Category: Latest Travel News

Coconut Creek, Florida, United States, October 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The highly anticipated debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has arrived, as Evrima is now sailing for the world’s yachting playgrounds. Discover an exceptional new way to travel while enjoying the legendary service and luxurious amenities aboard this elegant yacht. Take in the view from your private terrace as you drop anchor off a celebrated shoreline or island hideaway, and head aft to Evrima’s Marina for a refreshing swim in the turquoise sea before exploring ashore.

A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life’s exceptional experiences; exploration of earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections. All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention. Enlivened and enlightened, marvel at the beauty of the world through fresh eyes. Live untethered, live fully.

From Crossing Voyages to Luxury Caribbean Cruises, or everything in between, every voyage begins with the proper accommodations and onboard offerings. Our yacht experience offers impressive suites enhanced with a private oceanview terrace in every suite and tailored features. Guests can enjoy in-suite dining or visit one of our world-class onboard restaurants for culinarily curated menus incorporating local ingredients and Michelin star quality.

Whether yachting through mesmerizing waters in a luxury Northern Europe and Baltic cruise, relaxing in the warm waters of the Caribbean through a luxury Caribbean cruise, or taking a crossing voyage, amenities should be your last worry while voyaging with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. All guests aboard our bespoke yacht collection can enjoy a variety of world-class features as part of their all-inclusive cruise fare, regardless of suite type or voyage duration.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. currently operates more than 100 hotels in 34 countries and territories. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition.

About The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection combines the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, with voyages on three custom-built superyachts. As with The RitzCarlton® on land, each yacht will feature personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities, including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and dedicated space for Ritz Kids. Stopping at both intimate and signature ports of call, most voyages will range from seven to 10 nights with no two journeys alike. The yachts are also available for private charter.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 31, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / S Hotels and Resorts PCL, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, has achieved a place on the Stock Exchange of Thailand’s (SET) list of Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) 2022, as its environmentally and socially responsible operations continue to gain recognition and momentum.

This year’s THSI list represents a group of 170 companies that place sustainability at the top of their agenda, taking into consideration the environmental, social and governance (ESG) of their business practices. The list is not only a badge of honour for the company, however; it is also used by institutions to make informed investment decisions and as a tool to analyse companies and advise potential investors. The THSI was compiled according to the results of sustainability assessment forms, and only SET-listed companies that exceeded the 50% threshold in each category were awarded a place.

S Hotels & Resorts met the THSI criteria due to its proven ability to integrate sustainability into business strategies and its commitment to drive value to its stakeholders. The group has pledged to integrate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every aspect of its operations, including SDG11, “Sustainable Cities & Communities”, SDG13, “Climate Action” and SDG14, “Life Below Water”, and believes that it can combat climate change by restoring mangrove forests and coral reefs which are efficient carbon sinks. These actions also preserve the beauty of nature and spread the benefits of tourism to everyone involved in the industry, including its local destinations.

At SAii Phi Phi Island Village for example, the dedicated Marine Discovery Centre leads critical projects such as coral propagation, mangrove planting and beach cleaning. This included a collaboration with the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) to care for over 40 juvenile bamboo sharks and eggs at its dedicated Shark Nursery Pond – the first time that the PMBC had entrusted this important job to a private resort. At CROSSROADS Maldives meanwhile, the team is committed to working with local schools and communities. In the last 12 months alone, the integrated resort has welcomed over 700 local people – including Maldivian travel and tourism students – for educational trips to ensure that S Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to sustainability and conservation is passed down to the next generation.
The house reef now blooms with new and revived corals near SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Hawksbill sea turtles have been sighted close to SAii Lagoon Maldives, CROSSROADS Maldives
Across its entire portfolio, S Hotels & Resorts has promised to abolish single-use plastic, reduce waste, recycle water, champion the use of sustainable and eco-friendly products, and introduce renewable energy to all of its properties. These initiatives led to the company being honoured with the “Green Leadership” award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2020. SAii Phi Phi Island Village was the “Marine & Nature” winner in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) UK Responsible Thailand Awards, while Santiburi Koh Samui has been certified as carbon-neutral by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization, and both resorts were awarded the Green Hotel Award’s “Gold Level”.

“At S Hotels & Resorts, we are fully committed to sustainability. We understand that we have a responsibility to work in harmony with communities and preserve the planet for future generations. We are delighted therefore, to be included on this year’s THSI list. By providing potential investors with a guide to companies’ social and environmental operations, we can build a stronger corporate ecosystem that drives sustainable growth for the entire country,” said Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts.

