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Kochi, Kerala, September 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) got underway in Kochi on September 24, with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurating the event at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. The four-day gathering is billed as India’s flagship tourism and hospitality business platform, bringing together stakeholders from across the country and overseas.

Following the opening ceremony, the core business-to-business meetings and exhibition run from September 25 to 27 at the Sagara and Samudrika Convention Centres on Willingdon Island. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas led the run-up to the event, which organisers expected would draw around 4,000 domestic and international buyers along with more than 2,000 sellers and service providers.

The scale of participation this year is notable. With 382 sellers, over 3,000 registered buyers, roughly 790 of them international, the Mart has lined up close to 40,000 scheduled B2B meetings — the largest turnout in KTM’s 25-year history. Tourism officials framed the numbers as a resilience story: the state has attracted 800 international and 2,250 domestic buyers despite ongoing global conflicts, according to Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh.
Beyond deal-making, the Mart carries a policy dimension. The state government has announced plans to introduce 100 new tourist destinations over the next five years, adding 20 annually, with a push toward wellness, ayurveda, experiential tourism and cultural heritage sites. The four-day programme itself combines curated B2B meetings with policy discussions and sector-focused seminars, spanning leisure tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), wellness tourism and destination weddings.

For visiting delegates and media, the experience extends past the convention floor. Post-event tours from September 28 to October 3 will take participants across twelve distinct geographic tracks to experience Kerala’s destinations and tourism products firsthand.

About Kerala Travel Mart
Held biennially since its founding, KTM has grown into one of India’s most significant tourism trade shows, positioning Kerala — long marketed as “God’s Own Country” — as a hub for cultural, leisure, wellness and experiential travel. The Kerala Travel Mart Society also unveiled a revamped website for the event this year, alongside an official promotional video for the 2026 edition.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Independent music enthusiasts looking for fresh talent and original sounds will have a new artist to watch when Meilee Tal, an emerging singer, songwriter, influencer and dancer, takes to the indoor stage at CentralWorld on 18 October 2026 as a special invited artist at Melody of Life Music Festival 2026.

More than simply a singer performing other people’s music, Meilee is an artist who is determined to create her own identity. She writes her own original songs, performs them herself and brings together music and dance to create a performance that reflects her individual personality and artistic vision.

At the same time, Meilee is developing herself as a new-generation pop artist, combining original music with choreography, visual identity, stage presence and the kind of high-energy performance associated with modern pop stars. For her, being an artist is not only about writing the songs, but about creating the full world around them and bringing that world to life on stage.

Her appearance at Melody of Life offers festival-goers an opportunity to discover an artist at an exciting stage of her journey, one who is building her career from the ground up, following her own creative instincts and using her own experiences as inspiration for her music.

From Passion to Her Own Artistic Identity

Meilee’s story is one of self-belief, persistence and creative independence.

Rather than waiting for a traditional route into the music industry, she has taken an increasingly hands-on approach to developing herself as an artist. Writing her own material has become an important part of that journey, allowing her to express thoughts, feelings and experiences in a way that is personal and authentic to her.

For Meilee, songwriting is not simply about producing a melody or creating a catchy song. It is a way of telling her story.

Her music provides a window into the young artist behind the stage persona, while her background in dance adds another dimension to her performances. The combination of vocals, original songwriting and movement gives Meilee the freedom to express her music visually as well as musically.

That performance element is central to the kind of pop artist Meilee wants to become. Rather than separating singing, dancing and visual presentation, she brings them together, approaching the stage with the ambition to deliver a complete pop performance, where choreography, energy, personality and music all play an equally important role.

This independent spirit is also what makes her an interesting fit for Melody of Life, a festival known for bringing together different musical styles, creative personalities and audiences who enjoy discovering something beyond the mainstream.

Not Just a Performer, A Creator

In an industry where emerging artists can easily become defined by a single song, trend or social-media moment, Meilee is taking a broader approach to establishing herself.

She is developing herself as a creator as well as a performer, and as a pop artist with a clear vision of the kind of presence she wants to build both on stage and beyond it.

From putting her own words into songs to shaping the way those songs are presented on stage, she is gradually building an artistic identity that belongs entirely to her.

Her original repertoire gives audiences an opportunity to hear her voice in its most authentic form, not simply interpreting someone else’s composition, but performing music that comes directly from her own creative world.

And when the music begins, her dance background adds another layer to the experience.

