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Cincinnati, Ohio, July 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Worldpay, a global industry leader in payments technology and solutions, announced today that it is adding domestic acquiring capabilities in Thailand, expanding its presence in the Asia Pacific market. This expansion is core to Worldpay’s strategy for enabling global merchants to serve local consumers with preferred payment types, accelerating commerce through improved authorization rates, robust fraud protection, and efficient settlements. Worldpay supports domestic acquiring capabilities in nine markets in the Asia Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, India, South Korea and now Thailand.

“The payments landscape is rapidly evolving in Thailand as we’re seeing a significant shift from cash use to digital wallets and account-to-account (A2A). It’s increasingly important for merchants operating in the market to deliver the right shopper experience with the fastest most secure payments possible,” said Gabriel de Montessus, president of global enterprise at Worldpay. “Our in-market experts help merchants optimize their offerings, navigate complexities, and ensure they accept the right mix of payment types enabling them to unlock growth opportunities.”

The expansion brings the company’s leading card acquiring services into Thailand where Worldpay will be able to provide domestic settlements in local currency to Thai merchants. In addition to card acquiring, Worldpay is launching access to four leading alternative payment methods in the market; LINE Pay, TrueMoney, PromptPay and online banking. Thai merchants will also have access to value-added solutions from Worldpay including powerful multi-layered fraud protection, dispute management services as well as consultative expertise backed by the company’s global data insights. Further, for global operators, Worldpay provides a single point of integration to do business in more than 170 countries.

Local and international businesses operating in Thailand will be seeking to capture share of the country’s fast-growing e-commerce market, expected to grow at 9% annually through 2030 according to the latest Worldpay Global Payments Report. Worldpay recently announced its expansion in Colombia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates, as it continues to deliver on its strategic goal to expand its domestic acquiring capabilities worldwide.

About Worldpay

Worldpay is an industry leading payments technology and solutions company with unique capabilities to power omni-commerce across the globe. Our processing solutions allow businesses of all sizes to take, make and manage payments in-person and online from anywhere in the world. Annually, we process over 50 billion transactions across 174 countries and 135 currencies. We help our customers become more efficient, more secure and more successful.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released the first edition of Tourism in Focus, a new series of monthly publications designed to capture key tourism trends and developments across the Asia Pacific region and present such crucial information in a concise, accessible format.

Published under the tagline ‘Insights for a Meaningful Pacific Asia Tourism Economy’, the series delivers timely, data-driven intelligence on how travel and tourism are shaping national economies and industry priorities. It will inspect a wide range of tourism segments, including activity-based, cultural, experiential, health and wellness, special interest, and purpose-driven tourism.

“It is with pride that I introduce the Tourism in Focus series,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “This initiative, crafted in alignment with the Association’s Strategy 2030, enhances PATA’s commitment to equipping members and the wider industry with knowledge of emerging trends, innovations, and opportunities that will shape the future of travel and tourism.”

Mr. Hamid added, “With each edition, Tourism in Focus will present insights shared by a diverse range of PATA partners and expert members, reflecting the richness of perspectives across our network. By working together, we aim to keep the industry informed and ready for what comes next.”

The debut edition, titled The Future of Travel is Personal, Playful, and Profound: What Marketers Must Embrace Next for Travel, was produced in partnership with TripAdvisor, a long-time PATA partner and one of the world’s leading online travel platforms.

The complimentary publication is now available on the PATA Catalog. Interested PATA Members are invited to contact PM[@]PATA[.]org for more information on how to become part of this initiative.

Advertising opportunities are available in the publication. For more information, contact Phimphika Artthakhan (Fon), Manager – Strategic Partner Relations, PATA, at Phimphika[at]PATA[.]org.

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Geneva, Switzerland, July 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Director General Daren Tang welcomed the biggest-ever contingent of delegates to a WIPO Assemblies meeting on Tuesday, calling for collective action to ensure that the global intellectual property (IP) ecosystem continues to evolve in supporting the world’s innovators and creators.

In opening the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO: Sixty-Sixth Series of Meetings, Mr. Tang addressed some 1,600 registered delegates, many at the ministerial level, while reporting on WIPO’s sound finances and offering a proposed 2026-27 work plan for consideration and action by delegates.

