Category: Latest Travel News

Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland, November 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Faern, a collection of lifestyle alpine resorts in Switzerland are set to open two new properties; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia this December. Every guest will have the chance to explore both of the properties’ various captivating elements including a variety of wellness concepts, destination food & beverage outlets and ski-in-ski-out access to the unparalleled Swiss slopes.

The brand name Faern has evolved from the German ‘Feiern’, meaning “to celebrate”, and the English “fern”, an icon of mountain flora. Faern seeks to make every encounter a celebration; a joyful fellowship through the design, service, and familiarity. Built to craft caring encounters, whilst also inspiring and stirring the senses, travellers will experience a playful rebellion where spaces have been harmoniously curated to offer creativity and quality time.

Both properties will be home to many communal areas, encouraging a community and celebratory atmosphere throughout. Break out spaces will include the likes of various games rooms, where guests can play board games, cards and use the pool tables. Guests will also have access to the cinema room, where you can indulge in bags of popcorn whilst watching a selection of classic films.

Faern will offer curated experiences for hotel guests, prompting exploration and memorable moments. These will range from picnics for the slopes, Strava-curated running and skiing routes, kite-making and flying workshops, and a variety of holistic wellness routines. Guests staying at Faern Arosa and Faern Crans-Montana, along with visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate the season with Apres Ski DJ sets, paired with craft beers and cheese boards, as well as the chance to revel in the selection of homemade cakes and herbal teas.

Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia is an idyllic ski-in-ski-out resort, which can be found in unbeatable proximity to the ski lifts, boasting 140 kilometres of ski slopes on the doorstep. Located just two hours away from Geneva, the resort will offer a wide range of activities throughout the year. During the winter season (December – April) guests will have access to an on site ski storage room with heated boot racks to make the process of getting onto the slopes even easier. Guests will be able to take advantage of the renowned ski and snowboarding routes, enjoy the sledging, snowshoeing and cross-country trails and those who dare, the snow parks. Throughout the summer season (June – October) guests will be able to experience the likes of hiking, mountain biking, parachuting and golfing, notably hosting the PGA Tour, all amongst the scenic mountain landscapes.

Offering postcard-perfection, Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia will be home to 134 rooms and suites, many of which with balconies overlooking the Swiss mountains. Those travelling with children below 6 years old will be able to stay for free and those travelling with dogs are actively invited to reside at the resort too with specific dog focused packages. The hotel’s facilities will also include an all day dining half board and à la carte restaurant, Eteila Brasserie specialising in local cuisine helmed by Executive Chef, Lionel Mathier. Guests will also be encouraged to explore the speakeasy Sewi Bar & Social Club – Sewi derived from ‘Cave’ is where visitors and guests can sip on bespoke cocktails and enjoy the extensive wine menu and a selection of artisan snacks. For the summer season, the Sewi Pool Kitchen will also be available for guests, serving poolside drinks and snacks for those residing on the pool deck.

The resort was designed by award-winning interior design studio Run For The Hills, whose previous projects include design for Hilton Worldwide, Kricket, and Bondi. With Faern, they have collaboratively envisioned and expertly created a hotel showcasing a modern mountainous charm. With accents of urban vintage, the pantones were inspired by the seasons of the Swiss mountains with autumnal ochres, forest greens and knotted timbers, stylishly paired with retro artwork to create an environment for contemporary lifestyle living. The property also houses the town’s largest spa destination, offering a heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna, relaxation room, and access to massages and other treatments needed after a tiresome day on the slopes.

Faern Arosa Altein is a charming resort home to 126 rooms and suites located in Switzerland’s natural paradise, preserved in the national park of Graubünden. The property is ideally located to access the 225 kilometres of ski slopes through the winter, as well as hundreds of biking and hiking trails in the summer. Faern Arosa Altein will also be home to a signature rooftop bar and restaurant boasting of the unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps, and a luxury spa destination; all of which will be available to non-hotel guests.

Similarly to Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia, this property will also be open all year round. During the winter season guests will be able to take up skiing, snowboarding, sledging, cross country skiing and take on the snow parks too. Whereas the summer season guests will have access to a range of outdoor facilities, including two tennis courts, an outdoor pool, mini golf, table tennis and e-bike rentals for those keen to explore the impressive Swiss Alps landscapes.

