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Meliá Chiang Mai Launches Spanish Afternoon Tea

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Meliá Chiang Mai Launches Spanish Afternoon Tea - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX /  Meliá Chiang Mai, an urban hotel that opened this month in the heart of Chiang Mai, has introduced afternoon tea celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy.

Available daily at the hotel’s first floor Ruen Kaew Lounge, Spanish Afternoon Tea for two comprises savory and sweet treats with a selection of fine teas and freshly brewed coffee.

Savoury delights that pay homage to Meliá’s Spanish origins include pinchos style pan-seared spiced tiger prawn skewers with lemon, golden fried potato-sausage balls with light aioli and brava sauce, and Andalusian mini sandwiches with serrano ham, fried pork loin and blistered green pepper.

Sweets include classic Basque-style burnt cheesecake, churros with warm chocolate dipping sauce, Mallorcan mini ensaïmada pastries and sangria ice popsicles.

Priced at THB 1,059++ (USD 31.40++) for two, Spanish Afternoon Tea is served between 2pm – 5pm daily at Ruen Kaew Lounge.

Price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.

The first five-star hotel to debut in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic, Meliá Chiang Mai opened on April 10 on lively Charoen Prathet Road, soaring over the River Ping and bustling Night Bazaar.

Housed in a 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building, Meliá Chiang Mai’s host of top-notch facilities includes two restaurants, two bars, and two lounges; Ruen Kaew Lounge and an executive lounge on the 21st floor.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited is a holding company under TCC Group operating leading integrated lifestyle property development in Thailand. The company has two main businesses consisting of the Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale including 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 Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá and Sol by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe, according to the last S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2022 (Silver Class distinction). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Poised as City Picks Up the Pace

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Poised as City Picks Up the Pace - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Phnom Penh’s newest international branded luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, is ready to play its part in a post-pandemic renaissance as the city regains momentum as a hub for tourism.

In common with destinations around the world, Cambodia’s capital has suffered as the global health crisis slowed international arrivals to a virtual standstill for the past two years. But with the country now fully open to travelers, it is ready to showcase its credentials as one of the most dynamic draws in Southeast Asia.

Key to the city’s future success is the presence of world-class hotel options such as Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Opened into a world battened down by the pandemic in January 2021, it is among the most exciting additions to the hospitality scene in recent times.

With 247 guestrooms including 43 residential-style suites, the property is the largest internationally branded hotel in the city.

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh’s cultural and business district of Doun Penh, the hotel is a 30-minute drive from the airport and is within a short walking distance to the Royal Palace, National Museum, and the riverside.

“Before the pandemic, Phnom Penh was making great strides as one of Southeast Asia’s rising capitals,” said Herman Kemp, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. “It’s a dynamic metropolis that balances modernity with tradition. There’s alluring café society, bustling bars, and a thriving and eclectic restaurant scene. On the other hand, there’s historic architecture, bustling markets, a stunning location on the banks of the Mekong River and classic Khmer culture and hospitality.”

Portals to these attributes don’t come more alluring than the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. Conceived by award-winning Singapore-based SCDA Architects and leading Thailand-based PIA Interior, the contemporary-meets-colonial interiors of the hotel reflect Cambodia’s unique history, seamlessly blending Khmer architectural accents, French colonial influences, and specially-commissioned artworks by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi.

As guests pull into the hotel’s driveway, they are greeted with a welcoming centerpiece: a beautiful French heritage building flanked by sweet-smelling frangipani trees. Originally built as a colonial villa in the early 20th century, the carefully restored lemon-colored Colonial House with its wooden shutters, arched doorways and terracotta-tiled roof now serves as the hotel’s entrance, providing guests with a nostalgic arrival experience.

The Colonial House is home to The Attic, an old-world speakeasy-style bar tucked into the eaves of the building. Additional F&B standouts include Metropole Underground, an art-deco themed space that is Phnom Penh’s first subterranean venue, and FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, where guests can feast on creative cuisine and soak up breathtaking views of the Royal Palace, the Mekong River, and the city skyline.