Mr. Tang welcomed the Federated States of Micronesia as WIPO’s 194th member state and called on delegates to work together to further advance their work in ensuring that IP supports economic, cultural and social growth around the world.

“In these troubled times, it is more important than ever to remind ourselves of what we share in common and what unites us. And here at WIPO what brings us together is our belief in the human spirit of imagination, invention, innovation and creativity,” said Mr. Tang, who thanked Ambassador Alfredo Suescum, Panama’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, for his leadership as Chair of the WIPO General Assembly.

“This is the spirit that gave us fire, the wheel, agriculture, medicine and science. In more recent times, it has driven the creation of the internet, new modes of transport and communication and the breakthroughs we’re now witnessing in medicine and artificial intelligence,” he said, adding: “As the global IP community, our common responsibility to humankind is to nurture this spirit. For in doing so, we are not merely protecting ideas – we are advancing what is fundamental to the human race.”

Between July 8-17, 2025, delegates will review the Organization’s recent performance, work to fine-tune the treaties and global IP registries administered by WIPO that spread innovation and creativity around the world and consider for adoption the proposed 2026-27 program of work and budget.

Despite challenges and headwinds, global innovation activity remains resilient, Mr. Tang said: Every minute, more than 40 IP applications are filed somewhere in the world.

It’s among the indicators, he said, illustrating a shift in value from tangible assets like factories to intangible assets, like data, software and brands as countries and enterprises innovate, create and digitalize. WIPO estimates that the global value of intangible assets has reached almost US$80 trillion last year, more than the size of the world’s largest economies put together, he said.

Through WIPO’s filing services that help individuals and enterprises spread their IP into overseas markets, revenues in 2024 reached nearly CHF500 million. Investment gains totaled CHF74 million and WIPO closed the year with a surplus of CHF140 million, Mr. Tang said.

Mr. Tang reviewed WIPO’s recent efforts across its four main pillars of work, noting that WIPO’s programs, projects and support had reached 400,000 youth, 300,000 women and 200,000 SMEs in the past four years – groups traditionally under-represented in the use of the global IP system.

WIPO’s international filings through the Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid System (for trademarks) and Hague System (designs) all returned to growth last year, and that the Organization marked a major milestone in registering the five-millionth PCT application, said Mr. Tang.

“With your support, we have undertaken a journey of transformation at WIPO and also at the global IP ecosystem to make IP relevant, concrete and visible for all, ensuring that IP is not just for the few, but for the many,” said Mr. Tang.

“We can be proud that we as the global IP community have touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, but there are many more who need our help and support to bring their ideas to the market and make their aspirations come alive.”

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Phuket, Thailand, July 9, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Chalong Bay, Thailand’s pioneering craft rum distillery, proudly announces the launch of its Limited Pride Edition rum, a special release commemorating the landmark legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand. This initiative marks Chalong Bay as the first Thai spirit brand to champion the LGBTQ+ community.

This meaningful endeavor was inspired by Chinavich Ratanachinakorn (P’Lek), co-owner of Chalong Bay and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. P’Lek envisioned this special edition as a powerful statement of support and a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms.

“At Chalong Bay, our craft is also our voice.” says P’Lek, Co-Owner. “The legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand is a monumental step forward, and we are proud to release our Limited Pride Edition rum as a testament to our belief in equality, respect, and the freedom to love without boundaries.”

The Chalong Bay Limited Pride Edition rum is a testament to the distillery’s unwavering dedication to quality and sustainability. It’s meticulously crafted from 100% natural, organic Thai sugarcane, hand-harvested without burning in partnership with local farmers who cultivate their land sustainably. During distillation in Chalong Bay’s traditional French copper still, the sugarcane wine is infused with the fresh zest of hand-peeled Thai lime, extracting the purest natural expression of the fruit with no additives or flavorings.

This special release is more than just a bottle of rum; it’s a heartfelt embodiment of Chalong Bay’s core values: honoring Thai heritage, supporting local communities, championing sustainability, and preserving the natural environment.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

Beyond celebrating this historic milestone, Chalong Bay is proud to announce that 3% of the revenue from every bottle of the Chalong Bay Pride Edition rum sold will be donated directly to Apcom, a leading Asia and Pacific LGBTQ+ community network. This contribution will help support Apcom’s vital work in promoting human rights, health, and well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals across the region, focusing on areas such as advocacy, capacity building, and community empowerment.

