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Asia-Pacific Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference Held Korea

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Asia-Pacific Global Sustainable Tourism Council Conference Held Korea - TRAVELINDEXGunsan, Korea, October 8, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / After two years without an on-site GSTC Conference due to the pandemic, the 2022 GSTC Asia-Pacific Conference took place in Saemangeum, Gunsan, Jeonbuk, Korea, from September 15-17. The conference brought together Korean and international tourism stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable travel & tourism, including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, corporates, OTAs, academia, NGOs, consultants, and more. The Conference themes were (A) Attraction & Destination Stewardship, (B) MICE & Hotels, and (C) Ecotourism & Heritage.

“During the last two and a half years, tourism suffered an unprecedented crisis with a drop of three-quarters of its international flows. Never before has tourism made such a loss. As a comparison, the SARS epidemic in 2002 and the economic and financial crisis of 2008 caused a reduction of international tourists of less than 10%. But past esteem shows the tourist rebounds as soon as the conditions return to normal and international tourism is already consolidating a strong recovery despite many challenges. Tourism saw a strong growth in the first half of 2022, reaching almost half the level of the same period in pre-pandemic in 2019. International tourist arrival more than tripled over the same period of 2021, and nearly 250,000,000 international trips were recorded worldwide through May this year,” said GSTC Chair, Mr. Luigi Cabrini. “Our challenge and the GSTC mission is to enhance positive economic and social benefit to the level where they overcome their negative impacts.”

“Our organization is now 15 years old. Starting from the first version of the GSTC Industry Criteria in 2008, we expanded and consolidated a system of standards that is now recognized as the main reference internationally. Though we remain a small organization, our influence is spreading and we are proud of the results achieved in the search for solutions to fill the gaps that prevent an effective pursuit of sustainable tourism. During the pandemic, GSTC grew stronger. Key public and private organizations joined as members. More professionals followed our training course and webinars. More governments through the tourism authorities adopted the global criteria as a reference for future strategies. More leading companies and destinations trust our methodologies. Working at the World Tourism Organization, I’ve seen many initiatives on sustainable tourism, but GSTC is the most successful and resilient,” concluded Mr. Cabrini.

Mr. Caesar Indra, President of Traveloka, delivered a keynote speech on transforming operations to be more adaptable and sustainable, both socially and environmentally. “The pandemic has presented a “reset moment” in the travel industry – to address long-standing challenges while also seizing new opportunities – using technology to ease travel activities, encourage environmentally-friendly behavior, and empower local communities. This complex crisis will need all of us – the governments, the private sector, the investors and the community, to reform and transform the way we collaborate and partner; to create programs, policies, regulations for sustainable tourism to become mainstream.”

“There are many examples that show how a society thrives after a major crisis, becoming more resilient as we learn from our own journey, and to innovate and transform to become better. It is solely up to us, this society, to decide the future that we are going to be in,” concluded Mr. Indra.

Speakers from Asia-Pacific shared insights and discussed the following topics: NTOs & DMOs Partnering with the Private Sector; Managing Visitor Flow; Attraction Criteria Consultation Workshop; Small MICE: Business Retreats and Small Meetings; Sustainable Management Systems for Hotels; MICE Criteria Consultation Workshop; Wonders in Tourism & Heritage; Ecotourism Businesses Benefiting Communities. During the conference, two workshops were carried out for the development of MICE Criteria and Attraction Criteria.

As with previous GSTC Conferences, sustainable event practices were carried out. This included minimal printing, badges made of recyclable paper, and reusable bottles were given out for refill at various water stations. Backdrops were made from paper material instead of plastic. Vegetarian meal was the default meal option, with no lamb and beef, which have the highest carbon footprint.

After the 2-day conference, participants joined a complimentary tour of Jeonju Hanok Village. Jeonju is a historical spot, known for its traditional housing structures. After a walking tour of Gyeonggijeon shrine, there was an opportunity to experience traditional clothing known as hanbok.

Upcoming GSTC2022 Global Conference in Sevilla, Spain (12-15 Dec 2022)

The GSTC2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (#GSTC2022) will be hosted in the beautiful historic city of Sevilla, Spain, from 12-15 December 2022. Superb thought-leading speakers from around the world will share their insights on topics such as ‘Sustainable Hospitality’, ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’, ‘Mainstreaming Sustainability Standards’, and ‘Destination Stewardship’ in an interactive program. An onsite GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course will take place prior to the Conference (Dec 11th-12th). Learn more and register.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for Accreditation of Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services; but it accredits those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Four Hands Collaboration Between Piedmont and Calabria in Bangkok

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Four Hands Collaboration Between Piedmont and Calabria in Bangkok - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / La Scala Restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok is a triumph of innovative interior design paired with inspired Italian cuisine. Chef de Cuisine of La Scala, Eugenio Cannoni, extended an invitation to Luca Abbruzzino from the Michelin-starred Calabrian restaurant Ristorante Abbruzzino to join forces on a four-hand collaboration to create an unforgettable dining experience!

