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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, themed “Coastal Tourism: Symbiosis and Development of Nature and Culture,” will be held in Sanya, Hainan from November 18 to 20, 2025. Tourism professionals from around the world, officials of international organisations, and guests from Chinese cities will convene in Sanya, collaboratively envisioning and shaping the future of tourist cities worldwide through an innovative experiential exchange model. The event is organised by the Sanya Tourism Board and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

This event aims to establish an open and credible international exchange platform by moving beyond traditional conference modes and promoting deep, immersive engagement through global experience ambassadors. Three curated experience routes, tailored to guests’ professional backgrounds and interests, will guide the delegates in groups to representative sites, including Wuzhizhou Island Ecological Conservation Area, Yalong Bay Golf Club, Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the duty-free complex. These visits will allow the guests to witness firsthand Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation and tourism integration, the upgrading of high-end tourism services, and the continuity and innovation of ethnic cultural heritage. Through immersive exploration and in-depth dialogue, the delegates are expected to gain insights and co-create new ideas for the future of coastal tourism.

During the visits, each route will feature interactive sharing sessions and experience exchange salons. Global experts in sustainable tourism, cultural and tourism officials from tropical coastal cities, and representatives from local enterprises will be invited to discuss key topics such as “Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Tourism,” “Innovations in High-End Tourism Experience,” and “Modern Fusion of Indigenous Cultures.” Through case sharing and in-depth discussions, the delegates will collaborate to develop and refine practical development strategies. They will not only observe Sanya’s cultural and tourism initiatives but also contribute to shaping the future of global coastal tourism—their international experience and insights will bring diverse perspectives to support the high-quality development of Sanya and other coastal cities worldwide.

“PATA is delighted to partner with the Sanya Tourism Board on this thematic B2B special project that reflects the essence of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “By connecting global experience ambassadors and fostering dialogue among coastal destinations, this event represents the shared vision of building a responsible and resilient future for coastal tourism, one that balances the needs of nature, culture, and communities.”

The event has drawn extensive international interest, with over 200 delegates expected to participate from 27 countries and regions. More than 50% of the participants will be international delegates, including officials from the tourism authorities of over 37 renowned tourist cities and major source markets overseas, as well as leaders of prominent cultural and tourism enterprises, and industry experts and scholars. National delegates will include cultural and tourism officials from cities such as Beijing, Xiamen, Dalian, and Chongqing, along with heads of China offices of relevant international organisations and representatives of Sanya’s local cultural and tourism enterprises.

As a major gateway for cultural and tourism exchange of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the event will leverage site visits and exchanges to comprehensively showcase Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation, leisure tourism, and cultural continuity. It will also serve as a practical platform for Chinese coastal cities to share development experience and foster cooperation opportunities with the international community. The event will offer an invaluable exchange opportunity for international tourism experts to deepen interaction between the Chinese and foreign tourism sectors. Additionally, it is expected to promote coordinated ecological, cultural, and economic development among tropical coastal cities worldwide, injecting new momentum into the innovative, high-quality development of coastal tourism destinations.

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Madrid, Spain, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / G20 Leaders have recognized the contribution of tourism to shared prosperity and sustainability at the first Summit held in Africa under the Presidency of South Africa.

The G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration includes an important set of commitments to advance tourism as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development with a focus on:
– Promoting innovation and Investment
– Enhancing air connectivity, market access and new routes
– Supporting the digitalization of tourism start-ups and MSMEs
– Unlocking financing for sustainable tourism
– Creating opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples
– Developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practices
– Mobilizing public-private capital for sustainability alignment investment, and
– Integrating tourism in national development strategies

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The G20 economies represent around 70% of international tourism, and so this clear recognition of our sector’s importance to shared prosperity and sustainability is hugely welcome. We are particularly encouraged to see G20 Leaders intent to work on more and better connectivity between destinations, accelerating innovation and the shift to digital, ensuring the sector leaves no one behind and placing tourism in national development strategies. Great strides were made by South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I would like to congratulate HE President Cyril Ramaphosa for an outstanding Presidency, the first in Africa, and Minister Patricia DeLille for her leadership in the tourism track.”

In the Declaration, G20 Leaders highlight their “strong support for tourism innovation and investment, enhancing air connectivity, expanding market access, opening more routes, promoting sustainability, aviation safety and security while ensuring fair competition and policy coordination, facilitating people-to-people contacts and developing inclusive, sustainable tourism practices, as well as advancing digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSMEs.“

G20 Leaders further commit to work to “promote and expand opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, as appropriate, with a practical and evidence-based approach.”

