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Ibis Opens New Property in Chiang Mai’s Cultural Heart

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Ibis Opens New Property in Chiang Mai's Cultural Heart - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, December 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ibis has expanded its portfolio in Thailand with the opening of a brand-new property in Chiang Mai, the famous northern city which is a heaven for culture vultures and adventure seekers.

ibis Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub is perfectly located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighbourhood, surrounded by coffee shops, independent boutiques, vibrant restaurants and live music bars. The hotel is within walking distance of the ancient walled city and Chiang Mai University is just a short distance away, giving the entire area a hip, youthful vibe.

With a contemporary design concept that reflects the modern spirit of Chiang Mai, this stylish and affordable hotel features 142 comfortable guestrooms, all equipped with the signature Sweet Bed by ibis, a business desk and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Charlie’s Corner is a connected social hub where guests can grab breakfast, chill out with light bites through the day or come together with friends over a meal or cold drink after dark. The fitness centre is a great place for a workout and the outdoor infinity pool offers views of the jungle-clad mountains and Doi Suthep, the iconic hilltop temple that overlooks the city. With 24-hour services, online check-in and fast check-out, every traveller can come and go with ease.

Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub is an excellent base for curious explorers who want to discover the historic temples and legendary night markets, as well as those who want to uncover the area’s traditional villages, lush jungles and spectacular wildlife.

“The capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s cultural heart with ancient temples, natural wonders and a vibrant arts scene. We are delighted to collaborate with Boutique Corporation once again to introduce our upbeat ibis brand to this aspirational destination. Complementing our existing Novotel, as well as Mercure, Mövenpick and MGallery hotels in and around the city, we can now cater for every type of visitor to Chiang Mai,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

“Welcome to Chiang Mai. My team and I are excited to welcome you to the ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we will be delighted to serve you and make your stay a happy and memorable one. Our hotel opens to all. Both international travellers and locals can look at the hotel as a vibrant and modern space to relax,” added Maverik Mukherjee, General Manager of ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub.

ibis is the world leading lifestyle economy brand, beloved for its contemporary design, comfortable interiors, social connectivity and passion for music. ibis Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub joins a regional network of more than 1,250 ibis properties worldwide.

About ibis
Since 1974, ibis has been a trailblazing brand, open and welcoming to all. ibis hotels are beloved by travelers and locals for their contemporary style, vibrant social hubs, rooms that feel like home, lively bars, satisfying dining options, and easy mobile check-in experience. The brand is known for its passion for live music, offering guests playlists curated for every mood and access to exclusive gigs with up-and-coming musicians. No matter where in the world a guest may travel, ibis always feels like the right place to be. With over 1,200 hotels in 65+ countries, ibis is recognized across the globe as the leading brand in economy hospitality. ibis is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO: Transforming Tourism by Measuring its Sustainability

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UNWTO Transforming Tourism by Measuring its Sustainability - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / One hundred experts from around the world gathered at UNWTO Headquarters to develop the next standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST).

The global MST effort responds to the urgent need for guidance to produce more credible and comparable data on the role of tourism for people, planet and prosperity. The data framework will empower policy makers and the private sector to shape innovative policies and transform business models.

Governments, businesses and consumers require transparent and reliable metrics. These need to be produced in a harmonized way to benchmark performance, communicate progress, streamline policy, and ensure that action on the ground is aligned with broader policy ambitions. Launched in 2016 by UNWTO in partnership with leading countries, the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Statistics Division, Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism embodies tourism’s response to move Beyond GDP.

At its 3rd meeting the Expert Group – composed of Ministries, Statistical Institutes, subnational authorities, academia and private sector – adopted an ambitious roadmap to step up efforts towards the finalization of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, and its endorsement as the new measurement standard for the sector. Record participation, with representatives from 28 countries (including 6 non UNWTO Member States), shows that MST is more crucial than ever.

MST Pilots

A Symposium on Country Experiences, held back-to-back with the Expert Group meeting, showcased pioneering work by countries and subnational destinations. On this occasion, UNWTO also launched the publication Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism: Lessons from pilots. MST pilots demonstrate that it is possible to measure in a comparable way the different of elements that comprise tourism’s sustainability – from environmental, to social to economic aspects – with a single integrated framework.

ESG Reporting

In collaboration with the Oxford University SDG Impact Lab, and under the umbrella of MST, UNWTO launched the development of a framework for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting for tourism businesses.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: Dec. 19-23, 2023

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From Vancouver to the deep US south, and populous southern Ontario in between, wild winter weather cancelled flights and disrupted holiday travel plans across the continent ahead of the Christmas weekend.

Air Transat is the least dissed domestic airline in 2022 by consumers at just over two (2.2) complaints per 100 flights flown, according to the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA), which has published a new dashboard that tallies the grievances. At the more dubious end of the scale, Flair Airlines racked up the most moans per century at 13.7.

