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Alexandria, Egypt, September 18, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / In a grand celebration on the shores of Alexandria, the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU), under the leadership of Dr. Hossam Darwish, honored Marseilia Beach Group with the AFASU Golden Award for the Most Influential Hotel Group in Egypt 2025, in recognition of its pioneering role in tourism and hospitality investment. At the same event, Mr. Ehab El Gendy, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Marseilia Beach Group, received the Leadership Excellence Award for his outstanding managerial achievements.

The prestigious ceremony was held at the iconic XU San Stefano Hotel and attended by distinguished business leaders, ambassadors, tourism executives, hotel sector representatives, and leading media figures from Egypt and across the Arab world. AFASU members and international journalists also traveled to Alexandria to cover the landmark occasion.

The evening began with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by keynote speeches from prominent figures, including Major General Ashraf Abu Eish, Secretary General of AFASU, Mr. Bernard Metzger, international tourism expert and AFASU board member, and Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of AFASU and Head of the International Golden Awards Committee. Dr. Darwish emphasized that the recognition reflects Egypt’s growing stature on the global tourism map.

During the ceremony, Mr. El Gendy received the AFASU Golden Award trophy and certificate of honor, alongside his personal Leadership Excellence Award. The group’s employees were also acknowledged with a special award celebrating their dedication and contribution to the company’s collective success.

In his remarks, Mr. El Gendy expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that the award came as a surprise, which underscores the credibility and transparency of AFASU’s international recognition. He dedicated the achievement to the entire Marseilia team, highlighting their collective effort in transforming vision into reality.

The ceremony also featured the launch of the Arab Tourism Media Club, supported by Marseilia Beach Group, led by Mr. Mahmoud El Geshy, with prominent members of the club in attendance.

Visual presentations showcased Marseilia’s journey and milestones, followed by group photos including AFASU leaders, the company’s management, and the Arab Tourism Media Club. The evening concluded with a gala dinner and artistic performances.

The AFASU Golden Awards Jury, comprising 45 international experts from Africa, Asia, and Europe, unanimously selected Marseilia Beach Group for the award. Their decision was based on the group’s management of more than 1,000 hotel rooms, ambitious expansion plans, investments exceeding 1.2 billion Egyptian pounds in just two years, and the launch of new brands such as XU Hotels and Eastern Hotels, demonstrating a strategic integration of real estate and hospitality sectors.

Through this recognition, AFASU reaffirms its mission as a global platform honoring excellence in tourism and hospitality, while spotlighting Egypt’s role as a regional and international driver of tourism development.

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Khao Yai, Thailand, September 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s trailblazing vineyard, GranMonte Vineyard and Winery, has once again been recognised on the world stage at the AWC Vienna 2025 international wine competition — bringing home two prestigious Gold Medals and nine Silvers, plus an overall 2-Star rating for the winery.

Founded by the Lohitnavy family, GranMonte is a pioneering Thai winery located in the Asoke Valley of Khao Yai, renowned for producing world-class wines entirely from Thai-grown vitis vinifera. Under the guidance of oenologist Nikki Visootha Lohitnavy, Thailand’s first fully-qualified and internationally-trained winemaker, the estate has championed the unique potential of tropical viticulture for over two decades.

GranMonte is also the first and only Thai winery to hold Geographical Indication (GI) status for “Khao Yai Wine,” a mark of quality and origin regulated by Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property. In addition to multiple gold medals and accolades from international wine competitions, GranMonte has previously been named “Best National Producer – Thailand” six times by AWC Vienna, and was honoured as “Best in Asia” at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition 2024 — a testament to its growing global reputation and the expressive character of Thai terroir.

9,952 wines were judged from across 41 countries, among those, GranMonte’s 2022 Crémant Méthode Traditionnelle Extra Brut and 2024 Elements Natural Wine Chenin Blanc rose to the top of their categories, each earning a coveted Gold Medal from a panel of 304 expert jurors across 21 nations.

