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Amsterdam, Netherlands, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action.

According to the study, 66% of international associations now rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive. Nearly a quarter (24%) still do not calculate their carbon footprint, and 19% outsource measurement rather than building internal expertise.

The report also highlights a “cost paradox”: 63% cite cost as the top barrier to sustainable event planning, yet 46% are willing to pay 5–24% more for sustainable options—suggesting perception, not price, is the true obstacle.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Our industry has moved beyond debating whether sustainability matters. The challenge now is transforming aspiration into accountability. This report provides the insight and evidence our community needs to act with purpose and precision.”

Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events of Destination Canada, said: “At Destination Canada, we are committed to building a more sustainable business events industry—in Canada and around the world. We’re proud to partner with ICCA on this report, and we hope it empowers associations and destinations alike to turn their sustainability goals into lasting impact.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is partnering with Content With Purpose (CWP) to produce Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose – an inspiring new digital series celebrating how tourism across the Asia Pacific region can drive a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Tourism is one of the world’s most powerful forces for connection – linking people, economies, and cultures across an extraordinary diversity of places. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, tourism supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and fuels innovation across industries. Yet as the sector evolves, its true value extends far beyond visitor arrivals and receipts. Reflecting on PATA’s renewed mission and holistic vision, Tourism with Purpose will explore tourism’s wider impact on people and places, on well-being and the environment, and on the many sectors it touches beyond the visitor economy.

As travel across the region continues to grow, the need for a sustainable and resilient approach has never been greater. Through destination stewardship, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration, tourism can ensure that growth is inclusive and that its benefits are shared widely to create opportunity and prosperity for all.

Launching in the year of PATA’s 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose will showcase the stories, innovations, and partnerships leading this transformation. Through short form films, expert interviews, and character-led storytelling, the series will highlight pioneering initiatives in sustainable tourism, climate action, community empowerment, and regional connectivity – revealing how purpose-driven tourism can uplift both societies and ecosystems.

Aligned with PATA’s commitment to be a catalyst for meaningful impact, Tourism with Purpose will amplify diverse voices from across the Asia Pacific and share a distinctly regional perspective with the world, celebrating the power of tourism to connect, protect, and inspire.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Tourism acts as a bridge between cultures, communities, and economies. Through Tourism with Purpose, we want to highlight how our region is leading the way toward a more responsible and resilient tourism future. This series will showcase the people and partnerships driving that change, demonstrating how purposeful travel can create lasting benefits for our environment, our societies, and generations to come. We also extend our appreciation to Content With Purpose for their help in bringing these previously untold stories to life.”

Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Content With Purpose, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with PATA to create a series that celebrates the transformative potential of tourism. The series is an opportunity to celebrate the vision and leadership across the Asia-Pacific, and to show how tourism, when guided by purpose and collaboration, can strengthen communities, protect the planet, and inspire a more connected world.”

The series will launch with a preview screening at the PATA Annual Summit 2026, to be organised from May 11 – 13 in Gyeongju and Pohang, Korea (ROK). The screening will be followed by a full series launch at the PATA Travel Mart 2026, in Sarawak, Malaysia, from August 18 – 20. An extensive digital campaign will then extend its reach across PATA’s network and beyond—engaging policymakers, businesses, NGOs, academia, travellers, and the public in driving collective action toward a more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven future for tourism.

Organisations within the tourism industry—both public and private—interested in contributing to the series are encouraged to contact Sophie Newboult, Series Development Manager at CWP, to learn more.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Park Hyatt Bangkok is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Alessio Banchero as the new Chef de Cuisine at Embassy Room La Marina, the hotel’s Coastal Italian restaurant. Hailing from Genoa, Italy, Chef Alessio brings over two decades of culinary expertise to elevate the dining experience at Embassy Room La Marina, which now unveils a new culinary concept celebrating the vibrant flavors of Coastal Italy alongside beloved everyday Italian favorites.

Growing up in the coastal city of Genoa, Chef Alessio’s passion for food was sparked not only in his aunt’s restaurant kitchen, but also by the nearby harbor where he spent hours observing fishermen at work. Fascinated by their daily catches, he was curious about the variety of fresh seafood they brought in. These early experiences shaped his deep appreciation for authentic, ingredient-driven cuisine, particularly the sun-kissed flavors of Coastal Italian cooking. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute Nino Bergese in Genoa, he has honed his craft across the globe, from standalone restaurants like Zeffirino and Ristorante Il Veliero in Genoa to acclaimed establishments in the United States, Thailand, India and Mauritius.

