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UNWTO Leads Rethink of Tourism Communications

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UNWTO Leads Rethink of Tourism Communications - TRAVELINDEXPunta Cana, Dominican Republic, May 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / “Put people front and centre!” was the core message as UNWTO brought together global branding experts, journalists and content creators to rethink narratives around tourism communications.

Against the backdrop of the 118th session of its Executive Council in Punta Cana, UNWTO hosted a special Thematic Session. Alongside assessing the evolution of tourism communications, the Session saw leading experts explore current and future opportunities for more effectively portraying tourism as an essential driver of development, both in traditional media and on content platforms. With numerous, new and current, media projects, Travelindex Group is at the forefront on the efforts to rethink tourism communication.

UNWTO is working to build a new narrative around tourism as a force for development and transformation

“New Narratives in Tourism”

With tourism high on the political agenda like never before, UNWTO is leading the shift in tourism communications, with a greater focus on the sector’s unique power as a driver of development and opportunity. Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We have made huge progress over the past few years in making tourism’s relevance more visible and more appreciated, by governments and by tourists themselves. But we need to make it even clearer. For this reason, UNWTO is working to build a new narrative around tourism as a force for development and transformation.”

The Thematic Session offered a platform to connect content creators with editors and new media platforms, with UNWTO as the bridge between the two.

Branding and Media Experts Lead the Change

  • Representing the global leader Interbrand, Pedro Zarzalejos, Associate Director, Strategy and Borja Borrero, Executive Director Iberia, EMEA & Latam charted the evolution of branding and analysed how this has impacted the tourism sector.
  • Michael Collins, Founder and Managing of Travel Media gave expert insights into the changing relationship between Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) and editors, journalists and content creators.

Instagram and Meta: Keeping Content Relevant

UNWTO first partnered with Instagram in 2021, firstly to help lead recovery from the impacts of the pandemic and then to empower destinations to embrace digital storytelling. In Punta Cana:

  • From Instagram, Ernest Voyard, Director of Public Policy, noted how creators are increasingly moving beyond aspirational travel-related content and instead focusing on issues around sustainability and full immersion in destinations.
  • From Meta, Sharon Yang, Director of External Affairs, noted how the platform has seen a shift towards creators providing informative tourism and travel-related content, again moving away from more aspirational images and films.

Tourism on the Agenda: The Case of Dominican Republic

Leading journalists and editors from the Dominican Republic assessed how to place tourism on the editorial agenda at every level.

  • Leading the discussion were Director of Diario Libre, Inés Aizpún, Director of El Día José Monegro, and the Ambassador of the permanent mission of Dominican Republic to UNWTO Aníbal de Castro
  • The panel highlighted the importance of diversifying the main messaging, with a focus on everything from film and TV tourism to gastronomy tourism

Content Creators: Raising Awareness

To round out the session, UNWTO welcomed leading content creators to give their expert insights into changing trends in tourism-related content: Instagram Creators Chloé Léger and Marion Payr, provided their experiences from the Dominican Republic from the point-of-view of tourism and travel-creators. They noted:

  • A growing interest in content linking tourism with issues including women’s empowerment, community development and wildlife conservation.
  • An opportunity for creators to influence the travel choices and behaviours of tourists, in particular in influencing younger consumers to travel more responsibly and ethically

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WASN’T THAT A PARTY!: San Antonio shines at IPW

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From a boat-float parade along its famous River Walk to a closing night gala at The Alamo, delegates will long remember this year’s IPW in San Antonio as US travel officially emerged from the pandemic.

More than 5,000 attendees from 60 nations, including over 100 travel buyers, agents, and media from Canada helped the annual travel trade show return to pre pandemic levels.

Indeed, Canada, along with Mexico boasted registrations close to 35% above 2019 levels.

And those who attended experienced one of the most memorable conferences of recent years, with one Canadian delegate issuing the ultimate compliment: “the vibe reminds me of New Orleans.”

