Category: Latest Travel News

Phuket, Thailand, July 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST), Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality sectors, will return to spark conversation and drive the green agenda this September, with an impressive line-up of key figures and industry innovators led by Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a bright future for Phuket, PHIST 2024 will run under the theme “One on One: Sustainability from the Top”, as it reveals how senior company executives can successfully build a forward-thinking corporate culture and drive positive change, not only within their own companies, but across the entire industry and beyond.

Headlining this year’s event will be Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, who has guided his company towards integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. This has led to the group achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Multi-Site certification for all eight of its properties in Singapore. He will come together with Jesper Palmqvist, Senior Director – Asia Pacific for hospitality analysts STR, to discuss the critical issue of green leadership.

Also driving the conversation will be Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of the Phuket Hotels Association, who will reveal the details of the Green Planet School Farm Project – an important initiative that is empowering the next generation of organic producers.

Staged at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Phuket on 2nd September 2024, PHIST is not just another conference; it is a highly immersive and interactive learning event that will feature a series of candid debates and discussions, 18 workshops, career development sessions and networking opportunities that will encourage attendees to confront conventional thinking and create meaningful solutions to a range of environmental and community-focused challenges. Last year’s conference was attended by more than 1,000 people.“I am grateful for the opportunity to address my industry colleagues at PHIST. Sustainability is a crucial issue, particularly for island communities, making this event an important platform for collaboration. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from the innovative solutions and insights of others,” said Peng Sum Choe, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

“We are thrilled to announce Peng Sum Choe and Jesper Palmqvist as our headline speakers; they will provide the perfect blend of expertise and insight to inspire guests to create sustainable futures for their own businesses,” said Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director, Phuket Hotels Association.

To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, please call +66 (0) 8 9645 2576, email info@phukethotelsassociation.com, or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 18, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Twenty Two Winning-Entries Announced for the 2024 PATA Gold Awards, Winners To Be Celebrated at PATA Travel Mart 2024. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 PATA Gold Awards, honouring organisations and individuals for their exceptional achievements and commitment to advancing tourism. Among them, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been selected as the Grand Title Winner in the Marketing category for its “Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign,” which also secured victories in two sub-categories. Similarly, Intrepid DMC Nepal’s “More Intrepid Women for Nepal” campaign has been named the Grand Title winning-entry in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility category.

Since its inception in 1984, the PATA Gold Awards represents the true spirit of innovation, sustainability and the notion of tourism as a force for good. The awards are further distinguished by the voluntary participation of 23 independent expert judges from renowned organisations across the region. This prestigious celebration of excellence is generously sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), marking an impressive 29 consecutive years of collaboration.

“On behalf of PATA, I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Macao Government Tourism Office for our long-standing partnership in powering the PATA Gold Awards 2024,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

He added, “I am extremely delighted to note that we have received a significant number of high-quality submissions, with a 19% increase compared to the previous year. This is a clear sign that the travel and tourism sector is thriving and becoming more competitive than ever. We have witnessed tourism professionals putting more creativity and passion into their work to enhance the tourism economy. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the applicants and judges who have dedicate their time and efforts into making the PATA Gold Awards a possibility.”

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office said, “This year’s PATA Gold Award winners bring another colorful kaleidoscope of outstanding initiatives in marketing, along with sustainability and social responsibility in the tourism industry, which deserve our admiration. As Macao aims for more diversification in its development as a world center of tourism and leisure, we are honored to collaborate with PATA to help shape a vibrant yet responsible tourism industry across the Asia-Pacific region with the awards.”

This year’s winners across two broad categories, namely Marketing, and Sustainability & Social Responsibility, were selected from over 100 entries submitted by 47 travel and tourism organisations and individuals.

All 20 winners will be celebrated at the upcoming PATA Travel Mart 2024, to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand on August 28. To further honour these outstanding achievements, all 22 winning entries will be featured in the 2024 PATA Gold Awards booklet, to be published in August, and throughout PATA Travel Mart 2024.

