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Bangkok, Thailand, October 12, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand, has joined forces with architect, interior designer, artist and landscape architect Bill Bensley to launch Wild, an exclusive collection inspired by the wildlife and stories of the rainforests in Southeast Asia. The collaboration brings together Bensley’s imaginative visual language and Jim Thompson’s textile expertise and craftsmanship. Each piece celebrates the beauty and diversity of the wild, its inhabitants and the importance of protecting the natural world.

Southeast Asia’s largest remaining continuous rainforest is interpreted through Bensley’s playful lens in paintings filled with richly layered foliage, vibrant colors and distinctive animal characters. Ella the Elephant, Douglas the Dhole, Tony the Tiger and Ollie the Owl are among the imagined inhabitants whose personalities and markings recur throughout the collection. Created during the pandemic, the artworks have been transformed into menswear, womenswear, silk scarves, bags and home decor, bringing the spirit of the wild into everyday life.

Bensley’s association with Jim Thompson began with his restoration of the gardens at the Jim Thompson House, marking the start of a longstanding creative relationship rooted in a shared appreciation of craft, design and experimentation. Their recent collaborations include the 2026 Wild Collection by Bill Bensley for Jim Thompson Home Furnishings and now Wild, which extends his artistic vision into fashion and accessories.

Working across architecture, landscape design, hospitality, interiors and fine art, Bensley is known for imaginative environments rich in color, detail and narrative. The rainforest has become an important subject in his painting, populated by animals with individual identities and stories. Through humor and fantasy, the works draw attention to the lives within the forest and the need to preserve their habitat.

“Bill’s work has an unmistakable energy, with every painting revealing another character or story from the rainforest,” said Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO of Jim Thompson. “This collaboration takes us somewhere unexpected. By bringing Bill’s extraordinary art into fashion and home pieces, Jim Thompson goes wild! It is a bold departure from our usual collections, while still grounded in the craftsmanship and textile heritage at the heart of our brand. Together, we hope to invite people into the extraordinary world of the rainforest and encourage a greater appreciation of its wildlife.”

The men’s line includes Hawaiian linen shirts finished with contrast piping at the sleeves and hems, as well as all-over-print linen jackets and matching pants featuring Bensley’s densely layered rainforest scenes. Striped lining at the pants hems creates a playful reveal when they are turned up. Striped linen shorts introduce flashes of forest prints, while AQUASILK® swim trunks depict the rainforest’s animal community in vivid color combinations. T-shirts place individual animal characters against black, white, navy and forest-green backgrounds, with one design featuring the bold “Jim Thompson Goes Wild” statement on the back for a playful, expressive touch.

The women’s line uses silk twill and lightweight habotai for belted kaftans, wide-leg pants, blouses, shorts and flowing maxi dresses in colorful botanical and wildlife prints. Further pieces include a black-and-white animal print silk-twill kaftan, a vivid forest-print kaftan and an asymmetric cotton-poplin shirt featuring Bensley’s detailed guinea fowl illustration.

The collection extends beyond fashion into accessories and products for the home. Silk scarves showcase Bensley’s intricate compositions, while totes and pouches combine printed linen with embroidery, patchwork and leather trim. The home collection includes printed linen placemats, napkins, cushions, fringed coasters and tea towels. Selected cushions feature embroidered details, including the message ‘Rewild the World.’

“This is fashion with a joyful face and a serious heart,” said Bill Bensley. “While the collection celebrates Southeast Asia’s extraordinary wildlife, it also confronts its alarming disappearance. I am donating all proceeds I received from the collection to fund the salaries of urgently needed armed wildlife rangers protecting the Southeast Asian rainforests.”

Waterberg, South Africa, October 10, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Condé Nast Traveler US has just announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Nsele Private Game Reserve proudly making its debut on the “World’s Best Resorts 2026” in the South Africa category.

Condé Nast Traveler received more than 798,867 survey responses from readers across the United States rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting.

The Readers’ Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades from our readers, remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.

