Global Travel News

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.

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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.

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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

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 28,2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome LAMH Management Asia (Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness) as its newest Global Member. Operating across Asia and the United States, LAMH Management Asia is a premier strategic advisory firm dedicated to transforming non-performing assets into high-yield luxury destinations. Through its proprietary, technology-backed experiential framework, LAMH integrates data-driven intelligence with high-touch service to deliver hyper-personalised luxury experiences for institutional investors and global stakeholders.

Founded and led by Mr. Deepak Ohri, LAMH is built on a philosophy that redefines value creation in the luxury sector. Recognised globally for pioneering the concept of the “Vertical Destination” and for championing “experiential luxury,” Mr. Deepak has consistently bridged visionary creativity with robust financial performance. His transformational model has increased enterprise value across both listed and private entities, demonstrating that the “Human Spirit” remains the ultimate currency in an increasingly digital-first world.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said:

“We are delighted to welcome LAMH Management Asia to our global Membership. Travel & Tourism continues to evolve rapidly, and visionary leadership is critical to unlocking sustainable growth and long-term value. Mr. Deepak’s pioneering work in experiential luxury and transformation-driven strategy brings a distinctive and powerful perspective to our community. We look forward to his active contribution as we shape the future of global Travel & Tourism together.”

Mr. Deepak Ohri, Founder of LAMH Management Asia, said:

“It is an honour to join the World Travel & Tourism Council as a Global Member. The future of our sector lies in elevating experiences beyond transactions and embracing the Transformation Economy, where emotional engagement and human connection define true value. Through LAMH, we are committed to redefining excellence by turning underperforming assets into iconic luxury destinations. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Members to advance innovation, resilience, and meaningful growth across global Travel & Tourism.”

With its flagship implementation launching in May 2026, LAMH Management Asia is entering a new phase of global expansion, reinforcing its commitment to reshaping the luxury landscape through strategic transformation, experiential design, and measurable financial impact. As a Global Member, LAMH will play an active role in advancing dialogue around investment strategy, destination repositioning, and the future of luxury within Travel & Tourism.

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global, private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include the Chairmen/women, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading travel and tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, technology firms and more. Through this unified membership, WTTC works with governments and international institutions to drive sustainable growth, support exports, create jobs, and deliver prosperity globally.

For more than three decades, WTTC has championed the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. Its rigorous, data-driven research quantifies the sector’s impact — on GDP, employment, exports and wider societal benefits — helping shape policies, raise awareness, and foster public-private collaboration.

About LAMH Management Asia
LAMH Management Asia (Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness) is a global strategic advisory and industry disruptor founded by visionary Deepak Ohri. Operating at the vanguard of the Transformation Economy, LAMH specializes in revitalizing diverse luxury assets.

Moving beyond traditional hospitality, the firm utilizes its proprietary “Architecture of Happiness” model to achieve Total Asset Optimization. Beginning in May 2026, LAMH will pivot into a new vertical, pioneering a tech-driven experiential model that converts physical spaces into high-yield, cinematic destinations. By merging institutional financial rigor with radical storytelling, LAMH redefines luxury as a measurable driver of both financial ROI and human transformation.

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Madrid, Spain, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) held recently a high-level meeting in Madrid, bringing together global industry leaders, ministers and senior policymakers to examine investment challenges and opportunities across the Travel & Tourism sector worldwide.

The meeting was led by Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, and featured the participation of Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, alongside senior government representatives and leading global tourism businesses.

Discussions focused on removing barriers to travel, the role of technology in enabling more seamless journeys, strengthening global connectivity, and advancing sustainable tourism that protects the environment while delivering tangible benefits to local communities. A core theme was the importance of public-private partnerships as a catalyst for scaling investment, developing resilient infrastructure, and unlocking long-term growth.

Participants also underlined the importance of legal certainty for investors, continued infrastructure development, and effective government facilitation to unlock private-sector capital and support long-term sector growth.

“Travel & Tourism continues to be one of the most powerful drivers of global economic growth. In 2025, more than 1.5 billion people travelled internationally, 80 million more than in 2024, making it the strongest year on record for global tourism,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC. “The sector contributed approximately $11.7 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3 % of global GDP and year-on-year growth of 6.7 %.”