As mentioned above, the PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Titles were presented to two esteemed organisations:

The Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR received the PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Marketing for its “Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign”. The campaign actively engaged all segments of society in the mission of recovery, inviting visitors to explore Hong Kong SAR’s natural beauty, rich heritage, culinary delights, and more through innovative marketing initiatives. By 2023, Hong Kong SAR had successfully achieved 68% of pre-pandemic visitor arrivals through this recovery campaign, contributing to the revitalisation in areas such as hotel occupancy rates, per capita spending, and length of stay.

The PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility was awarded to Intrepid DMC Nepal, for its “More Intrepid Women For Nepal” Initiative. This initiative fosters a workplace culture that not only recognises but actively nurtures the potential of women, ensuring their voices are heard and contributions valued at all organisational levels. By encouraging and facilitating active female participation in all levels of operation from office-based staff to local communities, Intrepid DMC Nepal has increased the number of women-led accommodation providers, supported women-led non-profit organisations, and highlighted success stories to inspire others, among other impactful initiatives.

The full result of the PATA Gold Awards 2024 and list of the distinguished judges is attached herewith.

PATA Gold Awards 2024 Grand Title Winners:

1. PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Marketing
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

2. PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility
– Winner: Intrepid DMC Nepal
– Submission: More Intrepid Women For Nepal

PATA Gold Award Winners 2024 – Marketing Category

1. Digital Marketing Campaign
– Winner: Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala, India
– Submission: Holiday Heist

2. Marketing Campaign (National – Asia)
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

3. Marketing Campaign (National – Pacific)
– Winner: Tahiti Tourisme, French Polynesia
– Submission: The Treasured Test

4. Marketing Campaign (State and city – Global)
– Winner: Jeju Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Nurturing Jeju’s Wellness Tourism Ecosystem

5. Marketing – Carrier
– Winner: SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka
– Submission: Colours of Jaffna

6. Marketing – Hospitality
– Winner: Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Macao, China
– Submission: Studio City Water Park

7. Printed Marketing Campaign
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

8. Travel Video
– Winner: Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia
– Submission: Truly Wondrous, Nature & Rainforest

9. Travel Photograph
– Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand
– Submission: Monk on the raft

10. Business Article
– Winner: TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Singapore
– Submission: Going green

11. Destination Article
– Winner: Anabel Dean, Australia
– Submission: The Simple Bear Necessities of Life

PATA Gold Award Winners 2024 – Sustainability & Social Responsibility

1. Climate Change Initiative
– Winner: Jetwing Hotels Ltd., Sri Lanka
– Submission: SolarPV Installations

2. Community-Based Tourism
– Winner: Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal
– Submission: Tourism Thrives when communities unite (Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project)

3. Corporate and Social Responsibility
– Winner: Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, Thailand
– Submission: From Kitchen to Chicken and Beyond

4. Culture (Joint winners)
– Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand
– Submission: Revitalizing the Unique Performing Arts and Traditional Local Wisdom of the Trai Trung Community through the Establishment of Cultural Community Tourism
– Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand
– Submission: The Diversity of Southern Border

5. Heritage
– Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand
– Submission: Building on Ancient Inspiration for Inter-generational Heritage of Sangkhalok Wares

6. Human Capital Development Initiative
– Winner: Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China
– Submission: Tourism Human Capital Development

7. Tourism Destination Resilience (Asia Pacific)
– Winner: Korea Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Rising Star! The Sustainable and Informational ‘Stargazing Tourism’ in Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea (ROK)

8. Tourism for All
– Winner: Gangneung City, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Gangneung Accessible Tourism City Establishment Project

9. Women Empowerment Initiative
– Winner: Destination Asia, Thailand
– Submission: Empowering Marginalized Women in Bali

10. Youth Empowerment Initiative
– Winner: Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macao, China
– Submission: Nurturing Macau’s future leaders and cultivating our Team Members

Panel of Judges:

