Global Travel News

Encouraging Employees to Invest in the Environment

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Encouraging Employees to Invest in the Environment - TRAVELNEWSHUBAs the carbon footprint of the hospitality and tourism industry continues to grow, increasing attention is being paid to how employees can help mitigate the industry’s environmental impact. In a timely study with far-reaching implications for the sustainability of hospitality and tourism, Dr Lisa Gao and Professor Mimi Li of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, working with co-authors, ask how leaders can foster employees’ pro-environmental behaviours. Their insightful theoretical analysis and empirical results provide invaluable guidance for senior managers in hospitality corporations. Above all, they show that optimising leadership might be more effective than compensation programmes in motivating employees to engage in green practices.
Compared with heavily polluting industries such as the petroleum and chemical industries, hospitality and tourism have traditionally received much less attention from environmental conservationists. “Nevertheless”, the researchers tell us, “recent studies have shown that the tourism and hospitality industry is also a major contributor to carbon emissions and that its rapid development is harming the natural environment”. With increasingly pressing concern about the industry’s environmental impact, scholars and practitioners have turned their attention to employees as agents in implementing corporate pro-environmental practices.
Drawing particular interest are employee pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs). Such behaviours encompass a range of eco-friendly activities undertaken by employees in the workplace, “such as learning and thinking about the environment, developing and applying ideas to reduce the company’s negative effects on the physical environment, developing green products and processes, and recycling as well as reusing”. How can such behaviours best be promoted and maintained?
“Leaders have a substantial impact on employees’ behaviour”. say the researchers. “Therefore, interest in the effects of leadership style, such as charismatic leadership, ethical leadership and environmentally specific transformational leadership, on employees’ PEBs is growing”. Nevertheless, there remain three major gaps in this research, which the authors set out to fill.
First, the influence of leadership on employees’ PEBs has received surprisingly little attention in hospitality and tourism, even though the industry’s dynamism and increasingly institutionalised nature make it an important playing field for transformational leaders and transactional leaders.
Second, the link between leadership style and employee PEBs is rarely considered in relation to work-related individual characteristics. “Although employee PEBs fall into the domain of extra-role behaviours”, note the researchers, “the decision to participate is still highly correlated with one’s work-related characteristics, such as career plans and strategies”.
Third, the limited research on the work-related mechanisms underlying this relationship has focused on cognitive factors, neglecting employees’ affective (emotional) responses. This is a significant omission. After all, the researchers tell us, “hospitality employees are required to perform not only intellectual and physical work but also intense emotional labor”.
To fill these gaps, the researchers posed the following question. “How do transformational and transactional leadership affect employees’ PEBs in the tourism and hospitality industry, and what roles do work regulatory focus and emotional exhaustion play in this process?” Moving away from previous studies’ focus on the roles of corporate social responsibility and green human resources management in fostering employees’ PEBs, the authors instead examined the influence of “transformational and transactional leadership, two effective leadership styles in the tourism and hospitality industry”.
They hypothesised that transformational leaders promote employees’ PEBs through their inspiring and personalised approach to leadership. “Subordinates are expected to be more proactive toward PEB”, the researchers explain, “which, though not part of their responsibilities, has a positive effect on the organization”. In contrast, transactional leaders do not motivate employees to engage in PEBs, because they “build relationships with employees exclusively to exchange short-term financial benefits”.
Drawing on regulatory focus theory and conservation of resources theory, the researchers further posited that work regulatory focus – which leads employees to work either to seek pleasure (promotion focus) or to avoid pain (prevention focus) – mediates the relationship between leadership style and employees’ PEBs. Transformational leaders induce a work promotion focus in employees, while transactional leadership induces a work prevention focus. “Promotion-focused employees with their optimism and resilience will not be afraid of potential objections and will insist on participating in PEBs that are positive for the organization in the long term,” say the researchers, “while prevention-focused employees will fear being involved in PEBs.”