Guevara also highlighted the sector’s critical role in employment. “Travel & Tourism supports one in nine jobs globally. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to create 91 million new jobs, or one in three new jobs worldwide, making talent development and skills training an urgent priority.”

Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasised the importance of safeguarding natural and cultural heritage while ensuring tourism delivers inclusive growth.

“My vision is ambitious, but achievable. Real progress requires the reach of the private sector and close collaboration with governments and communities,” she said. “Investment will be the catalyst for balanced and equitable tourism development, particularly in emerging destinations, while supporting sustainability, entrepreneurship and women across the sector.”

Mara Lezama, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, highlighted the need for inclusive tourism development. “Tourism success cannot exist alongside social inequality. Democratising tourism, promoting rural and community-based tourism, and ensuring transparent investment frameworks are essential for shared prosperity,” she said.

The meeting convened senior leaders from across the global private sector, including Désirée Bollier, Chair and Global Chief Merchant of The Bicester Collection; Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar; Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman of Shun Tak Holdings; José Chapur, Honorary President and Founder of The Palace Company; Juan Vela, Executive Vice President of Grupo Velas; Gabriele Burgio, President and CEO of Alpitour World; Frank Rainieri, Founder and Chairman of Grupo Puntacana; José Carlos Azcárraga, CEO of Grupo Posadas; Jorge Paoli, CEO of Grupo Diestra; Ayhan Bektas, Chairman of Coral Travel Group; and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, alongside other global and regional travel executives. Public-sector participation included ministers and vice ministers of tourism from across Latin America, alongside senior representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency and other national tourism authorities.

Closing the meeting, Gloria Guevara announced that WTTC will host a series of regional forums to deepen analysis of sector-specific challenges and opportunities, supporting industry growth, job creation and Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global economic development through enhanced public-private collaboration.

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Manila, Philippines, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Philippines unveiled the official anthem and music video (MTV) for ASEAN 2026, marking a defining moment in its Chairship of the regional bloc under the theme Navigating Our Future, Together.

Carrying the unifying message of One Vision, One Ocean, the anthem delivers a stirring call for resilience, solidarity, and collective progress. The lyrics portray nations bound by the sea, weathering tides and storms together, guided by hope and a shared purpose. It affirms that ASEAN rises, shines, and moves forward as one community.

The MTV showcases sweeping aerial and cinematic panoramic shots of significant landmarks across ASEAN Member States, capturing vibrant cultures, storied heritage, dynamic cityscapes, and diverse cultural expressions. The visuals emphasize unity in diversity and highlight the strong connections that link the peoples of Southeast Asia.

Through powerful imagery and music, the ASEAN 2026 anthem and MTV celebrate the region’s interconnectedness and reinforce its collective commitment to stability, cooperation, and sustainable growth.

By unveiling the anthem and MTV, the Philippines underscores its dedication to leading a cohesive, forward-looking, and resilient ASEAN community toward a shared future.

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to once again endorse the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 (RAYS 2026), held in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), taking place in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from June 24 – 26, 2026.

Positioned as a collaborative platform for environmental conservation and sustainable development, RAYS 2026 brings together young leaders, sustainability advocates, and emerging changemakers from across ASEAN and beyond. The programme encourages youth-led dialogue on climate resilience, alongside the development of pragmatic action plans that support responsible and inclusive transformation.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “Having had the opportunity to attend RAYS last year, I was inspired by the strong participation of youth united by a clear and shared purpose: protecting our environment. This dialogue is one that PATA is proud to support, and I am confident that RAYS 2026 will continue to serve as a vital platform for young people to exchange ideas, take action, and emerge as changemakers for our planet.”

As an endorser of the event, PATA will leverage its global network of student chapters and communication channels to amplify the event’s outreach and visibility.

STB CEO Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “We deeply appreciate the continued endorsement from PATA, which reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to advancing sustainable tourism. As host of the Rainforest Youth Summit 2026, Sarawak remains focused on delivering a structured platform that connects youth, industry, and community stakeholders in meaningful collaboration across ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific.”

RAYS serves as a regional platform that connects youths with indigenous leaders, scientists, and creatives, encouraging participants to better understand their role in advancing climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and cultural continuity. The programme will feature expert-led sessions, interactive lab workshops grounded in lived experience, and curated off-site excursions centred on Sarawak’s protected rainforest areas. This year’s theme – Youth: Many Ways, One Planet – further highlights how young people from diverse backgrounds can unite around a shared commitment to create a more sustainable world.