Other hotel highlights include a 22-meter outdoor infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery and the hotel’s Jivapita spa, which offers a range of pampering treatments often inspired by Khmer wellness traditions. The hotel’s 1400 square meters of meeting and event space, meanwhile, make the property as suitable for business as it is for pleasure — no small thing in one of the region’s emerging trade hubs.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Hotels International Powers Up For Earth Day

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Meliá Hotels International Powers Up For Earth Day - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / While tradition mandates powering down for Earth Day on April 22nd, one hotel group is powering up – when it comes to going green.

At the same time Meliá Hotels International expands its development footprint across Asia, Spain’s largest hotel group is rolling out a number of sustainability initiatives to minimize its environmental footprint – and being awarded for its efforts.

Meliá was recently named the second most sustainable hotel company in the world in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), the world’ most comprehensive sustainability assessment that ranks more than 10,000 companies across all industries. In 2019 and 2020, Meliá ranked first in the global hotel industry, and in 2021 maintained its leadership in Europe and Spain.

“As we continue to expand our presence globally we are committed to working towards a new sustainable and responsible hospitality model, increasing the contribution of the industry to society and helping protect the planet,” said Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Meliá. “Our company is now seen as a benchmark for sustainability around the world.”

Meliá properties throughout Asia have embraced core sustainability principles from reducing or entirely eliminating single-use plastics and implementing energy and water conservation measures.

Individual Meliá properties are also rolling out their own environmental programs from creating a more circular hotel economy to helping the environment through collaborative projects.

The 260-key urban hotel Meliá Chiang Mai, which celebrated a grand opening this month, launched with a ‘360° Cuisine’ concept. Dishes served in the dining outlets include produce from the hotel’s organic farm and every possible part of each ingredient is used before leftovers are returned to the farm as compost. Under the program, the hotel’s kitchen works closely with local farmers to help them improve sustainability and encourage ethical production. Meliá Chiang Mai has partnered with ORI9IN The Gourmet Farm, a nearby organic farm, to grow an array of fruits, vegetables and herbs on a two-acre plot on the broader ORI9IN property for its restaurants, bars and spa.

In Vietnam, Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat follows a similar philosophy. A range of produce is grown in the property’s Balansa organic garden and used in the restaurant, spa, and the staff canteen. Leftovers are returned to the earth and each day the property composts approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms) of organic and biodegradable waste.

Meliá Koh Samui, a beachfront property in Thailand, is also focusing on sustainable agriculture. They have added a four-acre organic garden that will do more than just supply the kitchen with an abundance of fresh produce. The garden will be a site for learning and connection. One of the long term goals is to help educate people of the importance of cultivating the land sustainably, through hands-on farming experiences and cooking classes.

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, along Vietnam’s Southern Coast, started their Spice Garden in response to a shortage of vegetables during the ongoing lockdown but the project has grown to encompass a wide variety of different herbs and vegetables. Like Meliá Koh Samui they have plans in the works to roll out a range of fun, free gardening activities for guests, such as painting pots, flower puzzling, leaf crafts, and making herb-infused essential oils.

Eight Meliá properties throughout Southeast Asia from Meliá Kuala Lumpur to Meliá Bali, as well as Meliá Danang, Meliá Hanoi, Meliá Ho Tram, and Sol by Meliá Phu Quoc (all in Vietnam), have worked with hygiene and cleaning solutions company Diversey on the “Soap for Hope” project.

The hotel soap recycling initiative helps save lives in disadvantaged communities through improving hygiene practices, while also creating livelihoods and minimizing the soap waste created by hotels. Through the program local people are taught to use a cold-press method, that requires no electricity or water and takes under 10 minutes, to recycle used soap from hotels into reconstituted bars. The fresh soap is then distributed to communities lacking soap or sanitation.

Meliá is also doing its best to ensure their reach ripples further afield. In February, Meliá was named a “Supplier Engagement Leader” by CDP, an international organization specializing in reporting environmental impact. The hotel group achieved the highest rating in the Supplier Engagement Rate (SER) category in CDP’s annual Climate Change survey. In addition to reducing the emissions Meliá hotels generate directly, Meliá Hotels International works with its suppliers towards a reduction of emissions within the supply chain. The hotel company also has a mandatory Supplier Code of Ethics that ensures the alignment of suppliers with the sustainability commitments made by the sustainably-minded hotel group.

“It may be Earth Day this month but we believe every day should be Earth Day,” said Ignacio Martin, Managing Director Southeast Asia at Meliá Hotels International. “Prioritizing sustainability is something that we have been weaving deeper into the fabric of our company, regardless of what day it is.”