Finally, Gao, Li and colleagues proposed another mediator of the influence of leadership style on employees’ PEBs: emotional exhaustion. “Transformational leaders can effectively compensate for the emotional depletion associated with intense emotional labor in the tourism and hospitality industry,” the researchers note. Reducing employees’ emotional exhaustion can foster their PEBs. In contrast, transactional leadership “makes employees feel deprived of their autonomy and resources”, say the researchers, “thus exacerbating emotional exhaustion”. This in turn discourages employees from engaging in PEBs.
To empirically test their hypotheses, the authors’ first step was to distribute a questionnaire to frontline employees and junior managers from 42 tourism and hospitality organizations in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. The questionnaire was designed to measure the managers’ leadership style (transactional or transformational) and their subordinates’ work regulatory focus (prevention or promotion), emotional exhaustion and PEBs.
The questionnaire responses were subjected to rigorous statistical testing, with two distinct strategies used to test the robustness of the findings. Almost all of the researchers’ hypotheses were supported. “Transformational leadership had a significant positive effect on employee PEBs”, report the authors, “and transactional leadership had a significant negative effect”. Also as predicted, work regulatory focus significantly mediated the relationship between both transformational and transactional leadership and employee PEBs. Emotional exhaustion significantly mediated the influence of transformational leadership on PEBs.
The authors also found that work regulatory focus and emotional exhaustion played a chain-mediating role. “A distinct personality system consisting of work regulatory focus and emotional exhaustion mediates the relationship between leadership style and employee PEB”, the researchers report. This was consistent with their hypothesis, based on cognitive–affective personality system (CAPS) theory, that leadership style induces in employees different combinations of work regulatory focus and level of emotional exhaustion. “These distinct personality systems later enable employees to make critical decisions regarding PEBs”.
These findings have critical theoretical and practical implications. “Our study’s thorough assessment of leader characteristics in the tourism and hospitality industry based on CAPS theory”, say the researchers, “suggests that the unique personality system that combines employees’ cognitive and affective responses to leadership styles is a key determinant of their participation in PEB”. Therefore, scholars should pay more attention to the cognitive–emotional dimension of various employee behavioural challenges in the tourism and hospitality industry.
The study also contributes to the literature by demonstrating the relationship between work regulatory focus/emotional exhaustion and employee PEBs. Interestingly, the finding that emotional exhaustion did not mediate the relationship between transactional leadership and PEB may reflect the high power distance between leaders and employees in Eastern cultures, thus shedding new light on a unique quality of the Eastern workplace.
Practically, the researchers’ findings offer guidance for the daily management practices of tourism and hospitality managers. To promote employees’ PEBs, managers should emphasise a vision of the future and support employees in achieving their goals. Organisations should focus on candidates with transformational leadership traits when recruiting managers. In addition, the researchers note, “hospitality corporations may consider offering relevant leadership workshops to improve leaders’ ability to deal with negative employee emotions and providing spaces and activities for employees to reduce workplace stress”.
Employees could play a critical role in reducing the carbon footprint of the hospitality and tourism industry and helping society to tackle the ever more severe problem of climate change. This timely study sheds light on the specific and nuanced mechanisms underlying the influence of hospitality and tourism leaders on their subordinates’ pro-environmental activities in China and beyond. Their research opens up new pathways for scholars and practitioners to make hospitality a greener and more sustainable industry of the future.
Zheng, Yuheng, Gao, Yixing (Lisa), Li, Mimi, and Dang, Ning (2023). Leadership Styles and Employee Pro-Environmental Behavior in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: A Cognitive-Affective Personality System Perspective. International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 113, 103509.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Hosts Another Delightful Cheese and Wine Night

