wttc2

London, United Kingdom, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / From September 2026, Vox Is Bringing Bluetooth Connectivity to Guided Tours, So Guests Can Listen Through the Earphones and Hearing Aids They Already Own

For 25 years, Vox has worked to make sure every guest on a guided tour hears every word. It provides comfortable headphones for everyone, including over-the-ear sets designed to sit easily over hearing aids. Travel has changed in that time. Most guests now carry their own wireless earbuds, and a growing number of hearing aids connect over Bluetooth. That raised a simple question from guests: could I just use my own?

From September 2026, they can. Vox is introducing Vox BT, new technology that brings Bluetooth connectivity to guided tours. A guest can pair their own wireless earphones or Bluetooth hearing aids and hear the guide directly, with no complicated setup. It works across Vox’s existing tour systems, so operators have nothing to replace.

“What I love about Vox BT is how natural it feels for guests,” said Fabio Primerano, CEO of Vox. “Picture a group in a busy cathedral. One person is listening through their own earbuds, another is hearing the guide stream straight into their hearing aids, and everyone is following the same tour in the way that suits them best. We listened to what guests were asking for, and then went a step further. This is an industry first, and we are proud to be the ones behind it.”

For operators, it is a quiet but powerful upgrade. It is a simple addition rather than a change to how they work. The clearest benefit is for guests who rely on hearing aids. Someone with Bluetooth hearing aids can now receive the guide’s commentary through their own devices, without straining to catch detail over city or crowd noise. For the many travellers who depend on hearing aids every day, it quietly removes a familiar frustration.

The update comes as accessible travel becomes a bigger priority across tourism. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, and around 430 million need rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, a figure expected to rise as populations age. As more hearing aids ship with Bluetooth as standard, more guests already carry the technology needed to receive audio directly, including on a guided tour.

There is an environmental gain, too. Vox already gives guests headphones and takes them back to be recycled, so nothing goes to waste. Vox BT builds on that: when guests bring their own earphones, there is even less to distribute and handle, extending an approach Vox already has in place.

Vox BT builds on the momentum of Vox Aura, Vox’s AI transmitter, now a smart companion that helps guides answer anything, adds live subtitles, and speaks the guest’s language in up to 200 languages. The same tour can be shaped differently for a family, a specialist group, or a first-time visitor, each on their own channel. And when there’s no network, Aura keeps working, streaming pre-loaded multilingual content straight from the device. The thread is the same: listen closely, then go a step further.

Vox BT launches in September 2026. Operators who would like to be among the first to offer it can find out more and register their interest at Vox Tours.

Source

Phuket, Thailand, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Phuket today announced the launch of Table of Legends, an exclusive new seasonal dining series at Saffron, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant. Created to celebrate Thailand’s extraordinary culinary heritage, the series brings together some of the country’s most respected chefs and culinary institutions to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients from every region of Thailand through a series of exclusive collaborative dining experiences.

The inaugural edition, taking place on 7–8 August 2026, is presented in collaboration with Blue Elephant Phuket, one of Thailand’s most celebrated culinary institutions and a global ambassador of Heritage Thai cuisine. The event welcomes Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Master Chef and Founder of Blue Elephant, who joins Chef Tipa-Tipaporn Phianthong and Chef Kai-Worapong Paenchoo of Saffron to create a specially curated five-course menu inspired by Thailand’s exceptional seasonal produce and rich regional culinary traditions.

More than a guest chef collaboration, Table of Legends is envisioned as an ongoing culinary platform celebrating Thailand’s agricultural abundance, indigenous ingredients and diverse gastronomic traditions. Each edition will feature distinguished chefs and renowned restaurants, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience Thai cuisine through unique creative collaborations while supporting local producers and preserving Thailand’s culinary legacy.

