Global Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, March 6, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Dom Pérignon, the world’s most prestigious champagne, proudly unveils the latest chapter of the Dom Pérignon Society in Thailand through an exclusive collaboration with Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij acclaimed as The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, Asia’s Best Female Chef 2024, and the Michelin-starred chef-owner of POTONG, which has also been voted the No. 1 restaurant in Bangkok by TOP 25 Bangkok Restaurants.

This intimate dinner brings together the timeless elegance of Dom Pérignon Vintage with Chef Pam’s visionary Thai-Chinese cuisine, offering society members and distinguished guests an unparalleled dining experience.

Held at Potong, one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed fine-dining destinations, the evening embodies the shared philosophy of Dom Pérignon and Chef Pam: the pursuit of excellence, creativity, and the art of harmony between tradition and innovation.

POTONG

A Progressive Thai-Chinese Cuisine by Chef Pam. With 5 Elements, 5 Senses: Taste Chef Pam’s (World’s Best Female Chef) memories of her culinary journey in heritage home of 120 years old building passed down from her ancestor as 4th generation POTONG’s Traditional Medicine House situated in the heart of Yaowaraj (Chinatown Thailand).

POTONG is the multi-award winning restaurant and is the only MICHELIN Star restaurant that also awarded 1-Diamond from Black Pearl Guide in Chinatown Thailand. Currently ranked #1 TOP25 Restaurant in Bangkok, #13 in ASIA, and #13 in World Best restaurant and voted World Best New Restaurant from Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Hot List’.

A Meeting of Icons

The highlight of the evening will be Chef Pam’s signature Pad Thai, reimagined through her unique culinary lens and paired with Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2—a champagne that has matured for over two decades to reach a new level of energy, intensity, and precision.

Chef Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij

This pairing symbolizes the meeting of two cultural icons: Thailand’s most beloved dish, elevated by Chef Pam’s artistry, and Dom Pérignon’s rare second life, where the champagne reveals deeper complexity, vibrancy, and harmony.

Guests will also explore Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 alongside a tailor-made tasting menu, with each dish reflecting the duality of flavors—delicate yet powerful—that resonates with the soul of the vintages.

Dom Pérignon Society
The Dom Pérignon Society is an invitation-only circle dedicated to epicureans, tastemakers, and visionaries who share a passion for the extraordinary. Members enjoy privileged access to rare vintages, private dinners, and experiences that embody the Maison’s philosophy of “creating harmony that inspires emotion.”

The collaboration with Chef Pam marks the continuation of the Society’s mission in Thailand to redefine luxury dining through meaningful partnerships with world-renowned chefs.

About Chef Pam
Chef Pam Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij is the chef-owner of Potong, a Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Named The World’s Best Female Chef 2025, she is celebrated for her innovative interpretation of Thai-Chinese heritage, combining artistry, precision, and storytelling in her cuisine. Her signature Pad Thai has become an iconic symbol of her culinary philosophy—heritage elevated to haute cuisine.

Founded in 1668, Dom Pérignon embodies the visionary spirit of its namesake, the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, who aspired to create the “best wine in the world.” Each vintage is a unique creation, born of a single year, with an unwavering commitment to harmony, intensity, and radiance.

Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 represents a rare second life for the champagne, unveiled after more than 20 years of maturation, where it reaches a new dimension of energy, depth, and longevity.

Source

Las Vegas, United States, March 5, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The first Travel & Tourism Awards spotlight system level technologies reshaping mobility far beyond consumer devices. CES 2026 will be remembered as the year AI stepped out of the lab and into the physical world. Yet amid the avalanche of “AI everywhere” announcements, a quieter milestone pointed to a deeper shift in how global travel innovation is now being defined.

For the first time, CES introduced the Travel & Tourism category in the CES Innovation Awards. The light blue glass trophies blended quietly among the heritage categories. They didn’t dominate social feeds, yet their implications reach far beyond the show floor. With this move, CES effectively declared that travel is no longer just an “application scenario” for technology — it is becoming a technology industry in its own right.

A Shift in How Travel Innovation Is Defined
The three inaugural winners share something important. None are consumer gadgets or booking tools. All operate at the infrastructure level, addressing the systems that determine how people move, connect, and experience the world.

For years, travel tech has been defined by distribution platforms, personalization engines, loyalty apps, and digital marketing tools. CES is signaling a different future — one where innovation is measured not by convenience, but by coordination and system integration.