The closing of the summit will coincide with the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 (RWMF 2026), one of Sarawak’s most celebrated cultural events. The festival was ranked among the Top 10 in the Transglobal World Music Chart’s 2025 Festival Awards.

Early bird tickets are available to purchase from today until March 15. For youths in the ASEAN region seeking financial assistance to attend the event, applications are now open for the RAYS ASEAN Access Fund.

The event is proudly funded and organised by the State Government of Sarawak, and endorsed by ASEAN, PATA, and UN Tourism.

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, February 25, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work – and vacation. With their rapid, sophisticated responses, AI chatbots like ChatGPT offer travellers an unprecedentedly powerful tool for trip planning. However, this tool is not without limitations, especially when it comes to narrowing down multiple options for destinations and activities. Thanks to Professor Seunghun Shin of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and four co-authors, online travel agencies now have novel insights into the impact of ChatGPT on travellers’ trip planning behaviour, specifically the relative effectiveness of ChatGPT and humans as recommendation agents.

ChatGPT, a dialogue-based AI tool that can understand natural human language and generate human-like written text, has the potential to revolutionise trip planning. “Its remarkable ability to interact with users by providing sophisticated answers to their queries has led millions of people to adopt it”, say the researchers.

Traditionally, travellers needed to comb multiple websites and other information sources – from search engines to maps, blogs and online review pages – to find the perfect destinations and activities. Today, the authors note, “they can bypass such complicated and disturbing processes through a simple conversation with ChatGPT”. The chatbot can deliver customised itineraries within just a few seconds, providing “a valid initial reference for trip planning”.

Despite these advantages, certain limitations of the tool may pose obstacles for prospective travellers. The first – at least at the time of this study – was ChatGPT’s inability to provide real-time information. Second, the tool’s focus on text rather than images or videos is inimical to the visual nature of shopping for destinations and activities. “Last but not least”, the researchers say, “ChatGPT is not always correct”.

These limitations may make travellers unwilling to fully trust ChatGPT, especially its ability to narrow down multiple valid options at later stages of the trip planning process. Unfortunately, however, research to date has paid insufficient attention to how tourists perceive the role of ChatGPT in the trip planning process. The researchers set out to fill this important gap.

Their first task was to consult the literature to develop hypotheses for testing. The most salient framework appeared to be that of the choice overload effect, or the negative consequences of a large assortment of choices. “The choice overload effect”, say the researchers, “is generally understood to mean a situation in which the intricacy of the decision problem facing a person transcends his or her cognitive capacity”.

First, having a multitude of choices can be overwhelming, due to the near-impossibility of comparing all available options. “The regret stemming from the inability to select the best choice enhances the attractiveness of other options”, the researchers warn, “potentially resulting in unfavourable outcomes such as switching decisions or opting for no decision at all”. Second, the presence of so many options raises consumers’ hope of finding the ideal choice – inevitably leading to disappointment when this becomes impossible.

In the hospitality and tourism field, researchers have sought to identify moderators capable of reducing the choice overload effect. For example, building travellers’ self-confidence has been found to mitigate the negative effects of large numbers of options at multiple stages in the decision-making process. A frequently overlooked factor, however, is the information source (e.g., AI or human), which may increase the accuracy of decision-making and thus reduce the choice overload effect.

Expanding on choice overload theory, the researchers proposed their first hypothesis. “As ChatGPT streamlines a multitude of options into a more concise selection”, they say, “it may lead to a reduction in travellers’ satisfaction with the recommendations and their intention to visit the recommended destination”. Although choice overload theory generally assumes that narrowing down options helps people make better choices, this depends on whether appealing choices are retained and unattractive ones are excluded – tasks at which ChatGPT may not excel.

The authors also proposed that ChatGPT’s perceived trustworthiness can mediate the impact of its option-reduction service on travellers’ recommendation satisfaction and visit intention. AI is widely believed to lack efficacy in handling tasks requiring intuition and empathy. “Given that the process of trip planning is subjective, intuitive, and emotional”, the researchers say, “travellers are inclined not to trust information that has been curated by ChatGPT”.