This year’s results at AWC Vienna — considered Europe’s largest officially recognised wine competition — continue GranMonte’s legacy of showcasing the potential of 100% Thai-grown vitis vinifera and reinforcing its role as a global ambassador for tropical viticulture.

“We’re proud of our Thai origin, and of our Khao Yai wine region, where everything is sustainably grown and made. GranMonte wines consistently win big in international competitions–all with blind tasting–showing that we’re reaching the globally-recognised high quality for wine. Our wines tell a story of not only the uniqueness of our terroir but also the years of hard work and integrity that went into the making of every bottle,” said Nikki Lohitnavy, GranMonte’s oenologist and Thailand’s first and only fully-qualified winemaker.

Full List of Awards – AWC Vienna 2025

Gold Medals

• 2022 Crémant Méthode Traditionnelle Extra Brut
• 2024 Elements Natural Wine Chenin Blanc

Silver Medals

• 2024 Elements Natural Wine Syrah
• 2023 Gradient Syrah
• 2024 Heritage Syrah
• 2024 Sakuna Rosé
• 2024 Spring Unwooded Chenin Blanc
• 2023 The Orient Syrah
• 2022 The Orient Syrah
• 2023 The Orient Viognier
• 2022 Verdelho

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and digital travel platform Agoda have partnered to strengthen the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium-scale accommodation providers across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The regional E-commerce Training for MSME Accommodation Providers in the Greater Mekong Subregion will commence on 18 September 2025 with the Thailand session, marking the beginning of a series running through November.

The program supports homestays, ecolodges, and guesthouses in rural and secondary destinations—enterprises that are vital to inclusive and community-based tourism in the GMS and stand to benefit from stronger digital engagement in the global marketplace. By strengthening capacity at the grassroots level, the training will help accommodation providers across the Mekong region prepare to welcome the growing number of visitors by enhancing their online presence, competitiveness, and business sustainability.

This marks the first collaboration between MTCO, Agoda, and the GMS National Tourism Organizations of Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The initiative represents a milestone in regional tourism cooperation, showcasing the value of public–private partnerships in advancing digital transformation and inclusive tourism.

Delivered online in local languages and tailored to each location, the workshops provide participants with practical skills to create and manage listings on online travel agency platforms like Agoda. The training will cover uploading room inventory and images, managing availability and pricing, implementing promotions, and engaging effectively with customer reviews.

Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of MTCO, said: “We are delighted to partner with Agoda on this important initiative. By working together across borders, we can ensure that small operators in our region are equipped with the digital tools they need to connect with global travelers and share the unique experiences of the Mekong.”

Mr. Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda, said: “This partnership with MTCO reflects our dedication to small businesses and our tech-first approach. We expect this initiative to help bring global visibility to these accommodations and help distribute economic benefits across the GMS.”

The training series will run from September to November 2025, beginning in Thailand before expanding to Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and China (Yunnan & Guangxi). These workshops are expected to lay the groundwork for stronger, digitally enabled tourism businesses, helping the Greater Mekong Subregion meet rising visitor demand while supporting sustainable growth and regional competitiveness.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Crystal Grill House, the glamorous glasshouse restaurant on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, is delighted to welcome the Lady Butcher (aka Chef Natt, Natsasi Noo-in), Thailand’s celebrated maestro of meat, for an exclusive six-course culinary journey and wine pairing on Saturday, October 18th, 2025.

Chef Natt has redefined sustainable butchery, combining scientific precision, artistic inspiration, and zero-waste cookery to create unparalleled dining experiences. Her accolades speak for themselves; she has collaborated with Michelin-starred chefs, pioneered the use of farm-to-table meats, and her highly acclaimed Bangkok restaurant, Lady Butcher, tells a story of craft, heritage and innovation.

This one-night-only collaboration will let discerning diners discover the Lady Butcher’s expertise in the stunning surroundings of The Crystal Grill House, as the sun sets over the “River of Kings.”