The property’s rooms and suites vary from double rooms to family suites, offering either unobstructed mountain or village views; ideal for both couples, groups and families looking as well as those travelling with dogs. Also designed by Run For The Hills, these spaces will showcase a sense of ‘grandeur’, showcasing the high altitude location with characterful curves inspired by boutique hotel concepts. Mindful to be in keeping with nature’s surroundings, the design is minimalist and understated, yet celebratory and bespoke. The decorative palette is organic and rich with timeless tones accentuated by the cosy, fresh and textural upholstery and Swiss designed throws and rugs. In collaboration with the founders, Romain Semmel and Thibault Catala, and the Runs For The Hills design specialists, a design language was created for the suites which will enable them to effortlessly flow into the spaces of the hotel to maximise guest comfort in every sized room.

Set within a pristine alpine haven, the hotel is also set to unveil their half-board restaurant, Zus Brasserie serving breakfast and dinner presenting hearty and healthy dishes, along with their cosy library cocktail bar, Alchemilla Parlour where you will be able to try their creative drinks and delicious small plates menu. Arosa Altein will also be home to their signature Alpensand Panoramic Social Club, overseen by Executive Chef Daniel Manzoni, boasting of uninterrupted views and unrivalled sunsets dotted with artwork by Aaron Slims vintage collection. The top floor hangout will serve an a la carte menu which will present a selection of daily specials and sharing plates inspired by traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist. Whilst dining, guests will also be able to listen to the beats from curated DJ sets . There will also be the opportunity for guests to dine in the private dining room upon specific requests.

For those seeking tranquillity and wellness, Faern Arosa Altein will house a dedicated wellness area, featuring a heated indoor pool with water rapids, massage, and neck showers, as well as a steam room, a flow river, two saunas, a relaxation room, infra-red cabin, and a fitness room. Various spa treatments such as massages will also be available to experience.

About Faern
Faern is a new collection of striking lifestyle resorts in the Swiss Alps where celebrations big and small make every encounter meaningful. Debuting with two hotels; Faern Arosa Altein and Faern Crans-Montana Valaisia, Faern is approaching each alpine destination with a fresh, new take inspired by the scenic sights and unforgettable vistas.

The brand name Faern has evolved from the German ‘Feiern’, meaning “to celebrate” and the English “fern”, an icon of mountain flora. Guests of Faern will experience a playful rebellion where spaces have been harmoniously created to offer creativity and quality time. Holistic health and wellbeing and also mountainous enjoyment is pivotal to the brand’s ethos, where people come together to celebrate alpine living in a home away from home.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing the ‘Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air’ one-of-a-kind mega fam trip for US travel agents from 1-9 November, 2022, to drive demand for meaningful travel experiences in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket and promote accessibility for tourists from across the US.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023 – Amazing Chapters

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “As the winter season begins in countries like the US, now is the perfect time to rediscover the wonders of Thailand. And now that Thailand is fully open to travellers, we want to showcase the new and perennial offerings of our country that serve to create a truly unforgettable holiday. This trip also forms part of our plans to stimulate travel from across all 50 US states to Thailand, and ultimately helping us reach a tourism revenue target of 1.5 trillion Baht in 2023 from international market.”

TAT’s ‘Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air’ mega fam trip brings together 50 travel agents from around the US to experience Thailand’s new tourism offerings. The nine-day trip includes meaningful travel programmes in Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The itinerary places emphasis on providing the travel agents the chance to discover the latest tourism products, learn about sustainable and responsible tourism practices, and meet with Thai sellers in table top sales events.

Through the fam trip, TAT is leveraging multiple strategies to promote travel to Thailand during the coming months of the high season, which started in October. These include the full reopening of Thailand to international tourism, an increased length of stay for tourists, and providing US travellers with easy access to Thailand from all 50 US states.

TAT is joining forces with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air in a first-of-its-kind partnership that will increase travel options from the US to Thailand. First launched in 2018, the Delta-Korean Air trans Pacific joint venture offers efficient connections to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket from a combined network of 17 US gateways.