– Mr. Anthony Hoglund, General Counsel, APAC, Amadeus IT Group, Thailand
– Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder & Chairman, Travelindex Group, United Kingdom
– Mr. Bharat Nagpal, Director-Sales, Rate Gain Adara Inc., United Kingdom
– Mrs. Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel Research, Euromonitor International, United Kingdom
– Mr. Chad Shiver, VP Destination Marketing, Clicktripz, LLC, United States
– Mr. David Hailstones, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education Switzerland (BVIS), Switzerland
– Mr. Ed Kastli, Vice President, International Sales, American hotel & Lodging Association (AHLEI), United States
– Elif Balci Fisunoğlu, Deputy General Manager, Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Türkiye
– Emmanuelle Charotte, VP Business Development, ECA2 LIMITED, Hong Kong SAR
– Ms. Hannah Pearson , Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), United States
– Mr. Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director Asia PAcific, STR, Singapore
– Ms. Jintana Borin, Head of Market Development, Cloudbeds, United States
– Mr. John Williams, VP Advertising Sales, BBC Studios Singapore, Singapore
– Mr. Jonathan Song, Director of Global Business Development, Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited, Hong Kong SAR
– Prof. Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
– Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Spain
– Professor Kumi Kato, PhD, Faculty of Tourism/Graduate School of Tourism, Wakayama University, Japan
– Mr. Randy Durband, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), United States
– Mr. Simon lloyd, Dean – Hospitality Management, Dusit Thani College, Thailand
– Ms. Suyin Lee, Managing Director, Discova Travel, Singapore
– Mr. Taichiro Ishida, Marketing Manager, Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau, Japan
– Ms. Topaz Smith, Project Lead, Travel and Tourism, World Economic Forum (WEF), United States
– Ms. Xin Mok, Community Lead, Aviation, Travel & Tourism, Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore

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

Phuket, Thailand, July 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / L’Arôme By The Sea is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Chef, Adrien Delcourt. Adrien is a distinguished chef trained under the Robuchon system and a trusted protégé of Frederic Anton, with extensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. His impressive resume includes prestigious establishments such as Le Pré Catelan (three stars) in Paris, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (two stars), Le Jules Verne (one star) atop the Eiffel Tower, and L’Orangerie at Four Seasons George V (one star).

He served as the Executive Chef of the iconic Le Jules Verne, the fine-dining gem atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In 2019, Adrien earned his first Michelin star, and Le Jules Verne was awarded two stars this year.

Throughout his career, Adrien has honed his culinary skills under the mentorship of renowned chefs like Frederic Anton, Axel Menes, and David Bizet, developing a unique cooking style. He is a dynamic and experienced Chef de Cuisine with over a decade of experience in starred restaurant and hotel kitchens.

With a proven track record of managing kitchens and creating innovative, delightful dishes, Adrien specializes in developing seasonal menus and leading culinary teams in fast-paced environments.

Joining him is Manon Anton, our new restaurant manager at L’Arôme By The Sea. Together, Adrien and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and culinary excellence at L’Arôme By The Sea.

New Menu
Chef Delcourt and his team are delighted to debut the new “Vue Sur La Mer” menu on July 25th. The menu is a discovery of the exceptional cuisine from Adrien, which pays homage to the mentors throughout his career and celebrates the best seasonal produce which the sea has to offer. Diners are welcomed with a fresh infusion of hibiscus which not only opens but also refreshes the palates for what lies ahead.

The menu celebrates the beauty of the ocean with the net cast wide to select items such as: Japanese Sea-Urchin, Norwegian black Cod, Kaviari’s Oscietra Caviar however there is not only imported products as local rock fish forms the base of one gelee. Although there is a focus on seafood, diners are treated to a roasted pigeon, for the main, coming from Klong Pai farm in Thailand, those less adventurous may opt to change for a Japanese Wagyu beef.

The signature dish of Adrien’s menu is Langoustine Foie Gras, which shows a complex pairing between land and sea with a poached Atlantic Langoustine being served inside of a roti shell and pair with a delightfully creamy foie-gras jus. This dish shows off the key elements of Adrien’s culinary pillars: technique, savoir-faire and delicate balance.

Situated on the idyllic coastlines near Patong, L’Arôme By The Sea offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views with exquisite culinary creations. As the jewel of Phuket, our restaurant is the perfect escape for those
seeking a blend of gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and impeccable service. L’Arôme By The Sea specializes in delivering contemporary French dishes crafted from premium ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic dinner under the stars or hosting a special event by the water’s edge, our oceanfront setting provides a backdrop like no other.

