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Anchor Operating System Becomes Independent Division of Hornblower Group

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Anchor Operating System Becomes Independent Division of Hornblower Group - TRAVELINDEXHornblower Group, announced today that AnchorTM Operating System will officially become an independent division within Hornblower, supporting both the organization’s businesses as well as external partners.  As digital adoption has become an instrumental focus in how businesses engage with their guests in a post COVID world, Anchor grew organically amongst partners as they experienced its unmatched digital ticketing capabilities.  Since Anchor’s beginnings in 2020, the business has reached more than $1Billion in transactions as a premier digital ticketing & operating system provider.  This shift to allow Anchor to become its own independent operator, will support its growth trajectory and partner demand with third-party external companies, while still continuing to work with Hornblower as an important client.

“A key element of Hornblower Groups’ growth strategy is the investment in, and continued innovation through, technology & software engineering,” said Kevin Rabbitt, chief executive officer, Hornblower Group.  “The development of Anchor was a key pillar to support this growth strategy and our investment in technology and over the past two years, we saw an unprecedented demand as the company grew organically amongst our partners. In order to keep up with its expanding capabilities and new partner opportunities, we felt Anchor would need to become its own independent operation, while still having the ability to work with Hornblower.  We are looking forward to this next evolution for Anchor as they continue to build innovative engineered based solutions for the travel, attractions, and transportation space and reignite new ways for guests to experience their brands.”

Over the past three years, Anchor has become the foundational ticketing and operating system across much of Hornblower’s business.  The Anchor operating system provides an enhanced guest experience to reservation ticketing with a frictionless personalized journey through websites, ticketing and onsite apps, and extending the digital consumer journey for our guests visiting some of the most iconic experiences in the world.

As Anchor’s awareness outside of Hornblower has grown, Anchor has expanded to support external partners, powering the experiences of travel brands across the globe with clients ranging from Chicago’s Navy Pier to New Orleans Steamboat Company and API integrations including Google, Expedia, Viator and GetYourGuide. The integration between Hornblower’s Anchor platform and Bacardi Brand Homes – which operate the collection of visitor centers for the world’s largest privately held spirits company — marked the first direct integration with a major consumer brand.  As Anchor’s partners increased, including on an larger international level, it required an expansion of its engineering team outside its homebase in Los Angeles, to extend its footprint with teams in both India and Mexico.

To enable further growth for Anchor, Hornblower Group will name chief technology officer, Nasi Peretz, as President of Anchor.  Peretz’s career is deeply rooted in the engineering and tech development space.  Prior to joining Hornblower, Peretz served as the vice president of engineering for Ticketmaster, spearheading major projects for the company including the original Taylor Swift verified fan on-sale and concert series.  It was through his time at Ticketmaster where Peretz learned the optics and power of scaling software to reach millions of fans.  Prior to his time with Ticketmaster, Peretz co-founded and ran his own ticketing company for six years, which was successfully acquired by publicly traded Cvent, Inc.

“Guest experience and operational-centric platforms are at the heart of what we do, and as we continue to develop Anchor, we are thrilled to expand our operations, while continuing to innovate for our largest client, the Hornblower family of brands,” said Nasi Peretz, president, Anchor.  “Anchor redefines the guest experience as digital adoption has soared in ways customers engage in travel and experiences.  We recognized that there was an opportunity to create a holistic and frictionless guest experience including new websites, ticketing and onsite apps and an extension the digital consumer journey, all delivered under one seamless operating system.  We are looking forward to continuing to explore unique opportunities that will further meet both brands and consumer’s needs.”

To support the new structure of Anchor, the company will also be onboarding a VP of Revenue, as well as building a corporate sales and services team.

Anchor is more than a ticketing system, as it is a cloud-based operating system that manages integration of third-party partners, has over 700 features including dynamic pricing, drag-n-drop reporting, waivers, kiosks, and Salesforce integration. It is a platform which is instrumental in the production of developing centralized solutions that are designed to scale. Its overall mission is to provide a turnkey solution that will result in reducing overhead, creating additional revenue streams, and most importantly, optimizing the guests experience.

