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Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok Launches Premium Thai Local Food Menu

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Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok Launches Premium Thai Local Food Menu - TRAVELINDEX

Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok Launches Premium Thai Local Food Menu - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok unveils an all-new concept menu rooted in the essence of Thai local comfort food, using premium, fresh ingredients from across the country in support of the Thai farm community.

The restaurant reimagines time-honored homemade recipes, elevating the vibrant and diverse identity of Thai cuisine with bold flavors that evoke both culinary depth and childhood memories. Internationally renowned traditional Thai classics are presented with a contemporary twist, delighting both local cuisine enthusiasts and foreigners seeking = authenticity within the restaurant’s stylish surroundings.

Crafted by Chef ‘Lek’ Wichian Trirattanavatin, Executive Chef at Jim Thompson, these dishes celebrate the ‘Thai Way of Eating’, served all at once to be shared among family and friends. Jim’s Terrace creates a lively dining experience filled with comforting flavors, where eating together becomes a lasting memory.

Highlights from the Menu

Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok reimagines classic Thai dishes using organic produce and meticulous culinary craft.

Sai Krok Isaan presents Thai pork sausage fermented with renowned garlic from Phetchaburi, mixed with high-quality jasmine rice from Sisaket. The sausage is served with side vegetables, cabbage, fresh ginger, peanuts, and herbs. Northeastern Crispy Fried Seabass Laab spicy salad is enhanced with toasted rice powder and local herbs, and served with fresh, organic vegetables that bring vibrant flavors to every bite. The dish features locally sourced sea bass from small-scale fishermen along the Gulf and Andaman Sea.

Sweetened Kurobuta pork belly and fresh local vegetables make the perfect accompaniment to Thai Classic Boat Chili Dip with Salted Duck Egg. Made with premium shrimp paste from Rayong, the dip is a reinterpretation of the classic Rattanakosin-era chili dip. Grilled Beef Brisket serves local premium meats sourced from various regions across Thailand, including Jasmine Wagyu from Khon Kaen, Ratchaburi, and Korat’s Pak Chong. Grilled to perfection, this meat lover’s delight comes with a bold northeastern-style dipping sauce.

Internationally recognized as a beloved chicken soup for its balanced creaminess and spice, Tom Kha Gai uses tender and flavorful Korat free-range chicken, blended in coconut galangal soup with local mushrooms, Bang Chang dried chili for its distinctive aroma, and topped with fresh coriander. Thai pork belly stew, Moo Palo, uses premium Kurobuta, a black pork known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, served with an organic duck egg. The aromatic broth is crafted from Jim Thompson’s signature blend of seven spices featuring both black and green cardamon, creating a deeply fragrant flavor. Inspired by the chef’s hometown of Ban Don in Surat Thani, Southern Thai Pork Neck Curry with Heart of Palm and Sweet Basil features tender Kurobuta pork neck from Northern Thailand, paired harmoniously with aromatic Southern curry paste and young coconut.

Authentic Thai curries are well represented with the Chiang Mai classic Khao Soi Gai. Crafted with fresh organic noodles made daily, and tender free-range chicken, the rich curry broth is enhanced by a unique twist of adding fermented soybeans (Thua Nao) from Northern Thailand for a nutty aroma, and premium shrimp paste from Rayong for added depth. The dish is served sizzling in a hot pan to preserve both flavor and warmth. Pad Thai Muang Chan with Wild Prawns is made using authentic Chanthaburi rice noodles, naturally gluten-free and known for their delicate texture. Tossed with crispy dried shrimp from Ang Sila and wok-fried in Jim Thompson’s classic Pad Thai sauce, this rich noodle dish is presented with tofu, bean sprouts, and complete with fresh wild prawns.

Select desserts from the Sweet Endings section include Bread with Ice Cream and Thai Red Syrup. This popular Thai dessert features soft bread topped with the homemade ‘ice cream of the day’, and drizzled with Thai red syrup — a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet childhood memories.

The accompanying beverage selection includes craft and local beers, wines, signature mocktails and cocktails featuring native Thai fruits, herbs, and floral infusions, a Royal Project Thai Coffee and tea menu, and Kad Kokoa, single-origin locally-sourced Thai chocolate served hot or cold.