“Blue Elephant and Saffron share the same pride and passion for Thai cuisine. We believe Thailand’s culinary heritage deserves to be celebrated and recognised around the world. Bringing our kitchens together to explore exceptional local ingredients and create something meaningful is truly exciting,” said Master Chef Nooror, Blue Elephant

For Chef Worapong, whose culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in Southern Thai traditions, the collaboration is an opportunity to honour the flavours that shaped his career.

“Thai food is memory for me—the flavours I grew up with and have dedicated my life to preserving. Table of Legends allows us to share that heritage with guests while celebrating the incredible ingredients found throughout Thailand,” said Chef Worapong, Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket.

Chef Tipaporn, whose contemporary interpretation of Thai cuisine is inspired by years of international culinary experience, believes exceptional ingredients are at the heart of every memorable dish.

“Discovering rare herbs, fruits and ingredients from local communities inspires every menu we create. These remarkable products allow Thai cuisine to continue evolving while remaining true to its roots,” said Chef Tipaporn, Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket.

Together, Banyan Tree Phuket and Blue Elephant Phuket invite guests to discover the richness of Thailand’s culinary heritage through an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates craftsmanship, collaboration and the country’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Event Details

Dates: 7–8 August 2026
Time: 6.30 pm (Welcome Cocktail & Canapés)
Venue: Saffron, Banyan Tree Phuket
Price: THB 4,900 net per person
THB 6,900 net per person with wine pairing
Early Bird: 15% savings
Reservations: https://bit.ly/saffron-phuket-blue-elephant
Telephone: +66 (0)76 372 400

Source

Cape Town, South Africa, July 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Every year since its inception in 2020, digital travel trade show OurAfrica.Travel rallies its community to look beyond the meetings, diaries and networking opportunities to  “Nominate a Cause” and then vote for local grassroots charities and projects within the tourism ecosphere that are close to their hearts – quietly doing extraordinary work across Africa.

This year, in partnership with Africa’s Eden, organisers Storm Napier and Allie Hunt invited the wider tourism community, including Africa’s Eden’s Community & Conservation Network and partners, to nominate locally led community and conservation causes making a measurable difference across Africa.

Not only does this give these wonderful charities and projects a much-needed spotlight to showcase their invaluable work during the digital trade show itself, but it also gives two causes the opportunity to win a R20,000 donation on behalf of the show.

Following the vetting process, eighteen exceptional organisations were selected for consideration. A round of applause for all our 2026 finalists… but it gives OurAfrica.Travel great pleasure and pride to announce its two champions!

Conservation Champion – Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust South Luangwa Valley, Zambia

Chipembele has been quietly changing the story of conservation in Zambia for years – not through fences and rangers alone, but through classrooms and communities. Based in the South Luangwa Valley, they run environmental education programmes for local schoolchildren and communities, with the belief that the next generation of conservationists should come from the land they’re protecting.

“It is especially meaningful that our environmental education work in the South Luangwa Valley has been acknowledged. We firmly believe that lasting conservation success depends on empowering local communities and inspiring young people to become active stewards of their natural heritage, and we are grateful that this vision resonates with your initiative.”

– Evie Ndhlovu, Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust

Congratulations to the Chipembele team – your dedication to education as a conservation tool is exactly the kind of thinking this initiative was built to celebrate!

Community Champion – Uthando (Love) South Africa Cape Town, South Africa

Uthando – meaning “love” in Zulu – does something beautifully simple: it takes the power of tourism and points it directly at communities that need it most. Through curated social tours and partnerships with over 65 grassroots initiatives across Cape Town, Uthando channels visitor time, attention and money into real, lasting change.

“We will allocate R10K to the 4th Pitch for Peace that is being built in Hanover Park. A Few weeks ago we held a massively successful Mini World Cup between all of the schools with pitches. The children and staff were overjoyed. The other R10K will buy a tyre for Phase 3 Goal50 which we are launching this week. Thank you again for this great honour.”