Some of Anchor’s top features and capabilities include:

  • DYNAMIC PRICING & CAPACITY
    • Managing the price based on demand yield and an infinitely expanded set of rules utilizing If This Then That (IFTTT).
    • Managing capacity and distribution to partners based on a ruleset defined by the operator. 
  • POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEM & CONTACTLESS SOLUTION
    • Rich POS that allows for the sale of food & beverage, merchandise, and gift cards with full support for all contactless payments such as Alipay, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
  • DOCK ACCESS
    • The ticket scanning tool, Dock Access, gives guest the ability to scan a QR code for easy check-in or to retrieve reservations and rosters in multiple ways, including group ticketing.
  • IN-DEPTH REPORTING
    • The platform delivers reporting that allows companies to save time, energy, and money by simply dragging and dropping fields. The system reconciles funds, distributes ticketing fees and allocations across multiple sub-accounts, and is able to generate credit & debit type reports with granular detail
  • PASS VALIDATIONS
    • Via the validation APIs, guests are able to bypass the ticket window and head directly to entry. The integration automatically generates a receivable for each redemption as well as account for the attendance scan. Partnerships such as GoCity, CityPass and the Sightseeing Pass.
  • WEBSITE INTEGRATION
    • Using our Commerce SDk, it can embed the shopping cart right into the company site. It has multiple widgets that maintain the brand’s look and feel, while keeping conversion high.
  • MANAGE MY BOOKING
    • Guests have the option to manage their own booking whether it’s to reschedule, cancel, or invite a friend.
  • CHANNEL MANAGEMENT
    • Tickets can be sold across multiple channels, versus relying on another system to do it, making it one seamless channel. More than 18 direct API integrations today and growing monthly.

Through technological investments, diversified operations and a broad array of expertise, Hornblower continues to explore various opportunities and platforms to add to its portfolio of businesses and will contribute to the company’s projected growth and future success. From the moment the guest purchases their ticket, encounters the experience itself to building long term guest relationships, the Anchor platform seamlessly threads a holistic end-to-end customer digital journey like no other.

About Hornblower Group

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experiences and transportation. Hornblower Group’s corporate businesses are comprised of three premier experience divisions: American Queen Voyages®, its overnight cruising division; City Experiences, its land and water-based experiences as well as ferry and transportation services; and Journey Beyond, Australia’s leading experiential travel group. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group’s portfolio of international offerings includes water-based experiences (dining and sightseeing cruises), land-based experiences (walking tours, food tours and excursions), overnight experiences (cruises and railways) and ferry and transportation services. Hornblower Marine, a subsidiary of Hornblower Group, provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a subsidiary of

Hornblower Group and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group’s global portfolio covers 114 countries and territories, 125 U.S. cities and serves more than 30 million guests annually. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Hornblower Group’s additional corporate offices reside in Adelaide, Australia; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cambodia’s Ambitious Tourism Roadmap

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Cambodia's Ambitious Tourism Roadmap - TRAVELINDEX - VISITCAMBODIA.netAhead of the Mekong Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanoukville 26 April, Cambodia’s, Minister of Tourism, Mr Thong Khon outlines his country’s targets for tourism, aviation and dispersing a new generation of visitors beyond Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh

What are your targets for Cambodian’s tourism in 2023?
The target for Cambodia’s tourism in 2023 is to increase the international tourist arrivals from 4.0 to 4.5 million. Cambodia is host of the Southeast Asian Games 2023 in May, a major tourist event.

Is there a new emphasis or focus in Cambodia’s 2023 tourism promotion campaigns?
Our focus is “Visit Cambodia Year 2023”. It has the theme “MICE and Sports” and the slogan “Every Day is A Wonder”. Apart from the SEA Games we also have the 12th ASEAN Para Games from 3-9 June in Phnom Penh, with the theme, “Sports Live In Peace”. There’s also the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 in Sihanoukville from 25-27 April on “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalization”. Moreover, Cambodia is organising historical new year celebrations in Siem Reap province, “the 10th Anniversary of Angkor Sankranta,” 14-16 April.