Jim’s Terrace One Bangkok is located at The Storeys, G floor at One Bangkok. Open Daily from 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM (Last Order 08:00 PM)

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

An Evening with Sybille Kuntz – For the First Time in Bangkok

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An Evening with Sybille Kuntz - For the First Time in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEX

An Evening with Sybille Kuntz - For the First Time in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok’s wine scene is about to welcome a true icon: Sybille Kuntz, one of the most visionary voices in German Riesling, will be the guest of honor at an exclusive dinner at Baan Phraya, the Mandarin Oriental’s intimate riverside dining venue.

Guests will be guided through a tasting journey of Sybille’s dry Mosel Rieslings—from Qualitätswein to Trockenbeerenauslese—paired with a specially curated menu in a stunning Chao Phraya setting.

A rare chance to experience the full expression of her biodynamic, age-worthy wines in the presence of the woman behind them.

The Wines

Welcome Drink & Appetizers
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Qualitätswein Trocken

Cold Starter
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Kabinett Trocken

Hot Starter
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Spätlese Trocken

Chef’s Special
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Auslese Feinherb

Main Course
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Beerenauslese Edelsüß

Desserts
Sybille Kuntz Mosel Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese

 

More info

When: May 19th at 6:00 PM
Price: THB 6,500++
Reservations: guillaume[at]thewinemerchant.co.th

LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Europe’s Largest Hostel Chain Appoints New Head of Online Marketing

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Europe's Largest Hostel Chain Appoints New Head of Online Marketing - TRAVELINDEXBerlin, Germany, May 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / a&o Hostels have announced the appointment of Thomas Hertkorn as the Head of Online Marketing, with the expert in performance and data-based strategies returning to the company after five years to take up his former position. Thomas, 40, is once again responsible for the digital marketing strategy of Europe’s largest budget group.

Speaking on his appointment, Thomas Hertkorn said: “there is hardly anything more exciting than the digital transformation in an industry such as the hotel industry, which is traditionally based on personal service”. When asked what his goal and vision is for a&o, Hertkorn said: “achieving even better results with intelligent systems.”

The marketing specialist is returning to a&o Hostels having previously been responsible for online brand communications between 2017 and 2020. Phillip Winter, Chief Marketing Officer at a&o Hostels, said: “With Thomas Hertkorn, we are gaining back an expert who combines innovation with measurability. Together, we will further increase a&o’s competitiveness and use artificial intelligence in a targeted manner where it creates significant added value for guests and processes.”

Hertkorn started his career at the Berlin digital agency Peak Ace and has held several positions in various B2C and B2B markets, most recently as Head of Sales and Lead AI Innovations. More than 15 years of digital marketing expertise at agency and company level shape Hertkorn’s view of technology, with a particular focus on AI developments: “it is always important to find the right balance between responsibility and risk, opportunities and limits, efficiency and transparency”, said Hertkorn. The “passionate digital transformer” also talks up the importance of a “necessary dynamic balance” through constant learning, further training and staying up to date with the most current trends and industry developments.

Artificial intelligence, added value, a&o Club

Optimised guest experiences and customer interactions, increased efficiency and new, sustainable and flexible services and business models are also constant challenges for Europe’s leading budget group a&o, who operate 42 hotels in ten European countries. “Just under three million guests last year is proof for us that we are successfully using new technologies such as mobile booking routes or AI-supported customer care while at the same time meeting local expectations in terms of service and quality”, said Phillip Winter. Regarding the digital marketing strategy, Thomas Hertkorn sees the following aspects, among others, as key success factors:

  • Personalisation and interaction: targeted communication across the entire customer journey;
  • Address quality and frequency: providing relevant content, with the right timing and scalable implementation;
  • Use of large language models (LLMs): AI-supported text generation for flexible campaigns, user interaction and conversion rate optimisation.

With regards customer orientation in particular, Hertkorn is relying on a changed understanding of digital decision-making processes: “In view of the limited targeting options for Google Ads, the increasing influence of AI agents on traditional search paths and the declining visibility due to AI overviews, we need new metrics and data-based optimisation that is geared towards AI-driven user behaviour”, he said.

At the same time, the a&o Club is being significantly expanded to target regular guests with personalised offers.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Unveils Viva la Fiesta

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, crowning Thailand’s first INNSiDE by Meliá hotel, has introduced a “Viva la Fiesta” experience replete with guest DJs, live percussionists, a giant pan of paella, and sweeping views of Bangkok’s skyline by night.

Viva la Fiesta, which means ‘long live the party’ in Spanish, is staged every Wednesday from 7 pm until late at the authentic Spanish tapas bar on INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit’s 33rd and 34th floors.