Since 2008 Ristorante Abbruzzino has been at the forefront of the Calabrian food scene, with chef-owners Luca and Antonio Abbruzzino taking the best of local produce and turning it into world-class cuisine. In 2013 the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant itself was completely refurbished by architect Michele Panza in 2016, giving the dining room a simple, elegant atmosphere and drawing all attention to the food itself. Curious diners can watch the kitchen at work through a large window, and in summer customers can choose to eat outside in the beautiful garden at the front of the building, which sits in a quiet residential area of Catanzaro. More about Ristorante Abbruzzino: https://www.abbruzzino.it/#pg-homepage-page.

27 – 29 October 2022
8 Courses: THB 4,600++ per person
6 Courses: THB 3,900++ per person
4 Courses: THB 2,300++ per persons

Lunch 12PM – 3PM (l.o. 2PM)
Dinner 6PM – 11PM (l.o. 10PM)

For reservations, please call 02 344 8888 or email to promotions@sukhothai.com

About La Scala
La Scala, an award-winning Italian restaurant is highly coveted for classic and progressive Italian cuisine combined with fine Italian and European wines. Its beautiful poolside setting is a bold statement in contemporary décor subtly infused with The Sukhothai’s cultural heritage, and showcases an open kitchen, private room and a bar with a wine cellar.

About Eugenio Cannoni
Eugenio Cannoni is from the northern Italian region of Piedmont. His career began in the family restaurant, but with a strong desire to enhance his knowledge he enrolled at one of Italy’s best cooking schools, Alma di Gualtiero Marchesi. From there begun a path of research and enrichment by touring different kitchens in Europe and around the world, also dedicating himself to collaborations and as a consultant on various TV shows in Italy and abroad. His latest appointment was Chef De Cuisine at Castello di Casalborgone in Turin.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NEW YORK: Museums to disclose artwork looted by Nazis

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Museums in New York that exhibit artworks looted by Nazis during the Holocaust are now required by law to let the public know about those dark chapters in their provenance through placards displayed with the stolen objects.

At least 600,000 pieces of art were looted from Jewish people before and during World War II, according to experts. Some of that plunder wound up in the world’s great museums.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law in August requiring museums to put up signs identifying pieces looted by the Nazis from 1933 through 1945.

The new rule comes as many museums in the US and Europe are also reckoning with collections that contain numerous objects looted from Asia, Africa, and other places during centuries of colonialism.

It isn’t clear how many pieces of art now on display will wind up being labeled as Nazi loot, and disagreements have already arisen over certain artworks with a complicated history.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, said it had identified 53 works in its collection as having been seized or sold under duress during the Nazi era.

All of those objects were obtained by the museum after being returned to their rightful owners. But Andrea Bayer, the museum’s deputy director for collections and administration, said the public still should know about their history.

“People should be aware of the terrible cost to people during World War II as these confiscations took place, and how these peoples’ treasures that they loved and had been in their families, had been torn from them at the same time their lives were disrupted,” she said.

The museum, however, does not intend to put up such a sign on a Picasso painting called “The Actor,” which it received as a gift in 1952.

That painting was once owned by Jewish businessman Paul Leffmann, who fled Germany – first for Italy, then ultimately to Brazil – to escape the Nazis. As Leffmann liquidated assets in 1938, he sold the painting to Paris art dealers for $13,200.

Leffmann’s great-grandniece, Laurel Zuckerman, sued the Metropolitan Museum in 2016, claiming it was a bargain-basement sale price that reflected the family’s desperation to flee Europe. The museum countered that the price was actually high for an early Picasso at the time. A US court eventually dismissed the lawsuit.

Lawrence Kaye, one of the lawyers who represented Zuckerman, said that despite that outcome, the museum should still put up a placard with the painting’s disputed history.

“I believe the law would cover this piece. It was dismissed on technical grounds and I believe under the broad definition of what this law means under the statute, it should be covered,” Kaye said.

Picasso’s ‘The Actor’ centre

Researching the provenance of an object has gotten easier in the digital age and some museums have launched efforts to identify artworks with a problematic ownership history.

