural development

Within the framework of the 117th Session of the Executive Council, UNWTO also held  a special Thematic Session focused on empowering small businesses to be agents of transformation, inspired by the G20 Guidelines for Tourism SMEs and Communities as agent for transformation. The Session brought together Ministers of Tourism alongside leading figures from the private sector to address the biggest challenges standing in the way of smaller enterprises fulfilling their potential to drive change. These include access to investment and financing, a lack of market intelligence and an inability to adapt to meet changing consumer trends.

Also underlining discussions in Marrakesh was a shared recognition of the importance of tourism for rural development and opportunity. In his report to the Executive Council, Secretary-General Pololikashvili provided an update on the new Programme for Tourism and Rural Development, hosted by the Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh, including of its flagship initiative, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO.

Council makes decisions to guide sector forward

The Executive Council is the top governing body of UNWTO and meets twice a year. Made up of 34 Members following the Russian Federation’s suspension from the Organization, it works with the Secretary-General to implement both its own decisions and the recommendations of the Assembly. The 118th Session of the Executive Council will be held in the Dominican Republic and the next hosts sent a message to all fellow Members looking forward to welcoming them in 2023.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / At the MICHELIN Star Revelation Ceremony, which also marks the official release of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 edition, Michelin unveiled recipients of the prestigious MICHELIN Star, the MICHELIN Green Star, the MICHELIN Young Chef Award, the MICHELIN Service Award, plus two special awards introduced for the first time in this newest edition of Thailand’s guide: the MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award, and the MICHELIN Sommelier Award.

• Discover Thailand and the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at TOP25Restaurants.com

Featured in this sixth local edition are 441 dining venues – with 6 two MICHELIN Stars (all retained their status), 29 one MICHELIN Star, 189 Bib Gourmand, and 217 other recommended entries. New additions to the MICHELIN Guide consist of 5 in the one MICHELIN Star (4 newcomers, and 1 promotion), and 59 in the Bib Gourmand list (53 newcomers, and 6 promotions), together with another 54 in the Guide’s recommended selection. Out of 111 new entries, 69 are from four representative cities of Thailand’s Northeast or “Isan” region (Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani), newly covered in the 2023 edition.

“After struggling with the pandemic for a couple years, Thailand’s culinary and hospitality landscapes have seen new openings around the country. In the restaurant sector, many new fine-dining restaurants have opened – not only by local chefs that focus more on their culinary roots and thus offer a variety of cuisine: Northern Thai, Sourthern Thai, Isan, authentic Thai, modern Thai, and so on; but also by big investors and world-famous chefs. Our MICHELIN Guide inspectors are very much excited to see such a development in Thailand’s culinary sector,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.

“The increased number of entries in the newest edition of The MICHELIN Guide Thailand is partly a testament of restaurateurs’ achievement in striving to rise above challenges, and partly a result of our coverage expansion to Northeastern Thailand – or ‘Isan’ – the largest region of Thailand, rich in history, combined with beautiful geography and natural resources. We believe that extending the scope of the MICHELIN Guide to this region will make people know and understand more about Isan cuisine, as well as help stimulate travelling to this region. With this newest MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition, we hope to contribute to the post-pandemic recovery of both culinary and hospitality industries.”

5 New Entries (4 Newcomers & 1 Promotion) Joining the ‘One MICHELIN Star’ List
In the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition, two MICHELIN Stars listing remains the same with 6 entries – namely, Chef’s Table, Le Normandie by Alain Roux, Mezzaluna, R-Haan, Sorn, and Sühring. The one MICHELIN Star selection welcomes 5 new entries, all located in Bangkok, namely: Baan Tepa, a Thai contemporary restaurant offering beautifully presented tasting menu, made with seasonal ingredients sourced from sustainably minded producers and its backyard; Haoma, an Indian restaurant using sustainable, seasonal, local ingredients sourced from farmers, breeders, fisherfolk, and its own garden, to create delicious, beautifully plated Indian dishes in à la carte and seasonal tasting menus (including a vegetarian one); Maison Dunand, a French contemporary restaurant offering tasting menu inspired by the chef’s Alpine origins, childhood trips to Brittany, and glittering international culinary journey; Potong, a Thai-Chinese restaurant where traditional and novel converge, offering progressive 20-course set menu that is infused with storytelling and hits its peak with aged duck breast; and Signature, a French restaurant promoted from the previous MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition’s recommended selection, offering classic French flavors using imported herbs and edible flowers that evoke their terroir, through the Flower Bouquet set menus that rotate with the seasons.