While renowned for his mastery of coastal Italian flavors, Chef Alessio specializes in Italian classics as a whole, bringing a deep appreciation for traditional recipes across Italy’s rich culinary heritage. His signature dish, Spaghetti alle vongole e bottarga, spaghetti with clams, “bottarga” cured mullet roe, candied lemon zest, reflects his hometown’s flavors. Another guest favorite is the Casoncelli di Gamberi e Salsa alle Zucchine, delicately stuffed with prawns and served with zucchini sauce, burrata, peas, and Mazara del Vallo red prawns, a dish that truly delights prawn lovers. Last but certainly not least, he proudly presents the Tagliatelle al ragù di costine; handcut tagliatelle, Wagyu beef shortribs ragout, and apecorino.

“I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Bangkok and immerse myself in this incredible city’s culinary scene,” said Chef Alessio. “Working alongside the talented team, I’m eager to create unforgettable dining experiences with dishes that resonate with Thai diners’ love for bold, fresh flavors.”

Located on the 9th floor of Park Hyatt Bangkok, Embassy Room La Marina offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere inspired by the warmth of Italian dining traditions and the charm of fisherman villages. Experience Chef Alessio’s authentic dishes, where the flavors of Italy’s coastal regions are complemented by comforting, everyday Italian favorites, inviting everyone to share and cherish.

Embassy Room La Marina focuses on capturing the essence of Italy’s coastal regions with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The culinary philosophy is inspired by marinas of fisherman villages and provincial fresh produce markets, where the freshest ingredients of the day are celebrated and enjoyed for their exceptional quality. The team works in unity to deliver a warm and gracious authentic experience unique to Embassy Room La Marina.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2025 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event, themed “Coastal Tourism: Symbiosis and Development of Nature and Culture,” will be held in Sanya, Hainan from November 18 to 20, 2025. Tourism professionals from around the world, officials of international organisations, and guests from Chinese cities will convene in Sanya, collaboratively envisioning and shaping the future of tourist cities worldwide through an innovative experiential exchange model. The event is organised by the Sanya Tourism Board and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

This event aims to establish an open and credible international exchange platform by moving beyond traditional conference modes and promoting deep, immersive engagement through global experience ambassadors. Three curated experience routes, tailored to guests’ professional backgrounds and interests, will guide the delegates in groups to representative sites, including Wuzhizhou Island Ecological Conservation Area, Yalong Bay Golf Club, Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the duty-free complex. These visits will allow the guests to witness firsthand Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation and tourism integration, the upgrading of high-end tourism services, and the continuity and innovation of ethnic cultural heritage. Through immersive exploration and in-depth dialogue, the delegates are expected to gain insights and co-create new ideas for the future of coastal tourism.

During the visits, each route will feature interactive sharing sessions and experience exchange salons. Global experts in sustainable tourism, cultural and tourism officials from tropical coastal cities, and representatives from local enterprises will be invited to discuss key topics such as “Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Tourism,” “Innovations in High-End Tourism Experience,” and “Modern Fusion of Indigenous Cultures.” Through case sharing and in-depth discussions, the delegates will collaborate to develop and refine practical development strategies. They will not only observe Sanya’s cultural and tourism initiatives but also contribute to shaping the future of global coastal tourism—their international experience and insights will bring diverse perspectives to support the high-quality development of Sanya and other coastal cities worldwide.

“PATA is delighted to partner with the Sanya Tourism Board on this thematic B2B special project that reflects the essence of collaboration, sustainability, and innovation,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “By connecting global experience ambassadors and fostering dialogue among coastal destinations, this event represents the shared vision of building a responsible and resilient future for coastal tourism, one that balances the needs of nature, culture, and communities.”

The event has drawn extensive international interest, with over 200 delegates expected to participate from 27 countries and regions. More than 50% of the participants will be international delegates, including officials from the tourism authorities of over 37 renowned tourist cities and major source markets overseas, as well as leaders of prominent cultural and tourism enterprises, and industry experts and scholars. National delegates will include cultural and tourism officials from cities such as Beijing, Xiamen, Dalian, and Chongqing, along with heads of China offices of relevant international organisations and representatives of Sanya’s local cultural and tourism enterprises.