How has tourism in Cambodia changed since the pandemic?
Like many other countries, Cambodia faced a big challenge from the global Covid-19 pandemic. The number of international arrivals dropped from 6.6 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2020 and to only 200,000 in 2021. With tourism coming back there have been some positives:

Cambodia has been awarded “Asia’s Leading Culture Destination 2022” and “Asia’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2022” in the World Travel Awards , held during the International Travel Expo in Ho Chi Minh City.

On 17 March this year, the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia won the “Leading International Tourism Campaign 2022” with its Visit Cambodia NEXT (New Exciting eXperience and Taste) campaign. We also organised roadshows in ASEAN markets such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam and participated in international tourism exhibitions both virtually and physically.

Moreover, Cambodia became the first country in ASEAN to fully re-open for international travellers in October 2022. That helped bring the number of international arrivals to 2.23 million by the end of 2022. Cambodia expects to receive around four million international visitors by the end of 2023, five million in 2024 and seven million in 2025. We have also seen strong domestic tourist demand within Cambodia.

We developed new tourism infrastructure during the pandemic, such as 38 new roads in Siem Reap, the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville expressway, and the new Siem Reap International Airport, which is due for completion in Q3 this year. The new Techo Takhmao International Airport south of Phnom Penh is due to complete its first phase in mid 2024.

What changes to the aviation sector are you trying to encourage to boost Cambodia Tourism?
By March 2028 we plan to have 33 airlines connecting to Cambodia through three international airports with an average of 494 flights per week or 988 movements. The government aims to boost the influx of international tourists and new airlines by applying tax incentives and reducing or waiving landing fees. We are investing a lot in two new airports: Kandal province, just south of Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap.

Which policies do you have in place to disperse tourism away from Angkor Wat to other parts of Cambodia?
Initially, foreign tourists visiting Cambodia wished to see only Angkor Wat temple. Through the preparation of new tour packages, tourists are now starting to enjoy more nature tourism, adventure activities, community-based tourism, ecotourism and learning about the lives of people and local food. We want to attract tourists away from Angkor Wat to help poorer areas develop.

What role does the upcoming Mekong Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanouk, play in Cambodia’s tourism future?
The Mekong Tourism Forum plays a vital role where we discuss the critical issues and emerging trends among regional tourism stakeholders. With the theme Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation, forum attendees will discuss sustainable food systems, fostering women’s empowerment, accelerating digitalisation, and upskilling the tourism workforce.

What message do you have for tourism leaders and delegates attending the forum?
Let’s work warmly and closely together to discuss regional issues and create solutions for further cooperation on sustainable tourism development. We can do this by promoting tourism potential and more disbursed destinations among the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New 4-Course Set Lunch at Plate Restaurant, Carlton Hotel Bangkok

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New 4-Course Set Lunch at Plate Restaurant, Carlton Hotel BangkokPlate Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a new 4-Course Set Lunch featuring a variety of Straits dishes alongside Asian and International options.

Priced at THB 590++, the lunch set at Plate is value for money for both business and casual lunch. Diners can start with their choice of soup and salad before the main course. The set is inclusive of dessert of the day and a beverage choice of coffee or tea.

Highlights include the signature Carlton Chicken Rice and other Straights dishes like Singapore Laksa and Char Kway Teow.

Plate set lunch is available daily at Plate Restaurant
Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Menu: qrco.de/bbeDTX

For more information or to make reservations, please contact 02 090 7888 or email FBreservations@carltonhotel.co.th

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Jewels of Carlton Afternoon Tea at Tuxedo Espresso Bar

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Tuxedo Espresso Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit presents the newest Afternoon Tea “Jewels of Carlton”. Dedicated to jewelry and shiny blings, each item is created with a piece of jewelry in mind.

The Jewels of Carlton Afternoon Tea set features 9 selections of delectable pastries and sweet bites. The highlight item is the “Sacher Torte”, an iconic combination of chocolate and apricot jam offering a sweet and bitter taste alongside refreshing notes from the apricot.