“We are both thrilled and proud to have our exclusive-use safari “home from home” Nsele acknowledged by such a renowned publication. It is a huge honour to be showcased amidst such stiff competition – and we are so grateful to all our past guests for voting for us.” — Nick and Bo Wilson, Owners

Nsele Private Game Reserve is an 8,000 acre wildlife estate within South Africa’s breathtaking Waterberg biosphere, an easy 2.5 hours drive north of Johannesburg.

Nsele’s location ensures complete privacy which is its key selling point – with guests enjoying total exclusivity when hiring the property.

Nsele is home to plains game including giraffe, zebra and hippo. There are no major predators which makes it safe to explore on foot with guides Mei and Neil. Horse riding, walking, mountain, quad and dirt biking and fishing are just some of the experiences on offer in addition to the usual game viewing.

Their spa deck provides an ideal platform for wellness pursuits such as yoga and chi kung, and a range of treatments including massages can be enjoyed.

The 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and will be celebrated in the November issue.

Orlando, Florida, United States, October 9, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Families looking for a fun, free day out this October half-term can tee off at Visit Orlando’s limited-time Play Your Way to Orlando mini golf experience at Westfield Stratford City, including the chance to win an unforgettable family holiday to Orlando, Theme Park Capital of the World.

The five-hole, Orlando-themed mini golf experience comes to London 23-25 October, inviting visitors to putt their way through a series of immersive holes inspired by Orlando’s diverse experiences, including world-famous theme parks, out-of-this-world space adventures, live sports, luxury resorts and natural springs. Designed to showcase the many ways travellers can customize a holiday in Orlando, the free experience offers families a fun introduction to the destination beyond its iconic attractions. Visitors can pre-book their timeslot at PlayYourWayToOrlando .com.

Beyond the course, attendees can get creative at the Colour Your Dream Holiday station and stop for Instagrammable photo opportunities.

Ocean Florida, supported by Magic Radio, will be giving one lucky family the chance to win a dream holiday to Orlando. The prize includes flights, accommodation and a host of experiences showcasing some of the destination’s must-see attractions, ranging from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, America’s premier spaceflight facility, to an Orlando Magic NBA game.

More information about planning a holiday to Orlando can be found at VisitOrlando .com

• Where: The Arena, Westfield Stratford, London
• When:
  • Friday 23 October, 10am – 9pm
  • Saturday 24 October, 9am – 9pm
  • Sunday 25 October, 12pm – 6pm
• Entry: Free

Valletta, Malta, October 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism Breaking News of the week was the recognition by WTTC (World Tourism & Travel Council) honouring Dr. Taleb Rifai with their Tourism Icon Award at the WTTC’s 26th Global Summit in Malta.

“The man who made world tourism feel like family” it was said about Dr Taleb Rifai before going on to write that there are tourism leaders who are remembered for the institutions they managed, the policies they introduced, or the economic milestones achieved during their tenure – and there are leaders remembered for how they made people feel and Dr Rifai belongs to that second category as much as the first. This said it all about the much loved former Secretary General of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) now UN Tourism.

From the Seychelles I remember fondly the man I counted as a dear friend. Dr Rifai was the SG who welcomed me to his Madrid Office after I became CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and who remained a dear friend right through my tenure as the island’s Minister responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.

It will be remembered that he believed in Africa and it tourism potential and would encourage Africa Ministers of Tourism and members of the Press from Africa to work for their continent tourism industry saying that the diversity of key USPs and the range of unique culture remained unrivalled. Dr Taleb Rifai will be remembered for having brought the UNTWO General Assembly to Zambia & Zimbabwe in Africa.

“He stood by my side when I was honoured with the Tourism Change Maker of the Year in 2019 in Johannesburg in South Africa. Today even from far I stand with him in Malta as WTTC honours him with their Tourism Icon Award. I am happy for Dr Taleb Rifai and remain so proud of the man I call a friend” said Alain St.Ange, the Ambassador At Large of the Republic of Seychelles.