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Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Hosts Another Delightful Cheese and Wine Night - TRAVELNWSHUBFollowing the tremendous success of our previous event in June, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is excited to announce another enchanting Cheese and Wine Night in collaboration with Les Frères Marchand. Join us on Friday 2nd August at our Lobby Lounge from 6:00 PM onwards for an evening of exquisite flavors and delightful company.

With 24 varieties of cheeses and an exceptional selection of wines, this event promises to be as memorable as ever. Les Frères Marchand brings generations of expertise, ensuring a truly unique experience.

In addition to the fantastic cheese and wine pairings, we’re thrilled to introduce an expanded food menu to complement your tasting journey. Take breaks between your cheese indulgences and savor a variety of delicious culinary offerings.

Don’t miss this chance to explore the world of fine cheeses and wines in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The Cheese and Wine Night is set to be an evening of indulgence and enjoyment, perfect for cheese lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday 2nd August 2024
  • Time: From 6:00 PM onwards
  • Venue: Lobby Lounge, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
  • Price: THB 1,500 net for cheese | THB 2,300 net for cheese and wine pairing

For reservations and more information, please contact 02 797 0000 or email: diningbangkok@marriott.com.

Join us for a night to remember at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, where every bite and sip tells a story of tradition and quality.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Trade and Development Calls for Sustainable and Equitable Strategies

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Geneva, Switzerland, July 10, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Trade and Development calls for sustainable and equitable strategies to mitigate digital economy’s growing environmental impact
  • The Digital Economy Report 2024 analyses the growing environmental impact of the world’s expanding digital economy
  • Developing countries shoulder the environmental impact of the digital economy but receive relatively small benefits from key mineral digitalization
  • Increased demand for minerals and metals required for digitalization offers resource-rich developing countries a unique opportunity to diversify within the digital value chain and drive development for their citizens.
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UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) today launched The Digital Economy Report 2024, shedding light on the significant environmental impact of the global digital sector and the disproportionate burden developing countries bear. This detailed report highlights that while digitalization drives global economic growth and offers unique opportunities for developing countries, its environmental repercussions are becoming increasingly severe. Developing countries remain unevenly affected both economically and ecologically due to existing digital and development divides but they have the potential to leverage this digital shift to foster development.

Rebeca Grynspan, UNCTAD’s Secretary-General underlined the need for a balanced approach “We must harness the power of digitalization to advance inclusive and sustainable development, while mitigating its negative environmental impacts. This requires a shift towards a circular digital economy, characterized by responsible consumption and production, renewable energy use and comprehensive e-waste management. The digital economy’s growing environmental impact can be reversed”.

The report emphasizes the pressing need to address the environmental costs of rapid digital transformation. Key concerns include the depletion of finite raw materials for digital and low-carbon technologies, escalating water and energy consumption and the growing issue of digitalization-related waste. As digitalization progresses at an unprecedented rate, understanding its link to environmental sustainability becomes increasingly critical.

Developing nations bear the burden but do not reap the benefits. This can change.

Developing countries are pivotal in the global supply chain for transition minerals and metals, which are highly concentrated in a few regions. Africa’s vast mineral deposits, essential for the global shift to low-carbon and digital technologies, include cobalt, copper, and lithium, crucial for a sustainable energy future. The continent holds significant reserves: 55% of the world’s cobalt, 47.65% of manganese, 21.6% of natural graphite, 5.9% of copper, 5.6% of nickel and 1% of lithium.

According to the World Bank, demand for minerals required for digitalization like graphite, lithium, and cobalt could surge by 500% by 2050. The increased demand presents a development opportunity for resource-rich developing countries if they can add value to extracted minerals, utilize proceeds effectively and diversify within the value chain and other sectors.

Amid current global crises, limited fiscal space, slow growth and high debt, developing countries should maximize this opportunity by domestic processing and manufacturing. This would help them secure a larger share of the global digital economy, generate governments revenues, finance development, overcome commodity dependence, create jobs and raise living standards.

Rising global demand for clean energy commodities is already boosting driving foreign direct investment in Latin America, accounting for 23% of the region’s greenfield project value over the past two years.

The environmental impact of the digital economy; Soaring energy and water consumption, growing digital waste

The environmental footprint of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector is significant, encompassing the entire lifecycle of digital devices and infrastructure —from raw material extraction and processing to manufacturing, distribution, usage, and disposal. This process consumes vast amounts of transition minerals, energy, and water, significantly contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

In 2020, the ICT sector’s CO2 equivalent emissions were estimated between 0.69 to 1.6 gigatons, accounting for 1.5-3.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that is expected to rise with the growth of the digital economy.

The development of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining are of particular concern. Bitcoin mining, for example, saw its global energy consumption increase approximately 34-fold between 2015 and 2023, reaching an estimated 121 TWh. Between 2018 and 2022, the electricity consumption of 13 major data centre operators more than doubled, highlighting the urgent need to address the energy and water footprints of these technologies.

E-commerce has surged, with online shoppers growing from fewer than 100 million in 2000 to 2.3 billion in 2021. This increase has led to a 30% rise in digital-related waste from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tons globally. Inadequate handling and disposal of digital waste exacerbates environmental inequalities, disproportionately impacting developing countries.

UNCTAD calls for a strategic shift for sustainable and inclusive digitalization

UNCTAD advocates for innovative business models and robust policies to enhance the sustainability of digital growth. Key recommendations include:

  • Adopting Circular Economy Models: Prioritize recycling, re-use, and recovery of digital materials to reduce waste and environmental impacts.
  • Implementing Resource Optimization: Develop strategies to use raw materials more efficiently and reduce overall consumption.
  • Strengthening Regulations: Enforce stricter environmental standards and regulations to mitigate the ecological footprint of digital technologies.
  • Investing in Renewable Energy: Promote research and development of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable digital practices.
  • Promoting International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among nations to ensure equitable access to digital technologies and resources, and to address the global nature of digital waste and resource extraction.

A call for global collaboration

UNCTAD urgently calls on the international community to implement comprehensive policies fostering a circular digital economy, minimizing environmental impacts, and bridging the digital divide. Most developing countries need further digitalization to participate effectively in the global economy. Immediate and coordinated efforts from governments, industry leaders, and civil society are essential for sustainable and inclusive digital development. Current discussions on a Global Digital Compact and the upcoming 20-years review of the World Summit on the Information Society can be leveraged to this end.

