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Bangkok, Thailand, December 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / As Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026, a new chapter begins, one that honours the hotel’s storied heritage while looking to the future with intention and imagination. The Kingdom’s first luxury hotel invites guests to be a part of Unfolding Legacies, a year-long programme of experiences shaped by culture, craft, and the enduring spirit of the river.

Culinary artistry sits at the heart of this commemorative year. Masters of the 150th: An Epicurean Journey brings together acclaimed guest chefs from around the world, including Michelin-starred chefs, in a series of four-hand collaborations and intimate pop-up encounters. Each chef cooks alongside the hotel’s own culinary team, sharing philosophies of flavour and approach.

THE OPENING CHAPTER
Chef Richard Ekkebus x Chef Alex Dilling
14 to 18 January 2026 at Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s

The journey begins with a meeting of two remarkable culinary voices. Two-Michelin-starred Chef Alex Dilling, who brings precision and modernity to his namesake restaurant at Lord Jim’s, welcomes Chef Richard Ekkebus, the Culinary Director of the three-Michelin-starred and Green-Michelin-starred Amber at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong.

Chef Ekkebus, one of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s most respected home-grown talents, is known for redefining contemporary French cuisine in Asia through craftsmanship and a thoughtful, sustainable approach. Chef Dilling, celebrated for his technical mastery and creative depth, earned two Michelin stars in London within six months, a testament to his distinct vision.

Across five evenings, the two chefs present a six-course dinner that threads classical French techniques with modern expression. The highlight menu includes:

• Smoked Limousin sweetbread, black winter truffle and celeriac
  by Chef Alex Dilling
• Aka Uni with cauliflower, lobster Jell-O and Royal Cristal caviar
  by Chef Richard Ekkebus
• ‘Hunter’s Chicken’ with Landes corn-fed chicken, wild mushroom and sauce Albuféra
  by Chef Dilling
• Williams pear and yellow bell pepper sorbet, saffron crème brûlée with passion fruit, ginger and honey
  by Chef Ekkebus

The menu is served exclusively at dinner and priced at THB 12,500++ per person for food only, with wine pairings available. Seating is limited and advance reservations are warmly recommended via online booking or by telephone at +66 (2) 659 9000, or email at mobkk-adlordjims[@]mohg[.]com.

LOOKING AHEAD
Throughout 2026 and early 2027, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will continue to reveal new chapters of Unfolding Legacies, each thoughtfully curated to reflect the hotel’s heritage, people, craft, and cultural influence. Guests, neighbours, and fans of the brand are invited to join this milestone celebration, honouring not only 150 years of history but a living legacy that continues to inspire, evolve and welcome the world by the river.

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Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, December 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In an elegant atmosphere and with a high-level attendance, Concorde El Salam Hotel – Sharm El-Sheikh hosted the award ceremony honoring Mr. Samir Roshwan, General Manager of the hotel, with the African-Asian Union (AFASU) Award as Best Five-Star Hotel General Manager across Africa and Asia, as part of the AFASU International Hotel Awards.

The ceremony was attended by leaders of the African-Asian Union, a number of senior officials and experts in the tourism and hospitality sector, as well as the entire Concorde El Salam Group team, in a scene reflecting the stature and significance of the event.

In his speech, Mr. Samir Roshwan expressed his pride and appreciation for this international recognition, emphasizing that hospitality represents for him a passion and a lifelong journey spanning more than thirty years. He noted that this achievement is the result of collective teamwork and continuous cooperation with teams who believe in the values of quality, professionalism, and guest service. He also extended his sincere thanks to the African-Asian Union (AFASU) for this prestigious honor.

For his part, Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of the African-Asian Union (AFASU), stated in his address that the award followed a rigorous, professional, and transparent evaluation process. He highlighted that Mr. Samir Roshwan stands as an exemplary model of tourism leadership and distinguished hotel management in Africa and Asia. Dr. Darwish added that through its international awards, the Union is keen to support excellence and spotlight inspiring success stories that elevate the tourism and hospitality industry.