Global citizens, and future travellers, will have more of the world’s natural environments to enjoy – and a safer world to live in – if countries adhere to a new “historic” biodiversity deal signed by Canada and nearly 200 other countries in Montreal last week that pledges for almost one-third of their land and marine territories to be set aside for conservation in the next eight years.

G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip says it’s a “badge of honour” to be sanctioned by Russia. Speaking out about his ban from entering Russia, along with 200 prominent other Canadians, Poon Tip says the sanction against him signifies his, and Canada’s, stance on what is right when it comes to human rights, as the invasion of Ukraine continues.

BORDERS

India has begun randomly testing international passengers arriving at its airports for COVID-19, but the country’s health minister says there are no plans yet to halt flights from countries where new cases have been reported. Citing an increase in COVID cases in neighbouring China, Mansukh Mandaviya announced the new rule in Parliament, where he also urged state governments to increase surveillance for any new coronavirus variants and send samples of all positive cases to genome sequencing laboratories.

BY THE NUMBERS

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that officers have stopped over 6,300 firearms so far this year, and the agency is anticipating that number will rise to 6,600 by the end of the year. That’s nearly a 10% increase over last year, which was already a record, the agency said. Nearly 90% of the weapons caught so far were loaded.

AIR

After almost three years of forced suspension due to the pandemic, Air Transat has restarted service to Havana, Cuba, from Montreal. The carrier is operating two weekly flights to the Cuban destination, which the airline calls the “flagship” of its winter program. Duo packages combine the capital with the beach destination of Varadero. Details on Agent Direct.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Canada Jetlines authority to operate and fly to into the country. The low-cost carrier will begin US service to Melbourne/Orlando International airport in Florida and to the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, with both inaugural flights scheduled for Jan. 19, 2023.

Porter Airlines will launch service from Toronto Pearson service to Halifax with multiple daily, non-stop roundtrip flights beginning Feb. 23, 2023.

DEALS

Sunwing is offering three weeks of non-stop deals on every vacation package to the tropics during its Boxing Week Sale, which continues until Jan. 8 for travel to destinations including Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, and Costa Rica through April 20.

TOURS

The new “Mediterranean Coast Journey: Spain, France and Italy” small group Explorations tours by Collette gives travellers the opportunity to discover cities like Barcelona, Marseille, Nice, and Genoa over the course of 14 days. Highlights include Antoni Gaudi’s final masterpiece, “La Sagrada Familia” in Barcelona; lunch and wine at a nearly 1000-year-old abbey in Marseille; and taking part in perfume-making workshop Nice. Tours start May 27, 2023.

HOTELS

Now open, AKA West Palm is located at 695 South Olive Ave. in the heart of West Palm Beach, Fla.’s central business district. The five-story property features 215 brand-new hotel residences comprised of studios, one- and two-bedroom accommodations, plus Penthouse suites that combine the ambiance of a private residence with the indulgent services of a luxury hotel. Ensuite amenities include sleek kitchens, washers and dryers, and private terraces while public spaces offer an indoor/outdoor lounge and bar, a resort-style pool and deck, a state-of-the-art Technogym, an executive conference room and smaller conference nooks, and a dedicated pet spa.

RESORTS

Canadian agents at in Punta Cana

AMR Collection recently hosted its third annual ‘Amazing Agents Celebration’ in Punta Cana, DR, held at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana and honoured a record 107 top-performing travel advisors and travel agent leadership from the US and Canada. The four-day gathering was designed to showcase the company’s appreciation for its loyal travel agent community with complimentary travel and Unlimited-Luxury resort accommodations at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on Playa Macao.

Part of Hyatt Hotels’ Boundless Collection, Andaz Mexico City Condesa, located in Mexico City’s historic Condesa neighbourhood is taking reservations for mid January. Full of vibrant, cultural richness and architectural significance, this 213-room, luxury lifestyle hotel with state-of-the-art meeting marks the first urban Andaz property in Mexico and the second Andaz hotel in Mexico.

CRUISE

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 2023 course to its online travel advisor education program, Uniworld University. The course details Uniworld’s newest offerings, to set advisors up for success next year ahead of wave season. Plus, Uniworld is offering special perks for advisors that complete the course. Eligible advisors will receive exclusive discounted rates in January, along with inclusion on Uniworld’s online cruise specialist section for potential new clients and an official badge for e-signature usage.

Carnival Cruise Line will more than double the cruises it offers from Norfolk, Virginia, in 2023, and extend sailings to a consecutive six-month period from May through October. The announcement is a first step toward a proposed year-round cruise program from Norfolk starting in 2025, as Carnival and City of Norfolk leaders discuss necessary terminal and port improvements to support an expansion of operations.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Set to open at Universal Studios Hollywood on Feb. 17 is Super Nintendo World, a new theme land devoted to the iconic video game and featuring “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many other thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the Mushroom Kingdom.

GOOD DEEDS

On Dec. 10, Park’N Fly employees held their annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ toy drive outside of a Toys”R”Us in Mississauga. The event was part of CTV’s Toy Mountain campaign in support of the Salvation Army and families in need. “Our entire team is passionate about this event and looks forward to participating every year!” says Park’N Fly VP of Sales Frank DeCesare.