The 2022 THSI list consists of 157 SET-listed companies and 13 MAI-listed companies, with a total market capitalization of THB 14 trillion (approx. USD 376 billion).

S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.

Venezia Beach, Vietnam, October 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has penned a strategic partnership for two beautiful beach apartment buildings on Vietnam’s southeast coast, as the company’s rapid expansion in this vibrant Southeast Asian nation continues to accelerate.

Under the terms of an agreement signed with Hung Vuong Developer, the leading Vietnamese real estate company, Best Western will operate two Hometel beach apartment buildings and villas – The Best Western Premier Residence Venezia Binh Chau – within the brand-new coastal city of Venezia Beach. Nestled in a prime seafront setting on the famous Ho Tram-Binh Chau coastal route, just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this new project will form part of a breathtaking development that will attract domestic and international travelers alike.

As part of the upscale Best Western Premier® brand, this new residential project combines exceptional architecture and premium facilities with the international standards of hospitality for which Best Western is famous around the world. Best Western Premier Residence Venezia Binh Chau will feature a total of 872 apartment-style units across two buildings and 260 villas, all fully-equipped with home comforts, kitchens and dining facilities, plus modern amenities including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Unlike other developments where only the premium accommodation has ocean views, Best Western Premier Residence Venezia Binh Chau will offer sea-facing beds, balconies and panoramic vistas from all of its rooms and suites.

Guests and residents will also be able to take advantage of a wide range of onsite facilities, including a café and all-day dining restaurant, an infinity pool, a fitness center, yoga area and 3D golf simulator. A business center co-working space will cater to the growing “bleisure” market, which blurs the boundaries between business and leisure, and an onsite mini-mart will offer complete convenience.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both companies, including Mr. Le Quoc Ky Quang, CEO of Hung Vuong Developer, and Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC at BWH Hotel Group.

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with Hung Vuong Developer to introduce Best Western Premier branded residences to this dynamic destination. Venezia Beach is a stunning development that will transform the tourism landscape in Vietnam. Joining the Best Western network will help The Venice 5 & 6 to stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace, including being part of our global loyalty program, Best Western Rewards®. We look forward to collaborating with our partners as we bring this outstanding property to life,” said Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC at BWH Hotel Group.

Vietnam is one of Best Western’s most important Asian markets. The company currently operates three properties in the country – Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, and Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long – with at least six new hotels and resorts scheduled to launch nationwide by the end of 2023. These new openings will introduce more of Best Western’s 18 diverse brands to Vietnam, including Best Western Plus®, BW Premier Collection®, BW Signature Collection® and Executive Residency by Best Western®, as well as additional Best Western Premier properties.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

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 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®, 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, October 29, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Planning a sun-soaked festive season in the tropics got a whole lot easier with a high-octane programme of electric pool parties, laid-back Christmas lunches and New Year’s Eve countdown spectaculars from Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club and Avani+ Samui. Whether guests are looking to make merry or chill on the beach, there is something for everyone.

At Avani Chaweng Samui, festivities will kick off with an epic pool party on Christmas Eve at SEEN Beach Club Samui, transformed into an Enchanted Forest for the occasion. Running from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, the all-day beachside extravaganza will feature a rolling line-up of resident DJs, dancers and performers, along with SEEN’s famous fire show in the early evening. Later that night, SEEN Presents: House Beats Night will take guests on a trip down memory lane to the golden era of house music, with DJs playing remixes of the party anthems from the 2000s late into the night. Table packages of four people and more will be available for THB 3,500 with a bottle of spirit and mixers thrown in.

On Christmas Day, SEEN will be hosting its legendary brunch from 11:00 am till late, with chefs putting on a global culinary spread including live stations, a la carte dishes and festive specials. Guests can look forward to an unhurried afternoon of dining, lounging, tanning and dipping in and out of the swimming pool, and can choose from a variety of seating options ranging from signature sunbeds to large tables. Brunch prices start from THB 2,100++, including one complimentary bottle of bubbly for groups of four and more. Musical and other kinds of entertainment will come courtesy of back-to-back DJ sets, burlesque dancers, magicians and water sports on the beach. On 28 December, SEEN Presents: Neon Carnival will set the mood for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations with a light show and mad DJ sets poolside.