Inside the Oshkosh Pavilion: An Award for Safety, and a Vision for the Future Airport
The 110-year-old Oshkosh Corporation of the U.S. won the CES award for its Striker Volterra electric airport fire truck, a next-generation ARFF vehicle designed to improve emergency response with lower emissions and higher operational efficiency.

But at the Oshkosh pavilion, I was drawn to a three-minute video playing under the banner “AIRPORT OF THE FUTURE.” It stitched together a broader ecosystem of electric ground vehicles, autonomous systems, and robot-enabled operations — all contributing to an efficient “Perfect Turn.”

I asked Jennifer Stianson, Vice President of Global Branding and Communications, “How do you convince airports — and the FAA — to adopt these new technologies in one of the world’s most risk-averse environments?”

She responded: “Airports have long been asking for these technologies. They want more efficiency, better accident prevention, and more human-centered operations. We’re in active discussions with the FAA and have received encouraging feedback.”

Some of the equipment featured in the video is already in use by Oshkosh clients. The company is not focused on futuristic concepts, but on operational systems that can be deployed in real-world conditions.

Travelers rarely think about the choreography behind a flight departure: the timing of the jet bridge, the synchronization of power units, the coordination of tugs, loaders, and safety checks. Yet these unseen systems determine whether a flight leaves on time, whether connections are made, and whether the airport experience feels seamless or stressful. Oshkosh’s video quietly reminded viewers that travelers feel the impact of systems they never see.

At the Even Realities Pavilion: Tourism as Enhanced Perception
Even Realities, a Hong Kong SAR–based company, offered a very different window into the future of travel. I tested their G2 smart glasses, which overlay real-time contextual information with surprising precision. The device is not a consumer toy; it is designed for airports, museums, and destinations that want to make information more accessible, especially for travelers with mobility or cognitive challenges.

When I spoke with Nikolaj Schnoor, Chief Strategy Officer, he noted that Even Realities had submitted their technology to multiple CES categories. “CES chose to recognize us in Travel & Tourism,” he said. He explained that the company’s work is fundamentally about helping people navigate and understand the world around them.

That framing matters. It suggests that CES sees tourism innovation not as entertainment, but as enhanced perception — a way to make destinations more legible, inclusive, and data-rich.

At a Korean Booth: Mobility with Global Reach
The third award winner, LBS Tech from South Korea, had a humble booth — yet the technology they showcased aims to solve one of travel’s biggest structural challenges: how people move through cities and campuses with clarity, safety, and real-time guidance.
LBS Tech uses AI to map walkway-level accessibility and design optimized pickup points, enabling inclusive, door-to-door mobility across cities and campuses. The system is already being piloted far beyond Korea, including universities in the United States (University of Rochester, University of Southern California), as well as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The company CEO, Mr. S.W. Lee, was busy receiving potential clients.

The contrast was striking: a modest booth representing a technology with global reach. It underscored a theme running through all three award winners — travel innovation is no longer defined by booth size or noise, but by the scale of the system it can transform.

Why This Moment Matters
Taken together, the award selections show CES view that travel innovation is shifting toward infrastructure, mobility, and system level coordination. It’s a narrative the travel and tourism industry has been slow to claim, despite its economic impact accounting for roughly 10% of the global economy. The sector has long been described as technologically fragmented, constrained by legacy systems and slow upgrade cycles.

The pandemic accelerated automation and contactless technologies, but the sector still lacked a global stage that recognized travel as a frontier of innovation. CES has now provided that stage, reframing travel tech from “front of house convenience” to “back of house intelligence.” The awards may have been quiet, but their implications are not: travel tech has entered the main arena of global innovation, and the question is whether the industry is ready to claim that space.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex. She is an international travel journalist and analyst whose work spans destinations, global tourism trends, and cross cultural storytelling. She reports in both English and Chinese.

Source

Limpopo, South Africa, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Promoters is delighted to share its appointment as Sales & Marketing representatives for Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa in South Africa’s Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo Province.

The 35,000 hectare “Big 5” reserve in the Waterberg District is rich in wildlife, and prides itself on being home to the world’s largest concentration of endangered white rhino living on private land, which are fiercely protected by a world class, highly skilled anti-poaching unit.

Travel Promoters Founder, Ailsa Tavares said “We are very proud to be welcoming Mhondoro into our portfolio, especially as we approach the busy trade show season, and look forward to sharing updates on this special property with our tour operator partners”.