Experience the best of Phuket’s dining scene at L’Arôme By The Sea, where every meal is a journey of flavors and every moment is a cherished memory. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure, where the rhythm of the waves complements the symphony of tastes on your plate.

About France Larome Group
Since its inception in Paris in 2014, France Larome Group has focused on operating forward-thinking, modern-style restaurants in the world’s most vibrant destinations, currently spanning France, China, Thailand, and Japan. Our flagship brand, L’Arôme, enjoys a reputation that extends to several cities in China. Notably, the Parisian branch Madame Fan and L’Arôme By The Sea in Phuket, Thailand, have both been featured in the Michelin Guide.

Recently completed projects in 2024 include the Chinese fine dining restaurant Madame Fan in Paris and Bistro Des Lettres in the Latin Quarter. Upcoming projects include Bon Pan Asian Tapas in the old town of Phuket, Bistro L’Arôme in Fukuoka, Bistro Des Symphonies in Paris, and Maison L’Arôme, which will offer a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea in Phuket, incorporating several concepts.

We are committed to using the highest quality ingredients from the best sources, meticulously telling the story of a specific time, place, culture, or cuisine. Whether it’s our high-end French fine dining or our bistro brands, we strive to deliver extraordinary and unique dining experiences.

Victoria Falls, Zambia, July 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism successfully held its inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, marking a significant step forward for both the continent and the host nation. The Forum also highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to leveraging gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development across the country and Africa.

Under the patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center, the forum brought together around 200 delegates from 33 countries, including 11 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the African Union, the Southern African  Development Community (SADC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa!

Opening the landmark event, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa! We leave Victoria Falls with a roadmap that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we do work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet.”

Travelindex Group announced the launch of its TOP25 Restaurants Africa Awards and Restaurant Guides, Africa’s inaugural AI-powered restaurant guides. Building on the success of its groundbreaking, and world’s first, AI-guides in Asia, Travelindex Group is expanding into Africa. This initiative seeks to celebrate the continent’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene while promoting gastronomy as a key driver for sustainable tourism development across Africa.

Leveraging the power of gastronomy 

The discussions at the forum emphasized the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in enhancing local communities and economies throughout Africa. Participants explored the role of gastronomy in elevating Africa’s presence on the global tourism stage, as well as strategies for integrating gastronomy into national tourism policies. There was a strong focus on showcasing Africa’s rich culinary heritage to the world, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among chefs, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Participants discussed the need for effective funding and the significance of combining tradition, innovation, and quality to create unique food tourism experiences. The forum also highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to value local gastronomy and instil pride in Africa’s diverse culinary traditions. This includes working with the African diaspora in promoting African cuisine globally, as well as stepping up education and vocational training.

Promoting innovation in gastronomy 

The event also featured UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge – driving innovation in Africa, in which five entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions to improve the gastronomy and tourism value chains. Gracia Bvute from Zimbabwe won the competition with her project Pabvute Gourmet. On the occasion, UN Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe recognized the winners of the Youth Photo Contest “A Journey through Zimbabwe´s Gastronomy” – Nokutenda Tombindo, 1st place winner with the photo titled “MAGURU (TRIPE)” and David Sadindi, 2nd place winner with the photo titled “Family meal (sadza nemufushwa)”.

Additionally, four new African UN Tourism Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism for their efforts in promoting national cuisines and advocating for sustainable culinary practices: Chef Yohanis Gebreyesus from Ethiopia, Chef Adenike Adefila from Nigeria, Chef Mounir El Arem from Tunisia, and Chef Carl Joshua Ncube from Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe to host Academy for Culinary Arts 

In addition, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding marked the establishment of the Zimbabwe International Tourism Academy for the Culinary Arts, in partnership with UN Tourism. This initiative underscores a strong commitment to skills development and education, reinforced by the announcement of 100 UN Tourism Academy online scholarships aimed at nurturing culinary talent across the continent.

The second edition of the Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa will be held in Tanzania.

UN Tourism has announced a major step forward in its work to grow education and skills development in Africa with the establishment of the first collaborative Academies in the region.