PEOPLE

Ola Ulewicz, Jet Lag Voyages; Larissa Bureau, TTAND; Lisa Kay, Jet Lag Voyages; and TTAND founder Flemming Friisdahl

The Travel Agent Next Door agent partner Ola Ulewicz of Jet Lag Voyages recently won the New Business Award at the Barrie (Ont.) Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala. The award is described as a business having the greatest impact on the community and economy as a whole over the last 12 months “as demonstrated by achievements in company growth, sales, employment, client acquisition and awareness.”

DESTINATIONS

In early 2023, visitors to the Big Apple can take advantage of NYC Winter Outing offers across hotels, dining, Broadway shows, attractions, museums, tours and performing arts. The initiative celebrates the city’s winter season and provides great value through NYC & Company’s signature programs: NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week, and NYC Must-See Week, all taking place Jan. 17-Feb. 13; and for the second year, NYC Hotel Week, from Jan. 3 through Feb. 13, which offers 23% off stays at more than 140 hotels.

Following a year which the UK is expected to recover of to 73% of pre-pandemic visitor numbers – including strong arrivals from Canada – VisitBritain is forecasting 35.1 visits in 2023, representing 86% of the nearly 41 million visitors the destination welcomed in 2019. Visits from Canada and the US were particularly strong through the summer, reaching 2.1 million between June and August, up 7% on the same period in 2019 and marking the highest August on record for visits from North America.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 2001, Richard C. Reid, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami, tried to ignite explosives in his shoes, but was subdued by flight attendants and other passengers. He was later sentenced to life in prison. For years following, airline passengers were (and sometimes still are) subjected to shoe checks before boarding.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hotels Across Asia To Ring In The New Year

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Koh Samui Entices with Choice of African Beach Theme or Classical Thai Fine Dining

Banyan Tree Samui’s award-winning restaurant, Saffron, which is perched overlooking the resort and a gorgeous palm-fringed bay, will host a 9-Course New Year’s Gala Set Menu of fine traditional Thai cuisine on New Year’s Eve. Among the choices are: pan-fried duck liver escalope in tamarind sauce; steamed egg custard with seared foie gras; poached snowfish; black ink spaghetti and Boston Lobster; and Wagyu beef tenderloin. The evening will be accompanied by classical Thai dancers. And for those who wish to swish their hips to the beat, a “Sanctuary of the Serengeti” party will be held on the beachfront at Sands Restaurant. The Serengeti-themed event will also include a Safari Feast including sashimi and sushi; a selection of seafood such as octopus, tiger prawns, lobster, and mussels; Cordon Noir Russian Sevruga Caviar; French foie gras; and a carving station featuring lamb, prime rib of beef, and much more. Price is 16,500THB for either dining venue, including live entertainment and of course a live countdown party. For reservations +66 077 915 333 for either venue.

Ring in 2023 in Style in Vietnam’s Capital

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi brings New Year’s celebrations to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre. Gala dinners will be the order of the evening as the world prepares to usher in 2023. The hotel’s newly refurbished modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu will host an exclusive dinner. There will also be two signature buffet dinner seatings at Le Club, home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz. Meanwhile, a special New Years Eve BBQ dinner will be served at “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu,” in the redecorated Spices Garden venue with a terrace overlooking the garden and hotel pool. The Metropole will also offer a set dinner at angelina, the hotel’s cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World restaurant. Later, a countdown celebration at angelina starts at 11pm, while a separate countdown party will be held poolside at Bamboo Bar. For more information, contact +84 24 3826 6919 extension 8215

A Lavish New Year’s Eve Buffet and Party in Chiang Mai

Meliá Chiang Mai will serve a buffet dinner brimming with Mediterranean delicacies at its all-day dining restaurant and host a countdown party at its new rooftop bar to mark New Year’s Eve. The ‘New Year’s Eve Lavish Buffet’ will be held at Laan Na Kitchen on Dec. 31 from 6-10pm as a live bossa nova band performs. The buffet feast’s live cooking stations include a grill station with tender cuts of steak and tiger prawns. Other highlights include craft roasted prime ribs, Moroccan spiced lamb, a ‘Khao Soi’ station and healthy Mediterranean salad bar. A magician will entertain the youngsters. The hotel’s 22nd floor Mai The Sky Bar, Chiang Mai’s tallest rooftop bar, will stage its “Sparkling New Year’s Eve Countdown Party” from 9pm until 1am replete with a line-up of DJs. The bar will serve authentic Spanish tapas and pinchos, accompanied by an extensive cocktail menu.

