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G20 Tourism Side Event Focuses on Rural Tourism with UNWTO

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G20 Tourism Side Event Focuses on Rural Tourism with UNWTO - TRAVELINDEXKhonoma Village, Nagaland, India, February 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The first meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group to be held under the Indian Presidency placed the focus on the sector’s role in in advancing the 2030 Agenda.

UNWTO is working as the knowledge partner to the Presidency to deliver the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs. This week’s meeting, held in the Rann of Kutch (7-9 February), featured as well a side event dedicated to rural tourism for community development and poverty alleviation. Here, UNWTO shared its recently launched Tourism for Rural Development Programme, including the Best Tourism Villages Initiative.

The side event was an opportunity to highlight opportunities for rural tourism, including new consumer behaviors and growing interest in new destinations. The meeting also explored the main challenges facing the sector, particularly with regards to digital and non-digital infrastructure, the empowerment of local communities and skills development. The findings presented were the result of an analysis of more than 200 candidacies by villages from around the world to the Best Tourism Villages Initiative as well as UNWTO Member States priorities and policies.

Representatives from Indonesia, Spain, Italy and Japan joined UNWTO, the UN Environmental Program, the International Labor Organization and the South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN) in discussing how can tourism policy can support tourism’s contribution to rural development. Participants stressed that the sustainability of tourism in rural areas is dependent on a comprehensive planning strategy is adopted and implemented based on a multi-action and multi-stakeholder participatory approach. Furthermore, it was noted that rural tourism requires the support of regional and local governments, the private sector, industry associations, civil society, communities and tourists.

In 2021, recognizing the immense potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism of India formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism. Reflecting this, the event included also rural tourism cases from India, including examples from Astro-tourism, homestays and women empowerment as well as the Indian village selected by UNWTO to join the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme – the Khonoma Village in Nagaland.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marco Polato is the La Scala Restaurant Manager

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Marco Polato is the La Scala Restaurant Manager - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, February 10, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Sukhothai Bangkok is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Marco Polato as the new La Scala Restaurant Manager.

Marco, a Diploma graduate of the prestigious Giuseppe Maffioli Hospitality School in Treviso, launched his exhilarating career in his native Italy, at Club del Doge Restaurant in Venice. From there, he had the urge to work abroad, so he ventured to several exciting assignments between Italy, Japan, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand such as The Westin Sydney’s Mosaic Restaurant, The Westin Florence’s Excelsior Restaurant, the extravagant Reverie Saigon, Anantara Siam’s award-winning Biscotti Restaurant in Bangkok and the luxurious Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Siena, Italy.

Prior to joining us here at The Sukhothai Bangkok, Marco was the appointed Maitre D’Hotel & Sommelier at Venice’s Grand Dame of The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

With over 14 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Marco is thrilled to take on the lead of Bangkok’s most iconic Italian restaurant.

Please join us in welcoming Khun Marco to The Sukhothai Bangkok.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Yucatán Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories

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Yucatán Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories - MEXICOTOURISM.net - TRAVELINDEXMérida, Yucatan, Mexico, February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has welcomed Yucatán’s Tourism Observatory into its International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).

The Yucatán Tourism Observatory was established in 2018 to generate and manage information around tourism development. This work has identified key challenges and opportunities and so led to the design of relevant policies aimed at supporting the destination’s overall sustainable development, thereby increasing its competitiveness. Joining the INSTO Network will help Yucatán manage tourism development in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking a holistic view in developing adequate and innovative strategies for “rethinking” tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In this time of rethinking tourism, measurement is increasingly important as it provides a better understanding of where a destination stands and where it wants to go. The INSTO network provides an opportunity to work together to ensure that tourism is a tool that contributes to sustainable development. We are very pleased to welcome Yucatán as a new member.”

Green and sustainable future plans for Yucatán´s tourism

The INSTO network provides an opportunity to work together to ensure that tourism is a tool that contributes to sustainable development. We are very pleased to welcome Yucatán as a new member

Yucatán is home to the Maya, has an extensive coastline, is mostly covered by forests, jungles and has numerous cenotes, sinkholes created by collapsed limestone rocks that expose groundwater. This and other tourism resources attracted 2.1 million overnight tourists in 2019, two-thirds of them domestic tourists. Tourism GDP accounts for 11,1% of Yucatán’s overall GDP. According to the vision of the Secretariat of Tourism of the State of Yucatán (SEFOTUR) “In 2030 tourism is widely recognized as a key sector that benefits Yucatán society, and to conduct tourism development in consensus with industry actors and with a full insertion of society in the benefits of tourism”. Among the environmental priorities climate action, ecosystem restoration and conservation, water quality preservation, and sustainable energy supply are cited, as well as the need to create a culture of sustainability within Yucatán society.

Yucatan’s Secretary of Tourism, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, noted: “We are very pleased to have been enrolled in the UNWTO’s INSTO network, as we become the second Observatory in Mexico to be part of this network, which will allow us to better evaluate the impact of tourism in Yucatan and contribute with better data to global sustainable tourism”.

Yucatán’s Tourism Observatory will monitor the 11 mandatory INSTO key areas for tourism sustainability: tourism seasonality, employment, economic benefits of the destination, energy management, water management, wastewater management, solid waste management, climate action, accessibility, local satisfaction and governance.