On 31 December, the daytime party package at SEEN will feature non-stop poolside fun with DJs, dancers, performers and drink giveaways from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Avani Chaweng Hotel will invite all guests to its New Year’s Eve Dinner – a fun-filled social mixer by the hotel pool with live cooking stations, seafood favourites, international buffet selection, and drinks for THB 2,500 ++ per person. Guests will also be treated to live music, dancers and a fire show, as well as getting free entry to SEEN’s New Year’s Eve ‘Enchanted Forest’ after party with larger-than-life fireworks on the beach. Running from 9:00pm to 2:00am, SEEN’s countdown party under the stars will be fuelled by Champagne bubbles and an epic line-up of performances ranging from fire shows to DJ sets, culminating with the biggest fireworks display on the island. Wrapping up the festive programme, SEEN Presents: Welcome to the Jungle on 4 January will offer a great way to sashay into the new year with a wild party on the beach.

For those who want to jump right into the thick of it and skip the planning part, Avani Chaweng Samui’s Festive Stay Package includes accommodation with daily breakfast, access to New Year’s Eve dinner and after-party at SEEN Beach Club Samui, and one-way airport transfer between 29 December 2022 and 03 January 2023, with prices starting from THB 10,000++ per night based on double occupancy.

Over at the beachside hideaway Avani+ Samui, celebrations will begin with a lively oceanside Christmas Eve BBQ that will have both crustacean lovers and meat devotees reaching for seconds. Taking place on 24 December from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm, the delicious experience is priced at THB 1,999++ per person. On the Christmas Day itself, a laid-back lunch priced at THB 1,299++ per adult will be served poolside offering a special set menu of chef’s specials, bottomless Christmas cocktails and a Santa meet-and-greet experience with gifts-giving for the little ones.

On New Year’s Eve, a bohemian white party will be hosted right on the beach with wild DJ sets, sumptuous dinner with sparkly cocktails, magical fire show and spectacular fireworks at midnight. The New Year’s Eve festivities will kick off at 7.00 pm and are priced at THB 3,999++ per person.

New Year’s Dreaming, the Festive Stay package from Avani+ Samui, includes everything one needs for a memorable end-of-the-year celebration: a scrumptious sand-between-the-toes New Year’s Eve dinner with live music and epic fireworks, followed by three nights of blissful slumber. The offer starts from THB 8,200++ per night, including chic accommodation with daily breakfast and New Year’s Eve Dinner for two, and is valid for stays from 29 December 2022 to 03 January 2023.

For more information about Avani Chaweng Samui, please visit www.avanihotels.com/en/chaweng-samui. For more information about Avani+ Samui, please visit www.avanihotels.com/en/samui.

Stuttgart, Germany, October 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that the TourCert Set of Criteria for Destinations has achieved ‘GSTC-Recognized Standard’ status. The TourCert standard for destinations was established in 2014. All criteria catalogues of TourCert are based on the international quality and environmental management standards according to ISO and EMAS as well as the ISO guidelines for corporate responsibility (ISO 26000) and are also oriented to the international regulations of the GSTC.

The GSTC-Recognized status refers to the standard itself and means that a sustainable tourism standard or system has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Assurance Panel and deemed the standard or system equivalent to the GSTC Criteria for sustainable tourism. It shows that the set of standards are based on the 4 pillars of the GSTC Criteria: Environment, Social, Cultural, and Management principles. This does not relate to the process of certification, nor to accreditation.

“We are convinced that business operations should also serve the common good. This requires clear rules, guidelines and incentives for all businesses and travel destinations. With our standards in tourism, we enable the implementation of binding environmental and social standards. The businesses and destinations we certify are exemplary in the area of sustainability. They are forerunners who show how the global sustainability goals of the UN Agenda 2030 can be achieved. They promote a future-oriented transformation of tourism. The GSTC recognition is a further acknowledgement of our work, and we see it as an encouraging sign in continuing to successfully demonstrate quality leadership,” said Marco Giraldo, Managing Partner TourCert.

“We commend TourCert on their future-oriented approach and commitment to sustainable tourism. By gaining GSTC-Recognized status for their set of standards for destinations, TourCert has provided the marketplace and their stakeholders strong evidence that they see sustainability broadly, to include the four pillars of sustainability: management, social, cultural, and environmental issues,” said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.