– James Fernie, Uthando

Congratulations to James and the Uthando team. You’ve shown what it looks like when tourism truly gives back

A sincere “Thank you” 

Choosing two champions from eighteen deserving causes was not easy. We want to make sure every finalist is recognised – each one was vetted, credible, and doing work that matters. Conservation finalists included The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Conservation Travel Foundation whilst Community finalists included the Surfpop Foundation and Travel for Impact, in collaboration with Impact Fund.  An Honourable mention also goes to Jafunta Foundation – a rare cause that bridges both categories, working at the intersection of community, wildlife and conservation in Victoria Falls.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate. You all made this possible!  As always, we remain #StrongerTogether!

Stay tuned for our 2027 dates announcement, coming very soon. Agents and tour operators should head over to our website to register your interest and be the first to know.

Source

Featuring four activities to drive tourism and shopping while showcasing Thai brands to a global audience.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with public and private sector partners including department stores, shopping malls, credit card providers, airlines, travel platforms, and leading tourism-related establishments, is presenting the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 under the concept “Unforgettable Experience of Thai Brands”.

The campaign encourages both Thai and international tourists to enjoy a special shopping experience that goes beyond mere discounts. It highlights the charm of Thai products, services, and brands through engaging experiences that combine shopping, dining, travel, and lifestyle elements. The campaign will run from June 15 to August 15, 2026. Tourists can take part in special activities by spending at participating establishments. To participate, they must register their receipts on the campaign’s website in order to receive exclusive privileges and enter for a chance to win various prizes.

The available activities include:

1. Go Shop Get Bag
Tourists who spend 2,000 baht or more in a single transaction at participating establishments can register their receipts online to redeem a special souvenir shopping bag at the redemption point of each participating store.

2. Once Shop One Prize
Tourists who purchase goods totaling 2,000 baht and register their receipts on the campaign’s website will be entered into a draw to win special prizes, including EV cars and travel packages, with a total value exceeding 1,000,000 baht.

3. Shop On Top
The top 10 tourists with the highest spending at participating establishments will receive limited-edition products from stylish Thai designer brands, with a total prize value of 200,000 baht.

Additionally, there is an activity for participating establishments, the “Top Seller” activity. Establishments that reach certain sales milestones will receive recognition plaques based on their total sales during the campaign. Prizes are categorized into Diamond level, valued at 10 million baht; Gold level, valued at 5 million baht; Silver level, valued at 3 million baht; and Bronze level, valued at 500,000 baht.

TAT is also offering numerous special privileges and discounts for tourists to claim via the campaign’s website: www.tourismthailand.org/amazingthailandgrandsale. Tourists can apply the offers immediately at participating locations, including shopping malls and department stores like Central Group, The Mall Group, Siam Piwat, One Bangkok, MBK Center, Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center, Jungceylon Shopping Center, Terminal 21, Asiatique The Riverfront, King Power Duty Free Co., Ltd., CP Axtra Public Company Limited, and Gateway Ekamai, as well as payment methods like Mastercard, Visa Thailand, UnionPay, and the TrueMoney application. Additionally, shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada, travel platforms like Agoda, and accommodations such as Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel, Baba Beach Club Hua Hin, The Sukosol Bangkok, The Nimman Hotel, Ava Hotel Udon Thani, Away Chiang Mai Thapae Resort, and Fah Lanna Spa will be part of this campaign.

For more information about the campaign, activities, and special privileges, please visit www.tourismthailand.org/amazingthailandgrandsale or contact the LINE Official Account: @thailandgrandsale

Bangkok, Thailand, July 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit proudly welcomes back one of its most beloved creations, Steamed French Snow Fish with Black Bean Sauce, available from now until 31 August 2026.

Expertly prepared by Wah Lok’s culinary team, this elegant Cantonese dish showcases premium French snow fish, prized for its exceptionally tender texture, delicate flavour, and rich omega-3 content. The fish is gently steamed to preserve its natural richness and finished with a savoury black bean sauce that enhances its flavour while maintaining perfect balance and harmony.

Priced at THB 1,680++ per dish, this refined seafood offering is ideal for both business dining and special gatherings, delivering a nourishing and sophisticated culinary experience.