More than just a trade conference, IPW is a showcase for its host city, and colourful San Antonio pulled out all the stops, including the second-night “Festival Del Rio” boat parade, which is usually reserved for Christmas and Fiesta, along the amazing River Walk.

Discover America Canada hosted its annual pre- opening night reception for Canadian delegates, sponsored by Los Angeles Tourism (the site of next year’s IPW)

Media, including Travel Industry Today, were treated to the customary press breakfast at the impressive Witte Museum, home to an extensive T.rex exhibit that stars a “Canadian” inhabitant, Scotty.

Other highlights included opening night gala at La Villita historic arts village, featuring outdoor pavilions representing the city’s cultural diversity, though mostly 65% Mexican population roots, and a special presentation of the spectacular nightly sound and light show “The Saga” on the facade of the San Fernando cathedral.

And, of course, the finale at The Alamo, providing attendees the first glimpse of the iconic attraction’s new Palisade exhibit, a newly constructed representation of the Spanish mission’s fence-like fortification, completed that day just in time for the party, and part of an ongoing US$400 enhancement and expansion of the UNESCO site.

At the trade show, luncheon events featured performances by The Counting Crows, country start Dierks Bentley, and the always anticipated annual NYC Tourism-sponsored Broadway extravaganza, which presents live performances with original actors from the latest shows – this year featuring MJ (Michael Jackson), Moulin Rouge!, A Beautiful Noise, & Juliet, Once Upon a One More Time (Britney Spears), and Back to the Future, all courtesy of Broadway Inbound.

Broadway’s ‘Back to the Future’

With IPW returning for the first time to pre pandemic attendance numbers, US Travel president and CEO Geoff Freeman declared of the 54th annual event: “This show is better than ever – the energy, the enthusiasm. This is fantastic! It’s so great to see the history, the culture, and the soul that makes San Antonio so special.”

Visit San Antonio CEO Mark Anderson hailed the event as representative of the return of international travel to the US and also as a “historic moment” for the first-time host city – and first Texas location since Dallas in 2000.

“At this year’s IPW, there is one item I hope you will remember,” he told delegates. “That San Antonio is a hidden gem among the world’s most majestic locations and that it is growing and evolving faster than any city in the United States of America.

“Our city is over 300 years old, but with an intentionally preserved history that embodies some of America’s most historical landmarks, including 17th century Spanish missions,” he continued, while also noting that the city has been named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (one of two in the US).

And it is, he maintained, a city where the “spirit of Fiesta” is celebrated year-round.

If IPW was any indication, Anderson is not wrong.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SANDALS BEGINS NEW CHAPTER AT DUNN’S RIVER

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The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios property is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits.

On a site originally handpicked by Sandals Resorts International founder the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the new-look all-inclusive resort features fresh culinary concepts and elevated suite designs – including the introduction of Jamaica’s first SkyPool suites – and retains its deeply personal connection to its alluring setting on the island’s north coast.

The all-new Sandals Dunn’s River has opened to guests as the 17th resort in the Sandals Resorts portfolio. Having debuted over 30 years ago, the 260-room Ocho Rios property is “utterly transformed” – except for the stunning stretch of white sand beach it inhabits.

On a site originally handpicked by Sandals Resorts International founder the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the new-look all-inclusive resort features fresh culinary concepts and elevated suite designs – including the introduction of Jamaica’s first SkyPool suites – and retains its deeply personal connection to its alluring setting on the island’s north coast.

“Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family’s most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once unimaginable dream into one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) at the opening, adding, “Today, we celebrate innovation and a commitment to excellence as we unveil the next generation of Sandals Resorts in our home country of Jamaica. I cannot think of a better way to honour his legacy and acknowledge the incredible future of our brand than to welcome our very first guests to Sandals Dunn’s River. It’s great to have you home.”

The resort has been designed to reflect its Jamaican roots by embracing the essence of the destination’s rivers, lush forests, and majestic banyan trees. The source of the water that flows through Sandals Dunn’s River is from the natural reserves of the Dunn’s River Falls, from the lobby waterfalls to the cascading pools of the Red Lane Spa.