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” seal. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the most well-known brand within Meliá Hotels International; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations and caters to every aspect of guests’ wellbeing. It offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all key business cities and exotic locations, serving the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Calver Tips Vietnam to Regain Status as Golf Travel’s Biggest Noise

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Calver Tips Vietnam to Regain Status as Golf Travel’s Biggest Noise - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.com - TRAVELINDEXLang Co, Vietnam, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Pre-pandemic the buzz about Vietnam’s golf courses was almost as loud as the motorbike horns that soundtrack daily life in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

And Adam Calver, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co and a driving force in Vietnam Golf Coast — a destination marketing organization that links Central Vietnam’s best signature golf courses — has tipped the nation to become an even bigger noise in golf travel following its reopening to international visitors in March 2022.

“Asia’s top golf destination is not just recovering following the pandemic: it’s getting even better,” he said.

In recent years, Vietnam has forged a reputation as Asia’s ultimate bucket-list golf destination.

Big-name architects including Sir Nick Faldo (designer of Laguna Golf Lang Co), Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Robert Trent Jones Jr have made their mark with a string of incredible layouts the length and breadth of the Southeast Asian country.

Global accolades for the nation, meanwhile, including the coveted title of World’s Best Golf Destination at the 2021 World Golf Awards, fueled pent-up demand for travel during a period when Vietnam’s borders remained largely closed.

Nobody involved in Vietnam’s tourism industry expects visitor numbers to immediately bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. But golf industry insiders like Calver predict a bright future for clubs in Vietnam following the reopening, pointing to a growing contingent of layouts that are maintaining the country’s reputation for quality.

“A lot has been going on here (in Vietnam) during the pandemic,” said Calver. “New courses have been popping up all over the country so golfers who have visited Vietnam in the past have a number of new courses to experience when they return.

“For example, many golfers won’t have been in Central Vietnam since 2019. We already had five great championship courses here at that time. Now, with the addition of Hoiana Shores and the second course at BRG Danang Golf Resort (a Nicklaus design), we have seven.”

Like other layouts around the country, Laguna Golf Lang Co has been forced to contend with stern challenges posed by the pandemic over the course of the past couple of years. But the club, which recently ranked #88 on Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World list, is training its sights on a major resurgence over the coming months.

At Laguna Golf Lang Co, two award-winning resorts – Angsana Lang Co and Banyan Tree Lang Co as well as the ultra-luxe Banyan Tree Residences and the Laguna Park Golf Villas along the 18th hole just a hundred meters from the clubhouse and the beach – round out one of Asia’s most attractive stay/play packages. Indeed, the club is witnessing an uptick in bookings from various key international markets including Korea and Europe as well as from domestic travelers.

“Demand is surging here once again,” added Calver. “Before, I would have said that anyone serious about golf travel should be coming to Vietnam at least once in their life. With world-class courses opening all the time, I would revise that to say that you’d need to return every few years to do the place justice.”

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thailand Eases Entry Rules for International Travellers from May 1

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Thailand Eases Entry Rules for International Travellers from May 1 - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) today approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

TAT Newsroom will be providing updates in detail via tatnews .org once the official directives have been announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.

• Discover the Thailand’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

New entry rules for vaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.

They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).

Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

New entry rules for unvaccinated travellers:
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.

They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).

Once arriving in Thailand, they must proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days and undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.

Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

While in Thailand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are advised to strictly follow health and safety standards. Travellers who are experiencing COVID-like symptoms should get tested. If testing positive, they must get the appropriate medical treatment.

• Discover the Thailand’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Kindly note the information is to serve as reference only. It is especially important to check in regularly on tatnews .org to stay current on what remains a very fluid and fast changing situation.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Global Summit Announces Saudi Arabia as Next Host of Global Summit

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WTTC Global Summit Announces Saudi Arabia as Next Host of Global Summit - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXManila, Philippines, April 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / At the closing session of its Global Summit in Manila, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its 22nd event will take place in Riyadh, capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 29th November to 2nd December this year.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

In Manila, more than a thousand delegates, including the world’s foremost business leaders, government ministers and key decision-makers from across the global Travel & Tourism sector gathered together, to discuss how to build upon the continuing recovery.

