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PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: London pub spins us right round like a record, baby!

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There are more than 3,500 pubs in London but, to be honest, some lack the distinctiveness that truly sets an establishment apart when it comes to having a memorable and quintessential British experience when dropping in for a pint or glass of wine (or two).

Certainly, there are many establishments that do rate, whether based on their history, hospitality, or just plain fun. And one that’s near the top of the list is The Marquis Covent Garden, located a short stroll from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross station.

A family-owned “free house,” the cozy bar has earned TripAdvisor status as a top 15 pub in the city and has attracted noteworthy (historically eclectic) clientele from Charles Dickens to Led Zeppelin, plus a host of famous footballers. The former is remembered in the “Dicken’s Corner” of the bar.

The Marquis also recently had a start turn in (the new) Mary Poppins film, plus other flicks.

But the celebrity endorsements are a mere footnote in the pub’s persona, which is chockablock with interesting clutter, not least rock and roll posters, photos, and paraphernalia – a framed photo of her former majesty included, crammed in beside an advert for The Small Faces (where Rod Stewart gained fame).

The vibe plays to The Marquis’ most unique attribute – it’s music, which is curated by devoted bartenders via vinyl albums and 45s, played on actual turntables. As befits the medium, the playlist ranges from the Stones to Oasis and the Jam to Dead or Alive, providing an experiential soundtrack with a classic British feel. Flyers on the wall invite patrons to make a request and suggest dozens of names from manager Tommy’s impressive vinyl collection.

On a late January visit, patrons ranged from an elderly couple from Essex having a pre-theatre meal and drink – “great food, great service, you don’t get that anymore,” they enthused – to 20-something investment bankers hell-bent on spending their superfluous salaries on rounds of beer and shots for a few grateful out-of-town visitors.

And while the bar is small, virtually forcing patrons to engage with their neighbours (a sign amongst the bric-a-brac declares: “There are no strangers here, just friends who ain’t met yet”), an upstairs “library” (albeit with book shelf wallpaper), provides extra space if not solitude, boasting a second DJ station with turntable and albums, and space for live performers.

Located at 51-52 Chandos Place, within sight of the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square, The Marquis is open from noon to 11 p.m. daily, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 on Sundays.

Like most London pubs, it truly comes alive at night and, in this case, is guaranteed to, as Dead or Alive sang, “spin you right round like a record, baby, right round!”

Friends are easily made at The Marquis as Goway’s Craig Canvin discovered

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE MUSIC LIVES ON: Burt Bacharach ‘set the bar’ for generations of listeners

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Burt Bacharach died yesterday at the age of 94. The Oscar and Grammy-winning composer has had Top Ten hits since the 1950s, and was known for such standards as “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” “Walk on By,” “Alfie,” “That’s What Friends are For,” and “Raindrops keep Falling On My Head.”

Singer Dionne Warwick was most frequently associated with his work and many of his compositions were written for her, though his songs have also been recorded by over 1,000 different singers. Other artists he collaborated with included Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, Jackie DeShannon, Bobbie Gentry, Tom Jones, BJ Thomas, the Carpenters, Steve Tyrell, and most recently Elvis Costello.

Warwick said in a statement, “Burt’s transition is like losing a family member. These words I’ve been asked to write are being written with sadness over the loss of my Dear Friend and my Musical Partner. On the lighter side we laughed a lot and had our run ins, but always found a way to let each other know our family, like roots, were the most important part of our relationship. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, letting them know he is now peacefully resting and I too will miss him.”
Sheryl Crow tweeted, “One of the great thrills and honors of my life was getting to know @BurtBacharach – one of the greatest songwriters of all time. There will never be anyone like him and as a songwriter, he set the bar. Burt, you will be missed but your music will live on. My love to his family.”

Elvis Costello, who just finished a new album out next month with Bacharach called “The Songs of Bacharach and Costello,” had earlier commented on their upcoming album.

“I first heard the songs of Burt Bacharach when my family was still living in a basement flat near Olympia in the late 1950’s,” he wrote. “Never would I have imagined that my admiration for him would grow into a 25-year collaboration and friendship.”

Bacharach’s personal appeal transcended music, as he was named one of “People” magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” in 2000 and one of the “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1999.