Mr. Akinori Yokosawa, Manager of International Specialty Sales, Delta Air Lines, said “By utilising our increasing flight network from across the US, this cooperation will pave the way for ongoing mutual partnership with TAT to promote travel to Thailand. In addition, Delta Air Lines is committed to carbon neutrality, being the first carbon neutral airline on a global basis. And so, we share the common goal of truly responsible tourism with TAT in its plans to drive Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism.”

Mr. Jongmin Kim, Regional Manager (Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, Nepal), Korean Air, said “The cooperation with Delta Air Lines and TAT will help promote accessibility for tourists from across the US to Thailand on board our flights with excellent service.”

Since 1 October, 2022, visitors to Thailand no longer need to show proof of vaccination or ATK test results. And from now until 31 March, 2023, the period of stay is extended to 45 days from 30 days for tourists from countries/territories entitled for visa exemption (this includes America) and to 30 days from 15 days for those eligible for a visa on arrival (VOA).

The US is one of Thailand’s major visitor source markets, and US travellers typically have a high level of spending per person while in Thailand. The revitalisation of this and other such key markets is a top priority for TAT, as it aims to maximise revenue while promoting Thailand’s move towards more sustainable, more inclusive, and more environment-friendly tourism.

For 2022, TAT expects Thailand to welcome up to 10 million international visitors. Now in the high season, the kingdom has already received over 7 million tourists between 1 January and 26 October, 2022. The target for 2023 is for Thailand to generate a total tourism revenue of 1.5 trillion Baht from the international market.

• Discover amazing Thailand during the Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023 – Amazing Chapters

TAT’s ‘Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air’ mega fam trip is also supported by Thailand’s leading airlines and hotels, including Bangkok Airways, AWC’s affiliated hotels, RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Capella Bangkok, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at the Chao Phraya River, COMO Point Yamu, The Peninsula Bangkok, and Melia Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Marriot Marquis Queen’s Park, Bangkok, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, and RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai are venues for the table top sales events.

London, United Kingdom, November 4, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder of TBO.COM, the world’s leading travel distribution platform, has joined the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Bhatnagar’s appointment comes following considerable growth of the TBO.com business globally, and the significant contribution made by Gaurav to the Travel & Tourism sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “We are delighted to welcome a true travel tech entrepreneur like Gaurav to the Executive Committee at WTTC.

“His vision and the growth achieved at TBO is impressive. Now operating in more than 100 countries, connecting 100,000+ travel agents with over a million suppliers, the business is growing from strength to strength.”

Gaurav Bhatnagar said: “I am humbled, yet excited to join the Executive Committee of an organisation I have respected since the start of my career.

“The industry appreciates WTTC’s efforts and values that it brings, and I am eager to contribute. Together, we will continue to grow the industry and ensure all partners in the travel ecosystem benefit from the resurgence of travel post the pandemic.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries.

The original vision of WTTC’s founding members remains the same: governments must recognise Travel & Tourism’s value, not only to economies around the world, but to the millions of livelihoods that depend on it.

Members of WTTC range from airlines to tour operators and hospitality groups. The Executive Council is comprised of Chairs, Presidents, and Chief Executives from many of the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism businesses.

About TBO.COM
TBO is one of the leading global travel distribution platforms that aims to simplify the buying and selling needs of travel partners across the world. It relies on proprietary technology that aims to simplify the demands of the complex world of global travel by seamlessly connecting the fragmented base of travel buyers and travel suppliers at scale.

TBO’s approach has always been technology-first and it continues to invest in new innovations and new offerings to make travel easy and simple. TBO’s travel APIs are serving large travel ecosystems across the world. The modular architecture of the platform enables new travel products while expanding across new geographies. Its proprietary technology platform relies heavily on AI/ML to offer unique listings and travel products, meeting specific requirements put forth by customers, thus increasing conversions.

The TBO journey began in 2006 with a simple goal – to address the evolving needs of travel buyers and suppliers, and what started off as a single product air ticketing company, has today become one of the leading global travel distribution platforms (Source: report titled “Travel and Tourism Industry Report” issued by PGA Labs dated December 21, 2021) across the America, UK & Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, and Asia Pacific. TBO’s product range includes air, hotels, rail, holiday packages, car rentals, transfers, sightseeing, cruise, and cargo.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts is inviting the world’s travelers to enjoy amazing savings in dreamy destinations all across Asia with an enticing new flash sale!

