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Kyoto, Japan, November 03, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites, part of global hospitality group Minor Hotels, today opens its first two properties in Japan: Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Gojo and Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Shijo. The two properties in central Kyoto are close to the city’s historic landmarks, shopping streets and local dining, providing guests with easy access to temples, cultural attractions and transport links.

Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Shijo has 27 rooms of 30–35sqm, from Deluxe Double Rooms to Family Suites. Every room includes a kitchenette and generous layouts that give couples, families and groups space to unwind after a day in the city. The property is a 10-minute walk from Karasuma Station.

Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Gojo offers 20 rooms of 20–42sqm, from Standard Double Rooms up to a Japanese Suite. It is an eight-minute walk from Shijo Station and one block from the city’s famous Nishiki Market, where guests can begin the day among its food stalls and end it at a nearby local restaurant.

“Kyoto draws travellers who want to explore at their own pace, and the Oaks brand is built for that,” said Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels. “Spaces suitable for families, couples and solo travellers and central addresses give guests the freedom to wander a traditional market, try a local specialty or turn down an unfamiliar street. Entering Japan with two properties in Kyoto is a strong start for the Oaks brand.”

The opening of Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Shijo and Oaks Vacation Club Kyoto Gojo marks Oaks’ arrival in Japan and extends the brand to a second Asian country. The properties also expand Minor Hotels’ presence in one of the region’s most sought-after destinations.

About Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites

Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is made for travellers who see the fun in following their feet, not a plan. Backed by a service culture rooted in grounded hospitality, Oaks delivers flexible, experience-led stays that make it easy to settle in, head out and discover what’s around the corner.

Across city and resort locations, Oaks offers space to stay your way, whether that means switching off, exploring locally or fitting travel into a busy schedule. With more than 60 properties across Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and the Middle East and more destinations on the way, Oaks invites guests to jump feet first into the joy of travel.

Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles, November 03, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / At their UK event of the 1st of November 2026 Africa Tourism Awards recognised a career spanning global tourism, regional cooperation and the cultural story of Seychelles

Global tourism leader and Seychelles Ambassador-at-Large Alain St.Ange received a Lifetime Achievement honour at the Africa Tourism Awards 2026 ceremony today in the presence of the island’s High Commission Officials H.E. Patsy Moustache and Wendy Isnard. The award recognises his work to raise Seychelles’ profile, bring neighbouring destinations together and champion tourism that benefits local people. It is a proud honour for Seychelles and for Africa.

St.Ange began as Seychelles’ Director of Marketing in 2009 and became Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board the following year. He later served as Minister of Tourism and Culture, and as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine. Fluent in English, French, Creole and German, he has spent his career building connections across cultures and carrying the Seychelles story to audiences around the world.

In 2014, he received the Mahatma Gandhi Honour Award for his work strengthening relations between India and Seychelles amongs many others including the Change Maker of the Year Award in South Africa. He also became the first President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organisation, bringing Seychelles and neighbouring destinations together around a shared tourism identity. The initiative reflected his belief that countries can achieve more by working together while remaining proud of what makes them distinct.

St.Ange’s contribution extends beyond tourism. In books he has written and published, he has contributed to accounts of Seychelles’ culture and political history, drawing on the experiences and influences that have shaped island life.

Accepting the honour, he paid tribute to the people who had shared the work with him.

“I think of the years at the Seychelles Tourism Board, my time in government, and the work we did to bring Seychelles to the attention of the world. But most of all, I think of the people who did that work with me: colleagues, tourism businesses, and Seychellois who welcomed visitors and shared their home with them. I could not have done it without them. This recognition belongs to them as well” he told the press.

That humility sits alongside a bold vision: Seychelles should never think small. Its people, Creole culture and natural heritage give the islands a story worth sharing. St.Ange helped bring that story to the world and showed how a small island nation could make its voice heard in global tourism.