They “emphasize the importance of integrating tourism into national development strategies and the need to unlock financing for sustainable tourism. We call for the mobilization of public-private capital through transparent, predictable, and sustainability-aligned investment environments.

UN Tourism as South Africa G20 Presidency Knowledge Partner

UN Tourism is honored to have worked with the South African G20 Presidency as a Knowledge Partner and contributed to the discussions at the Tourism Working Group and the Tourism Ministers Meeting held last September.

Last September, Tourism Ministers gathered in Mpumalanga committed to advancing policies that foster a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector, namely in terms of:
– Digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSME
– Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development
– Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel
– Enhancing resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development

The G20 represents around 70% of all international tourist arrivals and exports from tourism.

Tourism accounts for 3.1% of the total GDP of the G20, 5% of all exports, and 21% of all service exports.

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Sydney, Australia, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where he serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.

The UN Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honor. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. In this case, Professor Dwyer has been recognized for his career-long achievements in the field of tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness and sustainable tourism development, as well as his commitment to sharing knowledge outside of the sector itself.

Receiving the award, Professor Dwyer observed that, while the wellbeing outcomes of industrial development are being emphasized by social scientists, tourism analysis and policy continues to focus more narrowly on the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism development. The Ulysses Prize Laureate also emphasized that “tourism policies and programs should look beyond narrow, efficiency-driven economic indicators, to employ wellbeing measures to better gauge progress in tourism sustainable development.”

Academia Joins UN Tourism in Recognizing Excellence

The Award was presented at a ceremony attended by academic staff from the University of Technology Sydney and other universities, as well as by policymakers and industry stakeholders both from across Australia and Sydney.

Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney said: “Through his research, Larry has embodied the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – showing how evidence-based research can promote inclusive and sustainable growth. This recognition also shines a light on Australia’s leadership in tourism research, and on the important role of universities in addressing global challenges.”

Professor Dwyer’s focus on the wider social and economic impacts of the sector reflects UN Tourism’s mission and key priorities.

UN Tourism Director of External Relations, Beka Jakeli, highlighted the global challenges facing the sector, including climate change as an existential threat, political unrest, macroeconomic fluctuations, and rapid shifts in supplier operations and consumer behaviour. “It is time to rethink traditional partnerships and build an effective and innovative Public–Private–Academia partnership model to guide evidence-based decision-making grounded in research findings for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector,” he said.

Recognizing Leadership and Exploration

With 17 editions celebrated to date, the Ulysses Award symbolizes intellectual exploration and leadership, as exemplified by the legendary traveler it is named after. Recipients are typically distinguished scholars, whose work bridges theory and practice, influencing policy, governance, and industry strategies globally.

The prize aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, reinforcing tourism’s role as a force for positive change.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 25, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The city’s dining scene just got a little more loud. Chit Chaat, the city’s newest Indian restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 24, is here to prove that not every meal needs to whisper. It’s where conversation comes spiced, cocktails come with opinions, and Punjabi warmth meets Bangkok’s appetite for drama.

Rooted in Punjabi hospitality that is warm, lively, and social, Chit Chaat takes its name from two of India’s greatest exports: chit-chat and chaat (a street-side snack), bringing together the art of conversation, or perhaps a little gossip, with the vibrant, street-side spirit of chaat.

In a city where Indian dining often swings between budget-friendly canteens and white-tablecloth formality, Chit Chaat carves a new space entirely on its own. It’s casual yet considered, stylish yet soulful — a social dining concept that defies expectation. The restaurant proves that Indian food, beyond clichés, can be expressive, modern, and full of heart without losing its roots.

“Chit Chaat marks a fun new chapter for Boutique Corporation as we build food and beverage concepts that complement our hotel expansion across Thailand,” says Prab Thakral, President and Group CEO, Boutique Corporation PCL. “Dining has become such a vital part of how people experience hospitality, and we see it as a creative space to express personality and connect with guests. Chit Chaat does exactly that — it’s food with feeling, flavour that sparks conversation and laughter. Indian food has always had soul; we just wanted to add a bit of fun to it.”

The space is bold, bright, and just a little dramatic, where colour, rhythm, and a touch of chaos come together in perfect balance. Think playful Indian iconography, witty details, and nostalgic art with a modern wink. The playlist shifts gears as the night unfolds, starting with easy beats over chai and ending with a late-night groove. There’s just enough attitude to make every table feel like the best seat in the house. From the first chai to the last call, it’s a vibe.