London, United Kingdom, October 8, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Fred Finn says “Looking at this invitation, I find it hard to believe that forty years have passed since an evening I remember with such affection.

On 08th of October 1986, the directors of Simpson (Piccadilly) Limited hosted a reception to celebrate what the invitation rather wonderfully describes as my “supersonic achievement of 600 flights on British Airways Concorde”.

Around 400 people gathered at the store, home of DAKS, for an occasion supported by Rolls-Royce Motors, Executive Travel Magazine, Inter-Continental Hotels, Mount Kenya Safari Club and Land Rover. Reading the invitation today brings back the faces, the laughter and the extraordinary effort that went into making it all possible.

They even removed the store’s doors and alarm system to get a Rolls-Royce inside! With a Range Rover at the other end, it was quite a setting for an evening celebrating “The Best of British”.

Richard Branson joined us with members of Virgin Atlantic’s cabin crew, alongside Geoffrey Boycott OBE. Particularly special to me was seeing so many familiar faces from my Concorde family — flight deck crew, cabin crew and engineers whose skill and dedication had made those journeys possible, and whose friendship meant so much.

I began my speech with “My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen”, celebrating the best of British Great Britain Guinness Book, Great Batsman Geoffrey Boycott one of our great British batsmen! His retort you should be on the Yorkshire Committee.

It was my pleasure to present Richard and Geoffrey with honorary membership of the Mount Kenya Safari Club, that wonderful retreat some 7,000 feet up on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Their membership certificates bore the signature of its founder, William Holden.

Kenya has always held a special place in my heart. I later took Richard, Joan and their two children there, and it gave me enormous pleasure to share a country I loved with them. They enjoyed it so much, and Richard would eventually establish his own safari lodge in the Maasai Mara. Looking back, it is lovely to remember where those friendships and shared experiences led.

Chris Serle compered the evening, while the Zambia Airways dancers gave an amazing performance in top hats and black tailes outfits, complete with canes. Even after forty years, I can still picture them!

There were speeches from Jeremy Franks, managing director of DAKS Simpson, and Mrs Simpson of the Simpson family. Geoffrey drew the winners of some wonderful travel prizes, while Cellnet presented mobile phones with call charges included — quite a prize in 1986! Guinness World Records joined us too, with signed books for our guests.

I was deeply touched by the awards British Airways presented to me. A silver mounted Concorde Another treasured moment came when Mike Toynbee, editor of Executive Travel, gave me an enormous print of the magazine’s “Best of British” cover, featuring Concorde, a Rolls-Royce and myself.

“It’s nearly life-size,” Mike said — a remark that still makes me smile.

Six hundred flights was a remarkable milestone in my life, but remembering that evening reminds me just how much I owe to the people who were part of those journeys. To have so many of them together, sharing that celebration, was a privilege.

To everyone who organised, supported or attended the reception, my heartfelt thanks. And to my Concorde family, thank you for the care, kindness and friendship you showed me over so many years.

Concorde carried me across the world. The friendships have stayed with me ever since – With affection and wonderful memories: “Today as we mark the 40th anniversary of 600 Concorde flight on 8th October 2026, I salute Fred Finn for his tenacity, and above all for doing what he does with his heart and with dedication. He has been a faithful friend of Kenya and for Seychelles which he visited often over the years. I got to know Fred Finn well and consider him a true friend of tourism and travel, and one who believes that through tourism a positive step is taken in the building of a more peaceful world” said Alain St.Ange, Ambassador At Large of the Republic of Seychelles.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 7, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Thailand’s first and Asia Pacific’s largest Moxy hotel, is putting Bangkok shopping at the heart of the stay with the launch of ‘Check In. Shop Out #ATTHEMOXY’, a new room package combining accommodation, daily breakfast and shopping privileges from leading retail and lifestyle partners.

Rate from THB 4,580++ per room per night, available for stays from 10 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, the package is designed for travellers who come to Bangkok ready to stay, shop and explore. With a minimum stay of two nights, guests can unlock a collection of shopping privileges, vouchers and extras from participating partners across Ratchaprasong and nearby shopping districts.