The report underlines the need to integrate digital and environmental policies and calls for urgent and bold action to ensure an equitable and environmentally responsible digital economy. This approach aims to allow countries to benefit from the opportunities the digital economy presents while safeguarding the interests and well-being of current and future generations.

Key figures to understand the environmental impact of the digital economy

  • The ICT sector is estimated to have emitted between 69 to 1.6 gigatons of CO2 in 2020, representing 1.5-3.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Producing a 2 kg computer requires approximately 800 kg of raw materials.
  • Demand for critical minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt could surge by 500% by 2050.
  • Data centers consumed 460 TWh of electricity in 2022, with consumption expected to double by 2026.
  • Digital-related waste increased by 30% between 2010 and 2022, reaching 10.5 million tons globally.
  • Developed countries generate 25 kg of digital waste per person, compared to less than 1 kg in developing countries and just 0.21 kg in least developed countries (LDCs).
  • Only 24% of digital waste was formally collected globally in 2022, with a mere 7.5% collection rate in developing countries.
  • The number of semiconductor units quadrupled from 2001 to 2022, with 5G coverage expected to rise from 25% in 2021 to 85% by 2028.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) devices are projected to grow from 16 billion in 2023 to 39 billion by 2029.
  • Business e-commerce sales surged from $17 trillion in 2016 to $27 trillion in 2022 across 43 countries.

Sources: UNCTAD, Justice & Paix, UNITAR (SCYCLE), IEA, Ericsson, Semiconductor Industry Association

 

About UN Trade and Development:
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA TRAVEL MART 2024

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PATA Travel Mart 2024 in Bangkok:
Meet buyers from major travel platforms, prominent business groups, and renowned travel agencies!

But that’s not all! High-quality Chinese buyers will also join #PTM2024. Showcase your products to household names like Xiaomi Group, Bayer (China), UMice, and more to expand into Asia Pacific’s largest source market.

VISIT EVENT PAGE

REGISTRATION

A sneak peek of our 165+ global respected buyers from 30+ destinations

and a preview of our exciting exhibitor line-up– from big names to independent businesses with unique local offerings

CHECK OUT PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

and more to be confirmed soon

SELLER REGISTRATION

REGISTER AS A SELLER

BUYER REGISTRATION

Hosted Buyer packages have been fully sold out. Interested buyers can register as Trade Buyers. Ticket includes:

  • Registration Fee
  • 1 set of appointment with 1-1 meeting
  • Complimentary arrival and departure airport transfers to/from official hotel
  • Attendance to PTM Forum
  • Participation to the Buyer hosted programmes and activities

Register as a Buyer >

SPONSORSHIP

 
Want to make your brand shine at the centre of the event? Check out PATA Travel Mart Sponsorship Types:

  1. Destination Partners
  2. Networking Opportunities: Lunch, Dinner, Networking Session
  3. Brand Exposure: Lanyards, Onsite Branding, Selfie Station
  4. Thought Leadership: Conference Sessions
  5. Youth Development: Face of the Future, Youth Symposium
Sponsorship Prospectus

Contact our sponsorship team at Sponsorship@PATA.org.

OFFICIAL EVENT VENUE

The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) was built to host events, especially conferences and exhibitions and has hosted numerous international events. The QSNCC is also home to the Plenary Hall, a theatre-style hall, which has a capacity of 6,000 persons. It will soon be Thailand’s first LEED silver-certified convention centre, ensuring its design, construction and operation are environmentally friendly.

OFFICIAL HOTELS

Starting from US $79 and all within 2 KM from the event venue, PTM official hotel booking now open!
CHECK OUT YOUR STAY OPTIONS

PATA Travel Mart 2024 is proudly supported by

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Pacific Asia Travel Association, All rights reserved.Unit 908 9th Floor No.111 True Digital Park Unicorn Building, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260 Thailand
communications@PATA.org | +66 (0)2-460-9264 | www.PATA.org

 

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Renowned Mixologist Takes Over Chiang Mai Highest Rooftop Bar

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Renowned Mixologist Takes Over Chiang Mai Highest Rooftop Bar - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comMeliá Chiang Mai’s jewel in the crown, 360-degree rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar, will welcome an award-winning bartender next month to concoct an imaginative selection of Thai-inspired cocktails.

Benz Naphat Boonmamuang, a.k.a “Mr B”, who hails from Chiang Mai and has been recognized among Thailand’s top mixologists, will “take over” Mai The Sky Bar on Friday August 2 from 7pm until midnight.

Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in Chiang Mai – offers spectacular views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas.

Mr B, the beverage and bar manager at Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar at 1921 House, has more than a decade’s experience of mixology under his belt. He has been recognised in the prestigious “World Class Thailand” Bartender of the Year Awards, named the second runner runner-up in the 2024 awards and a finalist in 2023. He was also the first runner-up at the Giffrad West Cup this year and a finalist in the Dewar’s Highball Challenge last year.

His Thai-inspired cocktails on offer during the takeover include a highball cocktail dubbed “Poy Luang”, which means a grand celebration featuring a lively procession dominated by the sounds of the gamelan.

Paying homage to traditional drinking customs where alcohol is typically consumed with pickled fruit, the cocktail features a homemade wild apple sparkling juice – made from wild apples, galangal and citron grown by the Doi Ang hill tribe community in Chiang Mai’s Fang District – mixed with Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey. The cocktail is garnished with plum-soaked citron wrapped in edible plastic; a nod to the world’s need to reduce plastic use.

Mr B’s selection of cocktails complement Mai The Sky Bar’s menu featuring dishes underpinned by local sustainable and organic farming. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the city’s most happening venue’s vibrant menu serves a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts under sections dubbed “Para Picar”, “Tableros” and “Postres” respectively.

Mai The Sky Bar’s resident DJ will spin commercial house music, afrobeats, pop and dancehall tunes from 8pm.

Entry to Mai The Sky Bar for Mr B’s takeover is THB 250 net per person, with credit towards food and drinks.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group and a member of TCC Group, with the focus on hospitality, lifestyle destinations, and commercial workspaces. Driven by the philosophy of “Building a Better Future,” AWC strives to grow and expand beyond the norms with a diverse array of quality projects, providing responsible and sustainable solutions for all our stakeholders. The company has two main businesses. Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Sheraton, and Melia, and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale such as lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of Asiatique the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC FOOD WHOLESALE PRATUNAM, and Tawanna Bangkapi, and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous ‘The Empire’ and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district. AWC is committed to integrating its sustainability strategy in every part of its operations to create long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders. The sustainability strategy consists of three key pillars: Better Planet, Better People and Better Prosperity, while the framework has created numerous long-term initiatives including the ReConcept, The GALLERY and other projects.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá has 125 hotels in Europe (56), America (18), Cuba (16), Africa (5) and Asia (30). We are present in 32 countries and currently have 21 hotels under development in 11 countries. At Meliá Hotels & Resorts, we stand out for our unique Spanish style in the hospitality industry and for our warmth, closeness and passion for service. This means that we offer our guests a unique wellness experience. Our Spanish warmth and spontaneity are part of our Mediterranean roots and are always present in the Meliá experience. An experience that is enriched by providing thoughtful extra services. Paying attention to the smallest details and providing personalized experiences for each guest. How do we interpret wellness in the MELIÁ brand? We see wellness from an innovative perspective. It is not wellness applied only to nutrition or wellness services, it is 360º wellness. The wellness we want to convey is global. You can find it in all aspects of the brand from different perspectives: physical wellness, spiritual wellness, leisure wellness, social wellness, occupational wellness, environmental wellness, financial wellness and nutritional wellness.

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 (listed as “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vietnam Golf Coast Makes the Right Korea Moves

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Vietnam Golf Coast Makes the Right Korea Moves - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comVietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs will be taking a roadshow to Korea this week to spread the gospel about the world-beating golf possibilities in Central Vietnam.

The region has emerged as a hub for golf travel in Asia thanks to an array of layouts designed by luminaries including European legends Sir Nick Faldo (Laguna Golf Lang Co), Luke Donald (Ba Na Hills Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie Links), as well as other huge names like Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones Jr.

The area’s burgeoning reputation on the global stage was reflected during 2023, a year that saw the total number of rounds played on its courses reach an all-time high.

And Laguna Golf Lang Co and Montgomerie Links, two of the fulcrums of the VGC, a destination marketing effort linking Central Vietnam’s signature courses, will be spreading the gospel about the region at separate events in Seoul and then Busan. These events are part of a strategic initiative to attract more international visitors to Central Vietnam by showcasing its premier golf offerings.

In Seoul, the roadshow will feature an information session for media and tour operators keen to learn more about Danang, a city that has become a central hub for golf tourism in the region. Attendees can explore the unique attributes of Central Vietnam’s golf courses, hotels, and tourism destinations. Representatives from the Danang Tourism Promotion Center, under the management of the Danang Tourism Department, will also be present to provide insights and answer questions.