The result is an artist who sees performance as a complete form of expression: voice, lyrics, rhythm, movement and personality coming together on one stage. It is an approach rooted in songwriting but driven by the scale and energy of pop performance, combining the intimacy of telling her own stories with the ambition of putting on a show.

 A New Generation of Independent Talent

 Meilee’s journey also reflects a wider movement among today’s emerging artists, who are increasingly taking control of their own creative careers.

Digital platforms have made it possible for artists to develop their own audiences, share original music and experiment with different forms of artistic expression without necessarily following the traditional industry route.

For independent artists such as Meilee, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge, the opportunity to build an identity on their own terms, and the challenge of doing everything from creating music to performing and connecting with audiences.

For Meilee, that independence has also allowed her to develop her own vision of pop stardom, one built around original songs, strong performance, dance, visual storytelling and a direct connection with her audience.

It is precisely this entrepreneurial and independent approach that makes Meilee an artist to watch.

Her appearance at Melody of Life is another step in that journey, placing her original music in front of a diverse audience of music lovers and giving the festival’s pop community an opportunity to discover her work first-hand.

“I Want People to Know Me Through My Music”

“I am very excited and honoured to be invited to perform at Melody of Life,” said Meilee Tal.

“For me, performing my own songs is especially meaningful because each song represents something personal. I have written the songs myself and I want people to be able to connect with the music and understand a little more about who I am as an artist.

“But I also love the performance side of pop music. I love dancing, choreography, visuals and creating a show. My goal is to bring all of those things together so people aren’t only hearing my songs, they’re experiencing the world I want to create around them.

“I hope everyone who comes to the festival will enjoy the performance, sing along, and perhaps discover a new artist and new songs that they can take with them.”

Catch Meilee Tal Live at Melody of Life

For music lovers, the appeal of Meilee’s appearance is simple: come and discover an emerging artist before her story becomes bigger.

Her performance promises to showcase the different sides of her artistry, from her original songwriting and vocals to her dance and stage presence, bringing together the creative independence of a singer-songwriter with the energy and ambition of a rising pop performer.

For media, meanwhile, Meilee offers an engaging “artist to watch” story: a self-made young creative talent building her career through original music, determination and a distinctly personal approach to performance, while developing the music, image and stage identity of a new-generation pop artist.

Media representatives interested in covering Meilee Tal, interviewing her or exploring her journey as an emerging independent artist are warmly invited to attend the festival and contact the PR/media relations team for further information and interview opportunities.

MELODY OF LIFE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

Date: 18 October 2026

Venue: CentralWorld, Bangkok

Stage: Indoor Stage

Artist: Meilee Tal

Role: Special Invited Singing Artist & Dancer

Performance: Original songs written by Meilee Tal

Come for Melody of Life.

Discover Meilee Tal.

Hear the songs. Feel the rhythm. Meet an artist creating her own story.

 The Story of Meilee Tal – in her own words

“I am a multi-disciplinary artist with experience as a singer, songwriter, actress, influencer, video creator, dancer and model.

I have released several original singles, each accompanied by a music video.   My most recently released song, “Fake Flowers,”  is already resonating with listeners.

Previous releases include “Angel,” “Alone,” “Until The Next Time,” “Drink,” “All I Need This Christmas”, “Tonight” and “A Drunk Christmas”.  Each song reflects a different side of my artistry, ranging from emotional pop to fun, upbeat anthems.  I also have many unreleased songs and demos that are ready for upcoming releases.
As a singer and songwriter, I write, compose, and perform original music primarily in English, and I am also fluent in Chinese, with the ability to create music in both languages.

My musical style includes pop, K-pop, and mainstream genres.

I have performed internationally and have had the opportunity to open for well-known artists on tour, and I have also had the opportunity to open “THAILAND FASHION WEEK” with my original song “Therapy” (unreleased).
Alongside my music career, I am an active influencer with a growing global audience, currently reaching over 200,000 followers on TikTok and 80,000 followers on Instagram, with millions of views across platforms.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 21, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Amari Bangkok invites guests to enjoy the Oktoberfest festival with a special two-day event “Oktoberfest in the Garden”, taking place on 1–2 October 2026 from 17:00–21:00 hrs. at the Garden on the 8th floor.

The celebration brings together German favourites, BBQ and grills, drinks and more in a relaxed garden setting designed for enjoying the flavours and atmosphere of Oktoberfest with friends and family. Three packages are available.