He believes the industry must also be judged by what it leaves behind: stronger local businesses, opportunities for young people, communities proud of their culture and nature protected for the future. His challenge to African destinations is to tell their stories with confidence, work across borders and ensure local people share in tourism’s success.

The path St.Ange has helped pave is clear: African destinations shaping their own future in tourism, and communities growing stronger from the welcome they extend to the world. As he said, “The best recognition we can give tourism is to make sure that, when visitors leave, the people and places that welcomed them are stronger for it.”

Bangkok, Thailand, November 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Thailand’s first and Asia Pacific’s largest Moxy hotel, brings fresh energy to the heart of Bangkok this November with a programme spanning creative conversations, cultural storytelling and social experiences. Highlights include a new General Manager at Sato San Rooftop Bar, MONSTERS ARE CULTURE #ATTHEMOXY in collaboration with Full Moon Brew Works, a new menu concept celebrating Thailand and Japan, playful lobby activities, and an early invitation to plan festive celebrations across the hotel’s 9th and 32nd floors.

New Leadership, Fresh Energy at Sato San Rooftop Bar

Sato San Rooftop Bar welcomes Mr Serhii Kulikov as Rooftop Bar General Manager, effective 21 October 2026. Bringing international hospitality experience across luxury hotels, destination restaurants, bars and rooftop venues, Serhii combines operational expertise with a hands-on approach to team development, service and concept-led experiences.

Most recently Director of Bars at AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel in Vancouver, he oversaw operations across its restaurant and bar, rooftop and skybar, in-room dining and minibar. His previous experience includes leadership roles at Amazonico Dubai and earlier positions at W Dubai and Media One Hotel. At Sato San Rooftop Bar, his appointment marks a new chapter for the 32nd-floor venue, where Thai–Isaan and Japanese influences meet above Bangkok.

Monsters, Big Ideas and Creative Connections #ATTHEMOXY

On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong and Full Moon Brew Works present MONSTERS ARE CULTURE #ATTHEMOXY on the hotel’s 9th floor.

This invitation-only evening brings creativity, culture and iconic characters into one conversation, exploring the question: “What makes a monster become a global icon?”

The creative talk features Veerapat Chinanavin, CEO of RIFF Studio, and Kris Nalamlieng, Founder and Managing Director of 2Spot Studio and creator of Bloody Bunny. Thipayachand Hasdin, CEO of Hippie Sundae BKK consulting studio, will moderate the discussion.

Registration opens at 5:30 PM, followed by the talk at 6:10 PM, networking and light bites at 7:15 PM, and a Godzilla Minus One watch party at 7:40 PM. The evening pairs creative perspectives with Moxy’s signature social spirit, set against the hotel’s outdoor terrace and views across Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district.

Big Screens. Monster Tuesdays. #ATTHEMOXY

The movie magic continues every Tuesday throughout November at the Outdoor Terrace on the 9th floor, with free entry for the screenings on 10, 17 and 24 November. 

Tuesday, 3 November — Invitation Only

7:40 PM — Godzilla Minus One

Tuesday, 10 November

6:30 PM — Mantra Warrior: The Legend of the Eight Moons (2023)

8:30 PM — Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

Tuesday, 17 November

6:30 PM — Rango (2011)

8:30 PM — Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

Tuesday, 24 November

6:30 PM — Godzilla (2014)

8:30 PM — Despicable Me 4 (2024)

From Sakura to Songkran: A Cultural Conversation Between Thailand and Japan

Launching on 14 November 2026 at Sato San Rooftop Bar, From Sakura to Songkran introduces a new signature beverage menu concept comprising 10 creations inspired by the places, ingredients and cultural stories of Thailand and Japan.

The concept draws on Thai destinations including Rayong, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Krabi and Hua Hin, alongside references to familiar culinary traditions such as mango sticky rice. Japanese influences take inspiration from Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido and Tokyo, connecting regional identities with the venue’s Thai–Japanese direction.