New York law had already required museums to report works believed to have been stolen during the Nazi period to the Art Loss Register, the world’s largest database on stolen art.

A US law passed in 2016 provides victims of Holocaust-era persecution and their heirs a fair opportunity to recover works of art taken by the Nazis.

“This law did things legally that made it possible for people to make claims and sue,” said Wesley Fisher, the director of research for the Claims Conference, a group that represents the world’s Jews in negotiating for compensation for victims of Nazi persecution and their heirs.

“It isn’t perfect, but it’s better,” he said.

In 2018, New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum returned an Ernst Ludwig Kirchner painting titled “Artillerymen” to the family of Jewish art dealer Alfred Flechtheim, who was forced to abandon his collection after fleeing Berlin in 1933.

A Guggenheim spokesperson said the museum is not aware of any other work in its collections that was looted by Nazis but is continuing its research.

In 2019, the Arkell Museum in upstate New York returned a painting after it was made known that it was stolen by Nazis from a Jewish family in 1933. The museum’s director, Suzan Friedlander, said they “fully support the recent legislation regarding work seized by the Nazis.”

Last year, the Jewish Museum, in New York City, dedicated an entire exhibition to the topic of looted art and ceremonial objects.

While signage for Nazi-looted artwork is a policy unique to New York, other US museums have undertaken efforts to trace the origin of potentially stolen artworks.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts launched a Nazi-era provenance research of their artwork in 1998, where they identify objects in the collection that were lost or stolen during the Nazi era and never returned to their rightful owners.

The Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles researched German art trade between 1900 and 1945 and now provides digital access to auction sales catalogs related to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Among the 53 pieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that will get signage identifying them as having once been looted is a Turkish helmet dating to the late 15th and 16th century that had been seized by Nazis from its owner Baron Alphonse Mayer Rothschild in 1938. It was returned to Rothschild’s widow in 1949 and sold to the museum in 1950.

Another is a 1695 painting titled “Gamepiece with a Dead Heron” by Dutch painter Jan Weenix. It was also seized by the Nazis from Rothschild in 1939, later returned to his widow in 1948 and sold to the museum in 1950.

In the last two decades, the museum has returned or reached settlements on 10 artworks that changed hands during the Nazi period, including a Claude Monet painting.

New York Sen. Anna M. Kaplan, who sponsored the legislation, said the new law is partly about educating younger people unfamiliar with the Holocaust.

“Because the survivors of the Holocaust are a generation that is dying out, this becomes much more important,” said Fisher, of the Claims Conference. “The object become much more important. The idea that students and general public should go through museums to understand where these items come from, is important.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

JOHN FALLON MOVES UP AT ROYAL IRISH TOURS

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Royal Irish Tours (RIT) has ‘doubled’ their sales team in Canada, from one to two! RIT have promoted John Fallon from their reservations department to the position of Sales Manager, Canada. This might be a little confusing for advisors as there are now two Johns on the sales team, both from Ireland (John Fallon, Sales Manager and Jonathan Sargeant, now Director of Sales).

Fallon completed his Master’s in International Tourism at the University of Limerick in 2017 before immigrating to Canada where he took up a role in RIT’s reservations department. Growing up on the west coast of Ireland between Galway City and the Cliffs of Moher, tourism has always been a part of John’s life and he is very proud, and passionate, about all the Emerald Isle has to offer visitors.

Outside of work you will find him playing the Irish sport of hurling with Clann na nGael in Toronto or looking for the best pub for some traditional Irish music (and Guinness).

Fallon is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Ireland & Scotland, and Conor Duffy, Vice President at RIT, is excited about having him join Jonathan Sargeant on the sales team.

“We are delighted to promote John from reservations, and he will be a great asset to the sales team. After 5 years with RIT, he already has great product knowledge, he’s very personable and I know advisors across Canada are in good hands with the two Irish John’s!”

Fallon will manage Ontario West agencies as well as some key national accounts. He can be reached at john@ritvacations.com or on his cell at +1-437-984-6313.

 

John Fallon enjoying a Guinness

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RIVIERA MAYA: Day of the Dead festival set to rise

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With more than 50,000 visitors expected to attend a Day of the Dead festival in Mexico this year, Grupo Xcaret is advising visitors to pre-book their tickets for the much-anticipated celebration in the Riviera Maya. The 16th annual “Festival of Live & Death Traditions” will take place Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, culminating on Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Nov. 2), a pre-Hispanic tradition that even today demonstrates Mexico’s cultural richness and which has been recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2008.