Under the “11.11 Super Sale”, guests can book a wide range of world-class hotels and resorts with discounts of up to 35%! Simply make your reservation between November 11th and 21st, 2022, for stays taken before June 30th, 2023 to take advantage of this enticing offer. No minimum stay is required, and all guests will be treated to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

Discounts of up to 30% are available, depending upon your choice of hotel, with an extra 5% off for members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program. Not a member yet? Click here to join for free!

As an extra incentive, Best Western Rewards members will also get two extra days to book exclusively on BestWesternAsia.com, on November 9th and 10th, 2022!

From vibrant cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Tokyo to blissful beach resorts such as Bali, Phuket and Panglao, and captivating cultural destinations including Ha Long Bay and Vientiane, Best Western has the ideal option for every Asian escape.

Wherever they travel, every guest will experience Best Western’s world-famous hospitality, comfortable rooms, and international amenities. Best Western Rewards members will receive additional perks, including points that never expire, no blackout dates, an exclusive reservation hotline, and more!

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next Asian adventure with Best Western! Simply visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 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.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ‘Taste the Wonders of Australia’, an initiative showcasing the very best of premium Australian produce using Thai cuisine as a medium, is jointly organised by Australian agrifood and wine organisations: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Seafood Industry Australia, Dairy Australia, Horticulture Innovation Australia and Wine Australia, with the support of the Australian government. This collaboration celebrates Australia’s food culture and produce to raise awareness about it among consumers and distributors in Thailand. The initiative also underlines how easily Australian produce translates into Thai home-style meals.

Taste the Wonders of Australia – an initiative to raise awareness about premium Australian food and wine in Thailand.

The event presents a unique opportunity for culinary experts, gourmets and foodies to learn about Australian produce – red meat, seafood, dairy, fruit, nuts and vegetables and wine. Celebrity chef Ksynn Detcharoen of Bangkok Private Chef Dining and a team of student chefs from the renowned MSC Culinary School will create a Thai fusion menu blending the flavours of the two cultures to tantalise the taste buds, inspire chefs, galvanise importers and distributors and uncover for business leaders and Thai government officials the culinary possibilities.

The Thai fusion menu is paired with Australian wines to highlight the diverse styles and varietals which match the distinct flavours in Thai cuisine. Guests at this exclusive event – importers and distributors, Australian and Thai government officials, and members of the press will enjoy a many culinary creations using premium Australian produce.

Thailand is the second-biggest economy in ASEAN and a major global tourism destination. This dynamic and consumer-driven market with rising disposable income and a huge visitor market of around 35 million is increasing its demand for imported food and beverages, offering many opportunities for Australian exporters.

Michael Helleman, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner said, “Thai cuisine is famous for its use of fresh and quality ingredients. Every ingredient in a dish has to speak for itself, and Australian exporters can provide premium quality products. Australia is known for its quality produce, from the freshest vegetables to naturally-raised tender meat with beautiful marbling and flavours. Australian seafood is similarly known for its superior taste and sustainable processes from packaging to harvesting. Our dairy products, fruits and vegetables meet the highest standards. Australia has one of the most exciting wine scenes in the world with 65 wine regions and a diverse range of styles. This makes Australian products the perfect match for Thai consumers who are very aware of and demand quality. Australian produce and wine are already sought after by chefs and consumers for their excellent quality and distinctive taste.

Speaking of his menu Chef Ksynn said, “As a professional chef, I have come to rely on Australian products for their quality, variety and sheer consistency. You can see this in the menu I have created. Take the beef – it is raised in natural, pristine environments, and the vegetables and fruits are the finest you can get.”

The four-course menu for this landmark event opens with a Seafood Spicy Fruit Salad of Australian seafood, fruits and vegetables. Next is Roti and Lamb Rack Curry, showcasing Australian dairy, vegetables and lamb rack. The main course, Beef Fat Fried Rice with Grilled Australian Rump Cuts, is topped with baked mussels, mozzarella cheese and Allowrie butter. Dessert is the Australian classic Lamington – soft chocolate sponge cake with chocolate sauce, coconut flakes, mousse and yoghurt ice cream with seasonal Australian fruit.