THB 1,380++ per set for 2 persons including a pot of TWG Tea or Coffee of your choice
THB 1,680++ per set for 2 persons including two glasses of bubbles

Link to the full menu: qrco.de/bcVIca

A selection of these pastries are also available as “Dessert of the Month”, as part of the a la carte menu:

• Sacher-Torte THB 220++
• Gianduja, Caramel Cream Tart THB 220++
• Almond Vanilla Cake THB 200++
• Baked Cheesecake THB 200++

Afternoon Tea is available daily at Tuxedo Espresso Bar
Date: April – June 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888 or email Fbreservations@carltonhotel.co.th

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avana Retreat Takes Going Green Literally By Planting 10,000 Trees

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Avana Retreat Takes Going Green Literally By Planting 10,000 Trees - TRAVELINDEXAs eco-initiatives evolve, going plastic-free is the minimum a resort can do to lighten its environmental impact. Avana Retreat, situated amid the mountains of Vietnam’s Mai Chau province, has been making sure its footprint is featherweight since debuting in the pandemic. Through extreme tree planting projects, cultural initiatives to maintain ethnic minority traditions, organic farming, neighborhood trash collecting partnerships with youth groups, and turning one of its star attractions – terraced rice fields – into a source of income for the community, Avana is working in unison with the environment. As for plastic, you won’t find a bottle or single-use bag in sight. The property even has its own purifying and bottling facility on-site, which uses fresh mountain water and cuts CO2 emissions.

Reforestation and building biodiversity

“There is a Vietnamese saying ‘Where there is good land, the birds will come and settle’,” said Mr. Vu Huy, founder of Avana Retreat. “We have planted over 10,000 trees in the area since we started developing this land and the bird life, well, we’re seeing more and more return. In fact, the wildlife has flourished.”

Avana Retreat has prioritized re-foresting and working with the existing landscape. Raised pathways weave a way to both the spa and waterfall in an attempt to limit existing tree-cutting. The electric buggy and walking paths are purposefully narrow so that the impact on the vegetation is minimized. The terraced rice paddies, within the resort grounds, are also not just for decoration.

For generations, the Hmong people have been cultivating the land to grow rice. Avana Retreat’s rice terraces are maintained by local ethnic groups who keep all the rice they harvest at Avana to eat or sell as they wish. This method of rice farming is a long-standing tradition, a cultural practice that has endured over time, and is one of the many aspects of the ethnic groups of the region that Avana Retreat shares with guests.

Helping local culture and economic livelihoods flourish

The property’s museum, housed in a more than 50-year-old Thai style stilt house, is the hub for cultural activities. Inside guests can learn about the various ethnic groups that live in the area, their traditions, clothes, and customs. Underneath the raised house, there are hands-on opportunities to experience the culture from rattan weaving workshops to Batik art classes, where textiles are created with symbols of significance for the Hmong people.

“The traditions and culture of the ethnic minority groups of this area are shared orally,” explained Huy. “We want to play our part in keeping those traditions and stories alive through our museum, experiences, and through classes with local artisans who are just as passionate about what they do as we are.”

Avana does more than work with just local artists though. More than 90% of staff are from Thai, Hmong, and Muong villages. Most of the current team lacked education beyond high school and were provided with hospitality training, sustainable development education, and English lessons, as well as given health insurance, professional working conditions, promotion prospects, and additional job training for continual development.

The property’s design was created with direct input from local people. Hmong techniques were used to make the earth walls and the Thai people weaved the roofs of the villas, restaurants, and spa, in their traditional style. The artistic traditions of the region are ever present throughout Avana, from the hundreds of individually crafted lanterns lining pathways and within the rooms and public spaces, to the Batik artwork adorning the walls.

Going organic inside and out

Earlier this year Avana launched their own natural, pesticide-free garden, where they grow a vast selection of herbs and vegetables that appear on guests’ plates. From chayote to coriander many typical Vietnamese flavors can be found in the new vegetable patch. Also on site is a free-range chicken farm where around 300 chickens enjoy a spacious home, while supplying the kitchen with an abundance of eggs.

Organic essential oils and natural ingredients are used for the soap, shampoo, and conditioner found in the refillable bottles in-room. At the spa, nature is also tapped for the products used with organic extracts from herbs, flowers, and fruit used in massages and facials, as well as in the candle-making workshop available for guests.