Experience the Chalong Bay Pride Edition

Ready to celebrate love and equality with a delicious cocktail? The Chalong Bay Pride Edition rum is available at a selection of premier establishments, including Sundry Bar, Pickle Bar, Skyview Hotel Bangkok, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai and Kyma Beach Club Phuket. You can also purchase your own bottle to enjoy at home from King Power stores, Central Food Hall, and selected Villa Market supermarkets.

Be sure to keep up with our social media pages for the latest updates on where to find Chalong Bay Pride Edition cocktails and bottles near you!

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Phuket, Thailand, July 8, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / TOP25 Restaurants, the world’s first AI-powered dining guide, proudly joins forces with Tambu, Phuket’s award-winning rooftop restaurant, for the ‘City & Island’ 8-hands dinner on 24 July 2025. This landmark event unites Bangkok’s culinary vanguard with Phuket’s rising stars, each honored in the TOP25 Restaurants guide.

Set beneath the canopy of Tambu’s Mughal-inspired rooftop tented palace, City & Island brings together four of Thailand’s most visionary chefs for a for a one-night celebration of Thailand’s most dynamic food destinations. The stellar lineup brings together Phuket’s culinary trailblazers Chef Saurabh Sachdeva of Tambu, an Iron Chef Thailand winner renowned for reimagining North Indian flavours over charcoal, and Chef Tammasak Chootong (Chef Noi) of Suay, a pioneer of contemporary Thai cuisine rooted in local tradition. From Bangkok, Chef Aom Sujira Pongmorn of Khaan delivers her signature progressive Thai fine dining, while Chef Haikal Johari of the Michelin-starred Avant brings a polished, modern take on Southeast Asian flavours.

“We’re proud to unite an exceptional lineup of chefs and restaurants, each bringing their unique talent and vision to craft a truly memorable experience,” said Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants. “We hope guests will savour not only the exceptional cuisine, but also the warm ambiance and world-class hospitality that make Phuket one of Asia’s most exciting dining destinations.”

With only a limited number of seats available, early reservations are strongly recommended to be part of this exclusive culinary event.

Please email info@tambuphuket.com or call +66 95 834 7208 to book your table or for further details.

About Tambu
Located in a breathtaking rooftop ‘tented palace’ at Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery, Tambu reimagines the opulence of India’s Mughal era through the culinary mastery of Iron Chef Saurabh Sachdeva. Overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by lush mountains, Tambu offers a unique dining experience with seating for 50 guests that blends the richness of North-Indian heritage with modern charcoal cuisine techniques. Each dish, crafted with premium ingredients and the finesse of open-flame cooking, tells a story of flavour, tradition, and innovation. Tambu Phuket is featured in the Michelin Guide and is open daily from 6pm – 11pm with weekend lunch from 12pm – 2.30pm (Sat & Sun) For information and reservations, please contact:

Website: www.tambuphuket.com
Email: info@tambuphuket.com
Phone: +66 (0)95 834 7208

About TOP25 Restaurants
TOP25 Restaurants is the World’s First AI-Powered restaurant guide. It is the only independent, global rating system based on artificial intelligence enhanced by human expertise and discernment. This dynamic synergy not only ensures unparalleled accuracy but enriches the curation process with a depth of understanding and nuance unparalleled elsewhere. The annual TOP25 Restaurants Awards celebrates the most outstanding restaurants and showcases the ultimate collection of dining venues in each destination. TOP25 Restaurants is owned by Travelindex Group, a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning travelers and tourists. In addition to Phuket, Travelindex Group also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao, Shanghai, Delhi and Dubai. www.top25restaurants.com

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Phuket, Thailand, July 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Couples, families and solo explorers invited to discover the hidden treasures of the Andaman Sea through exclusive island-hopping excursions, rich cultural experiences, and immersive activities to connect with this idyllic destination.