The six-course set menu will transport guests on a Thai-inspired epicurean odyssey through a series of creative dishes that showcase a selection of cuts of beef, including:

• Isaan Avocado Deviled Eggs – an elegant amuse bouche of whipped avocado, crispy beef crumble, and Isaan chili essence, topped with sturgeon caviar.
• Beef Carpaccio “Laab de Paris” – this starter features beef fillet tenderloin, a unique jeaw chili ice cream, Parmesan espuma, shallot pearls, and crispy croutons.
• Silken Bone Broth with Wild Tamarind & Fire-Roasted Chilies – a pure beef rib consommé with young tamarind leaves, smoked chili oil, and crispy shallots.
• Mok Nue Sun Nok – a mouth-watering main course of charred banana leaf-wrapped, grain-fed striploin with Isaan herb rub and smoked chili emulsion.
• Côte de Bœuf “Kaeng Rawang” – prime grilled bone-in ribeye with a velvety Rawang curry reduction, turmeric root, kaffir lime, and coconut cream.
• Honey Truffle Ice Cream Sandwich – by the talented pastry team at The Crystal Grill House, the perfect sweet finale to an unforgettable culinary evening.

Lady Butcher’s mesmerizing menu can be experienced for just THB 2,800 net per person, or paired with a curated selection of fine wines for an additional THB 1,800 net. For more information and to book your place at this unmissable occasion, please visit The Crystal Grill House directly.

Located at Asiatique The Riverfront, The Crystal Grill House is easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station.

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Cape Town, South Africa, September 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has connected public and private sector leaders to highlight the enormous opportunities of investing in Africa’s growing tourism sector.

The Tourism Investment Forum, hosted by the Government of South Africa, brought together global tourism leaders to explore investment opportunities in South Africa and across the African continent. Highlighting South Africa’s vibrant tourism sector, which welcomed nearly 9 million international visitors and 47 million domestic trips last year, contributing over 12% to national GDP, the Forum underscored the country’s role as a gateway for regional tourism development.

Opening the Forum, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Investing in tourism is about more than infrastructure, it’s about building a sustainable future through education and inclusion. We are proud to be leading the conversation around tourism investments and building bridges between investors and projects right across Africa.”

New Tourism Doing Business Guidelines Launched

At the Forum, UN Tourism launched the Tourism Doing Business Guidelines – Investing in South Africa, developed in collaboration with the Department of Tourism of South Africa. This comprehensive guide provides investors with a practical roadmap, detailing opportunities, incentives, and key projects to drive sustainable tourism growth. Designed to foster confidence and facilitate investment commitments, the guide highlights South Africa’s unique blend of natural and cultural attractions, from Table Mountain to Kruger National Park, supported by world-class infrastructure and a welcoming investment climate.

Additionally, UN Tourism unveiled the executive summary of the Investing in Africa guidebook, a pioneering publication focusing on investment prospects across the entire African region. This report, the first of its kind, combines insights from public and private stakeholders to offer critical data and strategies for advancing Africa’s tourism potential. The Forum also featured discussions on public-private partnerships, digital transformation, and sustainable hospitality and conservation ventures. New editions of the Tourism Doing Business guides, focused on Angola, Cabo Verde, and Kenya were announced, building on existing guides for South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Tanzania.

UN Tourism Awards 100 Scholarships for Youth Empowerment

In a commitment to fostering education and human capital development, UN Tourism presented South Africa with 100 Online Academy Scholarships. These scholarships aim to empower youth and promote quality education within the tourism sector, aligning with the organization’s Agenda for Africa.

The launch of these initiatives reinforces UN Tourism’s dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and bolstering tourism investment across Africa.

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Beijing, China, September 13, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The official launch of the China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) in Beijing marks a milestone for the global MICE industry. Backed by a new strategic partnership, CIMX will debut from November 3-5, 2026, as the key platform linking China’s dynamic market with international players.