Spanish Chef de Cuisine, Madrid-born Juan Ignacio García Racionero, who has honed his craft in some of Spain’s top kitchens, has crafted a menu that celebrates Spain’s famed gastronomy. Dishes range from ‘Pulpo A Feira’ comprising octopus with potatoes and spicy paprika and ‘Chanquetes fritos’ made up of fried fish with fried eggs and roasted peppers to ‘Croquetas de ternera y tartar de tuna’ featuring oxtail croquettes paired with fresh tuna tartar.

Other menu highlights include ‘Plato de jamon’, Iberian ham served with tomato-rubbed bread, and the Spanish omelette with creamy potato foam with truffle and Idiazabal cheese. Chef Racionero fires up his show-stopping giant pan of paella with rotating flavours such as seafood, pork, chicken and vegetables including mushrooms and Padrón peppers.

Tapas are accompanied by fun cocktails such as ‘Agua de Valencia’ concocted with freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, vodka and gin, and Spanish favourite Sangria.

In addition to live percussionists, the guest DJs spin Spanish-modern house and tribal beats weekly. As part of the event’s playful Spanish night theme, the optional dress code is red, black or bold, with a complimentary signature drink for the best-dressed guest in red and black attire.

LUZ has quickly gained a reputation as ‘the place to be’ since its September 15, 2023 debut. LUZ offers authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails, signature sangrias, spirits, mocktails, spirits and more. In a spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, diners on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s 34th floor infinity pool.

Before joining INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the Madrid-born chef worked at one Michelin-starred Saddle as well as Diverxo, recognized in the top three ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ in 2023, and acclaimed restaurants El Jardin De La Marquina and Montellen.

By night the hotel’s 34th floor, featuring a pool bar, transparent infinity pool, and rooftop terrace dotted with outdoor lounges, sunbeds and a compelling contemporary interpretation of Bangkok’s Brahman structure The Giant Swing, all become an upper-floor extension of 33rd floor LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar. The 33rd tapas bar’s design, including its striking angled lines and cabling, pay tribute to another iconic Bangkok landmark, Rama VIII Bridge.

About Meliá Hotels International

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

About INNSiDE by Meliá

INNSiDE is a collection of unique urban and beach hotels designed for those with curious minds and fluid lives. Always true to their destination, they give guests the freedom to connect or disconnect among an independent community of like-minded travellers.

INNSiDE provides guests with all the everyday essentials and extra-special details to make their stay all the more unique. From in-room comforts to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness studios, we allow guests to feel more-than-at-home.

Sustainability is also packed into all the little details: every room is equipped with paper and plastic-free collateral and complimentary organic cosmetics. INNSiDE celebrates the culture of each of its locations with an events calendar, handy city guides for guests, and by spotlighting a local artist’s work across the hotel walls and onto merchandise and staff uniforms.

There are currently 38 INNSiDE by Meliá properties worldwide, with the brand continuing to expand its global footprint. All properties are located in the best lifestyle neighbourhood travel destinations. Some of them are Spain (Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Fuerteventura, Zaragoza), United Kingdom (Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester), United States (New York, Lima), Germany (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Munich, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Aachen, Leipzig, Hamburg) Czech Republic (Prague), France (Paris), Italy (Milano), China (Zhengzhou), Indonesia (Yogyakarta), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) and Netherlands (Amsterdam) .

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Gen Z Is Rewriting the Travel Playbook

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Gen Z Is Rewriting the Travel Playbook - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 18, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / With no shortage of hospitality and tourism industry events on the calendar, it takes something exceptional to stand out. That’s exactly what Travel Daily Media delivered at its debut TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit—an energizing, content-rich gathering that brought together over 250 senior travel, tourism, and hospitality leaders from across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Held at the Montien Surawong Hotel and co-organized with Charlton Media Group, the one-day summit impressed not only with its flawless logistics but with its forward-thinking agenda, sharp moderation, and meaningful conversations. From the opening keynote to the final panel, the event moved with purpose—and a clear eye on the future.

Among the most forward-looking sessions was “The Role of Gen Z in the Interconnected Future of Travel” which explored how this rising generation of travelers is reshaping expectations across hospitality, experience design, and sustainability.

Moderated by Patrick Cronin, Vice President of MEAPAC Hotel Sourcing at HBX Group, the panel featured:

Ms. Wyn Liu, CEO of Discova
Ms. Nid Wongphanlert, Managing Owner of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts
Mr. Benjamin Rujopakarn, Editor-in-Chief of Thailand NOW

Digital Fluency and Meaningful Messaging

Nid stressed the importance of owning and curating a brand’s digital presence. “Yes, work with KOLs,” she said, “but your own social media must be current, engaging, and easily found.” In an attention economy, visibility equals viability.