To further elevate your meal, enjoy 20% savings when pairing the Dish of the Month with the Beverages of the Month. Thoughtfully selected to complement the delicate flavours of the snow fish, this pairing creates a well-rounded dining experience that brings together exceptional cuisine and refreshing beverages.

Experience the timeless elegance of Cantonese cuisine, crafted with premium ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, only at Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant

Level 2, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm

Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Source

Madrid, Spain, July 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework.

The move strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability, providing independent verification, greater transparency, and a credible pathway for hotels to demonstrate their sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.

Since its launch in 2022, Hotel Sustainability Basics has been adopted by more than 8,000 hotels across 85 countries, developed by the industry, for the industry, and with support from Greenview, a global leader in sustainability and ESG data solutions for the hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries. The framework sets out 12 practical actions covering energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, emissions, support for local communities, and protection of nature. Designed to be accessible to hotels of every size and type, it has established a common foundation for sustainability action across the global accommodation sector.

The enhanced certification programme responds to the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825), which introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims. Through independent third-party certification and alignment with the GSTC Accreditation Framework, Hotel Sustainability Basics will provide hotels with a robust and internationally recognised approach to sustainability assurance, helping strengthen confidence among travellers, businesses, governments and investors.

Hotels already participating in the programme are not required to take immediate action. WTTC and its verification partners, including SGS, will provide further guidance and support throughout the transition to the new certification model.

Later this year, WTTC will also introduce Basics Plus, developed with and endorsed by the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), providing hotels with the next stage in their sustainability journey. Together, Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus will form the foundation of the WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, offering hotels a clear roadmap from essential sustainability practices to independently verified performance.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:

“Hotel Sustainability Basics has demonstrated that sustainability can be practical, achievable and scalable, with thousands of hotels already taking meaningful action around the world. By strengthening the programme through independent certification, we are giving hotels a globally recognised framework that reflects evolving regulatory expectations while building greater trust and confidence in sustainability claims. Together with Basics Plus, we are creating a clear pathway that enables hotels of all sizes to continue progressing on their sustainability journey.”

Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, said:

“This marks an important moment for the hospitality industry, strengthening alignment around credible and consistent approaches to hotel sustainability. The GSTC accreditation of WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics will reflect what can be achieved through a shared commitment to meaningful progress. It will be a milestone we are truly proud to celebrate together.”

Glenn Mandziuk, President & CEO of the WSHA, said:

“The evolution of Hotel Sustainability Basics into an independent certification is a monumental step forward. By aligning this framework with EU standards and integrating it with our Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, we are providing a seamless, credible roadmap for the global accommodation sector. Together with the upcoming Basics Plus, we are empowering hotels of every size to move confidently from essential practices to verified performance, proving that a united industry can drive truly scalable change.”

Strong Industry Support Highlights the Value and Scalability of the Initiative

The success of the Basics to date reflects strong industry-wide backing. The initiative has been supported by governments, destinations, hotel groups and key stakeholders across the Travel & Tourism ecosystem, including the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), Jin Jiang, Radisson Hotel Group and HBX Group.

The framework’s strength lies in its simplicity and universality. By focusing on a core set of achievable actions, it has enabled hotels of all types to take meaningful first steps towards sustainability, while creating a common baseline for the industry. This approach has facilitated rapid global adoption and demonstrated the power of industry-led collaboration in driving progress at scale.

This transition sends a strong message of industry alignment on hotel sustainability expectations, establishing a clear, credible framework and certification that brings together the expertise of WTTC, GSTC and WSHA. It also marks the full maturity of this impactful, industry-led effort, demonstrating the Travel & Tourism sector’s ability to define what is practically achievable and drive sustainability progress at scale.

Source

Kenya, July 28, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today reveals that Africa is entering a new era of tourism growth, with Travel & Tourism (T&T) outperforming the wider economy and positioning the continent among one of the world’s fastest-growing regions in 2026.