In her farewell address Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It has been a privilege to bring together so many leaders from across the global Travel & Tourism sector to the beautiful city of Manila.

“This Summit is living proof that nothing beats getting together, sharing ideas, debating the challenges, and finding consensus.

“We still have a lot of work to do to bring down post-pandemic barriers, open economies and harmonise health data for seamless travel. But the future looks bright, and the next decade is there for the taking.

“We look forward to our 22nd Global Summit later this year in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to mark the next chapter in the sector’s ongoing recovery.”

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said “We are excited to welcome the world to experience the excitement and the energy of Saudi. We promise you that the next summit will be fresh, inspiring, and rewarding.”

Under the theme of ‘Rediscovering Travel’, tourism ministers and Travel & Tourism leaders from around the world reinforced their determination towards greater cooperation and alignment between the public and private sectors.

At WTTC’s Global Leaders Dialogue session they explored how the sector will continue to adapt to COVID-19 and emerge resiliently from the pandemic.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report also revealed the Travel & Tourism sector was expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP could reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023.

WTTC’s major ‘Hotel Sustainability Basics’ sustainability initiative was launched at its Global Summit, providing a starting point to drive sustainability throughout the hospitality sector to power the momentum toward responsible Travel & Tourism.

The global body also launched its new cyber resilience report, ‘Codes to resilience’, with Microsoft, for the global Travel & Tourism sector, which outlined pillars to strengthen cyber security for businesses around the world.

• For a comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

British adventurer Bear Grylls was the conference keynote, alongside other major speakers, including American film producer Lawrence Bender, Singapore-born American novelist and writer of satirical novels Kevin Kwan and Indonesian/Dutch environmental activist Melati Wijsen.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Slate Brings the Spirit of South America to Phuket

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The Slate Brings the Spirit of South America to Phuket - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, April 25, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The spirit of Latin America came to life in southern Thailand last weekend, when The Slate boutique hotel, hosted Amazônia, a vibrant two-day cultural festival!

This wonderful event was a colourful celebration of all things stylishly Central and South American, including upbeat music, great gastronomy, amazing art and, of course, plenty of dancing! Almost 100 guests of all ages and nationalities attended this intimate event, which brought together curious explorers from all around the world. This marked the inaugural edition of Vibrations, a new series of community-orientated gatherings that will showcase creativity in all its forms.

• Discover Thailand and Phuket’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

The Amazônia weekend kicked off just before sunset on Saturday with a live music concert, followed by a painting session by Trey Hurst, the Bangkok-based visual artist and designer. Attendees chilled out and sipped cocktails, such as caipirinhas, on the Coliseum Lawn, The Slate’s enchanting outdoor amphitheatre surrounded by swaying palms and sparkling pools.

Guests were then treated to a bountiful buffet dinner amid the fragrant tropical gardens, including many authentic delicacies that transported diners’ taste buds to the lively streets of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Mexico City. This was followed by a live performance by the Amazônia band and a capoeira dance which left spectators spellbound! Revellers then danced under the stars to live music from Amazônia and DJ Marcos. Then on Sunday, a blissful Sunday brunch was accompanied by surprise performances.

“Our inaugural Vibrations weekend was a great success and I would like to thank everyone – our guests, performers and partners – for embracing the Latin spirit and making it such an inspiring occasion. Our lifestyle-seeking clientele are keen to discover other cultures and we always strive to weave art, fashion, music and heritage into every aspect of our guest experiences. I look forward to welcoming visitors back for our next VIBRATIONS weekend later this year,” said the hotel’s co-founder and owner, Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong (or “Khun Moo” as she is known to her friends).

The next Vibrations event will take place in the fourth quarter of 2022, and the details will be announced in the third quarter of the year. Stay tuned for further updates!