Wyn emphasized Gen Z’s increasing demand for transparency and meaning. “There’s a lot of noise,” she said. “They care about impact, but they need to see where their money is going.” At Discova, that means clearly communicating how community-based tourism benefits local stakeholders.

Nid elaborated on 137 Pillars’ sustainability pillars: environmental action, CSR programs aligned with brand values, and strong commitments to local procurement. These aren’t slogans, she noted—they’re operational principles.

A Voice of Vision and Innovation

Mr. Benjamin Rujopakarn, who earlier in the day led a compelling fireside chat titled “Catching the Next Wave of Thai Tourism” brought depth and imagination to the Gen Z panel as well. Representing Thailand NOW, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official digital platform, Ben proposed one of the most original ideas of the day: gamification as a driver for sustainability.

“Why not make it rewarding to do good?” he asked, suggesting a ‘green passport’ where guests could track and earn points for sustainable choices throughout their stay. It’s an approach that aligns Gen Z’s desire for both impact and interactivity.

Ben then moved into personalization, proposing the use of personality assessments combined with generative AI to create travel experiences designed around who guests are—not just where they’re going. “We already see this in consumer tech,” he said. “The travel industry has an opportunity to adapt and lead.”

Nid offered examples from 137 Pillars’ own approach to tailored experiences, including private arts and culture tours designed to reflect each guest’s interests. While personalization is in demand, she noted, the real challenge lies in delivering it at scale without losing quality or meaning.

Together, the panelists painted a clear picture of Gen Z travelers: digitally native, purpose-driven, and eager for experiences that reflect their values and identities.

The session was a standout in a day full of standouts—This conversation was one of many highlights at the TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit 2025—a conference that proved, from start to finish, that smart curation and forward-focused dialogue still matter.

Congratulations to Gary Marshall, the TDM team, and the Charlton Media Group for producing an on-time, well-paced summit that delivered the kind of energy the industry craves right now: smart, sincere, and inspirational.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Blue by Alain Ducasse Welcomes New Executive Chef

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Blue by Alain Ducasse Welcomes New Executive Chef - TRAVELINDEX

Blue by Alain Ducasse Welcomes New Executive Chef - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Blue by Alain Ducasse, the celebrated Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant located at Bangkok’s iconic riverside destination ICONSIAM, is proud to announce the appointment of Chef Evens Lòpez as its new Executive Chef. With an impressive international portfolio and a deep-rooted passion for contemporary gastronomy, Chef Evens brings a bold new chapter to the restaurant’s ongoing culinary evolution.

Originally from Peru, Chef Evens Lòpez discovered his love for cooking at an early age, drawn to the energy, aromas, and joy of shared meals. His culinary journey began with Cordon Bleu courses in Lima and an internship in Miami, followed by formative experiences in Europe. His path took him to renowned kitchens in Italy, including Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala in Milan, and then to his aspired city of Paris where he trained under acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno at the three-Michelin-starred Pavillon Ledoyen.

Chef Evens further deepened his culinary expertise when he joined the team at Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, where he embraced the elegance of Ducasse’s iconic Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and refined his skills within Ducasse’s visionary approach to French cuisine. In no time, he rose through the ranks, becoming senior chef de partie, and was named a finalist in the prestigious San Pellegrino Young Chef Award in 2019.

Subsequent roles at London’s The Clove Club, where, during the pandemic, he actively contributed to the menu for the restaurant’s reopening, and in 2022, it was awarded two Michelin stars. Then he was invited to join Dame de Pic in London as head chef. Now, Chef Evens embarks on a new chapter, taking the helm as Executive Chef at Blue by Alain Ducasse, Bangkok, where he is set to lead with his signature style and passion.

“Blue has long been celebrated as one of the finest restaurants in Bangkok and I am thrilled to be part of this exciting new chapter. Thailand is a vibrant country, rich in culture, with an ever-evolving culinary scene and I look forward to incorporating the lush landscapes and local produce into my cooking. My vision is to deliver a distinctive dining experience that sets us apart while masterfully balancing elegance with vibrant enjoyment”. – Chef Evens Lopez

About Blue by Alain Ducasse

Located in ICONSIAM, Bangkok’s iconic riverside destination, Blue by Alain Ducasse brings the spirit of contemporary French cuisine to Thailand with elegance, precision, and a profound respect for the finest ingredients. Under the vision of world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse, it is the celebrated chef Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant in Thailand. Alain Ducasse is one of world’s very few chefs awarded with 24 Michelin stars, the highest accolades, and the world’s first chef to own a three-Michelin starred restaurant.