The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, the secluded five-star sanctuary nestled on a tropical island in the Andaman Sea, is inviting experience-seeking travelers to get away from the everyday and unwind in paradise with a wide range of inspiring natural and cultural activities, all surrounded by pure white sands, clear turquoise seas, and lush, green forest.

Escape is reimagined with unparalleled luxury, tranquility, and exclusivity at The Naka Island, Phuket. From the moment guests are warmly welcomed at the Lobby Lounge with refreshing drinks, their journey begins with a scenic five-minute private speedboat ride from Ao Po Grand Marina to the resort. Nestled in lush island surroundings, the resort features 90 elegant rooms, stunning suites, and private pool villas—each offering a secluded sanctuary where guests can unwind, recharge, and create unforgettable memories.

This hidden gem offers a gateway to bespoke experiences that capture the true essence of the destination. Couples, families, and solo explorers are invited to indulge in carefully curated journeys tailored to their individual passions. Excursions to the pristine islands of Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea—including the iconic Maya Bay, immortalized by The Beach, and the legendary James Bond Island—promise moments of serene exploration, with ample opportunities to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Elevate your stay with exclusive experiences – from the Naka Garden Tour to learn about the native plants, learn the art of Thai cuisine with an expert-led Naka Cooking Demonstration or private cooking class, to discover the techniques of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national martial art. Kayaking tours let wildlife lovers explore the mesmerizing mangrove forests, which teem with birdlife, and a passion for nature can also be sparked with bird watching trips to spot the 57-plus species of feathered friends that live in and around the resort. For those seeking encounters with Thailand’s larger animals, a tour of the ethical Phuket Elephant Park is a wonderful way to see these majestic animals roaming freely, as they would do in the wild.

Couples can indulge in moments of mindfulness with singing bowl meditation and yoga sessions, and soothing therapies are available at Spa Naka, an oasis of wellness with tranquil treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and an invigorating ice room, all surrounded by nature to inspire a sense of deep wellbeing. The resort’s fitness center is open 24/7 for productive workouts. Guests can also unwind in the large main pool with breathtaking views or the serene half-moon-shaped Sala Pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Naturally, the soft, sandy beach and turquoise sea provide the perfect place to stroll, sit, and splash, surrounded by the tropical beauty of Naka Yai Island.

For families, our Kids Club is a vibrant and thoughtfully designed haven where young guests can delight in endless hours of curated fun. The bright, inviting space features a variety of toys, books, and an indoor playroom complete with climbing frames and a ball pool. Older children are engaged through interactive games, puzzles, and imaginative role-play, while a meticulously crafted daily program sparks creativity—with activities ranging from enchanting hermit crab explorations along the sandy beach to elegant handicrafts such as fan painting. Every detail is designed to nurture young minds in a safe, luxurious environment.

As the day fades into a breathtaking sunset, couples can toast to cherished moments against the horizon’s glow, then indulge in intimate dining experiences at our exquisite restaurants and bars. Here, masterful chefs artfully transform the finest local and seasonal ingredients into exceptional Thai and international masterpieces, crafting unforgettable culinary memories to savor together.

Nestled on the northwest shore of Naka Yai Island, facing the Andaman Sea, The Naka Island, Phuket is an idyllic paradise that sets the stage for truly unparalleled adventures, from family vacations to solo escapes, romantic getaways, and heavenly honeymoons – or any opportunity to escape the stress and strain of daily life and experience a truly extraordinary tropical island vacation.

Under the “Experience Dining” package, guests can enjoy a rewarding getaway at The Naka Island, Phuket, including luxurious accommodation, daily breakfast and set dinner for two, complimentary Wi-Fi, curated resort activities and roundtrip speedboat transfers for check-in, check-out and transfers throughout the day, available from 06:30 to 19:45. This exclusive offer is valid from now until December 22, 2025.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Join Chai Jia Chai in July for two dinners as we embark on an epic food journey with Chef Naka Xiong from Odette, Singapore.

Together with Chef Tsai Shih Wei from Chai Jia Chai, we will traverse the varied cuisine styles in the Chinese spectrum, with rare ingredients inspired by the famed Manchu-Han banquet dining. Head Sommelier Lesley Liu will also fly in to curate and wow us with her wine pairing.