The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) was officially launched on September 11 in Beijing, with its inaugural edition scheduled for November 3-5, 2026. The announcement was made at the MICE Meeting Point, organized by ITB China at the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, where industry leaders, buyers, and media from around the world came together.

Preceding the launch, Zheng Fang, Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and David Axiotis, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (China), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate the development of China’s MICE sector.

The MOU outlines long-term collaboration between the two partners, including:

– advancing the launch of CIMX in Beijing;
– highlighting Beijing as “Guest City of Honor” to showcase its international profile;
– working jointly on global promotion and hosted buyer recruitment;
– and strengthening the integration of global MICE resources with the Chinese market.

This partnership will support the high-quality growth of China’s MICE industry and raise its global influence.

Official Launch of CIMX 2026

On the evening of September 11, Messe Berlin (China) officially launched the China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) at the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, officially kicking off preparations, while more than 120 honored guests joined peers from the industry to witness the creation of this new platform and celebrated together with the organizer.

The inaugural CIMX will be held in Beijing from November 3–5, 2026, alongside the CIMX Conference. With its core focus on “Innovation, Connection, Business Opportunities”, CIMX will cover the full MICE value chain. It will bring together global suppliers, industry experts, and leading enterprises to foster international collaboration and business growth. With qualified hosted buyers, precisely matched one-to-one meetings, and tailored networking activities, CIMX will help participants unlock new business potential and build long-term partnerships.

– Global resources: Over 200 exhibitors are expected, including destinations, venues, hotel groups and resorts, airlines and cruise operators, travel and DMC services, PCOs, and event tech providers.

– Buyers, visitors, and business matching: More than 350 qualified buyers from China and overseas, along with 5,000 trade visitors, will attend. Over 9,000 pre-scheduled and precisely matched one-to-one business meetings will facilitate effective deal-making.

– Conference and insights: The CIMX Conference will feature global and Chinese industry leaders sharing market insights, best practices, and innovations, covering areas such as revenue models, sustainability, and technology.

– Networking and social events: Various networking opportunities will provide a productive yet relaxed environment for building valuable long-term business ties.

CIMX sets out to become the annual gathering point of China’s and the global MICE industry, driving deeper cooperation and sustainable development across the business events sector.

David Axiotis, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (China), said: “The launch of CIMX marks the start of a new international MICE platform. Through CIMX, we aim to build more efficient and meaningful connections between China and the global MICE industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. Hosting CIMX in Beijing reflects both our local commitment and global vision. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the world to Beijing in November 2026 for the inaugural CIMX, and to shaping the sector’s future together.”

Guo Huaigang, Director General of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, said: “As China’s capital and a hub for politics, culture, and international exchange, Beijing offers unique strengths for high-end MICE development. With abundant resources, strong infrastructure, and a vast market, we are committed to fostering an increasingly international, professional, and competitive environment. This partnership with Messe Berlin (China) and the launch of CIMX provide Beijing with a new platform to connect globally and open new channels for two-way exchange. We welcome more international resources to China and Beijing through CIMX and look forward to working with global partners to promote openness, cooperation, and high-quality growth.”

With the signing of the MOU and the official launch of CIMX, the MICE Meeting Point has become a launchpad for dialogue between China and the global MICE industry. Looking ahead, ITB China and Messe Berlin (China) will continue to work with partners worldwide to further integrate China’s MICE sector into global markets and open new opportunities for cooperation.

Exhibitors of CIMX 2026 can now register and benefit from a 15% discount on their booth package until October 31, 2025.

About MICE Meeting Point

MICE Meeting Point is an exclusive, high-profile event platform specifically designed for the Chinese MICE and business travel industry. It features a conference with insightful sessions from top-level industry leaders and experts, a business mart with branded sponsor booths to connect and meet with interested buyers and trade professionals onsite, as well as additional networking opportunities to engage with key decision-makers in this dynamic market. The event will be followed by a familiarization trip.

About CIMX

The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) is the new premier trade show designed to drive innovation, facilitate connections, and create business opportunities within China’s MICE and business travel market.