Following the Seoul event on July 8, the roadshow will move to Busan, where a similar program will be conducted to engage with local media and tour operators on July 12. The focus will be on highlighting the unparalleled golf experiences available in Central Vietnam, emphasizing the region’s capacity to offer a complete holiday package that includes world-class golf, exquisite cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and luxurious accommodations.

“This roadshow underscores the VGC’s commitment to promoting Central Vietnam as a premier golf destination and strengthening its ties with the Korean market,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, club manager at Montgomerie Links where Colin Montgomerie has fashioned old-world design elements into a challenging layout. “By bringing together key stakeholders from both countries, the VGC aims to create lasting partnerships and drive tourism growth.”

“Central Vietnam is truly one of Asia’s most complete golf destinations, offering brilliant year-round golf, great food, rich cultural heritage, and fantastic accommodation,” added Stephen Banks, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “The region has long been a favourite of Korean golfers and their families. Therefore, we are excited to share this with our Korean friends and welcome them to experience everything our region has to offer.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Celebrates First Anniversary

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INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit Celebrates First Anniversary - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThailand’s first INNSiDE hotel is turning one this month, marking the milestone with discounts on room rates and dining, a giveaway campaign and fundraising to support education for disadvantaged children.

Reaching 34 floors and towering over Bangkok’s trendy On Nut neighborhood, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit debuted on July 7 last year with a design that draws inspiration from some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks. The 208-room hotel cut the ribbon on a host of remarkable facilities, ranging from a sky-high transparent infinity pool and rooftop tapas bar to integrated co-working spaces and playful meeting rooms and multifunctional areas.

Part of a collection of unique urban and beach hotels in 14 different countries designed for those with curious minds who cultivate a fluid lifestyle when it comes to work and leisure, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is celebrating its first anniversary in the following ways:

–         Guests receive 10 percent and 20 percent discounts on room rates for INNSiDE Rooms and The Townhouse accommodations respectively (subject to availability). Bookings must be made directly to reservations on +66 2 340 5499 or via social media messaging on Instagram and Facebook with promocode ‘1ANNIV’ by July 31 this year for stays until October 31, 2024.

–         Guests who have booked the 1ANNIV promotion also enjoy 10% off dining at the hotel’s LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar and The Kites Eatery during their stay.

–         A social media giveaway campaign will offer three complimentary one-night stay prizes with dining credits. Participants must answer the hotel’s Facebook post question “What’s your favorite spot at our hotel and why?” and like, share and set their repost as public to enter the competition. Winners will be announced on July 29 this year.

–         Guests are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of USD 1 (THB 35) or more during check-out to provide funds to support education for disadvantaged children.

Offering authentic Spanish tapas, wines, beer on tap, cocktails and signature sangrias, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar invites diners to embark on a culinary pilgrimage across Spain, to a backdrop of sweeping vistas of Bangkok’s skyline. A spectacle unlike any other in Bangkok, tapas bar guests on the 33rd floor peer into the bottom of the hotel’s infinity pool. The tapas bar’s design, including its striking angled lines and cabling, pay tribute to Bangkok landmark, Rama VIII Bridge.

In addition to drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s gastronomy, the hotel’s dining landscape taps local roots with fresh, colourful Thai cuisine. The chefs at all-day dining venue The Kites Eatery serve up central, northern, north-eastern and southern Thai cuisine a la minute using quality ingredients sourced from local farms. The Kites Eatery’s chic setting is also dominated by soaring windows giving way to stunning views of Bangkok.

Since its grand opening, the hotel has been making waves in Bangkok and beyond, receiving recognition and accolades from the likes of Hong Kong-based Destination Deluxe and UK-based Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. New York City-based Luxury Lifestyle Awards recently lauded the hotel as this year’s leading luxury bleisure hotel in Bangkok.

“Our property has quickly become a flagship for the rest of Asia and we have been attracting younger, purpose-driven travellers from Thailand, Asia and across the globe,” said the hotel’s general manager Aarron Nelson. “Our hotel is all about connecting with people; we offer a product that has a lot of storytelling behind it with something different on every floor of the hotel. In addition to our creative meeting rooms and a unique blend of functionality and style across every inch of our multifunctional areas, our location makes us ideal for MICE planners. We are close to Bangkok’s two major convention centres as well as EmQuartier and True Digital Park, which both have convention spaces.”

The hotel’s management and staff will celebrate the first anniversary on July 6 with almsgiving, Trimurti shrine worship, a monk ceremony at Fah Room and offerings to monks.

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 according to S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024, as well as being a “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also part of the IBEX 35.