The collection’s cultural narrative explores tropical produce, floral traditions, coastal landscapes and urban dessert culture. It builds on Sato San Rooftop Bar’s identity as a meeting point between the two countries, set against the Bangkok skyline on the hotel’s 32nd floor.

Play, Create and Connect in the Lobby

Throughout November, Moxy’s lobby programme creates more opportunities for guests and local visitors to join the fun. Activities include Moxy Puzzle Hour, scheduled mixology sessions and krathong crafting, bringing games, practical demonstrations and seasonal inspiration into the hotel’s social spaces.

Whether dropping in with friends or meeting someone new, the activities reflect Moxy’s playful approach to hospitality, turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect. Guests can check with the hotel crew for activity dates, age requirements and participation details.

Plan the Festive Fun Early (And get 15% OFF)

Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is also setting the scene for year-end celebrations across its 9th and 32nd floors. An early bird offer of 15% off eligible festive dining bookings is available for reservations made by 30 November 2026. Applicable packages, exclusions and booking conditions are available from the hotel.

On the 9th floor, festive dining runs from 1–30 December 2026, featuring Moxy Truck favourites such as Christmas Loaded Fries, Pigs in Blankets and Mini Lobster Rolls, alongside seasonal dishes including Turkey Ballotine, Festive Beef Rossini and White Christmas Cheesecake.

For New Year’s Eve on 31 December, the 9th-floor celebration runs from 7 PM to 1 AM, with live buffet stations serving smoked meats, Asian street grills, seafood, tacos, bao and sweet treats. The dining package is priced at THB 6,000++, including table seating and soft drinks, with buffet service from 7 PM to 11 PM.

Upstairs at Sato San Rooftop Bar on the 32nd floor, Christmas celebrations on 24–25 December, from 6 PM to 11 PM, bring together signature food stations and passed bites, with highlights spanning sashimi, robata and Japanese Wagyu. The Christmas package is priced at THB 5,900++, including table seating. Full package details are available directly from the hotel.

On 31 December, Sato San’s New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 7 PM, with an All-Night Package at THB 16,000++ and a Countdown Package from 10:30 PM at THB 9,500++. The All-Night Package features food stations and passed bites until 10 PM, followed by a late-night snack station. The Countdown Package includes access to the snack station from 10:30 PM until midnight. Seating arrangements and full package inclusions are available from the reservations team. Festive package prices shown are before any applicable early bird discount. Prices marked ++ are subject to service charge and VAT. Booking terms and conditions apply.

From creative culture on the 9th floor to cocktails and celebrations on the 32nd, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong invites guests to make November the starting point for a playful finish to 2026.

Bangkok, Thailand, November 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 640 properties across 67 countries, has signed a management agreement to operate Dukes London at 35 St James’s Place. The landmark property will join the newly launched Minor Reserve Collection, marking the luxury brand’s debut in the UK.

Occupying a coveted address in St James’s, London’s historic royal district, Dukes has welcomed statesmen and cultural icons since opening in 1908. Currently undergoing an extensive multi-year transformation led by Russell Sage Studio, the 85-key property will reopen in Q2 2027 as Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection, with redesigned guest rooms and suites, including 13 executive suites and five signature suites inspired by the notable characters and rich heritage of St James’s.

One of the hotel’s defining features, the legendary Dukes Bar, has remained open throughout the renovation, continuing its iconic tableside frozen martini ritual. Over the decades, the bar has welcomed royalty, politicians and cultural figures from around the world – and legend has it that Dukes Bar famously inspired author Ian Fleming’s vision of James Bond’s martini.

Upon reopening, Dukes London will introduce a new restaurant in partnership with The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which is owned by Minor Hotels. Another addition to the property is The Delany Drawing Room, which is now operating as a lounge and bar serving a curated list of 160 whiskies, in addition to a selection of Champagnes and cocktails. When the hotel relaunches next year, The Delany Drawing Room, which also features a conservatory and secluded garden, will serve afternoon tea and become an intimate setting for private events, drinks receptions and gatherings.

The Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Minor Hotels and Seven Tides, a holding company with an established presence in both Dubai and London. The partners already collaborate on multiple prominent UAE hospitality assets, and Dukes London represents their first hotel project together in Europe.

“Bringing Minor Reserve Collection to the UK through Dukes London is a defining moment for the brand,” said William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes. Together with our trusted partner Seven Tides, we look forward to the hotel’s next chapter, preserving Dukes London’s unique identity while expanding its reach through Minor Hotels’ global luxury platform.”

“This strategic appointment builds on Minor Hotels’ successful management of our Dubai hospitality portfolio and creates greater synergy across the Group,” said Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Group CEO and Managing Director of Seven Tides. “The outstanding contribution of the Dukes London team has been instrumental in preserving the character and service excellence that define this iconic property. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to partnering with Minor Hotels to unlock the full potential of Dukes London, strengthening its reputation as one of London’s most distinguished luxury hospitality destinations.”

With its address in St James’s, the hotel is perfectly located for leisure visitors to explore the city centre Royal Parks of Green Park, St James’s Park and Hyde Park, as well as Buckingham Palace. The luxury shopping and theatre districts are also in close proximity, with Green Park, the closest tube station offering access to St Pancras International Station and Heathrow Airport, just five minutes’ walk away.

Launched in 2025, Minor Reserve Collection is Minor Hotels’ luxury soft brand for exceptional independent hotels defined by character, heritage and a strong sense of place. The collection currently includes Hotel Palace Portorož in Slovenia, relaunching in the first quarter of 2027; Aventora Resort Baía Formosa in Brazil, opening in 2028; and Dukes London in St James’s, reopening in Q2 2027. With a growing global pipeline, Minor Hotels is expanding the collection in key luxury destinations, partnering with distinctive hotels that seek to preserve their independence while benefiting from the group’s international sales, marketing and distribution platform.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 brought together the country’s vibrant culinary community to celebrate outstanding restaurants, chefs and dining experiences, announcing the latest rankings for Bangkok and Phuket & Southern Thailand.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Salanroj Sutaschuto, Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), emphasized that Thailand’s strength as a MICE destination extends beyond its world-class facilities and professional capabilities to the unique experiences it offers through its culinary traditions, culture, creativity, and renowned Thai hospitality.

He noted that the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards go beyond celebrating culinary excellence, recognizing the people and establishments that enhance Thailand’s international reputation, strengthen its appeal as a destination, and contribute to the country’s wider tourism and business events ecosystem.

This year’s rankings place POTONG at No. 1 in Bangkok and OMEMO at No. 1 in Phuket & Southern Thailand, highlighting the diversity, creativity and continued evolution of Thailand’s restaurant scene.

The awards recognize restaurants across the two regional rankings, alongside a selection of special awards celebrating excellence across a broad range of cuisines, culinary traditions and dining experiences.

Bangkok: POTONG Takes the Top Position

In Bangkok, POTONG claims the No. 1 position, followed by Chef’s Table by lebua at No. 2 and Sorn at No. 3. Baan Tepa takes fourth place, with INDDEE completing the top five. The ranking also recognizes established culinary destinations and distinctive dining concepts that continue to shape Bangkok’s international gastronomic reputation.

Phuket & Southern Thailand: OMEMO Leads the Regional Ranking

In Phuket & Southern Thailand, OMEMO takes the No. 1 position, followed by The Smokaccia Laboratory at No. 2 and L’Arôme by the Sea at No. 3. Tambu ranks fourth, followed by Royd at No. 5 and Aulis Phuket at No. 6. The top ten further includes AIM, Acqua, Age and Saffron Phuket.

The full ranking recognizes the Top 25 Restaurants in Bangkok and Phuket & Southern Thailand, alongside a selection of restaurants honored with special awards.