Mhondoro sleeps up to 24 guests in total split across:

• Honeymoon Suite (sleeps 2)
• Luxury Pool Suite 1 (sleeps 2)
• Luxury Pool Suite 2 (sleeps 2)
• Executive Suite (sleeps 4)
• Family Deluxe Suite (sleeps 4)
• Family Pool Suite (sleeps 4)
• Mhondoro Villa (sleeps 6)

The lodge enjoys panoramic views over a busy watering hole – and, for guests wanting a more intimate experience, also links via a 65-metre tunnel to an incredible underground hide hidden in close proximity to the waterhole.

Mhondoro is widely regarded as the benchmark for luxury safaris in this region, with a reputation for service excellence and gourmet cuisine, paired with a wide selection of fine wines.  Activities include guided open-air game drives, rhino tracking and guided walks with highly skilled rangers. Spa treatments can also be enjoyed in the dedicated Spa Suite overlooking the waterhole. Stargazing, wellness retreats and guided excursion to two rock art sites are also available.

This malaria-free reserve is less than three-hour’s drive or a one-hour flight from Johannesburg, making it an ideal destination for multigenerational families with young children, or simply travellers wanting a smooth and easy connection to the bush. Shorter, child-friendly Bumble game drives, child-minding services and a full kids programme ensures even the youngest of guests are made to feel welcome. Families staying in the Mhondoro Villa have no age restriction on game drives as they have an exclusive vehicle and guide.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Travel Promoters to strengthen and grow our market share in the UK and Europe, and we look forward to engaging with the trade to share our unique offering. Hot off the press, we are proud to announce the acquisition of Izingwe Lodge in the South of Welgevonden Game Reserve. The lodge will be presented to the trade after refurbishment where the Mhondoro look and feel will be added to the already existing luxurious atmosphere and the lodge will be renamed to Mhondoro Southern Residence. The Southern Residence, which sleeps up to 8 guests, will be available on an exclusive basis only”, says the owners Frank and Myriam Vogel.

Team TP will be heading out to experience Mhondoro first-hand ahead of Indaba and look forward to working with their incredible team to market this gem of the Waterberg.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok and Executive Chef Thierry Drapeau welcome Michelin chef friends for the fourth edition of THE REUNION. This year’s 3-night event features four renowned Michelin chefs, a collaborative 8-course menu with wine, and spectacularly fusion of flavours from France, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand. 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok Restaurant is thrilled to announce the return of The Reunion, taking place on 2-4 April, 2026 at Signature Bangkok. The Reunion 4.0 is the fourth edition of The Reunion, an annual gastronomy experience which brings together top Michelin starred chefs from different backgrounds to create a unique tasting menu. 

Headlining this year’s event are Chef Thierry Drapeau from France and Thailand; Chef Naatali Jean Baptiste from France;  Chef Enrique Casarrubias from France and Mexico; and, Chef Laurence Tan from Singapore. Together, the chefs represent French, Mexican, and pan Asian cuisine—three distinct culinary traditions. Each chef will contribute two courses to an 8-course menu, creating a tapestry of bold, innovative flavours over three evenings of incredible gastronmy. 

The Reunion 4.0 will be held at 1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok, situated on the 11th floor of VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection with stunning city skyline views. The 8-course menu with mini wine pairings is offered at THB 6,800++, and limited seats available. Guests are encouraged to book early via  shorturl.at/uT9jW

REUNITING MICHELIN FRIENDS & GLOBAL FLAVOURS

Signature Bangkok Executive Chef Thierry Drapeau founded The Reunion series in 2022 to gather his chef friends and colleagues for a collaborative, concept-driven gastronomy experience. The series has been a resounding success and is one of Bangkok’s most anticipated culinary events. 

The Reunion 4.0 celebrates the ‘multinational universe’. Each chef will contribute courses to the menu, infusing the experience with their unique local and global perspectives. For this year’s edition, Chef Thierry invited chefs representing France, Mexico, and Asia. Although each chef is from a distinct culinary background, they are long-term friends and colleagues. They are excited to reunite at Signature Bangkok and participate in this first-ever collaboration. 

MEET THE CHEFS of THE REUNION 4.0

On three consecutive nights, from 2-4 April, The Reunion 4.0 will feature an 8-course menu with mini wine pairings. Each chef will oversee two courses, bringing to the table their unique flavours and stories. 