CHECK IN. SHOP OUT #ATTHEMOXY

Guests booking the package for a minimum of two consecutive nights in any room type will enjoy:

• Daily breakfast at Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong
• Central Department Store International Customer Welcome Privileges: Enjoy Tourist Welcome Privileges at CENTRAL @ centralwOrld and Central Chidlom, including up to THB 1,800 in department store cash coupons, participating brand offers and restaurant deals
• Central Chidlom: Enjoy exclusive luxury shopping privileges
• The Platinum Fashion Mall: Receive a THB 100 cash voucher to top up a Food Floor More a Meal Card at the 6th-floor Food Court
• Platinum POP: Receive a THB 100 cash voucher to top up a THB 200 ‘Lai Jie’ Cash Card
• King Power Shopping Privileges: Sign up for POWER PASS to receive 2 shopping coupons and enjoy up to 25% off with eligible spending at participating downtown and airport locations
• EVEANDBOY: Spend THB 3,500 and receive a complimentary Gravure Bag worth THB 690, while supplies last, at participating stores
• Big C Ratchadamri: Receive a THB 200 shopping voucher per stay at Big C Ratchadamri, right next to the hotel
• Plus more exclusive privileges from participating partners

The package brings together some of Bangkok’s best-known names in shopping, fashion, beauty and lifestyle, giving international and domestic travellers more ways to explore the city while enjoying added value throughout their stay.

Located in the heart of Ratchaprasong, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong puts guests within easy reach of Bangkok’s major shopping and lifestyle destinations. The hotel sits opposite centralwOrld and next to Big C Ratchadamri, with Pratunam, Platinum Pop, The Platinum Fashion Mall, Central Chidlom and Siam all within easy reach. BTS Chit Lom and the R-Walk also provide convenient connections across the city.

With 504 smartly designed rooms, the hotel brings Moxy’s playful approach to the Bangkok experience. Guests check in at the bar before heading out to shop, then return to hang out at Moxy Bar & Restaurant on the 9th floor, work or play at Library & Plug-In, or head sky-high to Sato San Rooftop Bar on the 32nd floor for dinner, drinks, DJs and panoramic Bangkok views.

About Moxy Hotels
Moxy offers a playful hotel experience for the young at heart. With over 155 properties open in more than 30 countries and territories, Moxy boldly breaks the rules of a conventional hotel stay across the globe. The nontraditional experience starts with check-in at Bar Moxy and comes to life throughout its social public spaces, like the Lounge and Library, and the small but smart bedrooms. Moxy provides stylish, industrial design and sociable service at an attractive price point, so that guests can splurge on the experiences that matter most to them during their travels. Moxy celebrates nonconformity, open-mindedness, and originality above all – forever giving its guests permission to Play On #atthemoxy.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe.

About Central Chidlom, the store of Bangkok
Originally opened in Bangkok’s Chidlom district in 1974, Central Chidlom celebrated its grand transformation in December 2024 following an extensive renovation. The store brings together world-renowned and local brands across fashion, beauty, home, small appliances, luggage, and mom & kids, complemented by dining, inspiring experiences, and tailored services. Visitors can enjoy a refined and sophisticated shopping experience at Central Chidlom, a symbol of Bangkok’s refined urban lifestyle and modern sophistication.

Koh Samui, Thailand, October 7, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui has officially been awarded One MICHELIN Key in THE MICHELIN Guide 2026 hotel selection. The prestigious accolade marks the first time the resort has received this international recognition, cementing its status as a premier destination in Thailand.

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is a secluded sanctuary set within a pristine private bay on Koh Samui, where natural beauty, wellbeing, and mindful hospitality exist in harmony. As part of Banyan Group, the resort offers elegantly designed suites and villas overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, creating a peaceful retreat immersed in nature. Guests are invited to restore balance through holistic wellness experiences at 8LEMENTS SPA, enjoy locally inspired dining crafted with fresh ingredients, and participate in mindful activities that foster meaningful connections with themselves, the surrounding landscape, and the island’s authentic spirit.