Alongside the culinary finesse that is synonymous with Odette, magic awaits us all.

Date: 12 & 13 July, 6.30pm
Venue: Chai Jia Chai, Sukhumvit 31
Limited seats at 16,800++ THB

Culinary Team

Host: Chef Tsai Shih Wei, Chef Owner of Chai Jia Chai
Flying in from Odette, Singapore
Naka Xiong, Chef de Cuisine
Lesley Liu, Head Sommelier

Respective Profiles

Though his parents disagreed, Shih Wei went ahead to pursue his dream in cooking. He cut, prepped, washed and cleared clogged sinks daily in his first kitchen job in Zhujiang Banquet, a restaurant in Taipei. Most importantly, he learnt as much as he yearned for, to grow as fast as he could, as the restaurant served up to 300 tables daily.

When Shih Wei found a delicious dish, he would try to be an apprentice and learn from the master chef. “Back then, there were only books and apprenticeship and from them, I learn”

His memorable first dish was the preserved radish omelette. A fire from an unplanned union of oil and water, burned the egg and some of his hair!

Shih Wei ventured internationally in 2015, taking kitchen positions in Australia, Poland and China. He ascended the kitchen hierarchy and was given a leadership position exactly two decades after his fiery radish omelette moment. Finally, the stars aligned and Chef Tsai Shih Wei opened his first restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand.

A Continuous Odyssey

Chai Jia Chai opened in 2021 on Sukhumvit Soi 31 in downtown Bangkok. The first “Chai” in the name is his name, the second means dishes and Jia means home. As the name resonates, it is like coming to Chef’s home to enjoy food/dishes.

However, from within the walls of his first restaurant (or home), a comprehensive food journey sails off as diners traverse the wide spectrum of Chinese cuisine.

Treasured and challenging ingredients like sturgeon bone and tendon, dried dragon giant grouper skin are presented in dishes and recipes that were once reserved for royalty. Not limiting himself to only one genre, Chef Tsai aims to maximise the experiences gained from his apprenticeships and to enlighten everyone on the depth and breadth of Chinese culinary repertoire.

Lesley is an accomplished sommelier with a distinguished career in fine dining across Asia. Currently Head Sommelier at the three-Michelin-starred Odette, she brings over a decade of experience from renowned establishments including Maison Lameloise Shanghai and Le Moût.

Lesley is the 2025 Tatler Best Sommelier and a two-time champion of Sopexa Singapore’s Best Sommelier in French Wines.

Holding an Advanced Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, she is also certified in French, Spanish, and Italian wine specializations.

Known for her calm leadership and deep wine knowledge, Lesley continues to be a respected voice in the Asian sommelier community.

A Singapore native, Sheng Xiong or Chef Naka Xiong has spent over a decade under Chef Julien’s leadership, rising the ranks to be the Chef de Cuisine at Odette. Sheng Xiong grew up close to the ocean, spending weekends helping out at his father’s local fish farm and taking regular fishing trips around neighbouring islands. This nurtured an innate love for the sea, fostering a passion for seafood and ethical practices he still carries with him today.

In 2010, he started out as a trainee at Brasserie Les Saveurs in St. Regis Hotel Singapore, where he first met Chef Julien Royer, eventually moving with him to JAAN and working his way up the ranks.

Sheng Xiong has been with the team since Odette’s inception, bringing a proficiency and direction to service and support with the on-going menu R&D. Under the tutelage of Chef Julien, he has honed a culinary approach rooted in simplicity, informed by his Asian heritage and modern French training.

Beyond Odette’s annual four hands series, he has also supported Chef Julien on numerous international culinary events and experiences, including the St. Moritz Gourmet Festival in Switzerland,

Chef Daniel Boulud’s annual Sunday Supper fundraiser for Citymeals on Wheels in New York, and most recently Le Dîner des Grands Chefs held at l’Abbaye de Collonges. He also represented Chef Julien in Odette’s first overseas residency program in Maldives in 2022.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Tuxedo Espresso Bar invites you to escape the ordinary with A Touch of Magic Afternoon Tea, a whimsical new experience that captures the charm of delicate patisseries and savory creations crafted to delight all senses. Inspired by timeless elegance and a hint of wonder, each element in this carefully curated set brings a magical twist to your afternoon indulgence.