Chef Thierry Drapeau — France & Thailand

Chef Thierry leads the culinary vision at 1-Michelin star Signature Bangkok, where he continues to shape and evolve his innovative modern French and floral cuisine. Chef Thierry’s “cuisine of the soil” approach emphasises terroir, premium, story-driven ingredients, and stunning presentations. Chef Thierry’s first restaurant Logis de la Chabotterie, in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon, Loire Valley, held on to its 2-Michelin star status for nine consecutive years. Always keen to develop his skills and collaborate with others, Chef Thierry began the Reunion gastronomy series in 2022.  

Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali — France

A distinguished French chef renowned for his innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, Chef Jean-Baptiste is one of Chef Thierry’s oldest friends. At 27 years of age, he became the youngest chef in France to earn a Michelin star—an accolade he has proudly maintained for 23 years. Chef Natali’s cuisine style is rooted in authentic French culinary techniques, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for ingredients. With over three decades of international experiences, Chef Natali brings a broad range of global influences, creating a unique and innovative dining experience. 

Chef Laurence Tan — Singapore 

Chef Laurence is the Executive Chef at 1-Michelin Star JAG, a contemporary French restaurant in Singapore. Chef Laurence’s style of cuisine marries classic French techniques with an innovative approach to flavour and presentation. At JAG, Chef Laurence approached the restaurant’s vegetable-centric approach by enhancing French techniques, highlighting bolder flavors, and adding subtle local influences. Chef Laurence’s pioneering work on plant-based cuisine deeply impressed Chef Thierry, who immediately invited the Singapore-based chef to be part of The Reunion 4.0. This is Chef Laurence’s first time participating in a culinary event in Thailand.

Chef Enrique Casarrubias — México

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Enrique Casarrubias calls Paris home. He is the founder and head chef of 1-Michelin Star OXTE, which is the first French-Mexican fine dining restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Chef Enrique style of cuisine that merges the warmth of Mexican tradition with French haute cuisine. Childhood flavours of spices, chiles, and herbs are reimagined through the lens of French training, and each plate is an attempt to find harmony between his two worlds. Chef Theirry was first introduced to Chef Enrique through mutual friends, and the two bonded over shared pursuit of depth, complexity, and elegance in the kitchen. 

THE REUNION 4.0 | GLOBAL FLAVOURS : THE DETAILS

2, 3, and 4 April 2026

6:00 to 10:00 PM  | THB 6,800++

Early Bird 10% OFF when booking before 15 March. 

**Limited Seats Available

Book now > shorturl.at/uT9jW

ABOUT 1-MICHELIN STAR SIGNATURE BANGKOK

1-Michelin Star Signature Bangkok is a pioneering modern French and floral restaurant in Bangkok. Led by former 2-Michelin Star Chef Thierry Drapeau, Signature Bangkok received its first Michelin Star in 2023 and has retained the award for four consecutive years. Seasonal ‘Flower Bouquet’ menus achieve classic French flavours using imported herbs and edible flowers. Chef Thierry’s “cuisine of the soil” approach celebrates terroir, while keeping the experience approachable and in-step with Thai culture’s emphasis on relaxed meals in beautiful settings. Signature Bangkok is located on the 11th floor of 5-star VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection next to the BTS SkyTrain Ratchathewi station.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Siam Yacht Club at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok invites guests to experience an immersive evening of cuisine, cocktails, and sensory storytelling with “Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense,” a one-night-only four-hands collaboration taking place on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Set along the iconic Chao Phraya River, the evening brings together Siam Yacht Club’s culinary creativity and the artistry of award-winning mixologist Kenny Thianthong, 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion and former Head Bartender of Bangkok’s renowned Vesper. Together with Chef Nu Natchayapong Homsombutchoti, the duo presents a curated five-course modern Asian tasting menu paired with crafted cocktails, including both alcoholic and refined zero-proof expressions.

What is The Fifth Sense?

At Siam Yacht Club, dining has always been about more than taste. It is about atmosphere, rhythm, energy, and emotion.

The Fifth Sense represents that unspoken element — the feeling that lingers long after the last sip and final bite.

In this one-night-only edition of Yacht Club Fusion, cuisine and cocktail craftsmanship come together in a seamless dialogue. Each course is designed not only to complement the next, but to awaken sight, sound, scent, and texture — culminating in the fifth sense: emotional connection.