The festival will take place at Xcaret Park, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and at the City Theatre in Playa del Carmen, featuring a line-up of family-friendly activities that includes culinary experiences, workshops, altars, murals, concerts, puppet shows, and theatrical presentations created by local artists, Mexican talent, and special guests.

The full program will be available in the official event website – festivaldevidaymuerte.com/en/ – with general tickets sales starting Oct. 1.

 

Altar

Below is a list of some of this year’s highlights:

Xcaret Park

• This year’s guest of honor is Tlaxcala, a state considered the birthplace of the nation which will share the richness of its gastronomy, crafts, textiles, and dances.
• Musical performances such as: “Yuhmu Voices of Ixtenco” by the Otomí of Tlaxcala Children’s Choir.
• Exhibitions by artists Ignacio Nezahualcóyotl and Malena Díaz
• Theatre – “Canek, Legend of a Mayan Hero” by the Luna Morena Company; “The skeleton took me away” by Scenic Magic; and “Death and Corn” by Erik de Luna
• Concerts – Astrid Hadad and her show “Living by Dying,” and Ernesto Anaya’s “Skeletons, sounds, dead people and traditions”
• International artists – The countertenor Asael Cuesta of Colombia and the theatre company “The Baldufa” of Spain.
• Local culture and artists and arts groups
• The interactive Hacienda will offer a variety of workshops including learning how to make skulls, embroidery, traditional desserts, write like in pre-Hispanic times or assemble an altar
• The return of the gala concert at the great Tlachco that will have everyone dancing to a fusion of rhythms such as danzón, mambo, cha cha cha and cumbia along with rock, ska and other traditional influences from Mexican music.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

• Ha’ restaurant – Homage to the Tlaxcala gastronomy by Chef Francisco Molina of “Evoka” restaurant, known for adding cultural value to traditional dishes.
• Mercado de la Merced – Traditional cuisine by Doña Elvia Contreras Becerra, originally from the Nanacamilpa municipality, who belongs to the group of cooks Cocineras Manos de Mayahuel of Tlaxcala.
• Las Cuevas – Traditional dishes inspired by the cook of the Mayan region Rosalinda Maay Poot.

Hotel Xcaret Arte

• Kibi Kibi – Curated menu by Chef Iván Fernando del Razo of “Mexko” restaurant who uses a combination of traditional, contemporary and research techniques to showcase the gastronomic and cultural richness of Tlaxcala.
• Cantina VI.AI.PY – Tlaxcalteca cuisine by Chef Andy Salazar López of “Tequexquite” restaurant.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Here come The Petersens, and it’s all right

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The Petersons are a folk-bluegrass outfit from Branson, Missouri, uniquely comprised of mom and dad Peterson, their four kids Katie, Ellen, Matt, and Julianne, and “dear friend and honorary Petersen” Emmett Franz.

The central figures, however, are the girls, who delightfully harmonize and share lead vocals, while all the members kick in with the instruments – amongst them guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, and fiddle.

Inspired to the Appalachian genre at a bluegrass festival at Gettysburg, Pa., the family unit has gone on to appear on various TV shows and tour extensively, including Canada.

They describe their music, including covers like the George Harrison classic “Here Comes the Sun” (linked below), as “like one big welcome mat… If you’re looking for some encouragement in a chaotic world and an escape from the busy-ness and stress of everyday life, you’ve come to the right place.”

And that sounds like just the right note about now. (PS, don’t tune out the post-song comments and credits).

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Four Points by Sheraton Seeks Chief Brew Officer to Take the Next Great “Beercation”

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Best Brews
Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Schaumburg
Steve Sanacore

Four Points by Sheraton®, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, is searching for an honorary Chief Brew Officer (C.B.O.) to embark on the ultimate “Beercation” of a lifetime around the United States. One lucky beer enthusiast, plus a companion, will start their journey at the Orlando Beer Festival before heading to two hoppin’ cities to explore local beer-focused attractions. Inspired by Four Points’ Best Brews® program, the trip will give a taste of the brand’s signature guest experience, which offers local craft beers on tap at its hotels worldwide.

“We are excited to launch this special experience for our C.B.O. to discover the universal connectors that are travel and great beer,” said Diane Mayer, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands. “The Four Points Best Brews program transcends oceans, borders, and languages, allowing guests to kick back, relax and immerse themselves in each destination by enjoying a cold pint on-tap from a local brewery. We are celebrating our newest hotels in beloved beer destinations and the lucky winner will get to travel the country while honing their beer tasting skills.”