With African tourism experiencing significant growth, there is now an urgent need to train a wide range of skilled professionals, all equipped with the skills modern tourism businesses need. Reflecting this demand, UN Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia to establish the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality in collaboration with UN Tourism. The Academy will offer a range of courses, all focused on equipping students both new to the sector and establish tourism workers the skills they need to find work or advance in their careers.

Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate

Laying the foundation stone in Livingstone, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate. These new Academies in Collaboration with UN Tourism will help train the tourism workers of tomorrow in a range of specialisms, giving African tourism the talent it needs to thrive.”

Joining the Secretary-General in signing the agreement, the Minister of Tourism of Zambia, Rodney M. Sikumba, said: “ through the adoption of the UN Tourism Education Guidelines, Zambia has been able to reposition the role of education in tourism development. The establishment of the Academy is a game changer of how we will bridge the evident skills gap for the existing and future workforce of our tourism sector.”

Culinary Arts Academy planned for Zimbabwe  

UN Tourism has also agreed to establish the Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. The specialist centre will be hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and focus on training skilled professionals in culinary arts both within the country and right across Africa. The announcement coincides with the celebration of the first UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Africa, an event showcasing the region’s diverse gastronomy and set to bring together leading players from the public and private sectors.

Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said: “We are excited to be working closely with UN Tourism to grow gastronomy tourism in our country and across the wider region. The new Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism signals our shared commitment to empowering tourism workers within the field of culinary arts, putting Zimbabwe firmly on the global gastronomy map.”

Nairobi, Kenya, July 26, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has today revealed a record-breaking year for Travel & Tourism in Kenya, contributing KES1TN to the national economy in 2023.

Sector jobs grew 6% to reach a record 1.55MN, accounting for one in 13 jobs across the country.

While domestic visitor spending reached more than KES 466BN last year, almost 15% over the previous peak and setting a new record, spending by overseas visitors continued to trail the highpoint of 1999 to reach just KES 266BN.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “The recovery of Kenya’s Travel & Tourism sector is a testament to its resilience. Achieving record-breaking growth across economic contribution, jobs, and domestic visitor spending highlights the sector’s vital role in the nation’s economy.

“Although international visitor spending is currently lagging behind its high point, the future of Travel and Tourism in Kenya looks strong, with substantial opportunities for growth and development over the next decade.”

What Does This Year Look Like?

According to the global tourism body’s latest research, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to Kenya’s economy is forecast to grow 9% year-on-year to reach almost KES 1.15TN.

Jobs supported by the sector are projected to reach more than 1.6MN, representing almost 8% of jobs in Kenya.

Domestic visitor spending is expected to continue driving the sector to reach KES 521BN, but spending by travellers from overseas is forecast to remain below the previous high to reach KES 289.5BN.

What Does the Next Decade Look Like?

With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to KES 1.7TN by 2034, representing 7.4% of Kenya’s economy, and could potentially employ more than 2.2MN people across the country.

Lusaka, Zambia, July 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has united its Member States to focus on promoting “Brand Africa” and exploring new opportunities for growth and diversification across the region.

Held within the framework of the Regional Commission for Africa, “Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the Sector’s Growth Potential”, brought together public and private sector leaders to identify new opportunities and find shared solutions to the most pressing challenges. The Forum formed part of UN Tourism’s wider emphasis on empowering its Members to advance a new, positive narrative for the sector across the continent.

Celebrating uniqueness of African tourism  

Welcoming the high-level participants, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the importance of working closely with African Member States on promoting both the uniqueness and the diversity of tourism in the region. His sentiments were echoed by Executive Director Natalia Bayona, who also emphasized the urgent need to grow investments into the sector to fuel innovation and creativity, thereby putting African destinations more firmly on the global tourism map.

Alongside key UN Tourism experts, stakeholders included the CEO of Zambia Tourism Agency, as well as the heads of Africa Tourism Partners, and key figures from leading civil society actors and businesses from the region, including Meta. Discussions focused on strengthening Brand Africa, including through greater public-private collaboration. Delegates also shared their insights into revolutionizing the image of African in order to drive greater tourism competitiveness, while top media thinkers provided their insights into Think Tank discussions on “shifting the narrative” of African tourism.