Special Awards Recognize Outstanding Culinary Achievements

In addition to the main rankings, the TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 recognize restaurants for achievements in specific culinary categories and dining experiences.

The special awards highlight the different ways restaurants contribute to Thailand’s gastronomic identity, from preserving culinary heritage and celebrating local ingredients to developing distinctive dining concepts and exceptional guest experiences.

AI-Powered Rankings Enhanced by Human Expertise
The TOP25 Restaurants Awards, based on the Restaurant Rating Index, combine artificial intelligence with human expertise to identify and showcase outstanding restaurants.

Rather than focusing exclusively on a single cuisine or dining format, TOP25 Restaurants presents a broader view of a destination’s restaurant landscape, bringing together diverse culinary concepts and experiences through its rankings, restaurant profiles and editorial content.

By creating a structured international platform for restaurant recognition, TOP25 Restaurants helps connect restaurants with travellers, supports destination visibility and highlights the diversity of local gastronomy.

The annual awards provide an additional opportunity to bring this recognition to the forefront, celebrating restaurants and their teams while drawing attention to the culinary experiences available in each destination.

Gastronomy as a Driver of Tourism

Food is an increasingly important part of the travel experience, influencing destination choices and encouraging visitors to discover local culture, ingredients, traditions and communities.

Thailand’s restaurant scene offers a compelling illustration of this relationship. From Bangkok’s international dining environment to the distinctive culinary experiences of Phuket and Southern Thailand, restaurants contribute to a destination’s identity and provide travellers with additional reasons to visit, explore and return.

Through its regional rankings and international platform, TOP25 Restaurants aims to help destinations showcase their culinary assets and strengthen the visibility of their restaurant communities.

The Thailand Awards form part of this broader approach, connecting restaurant recognition with gastronomy tourism promotion and international media exposure.

Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants International, commented:

“The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards celebrate the people and establishments that make Thailand such a compelling culinary destination. The 2026 rankings reflect the extraordinary diversity of the country’s restaurant scene, from Bangkok’s internationally recognized dining establishments to the distinctive culinary experiences of Phuket and Southern Thailand.

At TOP25 Restaurants, we believe that artificial intelligence can help make restaurant recognition more comprehensive and accessible, while human expertise remains essential to understanding culinary excellence in all its dimensions. Our ambition is to help exceptional restaurants gain greater visibility and to support destinations in showcasing gastronomy as an integral part of the travel experience.” 

Exceptional Food and Drinks Bring the Industry Together

The TOP25 Restaurants Thailand Awards 2026 celebration was made even more memorable by the outstanding restaurants and beverage partners who contributed their culinary talents and exceptional drinks to the Culinary Showcase. Their participation added a distinctive gastronomic dimension to the event, giving guests the opportunity to savour a selection of remarkable flavours while celebrating this year’s award winners.

Beyond recognizing excellence in Thailand’s restaurant industry, the event provided a valuable opportunity for media representatives, hospitality professionals, restaurateurs and industry partners to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships in a convivial atmosphere. With exceptional food and drinks at the heart of the gathering, the celebration reflected the creativity, collaboration and shared passion that continue to shape Thailand’s vibrant dining and hospitality scene.

TOP25 extends its sincere thanks to all participating restaurants and beverage partners for helping make the evening a truly special occasion.

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex

TOP25 Restaurants is the world’s first AI-powered restaurant guide, combining artificial intelligence with human expertise and discernment. Its independent, global rating approach supports the discovery and recognition of outstanding restaurants across destinations and cuisines.

The platform brings together restaurant rankings, awards, culinary content and destination information to help travellers discover exceptional dining experiences while supporting the international visibility of restaurants and their destinations.

Through its annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards, the platform celebrates leading establishments and showcases the diversity of local culinary scenes. Its broader mission is to connect gastronomy, travel and destination promotion through technology, content and international exposure.

TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem serving the travel and tourism sectors. Through its digital platforms and media network, Travelindex supports the distribution of travel-related information and content to an international audience.