And the food? Equal parts nostalgia and newness. To start, Tuna Pani Puri Chaat pops with tangy waters and spice, while Crispy Shiso Chaat gives the street-side classic a modern crunch. Rajasthani Lal Maas Tacos wrap fiery mutton in soft Mughlai bread for a perfect collision of cultures. Then come the Naan Rolls, Chit Chaat’s undisputed signatures.

Picture Butter Chicken tucked into fluffy naan with tomato-cashew gravy, Smoked Duck with garlic and Rajasthani spice, or Baadshah Lamb Leg Roll with slow-braised meat and greens. They’re bold, handheld, and unapologetically messy in the best way possible.

Mains stay loyal to the classics but never play it safe. Goan Chicken Vindaloo turns up the tang with a vinegary chilli kick, Kashmiri Rogan Josh simmers in 14 aromatic spices, and Paneer Makhani swirls with creamy tomato-cashew sauce. For something heartier, there’s Shahi Lamb Leg Musallam glazed in almond-cashew paste and Mutton Nehari that is slow-cooked overnight for that melt-off-the-bone satisfaction.

And just when you think the drama’s over, dessert takes the stage. Ghevar, the traditional Rajasthani honeycomb-style crisp, arrives with rich saffron cream. It’s sweet, airy, and utterly irresistible. Shehd-e-Jaam drenches deep-fried milk dumplings in syrup, while Mango Kulfi and Dil-e-Rasmalai end things on a note of nostalgia: sweet, creamy, and thoroughly indulgent.

The cocktail programme is less mixology and more performance art. Each drink arrives with a sense of theatre and a knowing wink to Indian nostalgia. The Coolie No. 1 blends Bacardi white rum with masala chai, vanilla, and a soft lassi foam, served in a miniature attaché case reminiscent of those carried across India’s railway platforms. Tiffin Box mixes 42 Below vodka with mango, kokum, cumin, and house ginger beer, presented deconstructed in a three-tier steel tiffin that guests can assemble themselves or leave to the team’s creative hands. Chaiwala combines Bombay gin, cucumber, Midori, and a hint of chilli, poured from a kettle into small glasses in the style of a station teaseller. Ticket Master, a refined blend of Dewar’s whisky, St-Germain, spiced honey, and kewra, arrives with a silver tray of biscuits and an old-fashioned drink ticket that your server punches before pouring.

At the centre of it all is Chef Narayan Bahadur Panthi, a master of curry and tandoor with more than two decades of experience spanning India, Croatia, and Bangkok. Before joining Chit Chaat, he spent eight years at Charcoal, where his signature flame and depth of flavour became known to the city’s food lovers. His cooking here is soulful, expressive, and technique-driven, the kind that makes noise without ever shouting.

As the night goes on, the playlist grows bolder, the cocktails loosen your collars, and the tables start to feel like old friends. Because at Chit Chaat, silence isn’t golden. It’s just suspicious.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION:

Address: 15 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Klongtaan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Tel: +66 93 608 6623

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Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has further strengthened the capacity of its Members across Asia and the Pacific to produce reliable, integrated, and policy-relevant tourism data.

The Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism in Asia and the Pacific (Bandar Seri Begawan, 18–20 November 2025) brought together more than 100 participants from 11 UN Tourism Member States. Hosted by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam, the three days provided a platform to share experiences and learn practical approaches to measuring the sustainability of tourism. Delegates represented National Tourism Authorities, National Statistics Offices, and other key institutions, alongside international experts.

The event combined high-level dialogue with technical and participatory sessions addressing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism sustainability. Participants explored the application of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) and related tools, including the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).

Through case studies and exercises, participants examined ways to strengthen institutional coordination between tourism and statistics authorities, improve tourism data governance, and use integrated information systems for evidence-based policymaking and destination management. The workshop featured discussions on measuring tourism employment, host community perceptions, and tourism’s impacts in the environment.

The programme served as a platform for peer learning and regional cooperation, reaffirming the commitment of countries in Asia and the Pacific to advance tourism measurement as a key foundation for sustainable and resilient tourism development.

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Madrid, Spain, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The UN Tourism General Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Professor Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.

Professor Novelli’s nomination was approved by Member States during the Assembly, marking the beginning of her four-year term as Chair.

Professor Novelli is an acknowledged expert in tourism and international development and serves as the Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School.

She brings extensive experience in sustainable tourism policy, planning, and development, all grounded in ethical principles and practices. In her role, she will lead the Committee’s work to actively promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. She will also oversee the implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and provide guidance on ethical issues in tourism.