• Discover gastronomy destination Phuket and the Asia’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

About The Slate, A Member of the Design Hotels Collection
Inspired by Phuket’s tin mining past, The Slate blends Bill Bensley’s whimsical design with industrial elements to create highly unique guest journeys. A collection of stunning suites and villas, including pool villas and the spectacular Bensley Suite, surround glistening pools and gardens, and the serene Coqoon Spa blends seamlessly into the natural landscape. Discover delectable dining experiences including Rivet’s famous Sunday brunch and authentic Thai cuisine at Black Ginger, the Michelin-recommended restaurant, enjoy locally-inspired activities from yoga to Muay Thai, or simply stroll along the pure shores of Nai Yang Beach.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Calls on Start-Ups to Join Awake Tourism Challenge

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UNWTO Calls on Start-Ups to Join Awake Tourism Challenge - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, April 23, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has launched the second edition of its global flagship competition under the name of “Awake Tourism Challenge”. The competition will identify innovators who are advancing solutions to 6 different challenges, as well contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

For the 2022 challenge, UNWTO will focus on specific areas that can help the recovery of the tourism sector in a disruptive way, and which deserve extra attention right now, namely:

  • Community involvement: 80% of people living in ‘extreme poverty’ live in rural communities while domestic, rural and eco-tourism have emerged as the most popular travel choices.
  • Green and blue economies: Tourism can be a source of economic opportunities and at the same time protect natural ecosystems.
  • Ecological and Sustainable Capital Creation: Sustainable capital has the potential to optimize resource usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a competitive advantage for businesses.
  • Tourism Tech for Good: Advancements in technology have revolutionized the sector, especially since the start of the pandemic. Artificial Intelligence, crypto, block chain, metaverse, NFTs are welcome in this category.
  • Tourism Education: Despite representing 10% of the world’s jobs, there is a need for updated data, and new tools for education and skills development.
  • Women Empowerment: Women tend to be concentrated in the lowest paid and lowest status jobs in tourism. Startups with a gender focus can be an important contributor to equality.

The return of tourism is a chance to awaken its potential to transform lives

Organized in collaboration with Wakalua, the first global innovation hub for tourism, powered by Ávoris, the competition also counts on the support of a number of major partners, including; SPARK, the Innovation Hub of Les Roches from the Sommet Education group, and Ankh Impact Ventures (AIV), an impact-driven venture capital investment platform with a gender and racial equity lens. It also counts on strong public and private sector backing, with Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism, Singapore Tourism Board, KPMG, MasterCard, Amadeus, IE University, Telefonica, Wayra, ClarkeModet, The FarCo, BBVA, MentorDay, Finnova, Google for Startups, The Valley Digital Business School, the Future Food Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank all on board.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashviki said: “The return of tourism is a chance to awaken its potential to transform lives. UNWTO is calling on startups everywhere to put forward their ideas for meeting the biggest challenges our sector is facing and for making tourism a champion of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Startups are invited to participate provided that they:

  • Apply to 1 of the 6 challenges
  • Include 1 or more SDGs
  • Are innovative in nature and provide value-added solutions
  • Are sustainability-driven
  • Are scalable, with potential for international growth and potential to be applied in corporations and destinations (countries, regions)
  • Are an Early Stage or Series A startups
  • Have a tested pilot and business plan
  • Have been accelerated before
  • Have a full-time team already in place

The 12 most disruptive startups (2 for each of the Challenges) will be given support to scale-up. UNWTO will present the best ideas to its Member States, Affiliate Members and investors, providing them with a unique networking opportunity. Additional benefits include the chance to pitch at a special UNWTO Demo Day and access to technological support and to the UNWTO Innovation network, as well as a curated mentorship programme with both one-on-one and group training sessions on key topics such as Intellectual Property, sustainability in business and leadership, possible seed funding for female Startup founders from Ankh Impact Ventures, and incubation for 3 months at the SPARK Innovation Lab.

Applications are now open and will close 31 June 2022. The winning startups will be announced in October. To find out more and to apply, visit the webpage of the UNWTO Awake Tourism Challenge.

UNWTO SDGs Global Startup Competition 2020 Edition:

The 2020 edition was supported by more than 25 partners from across the global innovation ecosystem and attracted over 10,000 participants from 150 countries. The winners had the opportunity to meet Ministers, corporations, investors at the Final Event in Madrid and they have been connected to funding opportunities and pilot projects.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

Since 2018, top startups have raised over US$214 million in funding through the UNWTO Innovation Network.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP:April 18-22, 2022

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Among last weeks noteworthy news: ACTA said pursuing more financial subsidies for agents is unlikely; a US judge junked mask mandates; Jamaica jammed pre-arrival testing; Rocky Mountaineer is rolling again; and Margaritaville at Sea says it has special rates for agents.