“We are deeply honored to receive our first MICHELIN Key—a milestone that belongs entirely to our team, whose care brings the spirit of Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui to life every day. For nearly four decades, our connection to nature and respect for Koh Samui have been at the heart of who we are. We are grateful to The MICHELIN Guide for recognizing this philosophy.”
— Manuel Lang, General Manager, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

Originally established in 1987 as Koh Samui’s first luxury resort, the property has gracefully evolved while preserving the pristine natural landscape that has defined it since its inception.

Being awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2026 marks a significant new milestone for Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui. It reaffirms the resort’s commitment to contemporary luxury—one deeply rooted in simplicity, holistic wellbeing, and an enduring connection with nature.

Reservation contact details:
Email: Reservations-Tongsaibay@garrya.com
Phone: +66 77 913-750
Address: 84 Moo 5, Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand

Koh Samu, Thailand, October 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Two of Thailand’s most iconic beachfront resorts, Banyan Tree Samui and Banyan Tree Krabi, have been awarded Two Keys by the MICHELIN Guide to Thailand for the third consecutive year.

Equivalent to MICHELIN stars for restaurants, the award of “Two Keys” is bestowed on a hotel or resort described by MICHELIN as “an exceptional stay”, in that it offers a remarkable experience in every regard, including distinctive character, outstanding design and impeccable service.

The announcement follows a comprehensive evaluation of the 5-star hotels by anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors and reaffirms Banyan Tree’s leadership in meaningful luxury hospitality in southern Thailand.

“To retain Two Keys in an increasingly competitive market is a significant achievement,” said Banyan Tree Krabi General Manager Haruethai Maneerat. “This is a reminder that hospitality today is not just about luxury — it’s about consistency, soul, and a connection to place. Our resort embodies Banyan Tree’s founding ethos: a Sanctuary for the Senses where nature, culture and wellbeing come together.”

“Two MICHELIN Keys is a wonderful moment for all of us,” said Stuart de San Nicolas, General Manager of Banyan Tree Samui. “It belongs to our team, who bring such warmth and heart to everything they do. Banyan Tree Samui has always been a sanctuary, a place of stillness above the sea, where guests can find silence and reconnect with themselves. What they carry home is not a memory of a room, but a feeling that stays with them, something of the soul of Samui. That, for us, is the truest form of luxury.

“Thai hospitality is already admired around the world,” he added. “To have MICHELIN recognise what our team brings to that tradition, here on our hillside in Samui, means a great deal to us.”

A Wellbeing Sanctuary

Situated on the secluded shores of Tubkaek Beach with dramatic views of limestone cliffs jutting from the waters of a marine national park, Banyan Tree Krabi is celebrated by MICHELIN inspectors as a destination for restoration.

At its heart is the Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary — an initiative pioneered by Banyan Tree Krabi and Banyan Tree Samui in October 2021 to provide guests with an opportunity to combine a leisure vacation with a daily programme designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation and yoga to Thai boxing, from spa treatments and massage to nature trails and sailing lessons — complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.

Guests staying in Wellbeing Sanctuary Pool Villas and Suites can choose from an itinerary of healthy-living facilities, including Banyan Tree’s award-winning Rainforest, a unique hydrotherapy facility available at both resorts with vitality pools, steam rooms, saunas and ice fountains.

Thai Heritage Meets Haute Cuisine

Perched on the peak of a lush hillside and overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Saffron is Banyan Tree Samui’s signature restaurant, hosting evening dinners in a sophisticated and tranquil ambience.

Listed as a recommended restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide to Thailand for the past two years, Saffron’s chefs are renowned for creating combinations of flavours through a delicate blending of Thai herbs and spices, such as: khong wang ruam, an appetiser featuring freshly prepared crisp rice noodle-wrapped prawn; grilled tender chicken breast satay; fried seabass rice noodle rolls; and pomelo salad with tamarind sauce. Signature dishes include Massaman of slow-braised Wagyu beef.