Oktoberfest in the Garden Packages
Guests can choose from three packages:
• THB 500 net – Entrance Ticket: includes entrance and a half pint (250ml) of beer.
• THB 999 net – All You Can Eat: includes German favourites, BBQ and grills.
• THB 1,999 net – Ultimate Package: includes all-you-can-eat dining and free-flow beer.
A 15% discount is available for bookings made by 25 September 2026.

A special Oktoberfest menu will also be available at Aqua Eatery & Bar, featuring German-inspired favourites including Bavarian Pretzel & Obatzda Dip, Pulled Pork Knuckle Pretzel Bun and Berlin Currywurst, alongside other dishes and desserts. The menu is paired with Paulaner draught beer.

The Oktoberfest menu will be available from 19 September to 19 October 2026 at Aqua Eatery & Bar on the 8th floor, daily from 10:00–20:00 hrs.

À la carte menu starts from THB 200++, while Paulaner draught beer is available from THB 280++ per 300ml glass.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, in collaboration with Thai wellness experience brand Stillwave, invites guests to slow down, listen and reconnect through “Cosmic Current,” a three-hour immersive sound journey bringing together six Thai sound creators and artists.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, within the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, the experience will unfold through sound, vibration, breath and stillness. Guests may choose between a morning session from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM or a sunset session from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Founded by Assistant Professor Dr. Taechit Cheuypoung and Thippailin Boontaveesuksan, Stillwave has collaborated with six Thai artists and practitioners to create “Cosmic Current”—a concept inspired by the currents of life that connect all things.

From water and breath to the earth and the wider universe, every movement unfolds within an interconnected rhythm, just as sound and vibration travel through silence. Throughout the journey, participants are invited to turn their awareness inward and reconnect with their bodies, breath and inner stillness, reflecting the idea that we are not separate from nature but part of the same current of life.

Six Sound Creators & Artists

• Supanat sukpong (Bestrip) – A Thai DJ who blends Deep House, World Music and Electronica with sounds from nature and tribal music to create immersive and atmospheric soundscapes. His experience includes performances at Wonderfruit and Aether Bangkok.
• Kru Air Napakorn (Air) – A holistic wellness practitioner with more than eight years of experience in Yoga, Sound Healing, Mindfulness and Breathwork. She combines sound and conscious breathing to encourage relaxation and restore balance to the body and mind.
• Natthew Thewphaingam (Natthew) – An artist, singer and actor with experience in both physical wellbeing and the art of sound. Through sound and sensory awareness, he invites participants to reconnect with themselves.
• Juthapat Bundaipetch (Tae) – A practitioner specialising in Sound Healing and Planetary Gong (The Sound of Ahosi), guiding participants through sound and vibration to create space for inner connection and gentle release.
• Assistant Professor Dr. Taechit Cheuypoung (AA) – Founder and Creative Director of Stillwave and a sound experience artist who brings together the art of sound and experience design to create spaces for stillness, restoration and inner calm.
• Apisit Wongchoti (Jack) – A music arranger, conductor and music producer who brings together multiple layers of sound and music to create a seamless sonic journey as part of Cosmic Current.

A Multi-Sensory Journey

Designed as a multi-sensory experience, Cosmic Current invites participants to engage their senses while reclining in comfort within the spacious Grand Ballroom.

PHUTAWAN introduces a fragrant dimension under the concept “SCENT · INNER CONNECTION.” The brand’s Organic Pillow Spray combines natural essential oils with Nano Encapsulation Technology, allowing its fragrance to be gradually released through touch and movement. The scent creates a calming atmosphere, gently inviting participants to reconnect with themselves before beginning the journey through sound.

The experience is complemented by beverages from BEANS Coffee Roaster, offering a selection of more than 30 high-quality coffee beans sourced from around the world. Guided by the philosophy that “customers choose their own coffee,” guests may select beans according to their individual preferences and explore a coffee experience reflecting their personal tastes.

Alongside this, BIBI presents “JUICEFEE,” a refreshing combination of fruit juice and caffeine from coffee, Thai tea or matcha, bringing together refreshment and an energizing boost in one drink.

Completing the experience is the Grand Ballroom at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok. Its contemporary design, generous scale and advanced event facilities provide a distinctive canvas where sound, art, fragrance, taste, touch and atmosphere come together as one immersive journey of rest and reconnection.