Guests will also experience the debut of the brand’s first-ever signature fragrance, which greets guests upon arrival to the open-air lobby.

Accommodations

Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites

Sandals “Firsts” on resort include Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies flanked by views of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests checking in to Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools will find Sandals’ standalone circular villas have been thoughtfully reimagined with vast open-air rooftops from where to bask under the Ocho Rios sun and stars.

Luxurious Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites feature expansive balconies that overlook the sea with privileged sunset views, and Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms are named after the well-known Dunn’s River Falls’ giant, natural limestone steps.

Culinary

Dunn’s Rum Club

The connection to Jamaica continues at BLUM, one of 12 new culinary concepts, while a quaint coffee outpost offers a first-of-its-kind coffee drinking experience with 25-cup cold drip towers, nitro cold brew on tap, and Modbar pour-over units.

Dunn’s Rum Club features the largest selection of rum on the island of Jamaica and any other Sandals Resort, celebrating the quintessential spirit by merging together storytelling with curated, cleverly named rum flights.

Meanwhile, the swank Lapidus Lounge pays homage to Morris Lapidus, the famed architect who designed the site’s first resort – the Arawak Hotel, and whose joyful designs epitomized 1960s Caribbean chic.

Other options include the Laughing Waters Beach Bar, Jerk Shack, plus a variety of restaurants ranging from sushi to Latin American, French and Italian.

Activities

Luxury-included option include complimentary green fees at the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, diving, rafting the Martha Brae River, and nearby Sandals Dunn’s River/Falls.

“Building extraordinary resorts that make it easy for our guests to authentically experience our home countries and the people that bring these incredible places to life, is the work of Sandals Resorts,” says Stewart. “The Caribbean is wide and diverse and brimming with flavour, and fun. There is so much to discover here and we want to bring our guests closer to it all.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ PART 2

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Last week we looked at a host of SoCal destinations – some familiar, some less so – whose delegates attended the recent visit California sales mission in Niagara on the Lake, having put the insiders on the spot to tell us one thing they wished a Canadian knew about their region. Here’s Part 2, covering the middle and northern parts of the Golden State (starting north of Los Angeles).

SANTA BARBARA

Known as the “American Riviera,” walkable Santa Barbara is known for its Latin flavour, including red-roofed Spanish revival architecture, eclectic food and wine scene (including 15 Michelin starred restaurants), ocean, mountains, and as a perfect pairing with Los Angeles 90 minutes south, says Karna Hughes. “It’s a place to retreat and relax after the big city,” she says. Trains run from LA.

VENTURA

They’re still singing America’s 1972 hit ‘Ventura Highway” in this California town. “We’re one of the last quintessential California experiences!” says Julie Madsen. With clear, uncrowded beaches (perfect for surfing), Madsen recommends that Canadians “do the LA thing, then you come to Ventura and all that washes away.” About 90 minutes north of LA, it’s also the gateway to the ecologically amazing Channel Islands for a day trip.

YNEZ VALLEY

Two hours north of LA and four hours south of San Francisco, “Yennez” Valley is comprised of six districts that encapsulate “everything California has to offer, with wide open spaces and no traffic,” says tourist board president and CEO Shelby Sim. Exuding a classic Americana feel (mostly), communities include Santa Ynez (cowboy/horses), Los Olivos (wine), Los Alamos (hipster), Buellton (petrol), and the unique Solvang, dubbed the “Danish Capital of America,” complete with a windmill.