NEWS

While ACTA is reporting that it has received a number of comments from members expressing disappointment over the end of federal financial subsidies, association president Wendy Paradis says, “At this point, it is clear that further pursuing financial subsidies after a definite ‘no’ (in the recent federal budget) is not in our members’ interest, when there is no reasonable prospect of success. We also do not want to give travel agencies and independent travel agents false hope.”

Citing increasing consumer interest in learning about the consumer protection available to them, TICO has launched an interactive quiz answering several questions about travel preferences. At the end consumers are reminded about the importance of booking with a TICO-registered travel agency or website. The TICO Traveller Quiz also reveals an individual’s travel style, whether they are a Sun Soaker, an Awesome Adventurer, a Corporate Commuter, or an Enlightened Explorer. TICO invites agents to share the quiz on social media; check it out for yourself at https://www.tico.ca/quiz

A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of US health officials in the coronavirus pandemic. The ruling is being challenged.

The number of signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism has passed the 500-mark, just four months after the landmark initiative was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference. On Friday, coinciding with International Mother Earth Day, the UNWTO announced that Expedia Group, Booking Holdings and Condé Nast became the latest signatories, joining 538 stakeholders of all sizes and from every part of the tourism sector.

BORDERS

Canadians, along with other international visitors, to Jamaica are no longer required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen or PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to their travel to enter the island. Additionally, Jamaica’s mandate to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces has also been rescinded.

Travelling to Cyprus is now easier as the need for visitors to undergo any COVID-19 tests prior to boarding a flight or on arrival has been rescinded. According to the new regulations, only unvaccinated people who haven’t contracted and recovered from the coronavirus must undergo a PCR test 72 hours prior to boarding or a rapid test 24 hours before departure.

Cambodia has reduced the required quarantine period from two weeks to one for arriving travellers who are not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Travellers arriving by air who have not been fully vaccinated must take a rapid antigen test on the last day of their quarantine.

CONFLICT

Canadians can now give cash or Aeroplan points to help bring Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia to safety in Canada. The goal is to pay for flights to bring at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families approved for travel to Canada (on top of targeted chartered flights announced earlier this year). The program is being managed by Miles4Migrants, a US-based charity that uses donated frequent flyer miles to help people impacted by war who have legal approval to travel but cannot afford airfare. To donate points, click https://donatepoints.aircanada.com/eng/charity/1441

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Rocky Mountaineer is rolling again, having kicked off the 2022 season on April 17 with a “Rockies to Red Rock” journey out of Denver, which marked the start of the route’s first operational season. Inaugural Vancouver departures on various itineraries follow on April 25, 26, and May 7 respectively.

AIR

In an effort to offer more flexibility to clients, Air Transat is expanding its conditions for changing and cancelling bookings in both Economy and Club Class fares. It is now possible to cancel a trip, regardless of the chosen fare. For Eco Budget, Eco Standard and Club Standard fares, a cancellation fee of $200 applies. The refund will be done according to the payment method on file. For Eco Flex and Club Flex fares, cancellation is possible at no additional cost. In addition, the flexibility to change flight itineraries, which has been in effect since Dec. 1, continues. Passengers can now change their date and/or destination free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Only the fare difference applies.

WestJet has partnered with the FlightHub Group to assist in the transportation of GlobalMedic’s field team members to and from areas impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. Through coordinated collaboration, WestJet will provide flights to and from European gateways across its network, where the FlightHub will then transport the GlobalMedic team members to Ukraine’s neighbouring countries.

BY THE NUMBERS

Air Canada tallied 100,701 customers across its network on April 15, marking a 100k-plus total last registered on March 13, 2020. At the height of the pandemic, passenger loads fell as low as 2,175 on April 23, 2020, as global air traffic ground to a virtual halt. However, prior to the pandemic, the airline carried an average of nearly 150,000 people daily. The single-day, passenger-load record was 187,000 customers on Aug. 16, 2019.