As a major gateway for cultural and tourism exchange of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the event will leverage site visits and exchanges to comprehensively showcase Sanya’s achievements in ecological conservation, leisure tourism, and cultural continuity. It will also serve as a practical platform for Chinese coastal cities to share development experience and foster cooperation opportunities with the international community. The event will offer an invaluable exchange opportunity for international tourism experts to deepen interaction between the Chinese and foreign tourism sectors. Additionally, it is expected to promote coordinated ecological, cultural, and economic development among tropical coastal cities worldwide, injecting new momentum into the innovative, high-quality development of coastal tourism destinations.

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Madrid, Spain, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / G20 Leaders have recognized the contribution of tourism to shared prosperity and sustainability at the first Summit held in Africa under the Presidency of South Africa.

The G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration includes an important set of commitments to advance tourism as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development with a focus on:
– Promoting innovation and Investment
– Enhancing air connectivity, market access and new routes
– Supporting the digitalization of tourism start-ups and MSMEs
– Unlocking financing for sustainable tourism
– Creating opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples
– Developing inclusive and sustainable tourism practices
– Mobilizing public-private capital for sustainability alignment investment, and
– Integrating tourism in national development strategies

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The G20 economies represent around 70% of international tourism, and so this clear recognition of our sector’s importance to shared prosperity and sustainability is hugely welcome. We are particularly encouraged to see G20 Leaders intent to work on more and better connectivity between destinations, accelerating innovation and the shift to digital, ensuring the sector leaves no one behind and placing tourism in national development strategies. Great strides were made by South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I would like to congratulate HE President Cyril Ramaphosa for an outstanding Presidency, the first in Africa, and Minister Patricia DeLille for her leadership in the tourism track.”

In the Declaration, G20 Leaders highlight their “strong support for tourism innovation and investment, enhancing air connectivity, expanding market access, opening more routes, promoting sustainability, aviation safety and security while ensuring fair competition and policy coordination, facilitating people-to-people contacts and developing inclusive, sustainable tourism practices, as well as advancing digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSMEs.“

G20 Leaders further commit to work to “promote and expand opportunities for youth, women, people in vulnerable situations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples, as appropriate, with a practical and evidence-based approach.”

They “emphasize the importance of integrating tourism into national development strategies and the need to unlock financing for sustainable tourism. We call for the mobilization of public-private capital through transparent, predictable, and sustainability-aligned investment environments.

UN Tourism as South Africa G20 Presidency Knowledge Partner

UN Tourism is honored to have worked with the South African G20 Presidency as a Knowledge Partner and contributed to the discussions at the Tourism Working Group and the Tourism Ministers Meeting held last September.

Last September, Tourism Ministers gathered in Mpumalanga committed to advancing policies that foster a sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism sector, namely in terms of:
– Digital innovation to enhance travel and tourism start-ups and MSME
– Tourism financing and investment to enhance equality and promote sustainable development
– Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel
– Enhancing resilience for inclusive, sustainable tourism development

The G20 represents around 70% of all international tourist arrivals and exports from tourism.

Tourism accounts for 3.1% of the total GDP of the G20, 5% of all exports, and 21% of all service exports.

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Sydney, Australia, November 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change. The prize was awarded during a special ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, where he serves as Professor and Adjunct Fellow.

The UN Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honor. It recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the creation and dissemination of knowledge in tourism. In this case, Professor Dwyer has been recognized for his career-long achievements in the field of tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness and sustainable tourism development, as well as his commitment to sharing knowledge outside of the sector itself.

Receiving the award, Professor Dwyer observed that, while the wellbeing outcomes of industrial development are being emphasized by social scientists, tourism analysis and policy continues to focus more narrowly on the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism development. The Ulysses Prize Laureate also emphasized that “tourism policies and programs should look beyond narrow, efficiency-driven economic indicators, to employ wellbeing measures to better gauge progress in tourism sustainable development.”

Academia Joins UN Tourism in Recognizing Excellence

The Award was presented at a ceremony attended by academic staff from the University of Technology Sydney and other universities, as well as by policymakers and industry stakeholders both from across Australia and Sydney.

Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Technology Sydney said: “Through his research, Larry has embodied the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – showing how evidence-based research can promote inclusive and sustainable growth. This recognition also shines a light on Australia’s leadership in tourism research, and on the important role of universities in addressing global challenges.”

Professor Dwyer’s focus on the wider social and economic impacts of the sector reflects UN Tourism’s mission and key priorities.

UN Tourism Director of External Relations, Beka Jakeli, highlighted the global challenges facing the sector, including climate change as an existential threat, political unrest, macroeconomic fluctuations, and rapid shifts in supplier operations and consumer behaviour. “It is time to rethink traditional partnerships and build an effective and innovative Public–Private–Academia partnership model to guide evidence-based decision-making grounded in research findings for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the tourism sector,” he said.

Recognizing Leadership and Exploration

With 17 editions celebrated to date, the Ulysses Award symbolizes intellectual exploration and leadership, as exemplified by the legendary traveler it is named after. Recipients are typically distinguished scholars, whose work bridges theory and practice, influencing policy, governance, and industry strategies globally.

The prize aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, reinforcing tourism’s role as a force for positive change.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 25, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The city’s dining scene just got a little more loud. Chit Chaat, the city’s newest Indian restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 24, is here to prove that not every meal needs to whisper. It’s where conversation comes spiced, cocktails come with opinions, and Punjabi warmth meets Bangkok’s appetite for drama.

Rooted in Punjabi hospitality that is warm, lively, and social, Chit Chaat takes its name from two of India’s greatest exports: chit-chat and chaat (a street-side snack), bringing together the art of conversation, or perhaps a little gossip, with the vibrant, street-side spirit of chaat.

In a city where Indian dining often swings between budget-friendly canteens and white-tablecloth formality, Chit Chaat carves a new space entirely on its own. It’s casual yet considered, stylish yet soulful — a social dining concept that defies expectation. The restaurant proves that Indian food, beyond clichés, can be expressive, modern, and full of heart without losing its roots.

“Chit Chaat marks a fun new chapter for Boutique Corporation as we build food and beverage concepts that complement our hotel expansion across Thailand,” says Prab Thakral, President and Group CEO, Boutique Corporation PCL. “Dining has become such a vital part of how people experience hospitality, and we see it as a creative space to express personality and connect with guests. Chit Chaat does exactly that — it’s food with feeling, flavour that sparks conversation and laughter. Indian food has always had soul; we just wanted to add a bit of fun to it.”

The space is bold, bright, and just a little dramatic, where colour, rhythm, and a touch of chaos come together in perfect balance. Think playful Indian iconography, witty details, and nostalgic art with a modern wink. The playlist shifts gears as the night unfolds, starting with easy beats over chai and ending with a late-night groove. There’s just enough attitude to make every table feel like the best seat in the house. From the first chai to the last call, it’s a vibe.

And the food? Equal parts nostalgia and newness. To start, Tuna Pani Puri Chaat pops with tangy waters and spice, while Crispy Shiso Chaat gives the street-side classic a modern crunch. Rajasthani Lal Maas Tacos wrap fiery mutton in soft Mughlai bread for a perfect collision of cultures. Then come the Naan Rolls, Chit Chaat’s undisputed signatures.

Picture Butter Chicken tucked into fluffy naan with tomato-cashew gravy, Smoked Duck with garlic and Rajasthani spice, or Baadshah Lamb Leg Roll with slow-braised meat and greens. They’re bold, handheld, and unapologetically messy in the best way possible.

Mains stay loyal to the classics but never play it safe. Goan Chicken Vindaloo turns up the tang with a vinegary chilli kick, Kashmiri Rogan Josh simmers in 14 aromatic spices, and Paneer Makhani swirls with creamy tomato-cashew sauce. For something heartier, there’s Shahi Lamb Leg Musallam glazed in almond-cashew paste and Mutton Nehari that is slow-cooked overnight for that melt-off-the-bone satisfaction.

And just when you think the drama’s over, dessert takes the stage. Ghevar, the traditional Rajasthani honeycomb-style crisp, arrives with rich saffron cream. It’s sweet, airy, and utterly irresistible. Shehd-e-Jaam drenches deep-fried milk dumplings in syrup, while Mango Kulfi and Dil-e-Rasmalai end things on a note of nostalgia: sweet, creamy, and thoroughly indulgent.