MONTEREY

“If you go to San Francisco, you have to go to Monterey,” says Emily Evans. Situated on the famous bay (and known for its aquarium and wildlife), there is also golf (notably Pebble Beach), wine, the ghost of John Steinbeck, plus scenic Carmel and Big Sur nearby. But what visitors may not know is the world class culinary scene that hit new heights during pandemic as many chefs (including Michelin stars) moved into the community to take advantage of the bounty of the sea and abundant produce (including wonderful artichokes befitting the region’s status as “artichoke capital of the world.”)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Christina Glynn says her region is “open for business” after recent floods and fire. And Canadians, who can fly into nearby San Francisco or San Jose directly, will find “a lot to explore in a small amount of space,” ranging from a historic seaside amusement park (with central roller coaster) and the largest contiguous strand of Redwood trees in the world at Henry Cowell State Park.

NAPA VALLEY

Naturally, visitors are drawn by the world-famous wine, but don’t discount Napa’s music scene, says Sarah Gillihan. Live music can be found at local venues, events such as the Summer Series, and jazz and even classical music fests – and of course at some of the wineries. Not into music there’s also hiking, biking, kayaking, birding/wildlife and more. “I don’t think people expect that they can have a non- alcoholic visit,” says Gillihan.

RELATED STORY: All that glitters in the Golden State

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: All that glitters in the Golden State

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Invites Face of the Future 2023

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PATA Invites Face of the Future 2023 - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is now accepting submissions for the PATA Face of the Future 2023. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2023.

PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. As part of its activities, the Association is dedicated to human capital development (HCD) across the travel and tourism industry value chain. The primary focus of the Association’s HCD programme is the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.

To highlight PATA’s commitment to HCD, the Association presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.

The PATA Face of the Future 2023 will be recognized as the PATA Face of the Future 2023 at PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi, India.

Other benefits include:
– Full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2023 (air ticket, accommodation, and event registration).
– A speaking opportunity at the PATA Youth Symposium during the PATA Travel Mart 2023 to share your story about your passion and journey to success (may be replaced with a Virtual PATA Youth Symposium).
– Opportunities to speak at other PATA events or partner events on behalf of PATA.
– Global media exposure via PATA’s far-reaching communication channels.
– Opportunity to build their profile as a mentor for the PATA Youth Mentorship Programme to help develop young tourism professional students in the region via speaking and mentoring opportunities at PATA Youth webinars and other youth events.
– One blog post on the PATA Blog to share their passion and journey to success.
– Seat on the PATA Board to represent the PATA youth community.

PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “Through the PATA Face of the Future award we are able to identify young people making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific and Asia Region. As an invited speaker at PATA events and a member of the PATA Board, the winner serves as the voice of young tourism professionals and the future of tourism. PATA is committed to engaging youth; and together co-creating a sustainable tourism future.”

For information about how to enter, eligibility, and judging criteria, please visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or email PATA Youth Ambassador, Mr Nick Chun at fof@PATA.org.

PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s international travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships. This year’s event is generously hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and consists of the Travel Mart, PTM Forums, PTM Talks and the PATA Youth Symposium.

More information about the event can be found at www.pata.org/pata-travel-mart-2023.

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

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Siam Adventure Club Pioneers New Era of Family Travel in Thailand

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Siam Adventure Club Pioneers New Era of Family Travel in Thailand - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Fun-filled children’s centres reveal expansion strategy, including immersive new recreational and eco-sensitive experiences for all ages, from tots to teens. Destination Group, the leading owner and operator of leisure resorts and attractions in Thailand, has announced plans to raise the bar for family travel experience in Thailand – and across Asia – with the launch of a new experiential and sustainable guest concept at Siam Adventure Club, its vibrant family activity centres.

Currently available at four internationally-branded resorts – Radisson Phuket Resort & Suites, Radisson Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Phuket Surin Beach, and Holiday Inn Phuket Karon Beach (with more to follow!) – Siam Adventure Club immerses kids in a world of fun with carefully crafted itineraries, while ensuring stress-free holidays for parents.

Ideal for children of all ages, from tots to teens, each Siam Adventure Club comprises an amazing array of activities and amenities. Led by Elfie and Eloise, the friendly elephant mascots, these centres are the heart and soul of their resort, with themed events, parties, sports, games, excursions, merchandise and much more.