CIMX brings together global MICE and business travel suppliers with top-tier buyers from China and around the world, promoting meaningful collaboration and growth. Through tailored matchmaking, the event enables high-quality, pre-scheduled meetings and fosters valuable connections via a series of networking activities.

CIMX 2026 will take place from November 3 to 5 in Beijing, alongside the CIMX Conference.

About ITB Global Brand Family

For more than 50 years the name ITB has stood worldwide for the travel industry knowledge 365 days a year, networking and trendsetting events – in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format alike. As the travel industry resurges, the ITB brand family is among the first to come back to offering on-site in-person events. ITB Asia will take place in Singapore from October 15 to 17, 2025, covering the broader regional market. ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from March 3 to 5, 2026. ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled from May 26 to 28, 2026, in Shanghai. ITB India will be held in Mumbai from September 2 to 4, 2026. The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from November 10 to 12, 2026, covering the American market.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 12, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s leading institute for hospitality education under Dusit International, has been officially certified to administer Japan’s Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test in Thailand, creating direct pathways for Thai and ASEAN talent to secure skilled positions in Japan’s hospitality sector.

The milestone follows the signing of an agreement on 2 September 2025 between Dusit Thani College, the General Incorporated Association Center for Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test, and the All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, with support from the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau and Jeducation language school in Bangkok.

As Thailand’s first certified testing centre, Dusit Thani College can now recruit and train Thai and ASEAN candidates through its renowned hospitality and culinary arts programmes and facilitate their official skills certification locally. Successful graduates will qualify for employment in Japan via the government’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in 2019 to help address labour shortages in industries such as hospitality and food and beverage.

Aligned with Dusit Thani College’s fast-track Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP), which prepares participants for entry-level roles in just six months, the new pathway gives aspiring professionals a unique opportunity to train, gain certification, and access employment in Japan.

The All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, representing more than 15,000 traditional inns and hotels across Japan, will help promote certified candidates to member employers via dedicated job fairs hosted in Bangkok. Dusit Hotels and Resorts will also welcome graduates to its own properties in Japan, including Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo, further strengthening opportunities for international placement.

Jeducation, a leading Japanese language school in Bangkok, will provide essential language training to ensure participants meet SSW visa requirements, fully equipping them for life and work in Japan.

“This collaboration directly addresses the hospitality skills shortage in Japan while creating exciting career opportunities for our students,” said John Lohr, Executive Director of External Affairs, Dusit Thani College. “By combining world-class training at Dusit Thani College with official certification and a clear pathway to employment, we are building a strong pipeline of talent that benefits both Thailand and Japan.”

Makoto Yamashita, Area General Manager – Kyoto, Dusit Hotels and Resorts, added, “This partnership underscores our commitment to developing future leaders in hospitality and giving them access to life-changing opportunities abroad. It is a win–win for our students, our partners, and the wider industry.” 

Dusit Thani College will begin recruiting candidates for its TOP Japan Pathway programme in October 2025. The first examinations and employer recruitment fairs are scheduled to take place in February 2026.

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Krabi, Thailand, September 12, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The spa at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand scooped two major accolades at the Thailand Tourism Awards last week, underlining the facility’s focus on locally sourced ingredients and personalized care.

On Sept 5, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was presented with a Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the Hotel and Resort category, and a Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award in the Health and Wellness Tourism category.

While Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was awarded second prize in both categories, its sister venue in Koh Samui, Banyan Tree Spa Samui, was also listed in the Top 5 for the Outstanding Award, and made the top 10 in the Sustainability list, underscoring the Banyan Tree brand’s ascendancy in the fields of sustainability and wellbeing.

The Thailand Tourism Awards, often referred to as the “Kinnaree Awards,” are organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and recognized as Thailand’s ‘Hallmark of Excellence‘ in the spa industry.