The collaboration reflects the hotel’s commitment to expanding the possibilities of its event spaces beyond traditional meetings and celebrations, creating new experiences that support wellbeing, creativity and meaningful connection.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026

Morning Session: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Sunset Session: 3:30–6:30 PM

Early Bird: THB 1,999 net per person for reservations made by 20 September 2026

Regular Price: THB 2,499 net per person

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Koh Samui, Thailand, September 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / This festive season, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui invites guests to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2027 in the tranquil surroundings of its private bay. The resort will come alive with beachfront dining, live entertainment, festive drinks, restorative spa experiences, and meaningful moments designed to be shared.

From Christmas Eve celebrations by the sea to a relaxed Christmas Day lunch and the White Coastal Gala welcoming 2027, the festive programme brings together a collection of experiences inspired by the natural beauty and peaceful spirit of Koh Samui.

Christmas Celebrations: “Woodland Glow”
On Christmas Eve, 24 December 2026, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui will host a beachfront BBQ at Fish Tales from 19:00 to 22:00 hrs., featuring festive roasts, premium meats, seafood, and international and Thai favourites. Live music by Bulet and a special appearance by the Tongsai Carol Singers will accompany the evening.

The experience is priced at THB 4,900 net per adult and THB 2,450 net per child aged 5–12 years, excluding beverages.

Book with full payment by 15 November 2026 to enjoy 10% off food. Optional three-hour beverage packages are available from THB 1,590 net per person.

Christmas Day continues with a relaxed lunch by the sea at Fish Tales from 12:00 hrs., with a choice of two- and three-course festive menus created by the resort’s Culinary Team, starting from THB 1,490 net per person.

New Year’s Eve: White Coastal Gala 2026
On 31 December 2026, the resort will welcome 2027 with its White Coastal Gala at Po-Lad Beach Bar and Fish Tales. Inspired by Pearl White & Coastal Gold, the evening will feature a beachfront cocktail reception, grand dinner buffet, live music, Samui Fire Dancers, DJ Simon, a midnight countdown, and fireworks.

The celebration is priced at THB 8,500 net per adult and THB 4,250 net per child aged 5–12 years, excluding beverages.

Book with full payment by 15 November 2026 to enjoy 10% off food. Optional four-hour beverage packages are available from THB 2,850 net per person.

Festive Wellbeing
For those seeking a restorative spa experience in Koh Samui during the festive season, 8LEMENTS SPA offers a peaceful retreat focused on relaxation and wellbeing. Guests booking any 90-minute treatment from December 2026 through January 2027 will receive a complimentary 8LEMENTS Massage Oil as a festive gift.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF), from 10 to 12 January 2027, in partnership with UN Tourism.

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain, and Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, signed the hosting agreement at the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, in the presence of officials and representatives of the tourism sector.

The Forum will bring together ministers, investors, financial institutions and private-sector leaders, with a focus on where tourism investment is heading, how projects are financed, and how to build partnerships that deliver long-term economic and social returns. The programme will also present Bahrain’s tourism projects and investment opportunities to international investors.

Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi said: “This agreement is an important step in establishing Bahrain as a regional and international destination for tourism investment. The Forum will give investors and decision-makers a global platform to find new opportunities and build lasting partnerships. It will also show what Bahrain offers: a strong investment environment, advanced infrastructure, a strategic location and a diverse tourism offer.”

Her Excellency Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “Investment decides whether tourism grows in a way that creates jobs, builds resilience and lasts. UN Tourism will bring its investment expertise and global network to Manama, and we thank the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Forum. Our ambition is clear: to help turn tourism potential into investable projects that deliver lasting value.”

The agreement reflects Bahrain’s commitment to international cooperation in tourism, drawing on UN Tourism’s global expertise to strengthen the Kingdom’s investment environment and the competitiveness of its tourism sector.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 17, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 15 September 2026, Dusit Thani College and Avocados Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in education, workforce development, and food innovation. The agreement was signed on behalf of Dusit Thani College by Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College, and Ms. ​Pichaya Noranitiphadungkarn, Director of International Relations and Accreditations, while representing Avocados Australia were Mr. Brad Rodgers, Director for Western Australia, and Mr. KC Liew, General Manager, Southeast Asia. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Mr. Pablo Kang, Ambassador of Australia to Thailand.