DEALS

Just in time for Crop Over, Barbados has launched a new summer campaign that offers up to 55% off accommodations, attractions, car rentals and restaurants. Visitors can take advantage of diverse accommodations from luxury hotels on the beach, to charming bed-and-breakfast spots, or private villas nestled in lush gardens. Discount can also be found for attractions and unique island experiences, such as swimming with the turtles. For more information on the campaign (running through Aug. 31 for travel through Oct. 31) and to book, visit: www.BarbadosSummerSavings.com

The new ‘Fuel Up On Us’ package at the Crowne Plaza HY36 in New York City includes parking and a US$50 gas gift card. Additional savings include up to 75% off daily parking at the neighbouring garage with guest-only parking deals (extending into the weekend) at $20/night (a significant savings from the $67 nightly cost the garage normally charges) and complimentary CitiBike pass and exclusive access code for up to two adults per stay, which provides unlimited 30-minute rides within a 24-hour period.

HOTELS
Kempinski Hotels’ opening of The David Kempinski Tel Aviv  is the brand’s 80th global opening and the first property in Israel. Housed in a 34-story skyscraper, the 250-room-and-suite five-star property opened on April 12 on the heels of the recent announcement of Israel’s borders opening to international tourism. Among the property’s highlights are 56 suites of “unprecedented grandeur,” with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. Set in the heart of Tel Aviv’s “tayelet” (the city’s boardwalk), the hotel is has direct access to the beach.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched a new global loyalty program. IHG One Rewards gives members richer benefits, more ways to earn, and newly enhanced credit cards, all powered by leading technology on a new mobile app. The reimagined program connects IHG One Rewards members to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ growing portfolio of 17 brands. The launch of IHG One Rewards follows the announcement in January of the program’s new tier and bonus point earning structure – designed to help members earn more points faster and have more ways to use them.

RESORTS

Palms Casino Resort reports it will open on April 27. The new chapter in the history of the Las Vegas property will be celebrated with a fireworks extravaganza on opening night. Having undergone more than a US$600 million renovation in 2019, Palms Casino Resort boasts 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, reimagined casino, 2,500-seat theatre; expansive pool and spa area; wedding chapel; and more. The property, the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe, is located just west of the centre of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has offered a glimpse of ambitious plans for Saint Lucia. They include adding 25 new rooms at Sandals Halcyon in February 2023, including the development of 20 beachfront, two-story villa rooms featuring large balconies, plus five Rondoval suites. At Sandals Regency La Toc, first-phase plans call for the introduction of 20 Rondoval suites with seven of them offering open air rooftop decks. Also set to open in 2023, the village will be a “resort within a resort.”

TOURS

Citing a 75% increase in bookings to the Maldives, Goway has partnered with The Maldives Tourism Board to capitalize on this growing interest in the destination, including enlisting 25 dedicated destination specialists to handle bookings, ranging from luxury honeymoon escapes to a multi-generational family vacation, and snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. Goway notes that Canadians can stop over in cities such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore, Paris, and Istanbul before connecting to the Maldives for a week at the beach. Specials offers can be found at Goway.com.

CRUISE

Holland America Line’s newest ship, ‘Rotterdam,’ was delivered in July 2021, but the official naming ceremony will be held May 30. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship’s godmother, carrying on a tradition that began in the 1920s. Rotterdam will depart Amsterdam on May 29 on a seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise to Norway, including the official ceremony in the city of Rotterdam, as well special events exclusive to the naming sailing, including a celebratory Gala Dinner and an opportunity to participate in the blessing of the ship’s bell, along with surprises and commemorative gifts.

Viking has announced a new eight-day “Christmas on the Seine” sailing this year. Roundtrip from Paris, guests will sail through Normandy’s snow-covered countryside while enjoying the festive Christmas markets. Guests can select from holiday-centric shore excursions such as baking homemade gingerbread at the 850-year-old Abbaye du Valasse or attending a festive ornament-making workshop in Rouen. Onboard, guests will enjoy special holiday-themed festivities including regional dining specialties, seasonal treats and more.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Walt Disney World in Orlando has lifted the last of its mask requirements, meaning face coverings are now optional for visitors at all locations on property. Masks are still recommended, though not required, for guests who are not fully vaccinated in indoor locations and enclosed transportation.

EVENTS

Today (April 26), TICO is hosting a lunch-and-learn webinar to introduce and demo its new Registrant Toolkit. The session will run from noon to 1 p.m. EST and can be accessed by registering .