“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this role,” said Professor Novelli. “Together with the Committee members, I look forward to advancing ethical principles that ensure tourism continues to be a force for good—benefiting people, communities, and the planet.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, congratulated Professor Novelli on her appointment, stating: “With her deep and diverse expertise and strong commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism, Professor Novelli will guide the Committee’s efforts to ensure the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism remains a living instrument shaping the future of our sector.”

New Committee Members Confirmed

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics is the independent body responsible for interpreting, applying, and evaluating the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, once it enters into force. It works to promote responsible conduct across the tourism sector and to monitor implementation of ethical principles worldwide.

At the same session, the General Assembly approved the following new members of the Committee:

Full Members

– Ms. Nancy MEJÍA Bonifazi, Executive Director, Guatemalan Tourism Chamber
– Ms. Eliana JANINEH, General Manager, Jordanian Restaurant Association
– Mr. Mokganedi NTANA, Environment and Eco-certification Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization
– Ms. Michaela REITTERER, Owner and CEO, Boutique Hotel Stadthalle
– Mr. Amol Bobby TITUS, CEO, PT Indonesia Wise

Alternate Members

– Mr. Mekhak APRESYAN, President, Armenian Tourism Federation
– Ms. Almudena GONZÁLEZ Gutiérrez de León, Lecturer and Researcher, Saxion University of Applied Sciences
– Ms. Maria NCHAMA NZOHO, Director General of Tourism Policies, Ministry of Tourism and Infrastructure, Equatorial Guinea

About the World Committee on Tourism Ethics

The Committee serves as an independent body of UN Tourism tasked with promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Its work aims to ensure that tourism development worldwide is guided by principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect for human rights, the environment, and cultural heritage.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In an unprecedented culinary exchange, two of the Asia-Pacific region’s most acclaimed pizzerias are joining forces for “Across the Doughline,” a cross-continental collaboration that will culminate in an exclusive celebration at Massilia Ruamrudee on December 9, 2025.

Massilia, Thailand’s Best Pizzeria for four consecutive years (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) and ranked 4th Best Pizzeria in Asia 2025, is partnering with Melbourne’s legendary 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar for a series of special events spanning two countries. The collaboration brings together Chef Michele Fernando of Massilia and Chef Michele Circhirillo of 48h – both representing restaurants listed in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza World rankings.

A Meeting of Masters

The partnership celebrates shared values of artisanal craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and the art of leavening that have earned both establishments international recognition. Massilia, a pioneer of authentic Italian pizza culture in Bangkok since 2015, has revolutionized the city’s pizza scene with its emphasis on contemporary techniques and high-quality raw materials. Meanwhile, 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Italian dining landscape, expanding from South Yarra to international locations including Torino, Italy.

“This collaboration represents more than just two pizzerias coming together,” says Chef Michele Fernando. “It’s a celebration of how pizza culture has evolved across continents while staying true to Italian traditions. We’re honored to mark Massilia’s 10th anniversary at Ruamrudee with this extraordinary partnership.”

The Bangkok Grand Finale – December 9

The centerpiece of “Across the Doughline” takes place at Massilia’s flagship Ruamrudee location, coinciding with the venue’s milestone 10th anniversary. The evening promises an unforgettable culinary experience featuring:

• Exclusive Collaboration Menu: Signature creations from both chefs, including Massilia’s award-winning “Norma Not Normal” (crowned Pizza of the Year APAC 2025) and 48h’s innovative Australian-inspired pizzas
• All-You-Can-Eat Pizza & Peroni Beers: Unlimited access to both Massilia’s classic selection (Exceptional Value: 790 THB++ per person)
• Intimate Celebration: A rare opportunity to experience the vision of two internationally recognized pizza masters under one roof

“We’re bringing Melbourne’s bold, Australian approach to Bangkok’s refined palate,” adds Chef Michele Circhirillo of 48h. “This is about pushing boundaries while honoring the craft that connects us across 7,000 kilometers.”

The Journey Begins in Melbourne

Before the Bangkok finale, the collaboration launches in Melbourne with exclusive masterclasses and special pizza nights:

• Masterclasses (November 29-30): Intimate sessions where both chefs share their techniques and philosophy. Tickets available via ClassBento.
• Pizza Nights (December 1-2): Special collaboration menu at 48h’s Melbourne locations. Reservations: ciao[@]48h[.]com[.]au

A Celebration of Global Pizza Excellence

“Across the Doughline” exemplifies the global community fostered by 50 Top Pizza, which recognizes the world’s finest pizzerias. With both restaurants consistently ranked among Asia-Pacific’s elite, this collaboration offers Bangkok’s discerning diners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience culinary excellence from two continents on a single menu.