The MoU aims to foster knowledge exchange in food and culinary studies, advance food technology development, and build collaborative networks between academia and industry at an international level. The partnership is expected to help prepare students and professionals for the evolving demands of the future food industry.

On the same day, Dusit Thani College, with support from Avocados Australia, organized the Australian Fruits Culinary Competition 2026, an internal culinary competition designed to select Dusit Thani College students to represent Thailand and showcase their talents in Malaysia from 1-4 November 2026.

“This competition is a great example of the strong and practical relationship between Australia and Thailand, bringing together education, industry and emerging culinary talent,” His Excellency Mr. Pablo Kang, Ambassador of Australia to Thailand said, “Partnerships like this create opportunities for knowledge exchange and strengthen the people-to-people and commercial links between our two countries. It is particularly encouraging to see young Thai chefs engaging creatively with high-quality Australian produce and developing new ideas that reflect Thailand’s dynamic food culture.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector of Dusit Thani College, added: “We are especially grateful to Avocados Australia for supporting this competition and for believing in the creativity of our students. Your partnership allows our young chefs to explore new ingredients, new techniques, and new ways of thinking about food — skills that will serve them throughout their careers in the global hospitality industry. We hope this is only the beginning of a much deeper collaboration between our two organizations. We look forward to creating many more opportunities for our students and faculties to learn from one another.”

Mr. Brad Rodgers, Director for Western Australia at Avocados Australia, expressed the view that culinary education has an important role in market development. He noted that the students participating today will become chefs, educators, and foodservice professionals who shape future menus and influence how consumers experience different ingredients. “For Avocados Australia, this partnership will help us better understand how Australian avocados are received and used in Thailand. We hope it will also provide Dusit Thani College students and faculty with access to industry knowledge, Australian produce, and future opportunities for collaboration,” he said.

The competition challenged participants to create an original signature dish inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine, featuring premium Australian produce as the main ingredients, including avocados, stone fruit, and table grapes. It aimed to highlight the versatility and potential of these fruits in contemporary cuisine while encouraging creativity, flavor innovation, and the preservation of ASEAN’s rich culinary identity. Competitors were tasked with developing dishes that are innovative, commercially viable, culturally relevant, and aligned with the preferences of today’s consumers.

More than just a flagship activity under this new partnership, the competition provided students with opportunities to demonstrate their creativity, food product development skills, and application of food

innovation. It also reflected the educational approach of Dusit Thani College’s newly launched Food Technology and Creative Culinary Arts program, which integrates culinary arts with science, technology, and innovation to develop food products that meet modern consumer demands in terms of taste, nutrition, sustainability, and commercial potential.

The competition is also part of the Australian Fruits Culinary Programme, a regional initiative jointly delivered by the ASEAN-Australia Centre, Avocados Australia, Australian Table Grape Association, Summerfruit Australia, and regional educational institutions. The programme aims to connect Australia’s horticultural industry, culinary education institutions, and emerging chefs from across Southeast Asia through activities such as culinary training, recipe competitions, etc.

Dusit Thani College and Avocados Australia expect that this MoU will pave the way for future academic activities, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and collaborative projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities of both students and professionals in the food and hospitality industries.

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Karoo, South Africa, September 17, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / From a five-star training ground rewriting the odds for rural women, to children directing and filming their own South African adventure films, to rhino lineage and reef ecosystems kept alive by the communities living alongside them, four properties across South Africa show what it looks like to protect heritage when the cameras aren’t rolling

Every 24 September, South Africa marks Heritage Day – popularly known as National Braai Day, a day when the country’s diversity is celebrated over a fire and a shared plate. But heritage in South Africa is not confined to a single public holiday. Across four properties, from a Cape Dutch national monument in the Karoo to a private reserve on the Sabie River and two eco-lodges anchored in KwaZulu-Natal’s wild coast and rhino heartland, hospitality is doing the quieter, harder work of keeping heritage, culture, wildlife and community alive every day of the year.

The properties differ in setting and story, but the throughline is consistent: heritage protected not as a display for guests, but as a living system – of skills passed on, cultures represented with intention, and land and species kept intact because the people closest to them have a stake in their survival.

A national monument turned training ground: Drostdy Hotel

In Robert Sobukwe (formerly Graaff-Reinet), South Africa’s fourth-oldest town, the five-star, Cape Dutch-style Drostdy Hotel is doing more than preserving a national monument – it is preserving a pathway. The hotel is owned by the South African College for Tourism (SACT), founded in 2001 by Dr Anton Rupert with a mandate to train unemployed young individuals from rural South Africa for careers in hospitality.