Here’s a Bacharach classic with the composer accompanying Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston.

Lyrics

That’s What Friends Are For

And I never thought I’d feel this way
And as far as I’m concerned
I’m glad I got the chance to say
That I do believe I love you
And if I should ever go away
Well, then close your eyes and try
To feel the way we do today
And then if you can remember
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
Well, you came and opened me
And now there’s so much more I see
And so by the way I thank you
Oh and then for the times when we’re apart
Well, then close your eyes and know
These words are coming from my heart
And then if you can remember
Oh, keep smilin’ and keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
In good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
Oh, that’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
That’s what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’
Knowing you can always count on me for sure
‘Cause I tell you that’s what friends are for
For good times and for bad times
I’ll be on your side forever more
That’s what friends are for (that’s what friends are for, ya)
On me for sure (count on me for sure, count on me for sure)
That’s what friends are for
Keep smilin’, keep shinin’

Songwriters: Burt Bacharach / Carole Sager

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weeva Exhibits at OurAfrica.Travel Exhibition

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Weeva Exhibits at OurAfrica.Travel Exhibition - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa,  February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Weeva will be exhibiting at OurAfrica.Travel for the first time in February 2023. The recently launched digital sustainability management system was created for the tourism industry to manage the complicated and sometimes daunting task of “sustainability” and to help build resilience in the sector.

Built by a team of sustainability experts and scientists alongside industry partners The Long Run and Preferred by Nature, and co-founded by Julie Cheetham, Weeva is a tool that enables properties, from small B&Bs to large hotel groups, to measure and improve their impact.

Weeva has recently been named among the 30 finalists in the UN World Tourism Organization’s Awake Tourism Challenge – selected from more than 2,000 entries into the sustainability competition from 120 countries.

Weeva is not just another carbon calculator. It offers a holistic framework for sustainability management and an incredible knowledge resource to help educate and empower teams on the ground to improve their efforts across 360-degrees of business operations–based on the 4Cs of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Best of all–Weeva’s simple, intuitive design and how-to guides help properties and their team members understand their real impact-both negative and positive–with all the results in one place. The easy-to-use dashboard will reveal and report on real data, which is vital for establishments wanting to be transparent for guests and tour operators or simply to meet certification requirements from GSTC validated bodies. (Think Fitbit meets Sage)

Weeva has undergone rigorous testing from an initial pilot group of 20 properties, which included the likes of Singita, Grootbos, Tswalu, Cottars, Borana Lodge and HBD Principe and ended 2022 with almost 100 properties onboarded. Weeva has secured a strategic partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection and looks forward to further announcements in the coming months.

Weeva is currently a web application, the mobile native version is already in development and the platform will be extended to serve tour operators, travel agents and tourist boards in future iterations.

Weeva will be both affordable and accessible to make sustainable business operations viable for tourism businesses, no matter their size-or where they are on their sustainability journey. Weeva is now available to any property wanting to start with a free trial (with no credit card required) with a lead in price of just $750 per annum (the price of a sustainability consultant for just one day) for small businesses.  You can view a demo video on weeva.earth

Be sure to check out the easy-listening podcast for the eco-curious, “Funny Old World” hosted by sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman and media pundit Simon London – proudly powered by Weeva on https://weeva.earth/powered-by/funny-old-world-podcast/.

Weeva is a proud member of the Oppenheimer Generations Community and has offices based in London and South Africa.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Month of Love at Anantara Chiang Mai

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The Month of Love at Anantara Chiang Mai - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / With winter still in the air, and the mountains misty, Chiang Mai is the perfect destination to escape to for romance. Anantara invites couples to indulge in love, with a special Valentine’s dinner to enjoy, as well as staycations and spa treatments available throughout the month of February.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s ‘Romantic Chiang Mai Escape’ is an invitation to make a long weekend of Valentine’s Day with a loved one. Staying three nights or more, guests will enjoy a free upgrade and early check-in to begin. Tranquil days follow in a spacious room or suite, with a champagne breakfast in bed and a couple’s massage at Anantara Spa at a chosen time during the stay.

Valentine’s Day is a beautiful affair, with a special menu prepared by the chef for the occasion. Couples will enjoy a quiet table under a bodhi tree, surrounded by candlelight and overlooking the Ping River. Five exquisite courses served include the aphrodisiacs oysters and Valrhona chocolate.