Major General Ashraf Abu Eish, Secretary-General of the African-Asian Union, also delivered a speech in which he affirmed that this honor reflects the value of administrative discipline and institutional stability in hotel operations. He praised Mr. Roshwan’s ability to achieve sustainable operational success and to maintain an outstanding professional reputation for Concorde El Salam Hotel, thereby reinforcing Sharm El-Sheikh’s status as a global tourism destination.

This recognition came following an assessment by an international jury comprising a distinguished group of experts in tourism and hospitality, based on strict criteria that included administrative leadership, service quality, innovation, human resources management, and sustainability. Mr. Samir Roshwan outperformed a number of general managers from various countries across Africa and Asia.

This event aligns with the vision of the African-Asian Union (AFASU) to encourage excellence in the tourism and hotel sector, support successful leaders, and enhance the competitiveness of Africa and Asia on the global tourism map.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand, December 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX /  Meliá Chiang Mai has landed a coveted spot in well-respected Australian magazine Holidays with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, lauded as among “Thailand’s Best Family Resorts” for a third consecutive year.

Meliá Chiang Mai rounded out the list of 12 Thailand hotels and resorts and was the only property in Chiang Mai, in Thailand’s mountainous north, to make the cut.

Nominations for the Holidays with Kids 2025 Best Family Resorts Awards were open for 12 months and came from the magazine’s vast readership of more than 600,000 parents.

“This year’s winners don’t just meet expectations, they raise them. From immersive kids’ clubs that spark genuine excitement and imaginative activities to standout facilities and family-focused dining, these resorts are setting new standards for family holidays,” the publication said.

Holidays with Kids spotlighted Meliá Chiang Mai as “a stylish, family-friendly hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand”.

“Guests can unwind at YHI Spa, which offers massages, scrubs, wraps and facials, or maintain their fitness routine at the fully equipped gym,” the magazine said. “The property features five bars and dining venues, serving a variety of culinary delights, and also highlights the Meliá Farm 360 program, which connects guests with the resort’s eco-farming initiatives that help supply fresh produce to its restaurants. The rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the surrounding city and mountains, while the outdoor pool provides a refreshing retreat after a day of sightseeing. Children can enjoy the well-equipped kids’ club, giving parents a chance to relax or enjoy a romantic evening, while knowing their little ones are cared for and entertained.”

Meliá Chiang Mai’s general manager Marc Selinger said he and his team were thrilled that the hotel had been named among Thailand’s leading family properties in the awards for the third year in a row.

“We offer an array of experiences for the whole family, from our Family Rooms with puzzles, board games, a children’s tent and toys, to our expansive kids and teens club with featuring activities like Thai boxing, umbrella painting, and arts and craft with recycled materials,” he said. “Families also love our vast outdoor swimming pool which includes a shallow area for the little ones with two water slides, a rain curtain, water fountains and a giant tipping bucket. Plus our hotel is a terrific gateway to Chiang Mai’s leading attractions including the iconic Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the Chiang Mai Night Safari and the quirky Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park.”

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has more than 400 hotels open or in the process of opening, in more than 40 countries, and a portfolio of nine brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Affiliated by Meliá. The Company is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure segment and its experience in this area has allowed it to consolidate itself in the growing market of urban hotels inspired by leisure. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led it to be recognised as the most sustainable European hotel company in the world (chosen as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam.

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Blue Elephant Restaurants in Thailand, led by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (centre), were recently honoured with the prestigious Thai SELECT 2025 certifications, presented by Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.  Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant in Bangkok and Phuket, along with Blue Elephant Sukhumvit, proudly received the highest distinction in the programme – the Thai SELECT 3-Star certification.

Pictured from left are:  Blue Elephant Group’s Kim Steppe, Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, and Kris Steppe.