The cocktail programme is less mixology and more performance art. Each drink arrives with a sense of theatre and a knowing wink to Indian nostalgia. The Coolie No. 1 blends Bacardi white rum with masala chai, vanilla, and a soft lassi foam, served in a miniature attaché case reminiscent of those carried across India’s railway platforms. Tiffin Box mixes 42 Below vodka with mango, kokum, cumin, and house ginger beer, presented deconstructed in a three-tier steel tiffin that guests can assemble themselves or leave to the team’s creative hands. Chaiwala combines Bombay gin, cucumber, Midori, and a hint of chilli, poured from a kettle into small glasses in the style of a station teaseller. Ticket Master, a refined blend of Dewar’s whisky, St-Germain, spiced honey, and kewra, arrives with a silver tray of biscuits and an old-fashioned drink ticket that your server punches before pouring.

At the centre of it all is Chef Narayan Bahadur Panthi, a master of curry and tandoor with more than two decades of experience spanning India, Croatia, and Bangkok. Before joining Chit Chaat, he spent eight years at Charcoal, where his signature flame and depth of flavour became known to the city’s food lovers. His cooking here is soulful, expressive, and technique-driven, the kind that makes noise without ever shouting.

As the night goes on, the playlist grows bolder, the cocktails loosen your collars, and the tables start to feel like old friends. Because at Chit Chaat, silence isn’t golden. It’s just suspicious.

RESTAURANT INFORMATION:

Address: 15 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Klongtaan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand 10110

Tel: +66 93 608 6623

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Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has further strengthened the capacity of its Members across Asia and the Pacific to produce reliable, integrated, and policy-relevant tourism data.

The Regional Workshop on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism in Asia and the Pacific (Bandar Seri Begawan, 18–20 November 2025) brought together more than 100 participants from 11 UN Tourism Member States. Hosted by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam, the three days provided a platform to share experiences and learn practical approaches to measuring the sustainability of tourism. Delegates represented National Tourism Authorities, National Statistics Offices, and other key institutions, alongside international experts.

The event combined high-level dialogue with technical and participatory sessions addressing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism sustainability. Participants explored the application of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) and related tools, including the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).

Through case studies and exercises, participants examined ways to strengthen institutional coordination between tourism and statistics authorities, improve tourism data governance, and use integrated information systems for evidence-based policymaking and destination management. The workshop featured discussions on measuring tourism employment, host community perceptions, and tourism’s impacts in the environment.

The programme served as a platform for peer learning and regional cooperation, reaffirming the commitment of countries in Asia and the Pacific to advance tourism measurement as a key foundation for sustainable and resilient tourism development.

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Madrid, Spain, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The UN Tourism General Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Professor Marina Novelli as the new Chair of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics.

Professor Novelli’s nomination was approved by Member States during the Assembly, marking the beginning of her four-year term as Chair.

Professor Novelli is an acknowledged expert in tourism and international development and serves as the Director of the Sustainable Travel and Tourism Advanced Research Centre at Nottingham University Business School.

She brings extensive experience in sustainable tourism policy, planning, and development, all grounded in ethical principles and practices. In her role, she will lead the Committee’s work to actively promote responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. She will also oversee the implementation of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and provide guidance on ethical issues in tourism.

“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this role,” said Professor Novelli. “Together with the Committee members, I look forward to advancing ethical principles that ensure tourism continues to be a force for good—benefiting people, communities, and the planet.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, congratulated Professor Novelli on her appointment, stating: “With her deep and diverse expertise and strong commitment to ethical and sustainable tourism, Professor Novelli will guide the Committee’s efforts to ensure the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism remains a living instrument shaping the future of our sector.”

New Committee Members Confirmed

The World Committee on Tourism Ethics is the independent body responsible for interpreting, applying, and evaluating the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, once it enters into force. It works to promote responsible conduct across the tourism sector and to monitor implementation of ethical principles worldwide.