Thai importers and customers appreciate Australia’s “food safety and sustainability” credentials and perceive it as a high-quality supplier. Thai customers are turning to Australian produce for its lower chemical usage in the production process as concerns about food safety become more widely known. Australia delivers some of the best flavours with its unique environment, world-class producers, and superior quality control standards. Buyers expect Australian produce to be of a high standard, have a longer shelf life and taste better when compared to imported products from other countries.

Panama City, Panama, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) have launched the Innovative Community Tourism Experiences Competition to promote innovation through alliances between tour operators and community tourism providers.

With the presence of 30 community leaders, with their colorful traditional outfits that represent the cultural diversity of the different indigenous, Afro and mestizo peoples of Panama, the UNWTO and the ATP shared with the media the official details of the competition.

The Competition will promote innovative and disruptive tourism experiences that encourage the conservation and regeneration of the natural and cultural heritage of Panama and the empowerment of local communities. The categories of the contest will reflect the five Heritage Routes of Panama established in the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan 2020-2025: (1) Bridge of the World Route, (2) Crucible of Cultures Route, (3) Forests of Life Route, (4) Birds in Paradise, (5) Wonders of the Ocean.

During the pandemic, technology and the growing sense of responsibility have created a need to develop new transformative products that are more inclusive and sustainable

Applications to participate will be open until 15 March 2023. The grand winner of the contest will receive: (a) a prize of US$25,000 in infrastructure for the community of the winning experience, (b) a spot to exhibit the experience at the Adventure Travel World Summit 2023 in Japan. The five finalist experiences will receive: (a) a course from the UNWTO Tourism Online Academy, (b) inclusion in the UNWTO Innovation Network, with global visibility through UNWTO social media channels, (c) seed capital of US$2,000 each for the communities, (d) a spot for each of the 5 finalists in Adventure Next Latin America 2023 to market their experiences.

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “During the pandemic, technology and the growing sense of responsibility have created a need to develop new transformative products that are more inclusive and sustainable, and with this competition we are promoting an effort in this direction.”

The Minister of Tourism of Panama, Iván Eskildsen, highlighted: “Our Sustainable Tourism Master Plan establishes that, in order to achieve true sustainability, local communities must be at the centre of the tourism phenomenon. We value the support of the UNWTO and its commitment to the transformation of our industry.”

As of July 2022, Panama has exceeded the figure of 1 million visitors, more than triple the visitor arrivals in 2021. With this competition being launched together with the UNWTO, Panama seeks not only to get back to the pre-pandemic levels of visitors (it is estimated that the monthly volume will be recovered before the end of the year), but above all to transform the country through tourism, improving the quality of life of local communities, while conserving and regenerating its natural and cultural treasures.

Taghazout Bay, Morocco, November 3, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Currently, Radisson Hotel Group has nearly 100 hotels and 16,000 rooms in operation and under development in Africa. In the last two years only, the Group opened over 16 hotels in the region and secured over 25 new hotels, representing more than 4,800 additional rooms to its portfolio. Earlier this year, Radisson Hotel Group announced that it had surpassed its half-year growth target in Africa with exciting new openings and market entries across business and leisure destinations. This puts the Group on target to reach its goals of adding 150 hotels to the continent in the next five years – making it one of the fastest-growing hotel companies across Africa year on year.

Commenting at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF), on the Group’s unparalleled growth and expansion across the continent, Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, says, “The last two years have been a time of accelerated growth for the Radisson Hotel Group reaching record milestones regionally and globally. Our balanced development strategy along with our tailored approach and responsiveness, enable us to stay relevant to our owners. Our rate of materialization and openings is a testimony to the quality of our pipeline but also translates our conversion strategy in repositioning existing hotels under one of our Radisson Hotel Group brands. 2023 is already anticipated to remain positive with nine hotel openings during the year, which will only reinforce our Group’s presence across the region.”

“Given our recognition as a market leader across the continent, we are well-positioned to speak about the vast opportunities within the African hospitality space. As a Group, we’ve made it a priority to consolidate our market share in key focus markets but also expand into new territories, further cementing our leadership as the most geographically diverse hotel company across Africa” added Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President Development for the Group in Africa.

Key markets for the Group’s Africa expansion plan include Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal and Ivory Coast, demonstrating an equal prioritization for Francophone and Anglophone countries.