Students at SACT are not rehearsing service standards in a mock-up dining room. They are rostered onto the floor of a working five-star hotel, handling real guests, real bookings and real complaints – meaning a graduate’s CV lists Drostdy itself, not a simulated placement. Tebello Polisane-Casper, Executive Director of both Drostdy Hotel and SACT, has spent 16 years in hospitality, starting as a student waiter herself.

“Women in leadership positions serve as vital role models and mentors,” she says. “By demonstrating competence, resilience and initiative, we inspire the next generation to realise their potential. Tourism is a live environment – our young women are dealing with people as it happens, and graduating with hands-on, high-end experience.”

Anra Smith is one result of that model: she started as an intern reservationist and is now the hotel’s Wine Shop and Events Manager, 16 years on. Seventy years after the 1956 women’s march, Graaff-Reinet offers a working example of that legacy inside an industry built on service – a heritage site turned into a pipeline for the women it once would have excluded from its front-of-house.

Heritage handed to the next generation: Shiviko Kruger

At Shiviko Kruger, on the banks of the Sabie River minutes from Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger Gate, heritage is not something children observe – it is something they make, wear and take home. Each of the property’s four exclusive-use villas is built around a distinct African culture, told through its architecture, craft and objects: Ekasi draws on Soweto township culture, Shaka on the traditions of Nguni women, Pula on Tswana and Sotho heritage, and Thobela on Shangaan, Pedi and Venda influences.

That storytelling extends into the activities themselves. Guides run junior fire-making sessions and storytelling around the flames. A traditional bead worker teaches children to make their own bracelets, necklaces and headbands, along with the meaning behind the patterns and colours. Marimba lessons let children learn from the musicians who perform at the lodge, and in the boma, children plant and name their own tree with their guide. A newly launched children-led filmmaking experience – using the same professional camera kit as Shiviko’s own guides – lets children capture their stay in their own words, edited into a keepsake film by the property’s videographer.

“Multi-generational travel is about creating a space where grandparents, parents, and children can move at their own rhythm and create memories on their own terms,” says Anica Jones, General Manager at Shiviko Kruger.

Conservation as living heritage: Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and Thonga Beach Lodge

Two Isibindi Africa Lodges properties in KwaZulu-Natal show that protecting South Africa’s heritage extends to the land, wildlife and marine life that heritage is built on, and that this protection only works in partnership with the communities who live alongside it.

Inside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the reserve where every southern white rhino alive today traces its lineage, and the birthplace of the pioneering Operation Rhino programme in the 1950s and 60s – Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge sits within the very landscape it helps protect. As the park records a landmark 52% reduction in rhino poaching this year, guest stays directly fund ranger patrols, smart-fencing technology and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife K9 Unit’s tracking dogs. Many of the lodge’s staff are drawn from the neighbouring Mpembeni community, through a model connecting conservation, community and tourism as one system rather than three separate efforts.

On the Mabibi coastline, within the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga Beach Lodge protects a different kind of heritage: loggerhead and leatherback turtles that return to the same beaches to nest each year, and the coral rockpools and reefs of one of the country’s last untouched shorelines. Eighty-eight percent of the local community is employed at the lodge, and marine educator Saneliso “Sunny” Mathenjwa – born and raised in Mabibi, now leads youth education programmes in marine biology, waste management and conservation ethics.

“These days, protecting turtles isn’t just something we say,” Sunny reflects. “It’s part of our lives, how we support our families, and how we honour our heritage.”

Both lodges are backed by the Isibindi Foundation and the Isibindi Guide Training School, run in partnership with FGASA, which trains unemployed local youth as professional nature guides a direct career path from village to lodge that ensures the people living on the borders of these parks are the ones leading the narrative for guests.

Hospitality’s real Heritage Day work

Taken together, the four properties point to a common idea: that South African hospitality, at its best, does not package heritage for a single day on the calendar. It builds heritage into its staffing, its architecture, its children’s programming and its conservation funding models, so that culture, craft, wildlife and community are still being protected long after the fire has gone out.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 16, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The PATA Foundation has launched the Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund to support tourism workers and small businesses whose livelihoods have been affected by the devastating floods that struck Nepal on August 26.