Finally, the authors identified possible boundary conditions for how travellers perceive ChatGPT when narrowing down multiple travel options. “First, we anticipate that concerns about forfeiting the best options will be more pronounced when the initial number of choices is substantial”, they say. Second, the choice overload effect varies depending on whether consumers narrow down options independently, which can minimise concerns about forfeiting the best possible alternatives. Therefore, they expected the negative effect of reducing options to decrease when this reduction is done by the human decision-maker rather than ChatGPT.

To test their hypotheses, the researchers crafted five experimental studies in which participants imagined planning trips to destinations, interacting with ChatGPT or friends to generate and narrow down travel options. Their aim was to use these studies to empirically “determine the negative effect of reducing options from the initial recommendations using ChatGPT”.

Study 1 focused on Hong Kong as the target trip destination. As hypothesised, “satisfaction with the recommendations was reduced significantly when ChatGPT suggested narrowed-down options from the initial large option”, the researchers report. In Study 2, the participants imagined planning a trip to Key West, Florida. Option reduction by ChatGPT (compared with the participants themselves) negatively affected visit intention, mediated by perceived trustworthiness and satisfaction, especially when the initial set of options was large.

Strengthening these findings, Study 3 revealed that travellers were more satisfied when they narrowed down the options themselves than when they relied on ChatGPT. In Study 4, satisfaction and visit intention were higher when options were narrowed down by human experts than by ChatGPT. Finally, Study 5 demonstrated that the negative effects of ChatGPT’s option reduction were mitigated when travellers actively engaged in the narrowing process, suggesting that user participation can buffer against the damage done to trust and satisfaction by AI-driven reduction.

“Our research reveals the underlying psychological mechanisms behind why decision-makers do not prefer a reduction in recommendations by AI agents”, the authors tell us. Their findings not only contribute to the literature but may also help online travel agencies (OTAs) more effectively embed ChatGPT in their websites to help travellers create trip itineraries.

First, their findings indicated that ChatGPT may not be helpful in narrowing down options at a late stage of trip planning, because its options-reduction ability is not perceived as trustworthy. Therefore, “OTAs should emphasise ChatGPT’s ability to generate the initial pool of destinations or activities and deemphasise its narrowing-down ability”.

“Second”, they say, “our findings showed that the benefits of using ChatGPT for trip planning can increase when its initial recommendations are narrowed down by travellers”. OTAs could thus encourage travellers to be engaged in the creation process to maximise their satisfaction with the itineraries. “Businesses could instruct their chatbots to give multiple possible alternatives to customers’ inquiries”, the authors say, “to lead them to make their own choices”.

Finally, they found that travellers perceived choice overload when more than 15 options were proposed by AI tools. This insight may be applicable beyond travel planning. “Based on our findings”, the authors conclude, “hospitality businesses could adjust the default number of recommendations their AI tools provide, to enable customers to easily interact with them, and to have better experience with such tools”.

Seunghun Shin, Jungkeun Kim, Eunji Lee, Yerin Yhee and Chulmo Koo (2025). ChatGPT for Trip Planning: The Effect of Narrowing Down Options. Journal of Travel Research, Vol. 64, No. 2, 247–266.

About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 for the ninth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2024/2025 for eight years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 1 in Asia in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.

The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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Phuket, Thailand, February 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is setting a new standard for family holidays, combining five-star luxury with an array of engaging activities designed for guests of all ages. Situated on the serene Cape Panwa coastline, the resort offers an idyllic escape where families can create lasting memories in a vibrant and stylish setting.

Understanding the needs of the modern family, the resort has curated an experience that ensures both parents and children have an unforgettable stay. A central feature is the Sapparot Kids Club, a hub of creativity and fun where younger guests can enjoy a daily schedule of supervised activities. While the children are entertained, parents can unwind, knowing their little ones are in a safe and stimulating environment.

The resort’s dedication to family fun extends to its aquatic facilities. Children can make a splash in the dedicated kids’ pool, complete with its own exciting slider. For shared adventures, the resort’s private beach along Makham Bay provides the perfect backdrop. Families can explore the calm, clear waters together with complimentary activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, enjoying the sun and sea at their own pace.