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

The Anam Cam Ranh Recognised Among Vietnam’s Best Beach Resorts

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The Anam Cam Ranh Recognised Among Vietnam’s Best Beach Resorts - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThe Anam Cam Ranh has been named as one of Vietnam’s top beach resorts by prestigious magazine Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Macau.

Readers of the magazine voted the 12-hectare beachfront resort among the winners of Vietnam’s “Best Beach and Island Resorts” category of this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific.

Readers of the publication voted the resort, renowned for its spectacular location overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula and its Indochine era-inspired design, in the seventh spot in the list of ten winners.

When Vietnamese businessman Pham Van Hien set foot on Cam Ranh about 12 years ago, he was struck by its unspoiled sands and waters, its dramatic headlands and offshore islands. A dream took root that came to fruition in The Anam Cam Ranh: “I have visited many countries during three decades working in the tourism and the airline business and it is rare to find so many remarkable qualities in one under-the-radar location,” said Hien. “There isn’t a more desirable place to be on the water in Vietnam.”

Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau, said of the awards: “Taking in the hospitality industry in 15 countries and territories as well as the travel industry more broadly across Asia-Pacific, the Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards winners for 2024 reflect the ballots of you hotel guests, frequent fliers, cruise-lovers, points guys, and wellness junkies, and highlight the places and people that make for the best high-end wanderlust. With so many tried, trusted and true hotels getting your votes, and well as the slew of new openings in the region and ideas in luxury hospitality percolating out there, we’ve put together a special print edition: The Hotels Issue 2024.”

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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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TIA Wellness Resort Gets a Refresh with New Wellness Treatments

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TIA Wellness Resort Gets a Refresh with New Wellness Treatments - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAn oceanfront resort that has helped shape the wellness industry in Vietnam continues to reinvent itself to meet the diverse needs of its guests through new treatments and improving the spaces in which those therapies are offered. This month TIA Wellness Resort launches four new treatments including a new master therapy, a retreat-exclusive treatment, and gives its 22 treatment rooms a facelift.

“Our experience, and guest health assessments, revealed a heightened need for tension relief in areas commonly affected by daily life, especially due to the digitalization and prolonged screen time many of us experience,” explained Ramon Imper, general manager of the resort.

Guests taking part in one of the customized retreat programs at the property can now experience cupping, an ancient healing technique that originated in China and is a mainstay of traditional Vietnamese medicine. TIA Wellness Resort’s cupping therapy was developed by Dr. Phan Minh Duc, head of the Rehabilitation Center in Quang Nam province, where the resort is located, in collaboration with the property’s wellness training manager.

The 60-minute ‘Vietnamese Cupping Therapy’ involves a gentle tissue warm-up followed by the application of suction cups at acupuncture points. The traditional therapy has a host of benefits ranging from draining excess fluids and toxins to increasing blood flow to the skin and muscles. It also stimulates the peripheral nervous system and strengthens the immune system.

The two 30-minute treatments that specifically cater to daily computer users include a ‘Back & Shoulder Tension Release,’ to provide lasting relief and relaxation to an area where many people hold stress; and the ‘Holistic Head & Neck Harmony,’ a meridian-point therapy focusing on the head and neck to reset and balance mental well-being and overall health. The treatment also helps with neck mobility, while offering deep relaxation.

“We also recognized a growing need to focus on leg care,” added Ramon. “Traditionally, legs receive less attention and limited treatment time in most massages. To address this, we created the new leg recovery treatment, which is dedicated solely to the legs.”

The 50-minute ‘Deep Tissue Leg Recovery,’ alleviates tension and fatigue in the legs through a combination of deep tissue techniques and gentle stretches. In contrast to desk-bound workers this is a good fit for those who are on their feet all day, recovering from intense physical activity, or have just taken a long flight. The revitalizing treatment promotes blood circulation and muscle recovery.

In recent months the wellness team have also added new facials in collaboration with Comfort Zone, a science-based, regenerative and sustainable skincare brand founded in Italy. Four different facials on the menu tap the botanical powers of the nourishing skincare brand with options including: Recover Touch, Active Pureness, Hydra Glow, and Remedy Soothing. All are 50-minutes.

The new offerings complement the existing line up of 29 treatments available to wellness-inclusive guests. Guests who book a retreat also have access to an additional seven therapies including sound healing, master reiki, and the new Vietnamese cupping treatment.

With the addition of the treatments comes a renewed focus on the treatment room design. Elements have been added to the existing 22 rooms to create a more peaceful ambiance in line with the original design philosophy.