“At each stage of developing Avana, we’ve asked ourselves, ‘how can we offer the best to our guests and the community while making sure that we’re doing the best we can for the environment?’,” added Huy. “As we continue to grow in the experiences we offer and the property itself, this idea remains our guiding philosophy.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: A little bit of Jack Johnson and friends

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Jack Johnson has always fascinated on many levels. An amazing singer-songwriter in the Cat Stevens mold, he was a professional surfer before music and is an active environmental and charitable crusader.

Some may remember him for producing the soundtrack to the film “Curious George.”

And hailing from the north shore of Oahu, his Hawaiian roots never seem far from surface, particularly in his videos.

A great example is this week’s selection, “A Little Bit of Love,” performed outdoors with colleague John Cruz and assorted “friends.”

The message of the song, easy-going vibe, and connection to the community are all typical Jack. And if that isn’t enough, the video simply makes you want to be in Hawaii.

Lyrics

All I need is a little sun
Some for me some for everyone
All I need is a little air
Some for me some for everywhere
Little bit of love
Little bit of love

And all I need is some water to drink
Quiet place so I can sit and think
And I find me a pot of gold
I’ll never forget about the rain (bow)
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love

Really what I’m trying to say
Is I need you
And every little bit of love
You give me too

And all I need is a happy home
Some place I wouldn’t have to be alone
It’ll be nice to have some candle light
Light the fire in your heart at night
Little bit of love
Not that we need it
Little bit of love
No need be greedy
Little bit of love
Cuz I love this tready
Little bit of love
Not that we need it

Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Every little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
Little bit of love
(we did six times)
(its good, that sounds just cool)

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket Hotels Association Appoints Jayne MacDougall as Executive Director

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Phuket Hotels Association Appoints Jayne MacDougall as Executive Director - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comPhuket, Thailand, April 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Jayne MacDougall, a hospitality expert with a deep understanding of environmental policy, safety, training and community projects, takes over from Sumi Soorian who will transition into a senior advisory role. The Phuket Hotels Association, a non-profit organisation representing 85 of the island’s top hotels and resorts, has strengthened its commitment to the environment, education and community integration with the appointment of Jayne MacDougall as its new Executive Director, effective 3rd April 2023.

A highly skilled hospitality professional with a wealth of experience in areas such as sustainability, training and policy, Jayne is ideally suited to guide the association’s strategic direction, which is built around four key pillars: Marketing, Environment, Government and Education.

She is no stranger to the Phuket Hotels Association, having served as its Environment Chair since 2017. In this position, Jayne pioneered the Environment Committee and successfully spearheaded a wide range of environmental, safety and social projects for hotels, including lifesaving training and a school garden initiative which created a relationship with the local community.

Jayne has more than 20 years of experience in Thailand’s hospitality industry, including a long and successful spell as Director of Risk Management at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort. Most recently, she was Senior Consultant on the GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH) pilot program in Asia, which aimed to eliminate the use of single-use plastic in the Thai hotel industry.

Jayne’s appointment as Executive Director follows the transition of Sumi Soorian to a Senior Advisor role. Sumi has been with the association since its inception and was instrumental in the organisation and success of events such as the PHAB (Phuket Hotels Association Benefit) and PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism). She will continue to advise the association’s directors and president.

“I am delighted to welcome Jayne MacDougall as our new Executive Director. Her work over the last five years as Environment Chair has been instrumental in forging our strategic direction. Environmental issues, training and education are all critical areas currently impacting Phuket’s hotel sector, so Jayne’s deep knowledge and extensive connections will enable us to achieve our goals,” said Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sumi for her outstanding contribution to the Phuket Hotels Association. She has been a pillar of strength to the association since its inception and played a vital role in our success.”

This announcement follows the recent reappointment of the Phuket Hotels Association’s senior leadership team, including Bjorn Courage as President, Brett Wilson as Treasurer and Daniel Meury as Secretary. This continuity, in addition to the appointment of Jayne as Executive Director, will enable key projects and policies to be implemented effectively, positioning the association for a bright future.

Since it was founded in January 2016, the Phuket Hotels Association has grown to represent 85 of the island’s top internationally branded and independent luxury and midscale hotels and resorts, comprising just over 12,000 rooms. Each of these members has made a commitment to the destination and, through the Phuket Hotels Association, are actively investing in a sustainable future through long-term environmental and educational initiatives.