Dining is also a family affair at Pullman Phuket Panwa. Every restaurant and beach club within the resort features thoughtful kids’ food selections, offering a variety of delicious and appealing options to satisfy even the youngest palates. This ensures that every meal is a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it the ultimate destination for a fun-filled family holiday in paradise.

Keep in touch and stay update!

Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is located 45-minute drives from Phuket International Airport (HKT) and overlooks the magnificent Bays of southern Phuket. The premium resort blends premium hospitality with contemporary Thai design to deliver a beachside paradise for global travelers seeking a tropical island retreat amidst tranquil nature. Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort offers a choice of 211 spacious contemporary rooms, including suites and 29 villas with private pools. The resort has been a popular choice among travelers seeking a premium resort experience in close proximity to Phuket Town, shopping malls and tourist attractions. An unmissable dining experience crafted exclusively for your stay, Tamarind Restaurant is a signature dining venue serving innovative Thai cuisine. It has been recognized as a Top 10 restaurants in Phuket and the No. 1 restaurant in Cape Panwa on TripAdvisor ranked by Travelers.

About Pullman
Pullman Hotels & Resorts sets a new tempo in global travel and living, delivering an inspiring, energizing and enriching experience to new entrepreneurs. Pullman welcomes guests with the space they need to focus, work and play. Forward-thinking, hyper-connected and with a passion for art and fitness, Pullman retains the adventurous spirit and open-minded ambition that drove it to become a pioneering travel brand over 150 years ago. Today Pullman features more than 157 properties in vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations around the world including flagship properties such as Pullman Paris Bercy, Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui in Greater China and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Pullman is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 24, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Smiling Albino, an award-winning Bangkok-based luxury experiential travel specialist, has reached a major milestone, a quarter century of designing high-end, customized journeys across Southeast Asia.

Founded in 1999 by Canadians Daniel Fraser and Scott Coates, Smiling Albino grew from its original base in Thailand into a regional specialist known for tailor-made travel with strong local character.

As Smiling Albino celebrates 25 years, I keep coming back to how much their story is really about people. I first met the team back in 2004 when I was studying for my graduate degree at Assumption University and was out exploring the neighborhood. Their office was close to our Hua Mak campus. Later, they moved across the street from campus. Even then it was obvious Scott and Dan had that rare combination of creative instincts and operational discipline that made guests feel like the trip was designed just for them, because it was.

Over the years I’ve watched Assumption University students and alumni gain their first real professional momentum through Smiling Albino, learning standards, confidence, and what “excellent” looks like in the real world, then carrying that forward into the wider tourism sector.

As tourism keeps evolving, the need for strong bridges between industry and academia only grows and Smiling Albino has shown what that looks like in practice: shared know-how, real opportunities, and a culture that develops people, not just products. Congratulations to Dan and the team on 25 years of impact that travels far beyond the guest experience. Here’s to the next chapter.

Thomas Tran, a standout graduate of Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management who completed multiple internships during his studies, said Smiling Albino played a defining role in his professional journey.

“As an Assumption University graduate, I had the privilege of spending 3.5 years at Smiling Albino, years that shaped my foundation in the international luxury travel industry,” he shared, adding that the team’s creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and world-class service taught him “what it truly means to take care of high-end clientele and deliver unforgettable experiences.” Thomas noted that the experience strengthened his professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and operational excellence, lessons he carried into his current role as Country Manager at FutureLog.

Peeradon Meeklam “Pea”, a longtime Smiling Albino team member who joined during the boom years before COVID, helped steady the company through its toughest chapter. One of the few employees not furloughed during the pandemic, he became part of the small core team that rebuilt operations and supplier relationships as travel returned. “In the hardest months, we focused on two things: taking care of our partners and keeping our standards high,” Pea said. “When guests came back, we wanted them to feel the same confidence and care, because that’s what Smiling Albino has always been about.”

Pea has since moved on, as many talented people do, leaving with relationships intact and a quiet pride in having been part of a company that measures success not only in trips, but in the people who make them possible.

If Smiling Albino’s trips look seamless, it is because the company has always valued the people who make seamless possible, from teams and suppliers to the alumni who got their first real professional momentum there. After 25 years, that may be the most “luxury” thing about the brand: a standard of care that extends beyond guests to the community that delivers the experience. Here’s to the next chapter.

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