Highlights from 2022 so far include entry into several key new African markets. Radisson Hotel Group expanded its presence in Madagascar with a portfolio of three hotels, becoming the largest international operator on the island. Extending the Group’s presence into new regions, the first Radisson-branded hotel in East Africa, Radisson Hotel Addis Ababa Bole Airport, was signed in 2022, and the Radisson Individuals brand was introduced to the continent with the opening of two new properties, Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Ghana, and Marina Resort Port Ghalib, a member of Radisson Individuals, in Marsa Allam, Egypt.

Another high point of the year is Radisson Blu, the fastest growing hotel brand in Africa in terms of the number of hotels, awarded ‘Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand’ at the World Travel Awards, recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality.

Radisson Hotel Group also recently announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Juba, South Sudan’s first internationally branded 5-star hotel, and continued its resort growth strategy with the signing of Radisson Resort Dakar Saly in Senegal. There was also the announcement of Radisson Blu Hotel, Livingstone in Zambia and the upcoming offerings for Radisson Safari Hotel, Hoedspruit, both due to open in the coming months. Additionally, the Group reinforced its presence in Tunisia with the recent opening of Radisson Sfax and the rebranding of La Maison Blanche Tunis as a Radisson Individuals property. In South Africa, the Group expanded its portfolio to more than 14 properties with the opening of its latest addition, Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. Further to this, the Group has signed in the last weeks the Radisson Collection Marsa Allam, Egypt with 294 rooms and Radisson Serviced Apartments, Yaoundé, with 220 rooms – both opening in 2024 and further reinforcing the group presence in key focus markets.

Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,000 hotels in operation and under development. The international hotel group is rapidly growing with a plan to double the portfolio by 2025. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to its guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for its guests, meeting planners, and travel agents in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. The Safety Protocol is an integral part of Radisson Hotel Group’s Safety and Security program ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia, November 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Set against a breathtaking backdrop of majestic desert canyons, in the historical city of AlUla, is Banyan Tree Group’s first property in Saudi Arabia. Banyan Tree AlUla is the brand’s new all-villa tented resort is inspired by the nomadic nature of Nabataean architecture, enveloped by unparalleled nature and heritage.

• Discover Saudi Arabia with a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

An enchanted sanctuary suspended in time and space.

Situated in the magical surrounds of AlUla in Saudi Arabia, our all-villa resort is a desert retreat located in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting travel destinations, inspired by the natural surroundings of the Ashar Valley.

Journey in an open-air museum of valleys, cliffs and canyons, imprinted with the memory of 7,000 years of civilisation. Linger around a warm fire under an endless canopy of stars.

Embark on a multi-sensory experience at Banyan Tree AlUla. Be stunned by the stillness, peacefulness, the stunning rock formations, the sheer force of nature, and feel as if time and space were suddenly suspended, allowing the senses to fully awaken.

Set in the area known as the world’s largest living museum, our resort is just a short flight from either Riyadh or Jeddah, connected by direct flights from Dubai, all of which make AlUla more accessible for international travelers.

• Discover Saudi Arabia with a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

Roam the intricate Old Town of nearly 900 mud-brick houses and 400 shops, and unearth handiworks by local craftsmen. Awaken your senses to the stories that unfold before you.

Phuket, Thailand, November 1, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Are you seeking a new way to stay, play, relax and recharge that delivers the benefits of a world-class hotel, while getting rid of all the nonsense that can hold you back and drive you crazy? The wait is over; Jono Hotels (which derives from “Journey of the Nomad”) is here to keep you connected, make you smile and put the spirit of discovery back into your travels.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Never Mind the Nonsense, Jono Hotels Unveils New Era of Smart, Seamless and Social Hospitality in Phuket. Newly opened just steps from the seafront, JonoX Phuket Karon removes unnecessary hotel hassle and creates seamless stays for modern nomads, from Gen X to Gen Z or anyone in between. With contemporary design, comfortable bedding and modern amenities, the 21sqm Recharge Rooms are ideal for every type of traveller.