“Our key strength lies in having a clear and distinctive concept,” said Montira Vichiankoo, the Spa & Gallery Manager at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. “Our treatments and wellbeing activities draw from Krabi’s heritage, using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, turmeric and tamarind to create authentic experiences. Another important factor is our strong commitment to sustainability. We actively support the local community through our activities and initiatives, while our team members have a deep understanding of these values and share them with our guests.”

Ms Montira added: “We provide personalized care under Banyan Tree Spa standards to ensure every guest’s expectations are met. From the moment they arrive, guests are welcomed with our signature ritual, including the ‘Scent of the Day.’ They are then guided through a consultation to recommend treatments best suited to their needs. Our skilled therapists deliver highly professional and attentive service, and to complete the experience, we provide special self-care tips so guests can continue their wellbeing journey even after leaving the spa.”

Many of the therapists have undergone intensive training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket. Since its inception in 2001, the Academy has trained more than 2,000 spa therapists.

Nestled along the stunning Andaman coastline, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi offers a serene oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Each of its eight treatment suites is accompanied by a private garden, and fitted with “colour-calm” lighting, the tones and hues of which can be adapted to balance the chakra of each individual customer.

The venue also boasts Krabi’s first hydrotherapy spa, The Rainforest, a holistic and innovative wellness experience designed to heal and soothe. Guests are invited to embark on an experiential journey with a sophisticated hydrothermal circuit comprising a Rain Walk, Steam, Sauna, Ice Fountain, Vitality Pool, Outdoor Cold Plunge Pool, Outdoor Hot Plunge Pool, Jet Pool, and Heated Bed.

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.

The spa also plays a significant role in the resort’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows hotel guests an option to combine healthy living concepts with a leisure vacation — from meditation and yoga to massage and nature trails — complemented with a nutritious diet and sleep therapy.

At Banyan Tree Krabi, the Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is overseen by Ayurvedic specialist and wellness coach Dr Subhash Shanbhag, who draws from 20 years’ experience to offer personalized consultations and health tips to guests.

Beyond its world-class spa facilities, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a range of luxurious accommodations, and each of the 72 suites and villas face the sea and has its own private infinity pool and jet pool.

Guests can also enjoy a host of recreational activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding to Thai boxing and hiking, as well as exceptional dining experiences showcasing the best in Thai and international cuisine.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-brand hospitality groups centred on stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences for the global travellers of today and tomorrow. The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences is centred around an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, as well as the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions, Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya.

Founded in 1994 on the core concept of sustainability, Banyan Tree Group seeks to create long-term value for all stakeholders and destinations across its network of properties, products and brands, through a purpose-driven mission. With 8,000 associates across 23 countries, Banyan Tree Management Academy (BTMA) was established in 2008 to support the Group’s goals through advancing people development, management excellence, and learning with integrity and meaning.

Banyan Tree Group has received 2,921 industry awards and accolades since inception over 25 years ago, most recently being named among the Top 25 Hotel Brands in the World by Travel + Leisure. It has also received recognition for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), which aligns the Group’s efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Executing on its regionalised growth strategy, the Group’s global footprint continues to grow with 47 new hotels and resorts under design and construction in the pipeline, in addition to 58 operating hotels in 17 countries as of December 2021. As a global industry hospitality leader, Banyan Tree Group firmly embeds its mission to be a business that benefits all stakeholders, for the greater good.

Banyan Tree Group entered a strategic long-term partnership with Accor in 2016 to develop and manage Banyan Tree branded hotels around the world along with the access to Accor’s global reservations and sales network, as well as the loyalty programme ALL – Accor Live Limitless. It also formed a joint venture with China Vanke Co. Ltd. in 2017 – focusing on active ageing and wellness hospitality projects.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / With an exciting all-new menu, Jim’s Terrace celebrates ‘A Taste of America, in the Heart of Thai Heritage’. Inspired by Jim Thompson’s cultural roots and adventurous spirit, the menu reimagines classic American comfort food with a distinctly local twist, inviting diners on an East-meets-West journey where an imaginative blend of new flavors bridge continents and every bite tells a story.