On November 12, 2022, the C.B.O. will test out the position at the Orlando Beer Festival, where their first task will be to pick their favorite brewery to receive the honorary “Four Points stamp of approval.” From there, the C.B.O. will travel to two additional beer destinations to experience Best Brews at each Four Points hotel and the cities’ local breweries. Participating cities include Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Seattle, and more. Four Points’ C.B.O. will also be awarded a Level Two Cicerone Certification training course to learn more about beer quality and identity by taste while on their “Beercation,” adding credibility to their honorary title.

Other perks of the “job” include:

  • VIP tickets to the Orlando Beer Festival
  • 3-day/2-night stay at Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive
  • 4-day/3-night stays at two additional Four Points by Sheraton properties in the U.S.
  • Round-trip airfare and ground transportation for up to two people
  • Access to a Level Two Cicerone Certification training course

All travelers can book and enjoy Four Points’ Beds and Brews Package through the month of October 2022, providing two complimentary beers per day of stay.

Those interested in experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime adventure can submit their application for a chance to win the coveted title of C.B.O at www.FourPointsBestBrewsContest.com from October 6 – October 18, 2022. Four Points invites all beer lovers 21 years or older to share why they would be the best candidate for the job – bonus points for creativity. Terms & conditions apply.

About Four Points by Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton® is a global brand with 300 hotels in 44 countries and territories. At Four Points, travel is reinvented where timeless classics are woven with modern details, paired with genuine service in a casual environment — all around the world. Four Points hotels can be found in the heart of urban centers, near the beach, by the airport, or in the suburbs. Each hotel offers a familiar place to kick back and relax with an authentic sense of the local, where guests can watch sports and enjoy the brand’s Best Brews® program. Four Points is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments™ and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. To learn more about Four Points, visit us online.

Media Contact:
Christine Lin
Senior Manager, Global Communications, Select Brands
Marriott International
Christine.lin@marriott.com

Shannon Bodo
Manager, Global Communications, Portfolio Marketing
Marriott International
Shannon.Bodo@marrriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Brings Back Week of Wonders, Inspiring Travelers to Unleash Their Urge to Travel Like Never Before

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Marriott Bonvoy Brings Back Week of Wonders

When it comes to travel today, people are making every moment count and no longer putting off that dream vacation. In fact, this holiday season more than one in three Americans1 who are planning a trip this winter aim to cross off at least one of their bucket list travel experiences, according to a recent YouGov survey conducted by Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program.

To unleash the urge to travel like never before, Marriott Bonvoy’s celebratory Week of Wonders (October 6-13, 2022) is set to satisfy wanderlust with exclusive offers, opportunities for discounts on room rates, options to earn bonus points towards free stays, and capabilities to redeem incredible experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments™. The recent survey painted a picture of anticipation and excitement about the possibilities for travel this holiday season. Many are using their new-found freedom to explore new destinations. More than one in three of those surveyed Americans who are planning a trip this winter say they expect to travel to a place they have never been. The survey also revealed that travel was still a top priority despite economic concerns. Despite nearly half of Americans surveyed being concerned about the economy, 44% of those with winter travel itineraries plan to spend more on travel this holiday season than they have on travel in previous years. Further, over half of those Americans planning a winter trip said their desire to travel is so great that they are willing to sacrifice buying gifts in order to take a special trip this holiday season.

“Our survey shows that Americans are embracing travel and the joy of connecting with each other and with places in a tremendous way,” said Anne Engelking-Smith, Vice President, Marriott Bonvoy Global Brand Marketing. “This year’s Week of Wonders is an outstanding week to be a member with incredible offers that will satisfy the overwhelming urge to explore and experience the world whether it is a weekend getaway nearby or a trip halfway around the globe.

With Week of Wonders Marriott Bonvoy is satisfying wanderlust with extraordinary experiences and enticing global offers

Marriott Bonvoy is bringing back Wonders of Extraordinary – exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences that members can bid on with points on the Marriott Bonvoy’s Moments platform. Some of the special Moments available during the week include:

  • Embark on a NYC Culinary Adventure with Phil Rosenthal: Explore NYC with Phil Rosenthal, “Everybody Loves Raymond” creator, foodie, and star of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil,” who will guide you through some of the best stops in the city, such as Peter Luger, Don Angie, and Caffè Panna, to try some of Phil’s personal favorite dishes. Guests will also get to take home a signed copy of Phil’s new book, Somebody Feed Phil the Book: Untold Stories, Behind-the-Scenes Photos and Favorite Recipes: A Cookbook, to be released on October 18, 2022.
  • Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza: Indulge in a midnight dinner featuring Egyptian cuisine with an exclusive guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Experience a meditation session inside the pyramids, which are usually closed to visitors at night, and a photography session.
  • Indulge in Omakase at W Osaka: Enjoy the ultimate Edomae sushi experience inside the Week of Wonders suite at the W Osaka. Begin with cocktails in the hotel’s living room, followed by a full “Omakase” course of six dishes and 12 sushi options.
  • Gear Up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Take in the excitement on and off the track with The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Members will also meet personnel behind the top-performing team, while enjoying luxurious accommodations at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
  • Cayman Cookout: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, presents the iconic Cayman Cookout, a culinary festival hosted by Chef Eric Ripert, featuring an impressive lineup of chefs, beverage experts, and a wide variety of intimate and memorable experiences and events in the Cayman Islands.