Rates for the staycation start at THB 17,284++ per night per couple. Outside guests may also book the Valentine’s Day dinner at THB 5,900++ per couple, with an additional THB 3,000++ for wine pairing. Space is limited, therefore advance bookings are highly recommended.

The month of love is also a time for self-care, with special offers available at the award-winning Anantara Spa. Intravenous drips for couples will include the second drip priced at 50%, with a wide selection to choose from.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort’s exclusive and tranquil setting is ideal for romantic escapes. Rooms and suites are soothing sanctuaries for two, the new rooftop bar is perfect for taking in sunsets, and romantic experiences include floating over the countryside in a hot-air balloon and drifting down the river on a cruise.

For more information or reservations, call +66 53 253 333

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Alma Resort Grows Own Food at New Onsite Farm

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Alma Resort Grows Own Food at New Onsite FarmCam Ranh, Vietnam, February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Thirty-hectare beachfront resort Alma has cultivated its own onsite farm to produce an array of fruits, vegetables, herbs and chicken eggs, affording organic zero-kilometre vegetables for guests’ meals and beverages.

In a bid to make Alma more self-sufficient and sustainable, landscape manager Ngo Duc Thinh and his team of green thumbs have transformed parts of the family resort into a 1000sqm nursery garden, a 260sqm chicken farm and a 180sqm herb garden.

Situated on the northern end of Alma’s grounds, a short walk from the Active Youth Club for teenagers, the nursery garden is thriving with bananas, coconuts, papaya, squash, passionfruit, sunflowers, daisies and more.

Adjacent to the nursery garden, the chicken farm is currently home to a growing brood of 17 hens, six roosters and 18 chicks.

Situated just outside beachfront restaurant Atlantis, with panoramic views of Long Beach, the herb garden is brimming with mustard leaves, morning glory, red and green chili peppers, Vietnamese basil, lettuce, green onions, white radish, bok choy, tomatoes and more.

Currently all the farm’s produce is directed to the resort’s restaurants. Bananas, coconuts and eggs, for example, are served during breakfast at Alma Garden restaurant. Lettuce and mustard leaves are included in salads and coconuts are provided as drinks at Atlantis. Italian restaurant La Casa’s traditional caprese salad features tomatoes from the herb garden along with locally produced mozzarella cheese.

Leftovers from the resort’s kitchens are used as compost and the farm is watered with recycled water.

Complimentary garden tours are on offer for the whole family, with staff sharing fruitful tips on how to cultivate a veggie patch at home. Children also learn about how to care for chickens.

Alma also plans to host cooking classes by the farm, where guests pick and clean their ingredients to cook their own healthy meals.

“We feel so proud to be putting our resort’s land to good use by creating our very own farm and embracing the ‘farm to table’ movement; it’s so rewarding for our team of gardeners to see how the kitchen staff love picking produce from the farm, and to see guests of all ages take tours of the farm with interest and curiosity,” said Mr Thinh.

“There’s a lot of talk in the hospitality industry about going green but it’s really important to walk the talk and this is yet another initiative at Alma that helps create a more sustainable holiday for guests,” added Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler.

The resort’s ‘hotel as farm’ efforts follow numerous initiatives including plans to implement Vietnam’s most ambitious solar power project for a hotel yet, and the appointment of a sustainability officer.

In addition to engaging staff in sustainability initiatives across three staff committees focused on ‘green products’, ‘innovation and solutions’ and ‘people and partnerships’, Alma has other measures in place to reduce its carbon footprint including a water treatment plant, electric buggy station, recycling in its garbage room and the resort’s transition to paperless solutions due to Alma App.

To contact Alma or to make a booking, please call +84 258 399 1666

About Alma
Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 70-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weeva to Showcase Sustainability Solutions at OurAfrica.Travel 2023

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Weeva to Showcase Sustainability Solutions at OurAfrica.Travel 2023 - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa,  February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Weeva will be exhibiting at OurAfrica.Travel for the first time this month.  The virtual trade show opens for networking and meeting bookings on 8 February, ahead of the official show which will run from 20 – 24 February 2023.