At the same session, the General Assembly approved the following new members of the Committee:

Full Members

– Ms. Nancy MEJÍA Bonifazi, Executive Director, Guatemalan Tourism Chamber
– Ms. Eliana JANINEH, General Manager, Jordanian Restaurant Association
– Mr. Mokganedi NTANA, Environment and Eco-certification Manager, Botswana Tourism Organization
– Ms. Michaela REITTERER, Owner and CEO, Boutique Hotel Stadthalle
– Mr. Amol Bobby TITUS, CEO, PT Indonesia Wise

Alternate Members

– Mr. Mekhak APRESYAN, President, Armenian Tourism Federation
– Ms. Almudena GONZÁLEZ Gutiérrez de León, Lecturer and Researcher, Saxion University of Applied Sciences
– Ms. Maria NCHAMA NZOHO, Director General of Tourism Policies, Ministry of Tourism and Infrastructure, Equatorial Guinea

About the World Committee on Tourism Ethics

The Committee serves as an independent body of UN Tourism tasked with promoting and monitoring the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Its work aims to ensure that tourism development worldwide is guided by principles of fairness, inclusion, and respect for human rights, the environment, and cultural heritage.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In an unprecedented culinary exchange, two of the Asia-Pacific region’s most acclaimed pizzerias are joining forces for “Across the Doughline,” a cross-continental collaboration that will culminate in an exclusive celebration at Massilia Ruamrudee on December 9, 2025.

Massilia, Thailand’s Best Pizzeria for four consecutive years (2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) and ranked 4th Best Pizzeria in Asia 2025, is partnering with Melbourne’s legendary 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar for a series of special events spanning two countries. The collaboration brings together Chef Michele Fernando of Massilia and Chef Michele Circhirillo of 48h – both representing restaurants listed in the prestigious 50 Top Pizza World rankings.

A Meeting of Masters

The partnership celebrates shared values of artisanal craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and the art of leavening that have earned both establishments international recognition. Massilia, a pioneer of authentic Italian pizza culture in Bangkok since 2015, has revolutionized the city’s pizza scene with its emphasis on contemporary techniques and high-quality raw materials. Meanwhile, 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Italian dining landscape, expanding from South Yarra to international locations including Torino, Italy.

“This collaboration represents more than just two pizzerias coming together,” says Chef Michele Fernando. “It’s a celebration of how pizza culture has evolved across continents while staying true to Italian traditions. We’re honored to mark Massilia’s 10th anniversary at Ruamrudee with this extraordinary partnership.”

The Bangkok Grand Finale – December 9

The centerpiece of “Across the Doughline” takes place at Massilia’s flagship Ruamrudee location, coinciding with the venue’s milestone 10th anniversary. The evening promises an unforgettable culinary experience featuring:

• Exclusive Collaboration Menu: Signature creations from both chefs, including Massilia’s award-winning “Norma Not Normal” (crowned Pizza of the Year APAC 2025) and 48h’s innovative Australian-inspired pizzas
• All-You-Can-Eat Pizza & Peroni Beers: Unlimited access to both Massilia’s classic selection (Exceptional Value: 790 THB++ per person)
• Intimate Celebration: A rare opportunity to experience the vision of two internationally recognized pizza masters under one roof

“We’re bringing Melbourne’s bold, Australian approach to Bangkok’s refined palate,” adds Chef Michele Circhirillo of 48h. “This is about pushing boundaries while honoring the craft that connects us across 7,000 kilometers.”

The Journey Begins in Melbourne

Before the Bangkok finale, the collaboration launches in Melbourne with exclusive masterclasses and special pizza nights:

• Masterclasses (November 29-30): Intimate sessions where both chefs share their techniques and philosophy. Tickets available via ClassBento.
• Pizza Nights (December 1-2): Special collaboration menu at 48h’s Melbourne locations. Reservations: ciao[@]48h[.]com[.]au

A Celebration of Global Pizza Excellence

“Across the Doughline” exemplifies the global community fostered by 50 Top Pizza, which recognizes the world’s finest pizzerias. With both restaurants consistently ranked among Asia-Pacific’s elite, this collaboration offers Bangkok’s discerning diners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience culinary excellence from two continents on a single menu.

The December 9 event represents the first time 48h Pizza & Gnocchi Bar has brought its acclaimed Australian pizza artistry to Thailand, making it an essential experience for pizza enthusiasts, food media, and anyone passionate about authentic Italian cuisine.

Event Details:

What: “Across the Doughline” – Bangkok Grand Finale
When: Monday, December 9, 2025
Where: Massilia Ruamrudee, Soi Ruamrudee 1, Bangkok
Reservations:
– Email: contact[@]massiliabkk[.]com
– LINE: @pizzamassiliabkk
– Phone: 094 552 2025

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