According to new 2026 Economic Impact Research (EIR) data from WTTC, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, Kenya continues to strengthen its position as one of the continent’s most strategically important tourism markets. T&T contributed $12.7 billion to Kenya’s economy in 2025, representing 9.3% of national GDP, and supported 1.8 million jobs, equivalent to 8.3% of total employment. This dual contribution underlines tourism’s role as both a major economic driver and a powerful engine of inclusive growth.

Kenya’s growth is underpinned by a balanced demand model. International visitor spending accounted for 52.4% of total tourism expenditure in 2025, reaching $5 billion and slightly exceeding domestic visitor spending of $4.5 billion. The country also welcomed 2.5 million international visitors, an increase of 5.6% compared with the previous year, reinforcing its position as a key gateway and growth market for tourism in Africa.

The strength of Kenya’s tourism economy is further reflected in its Travel & Tourism trade surplus. In 2025, international visitor spending exceeded outbound travel spending by $3.96 billion, generating a significant net inflow of foreign exchange and underlining the sector’s growing contribution to national economic resilience and prosperity.

Kenya is also emerging as a global leader in sustainable tourism. The T&T sector sources 19.9% of its energy from low-carbon sources, significantly outperforming both the global average of 5.9% and the African average of 2.9%, positioning Kenya among the world’s leading destinations in advancing tourism’s energy transition.

Kenya’s strong performance, strategic location and commitment to sustainable tourism have made it a natural partner for WTTC’s long-term engagement across Africa. During this week, WTTC visited the country and held high-level meetings with senior government officials and tourism stakeholders, including Hon. Rebecca Miano, Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, the Kenya Tourism Board and representatives from the public and private sectors.

Africa’s Tourism Growth Continues to Accelerate

Kenya’s success story is part of a broader transformation taking place across Africa. WTTC’s latest research shows that T&T contributed $228 billion to Africa’s economy in 2025, representing 7.0% of regional GDP and growing by 5.0%, significantly outpacing the wider economy, which expanded by 3.5% as well as the global average of 4.1%.

Growth is expected to accelerate further in 2026, with the sector forecast to contribute $241 billion and expand by 5.4%, making Africa one of the fastest-growing tourism regions globally, alongside Asia-Pacific.

Employment trends reinforce this positive trajectory. T&T supported 30.2 million jobs across Africa in 2025 and is forecast to reach 31.5 million jobs in 2026. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create an additional 9.4 million jobs, reaching 40.9 million by 2036.

While domestic travel continues to account for around 61% of tourism spending across the continent, international demand is accelerating rapidly. International visitor spending is forecast to grow by 6.8% in 2026 to reach $80 billion. In 2025, Africa welcomed 99.2 million international visitors, an increase of 14.1%, highlighting strong recovery momentum and substantial long-term growth potential.

Realising the full potential of T&T across Africa will depend on continued progress in key areas, including:

• Visa facilitation and processing to improve access and stimulate international demand
• Improved connectivity through aviation, transport, and regional integration
• Secure and seamless travel enabled by digital and biometric solutions
• Infrastructure modernisation to support quality growth at scale
• Tourism product development and diversification to expand visitor experiences, increase length of stay, and strengthen destination competitiveness
• Investment in workforce development, skills training, and talent retention to build a future-ready tourism workforce
• Greater adoption of technology to enhance traveller experiences and operational efficiency

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Africa is now one of the fastest-growing tourism regions globally, and Kenya is helping lead that momentum. With a strong economic contribution, a balanced demand model and clear leadership in sustainable tourism, Kenya demonstrates what long-term Travel & Tourism success can look like. WTTC is proud to continue strengthening its engagement with Kenya and Africa, amplifying the region’s voice on the global stage, and supporting efforts to unlock the immense potential of Travel & Tourism as a driver of jobs, investment, and sustainable economic growth.”

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, July 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) returns for a third year, welcoming extreme travelers and global explorers to Bangkok, Thailand, from October 22-25, 2026.