This year’s Thai SELECT Award 2025 honours 202 restaurants, categorized as follows:

Thai SELECT 3 Stars: 12 restaurants

Thai SELECT 2 Stars: 30 restaurants

Thai SELECT 1 Star: 160 restaurants

The complete list of all 202 certified restaurants will be published in the Thai SELECT Guide 2025 and promoted internationally through collaborations with foreign influencers producing restaurant review content across Thailand. To date, a total of 460 restaurants nationwide have been awarded the Thai SELECT seal.

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Phuket, Thailand, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Renowned Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founder of the internationally acclaimed Blue Elephant Group, has been featured as the master chef in “Silvia entdeckt – Thailand” (Silvia Discovers – Thailand), a high-profile travel documentary by Austrian television star Silvia Schneider, filmed on location in Phuket.

Produced by Silvia Schneider GmbH for ORF, Austria’s national broadcaster, the programme presents Phuket through its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. A key highlight is the culinary journey shared by Silvia Schneider with Master Chef Nooror, alongside Chef Kris Steppe, showcasing not only the depth, authenticity, and refined techniques of Thai cuisine rooted in tradition and sustainability but also the cultural and human diversity of Phuket.

The documentary forms part of a strategic collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thailand’s Public Relations Department, and is expected to reach more than 4 million viewers across ORF’s broadcast and digital platforms, significantly amplifying Thailand’s visibility in Central Europe.

Filmed across Phuket Old Town and surrounding locations, the programme captures the island’s human and cultural diversity while positioning Thai gastronomy as a powerful expression of Thailand’s soft power. Master Chef Nooror’s participation reinforces Blue Elephant’s role as a global ambassador of Thai culinary heritage.  The Blue Elephant curries and Thai Grocery Line, which are currently exported to more than 48 countries, are reckoned in Austria as the most highly rated and well-known reference for Thai Culinary Excellence.

“Silvia entdeckt – Thailand” is scheduled to air on Sunday, 28 December 2025 at 5.30 pm on ORF.

Photo Credit:  Juraj Melicher/ORF (IG:  toldstory.studio//FB: Toldstory Studio

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Multan, Pakistan, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, continues to elevate the hotel sector in Pakistan with the opening of the country’s inaugural Best Western Plus hotel, and the group’s first property in the vibrant Punjabi city of Multan.

Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Multan is conveniently situated on Azmat Wasti Road, a major thoroughfare between the historic city center and the Multan Cantt commercial district. From the hotel, guests can easily access key business and leisure attractions, such as Fort Kohna Qasim Garden, Hussain Agahi Market and the United Mall. The City Railway Station is just 2km away and Multan International Airport can be reached in less than 15 minutes.

With this prime location, domestic and international visitors can stay in comfort and style, with 50 rooms and suites all equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can begin their day with breakfast in the bright and inviting restaurant, which serves both local and Western cuisine throughout the day, while the café provides a welcoming space to unwind, meet with colleagues and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea. Additional facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, a rooftop pool and flexible event spaces, including two executive meeting rooms and a ballroom that accommodates up to 180 guests for a wide range of gatherings.

Every aspect of the hotel experience is underpinned by the enhanced brand standards of Best Western Plus, which deliver unmatched value and upgraded services. Members of Best Western Rewards®, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. These points can be redeemed for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles and gift cards.

“Following the successful debut of our first property in the scenic Hunza Valley, we are proud to continue expanding our footprint across Pakistan, where we now operate in key cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, with more in the pipeline. Building on this momentum, we are delighted to introduce Multan to our industry‑leading brand Best Western Plus. As a major business, cultural and commercial hub attracting a growing number of travelers seeking international‑standard hospitality, Multan is a strategic step in our growth journey,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

This marks the seventh BWH Hotels property in the country and the fifth this year alone.

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Cebu, Philippines, December 18, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Philippines is preparing to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, with Cebu confirmed as the host destination for Southeast Asia’s most influential annual tourism and travel-trade event. As ASEAN’s flagship tourism platform, ATF convenes tourism ministers, national tourism organisations, international buyers, destination marketers, hospitality groups, and global media to strengthen ASEAN’s position as a unified and competitive tourism region.