Savor the playful harmony of savory delights, starting with Ricotta Citrus Waffles, mini waffles layered with creamy ricotta, yuzu, and lemon, topped with fresh grapes and orange. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the Ham & Cheese Sandwich. For a touch of boldness, the Smoked Duck & Berry Choux combines savory duck with fresh berries and green apple, balanced by a refreshing hint of lime caviar. The Golden Chicken Pie, a buttery homemade pastry filled with hearty chicken, completes this savory ensemble.

Complementing the savory selection are scones. The Lemon & Chia Scone, served with clotted cream and lemon glaze, offers a bright, citrusy bite.

Sweet lovers will be captivated by the artistry of each dessert. Indulge in the Chocolate Dice Bliss, a cube-shaped financier cake filled with luscious chocolate cream, or the Golden Wings Delight, a delicate chocolate shell filled with layers of cream cheese, peanut butter, and crunchy Florentine crumbs. The Choux au Pearly features blueberry mousse and diplomat cream in a refined éclair. Don’t miss The Art of Magic—a macaron with a subtly sweet and aromatic green tea filling.

The show-stopping centerpiece, Magic Hat, features a chocolate dome that unveils a hidden green tea opera cake, bringing a touch of theatrical flair to your table.

A Touch of Magic Afternoon Tea is priced at THB 1,380++ per set for two persons and THB 880++ per set for one person. Each set includes a pot of TWG tea or freshly brewed coffee. Enhance your magical moment with a glass of bubbly for just THB 200++.

Select creations from the set are also available à la carte, perfect for a touch of indulgence anytime:

• Chocolate Dice Bliss (THB 250++)
• Golden Wings Delight (THB 250++)
• Magic Hat (THB 250++)
• Choux au Pearly (THB 240++)

Available from 1 July – 31 October 2025, between 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Step into a world of flavor and fantasy—only at Tuxedo Espresso Bar

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

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Cam Ranh, Vietnam, July 5, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Anam Group is breaking into unchartered territory in Vietnam’s hospitality industry with artificial intelligence (AI) that rapidly yet comprehensively responds to website users’ questions in real-time, 24/7, in roughly 150 languages.

With resorts The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne, and large multipurpose convention centre Axi Plaza under its umbrella, the luxury hospitality brand has joined forces with a United States-based company to harness technology that combines the latest innovations from OpenAi and Google.

Sitting in the bottom right-hand corner of every website page, the website theanam.com’s chat function directly interfaces with The Anam Group’s vast property management system and its wealth of information.

Website users are permitted to ask any question related to a potential stay at either The Anam Cam Ranh or The Anam Mui Ne, ranging from the availability of accommodation to suit their needs, to dining experiences on offer, to the depth of the hotel pools and much more. The chat function instantly responds with accurate and quality responses.

The Anam Group’s commercial director Martin Koerner said the independently owned and operated group was the first in Vietnam to embrace such technology “already blowing the stereotype of chatbots failing to actually answer your question out of the water”.

“This AI technology is a game-changer for how people determine whether they will book a holiday with us when they come to our website,” Mr Koerner said. “Rather than, for example, having to trawl through our accommodation categories to determine what may suit their needs, such as the size of their family, and then checking if there is availability on given dates, they can garner a comprehensive answer straight away.”

Mr Koerner said the chat function was also “incredibly warm and friendly” in its delivery of information, offering helpful yet non-intrusive alternatives, as well as kind greetings such as, at the end of a response, a small phrase in Vietnamese followed by a translation in the users’ native language.

“We are using the latest in AI to deliver good ol’ fashioned Vietnamese hospitality; in this case, providing accurate and comprehensive information to serve the needs of our potential guests, and guests too, on our website.”

In response to the ongoing debate about AI replacing humans, Mr Koerner said that humans were still required to oversee the technology and continually update the property management system to ensure the chat function’s responses were up to date.

In addition to giving The Anam Group the edge on the internet, the technology also allows its staff, who would otherwise be answering questions via the phone and email that the chat function can answer, to instead focus on other priorities such as serving guests in person.