Investments to advance Brand Africa  

Reflecting the importance of investments for advancing Brand Africa, the event also saw the official launch of the latest in UN Tourism’s series of Investment Guidelines. The latest publication, focused on Zambia, again provides vital information for international investors, identifying key areas of growth and other opportunities within Zambia’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, July 25, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024 (ITE HCMC 2024), to be held on September 5 – 7, 2024, promises to provide travel and hospitality businesses with unparalleled access to innovative product ideas and business models to lead in the ever-growing sustainability trends. The expo will also serve as a platform for industry players, not just from Ho Chi Minh City but across Vietnam, to explore collaboration opportunities, adding value and enhancing traveler experiences.

Helping businesses to tap into sustainable tourism

Recent surveys by leading global travel agencies reveal that consumers are increasingly aware of tourism’s negative impacts on the environment, society, and local culture. Consequently, they are more inclined to choose hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that integrate sustainability into every aspect of their businesses, ensuring benefits for both the environment and the community.

With sustainability emerging as a critical competitive advantage, ITE HCMC 2024 has adopted the theme “Sustainable Travel – Creating the Future” to underscore its importance.

“Vietnam presents many opportunities for sustainable tourism development. However, many businesses still encounter difficulties in aligning with international sustainability criteria. ITE HCMC 2024 is designed to offer practical insights and effective solutions from both international and Vietnamese experts, aiding businesses in their sustainable tourism efforts,” said Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

A series of workshops, conferences, and high-level forums will feature significant participation from government officials, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, regional tourism authorities, international travel agencies, MICE operators, luxury travel companies, and restaurants.

Speakers and attendees will discuss promoting sustainability through ESG principles, emphasizing responsible tourism that focuses on nature and wildlife conservation while opposing the ivory trade. Additionally, they will explore community-based tourism development. The goal of these discussions is to generate valuable initiatives that advance sustainable tourism in Vietnam.

Notably, the expo will feature a high-level Tourism Forum, themed “NET ZERO Tourism – Creating Future.” The forum is expected to yield actionable solutions and effective strategies that can contribute to the responsible and sustainable development of tourism and the economy.

Leading in collaboration

The key highlight of ITE HCMC 2024 will be its focus on positioning tourism as a dynamic economic sector that interconnects with many other sectors.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said, “Our aspiration is for every visitor to have the best time possible by seeing the most beautiful sights, dining on the finest food, and experiencing the most enjoyable moments throughout Vietnam, not just in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. Achieving this requires effective collaboration among localities and businesses. ITE HCMC 2024 offers an ideal platform for travel and hospitality businesses to connect, explore, and expand their partnerships. This collaborative approach aligns perfectly with the Vietnamese government’s broader goal of transforming tourism into a leading economic sector, advancing green growth, and establishing the country as a premier destination.”

One of the main goals of ITE HCMC 2024 is to grow the international visitor market for Vietnam and increase tourist flows between countries, thereby maximizing tourism revenue. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen international tourism cooperation by fostering effective connections between Vietnamese tourism businesses and those from Mekong River Basin countries and other global markets.”

With over 500 esteemed exhibitors and brands from domestic and international markets, the ITE HCMC 2024 is set to facilitate extensive and meaningful collaboration. The event will foster significant engagement among national and local tourism promotion agencies, tourism associations, research institutions, companies, travel agencies, major airlines and providers of hospitality and transportation services.

With extensive and diverse participation from across the regions, ITE HCMC 2024 underscores Ho Chi Minh City’s pivotal role in driving national tourism integration.

To date, nearly 300 participants from 38 provinces and cities in Vietnam have registered. Significant interest has come from South Korea, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan (China), Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, with notable increases from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia. This demonstrates the growing prominence of ITE HCMC 2024, providing opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to penetrate overseas markets. The 2D online exhibition platform further facilitates connectivity for global clients, enabling buyers and exhibitors to easily schedule meetings through live chat and email features.