Marriott Bonvoy members can access a variety of other global Wonders across Marriott Bonvoy’s expansive portfolio of extraordinary brands, including:

  • Wonders of Escape: Members can turn their dream vacation into a reality, with 20% off at over 5,900 hotels and resorts across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
  • Wonders of Exploration: Members can earn double the points on travel experiences booked through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities, featuring a large selection of unique experiences.
  • Wonders of Discovery: Travelers eager to reignite their spirit of discovery can book their next hotel redemption stay for up to 15% less points at over 4,500 properties worldwide during Week of Wonders.
  • Wonders of Unwinding: Members can take advantage of 15% off at All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy® resorts, which connects travelers to the most sought-after experiences in the most coveted destinations.
  • Wonders of Inspiration: Week of Wonders is the perfect time to book any of the 76,000+ premium homes available with Homes & Villas by Marriott International. Members can earn double the points on bookings made during Week of Wonders, plus earn double Elite Night Credits per stay toward Elite status.

These are a sampling of the extraordinary experiences and enticing offers. To explore all the Week of Wonders offers and to view the full set of terms and conditions as well to enroll in Marriott Bonvoy, please visit: www.MarriottBonvoy.com/WeekOfWonders. Join the conversation @MarriottBonvoy.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.com. Download the Marriott app. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

[1] YouGov Methodology:
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,150 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between August 31 – September 1, 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).

Media Contact
John Wolf
Vice President, Global Communications and Public Affairs
Marriott International
John.Wolf@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Evolves Upscale Portfolio with All-Villa Resort on Phu Quoc Island

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Best Western Evolves Upscale Portfolio with All-Villa Resort on Phu Quoc Island - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25 HOTELSPhu Quoc, Vietnam, October 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has continued to strengthen its presence in Vietnam with the opening of the Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, an elegant new upscale all-villa resort in Vietnam’s “Pearl Island.”

Nestled on the soft sands of Bai Truong Beach, on the island’s sunset coast, this beautiful boutique resort is ideal for families, couples, honeymooners, and any other guest seeking a little extra space to unwind. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and only 10 minutes’ drive from the airport, this chic retreat seamlessly weaves contemporary design and international amenities into its natural, tropical surroundings.

The inviting three-, four- and five-bedroom villas are designed in an eco-sensitive style with warm, earthy tones and panoramic glass walls and doors that allow daylight to flow into every space. Guests can step out of their villas onto shady terraces and slide into sparkling pools. Barbecues, alfresco dining areas and even pool tables are perfect for special occasions and private parties.

Like every Best Western hotel and resort in Asia, the Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc promises the latest in-room comforts and amenities, including sleep-inducing king or twin beds, bathrooms with power showers, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, working desks, USB ports, complimentary Wi-Fi and outstanding in-room dining.

The Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc is located adjacent to the existing Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, and visitors will be able to access the extensive facilities of this sister property including the sublime Thala Spa, fully-equipped fitness center and colorful Nemo’s kids club. The Essence Restaurant, Oasis Pool Bar and C View Sky Bar also offer myriad opportunities to relax, refuel and refresh.

“We are excited to unveil the Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, which represents not only the expansion of our presence in Vietnam – one of our most important target markets – but also the evolution of our upscale product. Best Western gained a strong and proud reputation in the midscale sector, but our 17 industry-leading brands now span every tier of the market from economy to luxury. The launch of this upscale all-villa retreat is further evidence of the diverse nature of our portfolio in Asia, and the confidence owners have in the power of our brands. We look forward to introducing this beautiful beachfront resort to our guests,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of Operations – Asia-Pacific, BWH Hotel Group.

Guests at the Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc will also be able to earn and redeem points and benefits with Best Western Rewards®, the group’s award-winning loyalty program.