Set against the flowing backdrop of the Chao Phraya River, the evening unfolds like the water itself — layered, expressive, and alive. Through modern Asian flavors and boundary-pushing mixology, guests are invited to experience dining not as a sequence of courses, but as a curated sensory journey.

A Curated Culinary & Cocktail Experience

The five-course menu begins with Lobster Toast with cocktail dressing, coriander, pear, and gochujang, followed by Creamy Oyster Soup with wakame and dashi broth, before refreshing the palate with Passion Fruit Sorbet.

The main course presents Roasted Beef Tenderloin with tarragon crust, creamy potato mille-feuille with Époisses cheese, and port wine jus, culminating in an indulgent dessert of Mayan hazelnut chocolate with raspberry tuile, macadamia caramel, and balsamic rhubarb cherry compote.

Each course may be enhanced with carefully crafted cocktail pairings, created by Kenny Thianthong using premium ingredients from partners including Giffard, Sober Spirits, Maison Perrier, Vittel, and Pinnacle Gastro.

Yacht Club Fusion: The Fifth Sense will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026 at Siam Yacht Club, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, with guest arrival from 6:30 PM and dinner commencing at 7:00 PM. The experience is priced at THB 1,688++ per person for the five-course set menu, with optional cocktail pairing at THB 988++ per person, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic (Sober Spirits 0%) selections. Seating is limited to ensure an intimate and curated riverside dining experience.

The Venue: Siam Yacht Club

Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Siam Yacht Club combines sleek contemporary design with the relaxed spirit of the waterfront. With open-air terraces, signature cocktails, and a vibrant yet refined energy, it embodies the essence of Bangkok’s riverside lifestyle — where culinary artistry meets effortless charm.

About Kenny Thianthong

With over 9 years behind some of Asia’s top bars, Kenny Thianthong has evolved from an energetic bartender into a true force in the region’s cocktail movement. As the 2024 Giffard West Cup Champion, Kenny’s skill is matched only by his passion for storytelling through liquid craft.

A former Head Bartender at the legendary Vesperbkk, and one-time brand advocate for Stranger & Sons, Kenny now leads beverage innovation for Giffard Thailand’s non-alcoholic range — reshaping the future of mindful mixology.

His creations celebrate Asia’s diverse ingredients, combining culinary precision with emotional depth. With Kenny at the helm, expect cocktails that are unexpected, elegant, and rooted in culture. At SYC, he makes his next mark — reimagining riverside drinking with bold new expressions.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 02 266 0123

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, March 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok proudly announces the opening of The Ledger Room, an intimate cigar and whiskey bar located on the 32nd floor of the hotel. Designed as a sanctuary for discerning guests, The Ledger Room introduces a new chapter in refined leisure—where legacy is felt, not displayed.

Tucked above Sukhumvit Soi 24, The Ledger Room is a high-rise retreat with the soul of a forgotten barroom and the posture of a private club. Darker corners, considered comfort, and deliberate design replace excess and spectacle. This is a space shaped by restraint, ritual, and intention—created for those who value discretion over display.

The venue officially opened its doors on February 27 with an exclusive, invitation-only evening for select partners, collaborators, and industry leaders. Guests were welcomed to explore the walk-in humidor, curated whiskey selections, and signature house rituals, while enjoying complimentary food and beverages throughout the evening.

Opening remarks were delivered by Markus Hesse, Cluster General Manager of SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok and SKYVIEW Resort Phuket, who expressed his gratitude to the hotel’s owners, Khun Vikromjit Sachdev and Khun Channarong Sachdev, for their continued support and vision, also highlighting the concept behind The Ledger Room and its place within SKYVIEW’s evolving lifestyle portfolio.

The evening also recognized the contributions of Martin Loving, Director of Culinary Service at SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok, who has been instrumental in bringing The Ledger Room to life alongside the hotel’s Food & Beverage and operations teams.

A Room Defined by Access and Intention

Open to the public, The Ledger Room also introduces a tiered membership program designed for guests seeking a more private and personalized experience. Membership is built around Ledger Credit—an internal currency redeemable for curated pours, cigars, and bespoke experiences within the room.

Members enjoy exclusive privileges such as:

• A curated welcome ritual featuring select bottles and cigars
• Private whiskey or humidor lockers for personal collections
• Priority reservations and early access to rare and marked pours
• Preferred room rates when settling hotel stays through the bar

Four distinct tiers—The Seal, The Key, The Reserve & The Vault—offer varying levels of access, ritual, and recognition, each crafted with intention rather than excess.