As families now flock back to Thailand, Siam Adventure Club has revealed an exciting pipeline of plans for the future, with a focus on uplifting experiences. Fresh activities will focus on sustainability and community interaction, as well as live entertainment and new opportunities to embrace state-of-the-art technology, such as virtual reality and AI.

Guests can look forward to making a splash at the Mini Sharks swimming school, which is scheduled to launch ahead of the upcoming high season. Other new-look zones including Kids’ World, Arcade Galaxy, Hangout, Movie World and Champions Sports Bar are also awaiting every family with various types of fun and will surely create lifetime memories for everyone.

Partnerships with responsible partners such as elephant sanctuaries also enable families to head out into their destination, enjoy sustainable experiences and make lifelong memories. Launching this summer, this environmental concept will capture the imagination of today’s generation of eco-conscious youngsters. Dedicated events will also support local community projects through the group’s Destination Kids foundation.

Every aspect of Siam Adventure Club is being overseen by professionally-trained team members. New local, expat and international team members are being recruited and trained through unique multi-level employee training system to deliver and create outstanding guest journeys – like a cruise ship-style experience on land.

Looking ahead, new Siam Adventure Clubs will be launched in the popular Thai resorts of Pattaya and Khao Lak, and the first international Siam Adventure Club is being planned in Bali, Indonesia.

“In today’s hospitality industry, guests no longer seek just a comfortable bed or a lavish room; they crave unforgettable moments and experiences that create lasting memories. At Siam Adventure Club, we create an immersive journey full of fun, where each touchpoint becomes a cherished memory,” said Gary Dowson, Director of Fun at Destination Group.

For more information about Destination Group, please visit destination-group.com.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Marks 15 Years of Redefining Modern Luxury

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Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Marks 15 Years of Redefining Modern Luxury - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comKoh Samui, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, a leading luxury resort on Samui Island, announced its roaring success for 15 consecutive years as this year marks its 15 anniversary and revealed ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy to add a new dimension to and redefine luxury. The hi-end retreat aspires to elevate itself to world-class status based on three pillars, namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A. is conceived to answer trends of modern travellers and in response to the recovery of Samui tourism.

Chonlada Soonthonvasu, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort’s managing director, said, “Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is a luxury resort that originated in Thailand and is managed by Thais. As this year marks its 15th anniversary, Silavadee has always been popular among Thai and foreign guests due to various factors such as its pristine location, world-class facilities, superb and meticulous service as well as warmth and uniqueness of Thai hospitality.

Now that Koh Samui welcomes the return of tourists with open arms, Silavadee has reached a 90% booking rate from foreign guests, 20% of whom are repeating guests from Europe, the US, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan while guests in new markets in Saudi Arabia and Israel also head for Silavadee. Most of them have made direct online bookings with the resort, as a result of online marketing plans executed during the height of the Covid-19 crisis which directly linked promotions and news to the consumers. Moreover, guests now are inclined to stay for longer periods and spend more compared to when they did in pre-Covid 2020. Therefore, Silavadee projected a 10% growth by the end of this year in comparison to 2020.

As 2023 marks Silavadee’s 15th anniversary, a new strategy called “The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A” has been introduced to deliver utter relaxation to guests through the resort’s three main pillars namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A answers to the needs of modern travellers who seek a different kind of luxury than they’ve experienced before and responds to the speedy rebound of Samui tourism in the post-Covid-19 world as well as competition among tourism operators on Samui which looks to be increasingly intense.

“For the past 15 years, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort has been recognised and lauded by Thai and foreign guests as a superb resort with great service, beautiful location and unique natural surroundings. These factors motivate us to improve our service level and deliver a higher kind of luxury and we believe that our ‘New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy will guide us to create a truly relaxing experience for guests and help push Samui tourism”, said Chonlada.