The floods caused significant loss of life and widespread damage, particularly along affected river corridors and downstream communities. Tourism communities in the affected areas, including guides, drivers, porters and operators of homestays, lodges, teahouses and small hotels, have lost homes, business premises, equipment and income.

The Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund will focus on helping these tourism-dependent families and businesses rebuild their capacity to earn a living.

In a joint statement, Henry Oh, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Andrew Jones, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PATA Foundation, said: “Our first thoughts are with the families who have lost people, and with those still waiting for news. Nepal’s tourism communities are among the most resilient I have worked with, and they will rebuild. What they need from our industry is support that reaches individual livelihoods, and an accurate account of which parts of the country are open so that the autumn season is not lost as well.”

Donations to the Fund will support practical recovery needs, including equipment for guides, porters, drivers and tourism workers; the refitting of lodges, homestays and teahouses so they can receive guests again; tools, stock and equipment for tourism-related businesses; and shared facilities used by affected communities.

Every grant will be approved by the PATA Foundation’s Board of Trustees, with the Foundation committed to publishing information on funds raised and how they are used.

“The purpose of this Fund is straightforward: to help tourism-dependent families get back to earning,” added Mr. Jones. “For many people in the affected areas, their home and their tourism business were the same building. Rebuilding the equipment, premises and capacity that allow them to welcome visitors is an important part of the recovery.”

Nepal remains open to tourism

PATA and the PATA Foundation are also urging the international tourism industry and travellers to distinguish between affected areas and the rest of Nepal.

While the impact of the disaster is severe, its effects are not uniform across the country. Conditions and access can change quickly, however, particularly as recovery and assessment operations continue and further weather-related incidents may affect individual areas.

The two organisations are therefore encouraging travel businesses, media, travellers and other tourism stakeholders to check the latest official information and destination-specific travel status before making or communicating travel plans.

The Government of Nepal has similarly called for travel advisories to be confined to specific affected areas while highlighting that the rest of the country remains open for travel and tourism.

“Continued travel to destinations that are open and operating is one of the ways the tourism industry can stand with Nepal at this time,” the statement added. “Those bookings sustain businesses, workers and communities, while allowing recovery efforts to focus on the areas most directly affected.”

The Fund is open to contributions from individuals, tourism organisations, businesses and other supporters of Nepal’s tourism community.

To support the Nepal Tourism Recovery Fund, visit the PATA Foundation website.

For organisations interested in making a direct contribution or discussing a larger commitment, please contact Foundation@PATA.org.

For the latest information on travel conditions in Nepal, travellers and tourism businesses are encouraged to consult official Nepal government and tourism authorities and destination-specific guidance before travelling.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / As TOP25 Restaurants expands its international presence across Asia, Thailand is set to benefit from the growing regional platform promoting gastronomy as a driver of tourism and destination development. Following the inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards 2026, presented by the Premier of Sarawak, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with a number of Asian partners, the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 will further extend the international visibility of Thailand’s exceptional culinary scene. Taking place on 26th October 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, the awards will recognize outstanding restaurants and culinary talent while helping strengthen Thailand’s position as a premier gastronomy destination in Asia.

Launched in Bangkok in 2017 as the world’s first AI-powered restaurant guide, enhanced by human expertise, TOP25 Restaurants has continued to evolve its approach to recognising culinary excellence. What began with a pioneering restaurant guide has developed into an international gastronomy tourism platform, with the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 continuing this journey by celebrating the breadth, diversity and excellence of Thailand’s culinary scene. Over the years, TOP25 Restaurants has recognized the diversity and excellence of Thailand’s restaurant scene across different destinations and culinary communities.

The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 continues this evolution, bringing the spotlight to Thailand’s dynamic gastronomy scene and recognizing restaurants and culinary talents whose excellence, creativity, authenticity and commitment are helping shape the country’s culinary identity.

Hosted at the iconic Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, the 2026 awards will bring together leading chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, tourism representatives, food personalities and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating the people and establishments that make Thailand one of the world’s most compelling gastronomy destinations.

Years of recognizing Thailand’s culinary excellence

Since the first TOP25 Restaurants awards in Thailand, the program has sought to provide a dedicated platform for recognizing restaurants that contribute to the richness, diversity and evolution of the country’s gastronomy landscape.

From Bangkok’s internationally recognized dining scene to the distinctive culinary traditions of Phuket and Southern Thailand, the program has highlighted the extraordinary range of experiences available to diners and travellers throughout the country.