The December 9 event represents the first time 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar has brought its acclaimed Australian pizza artistry to Thailand, making it an essential experience for pizza enthusiasts, food media, and anyone passionate about authentic Italian cuisine.

Event Details:

What: “Across the Doughline” – Bangkok Grand Finale
When: Monday, December 9, 2025
Where: Massilia Ruamrudee, Soi Ruamrudee 1, Bangkok
Reservations:
– Email: contact[@]massiliabkk[.]com
– LINE: @pizzamassiliabkk
– Phone: 094 552 2025

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), in partnership with Atlântico Business School (ABS), is pleased to announce the 2025 update of the ETF/ABS Magellan Travel Index (MTI) — the world’s most comprehensive benchmark for identifying and celebrating the most accomplished travelers on the planet.

Named in honor of the legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the MTI evaluates both quantity and quality of travel to produce a total index score. Using verified data from the Most Traveled People (MTP), NomadMania, and the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC), the MTI reflects not just how far people travel, but how deeply they engage with the world.

João Paulo Peixoto, co-founder of the Magellan Travel Index and professor at ABS, added: “Our goal with the MTI is to elevate global travel by creating a transparent, data-driven way to measure exploration. This index celebrates not only the number of places visited but the richness and quality of each traveler’s journey. We are proud to honor those who represent the very best of global citizenship.”

“The ETF/ABS Magellan Travel Index has quickly become the gold standard in global travel rankings,” said Ric Gazarian, Founder of the Extraordinary Travel Festival. “This collaboration with ABS allows us to recognize travelers who explore with purpose, curiosity, and respect — the true spirit of global exploration.”

2025 Top 5 Travelers — ETF/ABS Magellan Travel Index

The top ranked were recognized at the Most Traveled People Summitt in November of 2025 in Addis Ababa. The 2025 rankings highlight five extraordinary individuals whose global journeys reflect unmatched depth and breadth of exploration:

1. Michael Runkel — Total Index: 95.61
Quantity: 69.80 | Quality: 43.98
Renowned German travel photographer and explorer, Runkel retains a leading position due to his unmatched global reach and exceptionally well-rounded exploration.

2. Sascha Grabow — Total Index: 94.17
Quantity: 68.62 | Quality: 43.07
A long-time leader in the extreme travel community, Grabow’s extensive journeys and deep regional coverage secure him the second position for 2025.

3. Harry Mitsidis — Total Index: 97.03
Quantity: 68.56 | Quality: 40.09
Founder of NomadMania and one of the world’s most recognized global travelers, Mitsidis excels in the quality-focused portions of the index, achieving one of the highest quality scores worldwide.

4. Igor Sergeev — Total Index: 91.61
Quantity: 68.56 | Quality: 45.50
Sergeev’s incredible combination of volume and depth places him firmly in the top five, with one of the strongest quality scores in the community.

5. Thomas Buechler — Total Index: 89.80
Quantity: 68.33 | Quality: 46.86
Known for his sustained, multi-decade travel achievements, Buechler ranks fifth, supported by an impressive quality score reflecting his deep cultural and geographical engagement.

Extraordinary Travel Festival

In 2026, the MTI Awards ceremony will return to Bangkok for the Extraordinary Travel Festival on October 22-25, 2026. João Paulo Peixoto will be announcing the top ranked travelers at the event.

About the ETF/ABS Magellan Travel Index

The ETF/ABS Magellan Travel Index is an annual collaboration between the Extraordinary Travel Festival and Atlântico Business School, developed to establish a rigorous, transparent, and data-driven way to recognize global travelers. The index draws from the world’s most respected travel databases, balancing 50% travel quantity and 50% travel quality to produce the fairest and most comprehensive ranking.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Culinary stars are set to dazzle at the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Thailand 2026, officially scheduled for Thursday, 27 November 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok − marking the announcement of the highly anticipated full restaurant selection at the press conference and the celebration of Thailand’s talented culinary community at the exclusive gala dinner.

As the MICHELIN Guide celebrates its 125th Anniversary this year, the Ceremony welcomes guests to retrace the Guide’s remarkable journey through a special information display at the reception area, underscoring its legacy as the world’s longest-running and most esteemed restaurant guidebook.