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.

See the list of all our Culinary Showcase Partners here…

Bangkok, Thailand, October 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / A different side of The China House comes to life after dark. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok introduces The China House After Hours, a new monthly series that transforms the restaurant into a lively social house, bringing together Chinese flavours, cocktails, music and theatrical encounters inspired by the charm of old-world Hong Kong.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Forget the all-you-can-eat buffet. Meliá Chiang Mai has unveiled a different kind of indulgence, beckoning spa-goers to feast on a selection of massages and treatments as part of its new Wellness Spa Buffet at YHI Spa.

The wellness journey allows guests to mix and match treatments from a selection of seven popular therapies to create their own 120-minute spa experience, priced at THB 2,600 net per person and available until December 31, 2026 from 10am-10pm.

Traditional Thai massage, Aromatic massage and Deep tissue massage, each available for 60 or 90 minutes, are on the spa buffet menu, along with foot massages of 30 or 60 minutes. For a little something extra, a body scrub, herbal compress and aloe vera body wrap, each 30 minutes, are designed to round out the two-hour helping of pampering.

The Traditional Thai massage uses stretching and pressure-point techniques to improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension, and the Aromatic massage combines palm pressure with a choice of aromatherapy oils to promote relaxation. For those seeking a more intensive treatment, the Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm strokes to target deeper layers of muscle, helping to ease persistent tension and promote muscle recovery. The foot massage focuses on pressure points in the feet and lower legs to stimulate nerve endings and improve circulation.

The exfoliating body scrub removes dead skin cells, the herbal compress treatment soothes tired muscles to relieve pain and aches and open the skin’s pores, and the body wrap calms and nourishes the skin.

Beyond the Wellness Spa Buffet, YHI Spa offers an extensive menu of massages, body treatments, facials and spa rituals, including a signature treatment combining traditional Northern Thai Tok Sen techniques with Spanish massage, and a 360° Spa Signature Treatment featuring yoga, meditation, a herbal steam, Aromatic massage and healthy cuisine. The spa also caters to couples with a romantic milk bath and massage experience, men with a Deep tissue massage and facial package, and children aged six to 12 with a specially designed therapy incorporating playful yoga stretches and gentle coconut oil treatments.

Located on Meliá Chiang Mai’s first floor, YHI Spa’s seven private treatment rooms are designed with an underwater theme to further feelings of sensory relief. There is also a Thai herbal steam and sauna.

Inspired by the goddess YHI, responsible for life and light and personified by the sun for the Karraur First Nations people in Australia, YHI Spa’s professional therapists use ancient Asian healing wisdom combined with modern wellness techniques in a full range of body treatments, from massages and scrubs to wraps and facials, based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN’s products.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, is redefining the country’s landscape of hospitality, commercial workspaces, and iconic lifestyle destinations with its diversified portfolio, strategically located in prime areas across the nation. Committed to creating new landmark projects that not only set new benchmarks for the industry but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a global sustainable tourism destination, AWC collaborates with world-renowned partners, including Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Nobu Hospitality, Okura Hotels, Banyan Tree, Meliá Hotels International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Hyatt, to deliver unforgettable experiences. Its portfolio features flagship commercial properties such as The Empire, Athenee Tower, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination, and Phenix, along with premier F&B destinations like ‘EA’ Rooftop at The Empire, offering world-class top cuisine. AWC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences while championing sustainability in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders through initiatives under three key pillars of Better Planet, Better People, and Better Prosperity (3BETTERs), driving innovation and responsibility to inspire millions and elevate Thailand’s tourism and real estate industry to new heights.