Located on the 2nd floor of the Iconic Store at Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, Jim’s Terrace provides an unforgettable dining experience overlooking Jim Thompson House. Appealing to restaurant enthusiasts and museum visitors, diners can enjoy an eclectic menu of international dishes perfect for all ages in the relaxed ambience of the enchanting terrace of Jim Thompson’s legendary ‘House on the Klong’.

Jim’s Terrace presents a selection of familiar American favorites with a twist of Asian influences, creating universally appealing flavors that are easy for all to enjoy. No US-inspired offering is complete without a choice of juicy, hand-held burgers. Baan Jim Burger is Jim’s signature American-Thai premium beef smash patty, stacked with Thai cheddar cheese, house-smoked bacon and adorned with organic salad in a buttery brioche bun. The burger is served with a special Greenville fry sauce. With Thai holy basil and topped with organic fried egg, Holy Bangkok Burger is the perfect savory treat infused with the aromatic heat of local spices, organic tomatoes, crips lettuce and cooling fresh cucumber.

The all-American hotdog is well represented too, with added Thai flair. Kasemsan Street Dog offers a succulent grilled roast pork sausage and wok-fried white onions in a soft bun, finished with a secret-recipe chili garlic sauce. Using grilled northern Thai spicy herbal sausage, the Lanna Chili Dog adds a tomato minced pork relish, local vegetables and herbs. Going Tex-Mex, Mango Tango Taco layers smoked duck breast with Thai spiced salsa and guacamole in a soft taco shell. Dishes can be complemented with thick-cut French fries served with signature dipping sauces, crispy Tom Yum Wings, and a range of American-style house salads.

On the sweet side, Minoffee features a cup of caramelized Thai bananas layered with rich toffee, whipped cream and a buttery biscuit crumb. The Coco Caramel Donut sees a local makeover, coated with raw Thai coconut sugar and salted caramel dipping sauce on the side.

Diners can complement their meal with an extensive list of beverages, including blended teas, Royal Project Thai coffee, fresh fruit sodas, Sato Devanom Thai rice wines and selection of Thai craft bottled beers, each brewed with local character and creativity. Chocolate enthusiasts will delight in the hot and iced drinks featuring Kad Kokoa, a locally sourced single-origin Thai chocolate.

Jim’s Terrace at Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter is open Monday through Sunday from 11 am, with last orders at 6.30 pm, and closing at 7 pm. For reservations, please call 061 421 8951.

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Massilia, Bangkok’s pioneering Italian pizzeria, has been awarded #22 Best Pizzeria in the World 2025 by the internationally renowned 50 Top Pizza guide. This recognition marks the highest position ever reached by a pizzeria in Thailand in the history of the award.

The 2025 results highlight a remarkable achievement for Massilia: moving from #49 in the World in 2024 to #22 in 2025, one of the fastest leaps in the global ranking.

This milestone crowns a year of outstanding accolades for Massilia, including:

• Best Pizzeria in Thailand 2025
• 4th Best Pizzeria in Asia 2025
• Pizza of the Year Asia-Pacific 2025 for the innovative Norma Not Normal creation

Founded in 2015 with its iconic gourmet pizza truck, Massilia has grown into a multi-location brand celebrated for its artisanal approach to pizza-making. Combining the best Italian ingredients with a commitment to creativity and authenticity, Massilia has redefined the pizza scene in Thailand.

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition,” said Chef Michele Fernando, Executive Chef at Massilia. “From the very beginning, our goal was to bring the soul of Italian pizza to Thailand while also pushing culinary boundaries. To see Massilia reach this level and to put Thailand on the global map for pizza is beyond what we dreamed.

Co-founder Luca Appino added: “This award is not only for our team, but also for our loyal customers and partners who believed in us from day one. Together, we have shown that Bangkok is one of the world’s great pizza destinations.”

With this achievement, Massilia reinforces its status as a culinary leader in Asia and a proud ambassador of Thailand’s vibrant dining culture.

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