Likewise at Banyan Tree Krabi, Saffron offers traditional Thai classics with a contemporary twist. The restaurant sits high above the resort, accessible by electric funicular, and commands spectacular vistas of uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea. The restaurant has the added attraction of three Bird’s Nest tables, nestled among the trees — a photogenic spot for afternoon tea or sundowners.

Both resorts have been lauded in the MICHELIN Guide for their contribution to local communities, including an ongoing commitment to marine conservation in Koh Samui, support for Krabi’s local fisheries, and the elimination of single-use plastics.

About Banyan Tree Krabi
Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom beachfront Presidential Villa. Each of the rooms faces the sea and the sunset as the property tiers into the hillside.

Facilities include two restaurants and a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and — in harmony with Banyan Tree’s wellbeing branding — a tropical spa with Rainforest hydrotherapy facility.

In addition to its Two-Key rating by the MICHELIN Guide, this resort was lauded by Fodor’s Travel 2026 as the only representative from Thailand listed in The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World.

About Banyan Tree Samui
Banyan Tree Samui’s 88 spacious pool villas, each with its own private infinity pool, provide a serene and secluded oasis where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. Designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, the villas feature contemporary Thai architecture and are adorned with locally sourced materials and artwork, creating a truly authentic and immersive experience.

The resort hosts three restaurants, including MICHELIN Guide-listed Saffron. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a highly acclaimed spa with Rainforest facility.

About Banyan Tree
Banyan Tree offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

About Banyan Group
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 91 hotels and resorts, around 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

Bangkok, Thailand, October 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Prof. Kaye CHON, Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), and Chair Professor and Walter and Wendy Kwok Family Foundation Professor in International Hospitality Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa) by Prince of Songkla University in Thailand in recognition of his lifelong contributions to advancing hospitality and tourism education and promoting the development of the global hospitality and tourism industry.

The honorary degree was presented to Prof. Kaye Chon by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak during Prince of Songkla University’s graduation ceremony held in Hat Yai, Thailand, on 22 September.

According to the Prince Songkla University, the award recognises Prof. Kaye Chon’s “lifelong dedication and application of expertise in hospitality and tourism management to advance education and sustainable development of tourism”. The University noted that his achievements exemplify its guiding principle, “Our Soul is for the Benefit of Mankind”, and that the honour stands as a lasting tribute to his distinguished contributions.

“I am deeply honoured to receive an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa) from Prince of Songkla University,” said Prof. Kaye Chon. “To be recognised by such a prestigious university and to receive this honour from Princess Chulabhorn Walailak is both meaningful and humbling. The recognition has given me renewed inspiration to continue contributing to the advancement of hospitality and tourism education and to support the ongoing evolution of our dynamic industry.”

Prof. Kaye Chon joined PolyU in 2000. Under his leadership, the SHTM has risen to become one of the world’s leading institutions in hospitality and tourism management. The School has been ranked No. 1 in the world in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects for ten consecutive years and has maintained the top position in the University Ranking by Academic Performance for eight successive years. In 2026, the SHTM was also ranked second globally among comprehensive universities in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

A strong testament to Prof. Kaye Chon’s vision and commitment is the establishment of Hotel ICON, the SHTM’s pioneering teaching and research hotel, in 2011. Through Hotel ICON, the School has redefined hospitality and tourism education and set new standards for the global sector. In the same year, Prof. Kaye Chon received the Ulysses Prize from UN Tourism (formerly the United Nations World Tourism Organisation). Widely recognised as the “Nobel Prize in Tourism”, the award is presented annually to a scholar in recognition of lifetime contributions to the creation of new knowledge in tourism.

A highly sought-after speaker at international conferences, Prof. Kaye Chon is ranked among the top 2% of the world’s scientists based on research citations in the field of Sport, Leisure, and Tourism. A prolific scholar, he has authored or edited 12 books, including the co-authored textbook Welcome to Hospitality, which has been adopted by more than 100 hospitality education programmes worldwide. In addition, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing and is the Founding Editor of the Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research.