Cambodia Countdown: Luxury New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Two of Cambodia’s most iconic luxury hotels — Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap — will ring in 2023 with a host of special celebrations. At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the “New Year’s Eve Buffet” at Le Phnom 1929 will feature a decadent culinary spread prepared by Executive Chef Martin Becquart. The “New Year’s Eve Sturia Caviar Dinner” promises an evening of pure indulgence at Restaurant Le Royal. At The Elephant Bar, the “Saint-Tropez White Party & Countdown” will include Provençal flavors and champagne, with music from a guest DJ, while the “Oyster and Champagne Night” will feature premium oysters from Australia and Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne. At Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the “Gatsby End of the Year” party at the Poolside Terrace and Raffles Marquee will feature a 1920s theme, with live performances, guest DJs and the most-anticipated fireworks display of the year. Free-flow wine and champagne will be served. For Raffles Hotel Le Royal, contact +855 23 981 888  For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, contact +855 63 963 888

Counting Down to 2023 in Glittering Style at Krabi

Guests at Banyan Tree Krabi will gather under the stars and the moonlight on December 31st when a grand countdown party lights up the skies. Banyan Tree’s White Glittering Night Gala and Countdown Party includes a sumptuous dining experience at the 5-star resort’s The Naga Kitchen restaurant before guests are invited to move a few yards to the beachfront lawn where festivities burst into life with live music, fun games, lucky draw prizes, a local market selling souvenirs, a fire-twirling show and fireworks at midnight. Dinner will be a veritable feast of international cuisine options, including appetizers such as dill-marinated salmon, herb-marinated beef carpaccio, cold cuts, cheeses, and a host of locally inspired and Asian favorites. Entrees include crispy crab meat with pomelo salad in tamarind sauce; Japanese sashimi; tiger prawns, oysters, rock lobster and New Zealand mussels; French foie gras; Russian caviar; and a selection of premium grilled meats from the carvery, ahead of a host of delectable desserts. Price is 16,000 THB per person.

Artists Showcase Work at New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party

Talented artists from across Vietnam will descend on Alma Resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula to create artwork before the guests’ eyes from Dec. 29-31 at Alma Lounge as part of the resort’s artists-in-residence program. The artwork will be hung throughout the lounge and make for a gallery backdrop to a New Year’s Eve cocktail party underscored by a performance by the resort’s resident musicians. The merriment will continue with a New Year’s Eve buffet complemented by a live Vietnamese band at Alma Garden before the American Lounge and Bar rings in the new year with a countdown party and DJ spinning the decks. On New Year’s Day, an Instagram-worthy champagne breakfast on a floating tray will be on offer in the guests’ private pavilion pools or at one of the 12 resort pools that cascade down to Long Beach.

Countdown Party By The Beach

The Anam Cam Ranh will host a countdown party to welcome 2023 at its Beach Club, Cam Ranh’s most happening venue with a vast outdoor deck and sweeping views of Long Beach. On Dec. 31, the resort will offer a choice of an exquisite French five-course dinner with wine pairing at The Colonial or Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar’s “Mama’s Cooking” dinner buffet, whereby mothers of the staff cook timeless Vietnamese classics as if they were cooking for their own families. After dinner is served from 7-9pm, the countdown party at the Beach Club will be staged from 9pm-1am, with a selection of beverages and finger foods on offer as a DJ spins the decks. The Saigon Bar will also serve tapas and cocktails from 11am-10pm on Dec. 31, and an outdoor movie will be screened from 6pm. Visit or call +(84) 258 398 9499.

Diners to Indulge Lobster, Prawn, Steak and More at Ho Tram

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort will celebrate the new year with a buffet dinner, countdown party, ‘lobster, prawn and steak’ night and activities for the kids. Anchored with a variety of fresh seafood and Asian specialties, The New Year’s Eve buffet will be served at Sasa restaurant on Dec. 31 from 6.30-11pm. A countdown party will then be staged at Breeza Beach Club and on Ho Tram beach from 11pm-2am and will feature DJ entertainment. Breeza Beach Club will host the delectable lobster, prawn and steak night on Jan. 1. Craft workshops and balloon twisting with a clown will also be on offer for the children on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Toast 2023 with Free Flow Bubbly in Saigon

After Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s Miss Thu restaurant started welcoming diners this September, the hot, new destination is putting on a New Year’s Eve celebration the central fictional character that inspired the restaurant would be proud of. The indulgent multi-course special menu for the evening features caviar, Japanese scallops with black truffle, duck breast, and wagyu beef, to name a few dishes. The meal can be paired with free-flow Laurent Perrier Champagne for a total of VND 6,600,000++ (USD275). While dinner service ends by 10:30pm revelers can stay on to celebrate the clock striking midnight.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Hotels and Rafael Nadal Create New Lifestyle Hotel Brand ZEL

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Meliá Hotels and Rafael Nadal Create New Lifestyle Hotel Brand ZEL - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 24,  2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Tennis player Rafael Nadal and Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá Hotels International, presented the hotel brand ZEL today in Madrid. ZEL is a new brand of resort and urban leisure hotels that will first begin to operate in Spain, and then later in key destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and America.

The joint venture between these two global brands from Mallorca aims to achieve consistent international growth and capitalise on its hallmark Mediterranean character. The brand will also have a range of different strategic partners in its international growth in areas such as dining, decoration, wellbeing and technology.