Blue by Alain Ducasse earned its first Michelin star within its inaugural year in 2019 and has maintained its one-Michelin-starred accolade for five consecutive years to present. The restaurant has been recognized as one of Bangkok’s most distinguished culinary destinations, celebrated not only for its impeccable food and service, but also for its panoramic views of the majestic Chao Phraya River and stunning design that won the prestigious Le France Design 100 award and the top spot on the industry-leading design publication Interior Design’s ‘Best of the Year Award’ list in the Fine Dining category.

With Chef Evens Lòpez now at the helm, Blue by Alain Ducasse continues its mission of delivering an extraordinary gastronomic experience that honors French culinary tradition while embracing innovation and excellence.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International Returns in 2025

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Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International Returns in 2025 - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comSingapore, May 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Following last year’s tremendous success, The Luxury Group by Marriott International is proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the Luxury Dining Series. Taking place from July to September, the multi-city regional dining series in 2025 continues to invite discerning travelers and dining enthusiasts to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic journey celebrating the revival of lost flavors and culinary traditions.

Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International Returns in 2025, expanding from six to seven properties in Asia Pacific, the 2025 series will offer a gastronomic reinterpretation of traditional flavors and forgotten ingredients.

Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International Returns in 2025 - TRAVELINDEX

Inspired by the findings from the Future of Food 2025 report, this year’s theme of Forgotten Flavors celebrates the art of culinary history and will explore time-honored techniques and innovative culinary experimentation at seven handpicked hotels. The locations of the 2025 series include The St. Regis Osaka, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, The St. Regis Singapore, The St. Regis Jakarta, and the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.

Renowned chefs and mixologists from across Marriott International’s global portfolio will unite, pairing masters of tradition with contemporary visionaries, to resurrect lost, neglected, and overlooked ingredients. Guests can look forward to a carefully curated gastronomic experience where every plate will offer a taste of the past, reimagined for today’s palate.

The full schedule of the series is as follows:
• Japan – July 11-13 – The St. Regis Osaka
• Korea – July 17-20 – JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
• India – July 31- August 3 – JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa
• Australia – August 15-17 – The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
• Singapore – August 29-31 – The St. Regis Singapore
• Indonesia – September 11-13 – The St. Regis Jakarta
• Thailand – September 25-28 – The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok

Luxury Dining Series by Marriott International Returns in 2025 - TRAVELINDEX

More details on programming will be announced soon. Please visit the website for more information – www.marriott.com/en-us/marriott-brands/portfolio/luxury-dining-series.mi

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bahrain tourism expert joins the Afro-Asian Union

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Bahrain tourism expert joins the Afro-Asian Union - TRAVELINDEX

Bahrain tourism expert joins the Afro-Asian Union - TRAVELINDEXCairo, Egypt, May 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Afro-Asian Union (AFASU) has appointed Abdullah Abdulaziz, an international tourism expert from Bahrain, as an honorary member of the union and a senior judge for the AFASU Golden Awards.

This selection is a recognition of his remarkable career filled with achievements, as Abdulaziz has played a key role in developing the tour guiding profession and formulating its regulatory laws.

He has also made significant contributions to accessible tourism visitor economy, and destination wedding visitor economy in Bahrain and the GCC countries. His vast experience in organising training programmes, delivering lectures, and publishing articles and books on tourism and history makes him a valuable addition to the AFASU family, a statement said.

President of the Afro-Asian Union and international tourism and tourism technology expert Dr. Hossam Darwish, emphasised that the presence of Abdulaziz on the judging panels will help enhance the standards of excellence and innovation in the tourism and cultural sectors. His deep insights and extensive experience will further enrich the award evaluation process.

AFASU emerged from the second-oldest international non-governmental organisation, AAPSO, which was established in 1957 through an international treaty approved by the leaders of African and Asian nations. The union has members from governments and individuals in 102 countries worldwide.

The Golden Awards sector of AFASU is one of its most distinguished programmes, granting prestigious awards to countries, cities, capitals, individuals, and tourism and hospitality establishments worldwide. These awards are based on strict criteria set by a judging panel comprising 45 of the world’s top experts.