The resort’s overall design draws inspiration from the Forbidden City, a walled city inside an age-old Citadel in the nearby former capital of Hue. The greater emphasis now placed on arches within the treatment rooms mimics the arches present in the UNESCO-protected structures throughout the historic site.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Launches Discover Cambodia Campaign

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Accor Launches Discover Cambodia Campaign - TOP25HOTELS.comAccor hotels in Cambodia, including Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, have launched a month-long campaign spotlighting Khmer culture, heritage and hospitality.

‘Discover Cambodia’, which runs throughout August, will feature an array of extraordinary activities, memorable meals, exclusive discounts and more. Some highlights include:

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh will host an exclusive Khmer dinner and dance performance at Le Phnom 1929 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, in addition to a special cocktail menu inspired by famous Cambodian singers at the hotel’s iconic Elephant Bar.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap will offer an extraordinary ‘Golden Age Tasting Menu’ (priced at $60++ per person) from Aug. 1-10 at the Khmer fine dining restaurant 1932, as well as an exclusive Sunday Champagne Brunch on Aug. 4 (starting from $60++ per person) celebrating 1960s Cambodian pop music with the Khmer Magic Music Bus.

ibis Styles Siem Reap will serve an afternoon ‘Cambodian Delights’ buffet on Aug. 2 from 3pm-5pm, a ‘Carb-up Pasta Fiesta’ buffet on Aug. 3 from 6pm to 8pm at $15 per person accompanied by a live Cambodian R&R, and a ‘Weekend Late Breakfast’ buffet on Aug. 4 priced at $9.60. The hotel will also feature a Cambodian Delights Tray priced at $10 and a fresh sugarcane juice station from Aug. 1-10.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort will present a special Khmer cocktail promotion and Asian High Tea from Aug. 1-10, both in Explorer’s Tales – Champagne bar. The high tea, priced at $20++, includes coffee, tea or hot chocolate in addition to a stand of Asian gastronomic delights, daily from 3pm-5pm. The Garden fizz Cambodian cocktail, priced at $14++, features gin, tonic, cucumber, mint and lime.

TRIBE Phnom Penh Post Office Square will offer a traditional Khmer-themed dinner at Hemisphere Sky Bar, with a concert by Sok Visal spotlighting the golden age of Cambodia and live dance performances on Aug. 15.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra will host a kids’ camp with tennis, badminton, taekwondo, football and more, along with cooking classes, treasure hunts and creative challenges. The camp will run throughout August from Monday to Friday (8:30am to 5pm), priced at $75 per child per day, or $265 weekly. The hotel will also host a special Sunday Brunch at Do Forni on Aug. 11 featuring foie gras terrine, slow-cooked lamb leg, beef cheek, oysters and much more, with an optional free-flow of Champagne Taittinger. Brunch is priced from $50++ per person for limitless food or $110++ with limitless Taittinger Champagne. The Distillery will host a unique Rum Explorer on Aug. 9, featuring a flight tasting and canapes for $30++. Wine Affair on Aug. 23 will feature a variety of unique wines priced at $30++, including canapes.

Novotel Phnom Penh BKK 1 will host a special Basque culinary event that promises to delight both food enthusiasts and music lovers. On Aug. 16, from 6pm to 10pm, guests are invited to indulge in a lavish Basque buffet night at Makila Restaurant, accompanied by a live band performing hits from the golden era of modern Khmer music in the 1960s. The festivities continue the following day with a Basque buffet brunch on Aug. 17 from 11am to 3pm, featuring a live band. That night from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, guests can enjoy pintxos and Basque cocktails at Kaixo Bar.

Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort will offer a Khmer Set Menu at Food Exchange for $27 from Aug. 20-30, complemented by an exhibition on Cambodia’s golden era. The hotel’s Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge and Aqua Bar & Grill will serve unique Khmer cocktails starting at $5. On Aug. 24-25, the main lobby will have a traditional Khmer desserts live station from $2.50. Lastly, Domrei Bar & Cigar Lounge will host a Saturday live session featuring famous Khmer songs from the 70s and 80s on Aug. 24 from 8pm to 11pm, with ‘Buy 1, Get 1 Free’ cocktails.

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries with 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

ABOUT ALL

ALL is a booking platform and loyalty program embodying the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay. Through the ALL.com website and app, customers can access an unrivalled choice of stays from more than 45 Accor brands in 110 countries, always at the best price. The ALL loyalty program gives members access to a wide range of rewards, services and experiences, along with over 100 renowned partners. ALL supports its members daily, enabling them to live their passions with over 2,000 events worldwide each year: local activities, chef masterclasses, major sports tournaments and the most eagerly awaited concerts. ALL is the loyalty program preferred by travellers.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News