“The result of combining the inspirational leadership of Rafa Nadal and the international experience of more than 65 years of Meliá in creating luxury hotels and in hotel management, is the unique brand we present today, which travellers are going to love and which will surprise the new generations. An innovative hotel brand, full of energy, with a new interpretation of well-being and a sustainable business model. We are happy to finally be able to announce our partnership in this project with an icon on both a personal and sporting level such as Rafa,” said Gabriel Escarrer.

“As a Spaniard, a Mallorcan and a global traveller, the launch of our hotel brand is a project that I have had in mind for a long while. ZEL is synonymous with feeling good at all times, enjoying life and the way we live it throughout the Mediterranean. I was really attracted from the start to this new concept we have been working on with Meliá. I’m confident that ZEL will be a great success and will achieve considerable growth and be enjoyed by all of those travellers who stay in the hotels, which in the end is the reason we are creating it,” said Rafael Nadal.

The growth plan foresees the addition of more than 20 hotels in 5 years, focusing on destinations that attract premium-quality leisure travellers, and on “bleisure” hotels in the key regions in which Meliá Hotels International operates in Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia. In a first stage, the brand aims to grow in destinations on the Mediterranean coast and in capital cities such as Madrid, Paris and London, but the first ZEL hotel will open in Mallorca in 2023.

ZEL: a celebration of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The project is based on the positioning of both brands as ambassadors of Mediterranean values and lifestyle: a passion for the outdoors, delicious cuisine, a focus on architecture and design to provide spacious and bright spaces, with the priority being a connection with nature, the sky and the sea. ZEL hotel guests will be able to take care of both body and soul through wellbeing experiences that they will be able to organise as they wish, with both personal and group activities for physical exercise and fitness.

ZEL offers an inspiring new home-away-from-home experience that evokes the Mediterranean way of life, with a courtyard at the heart of the hotel which acts as a focus for the flow and connection. The patio is an architectural feature that is prominent throughout the Mediterranean, and will lead to other spaces such as terraces, rooftop areas or beach clubs that will be the venues for life in the open air, and where guests can admire panoramic views of stunning beauty. All this combined with an organic atmosphere and an informal design, local cuisine, natural wellbeing and unexpected and vibrant shared experiences. ZEL guests will also have access to a digital community where they can share their experiences and continue enjoying the lifestyle once their stay is over.

One of their many highlights will be the encouragement of social encounters, interactions and experiences through a range of “pop-up corners” dedicated to handicrafts, beauty or product tastings with partner brands.

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class 2022). Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi Celebrates Festive Season

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 HANOI, Vietnam (Dec. 22, 2022) — Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has transformed into a winter wonderland ahead of the Christmas season under the theme “A Nutcracker Fairy Tale,” decorated with sparkling lights, a towering tree strewn with ornaments, and elegant, traditional nutcrackers, bringing the holiday to life with renowned French sophistication and joie de vivre.

Marking the holiday spirit in its 122nd year, Vietnam’s most storied hotel has unveiled a series of exclusive meals as part of its festive culinary program. Many of the meals include optional wine and champagne pairings.

Throughout the Christmas and New Year season, the Metropole will host special dining events at the newly refurbished modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, in addition to Le Club (home to the hotel’s famed Afternoon Tea and evening jazz), angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World cuisine), and “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu,” the redecorated Spices Garden venue with a terrace overlooking the garden and hotel pool.

Christmas Eve. Four special Christmas Eve dinners are on offer at the Metropole on Dec. 24, with prices ranging from VND 2.9 million to VND 6.3 million.

  • Christmas Eve set dinner at Le Beaulieu
  • Christmas Eve set dinner at angelina
  • Christmas Eve buffet dinner at Le Club
  • Christmas Eve BBQ dinner at “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu”

Christmas Day. On Dec. 25 the hotel will host a brunch and a series of dinners at its restaurants, ranging in price from VND 1.9 million to 5.4 million.

  • Signature Christmas Day brunch at Le Beaulieu
  • Christmas Day set dinner at Le Beaulieu
  • Christmas Day set dinner at angelina
  • Christmas Day BBQ dinner at “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu”
  • Christmas Day buffet dinner at Le Club

December 30. A special New Year “Warm Up” Dinner will be served at angelina from 7pm priced at VND 2.2 million or 3.1 million with cocktail pairing.

New Year’s Eve. With prices ranging from VND 3 million to 6.6 million, gala dinners will be the order of the evening as the world prepares to usher in 2023, including:

  • New Year’s Eve set dinner at angelina
  • New Year’s Eve countdown at angelina (from 11pm; table packages from VND 5 million)
  • New Year’s Eve countdown at Bamboo Bar (from 11pm; table packages from VND 5 million)
  • New Year’s Eve gala dinner at Le Beaulieu
  • New Year’s Eve BBQ dinner at “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu”
  • Two signature buffet dinner seatings at Le Club (6pm and 8:45pm)

New Year’s Day. Metropole Hanoi’s culinary team helps kick off the New Year with a special brunch and four special New Year’s Day dinners.