For more information about the Phuket Hotels Association, please visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com.

Phuket Hotels Association members are as follows:
Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa, Amanpuri, Amari Phuket, Amora Beach Phuket, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket, Andara Resort & Villas, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Avista Grand Phuket Karon – Mgallery, Baan Laimai, Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort, Banyan Tree Phuket, Best Western Phuket, Boat Lagoon Resort, Burasari Phuket, Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas, Cassia Phuket, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, COMO Point Yamu, Courtyard Marriott Phuket Town, Dewa Phuket, DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Fisherman Way Beach Resort, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket, Patong Beach, Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bangtao, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Patong, HOMA, Homm Bliss Southbeach Patong, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, InterContinental Phuket Resort, Island Escape by Burasari, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Kata Rocks Resort & Residences, Keemala Phuket, Kudo Hotel Patong, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, Centara Boutique Collection, Mangosteen Ayurveda & Wellness Resort, Marina Gallery Resort – Kacha – Kalim Bay, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, Movenpick Bangtao Beach Phuket, Mövenpick Myth Hotel Patong Phuket, My Beach Hotel, Narai Mai Khao Resort, Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach, Outrigger Surin Beach Resort, Paresa Resort, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach, Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, Radisson Resort and Suites, Rayaburi Hotel Patong, Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, Rosewood Phuket, SAii Laguna Phuket, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa, Six Senses Yao Noi, Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort, Thanyapura Sports Hotel, Thavorn Beach Village Resort and Spa, The AIM Patong Hotel, The Bell Pool Villa Resort, The Boathouse Phuket, The Nai Harn, The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, The Pavilions Phuket, The Shore at Katathani, The Slate, Phuket, The Surin Phuket, The Village Coconut Island, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket, Tree House Villas Koh Yao, Trisara, Twinpalms MontAzure, Twinpalms Phuket, V Villas Phuket, Villa PhuKhao, Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach Phuket, Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pimalai Rewards Guests with Benefits for Summer Wellness Breaks

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Pimalai Rewards Guests with Benefits for Summer Wellness Breaks - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netKoh Lanta, Thailand, April 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Pimalai Resort & Spa, the natural five-star retreat on Koh Lanta, is inviting its international clientele to spend even longer exploring the wonders of southern Thailand, while also staying in shape with a healthy new package that includes extended stays, additional benefits, fitness activities, generous resort credit and more!

Available for bookings made between now and 20th September 2023, and stays taken up until 30th September 2023, Pimalai’s “Summer Wellness” package offer five, seven or 10 nights of luxurious accommodation in a stylish 48-square metre Deluxe Room or a stunning 204-square metre One-Bedroom Hillside Ocean View Private Pool Villa. Throughout their salubrious stay, visitors will be invited to join daily exercise classes, including yoga, circuit training, TRX and more, plus complimentary spa classes, outdoor activities such as bike rides and nature tours, and non-motorised water sports including paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking and more! Culture seekers can also take part in immersive activities such as Thai cooking classes, mangrove tours with local villagers, and visits to Koh Lanta’s old town and museum.

The longer the guest stays, the more rewarding their vacation becomes! For example, travellers who book a five-night stay in a Deluxe Room (priced starting at THB 20,375 per package) will be treated to up to THB 2,000 of resort credit, which can be redeemed for memorable meals, sunset drinks, soothing spa therapies and more. Those staying for seven nights (THB 28,525) will enjoy the same credit, plus a delicious dinner for two people, and 10-night bookings (THB 40,750) will include resort credit and two dinners.

Wellness seekers who book a five-night escape in Pimalai’s One-Bedroom Hillside Ocean View Private Pool Villa (THB 49,425) will benefit from up to THB 2,500 of resort credit and one couple’s dinner, while guests who stay for seven nights (THB 69,195) will also be treated to a one-hour Aromatic Massage for two people and a sustainable excursion to the exotic tropical islands in Mu Ko Lanta National Park. Visitors staying for the full 14-day vacation (THB 98,850) will be offered an array of extras, including credit, two dinners, an Aromatic Massage for two guests, an island excursion, and a Thai cooking class led by Pimalai’s talented chef.