More Than a Bar

“The Ledger Room is not about being seen,” said Markus Hesse. “It’s about presence. It’s about slowing down, honoring ritual, and creating a space where every detail has meaning.”

With its carefully curated whiskey library, premium cigars, and understated atmosphere, The Ledger Room sets a new benchmark for cigar and whiskey lounges in Bangkok—one rooted in legacy, discretion, and timeless indulgence.

The Ledger is now open.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / On 20 February 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya paid a visit to the royal exhibition and display of local wisdom on Thai textile and the community handicrafts of the South at Suratthani Rajabhat University, Surat Thani province. The exhibition is part of the “Fun with Thai Fabrics” project, which aims to further develop and enhance Thai textile wisdom in an environmentally responsible manner, in line with the royal initiative “Sustainable Fashion.”

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with his spouse, led 98 participants of the Study Visit to Surat Thani Province, of whom 65 are Heads of Diplomatic Missions from 45 countries together with their spouses, as well as with executives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and spouses, to attend the royal audience with Her Royal Highness alongside H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Her Royal Highness graciously hosted a luncheon in honor of the Diplomatic Corps, led the delegation in visiting the exhibition of Thai textiles and Southern Thai community handicrafts, and granted the diplomatic representatives an opportunity to learn about Her Royal Highness’s work in carrying forward the legacy of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother in preserving traditional craftsmanship and Thai textiles as invaluable local wisdom and cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Her Royal Highness has also actively promoted weaving communities in all regions to ensure sustainable livelihoods, drawing upon Her expertise and experience gained from engagements both at home and abroad to further develop Thai textiles, preserving their distinctive local identities while enhancing their modern appeal and international relevance to meet global market demands.

This activity not only provided a valuable opportunity for the Diplomatic Corps to witness firsthand the royal initiatives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in preserving, safeguarding, and further developing Thai arts and crafts, reflecting the creative strength of local communities and sustainable development under the guiding principle of “Sustainable Fashion,” but also created meaningful opportunities for local communities to engage with and learn from the experiences and perspectives of international visitors through the presence of the Diplomatic Corps.

Source

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA, has released its science-based model for delivering a 30% net conservation gain (NCG) across its regenerative destinations by 2040 – and is making the framework publicly available for global adoption.

“From the beginning, we set out to make tourism better for people and planet. Today, for the first time, we are revealing in detail how we will achieve a 30% net conservation gain at The Red Sea and AMAALA. In addition, we are sharing our science-based model so that others can replicate our approach and help ensure a better environment for future generations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

At the core of RSG’s regenerative approach is its proprietary SIIG Model, which follows four interconnected and iterative steps:

• Survey: Establishing robust biodiversity baselines and tracking change through long-term monitoring.
• Identify: Pinpointing key risks and pressures affecting priority species and habitats.
• Intervene: Implementing targeted, evidence-based conservation actions, from fisheries regulation to habitat enhancement.
• Gain: Measuring and verifying biodiversity uplift through a dedicated conservation scoring system.

In the report published today, RSG details how its SIIG Model is being applied across The Red Sea and AMAALA, using one of the most comprehensive ecological baselines ever developed for the region, covering eight priority marine habitats and species groups.

The roadmap consolidates ongoing and planned conservation actions and evaluates predicted outcomes against a no-action scenario, ensuring informed decision-making and optimized allocation of resources.

For example, at The Red Sea, a cornerstone intervention is the establishment of the proposed Al Wajh Lagoon Fishery Management Area, spanning 5,015 km², comprising:

• 38% Conservation Priority Zones (including 62% of coral reefs)
• 61% Sustainable Fishing Zones
• 1% Special Management Areas

Modelling shows that removing fishing pressure in highly protected zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%.

These results point to strong recovery trajectories, with improved ecosystem functioning that supports coral health, seabirds, and marine megafauna. Additional ecosystem benefits include:

• Restoration of natural processes that enhance coral resilience and reduce anchoring damage
• Reduced risk of incidental capture of sea turtles
• Improved prey availability for seabirds
• Elimination of a key pathway for invasive species reaching sensitive island ecosystems

Other interventions detailed by RSG are expected to lead to net conservation gains across corals, red mangroves, seagrass, sea turtles, marine mammals and island birds.