This opening represents the latest phase of Best Western’s expansion strategy in Vietnam. The company now operates three hotels and resorts across the country, with 24 hotels and resorts and two branded residences in the pipeline, in destinations ranging from Ha Long Bay in the north to Phu Quoc Island in the south.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 17 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®, 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

MICE Show Asia Returns with Strong Line-Up of Exhibitors and Partners

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MICE Show Asia Returns with Strong Line-Up of Exhibitors and Partners - VISITSINGAPORE.org - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, October 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Asia’s premier MICE show with strong exhibitor line-up such as Abbott Rapid Diagnostics, Alaska Destination Specialists, Destination Hospitality, Incheon Tourism Organisation, NYC & Company, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Ungerboeck, Visit Anchorage, Visit Guam, Visit Monaco, YTS Services Marketing and many more, underlining the growth of Asia MICE market. MICE Show Asia 2022 is a three-day conference and exhibition for the meetings industry in Asia Pacific (APAC) that aims to redefine industry practices and identify new trends that will shape the future of MICE. The fourth edition of the premier MICE Show in Asia returns as an in-person event held at Marina Bay Sands from Wednesday, 19 October – Friday, 21 October 2022. The event is co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia and will be organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore).

Strong presence of exhibitors signals the importance of MICE Show Asia for the industry

Across the three days, more than 30 exhibitors from Convention and Visitor Bureaus (CVB), MICE buyer organisations, destinations, MICE tech companies and start-ups will showcase their products and services including Abbott Rapid Diagnostics, Alaska Destination Specialists, Business Events Perth, Business Events Sarawak, Czech Republic, Destination Hospitality, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Incheon Tourism Organisation, Latvia Travel, Mississippi River Country USA, NYC & Company, River Cruises DCS -Touristik GmbH, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Saxony Tourism Germany, Taipei City Government, Ungerboeck, Visit Anchorage, Visit Berlin, Visit Brussels, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Guam, Visit Iceland, Visit Malta, Visit Monaco, Visit Rovaniemi, Visit Sarajevo, YTS Services Marketing, and Zagreb Tourist Board.

“MICE Show Asia 2022 will bring together industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals and emerging MICE innovators to connect and build the future of MICE. With the industry’s revival and positive signs, this event is a must-attend for the meetings industry in APAC to get the latest insights and strategies and capture the immense growth of the Asia MICE market”, said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia and ITB Asia.

MICE Show Asia Conference: Original content, breaking news and thought-provoking ideas

MICE Show Asia will take place on the leading MICE & Corporate Travel conference stage, with a strong international participation from speakers and partners from International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and many more. The who’s who of the community will discuss five main topics ranging from “Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Event”, “Digital Nomads – A New Type of Corporate Travellers”, “Duty of Care for All: The Extended Role of Travel Managers with Travel Risk Management”, “Experiences Reimagined: The New Growth Indicator” and “Emerging Focus on Sustainability and Wellness for MICE Travel”.

What the future holds for an in-person event, especially in the wake of a global pandemic, is the main topic of the CVB’s panel on Day 1, 19 October, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., moderated by Ciaran McQuillan, Head of Special Events, Asia, Global Media Services, Associated Press. Titled “How Large-scale Meetings, Conventions, and Live Events Are Surging Anew”, Gareth Martin, CEO, Business Events Perth, Noor Ahmad Hamid, COO, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Jerry Cito, Executive Vice President, Convention Development, NYC & Company, Marico Ogi, MICE Director, Sapporo Convention Bureau and Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) will explore what it takes to be future ready and how the industry has rebounded to take the MICE industry forward.

The Buyers Meet TMCs Panel Discussion on Day 2, 20 October, 3 – 4 p.m., titled “The State of Corporate Travel 2023”, will feature C-level executives talking about the future of corporate travel, trends that might continue into 2023 and beyond and how the MICE industry is evolving. The panel discussion will be moderated by Vivek Neb, Managing Director APAC & MEA and Global Head, Travel & Tourism, Escalent, who will lead a debate with Sanghamitra Bose, Vice President and General Manager Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, AMEX GBT, Brenda Quek, Asia-Pacific Travel Meetings and Events Program and Engagement Leader, Ernst & Young (EY), Khaled Khattab, Travel, Events & Congresses Manager, Novartis and Carl Jones, Managing Director, South-East Asia, SAP Concur.