The four-day event brings together mega-travelers who have reached the world’s most remote corners, alongside passionate explorers eager to push their own boundaries further. Among them: travelers who have set foot in all 193 UN sovereign nations — including one traveller who has done it three times over.

ETF is proud to announce that legendary war correspondent Denis D. Gray will join this year’s speaker lineup. Gray spent more than 30 years as bureau chief of the Associated Press in Bangkok after reporting from the front lines of Indochina. Over his AP career he reported from nearly 40 countries and 20 conflicts, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Kosovo and Rwanda.

Born Zdeněk Mečíř in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia near the end of World War II, Denis escaped the country as a child after his family’s flight across the Iron Curtain, later settling in the United States, where he attended Yale and served as a US Army captain during the Vietnam War before returning to cover the conflict as a journalist.

This year, Gray brings his newly published memoir, Lost Horizons: A Foreign Correspondent’s Extraordinary Life Story, to the ETF stage. The book recounts encounters with kings, killers and celebrities alongside brushes with death, betrayal, love and friendships forged in war, structured thematically rather than chronologically. His session promises ETF’s most traveled attendees a rare, first-hand account of six turbulent decades on the front lines of history — a perspective few in the world can offer.

Co-founder of ETF, award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger and filmmaker, Ric Gazarian, says this third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travelers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is a celebration of global exploration and human connection, and Denis’s impressive career exemplifies this spirit” says Gazarian, whose website features stories and images from his own extensive travels to 190 of the world’s 193 UN-recognized nations.

“Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring this unique community together once again in Bangkok, a city that truly embodies the spirit of travel,” says Gazarian.

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF offers attendees a robust schedule of speakers, complemented by vibrant parties and a gala dinner. The festival will feature more than 40 storytellers who will deliver engaging keynotes and host insightful breakout sessions and lively panel discussions.

Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating travel tales, and learn practical strategies from those who have gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries — an accomplishment only approximately 500 known people can claim — the festival aims to inspire and inform all who share a deep love for travel, regardless of their current country count.

Tickets for ETF 2026* are on sale now. Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket. For more information, please visit the Extraordinary Travel Festival website.

*Readers can use code BANGKOK for a special discounted rate.

About Extraordinary Travel Festival

The Extraordinary Travel Festival unites hundreds of the world’s most traveled individuals, including country collectors, overland adventurers, explorers, extreme travelers, and those pushing the boundaries of what it means to experience the world. The event will feature more than 30 speakers, including adventurers who have climbed the Seven Summits, visited every sovereign nation, and those who explored some of the most remote corners of the globe. The festival will also bring together the leaders and members of major communities such as Travel Massive (80,000 members), NomadMania (56,000 members), Every Passport Stamp (40,000 members) and Pangea, creating unparalleled opportunities for networking among the world’s most dedicated travel enthusiasts.

Source

Phuket, Thailand, July 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / OMEMO has been selected in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026, nine months after opening at Vibes of Nature in Phuket. OMEMO features already in the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand 2026.

Created by Swiss chef Yannick Hollenstein, OMEMO presents a contemporary interpretation of classic Swiss cuisine, shaped by his Alpine heritage and his experience in Southern Thailand.

The restaurant’s full experience menu presents its contemporary Swiss cuisine as a complete sequence, bringing together house-made specialities and modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

“Every dish tells a story of harmony – between tradition and innovation, between the mountains of my homeland and the ocean of my new home.” – Yannick Hollenstein, Partner and Executive Chef of OMEMO

OMEMO’s menus draw on Swiss ingredients, techniques and traditions while reflecting the climate, produce and setting of Phuket. Familiar Alpine dishes are reinterpreted through contemporary technique, precise presentation and a focus on balance.

OMEMO is Hollenstein’s flagship restaurant at Vibes of Nature. He also developed the culinary concepts behind COBY, the property’s all-day brunch and bakery destination, and EMO, its before-and-after-dinner lounge.