  • French gourmet brunch at Le Beaulieu
  • New Year set dinner at Le Beaulieu
  • New Year set dinner at angelina
  • New Year BBQ dinner at “A Wonderland by Le Beaulieu”
  • New Year Buffet Dinner at Le Club

Accor Plus members receive a 10% reduction for all events. All prices exclude 5% service charge and 8% Value Added Tax. There is no charge for children under 6 years of age. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 receive a 50% reduction, while children 12 and older will be charged as adults.

Traditional festive hampers are also now available at Metropole Hanoi featuring homemade and imported gourmet products. The hotel’s delicatessen and bakery, L’Epicerie, is offering a range of special holiday gifts, such as its celebrated French Christmas log cake, along with roast turkey, caviar, Fine de Claire oysters and Santa Claus chocolates.

For more information on holiday dining options, please contact the hotel food and beverage office or the festive reservations desk at +84 24 3826 6919 extension 8215

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Nicolas De Gols Named General Manager at Le Royal Monceau Paris

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Nicolas De Gols Named General Manager at Le Royal Monceau Paris - TRAVELINDEXParis, December 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris is pleased to announce the arrival of its new General Manager, Nicolas De Gols. Nicolas De Gols, has just joined the team of Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris and is thus positioned as the youngest General Manager of Palaces. He officially took office on December 1st, 2022, after having led the hotel on an interim basis since June.

• Discover Paris and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at TOP25Hotels.com

“I am very happy to become the General Manager of Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, the most Parisian and contemporary of Palaces. Its strength lies in the different talents that make up its team. I look forward to this new challenge and to making the hotel shine globally through the Raffles brand.”

Epicurean by nature, Nicolas De Gols is graduate of the Lycée Hôtelier Paul Augier in Nice, and a certificate in Hotel Asset Management and Real Estate Investments delivered by Cornell University, where he will teach courses in catering a few years later.Nicolas De Gols began his career in 2011 with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, where he was successively as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage in Beverly Hills, Director of Food and Beverage in Seattle, and then moved to Paris in 2018.

Today, the Raffles group has entrusted him with its Parisian Palace, a world he knows well for having directed of the restauration of the Four Seasons George V Paris, which has three Michelin-starred restaurants. With international experience acquired mainly in France and North America, Nicolas De Gols most recently oversaw food and beverage operations for Accor’s 50-hotel luxury portfolio in Europe, for which he developed new F&B concepts and supervised a dozen openings.

His excellent knowledge of the ultra-luxury sector, his creativity, combined with his leadership style and business experience will be essential for this new role, and should enable Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris to maintain its position as the destination of choice for both international clientele as well as local guests.

• Discover Paris and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at TOP25Hotels.com

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels and Resorts Opens First Resort in Hua Hin

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Best Western Hotels and Resorts Opens First Resort in Hua Hin - TRAVELINDEXHua Hin, Thailand, December 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has continued to expand its portfolio in one of Thailand’s most desirable destinations with the launch of its inaugural property in Hua Hin: Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin, a brand-new design-led beachside retreat.

Set around a series of shimmering lagoon pools in the idyllic coastal enclave of Khao Tao, just 10 minutes south of Hua Hin and approximately 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok, this brand-new resort features a free-flowing organic design, a wide range of accommodations and fantastic facilities for leisure and business, making it the perfect place to unwind and be inspired by the beauty of nature.

A choice of 380 contemporary rooms and suites (ranging from 30 to 99 square meters) includes pool access rooms on the ground floor, spacious family rooms and stylish suites, creating options for all types of travelers, from couples to families. Every room is fully equipped with signature bedding, a working desk, LED TV, minibar, electric kettle and complimentary Wi-Fi, along with a balcony or terrace with views of the gardens, pools, mountains or sea.

Guests can cool off in a choice of three refreshing pools while children make a splash in the aqua play area, which features multiple sliders. Light bites and memorable meals can be enjoyed at Biscay, the elegant all-day dining restaurant and Carapace Beach Club is a stunning venue for sunset drinks.

Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin is also an exceptional destination for out-of-town events and beachside weddings. The 354-square-meter grand ballroom has over 4.5-meter-high ceilings and a large foyer, making it ideal for lavish gatherings. Alternatively, it can be flexibly divided into two smaller rooms for more intimate meetings. Fully connected and equipped with audio-visual technology, this impressive venue will set the stage for life’s most magical moments.

“We are delighted to unveil the Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin, our first property in Hua Hin. With its secluded setting at Khao Tao, yet still near world-class activities and experiences, from golf courses and water parks to retail malls, cultural sites and more, we are excited to reveal the wonders of the gulf coast to our guests. Thailand is one of our key strategic markets and we look forward to expanding our presence to many more parts of the kingdom in 2023 and beyond,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group®.”

Best Western now operates 14 hotels and resorts in Thailand, and this collection is set to reach 17 properties next month, following the highly anticipated launch of two new hotels in Bangkok.