The MICE Leaders’ Panel, “Return to a World Transformed: Revitalising MICE for a New Era” on Day 3, 21 October, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. features a discussion where professionals, buyers and sellers of travel and meetings services explore how different players in the MICE ecosystem can work together to deliver a better bottom line and future for the industry. The panel will be moderated by Richard Ireland, President, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). Confirmed panelists include Patricia Cheong, Managing Director Asia, International Conference Services (ICS), Waikin Wong, Regional Director Asia Pacific, ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association, Wee Min Ong, Vice President of Conventions & Exhibitions, Marina Bay Sands, Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Arnold T. Gonzales, Head, MICE Department, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

Traditional in-person meetings were paused in 2020, but innovation flourished out of necessity. Now is the time for venue providers to use those lessons learnt over the past years to rebuild MICE even stronger. The Venue Providers’ Talks, titled “The New Meeting Space” on Day 1, 19 October, 2 – 3 p.m., will feature Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International, Arun Madhok, CEO, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Chua Wee Phong, Chief Executive (Venues), Constellar and James Fong, CEO, Jewel Changi Airport, who will share on how venue providers are building safe, secure, and thoughtful meeting space and experience for planners and suppliers.

MICE Show Asia Conference Partners
MICE Show Asia can count on well-established conference partners including International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE).

IAPCO welcomes its Ambassador Stéphane Talboom to discuss the “The Future of Business Meetings and Travel in Asia from a PCO’s Perspective”.

IAEE and MPI will lead four joint conference sessions where eligible practitioners will earn 4 CE hours for their certification revalidation. The topics of the joint sessions are “Meetings & Exhibitions Outlook: Future Predictions for the Business of Meetings”, “Top 7 Trends in Sales Today”, “Extraordinarily Inclusive: Events and Exhibitions that Embrace Everyone” and “The Exhibition and Event Professionals Marketing Playbook”. All the four sessions will be led by Karen Gonzales, Director Global Business Development, IAEE and Estefani Aguirre, Vice President, Business Development, MPI who will join together to navigate the audience through the overarching trends impacting MICE market.

ICCA will host a C-Suite Talk, titled “Global Trends – Reshaping Business Events: The Fast Track of Recovery”, with Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani bin Daud, Board of Director, Member of ICCA as expert speaker.

SITE will host a C-Suite Talk featuring its Past President Rajeev Kohli who will talk about “5 Things You Absolutely Need to Know About the Future of Incentive Travel in a Post Pandemic World”.

Further high-profile industry leaders have their say.
Other experts leading the industry conversation with their market insights, brand new ideas and inspiring case studies include:

– Andy-Michaels Lim, Managing Director – Singapore & Malaysia, Amadeus
– Sanjay Seth, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, BCD Meetings & Events
– Amelia Roziman, CEO, Business Events Sarawak
– Foo Sze Zhaun, Executive Director, Corporate Information Travel (CIT)
– Laura Ruffles, Executive Director, Global COO, Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
– Maura Geertsma, Vice President, Global Retention Center of Excellence, CWT
– Ian Cummings, Global Head, CWT Meetings & Events
– Teresa Matheson, Head of APAC, Egencia
– Tracey Edwards, Global Strategic Lead & GM ANZ, Event Travel Management (ETM)
– Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director, Asia, FCM Travel
– Ben Taylor, CEO, APAC, George P. Johnson
– Martin Sirk, International Advisor, Global Association Hubs Partnership (GAHP)
– Kelli Vettoretto, Regional Vice President, HelmsBriscoe
– Neelu Singh, Managing Director, APAC, HRS Group
– Lim Hui Ject, Managing Director, Singapore & Brunei, International SOS
– Stephane Talboom, VP Sales and Marketing, K.I.T. Group
– Richard Soo, Chief Guru @ Creative Marketing (Managing Director), MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners
– Jonathan Seto, Senior Vice President and Managing Director – APAC, MOI Global
– Agnieszka Majkowska, Experience Director, Prudential Polska
– Edward Koh, Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
– David Hughes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Uniglobe Travel International
– Alycia Brady, Managing Director – Singapore, We Are Aspire

About ITB Asia
ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The annual B2B trade show and convention will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also MICE and corporate travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities and travel technology companies are expected to attend.

ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing business relationships with the most important players in the region.

About MICE Show Asia
MICE Show Asia is the premier MICE event in Asia where incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. The annual B2B trade show and convention features industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals to up-and-coming MICE innovators from a wide range of disciplines, sectors and all levels of seniority. The show is co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia.

About Travel Tech Asia
Travel Tech Asia is the premier travel technology show in Asia. The trade show is where latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands and innovative start-ups are all at one place to create the new possibilities of travel. From travel tech suppliers, innovative start-ups to leading travel brands who are at the forefront of the industry transformation, Travel Tech Asia welcomes attendees from all levels of seniority across a wide range of disciplines and sectors in the travel industry. The show will be co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News