Registration is now open for a series of online Masterclass sessions – starting this week – on Sandals and Beaches Resorts to help Canadian agents “Reignite, Refocus and Reboot” their Sandals and Beaches business, as well as their own personal goals as professional travel advisors. The live two-hour sessions take place from 10 a.m. to noon (local times) and by participating, agents will also fulfill the educational requirement in order to maintain their Certified Sandals Specialist status. Upcoming dates are as follows: Ontario – April 27, June 2 and 8, Aug. 10 and 26; Atlantic Canada and English Quebec – May 4; French Quebec – May 10; BC – May 11; Saskatchewan – May 18; Manitoba – May 24; and Alberta – Aug. 16. Travel advisors can register by contacting their local BDM or calling Inside Sales at 1-800-545-8283.

EDUCATION

Cappadocia, Turkey

Go Turkey has launched a new online learning platform designed to provide an in-depth education on the destination to travel advisors, tour operators and tourism officials. Industry professionals who successfully complete the free ‘All in Türkiye’ online courses will be granted branded Turkey specialist certificates. Once registered on the platform, participants can take the online destination training at their own pace through 24 comprehensive courses on several cities and regions, including Istanbul; safe tourism; as well as MICE; and outdoor adventures. Also included are marketing and branding resources designed to assist in selling Turkey to clients. For details, click HERE.

AGENT INCENTIVES/FAMS

Debuting on May 14, Margaritaville at Sea has announced new perks for travel advisors, including guaranteed staterooms being held on every 2022 sailing at a travel advisor reduced rate and special VIP amenities, including a Travel Advisor Concierge. To request the reduced rate, visit the trade website BookParadise.com.

DESTINATIONS

The Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, is celebrating its centenary in this year. Celebrations and events will take place through October, with April 26 being the actual 100th anniversary date. Celebratory events will include a Poe-Rade, a ‘Masqued Ball’ in honour of Poe’s short story The Masque of the Red Death, and the ever-popular monthly UnHappy Hours. The museum also has received a major gift of Poe artifacts which will be unveiled this year.

In Florida’s Middle Keys, visitors and residents are once again cycling, walking, running, rollerblading and watching sunrises and sunsets along a section of the famed Old Seven Mile Bridge that parallels the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. A 4.5-km span of the bridge nicknamed “Old Seven” reopened to pedestrian recreation in January after a renovation that began in 2017. The section serves as the gateway to Pigeon Key, a tiny island nestled beneath the old bridge, which will be accessible via a 60-passsenger visitor tram in May. The tram is to feature a locomotive front and two 30-passenger coaches. The modern-day Seven Mile Bridge (actually 6.79 miles long) is one of the world’s longest segmental bridges.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Courtyard by Marriott Drafts Passionate Fans for Ultimate VIP Experience at the 2022 NFL Draft

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Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel of the NFL, will host an exclusive “Bistro & Banter” live event open to NFL fans the night before the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Matthew Stafford, the number one Draft pick from 2009, and NFL Draft prospect Aidan Hutchinson will swap football and travel stories one-on-one, moderated by Dave Farra, while discussing their personal career journeys and passion for the game.

To attend, NFL fans in town for the League’s pinnacle event should head to The Library at Marquee inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, located at 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. PDT. At the conclusion of Bistro & Banter, Courtyard will surprise and delight passionate fans in attendance with 15 pairs of VIP Access tickets to the 2022 NFL Draft to celebrate the official kickoff to the exciting weekend. Inspired by Courtyard’s signature dining concept, Bistro Bar, the event will offer guests sample menu items featuring fresh ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.“We’re excited to be back at the NFL Draft this year, not only in-person in Las Vegas but also as the presenting sponsor on ESPN,” said Sarah Lipton, Vice President, Premium & Select Brand Marketing at Marriott International. “Our Bistro & Banter programming and VIP Access ticket giveaways are just some of the ways we are able to bring travelers closer to the game they love as the Official Hotel of the NFL.”

Courtyard, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands, has been the Official Hotel of the NFL for over 10 years, offering fans unprecedented access to NFL experiences that have created lasting memories. Empowering guests to keep moving forward no matter the purpose of their trip, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice that inspires trailblazing travelers to pursue their passions while on the road.

In addition to Courtyard’s Bistro & Banter event, Marriott Bonvoy is offering members of its award-winning travel program and Marriott Bonvoy Visa Card members the chance to enjoy NFL Draft through exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With more than 1,200 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard 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 MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter.

Media Contact
Christine Lin
Marriott International
Christine.Lin@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News