Nestled in 100 acres of lush jungle, cascading gently down to a 900-metre stretch of pure white sand lapped by the Andaman Sea, Pimalai is a haven of tranquillity. This iconic, eco-sensitive retreat is a place where guests come to unwind in blissful seclusion and serenity. The fully-equipped Sports Centre features full-size tennis and badminton courts, a fitness centre and a muay Thai boxing ring, while the sparkling turquoise waters of Kantiang Bay sets the stage for water sports.

New and returning guests will also be able to discover exciting culinary concepts, including Spice and Rice, which specialises in authentic southern Thai cuisine with signature dishes, Seven Seas, which crafts world-class Western cuisine, Rak Talay Beach Restaurant, where diners can savour succulent local seafood as the waves lap gently on the shore, and Banyan Tree Café, the resort’s all-new healthy dining concept.

“With its pure ocean air and warm, outdoor climate, Koh Lanta is a destination that encourages health and wellness. We always encourage guests to stay for as long as possible, so they can experience everything this intriguing island has to offer. Our new ‘Summer Wellness’ packages make it even more appealing for travellers to linger longer and stay in shape in Koh Lanta, with generous resort credit and immersive activities. We look forward to welcoming the world to Koh Lanta this year,” said Brice Borin, Pimalai’s General Manager.

About Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on the Andaman Island since it launched almost two decades ago. The award-winning property, located on the laid-back southern tip, cascades through 100 acres of tropical jungles easing its way towards one of Thailand’s best beaches: Kantiang Bay. It’s here that guests while the days away lounging on what often feels like a private beach or spend action-packed afternoons out in the cerulean sea scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on a sunset cruise. A smattering of local bars and restaurants line the beach, but its Pimalai’s onsite eateries that tend to steal the show. The legendary Rak Talay beachfront bar and restaurant is as loved for the sumptuous Thai-style seafood as it is its sunset setting, while nestled in the resort’s jungle interior, Seven Seas serves up Michelin-chef-conceived menus throughout the evening. Guests can also indulge in an array of onsite wellness experiences, ranging from traditional Muay Thai classes to early evening tennis matches and pampered afternoons at the signature Pimalai Spa. With no immediate neighbours, the 121-room resort is a serene sanctuary where guests can feel completely at peace in their private surroundings. From Hillside Ocean Pool Villas that command vistas of the stunning scenery through to the Beachside Villas, situated only a few short steps away from the shoreline, rooms at Pimalai cater to all tastes with spacious layouts and designs that seamlessly integrate with the natural surroundings.

In keeping with Koh Lanta’s low-key, laid-back mindset, Pimalai Resort & Spa offers guests from all corners of the globe the opportunity to savour a truly authentic Thai island experience in their very own private sanctuary. For more information, visit www.pimalai.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

STRIDING FORWARD: Hong Kong reveals tourism plan amidst recovery

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Strengthening Hong Kong as an event capital, continuing to develop the Greater Bay Area tourism and maintaining a close partnership with the trade are integral components of the Hong Kong Tourist Board’s travel-related plans post pandemic.

The platform planks were revealed as last week’s Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2023 event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which attracted more than 1,600 participants in person and online, including trade representatives from Hong Kong, China and overseas travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, restaurants, meeting and exhibition operators, cruise lines, and other travel sectors.

Among the participants were Michael Lim and Yuen Kwan from HKTA’s Toronto office.

HKTB Senior Trade Marketing Manager Yuen Kwan and Director for Canada, South and Central Americas Michael Lim

The Tourism Overview discussed tourism trends and shared details of the HKTB’s latest strategic plans.

With the theme “Striding Forward in a Steady Recovery,” Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said, “Hong Kong has returned to normal and is welcoming back global visitors. The tourism industry will recover progressively. The Tourism Overview today is the exact platform that gathers members of the travel trade together to explore the way to revive the city’s tourism industry.

“Hong Kong is not only a destination with universal appeal and an astonishing array of attractions, but also a gateway between the Mainland and the rest of the world. We can work with neighbouring cities to build a Greater Bay Area tourism brand for the region and the international market. With the continued collaboration of all sectors, we can bring Hong Kong’s tourism to the next level of excellence.”