“The AI’s profound capacity to communicate in roughly 150 languages also removes any potential communication barriers between our staff and potential customers around the globe,” Mr Koerner said.

AI also currently handles messaging involving The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne’s Facebook, Instagram and website message boxes.

Within the next few months The Anam Group also plans to roll out AI to comprehensively answer, in any language, in-house guests’ questions via WhatsApp.

About The Anam Group 

After the auspicious debut of The Anam Cam Ranh in 2017, the independently owned and operated The Anam Group celebrated the grand opening of its second property, The Anam Mui Ne, in January 2023, and multipurpose convention centre Axi Plaza in Cam Ranh in April, 2024.

With “Indochine Charm” and “Modern Luxury” as its watchwords, the group blends colonial-era aesthetics and attentive Vietnamese service with modern comforts and convenience. “The Anam” today is a reference to another name, “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era.

The Anam Cam Ranh overlooks 300 metres of beachfront on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula, which averages more than 300 sunny days per year. The luxurious five-star resort boasts 77 villas and 136 rooms and suites. The Anam Cam Ranh features a French-inspired fine dining restaurant, all-day dining restaurant, a Vietnamese restaurant and bar, a classical bar, a beach club, in-room dining, a 10 treatment-room spa, indoor and outdoor movie theatres, three capacious swimming pools, ballroom, conference rooms, recreation and fitness centre, a tennis court, yoga room and deck, kids club, putting green, onsite sustainable farm, gift shop and more.

Like its predecessor The Anam Cam Ranh, The Anam Mui Ne’s design is also an echo out of Vietnam’s Indochine era. Situated in southern Vietnam’s popular beach town Mui Ne, the 1.2 hectare beachfront resort affords spectacular ocean vistas and features 127 elegant rooms and suites, including seven 142sqm suites with private pools and a 122sqm presidential suite with an extra room for the bodyguards. Its dining landscape comprises an all-day dining restaurant and grill, beachside restaurant and bar, and lobby bar. A five-treatment room spa, two vast swimming pools, a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club and gift shop are among the resort’s host of world-class facilities.

With a design inspired by Vietnam’s iconic basket boat, Axi Plaza is a game changer for Cam Ranh and MICE offerings on Vietnam’s coastline due to its distinctive architecture and design, and spectacular beachfront location. Adjacent to The Anam Cam Ranh, Axi Plaza offers a vast state-of-the-art conference hall, a 360-degree rooftop venue, stunning outdoor beachfront event space, about 10,000sqm dedicated to shopping and dining outlets, and more.

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Bangkok, Thailand, July 3, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Recently, The Alliance Network—an international organization specializing in hospitality management, the food industry, and culinary arts education with members in 22 countries across all continents, including Turkey, Canada, Cyprus, France, Mexico, Finland, Chile, Cameroon, Singapore, Malta, the United States, Greece, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Lebanon, South Korea, and Thailand—hosted the Sustainability in Hospitality Contest 2025.

This global competition challenged students from member countries to present innovative business ideas aimed at building a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Dusit Thani College students rose to the occasion, triumphing over international peers to claim both the Grand Prize and Runner-Up Award.

Grand Prize: “SHINRAI” Presented by first-year students from the Professional Culinary Arts (International Program)—Ms. Sirin Nantaprayoon, Ms. Runchana Thumthan, and Mr. Phichayut Saechiam—the project embodied the principles of Zero-Waste Gastronomy. By blending Japanese culinary techniques with locally sourced Thai ingredients, the team proposed a fine-dining experience that minimizes food waste, supports small-scale producers, and reduces carbon emissions, all while telling a deeply rooted regional story through cuisine.

Runner-Up: “Re-leaf” This project was developed by Mr. Kullakola Kuramarohit (Hospitality Management, International Program) alongside Mr. Nattawat Theeraloetphanit, and Ms. Kanthima Mongkolyong (Professional Culinary Arts, International Program). Their concept introduced a new model of sustainable wellness tourism in Chiang Rai, Thailand, through an eco-conscious farm-stay experience. Integrating traditional healing wisdom with circular economy principles, the project aims to empower local communities and offer travelers an authentic, immersive connection to place.

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