The 2026 edition carries added strategic importance as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, reinforcing its leadership role in regional tourism cooperation and policy direction.

A Strategic Platform for ASEAN Tourism Trade
Since its launch in Malaysia in 1981, the ASEAN Tourism Forum has evolved into one of the region’s most effective platforms for tourism policy dialogue and commercial exchange. Over more than four decades, ATF has facilitated market access, product development, and cross-border collaboration among ASEAN member states.

Returning to the Philippines ten years after it last hosted the forum, ATF 2026 underscores the country’s renewed focus on trade-driven growth, sustainability, and long-term regional partnerships.

Why Cebu and Mactan Matter to the Industry
Cebu’s selection reflects its growing stature as a meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination, supported by strong air connectivity, established hotel inventory, and professional event infrastructure. Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu combines heritage appeal with the scale and reliability required for major international trade events.

Mactan Island, where core ATF and TRAVEX activities will be held, adds a resort-driven dimension. With its concentration of internationally branded hotels, marine attractions, and proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the area offers operational efficiency alongside leisure appeal—key considerations for trade buyers and sellers alike.

TRAVEX 2026: The Commercial Engine of ATF
At the centre of ATF 2026 is the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), the region’s largest B2B tourism marketplace. Taking place from 28–30 January 2026 in Mactan, Cebu, TRAVEX connects ASEAN tourism suppliers with international buyers through a structured, appointment-based system.

The marketplace enables participants to pre-schedule up to 100% of one-on-one meetings, maximising ROI and time efficiency. Exhibitors will represent all ASEAN member states, showcasing destination updates, new travel products, hotel developments, and tour innovations aimed at international markets.

Beyond the exhibition floor, TRAVEX features curated networking opportunities, including hosted luncheons, evening functions, and cultural events—designed to facilitate relationship building and longer-term commercial partnerships.

Conferences, Policy Dialogue, and Market Intelligence
ATF 2026 will run alongside a robust program of tourism conferences, ministerial meetings, and national tourism organization briefings. These sessions provide buyers, sellers, and media with first-hand insights into regional visitor trends, policy priorities, and future market strategies.

Key discussion areas include sustainability, digital transformation, connectivity, and collaborative destination development, topics central to ASEAN’s medium- and long-term tourism growth.

Pre- and Post-Event Touring for Buyers and Media
A defining feature of ATF is its curated pre- and post-event tours, offering buyers and media direct exposure to the host country’s tourism products. In Cebu, itineraries will highlight heritage districts, cultural landmarks, and local community experiences, complemented by island-hopping and marine-based activities around Mactan.

Extended programmes to Boracay and Manila will provide additional product insights, allowing participants to experience a broader cross-section of Philippine tourism offerings suitable for different market segments.

Sustainability and Responsible Growth
Sustainability will remain central to ATF 2026’s agenda, with a focus on responsible destination management, environmental protection, and inclusive tourism development. These priorities align with ASEAN’s broader objectives of driving higher-value travel while safeguarding cultural and natural assets.

Media, Visibility, and Global Trade Reach
International media coverage will play a key role in amplifying ATF 2026 outcomes. Trade-focused reporting, destination features, and executive interviews will extend the forum’s commercial impact beyond the event itself. Travelindex Media Group will provide editorial coverage, supporting global visibility for participating destinations and brands.

Tourism organisations, hotels, and destinations wishing to meet with Travelindex Media Group during ATF 2026 may contact: partners@travelindex.org

Outlook for ATF 2026
For the travel trade, ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026** represents a critical marketplace and knowledge exchange at a time of renewed regional growth. Hosted in Cebu under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, the event is positioned to deliver measurable business outcomes, deeper regional alignment, and a stronger collective ASEAN tourism proposition.

Further information and registration details are available at atfphilippines.com

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Tower Club at lebua is proud to announce that it has been honored as World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a global benchmark that celebrates excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

This distinguished recognition reflects Tower Club at lebua’s commitment to redefining luxury through intuitive service and an elevated sense of calm above the city. More than an award, it is a testament to the meaningful experiences shared with guests from around the world.