Weeva, the recently launched digital sustainability management system, was created for the tourism industry to manage the complicated and sometimes daunting task of “sustainability” and to help build resilience in the sector. Built by a team of sustainability experts and scientists alongside industry partners The Long Run and Preferred by Nature, Weeva is a tool that enables properties, from small B&Bs to large hotel groups, to measure and improve their impact.

However, this is not just another carbon calculator. Weeva offers a holistic framework for sustainability management and an incredible knowledge resource to help educate and empower teams on the ground to improve their efforts across 360-degrees of business operations–based on the 4Csof Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. Best of all–Weeva’s simple, intuitive design and how-to guides help properties and their team members understand their real impact-both negative and positive–with all the results in one place. The easy-to-use dashboard will reveal and report on real data, which is vital for establishments wanting to be transparent for guests and tour operators or simply to meet certification requirements from GSTC validated bodies. (Think Fitbit meets Sage)

Weeva has undergone rigorous testing from an initial pilot group of 20 properties, which included the likes of Singita, Grootbos, Tswalu, Cottars, Borana Lodge and HBD Principe and ended 2022 with almost 100 properties onboarded. Weeva has secured a strategic partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels’ Considerate Collection and looks forward to further announcements in the coming months.

Weeva is currently a web application, the mobile native version is already in development and the platform will be extended to serve tour operators, travel agents and tourist boards in future iterations.

Weeva will be both affordable and accessible to make sustainable business operations viable for tourism businesses, no matter their size-or where they are on their sustainability journey. Weeva is now available to any property wanting to start with a free trial (with no credit card required) with a lead in price of just $750 per annum (the price of a sustainability consultant for just one day) for small businesses.

You can also view a demo video on weeva.earth, sign up for the Weeva newsletter.

Be sure to check out the easy-listening podcast for the eco-curious, “Funny Old World” hosted by sustainability expert Juliet Kinsman and media pundit Simon London – proudly powered by Weeva on https://weeva.earth/powered-by/funny-old-world-podcast/.

Weeva is a proud member of the Oppenheimer Generations Community and has offices based in London and South Africa.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Pimalai Showcases the Flavors of Koh Lanta

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Pimalai Showcases the Flavors of Koh Lanta - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comKoh Lanta, Thailand, February 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Five-star resort focuses on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients from the island’s farms and fishing communities, curated by Chef Peng and served in a seafront setting at Spice and Rice, the popular restaurant. Pimalai Resort & Spa, the five-star sanctuary on the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta, has launched a new menu that features some of the most iconic and authentic dishes from Southern Thailand. Cooked with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, these recipes reinforce the resort’s commitment to nature, the community and creating highly original experiences for its discerning clientele.

The new menu has been curated by Chef Supon “Peng” Kaewcharoenpaiboon, Pimalai’s Executive Chef Thai de Cuisine, who has more than 20 years of experience. Having first learned about Thai cooking through his family’s food business, Chef Peng is now an expert in the art of Royal Thai cuisine and has served as Head Chef at Blue Elephant, the famous Thai restaurant in Dubai, UAE. He is keen to showcase Thai food on an international stage and has been a culinary ambassador at events in Indonesia, Singapore, UAE and USA. He even represented the Thai Embassy at the United Nations Food Festival in New York.

Southern Thailand has an exotic food culture that derives from the region’s native ingredients. Chef Peng has carefully researched the various herbs, spices and products from different provinces in order to understand Southern Thailand’s unique flavours. This helped him to devise a selection of recipes that reflect the culinary and cultural heart of the region. These can now be enjoyed at Spice and Rice, Pimalai’s popular sea-facing Thai restaurant. Guests can choose from the following dishes:

– Budu Herb Rice Salad – This vibrant salad blends Budu sauce from Saiburi – one of Southern Thailand’s most famous sauces – with fresh vegetables from the local villagers’ gardens and brown rice from the Rim Ping Organic Farm in Chiang Mai.
– Kaeng Som (Phatthalung Recipe) – This local twist on the popular sour & spicy soup is made using a chili paste from Phatthalung, along with tamarind and turmeric to give it a vibrant orange colour.
– Kaeng Tai Pla – This spicy fish soup is made with coconut milk and chili paste to give it a hot and smooth sensation. Chef Peng also uses pickled mackerel kidneys to create a truly unique homemade recipe.
– Sataw Phad Goong – This delectable dish of stir-fried pakria with shrimp and minced pork uses Koh Lanta’s famous shrimp paste, pakria (bitter beans) from villagers’ garden and fresh shrimp from the island’s fishing community.
– Kanom Ko – One of the most popular desserts in Southern Thailand, this sweet dish is made using coconut milk from the coconut groves of Koh Lanta.