2 New Additions Bringing the Total of MICHELIN Green Star Venues to 3
Joining PRU, the one MICHELIN Star restaurant in Phuket, that retains the MICHELIN Green Star for the third consecutive years, are Haoma – an Indian restaurant in Bangkok that enters the one MICHELIN Star list for the first time this year – growing fish in rainwater conserved throughout the year for its own aquaponics farm and for recycling using Nordaq water systems for guests to consume and, during the pandemic, starting a farm in Bangkok to raise chicken, goats, and cows for use in its ever-evolving menus; and Jampa, a newcomer on the MICHELIN Guide’s recommended list for Phuket that strives to educate guests on the benefits of eating fresh and local – serving European contemporary dishes using herbs and vegetables from its own organic farm, seafood sourced from the island fishermen, as well as nutritious and balanced ingredients that contribute to better eating.

2023 MICHELIN Thailand Young Chef Award:
Mr. Davide Garavaglia from Côte by Mauro Colagreco. Italian Chef Davide Garavaglia brings the cooking philosophy of Chef Mauro Colagreco from the Mediterranean to the Chao Phraya, working hand-in-hand with Chef Marc Vasseur. After working at D’O – a two MICHELIN Stars restaurant under Chef Davide Oldani in Milan, and later on at Sketch – a three MICHELIN Stars restaurant under Chef Pierre Gagnaire in London, Mr. Garavaglia then joined Mauro Colagreco’s Mirazur in 2015 where he played a major part in the restaurant’s three MICHELIN Stars achievement.

2023 MICHELIN Thailand Service Award:
Mr. Uthit Songtho from Baan Phraya. Uthit Songtho, the restaurant manager, provided an impressive Thai-style hospitality with high standard of The Mandarin Oriental. During the service, he was friendly, polite, and sincere. Mr. Songtho himself warmly welcomed the guests as they stepped down from the boat, and bid them farewell at the pier when they left. He also provided detailed information regarding the restaurant’s history, chef’s background, information about the dishes and Thai food in general, and always asked for feedback about the dishes.

2 New Special Awards for the First Time in Thailand

2023 MICHELIN Thailand Opening of the Year Award:
Ms. Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij from Potong. The MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award is given to a chef, host, or restaurant manager, for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with creative degustation concept and cuisine approach, which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene.

Being the first recipient of this special award in Thailand, Chef Pam is recognized for her successful opening of the restaurant, Potong, in the heart of Chinatown. She has renovated her family’s ancestral building that used to be a pharmacy, in spite of trying times during the Covid-19 period. It was the first restaurant of its kind to serve innovative/progressive Thai-Chinese cuisine in Thailand, with a 20-course Tasting Menu, whereby each dish embodies the 5-Element philosophy of “Salt, Acid, Spice, Texture, and Millard Reaction”.

2023 MICHELIN Thailand Sommelier Award:
Mr. Guillaume Perdigues from Mezzaluna. The MICHELIN Sommelier Award is granted in recognition for the sommelier’s expertise in recommending a food and wine pairing to enhance the customer experience.

Mr. Perdigues, Thailand’s first winner of the award, is very passionate and knowledgeable about wine. He is a professional sommelier, who takes great pleasure in advising guests – based on their personal tastes and food choices – on wine selection and food pairing. With a gentle but welcoming attitude in serving wine, he engaged well with his guests, and loved to share wine knowledge during his service.

The full restaurant selection for Thailand is available free of charge on the MICHELIN Guide website and app. They join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Thailand and throughout the world.

• Discover Thailand and the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at TOP25Restaurants.com

Every hotel in the Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection for Thailand features the country’s most spectacular hotels, including luxury boutique trailblazers like Amanpuri, sustainability pioneers like Rayavadee, standouts from our “Plus” collection like The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, and treetop pool villa wonderlands like Keemala.

The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 at a Glance:
– 6 Two MICHELIN Stars
– 29 One MICHELIN Star (4 new, 1 promoted)
– 3 MICHELIN Green Star (2 new)
– 189 Bib Gourmand (53 new, 6 promoted)

Siem Reap, Cambodia, November 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Angkor Resort, a part of Minor Hotels and a peaceful sanctuary at the crossroads of Cambodia’s past and present, offers travellers a rare and captivating Temple Dining experience that marries exquisite dining and historic discovery for a bucket list experience like no other. By inviting guests to dine, in full privacy, on site of a heritage temple set within landscapes rich in thousands of years of history, Anantara Angkor Resort places travellers at the heart of an ancient civilisation while parting the curtain on the lesser known sites of Angkor.