To learn more about Best Western, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel company within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature Collection®. Through the acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection®, and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Tourism Villages of 2022 Named by UNWTO

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Best Tourism Villages of 2022 Named by UNWTO - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / From Austria to Vietnam, 32 destinations from all around the world have been named as ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The accolade recognizes rural destinations that are embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community-based values and products. The initiative also recognizes villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental – and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

In 2022, a total of 32 villages from 18 countries across the five world regions were awarded the recognition. The villages were evaluated by an independent Advisory Board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside of big cities

  • Cultural and Natural Resources
  • Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
  • Economic Sustainability
  • Social Sustainability
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
  • Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
  • Infrastructure and Connectivity
  • Health, Safety, and Security

Welcoming the news, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “For rural communities everywhere, tourism can be a true gamechanger in providing jobs, supporting local businesses and keeping traditions alive. The Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO showcase the power of the sector to drive economic diversification and create opportunities for all outside of big cities.”

A total of 136 villages were put forward for consideration by 57 UNWTO Member States (each Member State could nominate a maximum of three villages) for the 2022 edition. From these, 32 were recognized as Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO.

A further 20 villages will enter the Upgrade Programme. All 52 villages will also become part of the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Global Network created in 2021 which from this date gathers 115 villages from the five continents. The Network provides a number of benefits including onsite and online training, sharing of good practices and international brand recognition and awareness.

Tourism as a driver of rural development and inclusion

The Best Tourism Villages initiative is the flagship project of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme aims to ensure tourism contributes to reducing regional inequalities in income and development, fighting depopulation, progressing gender equality and women’s and youth empowerment, advancing innovation and digitalization, improving connectivity, infrastructure, access to finance and investment, innovating in product development and value chain integration, promoting sustainable practices for more efficient use of resources and a reduction of emissions and waste and enhancing education and skills. The Programme promotes multi-level governance and partnerships and the active involvement and empowerment of communities.

Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO

The Best Tourism Villages initiative includes three pillars:

  1. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’: Recognizes villages that are an outstanding example of a rural tourism destination with accredited cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyle and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental.
  2. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme: The Upgrade Programme benefits a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
  3. The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Global Network: The Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development, as well.

The Award Ceremony will take place in AlUla, Saudi Arabia on 27-28 February 2023 back-to-back with the first presential meeting of the UNWTO Network of Best Tourism Villages.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The next edition of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO will open in February 2023.

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2022:

  • Zell am See, Austria
  • Wagrain, Austria
  • Puqueldón, Chile
  • Dazhai, China
  • Jingzhu, China
  • Choachí, Colombia
  • Aguarico, Ecuador
  • Angochagua, Ecuador
  • Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
  • Mestia, Georgia
  • Kfar Kama, Israel
  • Sauris-Zahre, Italy
  • Isola del Giglio, Italy
  • Umm Qais, Jordan
  • Creel, Mexico
  • El Fuerte, Mexico
  • Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
  • Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
  • Lamas, Peru
  • Raqchi, Peru
  • Castelo Novo, Portugal
  • Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
  • Rasinari, Romania
  • AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
  • Bohinj, Slovenia
  • Rupit, Spain
  • Alquézar, Spain
  • Guadalupe, Spain
  • Murten, Switzerland
  • Andermatt, Switzerland
  • Birgi, Türkiye
  • Thái Hải, Vietnam

Additionally, UNWTO will work with the following villages participating in the Upgrade Programme:

  • Trevelin, Argentina
  • Krupa na Vrbasu, Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Fontainhas, Cabo Verde
  • Ninhue, Chile
  • San Vicente de Chucuri, Colombia
  • Barichara, Colombia
  • Kalopanagiotis, Cyprus
  • Pissouri, Cyprus
  • Adaba, Ethiopia
  • Khonoma, India
  • Neot Semadar, Israel
  • Otricoli, Italy
  • Il Ngwesi, Kenya
  • Grand Baie, Mauritius
  • Bella Vista, Paraguay
  • Istebna, Poland
  • Ferraria de São João, Portugal
  • Castara, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Anıtlı, Türkiye
  • Cumalıkızık, Türkiye

Applications in 2021 and 2022 were evaluated by an independent Advisory Board. The composition of this multidisciplinary board for 2021-2022 is as follows:

  • Federico de Arteaga (PhD, Innovation Sustainability, 2022)
  • Joel Callañaupa (Planeterra, 2022)
  • Mari Dunleavy (ICCA Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, 2022)
  • Ahmed Eiweida (World Bank, 2022)
  • Elena García Garrido (ENRD, 2022)
  • Christian Gsodam (ECR European Committee of the Regions, 2021-2022)
  • Amran Hamzah (CIPD Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2021-2022)
  • Ena Harvey (ICCA Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, 2021)
  • Lázaro Israel (Member of the Panel of Experts International Fund for Cultural Diversity at UNESCO, 2021-2022)
  • (Dr.) Manal Kelig (ATTA Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2021-2022)
  • Judy Kepher Gona (STTA Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda, 2021-2022)
  • Fergus Maclaren (ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee, 2021-2022)
  • Joxe Mari Aizega (BCC Basque Culinary Center, 2021)
  • David Mora Gómez (BCC Basque Culinary Center,2022)
  • Ximena Muñoz Vivas (Instituto Design Thinking, 2021-2022)
  • Fabrizio Angelo Orlando (TripAdvisor, 2021-2022)
  • Helena Rey de Assis (UNEP – UN Environment Programme, 2021)
  • Jacqui Taylor (Agritourism Africa, 2022)
  • Peter Wostner (Researcher and Policy Expert. Chairman of the Working Party on Rural Policy at OECD, 2021)
  • (Dr.) Endo Yoshihide (FAO Food and Agriculture Organization, 2021-2022)