The three pillars of ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy comprises of
1) S: Sustainability, one of the core policies of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, runs on the concept of “Back to Nature”. It started from the resort’s construction which keeps the natural abundance intact and uses eco-friendly materials for building and amenities within the resort. This year Silavadee will reinforce its commitment to sustainability, environment and community through various actions such as the distribution of income to the local communities by purchasing snacks from local vendors on Koh Samui, sourcing of ingredients within the island to cut transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, turning food leftover into compost for its in-house farm to combat food waste. Guests will also have opportunities to participate in activities which promote the environment and sustainability. For example, a visit to Silavadee Farm which runs on the circular economy concept. It is where vegetables, flowers and melons are grown and chickens are raised for ingredients to be used at the resort.

2) E: Experience is exceptional stay experience. This year, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort plans to elevate a stay into an experience for guests and provide service to meet the trends and behaviours of guests from the moment they book a stay to the checkout. To live up to its motto of ‘Silavadee Pool Spa Resort gives more than other luxury resorts’, there are in-room and in-resort amenities upgrades, new dishes and drinks, and highly attentive service to cater to individual needs and feelings of each guest. The resort hosts training sessions for its 200 staff on a regular basis to equip them with service minds to cater to the needs of guests more specifically. First-time guests will receive impressive experience and service while repeating guests will notice the improvement in their stay experience that the resort strives to deliver. The Experience pillar is Silavadee’s strong point which makes the resort well-known worldwide.

3) A: Activity refers to on-site inclusive activities. Currently, the resort offers a variety of activities for the convenience of the guests. On the occasion of its 15 anniversary in 2023, the resort has planned many activities to entertain guests no matter what lifestyle they have, including wellness service, exercise programme and consultation, food and beverage programmes, DJ sets and live music bands. These activities change monthly so guests can experience different activities during each visit and season.

“Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Koh Samui” comprises 80 guestrooms, 36 units of which are Deluxe type averaging 50sqm in size. Higher tier accommodation includes 40 Pool Villas and 4 Pool Villa Suites. The resort is well-equipped with various facilities such as Thai restaurant The Height, all-day dining restaurant Moon and rooftop bar Star. Silavadee Spa offers pampering and natural treatments in a serene setting. Moreover, guests can rest assured that security and hygiene measures are in place at the resort while all staff adhere to rules and regulations issued by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, guests can enjoy exclusive experiences and privileges until the end of 2023. They can enjoy the specially crafted cocktail Sila 15th, which is made from 15-year-old whiskey and local tropical fruits such as coconut, with smooth sips at the rooftop bar Star. Guests can also embark on an epicurean journey through an exclusive fine-dining seven-course menu created from local ingredients to embody southern Thai culture. It’s affordably priced at 1,800 baht per person and available at The Height. Last by not least is the ‘Silavadee 15th Anniversary’ package which offers a 45% discount from Flexi promotion along with 1,500 baht of resort credit per stay. The offer stands until the end of 2023 so guests can experience ‘The New Chapters of Luxury’ and celebrate the anniversary with Silavadee.

To book a room or find out more about Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, please visit www.silavadeeresort.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Executive Council Meets in Punta Cana

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UNWTO Executive Council Meets in Punta Cana - TRAVELINDEX - VISITDOMINICANREPUBLIC.netPunta Cana, Dominican Republic, May 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / With global tourism on track to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, UNWTO convened its Executive Council to advance plans to place education, investments and sustainability at the centre of the sector’s future.

Ahead of the 118th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer showed international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The  first quarter global results of 2023 set the pace for this upward trend to continue.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action. Building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism sector will require more and better-targeted investments, skilled workers and more innovation. UNWTO is working closely with our Member States to make significant progress in all these areas and we leave Punta Cana with a clear focus around shared goals and a shared vision for our sector.”

In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action.

Highest Political Support for Tourism

UNWTO welcomed delegations from 40 countries to its Council meeting, with the high-level political support reflecting tourism’s heightened relevance.

  • UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic. The one-on-one meeting focused on tourism investments and education, both shared priorities.
  • The 118th session of the Executive Council counted on the participation of high-level delegations from 40 countries, including 30 Council members.
  • Secretary-General Pololikashvili was awarded the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic’s “Champion of Tourism” recognition for his leadership of the sector and friendship of the country.

Guiding Tourism Forward

The UNWTO Secretary-General gave Member States an overview of the Organization’s work since the previous Executive Council (Marrakesh, Morocco, 25 November 2022) as well as UNWTO’s priorities looking ahead:

  • The Secretary-General’s report provided an up-to-date overview of tourism numbers and trends, identifying potential challenges for 2023 and beyond, including the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical uncertainty.
  • Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s key achievements around its main priorities (investments, education and jobs, innovation and tourism and rural development).
  • Participants were provided with a update on UNWTO’s status as an Organization, including plans to open new Regional and Thematic offices, and new approaches to tourism governance.

Focus on Sustainability

On the eve of the Executive Council, UNWTO participated in an International Forum on Sustainable Tourism organized by the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, UNWTO:

  • invited the Dominican Republic and Maldives to become the first countries to sign up to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, designed to reduce waste and increase circularity in the sector;
  • provided an overview of its central role in advancing sustainability, including as part of the One Planet Network, which UNWTO will continue to lead in 2024-25; and
  • announced progress on the creation of a landmark first global standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

Education, Jobs and Investments: Priorities for Tourism

During its Executive Council session, the UNWTO Secretariat provided updates on progress made in advancing its key priorities of education, jobs and investments:

  • UNWTO and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have partnered for a Bachelor’s Degree in International Sustainable Tourism
  • Reflecting the feedback of Members, UNWTO is set to launch a new Educational Toolkit to help make tourism a subject in high schools everywhere
  • UNWTO Investment Guidelines are serving as the bridge between investors, destinations and projects, with editions focused on countries in the Americas and Africa
  • Plans to create a Pan-African Tourism Fund, a Guarantee Fund to provide security for banks, investors and financial institutions, continue to advance

Within the framework of the Executive Council, UNWTO held the first ever Thematic Session on tourism communications and its role in building a new narrative focused on the sector’s importance for economic development and social opportunity.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

InterContinental Bangkok’s June Relaunch to Deliver the IC Life for Everyone

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InterContinental Bangkok's June Relaunch to Deliver the IC Life for Everyone - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental Bangkok Hotel is set to rise again with a stunning comeback in June. Boasting a bold new vision and a commitment to unparalleled service and innovation, the iconic property will usher in a new era after a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover.

Under the leadership of Stephen Gould, a seasoned luxury hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional guest experiences, the InterContinental Bangkok will draw heavily on the property’s 20 years of handcrafted hospitality inspired by Thailand’s rich culture a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. Stephen’s 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality as an accomplished hotelier, including vast experience in the Asia Pacific region, is key to helping the hotel deliver this level of hospitality.

Stephen said about the InterContinental Life:
“At InterContinental Bangkok, we believe travel should always be alluring and we are dedicated to those who appreciate and enjoy The InterContinental Life. With our 20-year heritage, our prime location in the heart of Bangkok and our elite network of internationally acclaimed concierges with rich local knowledge, we offer guests an opportunity to elevate and enrichen their experience in one of the most desired destinations for travellers worldwide.”

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s first international luxury travel hotel brand and has been pioneering international destinations for decades. The InterContinental Bangkok has been a pillar of Bangkok history for the past two decades and following a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover positions the hotel like never before to welcome Thailand’s revived travel and leisure sector that is expected to receive between 25 million and 30 million foreign guests into the country this year.

The newly renovated InterContinental Bangkok will deliver a heightened level of sophistication, style, luxury and lavish design that embodies Thailand’s rich culture. Guests can enjoy curated culinary experiences from global cuisine offerings, including the debut of Bangkok’s first California-inspired restaurant, SoCal, or they can indulge their senses at SPA InterContinental, with a wide range of treatments that use HARNN and Elemis products. These characteristics, when combined, also deliver the InterContinental Life and create unforgettable experiences for guests and travellers from all over the world.