Taking Anantara’s signature Dining by Design concept to new heights, the exclusive dinner takes place at the central sanctuary of a heritage Angkor Wat temple hidden among a lush jungle, with nothing but stars and carefully restored ancient statuary for company. Dramatically illuminated with candles and ambient spotlights and draped in fresh flowers specially for the occasion, the ancient structure takes on an especially romantic air, making the package a perfect proposal or anniversary celebration experience.

With two striking venues to choose from – Prasat Kravan, a 10th-century temple dedicated to Vishnu, and elegant Thommanon temple that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – travellers have additional freedom when designing their private temple dining experience with Anantara Angkor Resort.

While guests dine on delectable Khmer or Western fare at the temple grounds, stories of the ancient Angkor civilisation are brought to life by either graceful Apsara dancers or an intricately-costumed, high-energy theatrical performance. In addition to customising their five-course menu, guests can pick their preferred background music and chic table décor, with everything from luxury transportation to five-star catering taken care of by a dedicated team comprising a private butler, private chef and a full housekeeping team.

Anantara Angkor Resort’s Temple Dining package is priced at USD 7,450++ for two persons and includes:

• Five-course set menu, choice of Khmer or Western cuisine with soft drinks and juices
• Private butler, chef and catering services
• 30-minute pre-dinner cocktail with free-flow soft drinks, chilled juices and canapés
• Traditional welcome from a drum-dance troupe and guard with a monkey on arrival
• Live performances by Cambodian dancers or a theatre troupe throughout dinner
• Candle- and torch-lit pathway, fresh flowers and ambient lighting
• Theme decoration for the table
• Professional sound system and choice of background music
• Portable toilet and housekeeping attendance
• Transportation
• Temple entry fees.

Travellers don’t need to be staying at Anantara Angkor Resort to enjoy the new Temple Dining experience. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.anantara.com/en/angkor-siem-reap, Call +855 63 966 788 or email angkor@anantara.com

About Anantara Hotels
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning hotels and resorts located in Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique, Zambia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain, Hungary and Italy, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Mbabane, Eswatini, November 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / In a move that will give a great boost to the Kingdom’s tourism in the run up to the festive season, the Eswatini government has announced the removal of ALL remaining COVID-related entry regulations. International visitors can now enter The Kingdom of Eswatini without the need for any vaccination certificates or test results.

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

This brings the country in line with its larger neighbour, South Africa, and a number of other countries across southern Africa as the region returns to its pre-pandemic position.

For the Kingdom of Eswatini this is particularly significant as the closures associated with COVID-19 had stalled the impressive momentum the country had been establishing as a tourist destination.

In 2020, just before the pandemic emerged and borders started to close, Lonely Planet had named Eswatini as one of its ‘Best in Travel’ Top Destinations for 2020, highlighting the remarkable diversity found within its small borders: “Petite, pleasant and packed with culture, adventure and legendary wildlife, the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is one of Southern Africa’s most underrated destinations.”

Southern Africa has suffered a few false dawns of travel returning but as the world started to open up tentatively again, Eswatini also received the accolade in 2021 of being one of just 5 countries named by Forbes as Little-Known Nations that Deserve to Become Tourism Hotspots. Forbes similarly highlighted the “abundant natural beauty, fascinating culture, and rich history that will turn any visitor into a lifelong fan.”

With many post-lockdown travellers looking for nature-focussed trips with plenty of outdoor activities, but also safe, welcoming and relatively unexplored destinations and an opportunity to re-connect with different cultures around the world, Eswatini ticks plenty of the right boxes now that it is fully open again!

Thankfully, Eswatini is already well prepared for the return of tourism. It was the first full country in southern Africa to be awarded the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp back in 2020 based on its robust set of COVID-prevention protocols established quickly by the Eswatini Tourism Authority in conjunction with the Eswatini Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation and the UN. The country also subsequently obtained the Safer Tourism Seal. Thankfully, COVID cases in Eswatini have remained below 100 for some time now.

Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO, Linda Nxumalo was excited about what this final step will mean for the future, stating: “ETA welcomes Government decision to ease the prevailing entry requirements for Eswatini. The Authority believes this latest move will help towards the goal of increasing the number of tourists into Eswatini to 2 million by 2025 and further encourage tourists to increase the nights they spend in the kingdom to at least three. Tourism remains the strategic economic recovery pillar for Eswatini and this move will help create and sustain more jobs and further increase tourism contributions to GDP. The authority would like to thank the tourism sector for the cooperative and positive spirit throughout the Covid-19 challenging time. We urge everyone to remain vigilant so that we can maintain Eswatini as a safe destination. Eswatini is now inviting all tourists from around the world to come and have a Royal experience in the Kingdom!”

• For the African Tourism portal , Connecting Africa to the World, go to TourismAfrica.org

Marc Ward, Chair of Eswatini tourist industry association HOTAES added “We would like to thank the wisdom of the Government in doing away with the COVID restrictions as we come into the Christmas season.”

Now that all barriers stalling the great momentum for Eswatini’s tourism have gone, with health & safety well managed, and with a perfect set of post-lockdown attributes, Eswatini is all set to welcome more and more visitors, and grow rapidly again. Now that’s worth shouting about!

Danang, Vietnam, November 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Five-star sanctuary on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula invites couples, families and groups to learn about the conservation of red-shanked douc langurs and support the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna InterContinental Danang creates bridges to allow red-shanked douc langurs to access their feeding grounds. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, the five-star resort nestled in 39 hectares of nature on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula, is a destination that helps travellers to connect with the environment, authentic local culture and each other. This commitment to building bridges is not only metaphorical, however; as part of the resort’s dedication to conservation, it has also helped to create a network of natural bridges to accommodate its most precious residents: the local community of red-shanked douc langurs.

• Discover Vietnam and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

Classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), red-shanked douc langurs are one of the world’s rarest species of primate. These beautiful creatures only live in central parts of Vietnam and Laos, and the largest numbers are found on the Son Tra Peninsula, the 3,000-square kilometre nature reserve on Vietnam’s central coast. According to the latest count, there are approximately 150 families with a total of 1,100 adults and 450 juveniles living in and around resort’s estate.

To ensure the survival of this important species, InterContinental Danang has developed a network of natural bridges and rope ladders to allow the red-shanked douc langurs to move freely around the forest and access their feeding grounds without coming into contact with the ground, where potential dangers such as poachers and predators may lie.

The hotel’s work is also woven into the guest experience with a regular series of wildlife workshops and guided tours to raise awareness about the resort’s activities and the importance of conservation. In recent weeks, InterContinental Danang has introduced a new experience for corporate groups: the planting of “feed trees” and new “monkey bridges” for the red-shanked douc langurs. With CSR now at the top of the agenda for many businesses, these meaningful initiatives help to create closer bonds between team members and have a lasting positive impact on the planet.

“At InterContinental Danang, we have always strived to connect our guests with the natural and cultural heritage of Central Vietnam. The creation of our monkey bridges is wonderfully symbolic; not only do they help our resident community of red-shanked douc langurs to move around the jungle; they also help to foster stronger bonds between loved ones, team members and the environment,” said Mr. Seif Hamdy, the resort’s General Manager.

The development of these natural bridges is just one of the ways that InterContinental Danang is helping to conserve wildlife. Sadly, poaching and trafficking are still the biggest threats to native species in Vietnam, so the resort has created a stricter security zone within the reserve. Dedicated staff also conduct regular perimeter walks to ensure that no paths have been made or traps laid by poachers.

Now, as part of a major transformation to mark its 10th anniversary in 2022, InterContinental Danang is preparing to launch a new Discovery Center. Set to open in mid-2023, this dedicated onsite conservation hub will allow visitors, staff and community groups to learn about the area’s wildlife and the resort’s latest environmental projects.

Alternatively, guests can immerse themselves in the tropical landscape with a two- to three-hour hike to an 800-year-old banyan tree, or even hike all the way to the peak of Son Tra Mountain, where they will be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views. To discover the offshore ecosystems, travellers can go snorkelling in the pristine waters of Bai Bac Bay, or even learn how to steer a traditional Vietnamese basket boat. For younger explorers, Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club offers nature trails, outdoor games, sandcastle building and more, and all ages can discover local vegetables, herbs and spices at the resort’s organic garden.

So, whether you’re seeking a rewarding couple’s retreat, an educational and engaging family escape, or a meaningful group CSR activity, InterContinental Danang is the perfect destination to build bridges, forge close connections and make lasting memories.

• Discover Vietnam and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at TOP25Hotels.com

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
The InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand makes travel alluring, with insights from 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.

About InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a 39-hectare paradise that blends personalised service and unparalleled amenities across four levels – Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea – all linked by a funicular railway that rises up the forested hillside. Nestled on the spectacular natural preserve of the Son Tra Peninsula, north of Danang City, Vietnam, guests can enjoy culinary artistry at four restaurants and bars, including La Maison 1888, which is helmed by three Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, soothe their senses at The Lagoon Spa, or simply unwind on the 700-metre-long beach. The Summit sets the stage for the world’s grandest gatherings and one-of-a-kind weddings, with a purpose-built auditorium, ballroom and multiple meeting spaces.

Southlake, Texas, United States, November 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Sabre Corporation announced a partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), an international non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology and changing the image of what a programmer looks like and does.

Sabre’s sponsorship will help empower a generation of change-makers by supporting Girls Who Code after school clubs for 3rd to 12th graders, which seek to educate, engage and connect girls with technology in their communities. At the collegiate-level, the GWC alumni program helps women develop skills, build confidence, and connect with women in technology.

“As a leading technology provider for the travel industry, Sabre has a vested interest in making sure tomorrow’s brightest technologists embody the rich diversity that we need in our company,” Shawn Williams, Chief People Officer for Sabre. “Girls Who Code and its focus on gender equity in engineering and other technology fields aligns with our commitment to embrace a culture where every team member has an opportunity to be successful as we work together to develop the solutions that will power the future of travel.”

Through Sabre’s Women In Tech resource group, Sabre team members will have the opportunity to actively engage in Girls Who Code events, community-building activities and recruitment opportunities for Sabre internships and careers.

“At Girls Who Code, we understand that it’s not enough to foster a passion for computer science among girls and young women. We also need to build pathways to ensure that they are given equal access to opportunities that turn their interest into lucrative and exciting careers,” said Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “Our partnership with Sabre is an important step in our work to close the gender gap in tech and level the playing field for our most marginalized students.”

Sabre is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging and values the diversity of our employees all around the world. Sabre’s inclusion groups, including Women In Technology and Women’s Career Network, foster an environment where employees can bring their full selves to work and belong. In addition, Sabre’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program has a rich history of giving back to our communities all over the world, including the support of organizations who educate and empower underrepresented and underserved groups. Full-time team members are also given one paid day, every quarter, to give time to causes and organizations they choose.

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

About Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology, and leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls or nonbinary with the computing skills needed to pursue 21st century opportunities. Since launching in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached 500,000 students through our in-person and virtual programming, and 115,000 of our alumni are college or career-aged.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotel Group®, the umbrella parent organization of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, announced the launch of HOME by BWH. Competing in the midscale extended-stay segment, HOME by BWH was created to address the needs of both travelers and hotel developers in today’s hospitality landscape.

“We know that extended-stay is an important market segment and there is tremendous demand for more options in this category, so we are extremely proud to bring a new product offering to developers and our valued guests,” said Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotel Group. “HOME by BWH is redefining the extended-stay segment with a new approach to the extended-stay experience.”

BWH Hotel Group collaborated with active extended-stay developers to create a lean prototype that offers credible return on investment. HOME by BWH is a clean, streamlined, modern and fresh approach to extended-stay with the philosophy of “options, not mandates,” which is unique for this segment. Guests will find all their needs taken care of at HOME by BWH, while hoteliers will enjoy more flexibility in the areas of breakfast, design elements and operations.

“The extended-stay segment has been outperforming the industry, is driving 25% higher revenue than in 2019, and it is showing no signs of slowing down,” added Brad LeBlanc, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, BWH Hotel Group. “When talking to our hoteliers about the segment and assessing what is on the market, we recognized an opportunity to change the way extended-stay is designed, both for the developer and guest. We’ve already seen a lot of excitement about HOME by BWH and I am proud to be introducing the brand with a healthy pipeline.”

HOME by BWH is launching with a prototype for new construction, and conversion opportunities will also be available. The brand is announced with a strong pipeline and development efforts for the brand will be focused on proven extended-stay markets where demand for new product is strong.

Every HOME by BWH property will be provided unparalleled support with the formation of a dedicated extended-stay support team. Hoteliers will also gain access to BWH Hotel Group’s award-winning website, global partnerships and sales team, and state-of-the-art revenue management system. Hotels will also have access to a revenue manager to maximize revenue and reduce operating costs. HOME by BWH will benefit from BWH Hotel Group’s reputation for providing superior guest service and will have access to the industry-leading Best Western Rewards® program, which boasts nearly 50 million members worldwide.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 19 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature Collection®. Through the acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection®, and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

Marrakesh, Morocco, November 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / International tourism is on track to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022 as the sector continues to bounce back from the pandemic.