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GSTC2022 Global Conference in Seville Successfully Concluded

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GSTC2022 Global Conference in Seville Successfully Concluded - TRAVELINDEXSeville, Spain, December 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The GSTC2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference that took place on December 12th-15th in Seville, Andalusia, Spain, brought together 350 delegates from 61 countries, along with hundreds of viewers that watched the live broadcasting of the conference. The conference was held at FIBES Sevilla, the city’s Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Participants included international and regional tourism stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable tourism; including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, academia, development agencies, NGOs, consultants, and more. International participants came from Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

The Conference themes were: (A) Tourism Adaptation to Climate Change; (B) Mainstreaming Sustainability Standards; (C) Destination Stewardship and (D) Green Mobility & Accessibility.

Mr. Luigi Cabrini, Chair, GSTC opened the conference with the question “will tourism become more sustainable after the pandemic?”

“Our organization is now 15 years old. Starting from the first version of the Hotel and Tour Operators Criteria in 2008 we expanded and consolidated a system of standards that is now recognized as the main international reference. The GSTC Industry Criteria and the GSTC Destination Criteria identify the key issues that define tourism sustainability and provide the tools to progress toward a better balance between the positive benefits that a well-managed tourism can generate and its negative impacts. The GSTC membership today includes tourism authorities of over 20 countries, together with leaders of the private sectors, NGOs, universities, destinations and many others. This variety is a strength for GSTC, as different views, experiences and interests guide us to set priorities and strategies aimed at practical responses to real needs,” said GSTC Chair, Mr. Luigi Cabrini.

“The key for a real shift is to build a system where the number of hotels, destinations and other tourism businesses that gained a certification reach a critical number making them effectively competitive in the market. We work closely with some of the more relevant Online Travel Agencies to build a system where travelers can easily identify a product that is truly sustainable and to book it. Many tourists, as responsible citizens, make choices based on their ethical values and are ready to spend more when an hotel or a destination cares to save energy and water, to promote protection of biodiversity or respect for local cultures. But sustainable tourism is also likely to offer better quality products by being more experiential and emotionally engaging. We need to unlock its market potential to effectively mainstream it,” concluded Mr. Cabrini (full speech).

“In my opinion, for the topics that will be addressed in this conference is one of the most relevant events of the year. As you know tourism activity has recovered strongly in many parts of the world. Here in Spain, international tourism expenditure in 2022 will be just under the record levels of 2019. And although the level of uncertainty is high for 2023, we expect to consolidate this recovery,” said Mr. Miguel Sanz, Director General, Turespaña. “However, once the worst effect of the pandemic in the travel industry are hopefully, finally over, we have to confront challenges that were already here in the industry agenda in 2019 and have now accelerated.”

Speakers from across the world shared insights and discussed the following topics: climate change influence on tourism operation, carbon neutral cities, how national tourism bodies use existing sustainable tourism standards, sustainable luxury hospitality, sustainability in corporate & business travel, businesses influencing supply chain, interpretation of cultural heritage, Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program, the role of standards and certification in destination stewardship, setting sustainability goals by trade association together with national tourism bodies, green mobility & accessibility. During the conference, two workshops were carried out for the development of MICE Criteria and Attraction Criteria. In addition, the GSTC Italian Working Group was formed to discuss the development of sustainable tourism and hospitality in Italy.

Prior to the conference, three GSTC Sustainable Tourism Courses took place in Sevilla, two in English and one in Spanish. 84 industry professionals joined the training from across Europe and globally. Using the GSTC Industry Criteria and GSTC Destination Criteria as the foundation, the training class covered various topics relevant to our industry and the sustainability challenges and opportunities we are facing today. An academic symposium was also held in conjunction with Global Sustainable Tourism Conference for the first time. The symposium provided a forum for researchers and academics to share and discuss current issues in sustainable tourism.

At the closing ceremony, three GSTC Conferences were announced – GSTC2023 Antalya (May 2023), GSTC2024 Sweden (April 2024), and GSTC2024 Singapore (November 2024). The conference ended with a farewell cocktail dinner and private tour at Real Alcazar for GSTC2022 delegates only. After the 2-day conference, participants joined a complimentary tour of Sevilla, including a visit to Las Setas, Santa Cruz, Museo de Bellas Artes, and Plaza de España.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News