These Southern Thai recipes can be enjoyed alongside a wide range of delicious, traditional Thai dishes at Spice and Rice. Some of the restaurant’s other popular menu items include Dried Fish with Watermelon, Braised Wagyu Beef Massaman Curry, Green Chicken Curry with Roti, Tom Kha Gai with Liang Leaves, and even a special Pad Thai that Chef Peng used to promote Thailand at international food shows.

Pimalai is committed to supporting local communities and reducing its environmental impact. By sourcing ingredients from within Koh Lanta, it ensures the freshness and flavour of the produce, while also providing a source of income for fishermen, farmers and small-scale producers, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with transportation. In fact, Pimalai has been able to reduce the frequency of trucks transporting raw materials to the resort from daily to no more than twice a week. In addition, any leftover food from Pimalai’s restaurants is brought into the composting process to be used as fertiliser for the resort’s gardens.

“Today’s travellers are seeking highly authentic, localised experiences that connect them with their destination. Food is a key aspect of this and Pimalai is committed to strengthening the links between our guests and the island by offering original cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else. Pimalai is also completely committed to giving back to the community and caring for the environment. Every aspect of our business must be as sustainable as possible and have minimal impact on the environment,” said Charinthip Tiyaphorn, Owner Representative of Pimalai.

Spice and Rice, Pimalai’s elegant Thai restaurant

Pimalai Resort & Spa is one of the world’s most luxurious resorts, with a total of 121 suites and private pool villas all surrounded by lush greenery and mountains overlooking the Andaman Sea. In 2022, Pimalai was named as the 12th best hotel in the world in Tripadvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice 2022 – Best of the Best Awards”, while Condé Nast Traveller placed Pimalai in its “Top 15 Resorts in Thailand” list. In addition, the Boutique Hotel Awards 2022 honoured Pimalai with two illustrious titles: “Best Hotel with a View Asia 2022” and “World’s Best Hotel with a View 2022.” Pimalai is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) Considerate Collection, a group of five-star luxury hotels that place great emphasis on social responsibility and environmental preservation.

For more information about Pimalai Resort & Spa, please email reservation@pimalai.com, call +66 (0) 2 320 5500

About Pimalai Resort & Spa
Koh Lanta’s first five-star resort, Pimalai Resort & Spa has been redefining luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it launched almost two decades ago. Voted Southeast Asia’s second best resort in Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards”, this award-winning property 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.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA Signs Cooperation Agreement with Government of Somalia

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IATA Signs Cooperation Agreement with Government of Somalia - AIRLINEHUB.com - TRAVELINDEXNairobi, Kenya, February 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in Somalia.

Under an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.

“Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realize that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. H.E. Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions,” said Alawadhi.

The agreement provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations.

“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia’s development plans. The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” said Egal.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Villagers of Subak Bakung Transform Future of Tourism with Kaura

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Villagers of Subak Bakung Transform the Future of Tourism with Kaura - TRAVELINDEX - VISITBALI.orgKarangasem, East Bali, Indonesia, February 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Cross Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Discova, are proud to announce the launch of new brand “Kaura”, and the first of its kind “Kaura Bali”.  This immersive village experience is located in the lush hills of Karangasem, East Bali and developed in harmony with the environment, in direct partnership with the villagers of Subak Bakung. Kaura is the sixth brand from Cross Hotels & Resorts and is poised to transform the hospitality landscape.

Transforming Hospitality for All

Kaura Bali started as a community project with Discova with the reparation of a damaged irrigation pipe that threatened the survival of the entire community who were heavily dependent on rice farming. Today, the villagers of Subak Bakung are transforming tourism with experiences that are both created and guided by the community. Each moment connects adventurous travelers closer to village culture.