An estimated 700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September, more than double (+133%) the number recorded for the same period in 2021. This equates to 63% of 2019 levels and puts the sector on course to reach 65% of its pre-pandemic levels this year, in line with UNWTO scenarios. Results were boosted by strong pent-up demand, improved confidence levels and the lifting of restrictions in an increasing number of destinations.

Highlighting the speed at which the sector has recovered from the worst crisis in its history, the latest World Tourism Barometer from UNWTO reveals that monthly arrivals were 64% below 2019 levels in January 2022 and had reached -27% by September. An estimated 340 million international arrivals were recorded in the third quarter of 2022 alone, almost 50% of the nine-month total.

Europe continues to lead global recovery

Europe continues to lead the rebound of international tourism. The region welcomed 477 million international arrivals in January-September 2022 (68% of the world total), hitting 81% of pre-pandemic levels. This was more than double that of 2021 (+126%) with results boosted by strong intra-regional demand and travel from the United States. Europe saw particularly robust performance in Q3, when arrivals reached almost 90% of 2019 levels.

At the same time, the Middle East saw international arrivals more than triple (+225%) year on year in January-September 2022, climbing to 77% of pre-pandemic levels.. Africa (+166%) and the Americas (+106%) also recorded strong growth compared to 2021, reaching 63% and 66% of 2019 levels, respectively. In Asia and the Pacific (+230%) arrivals more than tripled in the first nine months of 2022, reflecting the opening of many destinations, including Japan at the end of September. However, arrivals in Asia and the Pacific remained 83% below 2019 levels. China, a key source market for the region, remains closed.

Arrivals and receipts at – or above – pre-pandemic levels

Several subregions reached 80% to 90% of their pre-pandemic arrivals in January-September 2022. Western Europe (88%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (86%) saw the fastest recovery towards 2019 levels. The Caribbean, Central America (both 82%) and Northern Europe (81%) also recorded strong results. Destinations reporting arrivals above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September include Albania, Ethiopia, Honduras, Andorra, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador and Iceland.

In the month of September arrivals surpassed pre-pandemic levels in the Middle East (+3% over 2019) and the Caribbean (+1%) and came close in Central America (-7%), Northern Europe (-9%) and Southern and Mediterranean Europe (-10%).

Meanwhile, some destinations recorded notable increases in international tourism receipts in the first seven to nine months of 2022, including Serbia, Romania, Türkiye, Latvia, Portugal, Pakistan, Mexico, Morocco and France. The recovery can also be seen in outbound tourism spending from major source markets, with strong results from France where expenditure reached -8% through September, compared to 2019. Other markets reporting strong spending in the first six to nine months of 2022 were Germany, Belgium, Italy, the United States, Qatar, India and Saudi Arabia.

Strong demand for air travel and hotel accommodation

The robust recovery of tourism is also reflected in various industry indicators such as air capacity and hotel metrics, as recorded in the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker. Air seat capacity on international routes (measured in available seat-kilometres or ASKs) in January-August reached 62% of 2019 levels, with Europe (78%) and the Americas (76%) posting the strongest results. Worldwide domestic capacity rose to 86% of 2019 levels, with the Middle East (99%) virtually achieving pre-pandemic levels (IATA).

Meanwhile, according to STR, global hotel occupancy rates reached 66% in September 2022, from 43% in January. Europe led the way with occupancy levels at 77% in September 2022, following rates of 74% in July and August. The Americas (66%), the Middle East (63%) and Africa (61%) all saw occupancy rates above 60% in September. By subregion, Southern Mediterranean Europe (79%), Western Europe (75%) and Oceania (70%) showed the highest occupancy rates in September 2022.

Cautious optimism for the months ahead

The challenging economic environment, including persistently high inflation and soaring energy prices, aggravated by the Russian offensive in Ukraine, could weigh on the pace of recovery in Q4 and into 2023. The latest survey among the UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts shows a downgrade in confidence levels for the last four months of 2022, reflecting more cautious optimism. Despite growing challenges pointing to a softening of the recovery pace, export revenues from tourism could reach USD 1.2 to 1.3 trillion in 2022, a 60-70% increase over 2021, or 70-80% of the USD 1.8 trillion recorded in 2019.