In his business update, HKTB Executive Director Dane Cheng, introduced the tourist board’s primary strategic focuses for the coming year:

• First, the HKTB will drive a strong recovery across all travel-related sectors while strengthening Hong Kong as an event capital.

• In addition, the HKTB will continue to develop Greater Bay Area tourism and multi-destination tourism with cities in GBA.

• And the HKTB will also maintain a close partnership with the trade to gear up and strengthen support for them, enhancing service quality.

In addition, the HKTB also invited industry leaders and international corporate representatives to share insights on the themes “A Deep Dive into the post-pandemic Mainland Travel Trends” and “Global & Regional Consumer Trends affecting Tourism in Asia in 2023”, providing multi-perspective insights into the post-pandemic trends and development of tourism and capturing new opportunities.

Among the speakers, Anson Bailey, Head of Consumer and Retail, ASPAC, KPMG China, stated: “Hong Kong is back for tourists and business, and it is expected that the APAC region will return to become the largest regional travel market by 2025.

He added, “To stay ahead of the game, the travel and retail industry should be ready to innovate and capture the opportunity to meet today’s consumers, especially the rising Gen Z consumers’ needs. Hong Kong is going to be the hub for tech and innovation, with ESG on the rise. Lastly, our people are always the key asset in showcasing the best of Hong Kong’s travel and tourism offerings.”

And Becky Ip, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTB, outlined HKTB’s market strategies, including converting more visitors into overnight travellers, captivating visitors to stay longer in Hong Kong, ramping up Hong Kong’s international exposure aggressively, and engaging visitors with the city’s new tourism appeal.

HKTB representatives from various overseas offices, including Canada’s Lim and Kwan also joined the breakout session to reconnect with the local travel trade representatives, bringing with them the latest insights from their respective markets.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SANTA MONICA: Fun and laid-back luxury in L.A.’s ‘beach city’

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A vintage event space on Toronto’s King Street was a long way from sunny Santa Monica, California – but maybe that was the point as tourism partners from the Los Angeles-area community rolled into town recently on their annual Canadian sales mission, the first since the pandemic.

“We’re LA’s beach city,” declared Santa Monica’s Canadian rep Sana Keller (of Pulse Marketing, along with Annika Klint) to the audience of travel agent and trade guests, noting that the coastal enclave is also the closest city to LAX (20 km), a not inconsequential fact in a metropolis known for its traffic congestion.

And Michael Gurrieri, chief marketing officer at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, notably added, “We’re a very walkable city in a not very walkable destination (Los Angeles).”

That includes on or along the famous beach, which invariably leads past the iconic Santa Monica pier (and adjacent Pacific Park amusement park), which has presided over the beach for over a century.

But SMTT national sales manager Ozzie Otero emphasized that “even if you’re not a beach person, there’s something for everyone” in Santa Monica’s eight distinct neighbourhoods.

That includes galleries and museums, shopping, and close to 170 unique murals. There are also 41 hotels and over 400 restaurants.

Of course, the city is also a gateway to the rest of LA – 25 kms to downtown, 21 to SoFi Stadium, 11 km to Beverly Hills and 22 to Hollywood, making Santa Monica a “great base” for touring the area. The Port of Los Angeles is 45 km away for pre- or post-cruise stays.

But visitors don’t have to go as far for great hiking and biking trails, or to find community spirit in places like the local farmer’s market or on along the beach (including picnics, volleyball, and surfing) and adjacent boardwalk.

“It’s quintessential SoCal,” Otero declares.

At the same time, the city boasts urban sophistication, as demonstrated by the hotel partners in attendance at the event, including Casa del Mar,

Shutters on the Beach, Casa del Mar, Regent Santa Monica Beach and Fairmont Miramar Hotels and Bungalows, the latter a sprawling two-hectare urban resort.

Santa Monica, via LAX, is served from Canadian gateways by Air Canada, WestJet, and Transat, the former a sponsor of the trade event which offered agents a draw for two tickets to Los Angeles.

Team Santa Monica, along with Canadian partners Audrey Tanguay Beaudette, Air Canada (l), Sana Keller (third from left), and Annika Klint (r).

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News