As the only expo in Vietnam with an international buyer program, ITE HCMC 2024 will welcome over 220 quality international buyers from 45 countries and territories. The event plans to host over 10,000 business meetings, providing valuable opportunities for direct B2B interactions between global and Vietnamese tourism businesses.

ITE HCMC 2024 has received valuable support from key partners, including Vietnam Airlines (ITE HCMC’s Official Airlines, Diamond Sponsor), the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), Vietjet Air, and other international airlines. These partners play a crucial role in inviting travel agencies that organize tours to Vietnam and the region to participate in the International Buyer Program.

Having successfully hosted 17 editions, ITE HCMC is now the leading tourism event in the region. ITE HCMC 2024 aims to provide a vibrant platform for networking, business opportunities, and strategic partnerships for tourism professionals and stakeholders in Vietnam and globally.

The 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2024 (ITE HCMC 2024)
The ITE HCMC 2024 is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. The event is managed by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism of in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros.

Website: www.itehcmc.travel
Email: info@itehcmc.travel

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching the Amazing Thailand Passion Ambassador campaign, along with inducing everyone to experience happiness and wonderful moments. This campaign offers numerous special discounts from top establishments across five regions to boost tourism spending and provide valuable travel experiences.

The promotion includes a 10% discount on hotel and car rental bookings with a minimum spend of 2,000 THB, up to a maximum discount of 500 THB, and a 12% discount on travel activities with a minimum spend of 1,500 THB, up to a maximum discount of 300 THB.

The campaign has selected quality businesses to participate, including;

• Hotel & Accommodation e.g. Centara Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, River Kwai Resotel, Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, Furama Chiang Mai, Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre.
• Transportation: Thai Rent A Car, Chic Car Rent.
• Travel Packages and Travel Activities: Let’s Relax Spa, Oasis Spa, Vana Nava Water Jungle, Siam Amazing Park, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Andamanda Phuket Water Park, and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. And many discounts from other top establishments are also participating in the campaign.

Tourists who are interested can get these special discounts on https://www.klook.com/tetris/promo/tatpassionambassador/ from now until August 31, 2024, or until the maximum discount limit is reached.

 

Bangkok, Thailand, August 8, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d’Yves (3rd from left), Ambassador of H.M. the King of the Belgians to Thailand, graciously bestowed the “Officer of the Order of Leopold” Royal Decoration, the highest of the three national orders of Belgium, upon Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (3rd from right), founder of the world renowned Blue Elephant Group, and her husband Mr. Karl Steppe (4th from right) at a cocktail reception at the Ambassador’s residence recently. Amongst the many distinguished guests in attendance was Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt (2nd from right), Bangkok Governor.

The “Officer of the Order of Leopold” honour has been conferred upon Master Chef Nooror and Mr. Karl Steppe for their over 40 years of meritorious service to the Belgian state and society and for Master Chef Nooror’s spreading the soft power of Thai cuisine and Thai culture across the globe from Belgium to Thailand since the opening of the first Blue Elephant Restaurant in Brussels in 1980.

Named in honour of its founder King Leopold 1, The Order of Leopold, Belgium’s oldest and highest honorary order of knighthood, was established on 11th July 1832.

Pictured from left are: Mr. Kim Steppe, CEO of Blue Elephant Group; Ms. Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director of Blue Spice Co., Ltd.; H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d’Yves; Mr. Karl Steppe; Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe; Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt; and Mr. Thaviseuth Phouthavong, Vice President of Blue Elephant Group.

About Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant’s story began with the passion of Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founding Chef and Director, who opened the first restaurant in Brussels in 1980. Since then, Blue Elephant has been a torchbearer of Thai cuisine globally, emphasizing health-conscious recipes using premium, locally sourced ingredients. Master Chef Nooror’s dedication has made Blue Elephant a significant cultural ambassador, promoting Thai cuisine worldwide. The Blue Elephant Cooking School and Restaurant in Bangkok opened in 2002 and in Phuket in 2010, continuing to celebrate and evolve Thai culinary traditions. In 2006, Blue Spice Company Limited was established to manufacture and export Premium Thai Products, curry pastes and sauces amongst others under the Blue Elephant brand for retail and food service.