The development of the awards reflects the growing importance of gastronomy within Thailand’s tourism landscape. Food is increasingly one of the principal reasons travellers choose destinations, while restaurants, chefs and local culinary traditions have become important ambassadors for Thai culture and identity.

The 2026 edition builds on this established foundation while looking towards the future of Thai gastronomy tourism.

Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants International, said:
“Through TOP25 Restaurants, we aim to amplify Thailand’s culinary excellence on the global stage and connect outstanding restaurants and chefs with the growing opportunities in gastronomy tourism. The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 will celebrate the people and establishments shaping Thailand’s culinary future, while inspiring more travellers to discover the remarkable flavours, stories and hospitality that make Thailand truly exceptional.”

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok to host the 2026 celebration

The prestigious Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok will provide the setting for this year’s awards, bringing Thailand’s gastronomy and hospitality communities together in one of Bangkok’s most iconic venues.

Sascha Lenz, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, said:

“We are delighted to welcome the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 to Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. Thailand has an extraordinary culinary heritage and a vibrant restaurant scene that continues to evolve and inspire. Hosting an evening dedicated to recognizing the people and restaurants behind this remarkable gastronomy culture is a great honor for our hotel. We look forward to being part of this special celebration of culinary excellence in Thailand.”

The Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok’s central location, established reputation for hospitality and extensive event facilities provide a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to Thailand’s culinary community.

Where gastronomy meets tourism

The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 comes at a time when gastronomy is increasingly recognized as a powerful driver of tourism and destination development.

For today’s travellers, discovering a destination often means discovering its food — its ingredients, traditions, markets, restaurants, chefs and the stories behind them.

Thailand is uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend. Its culinary culture connects food, heritage, local communities, agriculture, creativity, hospitality and tourism, creating experiences that resonate with both domestic and international visitors.

By recognizing restaurants across Thailand, TOP25 Restaurants aims to contribute to the continued development of the country’s gastronomy ecosystem and to give greater, global visibility to the people and establishments shaping its future.

A new chapter in the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand story

The 2026 awards represent the next chapter in the TOP25 Restaurants journey in Thailand — building on years of recognition while creating an increasingly visible platform to promote the country’s rich culinary heritage and as a prime gastronomy tourism destination.

The award recipients will be revealed during the ceremony on 26 October 2026, with further announcements regarding the award categories, participating restaurants, distinguished guests and program to follow in the lead-up to the event.

For Thailand’s restaurant industry, the evening will be an opportunity to celebrate achievement and recognize the people behind some of the country’s most memorable dining experiences.

For the wider tourism community, it will be a celebration of one of Thailand’s greatest international assets: its extraordinary culinary culture.

One culinary journey. A celebration of Thailand’s extraordinary gastronomy.

About TOP25 Restaurants International

TOP25 Restaurants is an international gastronomy recognition and gastronomy tourism development platform dedicated to discovering, recognizing and promoting outstanding restaurants and local culinary experiences.

With a growing presence across Asia, TOP25 Restaurants provides a platform that connects culinary excellence, gastronomy, tourism, culture and destination development, while celebrating the distinctive culinary identity of each destination.

The program has a regional presence and is expanding internationally through new destination-focused awards and gastronomy tourism development initiatives.

In 2026, TOP25 Restaurants held its inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards in Kuching, Malaysia, where the awards were presented by the Premier of Sarawak, the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, marking an important milestone in the organisation’s international expansion.

Through its growing international network, TOP25 Restaurants seeks to give greater recognition and visibility to outstanding restaurants and culinary talent while highlighting the increasingly important role of gastronomy in tourism and destination development.

About Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Located in the heart of Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is a landmark luxury hotel renowned for its exceptional hospitality, sophisticated dining experiences and distinctive location in the city’s vibrant Ratchaprasong district.

The hotel combines contemporary luxury with warm Thai hospitality and offers an extensive range of accommodation, restaurants, bars, meeting spaces and event facilities. Its culinary portfolio reflects the diversity and sophistication of Bangkok’s dining culture, while its extensive venues make it an established destination for prestigious celebrations, conferences and social events.

As part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok reflects the Grand Hyatt brand’s commitment to creating memorable experiences through distinctive destinations, thoughtful service and world-class hospitality.

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Nicole Lim
Media Relations
TOP25 Restaurants International
E: media@top25restaurants.com

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