Recently, the historic city of Luxor in the Arab Republic of Egypt was honoured with the title of “Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage,” acknowledging its unique global significance. The AFASU awards are recognised for their credibility and clear evaluation standards, as they are granted without any fees, reinforcing their transparency and independence, said the statement.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel Unveils The Plaii Ballroom

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Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel Unveils The Plaii Ballroom - TRAVELINDEX

Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel Unveils The Plaii Ballroom - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, May 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Elevating the standard for meeting venues in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel proudly introduces The Plaii Ballroom, a state-of-the-art space set to transform the future of corporate events, weddings, and leisure experiences in Chiang Mai.

The Plaii Ballroom is the first and only ballroom in Thailand to feature a 360° immersive LED screen, delivering a fully enveloping digital experience across all four walls. With 430 square meters of space and a soaring 6.24-meter ceiling, this versatile venue is designed to host impactful conferences, banquets, product launches, exhibitions, and luxury celebrations that blend innovation with elegance.

The ballroom supports a variety of configurations — including cocktail receptions for up to 240 guests, round table banquets, long table dining, theater-style presentations, and classroom-style meetings. A diverse range of culinary offerings, curated by the hotel’s expert chefs, ensures every event is complemented by exceptional cuisine and attentive service, making every moment truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning an international summit, a glamorous gala, or an incentive retreat, The Plaii Ballroom promises a new era of immersive, multifunctional event experiences in the heart of Thailand’s cultural capital. With its groundbreaking LED technology and chic modern design, it’s also an ideal venue for vibrant after-parties that leave a lasting impression.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Six Top Destinations Join Climate-Ready Tourism Project

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Six Top Destinations Join Climate-Ready Tourism Project - TRAVELINDEX

Six Top Destinations Join Climate-Ready Tourism Project - TRAVELINDEXBristol, United Kingdom, May 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Travel Foundation has today announced the first six destinations to trial a new method to identify climate-related risks in tourism, and invited other destinations and businesses to get involved. The Climate RiskScan project is a collaboration with researchers from CELTH, a collective of Dutch universities, and risk and resilience scientists from Risklayer in Germany.

As extreme weather events increasingly disrupt travel and cost the global economy billions each year as tourism emissions continue to rise, this project is pioneering new approaches to help destinations and tourism businesses identify, prioritise and respond to growing climate risks. Climate RiskScan will cover:

  • Physical risks, such as damage from extreme weather
  • Transition risks, such as reputational damage and policy shifts
  • Systemic risks, such as rising insurance costs

The methodology will ultimately be used to generate risk profiles for every tourism destination worldwide. Insights from the six pilot locations, representing both winter and island tourism, will help refine the approach, demonstrate the benefits of integrating climate risk into strategic planning, and showcase best practices already underway.

The winter tourism destinations are:

  • Colorado, USA (Colorado Tourism Office)
  • The Dolomites, Italy (Skirama Dolomiti)
  • Queenstown, New Zealand (Destination Queenstown)

The island destinations are:

  • The Canary Islands, Spain (Canary Islands Tourism)
  • The Cook Islands (Cook Islands Tourism Corporation)
  • Koh Samui, Thailand (TOGETHER NZT Project, PMUC, TSRI and Marine Biodiversity Research Group, Ramkhamhaeng University)

An online tool to access climate risk profiles is being developed in collaboration with UX and AI specialists at Holiday Extras, a long-time supporter of the Travel Foundation. A second tool, featuring scenario planning and gamification, will help destination stakeholders explore policy options and trade-offs for managing climate risks.

Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, said: “This project marks an important step forward in helping tourism destinations and companies understand the business case for action on climate. By working directly with destinations that represent key tourism typologies, we are building the tools and insights the sector needs to prepare for the future and mobilise resources for economic resilience. Collaboration with the scientific community and local partners to apply robust methodologies to the destination management context is crucial to this effort.”

Harald Buijtendijk, senior researcher at Breda University of Applied Sciences, added: “Our goal is to turn climate science into practical guidance that destinations can act upon. Our partnership with the Travel Foundation ensures that this research will have real-world relevance and impact across the tourism sector.”

Opportunities to get involved

With the case study destinations now confirmed, the project team is inviting other destinations and tourism businesses to become sponsors. A £5,000 contribution offers the opportunity to connect with a global network of peers, access leading climate experts and research, and contribute their perspectives to the final report.

The Centre for Expertise Leisure, Tourism and Hospitality (CELTH) has co-funded the project and brought together an expert team from Breda University of Applied Sciences, European Tourism Futures Institute at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, and Wageningen University & Research.

Key findings will be released in time for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil this November, with full results published soon after and made freely available on the Travel Foundation website.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News