“I am confident that our talented team will introduce a new standard of luxury in Bangkok, creating truly exceptional experiences and delivering moments that matter for our guests. Thailand is a country with a rich history and shines as a beacon in global hospitality and reopening the InterContinental Bangkok after this makeover is one of the highlights of my career,” added Stephen.

InterContinental Bangkok is the ultimate destination for avid explorers and guests seeking traditional Thai luxury and curated experiences. Serving as an ultimate landmark, the hotel offers guests a sanctuary from Bangkok’s busy, urban lifestyles with an opportunity to ‘Discover More’.

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalised and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 18 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.
– Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
– Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
– Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels
– Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
– Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avana Retreat Offers Nature Escape Stay Package

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Avana Retreat Offers Nature Escape Stay PackageHanoi, Vietnam, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / A mountainside retreat that’s won renown for its natural splendor, a picturesque cascade at the heart of the property and its embrace of local traditions, is rolling out a new two-night stay package that takes in highlights both in and out of the property.

Avana Retreat’s new ‘Avana Immersion’ package was designed to take the fuss out of pre-trip planning and celebrate Mai Chau’s stunning natural landscapes and the rich culture of local ethnic group. From local craft workshops and nature treks to exploration in a classic open-top military-style jeep, Avana has positioned itself at the helm of an unforgettable guest experience. The package includes:

  • Round-trip limousine shuttle bus transfer (a private car is available at additional cost)
  • Two nights in Bauhinia Mountain Suite, with interiors inspired by local design
  • Full breakfast daily, two 3-course lunches, and two 4-course dinners at Green Chili
  • Afternoon snack at Cloud Pool, a tiered pool with a shape that mimics tiered rice fields
  • A three-hour guided nature trek
  • A jeep tour of the local villages
  • A 60-minute body massage at Orchid Spa set by a jungle cascade
  • A craft and cultural workshop led by a local artisan
  • A tour of the on-site museum, housed in a 50-year-old Thai style stilt house
  • Daily yoga classes in the H’mong Cottage, overlooking rolling hills dressed in tiered rice paddies, bamboo groves and lush forest.

At the Green Chili restaurant, perched beside a koi pond at the base of the rice fields, the culinary team infuses its dishes with local herbs, spices and vegetables, many of which come from their own organic garden. Guests can further customize their dining plan, choosing to upgrade the four-course dining experience to Private Dining at the Waterfall or Private Dining at the Hidden Spring Lagoon.

Avana Immersion is available for bookings year-round. Depending on the time of week, visitors can take part in several complimentary activities most evenings, including movies under the stars at the outdoor cinema (Sunday to Friday), a traditional Thai dance performance ( Saturday), and sweet potato and corn roasting by the fire at the Stilt House Museum (Friday).

The Stilt House, thought of as the soul of Avana, was transformed into a museum so visitors could learn about the lives, culture and traditions of the local Thai, Muong, and Hmong ethnic groups, through exploration of the displays and listening to the stories behind them, as well as with hands-on activities with local artisans who still ply traditional trades, such as rattan weaving.

Another highlight of the offering is the spa. Designed to give guests a sense of peace and immersion in the natural world, the Orchid Spa weaves its way around the beginnings of the retreat’s landmark cascade, which acts as the soundtrack for spa therapies. Package guests can choose from a Deep Tissue Release, Vietnamese Energy Healing or Thai Stress Relieving massage as part of their stay.

The 36-villa retreat is spread over 15 hectares of land that includes picturesque terraced fields and verdant mountainside, much of which was planted by the Avana team. Though the Avana Immersion package is available indefinitely, the resort is offering an introductory offer of 25% off all packages until December 22, 2023. Prices are based on a minimum of two people sharing with rates beginning at USD 625 per person for two nights. A two day one night package is also available from USD 256 per person.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News