About INSTO

The UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) was created in 2004 with the main objectives to support the continuous improvement of sustainability and resilience in the tourism sector through systematic, timely and regular monitoring of tourism performance and to connect dedicated destinations, helping them to exchange and improve knowledge and understanding about destination-wide resource use and the responsible management of tourism.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Welcomes First Tour Group from China

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Thailand Welcomes First Tour Group from China - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, February 9, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that the first group tours from China since the pandemic arrived in Thailand, at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport. A welcoming ceremony was held and attended by high-level TAT executives, Chinese officials, and representatives of the Thai public and private sectors.

The arrival of the group tours comes as China allows the resumption of outbound group travel to 20 countries including Thailand, starting 6 February, 2023.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “Thailand is honoured to be among the 20 countries chosen to once again welcome tour groups from China. We are extremely pleased to receive these first groups today, and look forward to the many more to come. Our thanks goes to China, the Chinese tour operators and the Chinese tourists themselves for their continued confidence in Thailand as a preferred holiday destination.”

Mr. Yuthasak was among the Thai and Chinese public and private officials and figures on hand at Don Mueang International Airport to welcome Spring Airlines Flight 9C7419 from Guangzhou, with 180 passengers onboard, among them are the two group tours of 20 tourists each.

Present along with the TAT Governor and other TAT executives were H.E. Mr. Yang Xin, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand; and Ms. Chang Yumeng, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, as well as other senior officials and key figures from the Thai and Chinese public and private sectors.

The group tour passengers arriving on the Spring Airlines flight from Guangzhou have a 6-day tour programme planned that will see them enjoy some of the world-famous sights and sounds of Bangkok and Pattaya. Among the attractions they will visit include Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Yaowarat (Chinatown), and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen (known for its large seated Buddha image) in Bangkok; and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya.

They will also visit Ko Samet, a long-popular island off the coast of Rayong known for its beautiful beaches, quaint resorts and relaxing tropical atmosphere.

The Spring Airline flight arriving in Don Mueang is among the 14 flights arriving in Thailand, carrying the first set of group tours from China to Thailand. Apart from Guangzhou, these flights operated by various airlines are scheduled to depart from several cities in China namely Xiamen, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Nanning, landing in Bangkok and Phuket airports.

In 2022, the number of Chinese tourists that visited Thailand is recorded at 286,511. From 1 January – 2 February 2023, Thailand welcomed a total of 99,429 Chinese travellers. For 2023, it is projected to see 300,000 Chinese tourists in Thailand for the first quarter and over 5 million arrivals for the entire year.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Albricias Restaurant Launches Seasonal Menu by Chef Dessi De Vries

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Albricias Restaurant Launches Seasonal Menu by Chef Dessi De Vries - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, February 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / There’s a new chef in town, and he’s making waves. Dessi De Vries, the recently appointed executive chef at Chatrium Residence Sathon, has rolled out an imaginative new seasonal menu at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Albricias.

The menu celebrates Albricias’ culinary heritage rooted in the Mediterranean region. It highlights seasonal ingredients from Europe, Asia, and local produce from Thailand in eclectic dishes that take diners on a true journey of the senses.

Dutch native Chef Dessi is no stranger to Asia, having worked in restaurants, hotels and resorts in the Maldives, India, Thailand and Vietnam. Renowned for his impeccable technique and creative approach to cooking, his dishes present exciting flavors with a contemporary and surprising twist.

Foodies seeking bold new flavors and the familiar dishes Albricias is renowned for will discover a new level of excitement with the revamped menu featuring four new appetisers, four mains and three desserts.

The innovative starter of King Crab & Pomegranate, with its tantalizing contrast of textures, is highly recommended. Lime butter poached king crab leg and -salad is served with a light spicy guacamole espuma, pomegranate structures, Granny Smith apple and curry mayonnaise.

The luxuriant Langoustine & Risotto offers the crustacean poached and grilled, served on a bed of risotto cooked in a light spicy Mediterranean tomato-herb sauce. It is accompanied by Jerusalem artichoke structures, crunchy squid sponge and green asparagus.

For dessert, Chef Dessi drew inspiration from his childhood in Europe. During autumn, he would go with his grandmother to pick chestnuts in the forest, where the fallen leaves would blow around, and fog would rise from the ground. Fall in the Forest is a chestnut-vanilla panna cotta paired with caramelized hazelnut, tonka bean ice cream, bourbon tuille, crunchy white chocolate sponge, dark chocolate soil, and vanilla gel for a multi-textured, many-layered sweet finish to your meal.

Speaking about the new additions, Chef Dessi said, “Our aim is to evolve the menu by striking a delicate balance between continuing to serve our loyal guests and attracting new ones. We keep the food fresh and interesting, allowing diners to try something different and/or innovative, but knowing that they can still find their old favorites here.”

“The menu will change along with the seasons because we want to offer diners varying seasonal dishes throughout the year. And, of course, it is best to eat produce when it is in season,” Chef Dessi added.

For further information and reservations, please Tel +66 (0) 2672 0200

About Albricias Restaurant
An upscale, modern restaurant, Albricias brings the bright, fresh flavours of the Mediterranean region to Sathon with a unique contemporary twist. Executive Chef Dessi De Vries highlights imported and local ingredients in a creative menu that changes with the seasons. Paired with friendly and attentive service and a specially curated drink list, the exceptional journey of the senses set the tone for an unrivalled dining experience at Albricias. In 2022, the restaurant received the prestigious “Restaurantes de España Award 2022” from the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade. Albricias is located on Level Four of Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok and is open for lunch from 11.30 am to 4 pm and from 5 pm onwards for dinner.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

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