Ehab Al Kindi, Head of the Red Sea Zone at Red Sea Global, said: “Regeneration requires science, data, and measurable outcomes. The SIIG Model is our roadmap to restoring ecosystem health at scale, reducing pressures on nature and witnessing the measurable return of life, from nesting turtles to thriving coral communities.”

The full methodology is detailed in a new report titled ‘SIIG Model: the roadmap to achieving measurable conservation gains’. To download the report:

www.redseaglobal.com/en/responsible-development/planet/the-siig-model

About Red Sea Global

Red Sea Global is a vertically integrated real estate developer with a diverse portfolio across tourism, residential, experiences, infrastructure, transport, healthcare, and services. This includes the luxury regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea, which began welcoming guests in 2023, and AMAALA, which remains on track to welcome first guests in the coming months.

A third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat opened in 2024. RSG has also been entrusted with refurbishment works at Al Wajh Airport, focused on upgrading the existing terminal and infrastructure, and building a new international terminal.

RSG is a PIF company and a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to diversify its economy. Across its growing portfolio of destinations, subsidiaries, and businesses, RSG seeks to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment.

Source

Bangkok, Thailand, March 2, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) invites tourism professionals and organisations to participate in the PATA Gold Awards 2026, an award programme focusing on celebrating exceptional achievements across various sectors within the Asia Pacific travel industry.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “With more than four decades of history, the PATA Gold Awards have earned a strong reputation as a trusted mark of tourism excellence in the Asia Pacific region. As PATA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Awards continue to reflect our long-standing commitment to quality, integrity, and meaningful industry recognition. What sets the programme apart is its thorough and independent judging process, which recognises work that delivers real impact, strong ideas, and measurable results. Each year, we are impressed by the level of innovation and dedication shown across our tourism community.”

He added, “We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for its tireless support. It is a joy to continue this long-standing collaboration with one of our most valued partners.”

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, MGTO, said, “The PATA Gold Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the tourism industry and showcase some of its most innovative solutions with the world. With tourism at the heart of Macao’s economy and continuing to lead the way in building a future focused on greater diversification and opportunities, we are honoured to join PATA in providing this platform for all to take advantage of and come together to create a vibrant and sustainable industry.”

Entering its 42nd edition in 2026, the PATA Gold Awards remains one of the region’s most rigorous, merit-based award programmes, having honoured hundreds of outstanding achievements, innovations, and best practices across Asia Pacific tourism. The programme features two major categories – Marketing and Sustainability and Social Responsibility – reflecting two of the most influential and wide-ranging areas of the tourism industry.

This year’s winners will be officially announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner held in conjunction with PATA Travel Mart 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, on August 19, 2026.

What is new this year?

Three new award titles have been introduced, expanding the PATA Gold Awards to a total of 27 specialised categories. This expansion ensures the awards are best aligned with the evolving priorities and emerging focus areas of the tourism industry.

Benefits of participating in the PATA Gold Awards 2026 include:
– Exposure to an elite panel of international experts and PATA’s global network spanning across the public and private travel sectors.
– International media coverage through PATA’s comprehensive promotional platforms.
– Feature placement in the PATA Gold Awards 2026 Winners’ Showcase e-booklet and video.
– Complimentary access to PATA Travel Mart 2026.

Industry organisations and professionals are encouraged to submit their entries between March 1 and May 15, 2026, 11:59 PM (Bangkok time), with a 50 per cent early-bird discount available for submissions made from March 1 – 31, 2026.

For full details on the categories and entry submission instructions, download the detailed brochure and submission guidelines.

Source

Madrid, Spain, March 1, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Since its launch in 2021, Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism attracted more than 1,000 applications from 100 countries. Today, the Network brings together 319 rural destinations worldwide, including more than 230 villages recognized as Best Tourism Villages and 83 taking part in the Upgrade Programme, representing a total of 65 countries across five world regions: Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais says: “Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. And with our Best Tourism Villages we are showcasing the very best examples, where it’s keeping traditions alive, supporting small businesses or preserving nature. Now we want to expand our network and give tourists even more chances to enjoy authentic experiences make a real difference when the travel.”

Tourism is a proven game changer for rural communities. And with our Best Tourism Villages we are showcasing the very best examples, where it’s keeping traditions alive, supporting small businesses or preserving nature.

Best Tourism Villages 2026 – Applications Open

Advancing Rural Development Through Tourism

Source