The selection in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 marks OMEMO’s first inclusion and an important milestone for Hollenstein and the OMEMO team during the restaurant’s first year of operation.

About OMEMO

OMEMO is a contemporary Swiss restaurant at Vibes of Nature in Phuket, Thailand.

Under the positioning “Exclusive Swiss Dining,” OMEMO combines Alpine culinary heritage with contemporary technique and inspiration drawn from its island setting. Its full experience menu features house-made specialities and modern interpretations of traditional Swiss dishes.

About Vibes of Nature

Vibes of Nature is a private villa sanctuary in Phuket combining accommodation, distinctive dining concepts and tailored golf experiences.

Where Golf, Gastronomy & Privacy Meet.

Its dining outlets include OMEMO, COBY and EMO, each developed with its own culinary identity and guest experience.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, July 23, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Nila invites guests to embark on an extraordinary culinary voyage with the launch of its new 7-Course Tasting Menu, “A Tasting Journey Across India.” Designed as a celebration of India’s rich regional diversity, the experience takes diners across the country’s vibrant culinary landscape—from the spice-laden coasts of the South to the royal kitchens of the North, the bustling streets of the West, and the heritage-rich traditions of the East.

More than a tasting menu, it is a journey through the stories, ingredients, and traditions that define Indian cuisine. Each course pays tribute to a different region, bringing together authentic flavors, seasonal ingredients, and contemporary presentation.

Highlights from the Journey

Guests begin their experience with vibrant regional flavours that awaken the palate, before moving through a carefully curated progression of textures, spices, and aromas.

Among the signature courses are:

Machher Pathuri (West Bengal, East India)

Seabass marinated with kasundi mustard spices, wrapped in banana leaf and gently steamed. Served with curd rice and aloo chokha.

Kashmiri Yakhni Lobster / Kofta (Kashmir, North India)

Inspired by the royal kitchens of Kashmir, this classic yakhni features a delicate yoghurt-based sauce infused with fennel, cardamom, and aromatic Kashmiri spices. Choose between grilled spice-marinated lobster or fig-stuffed cottage cheese kofta, served with baby garlic naan.

Soya Sukka (Maharashtra, West Coast)

Inspired by Maharashtra’s coastal kitchens, soya chunks are slow-cooked with freshly ground spices and toasted coconut, creating a bold, dry-style curry. Served with flaky masala paratha.

Optional House-Wine Experience

To further elevate the tasting journey, guests may opt for a carefully curated wine pairing designed to complement each of the seven courses. Selected for balance, structure, and character, the wines have been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the diverse regional flavors showcased throughout the menu.

From delicate preparations to richly spiced royal dishes and street-inspired flavours, each pairing is intended to create harmony between Indian cuisine and fine wines, enhancing depth, contrast, and overall dining experience.

7 Courses | One Journey | Endless Discoveries

Available in both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian menus, the tasting experience has been thoughtfully crafted to showcase the breadth of Indian cuisine while creating a seamless narrative from the first course to the last.

Each plate invites guests to discover a new region, a new story, and a new perspective on India’s extraordinary culinary heritage.

Experience Details

• 7-Course Vegetarian Option— THB 1,500 net per person
• 7-Course Non-Vegetarian Option — THB 2,200 net person
• House-Wine Experience — THB 765 net per person

Available every day from 12:00 – 24:00 hrs.

Nila is located at 4^th floor Amari Bangkok

Book now https://bit.ly/Nilabooktable or call +66 2 653 9000

About Amari Hotels & Resorts

Amari Hotels & Resorts, part of ONYX Hospitality Group, brings a contemporary expression of Thailand’s vibrant culture and creativity to destinations across Asia. Each property celebrates its local flair through thoughtful architecture, inspired design, locally influenced cuisine, and heartfelt service infused with the warmth of Thai hospitality. The Amari portfolio spans seaside escapes and dynamic urban settings across Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Source