Macao, China, October 22, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum · Macao 2026 (“GTEF” or the “Forum”) concluded successfully. The event achieved fruitful outcomes, bringing together around 1,300 government officials, representatives from international organizations, business leaders, experts, scholars, and journalists from over 20 countries and regions. Live broadcasts of the Forum attracted over 8.6 million online views. During the Forum, distinguished keynote speakers shared valuable insights and experiences centered on key topics including resilient tourism economy, inbound tourism, cultural tourism integration, and sustainability. These discussions not only offered pragmatic solutions rooted in Chinese experience and Macao’s wisdom to help the global tourism industry navigate uncertainties, but also once again underscored Macao’s standing as the World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, alongside its unique charm as an international hub for MICE and cultural exchange.

The closing ceremony was held on the evening of 16 October. The main guests who attended the occasion included HO Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Forum Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum; Shaikha AL NUWAIS, Secretary-General of UN Tourism; LUO Laijun, Vice Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; Bateer, Executive Vice Governor of Hainan Provincial People’s Government (Featured Province); Miguel SANZ CASTEDO, Representative of the Minister of Industry and Tourism of Spain (Partner Country), Director General of Turespaña and President of the European Travel Commission; LONG Yongtu, Former Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation of China, Former Secretary-General of Boao Forum for Asia; Pansy HO, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of Global Tourism Economy Forum; and Maria Helena DE SENNA FERNANDES, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (“MGTO”) of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Vice Chairman of Global Tourism Economy Forum.

In her closing remarks, Maria Helena DE SENNA FERNANDES, MGTO Director and Vice Chairman of GTEF, highlighted that bringing together decision-makers, drivers of development and industry leaders in the global tourism economy over the years, the Forum has facilitated sharing of experience and pragmatic cooperation across borders and sectors, developing into an international platform for building consensus and shaping industry trends. Macao not just leverages its unique advantages brought by “the support of the Motherland and its connectivity to the world”, but also shares its own experiences in attaining urban progress, joining hands with partners from worldwide to navigate new paths towards a more innovative and sustainable horizon for the tourism economy.

Pansy HO, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, noted in her closing remarks: “One message today is clear: going green is not a burden, but a scalable opportunity that resonates with young travelers and keeps value within local communities.” Looking ahead, she welcomed Hainan’s interest in hosting the next edition of the Forum and said: “Rather than just fixing existing damage, gathering in Hainan invites us to return to our original aspiration, our chuxin, and embrace Green and Blue Tourism. Can we make it a model for ‘trace-free, preservation-first tourism’—enhancing nature without destroying its soul, rather than disrupting it only to repair it later?”

In his remarks at the closing ceremony, Bateer, representative of Hainan Province as the Featured Province, and Executive Vice Governor of Hainan Provincial People’s Government, stated that Hainan looks forward to leveraging Macao’s role as a bridge connecting with the world to deepen cooperation with global partners in mutual visitations, concerted industry development and cultural tourism innovation among other areas. He added that Hainan sincerely hopes to work together with the Forum’s organizing units, the Macao SAR Government and friends from all sectors to implement the fruitful outcomes of the Forum, facilitate the hosting of GTEF in Hainan in 2027, and promote collaborative development between Hainan as an International Tourism and Consumption Center and Macao as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, driving economic growth and benefiting people around the world.

This edition of the Forum featured 28 main forum sessions, high-level dialogues and panel sessions, among other highlights. A total of 75 officiating guests, renowned speakers and moderators from near and afar were invited to share their experiences and insights into the resilience of the tourism economy, inbound tourism, integration of culture and tourism among other aspects, navigating the paths and opportunities for high-quality and sustainable tourism development from multiple angles. About 50 bilateral meetings were convened during the Forum, covering tourism, civil aviation, investment promotion, international cooperation and other fields. Business matching sessions were also conducted, engaging over 600 participants on site and effectively forging over 1,000 business-to-business matchings online and offline, which included over 90 successful matchings in Spain Business Matching sessions. The activities facilitated exchange and cooperation among industry delegates from around the world, promoted industry connections and expanded the breadth of opportunities for cooperation. Special interviews, project presentations and other activities were conducted as well to foster international exchange and broaden the scope of cooperation across sectors.