At the press conference, guests will witness the announcement of this year’s MICHELIN Guide Special Award recipients – including an award presented for the very first time in Thailand. Additional highlights include the reveal of the MICHELIN Green Star and the prestigious One, Two, and Three MICHELIN Stars—culminating in an exclusive media interview session with the award recipients.

The Bib Gourmand Selection, will be revealed a week prior to the Award Ceremony Day. This latest edition covers Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces, Phuket & Phang-Nga, Chiang Mai, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Isan (Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen), Ko Samui & Surat Thani, and Chon Buri.

Every establishment included in the selection is independently and discreetly evaluated by anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors, based on five globally applied criteria:

• The quality of the ingredients
• The mastery of cooking techniques
• The harmony of flavours
• The personality of the cuisine
• The consistency both over time and across the menu

The invitation-only award ceremony will conclude with a lunch reception—an opportunity for media representatives to engage with renowned chefs and gain behind-the-scenes insights into their culinary expertise while savoring dishes from MICHELIN-recommended eateries, including Bib Gourmand-awarded Aunglo by Yangrak (Bangkok) and Krua Lawng Khao (Chiang Mai), as well as MICHELIN Selected restaurants such as Delia (Bangkok), Garlic (Bangkok), Kaen (Khon Kaen), and Tambu (Phuket).

To enable food enthusiasts and culinary professionals worldwide to share in this remarkable milestone in Thailand’s gastronomic history, the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Thailand 2026 will be live-streamed on the MICHELIN Guide YouTube channel.

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Belem, Brazil, November 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), together with the governments of Japan, Malaysia and a coalition of leading industry stakeholders, have issued a joint statement at COP30 calling on governments to accelerate coordinated action to achieve net zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050.

The signatories have also emphasized that ICAO remains the exclusive global forum for regulating international aviation emissions under the long-established frameworks of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

They warn that fragmented or unilateral measures risk undermining climate progress, weakening connectivity and diverting resources away from genuine emissions-reduction investment.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism relies on a strong and competitive aviation system. WTTC does not support new climate taxes that push costs onto travellers and add unnecessary pressure on the sector. What we need are practical, scalable solutions that accelerate decarbonisation and expand access to climate finance. Aviation is the backbone of global travel and we should have a focus on measures that strengthen its ability to connect people and support economies.”

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said: “Aviation is a catalyst for global connectivity and economic development. To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, governments must reaffirm ICAO’s role as the single global authority, fully implement CORSIA, and operationalize Article 6 to unlock climate finance for developing nations. Fragmented taxes and levies will not cut emissions. They risk diverting funds from actual emission reduction investments, which is a critical climate consideration, and will only weaken connectivity and harm those who depend on it most.”

Key Points from the Joint Statement

ICAO’s Central Role

The joint statement reaffirms ICAO as the exclusive forum for regulating international aviation emissions. Its mandate under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol provides the legal and technical framework for coordinated global action.

The signatories call on all States to uphold ICAO’s leadership and avoid duplicating mechanisms across international processes.

Strengthening CORSIA

CORSIA remains a cornerstone of the sector’s decarbonisation pathway. In the First Phase from 2024 to 2026, airlines are expected to purchase upwards of 200 million credits, generating US$ 4–5 billion. The scheme is projected to offset nearly 2 billion credits through 2035. These funds will support high-quality, independently verified emissions-reduction projects, with particular benefit for developing economies.

CORSIA is projected to cover at least 85 percent of international aviation emissions by 2027 and to generate over USD 120 billion in climate finance between 2024 and 2035.

Accelerating Article 6 Implementation

The signatories call for urgent progress in operationalising Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Host countries are encouraged to issue Letters of Authorisation and enable the release of CORSIA-eligible emissions units, which are central to mobilising climate finance and sustaining investment in low-carbon development.

Taxes and Levies are not Climate Solutions

The joint statement cautions that taxes and levies, including proposals from emerging coalitions such as the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force, are not designed to reduce emissions. Their primary function is revenue generation. Such measures risk curbing connectivity, constraining economic opportunities and disproportionately affecting developing economies and small island States that rely on air transport as an essential economic lifeline.

The signatories of the joint statement are:

• The governments of:
  – Japan
  – Malaysia
• Airlines for Europe (A4E)
• Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO)
• Airports Council International (ACI)
• Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA)
• Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE)
• Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA)
• Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA)
• Air Transport Action Group (ATAG)
• European Regions Airline Association (ERA)
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
• International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA)
• National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC)
• World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

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