Perched high above Bangkok’s vibrant skyline, Tower Club at lebua offers an all-suite sanctuary where privacy, space, and serenity are paramount. Each suite is designed to feel like a personal retreat in the sky, complete with expansive layouts, private balconies, and uninterrupted panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city beyond. Here, mornings arrive gently with natural light and sweeping vistas, while evenings unfold at an unhurried pace, framed by golden sunsets and the city’s glow.

Renowned for its discreet yet deeply personalized service, Tower Club at lebua creates an atmosphere where guests feel instantly at ease. Exclusive privileges, refined dining experiences, and seamless access to lebua’s iconic collection of MICHELIN-starred restaurants and world-famous rooftop bars further elevate each stay into something truly memorable.

The World Travel Awards honor destinations and hospitality leaders that consistently deliver outstanding experiences on a global scale. Being named World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel underscores Tower Club at lebua’s position as a benchmark for suite-led luxury hospitality, where thoughtful details and emotional resonance define the guest journey.

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Meditate with Lady Buddha in Da Nang
At the towering Lady Buddha statue that presides over Da Nang’s Son Tra Peninsula, TIA Wellness Resort offers guests a little slice of peace, stillness, and presence. On one of the resort’s signature wellness tours, Breathe, guests leave early for a relaxing exploration of Linh Ung Pagoda, an active place of worship –the largest in Da Nang! – before a guided meditation session on the grounds with a focus on the breath. After the mindful practice the excursion takes in the main Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in the country and a symbol of peace and prosperity, the experience begins at 6:00am and wraps up at 8:30am.

Salute the Sunset at Krabi
With an on-site Wellbeing Sanctuary program available for guests, Banyan Tree Krabi is simply stretching its growth and mindfulness activities on December 21 to provide a Wellbeing Day, starting with beach yoga at 8am, led by Wellbeing Practitioner and Ayurvedic specialist Dr. Subhash Shanbhag. The day’s itinerary continues with Mandala Painting at 10am, followed by a Workshop for the Senses that focuses on the scents and aromas of nature. Banyan Tree Krabi is surrounded by a lush tropical landscape and visitors can enjoy a first-hand introduction to local flora. The day is rounded off at 6pm with a Better Sleep workshop including breathwork and Tibetan sound meditation on the resort’s beachfront lawn, boasting a spectacular backdrop of the Andaman Sea and its majestic limestone cliffs.

Sound healing on Cam Ranh peninsula
The expansive Alma Resort on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula overlooking Long Beach will host a 1.5-hour meditation session led by Indian wellness expert Umesh Kumar Sharma. The program, to be held on Dec. 21 to mark World Meditation Day from 4.30-6pm at the resort’s Yoga Room, will begin with an introduction to the benefits of sound healing meditation. After gentle stretching, participants will engage in the sound healing session. The program will finish with a herbal tea ritual. The program will be open to 10-12 guests and is priced at 350,000 VND per person. Umesh is equipped with 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, with expertise in yoga and meditation from India’s “city of yoga” Rishikesh.

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Palma, Spain, December 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / It has now been confirmed that Alain St. Ange of the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles and the globally respected tourism leader who was the former Seychelles minister, will be recognised at the Clevenard Global Authors’ Recognition Ceremony & Leaders’ Business Networking Forum from 27–30 August 2026. During the event, he will receive two prestigious awards: the Global Author Award for Transformational Leadership Storytelling for his inspiring autobiography Alain St. Ange, My Journey – An Autobiography, and the Global Tourism Leadership Award for Strategic Impact & Cultural Diplomacy in recognition of his exceptional contributions to international tourism and cultural diplomacy.

His autobiography offers a unique insight into leadership, governance, resilience, and global engagement, making it an essential read for policymakers, investors, and emerging leaders worldwide. Alain St. Ange’s recognition at Clevenard 2026 celebrates both literary excellence and transformative impact in global tourism.

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