Currently, 12 destination standards, 36 hotel standards, and 15 tour operator standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The status offers the market proof that these standards adhere to international norms. GSTC Recognition does not ensure that a certification process is reliable, only that the set of standards used to certify are equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to follow and complete the accreditation process, which assures that the certification process used to apply the standard meets international best practice, transparency, and rigor. A list of GSTC-Accredited certification bodies is available here.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; GSTC provides an accreditation program through its partner Assurance Services International to accredit Certification Bodies. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

About TourCert
TourCert gGmbH brings together experts from the fields of tourism, science, environment, development and politics. The internationally renowned organization develops concepts and practical methods that support sustainable organizational design. TourCert accompanies companies and destinations in their process towards sustainability from the development of a strategy to its practical implementation.

The sustainability criteria and certification standards are demanding, internationally recognized and involve serious and comprehensive business development. TourCert accompanies organizations individually from their starting point, motivating their management and teams to take manageable steps and encouraging them to act consistently and responsibly. Beyond the current dogma of material growth, new ways of generating value are established. In this sense, TourCert also sees itself as an innovation agency for future business models.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / JKN, a Thai-owned media and content conglomerate, today announced the acquisition of The Miss Universe Organization from IMG. The Miss Universe Organization is an international, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, and exists to advocate for a future forged by women and good for all. At 71 years, MISS UNIVERSE® is one of the longest-running and most-watched competitions in the world, broadcast in 165 countries worldwide and seen by more than half a billion people annually.

– Transaction will expand JKN Global Group’s (“JKN”) portfolio of broadcast and entertainment properties to become a world-leading omnichannel powerhouse.
– The acquisition will seek to build on The Miss Universe Organization’s more than 70-year legacy, including expanded investment in licensing and merchandising opportunities.
– With today’s announcement, JKN Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip becomes the first woman owner in The Miss Universe Organization’s history.

Led by CEO Amy Emmerich and President Paula Shugart, the Miss Universe Organization provides a global platform for more than 10,000 women annually to affect positive change through dedicated personal, professional, and philanthropic activities around the world. Today’s announcement together with recent rule changes to create greater competitor eligibility further propels the Organization’s commitment to inclusivity, with JKN Global Group’s Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip becoming the first woman owner of The Miss Universe Organization. The transition expands JKN’s portfolio of global broadcast and media properties across entertainment and consumer products. JKN’s acquisition will build on The Miss Universe Organization’s strong brand and vision, developing an integrated and compelling proposition with new opportunities to grow the business in key and untapped markets, including Asia.

During the announcement, JKN shared its plans for generating additional value based on the natural strength of the Miss Universe brand, including the upcoming debut of MU Lifestyle: a new licensing and merchandising arm of The Miss Universe Organization that will leverage the strength of the Miss Universe brand and JKN’s lifestyle portfolio to create a new range of merchandise, as well as entertainment and various business opportunities that reflect the strength of the brand.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group, said: “We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”

Amy Emmerich, Chief Executive Officer, and Paula Shugart, President, of The Miss Universe Organization shared: “We are excited to continue the evolution of The Miss Universe Organization with JKN. Our relationships with global partners and brands have never been stronger; and our progressive approach continues to position us at the forefront of our industry. We would like to thank IMG for providing us a foundation to realize our aspirations for the brand.”

Minnetonka, Minnesota, United States, October 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX Radisson Hotel Group has today announced its new Radisson Rewards loyalty program which will open doors for guests to enjoy valuable and exclusive benefits faster, with VIP members advancing to the highest tier twice as fast as before. Benefits can be accessed from day one and are available across the entire member journey from inspiration to booking. This includes in-stay privileges such as complimentary upgrades, F&B discounts and additional experiences, as well as post-stay benefits such as the option to make a stay carbon neutral.

Since the launch of Radisson Rewards, Radisson Hotel Group has delivered stand-out benefits, complimentary upgrades, and exclusive experiences to its members to ensure that stays at Radisson Hotel Group properties are truly memorable. The Group’s new loyalty program has been simplified to become the most streamlined in the sector with just three tiers (Club, Premium, and VIP), offering members the fastest route to elevate their status, earn and redeem more loyalty points, and unlock a host of VIP benefits. The new Discount Booster for future reservations – a unique feature across industry loyalty programs – will allow members the choice to boost their discount by reducing the number of points they earn.

The currency model has been enhanced with members now able to book any room type in any hotel making it easier to book an Award Night with the new dynamic redemption model, plus we are offering more ways to earn and redeem. Members can use their points exactly how and when they like, and now have the flexibility to choose how many points to use for an Award Night or combine any amount of points with cash for room bookings and hotel services with this brand new dynamic redemption model.