About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world for the tenth consecutive year in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects; placed No. 1 globally for eight years in a row in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the 2024/2025 University Ranking by Academic Performance; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism” subject area by the 2017 CWUR Rankings by Subject; and ranked No. 2 globally among comprehensive universities in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.

The SHTM is driven by its mission to shape the future of global hospitality and tourism through pioneering education and impactful research that advance industry excellence and societal well-being. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and an integral part of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM advances teaching, learning and research, inspiring a new generation of passionate and pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Moroni, Comoros, October 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Just a few months ahead of a historic event for the Union of the Comoros, the Village for the 2027 Indian Ocean Islands Games is beginning to take shape. In Moindzaza Djoumbé, on the outskirts of Moroni, the first villas are already clearly visible, and construction is now progressing simultaneously across several areas of the site.

When the President of the Union of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, put forward the ambition of creating a Games Village consisting of 200 villas to accommodate delegations in 2027, the challenge was considerable: structuring the project, securing its financing, contracting companies, and above all, turning an ambitious plan into reality within an extremely tight timeframe.

That is a challenge that Faouzia Vitry, former Vice-President of the Réunion Regional Council, is now taking on. After several months devoted to structuring the project and mobilizing partners, construction has now entered a highly concrete phase. In just a month and a half of work, the first villas have reached an advanced stage of structural construction, while several dozen others are progressing simultaneously.

A Construction Site That Is Now Clearly Visible

In just a month and a half of construction, the Games Village has begun to emerge. Several villas have already reached a very advanced stage of structural work, with the walls fully erected and the first concrete roof slabs poured. Others are at the formwork and slab-preparation stage, while several dozen buildings are progressing simultaneously, from foundations to the construction of the main structures.

Aerial views show the scale of the transformation. On the site, access roads are taking shape, foundations are multiplying, and buildings are rising across several work fronts in parallel. Just a few weeks ago, the Games Village still had to be imagined from plans. Today, all you need to do is look at the images.

Financing Fully Mobilized by the Comorian Financial Sector

One of the project’s strengths also lies in its financial structure. Funding for the Games Village is being provided by five Comorian financial institutions brought together in a banking consortium, making it possible to mobilize the resources needed to build the 200 villas.

The consortium consists of AFG Bank Comores, Exim Bank Comores, Meck Moroni, the Union des Meck, and the Union Régionale des Sanduk d’Anjouan (URSA).

Within this framework, the Central Bank of the Comoros plays an essential role in oversight, coordination, and monitoring, alongside the UCCIA and the Indian Ocean Islands Games Organizing Committee (COJI), which are involved in the project’s governance and monitoring.

Beyond the 200 villas themselves, the Games Village is therefore becoming a demonstration of the ability of Comorian stakeholders to mobilize around a project of national significance: institutions, the financial sector, and businesses working together toward a shared timetable and common objective—to prepare the country to host the 2027 Indian Ocean Islands Games and leave behind a lasting legacy.

A Project with a Regional Dimension

The project brings together a range of Comorian and international companies and expertise, including Chinese companies working on the villas and the site’s infrastructure. This diversity of stakeholders reflects the scale of an operation being carried out on an exceptionally tight schedule ahead of the 2027 Games.

For Faouzia Vitry, the assignment also continues a career devoted for several years to cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. After serving as Vice-President of the Réunion Regional Council in charge of regional cooperation, she now finds herself at the heart of a project that directly connects sport, urban development, financing, and regional economic development.

The challenge remains considerable: 200 villas must be delivered on schedule to accommodate the delegations. But the first weeks of construction have already transformed the project from an ambition on paper into a visible reality on the ground. In Moindzaza Djoumbé, the future Games Village is now beginning to carve out a new part of the city.

And what if this challenge ultimately went beyond the 200 villas? The choice of Faouzia Vitry also raises the question of a new form of patriotic responsibility: that of a generation from the diaspora returning to put its experience at the service of its country of origin.