Steeped in Paradise

Subak Bakung is appointed on the sweeping terraces of eastern Bali, with the fertile volcanic hillside as a stunning backdrop to the vibrant colour of village life. The crystal waters of the Java Sea are just a short cycle away; it is the perfect base to explore the region.

Life Changing Experiences

“I’m so proud to be working hand-in-hand with Discova and the people of Subak Bakung to bring Kaura to life.” said CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, Harry Thaliwal. “Our goal of self-sustaining retreats, created in partnership with local communities, is at the core of Cross’s vision for an evolving industry. Through education, and sustainable development with the villagers, Kaura will deliver life changing experiences for travelers.”

Immersed in Nature

Kaura Bali is an escape to the indulgence of nature. Guests can experience sunrises over the yoga Sala each morning, enjoy breathtaking views from the infinity pool, and step into a timeless world of Balinese treatments in our Spa. The retreat has been hand-crafted with the environment and sustainability first. There is no better way to reconnect with our planet or experience a new culture.

Relax in Balinese Hospitality

Our large, comfortable Balinese styled tents are instinctively positioned on the rolling curve of the steeps overlooking the rice paddies, rows of scented herbs, organic vegetables, and tropical fruit orchards. Hammocks surround our fire pits for guests to connect with, and hear stories from the village elders, while cold beers and tropical cocktails help everyone unwind from city life.

Shared Visions

Suyin Lee, Managing Director of Discova says, “Kaura is a true collaboration between the villagers of Subak Bakung, Discova and Cross Hotels & Resorts.  It is part of our longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, which directly benefits local communities. The villagers wanted to adopt organic farming, to improve farming practices and to bring prosperity back to their village. Now they are welcoming everyone to experience the real Bali and in doing so, creating an alternate source of livelihood.”

Don’t Just See it, Live It

The villagers are working with Discova to offer a range of experiences, from touring and working in the newly converted organic farms and rice paddies, to guided treks and cycling through the emerald Balinese steeps, or traditional cooking classes and holistic wellness workshops with the villagers, preparing for an evening meal together under a blanket of stars.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Halong Bay Unveils Its Most Lavish Day Cruise Ever

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Halong Bay Unveils Its Most Lavish Day Cruise Ever - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25CRUISES.comHalong Bay, Vietnam, February 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ambassador Cruise is heralding the dawn of a new day in cruising Halong Bay, with the launch of a day cruise on a new vessel with restaurants and bars, an outdoor jacuzzi and a striking glass bridge.

The five-star line behind the UNESCO World Heritage site’s most sublime cruise experiences will begin the day-long ‘Ambassador Day Cruise II’ tours on February 10 this year.

Elegantly designed, the ship features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow inspires compelling photographs.

The 1700-ton five-deck steel craft measures 95 meters long, 15.50 meters wide and 19 meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters.  Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities.

With amenities that hitherto have been the province of overnight adventures only, the new cruise caters for up to 500 passengers, who will check in at Ambassador’s Check-In Lounge in Halong City at 9.45am.

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave, a delectable buffet lunch while the vessel’s route plys a passage by Ho Dong Tien Cave, Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave and Cua Van Floating Village. The cruise anchors off Titov Island whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. Afternoon tea is served on the vessel’s sundeck. Guests return to Halong International Cruise Port at 4:30pm.

A round-trip shuttle bus links Hanoi with Halong Bay via an expressway that opened in 2018, cutting the drive time between the destinations in half to two hours.

Nguyen Cao Son, founder of Asia Premier Cruises Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, said February was the right time to launch the day cruise, following the world’s reopening and 2018’s launch of both the expressway and Van Don International Airport, located 50km from Halong Bay.

“The day cruise opens up Halong Bay in an exciting new way for many travelers, particularly those who can’t squeeze an overnight cruise into their schedule and yet now have the opportunity to experience this breathtakingly beautiful destination in style in a day,” he said.

Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay and also offers overnight cruises.

For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, call +84 1900 3045.

Ambassador Day Cruise II is priced from USD 112 per person (VND 2.625 million) including day cruise itinerary and program, round-trip shuttle bus transfer from and to Hanoi, one luxury buffet lunch, onboard insurance, tax and service charges, sightseeing fees and afternoon tea on the sundeck.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News