“We are excited to launch our new Radisson Rewards program and thank our members for their loyalty. Now is our time to reward them with a new range of personalized benefits to ensure that Every Moment Matters when they stay with Radisson Hotel Group. These exciting new benefits will certainly encourage new members to join and fast-track their member status with one of the world’s fastest growing hotel rewards programs as they stay at our impressive hotel footprint across the globe.” says Cristina Serra, Global Senior Vice President Brand, Experience & Customer Strategy at Radisson Hotel Group.

The new program aims to be the most personalized in the industry and offers choices based on guest preferences and previous requests. A comprehensive member profile is created which allows member benefits to be customized and tailored per booking. Radisson Rewards now provides an enhanced digital experience for members including a new private area on their member profile online and on the app for quick access to useful information such as their previous bookings, invoices, favorite hotels, and much more.

For professional Bookers and Planners, Radisson Rewards will also be fully integrated to allow them the opportunity to earn and redeem points when they book for others as well as on personal travel. The program is more flexible allowing travel professionals to share their points with other members, use them to book meeting and event spaces, and earn extra points when they refer a new member.

Sustainability is one of Radisson Hotel Group’s highest priorities. Radisson Rewards members can now make their hotel stays carbon neutral by redeeming just 325 points per day to offset the carbon footprint of their stay in a reliable and seamless way. Radisson Rewards is one of the few loyalty programs to offer this option in points and as an integral part of the stay, making green stays easy.

Global partnerships will play an important role for the member value proposition offered by the new loyalty program. Radisson Rewards will expand its current portfolio across three key pillars with new travel, financial, and sustainability partners. The travel component kick-starts with Radisson Rewards Experiences, where members can book experiences earning 20 points per US$ spent if taken before the end of 2022 including sightseeing, museum tours, and access to local attractions.

About Radisson Hotel Group
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1700 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 over 600 hotels 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.

Singapore, Singapore, October 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The 15th edition of ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show’, came to a successful close today with over 27,000 business appointments and meetings recorded. The success of the first face-to-face ITB Asia since the beginning of the pandemic signals returning confidence that travel industry professionals have in the recovery of the tourism sector in Singapore and the region.

“The positive feedback from all attendees showed us how important personal exchange is after two years of holding a purely digital event. As a leading trade fair for Asia’s travel industry, ITB Asia once again provided a unique opportunity and platform for the industry to rebuild, reconnect and give answers to questions about how the MICE industry is making a huge comeback”, said Martin Ecknig, CEO, Messe Berlin.

Stellar line up of industry giants headlined ITB Asia Conference sessions

Under the theme “Go Big & Go Forward: Travel Industry on the Road to Recovery and Growth”, ITB Asia 2022 also had a large conference line-up including the co-located MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. This year’s conference sessions ended with over 3950 minutes of high-powered content over 100+ sessions where over 180 leading industry heavyweights and innovators in three conference theatres discussed topics critical to the future of MICE, corporate travel, leisure travel and travel technology. Prominent speakers included senior representatives from Agoda, Amadeus, Corporate Travel Management (CTM), Expedia Group, FCM Travel, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), International SOS, George P Johnson, Marriott International, Saudi Tourism Authority, Travelport and many more.

“The successful turnout for the three shows indicates a positive return of MICE events in Asia Pacific as the travel industry gains momentum on the route to recovery”, added Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia and ITB Asia.

The Singapore Tourism Board extends strategic partnership with ITB Asia

Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of the 3-in-1 show, has announced the extension of its milestone partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) from 2023 to 2025. The two parties announced at this year’s ITB Asia that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the collaborative partnership for the next three years.

Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “Messe Berlin’s commitment to anchor ITB Asia in Singapore for the next three years is testament to Singapore’s ability to deliver quality MICE events. We are excited that tourism businesses in Singapore and the region will continue to benefit from the opportunity to forge new partnerships and exchange knowledge and ideas.”

The next in-person edition of ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia will take place from 25 to 27 October 2023 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

Huge interest is already being expressed for next year’s show including Best Western Hotels and Resorts, Israel Pavilion, Jordan Tourism Board, Meliá Hotels International, Penang Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Saudi Tourism Authority, Singapore Tourism Board, TBO Holidays, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Trip.com, USA Pavilion, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland and many more.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Chiang Mai Resort welcomes back travellers from around the world with renovated accommodations and exciting new dining experiences in a prime riverfront setting.