The world’s first Jono Hotel has now opened in Karon Beach, the chic seafront enclave on Phuket’s sunset coast. This innovative new lifestyle brand is focused on making your life easier – whether you identity as Gen X, Gen Z or anyone in between. Like that reliable friend you invite on your trip, JonoX Phuket Karon has got your back. Our aim is to make every vacation fun, casual and carefree, while using cutting-edge tech to put the entire destination at your fingertips. Work or play, young or old, short break or long vacation, we’ll treat you like one of the family.

“At Jono Hotels, we understand that the world has moved forward and the needs of travellers have changed. As a new player in the market, we can take a fresh approach to hospitality that does away with those annoying, inefficient practices of the past and shapes the entire experience around the needs of you, our guests. Personal and playful, smart and social, innovative and insightful, we want to make every stay completely seamless. Like the warm and welcoming sea breeze that drifts off the Andaman Sea, JonoX Phuket Karon will be a breath of fresh air for modern explorers,” revealed Björn Richardson, Senior Vice President – Hospitality and Property Operations at Boutique Corporation PLC, when asked about Jono Hotels and JonoX Phuket Karon, the brand’s first hotel management agreement.

Set in the heart of the action, just a short stroll from the soft, sandy beach, JonoX Phuket Karon provides everything you need for a rewarding adventure, without any unnecessary fuss. The 121 guestrooms range from the stylish 21-square metre Recharge Rooms, with plush king or twin bedding, to the more spacious 35-square metre RechargeX Rooms, which also offer bunk beds for youngsters. Clean, contemporary design and intuitive amenities such as Smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, walk-in power showers, kettles and more make it easy to cut loose. Forget long waits at reception or pressing “0” for the operator; the hotel’s dedicated app lets you talk to the front desk in your native tongue, order room service, make travel arrangements, book activities and more, all from your smartphone.

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

The sparkling rooftop infinity pool provides the perfect place to rise above the crowds and chill out in style, including a separate area for children to splash, while a colourful kids’ playroom is available when parents need a break. Freshly-made local and international cuisine can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 360 Restaurant, and Altitude Rooftop Bar is open throughout the day and late into the night, letting guests socialise together and sip cool cocktails.

For executives and entrepreneurs, an intimate meeting room can host up to ten people and comes integrated with audio-visual equipment to bring your presentations to life. With solid doors that keep sound out, this private room also doubles as a co-working space – perfect for the new generation of digital nomads.

Madrid, Spain, October 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Destinations around the world are reporting significant advances in sustainable tourism, with timely evidence and analytics serving as key tools for transformation as the sector’s recovery continues to get underway.

Meeting in Madrid, the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) welcomed insights from more than 150 experts, with a focus on key topics including the shift towards a circular economy and reducing food waste across the sector. The global network of INSTO Observatories is pioneering and implementing, very often for the first time, catalytic activities designed to help the tourism sector implement sustainable development at the destination level. Together, they are leading the transformation of tourism by building on the principles of participatory approaches including all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and resilient tourism development.

The Observatories are an excellent tool for guiding and accompany this change and ensure evidence-based decision- making

UNWTO Secretary- General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “To ensure the sustainable transformation of the tourism sector, its development must be seen as a means to achieve the overall prosperity of a local community and the surrounding environment rather than a goal in itself. The Observatories are an excellent tool for guiding and accompany this change and ensure evidence-based decision- making.”

Sustainable production and consumption

At the Global INSTO Meeting, destinations focussed on how a timely and evidence-based approach is helping stimulate circular economy processes that result in using resources such as water and energy more efficiently. In addition, challenges in the environmental and social dimensions and the need for indicators that allow for comparability among destinations were highlighted.

Another topic was the availability of data from a growing variety of data-sources, making it increasingly difficult to process them into useful information needed for an informed decision- and policy- making process. It was agreed that all of these issues will be addressed in the INSTO Network through webinars and technical discussions.

Network keeps growing

Within the framework of the meeting, the Center of Tourism Economics of the State of Sao Paolo in Brazil and the Biscay Tourism Intelligence System in Spain were officially welcomed as new members of the Network. Both destinations have based their commitment to sustainable tourism development on participatory approaches, evidence generation and transparency, all three important requirements for membership.

The meeting was also an opportunity to introduce the five members who have joined since 2021: Mallorca, Barcelona and Málaga from Spain, the Yukon from Canada and Bogotá in Colombia.