With COVID-19 waning, travel to Thailand now back to normal, and Chiang Mai ready to celebrate life once again, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort recently hosted a glamorous evening reception for Lanna royalty, foreign diplomats, and the city’s leading government officials and business executives on the lawn of its 100-year-old heritage house. Approximately 200 guests were treated to an evening of live music and performances over canapes and drinks.

Formerly the British consulate, and renovated by Asia-based architect Kerry Hill, famous for icons such as The Sukhothai in Bangkok and Aman hotels throughout the region, the heritage house is the heart of the wining and dining experience at the award-winning Anantara Chiang Mai.

The new guest experience begins at the ground-floor Brit Bar, reimagined as the private members’ club of Her Majesty’s secret service. Here, guests are invited to share pre-dinner drinks and conversation in intimate spaces including the classic oak bar, salons decorated with old maps and collectibles, and a secret room hidden away behind a bookshelf and accessible only by those in the know. Gurus are on hand to recommend selections from the wine cellar, whisky and cigar collection, and whimsical cocktail list.

Dinner is then served in the upstairs restaurant, The Service 1921, which today launches a brand-new menu by Executive Chef David Eldridge that showcases the finest seafood and meats, including in-house dry-aged beef, and free-range chicken and pork from Thai artisan farmers. Highlight dishes include beef tartare with bone marrow emulsion, sous-vide egg yolk, Parmesan and Sriracha; a thick-cut 400 g Sloane’s pork chop with smoky mustard and apple glaze; and the classic British dessert, Eton Mess, made with local strawberries, whipped cream, meringue and sorbet.

Also launching today is Chiang Mai’s first champagne rooftop bar, Bubbles, which fronts the Ping River. The drinks menu is entirely original, with the world’s best champagnes by the glass and bottle, as well as innovative bubbly cocktail creations. The bar’s most exclusive table, set at river’s edge and reached by a glass walkway, is ideal for private celebrations such as proposals or anniversaries.

Coming on 1 November is the picturesque Bodhi Terrace, which lies in the shade of the resort’s 200-year-old bodhi trees. The menu will highlight the best of Thai cuisine from north to south, and with its riverfront location, will play host to the city’s most spectacular Loy Krathong celebrations.

Other developments around the resort include work on the private pier, with river cruises soon to be launched, a Thai medical clinic and IV drip bar at Anantara Spa, and renovations of the 84 rooms and suites. Spacious starting at 50 sqm, and with tranquil garden and river views, the accommodations maintain their classic Modern Tropical design, with Zen teak finishing and an emphasis on the breeze and coolness, but with the additions of the latest in luxury amenities.

“At Anantara, we constantly strive to elevate the guest stay, immersing travellers in modern-day local culture with unique and authentic experiences”, says General Manager Khun Pitak Norathepkitti. “I thank all our illustrious guests for joining us in celebrating our latest offerings tonight, and look forward to welcoming back guests from around the world in the near future”.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort was recently voted one of Thailand’s top resorts at the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. The travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious awards drew on the experiences of nearly a quarter of a million voters from around the world.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts was celebrated as the “Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific” at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying the company’s position as an industry-leading global hospitality brand. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the company has won the award, setting a new milestone for BWH Hotel Group.

“We are delighted and deeply honored to receive the ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain’ award once again,” said Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and President of WorldHotels, BWH Hotel Group. “The Asia-Pacific region is of critical importance to our brand, and we are committed to expanding our scale across this key region and delivering unparalleled experiences for guests.”

The award ceremony was held in Singapore on October 6th to honor the extraordinary travel suppliers in Asia-Pacific who have distinguished themselves in the last twelve months. These awards aim to celebrate companies, brands and individuals that have gone above and beyond to positively impact the travel industry with outstanding business performance, top-notch innovation and exceptional customer service. The winners were selected based on votes from Travel Weekly Asia’s readership, which includes many of the region’s top travel agents and industry professionals.

“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this prestigious award for the eighth consecutive year,” adds Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group. “It is an acknowledgment of our consistency and long-running success in the region, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

BWH Hotel Group is an award-winning global network of 4,500 hotels located in over 100 countries and territories, offering 18 distinct brands spanning from luxury to economy. The company has celebrated recent expansion of its global portfolio, which is set to grow by roughly 300 hotels in 2022 alone.

All hoteliers that have recently joined BWH Hotel Group benefit from the brand’s reputation for providing superior guest service, and gain access to the award-winning Best Western Rewards® and WorldHotels RewardsSM programs, which boasts nearly 51 million members worldwide.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please 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 17 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®, 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.