Global Travel News

Blue Elephant Group’s Master Chef Nooror Hosts Lunch for Lady Ambassadors

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (6th from left), Founder of the Blue Elephant Group, hosted a luncheon in honour of Lady Ambassadors to Thailand and other prominent ladies to mark the International Women’s Day at Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok recently. The event was a casual get-together to foster female and international relations filled with laughter and camaraderie amongst the powerful ladies of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests.

The hostess Master Chef presented each Ambassador with a special, hand-woven “Khram” Sakon Nakon Natural Indigo Dyed Fabric, made of 100% natural cotton, showcasing the identity, skill and pride of the community of women in Sakon Nakon province who are able to craft and produce such precious homegrown fabric masterpieces.

Pictured from left are: H.E. Mrs. Shirley Dennise Aguilar Barrera, Ambassador of Guatemala; H.E. Mrs. Daniela-Brindusa Bazavan, Ambassador of Romania; H.E. Ms. Ping Kitnikone, Ambassador of Canada; Sandra Steppe Goswami; H.E. Mrs. Serap Ersoy, Ambassador of Turkey; Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe: H.E. Mrs. Sibille de Cartier d’Yves, Ambassador of Belgium; H.E. Mrs. Millicent Cruz-Paredes, Ambassador of the Philippines; H.E. Ilse Ferrer Silva, Ambassador of Mexico; H. E. Dr. Angela Macdonald PSM, Ambassador of Australia; and H.E. Ms. Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta, Ambassador of Peru.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Sustainability Week Highlights Environmental Initiatives of Hotels & Resorts

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Meliá Sustainability Week Highlights Environmental Initiatives of Hotels & Resorts - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAhead of Earth Day in April and on the heels of Meliá Hotels International being named one of the most sustainable companies in the world, the Spanish hotel group is running Meliá Sustainability Week this week, shining a light on eco-initiatives that its hotels & resorts have undertaken.

Here are some of the highlights from the growing group’s properties in Southeast Asia.

Increasing biodiversity in Thailand and Vietnam

Meliá Chiang Mai kicked off a forest restoration project in partnership with the Doi Suthep Nature Study Center and the Forest Restoration Research Unit in 2022 to help restore the tropical forest in Northern Thailand. Their efforts have covered an area of more than seven acres and they have actively contributed over 4,350 trees, including important native species, to the area.

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, in Thailand’s capital, is also balancing its central city location with projects that prioritize the earth. Through their GREENSiDE project they partner with Bangpu Nature Education Center for tree planting activities, with their volunteer staff planting over 100 mangrove trees so far.

In Thailand’s south, Meliá Koh Samui is enhancing green spaces within the property and decreasing erosion. So far volunteers have added an additional 40 trees to the property.

In nearby Vietnam, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort runs a Carbon Offset Program, offsetting guests’ travel emissions through tree planting initiatives. The seaside resort has also introduced more nature-based, educational experiences that highlight local ecology and conservation efforts.

Creating a 360-degree food economy, minimizing food waste, and local sourcing

Meliá Chiang Mai is embracing sustainability and promoting healthy eating with its ‘360° Cuisine’ concept. In partnership with SEED farm, Meliá Chiang Mai runs a sustainable farm and harvests organic fruit, vegetables, and herbs for its restaurants. They also work closely with local farmers such as the Rong Khum Farm, sourcing free-range eggs for breakfast at The Level and organic San Pa Tong Jasmine Rice for Mai Restaurant and Bar and SUPHA BEE FARM, a local honeybee farm in Mae Rim. In their circular system they have sent back more than 3,000 kg of food for compost and fertilizer since starting the project in 2022 and over 600 kg of cooking oil has been used to produce diesel fuel from renewable resources.

At Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, the team has gotten creative with the island’s most famous fruit, the Phuket Pineapple. The cleaning team uses a natural detergent made from pineapple peel, and pineapple tops are the main table decorations throughout the property. Like Meliá Chiang Mai, the Phuket property also has its own organic vegetable garden as do several Meliá hotels including Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Meliá Ba Vi Mountain Retreat and Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort. INNSiDE by Meliá Yogyakarta has its own fruit and vegetable garden, growing such produce as passion fruit, melon, chili, and bananas.

On Phu Quoc Island, off the southwest coast of Vietnam, Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc turns food scraps into soil nutrients for its outdoor plants. INNSiDE by Meliá Yogyakarta processes its eggshell waste into powder fertilizer for plants and vegetables.

Meliá Yangon isn’t letting the property’s central location dampen its farming ambitions, as well, and the hotel has its own organic vegetable garden located on the third floor.

Sol by Meliá Benoa Bali and Gran Meliá Jakarta in Indonesia are managing food waste through the Scholars of Sustenance program, an initiative in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines designed to address food inequity and ensure that disadvantaged communities are getting nutritious meals. Through this partnership they are providing hundreds of meals per month using food that may otherwise be wasted. Both properties work to minimize food waste throughout their operations but when there is an excess it isn’t wasted.

Supporting those in need in the local community

The team at Meliá Koh Samui supports the Samui Special Needs Foundation through Roses for Hope, an artistic project where the children supported by the foundation create cardboard roses that are sold in the restaurant with proceeds going back to the worthy cause. The hotel has also been supporting Ban Plai Laem School in renovating the school premises, including installing solar lighting, painting and maintenance to help create a rich learning environment.

Meliá Hanoi has recently embarked on several outreach initiatives including organizing a fun day and gifts for the kids at Phuc Tue Center, which provides support and education to children with autism and intellectual disabilities; and providing donations to Hanoi’s Care Centre for Children with Disabilities and the Thuan Thanh Wounded Soldier Nursing Center. Meliá Hanoi, VinaCapital Foundation and Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund also worked together to organize a workshop on vocational skills for female ethnic minority students from all over Vietnam, who gathered in Hanoi to participate in an Empowerment Meeting.

Meliá Purosani Yogyakarta has joined global cleaning products manufacturer Diversey’s Soap for Hope program. The hotel recycles hotel soap into new (sterilized) soap which is then packaged and sold as souvenirs in the hotel. Soap sale profits go to the Reachout Foundation, which supports various community empowerment programs. The Indonesia-based hotel also started a coffee brick initiative where the hotel processes used coffee grinds into charcoal/coffee bricks which are then used as fuel for barbecue theme dinners and events at the property.

In Malaysia INNSiDE by Meliá Kuala Lumpur Cheras and Meliá Kuala Lumpur, partnered up in December to visit Pusat Kebajikan Amal Jian An, a local welfare center, where they distributed essential goods and enjoyed games and performances ahead of Christmas.

The Meliá Yangon team are also actively involved in community programs such as Linen for Life, where they made 4,000 masks by upcycling old bed sheets and unusable uniforms into fabric, and through visiting local elderly homes and youth centers to provide support.

More digital and less plastic at properties

Meliá Hotels throughout the region are increasingly going paperless with necessary information and menus available via QR code at such properties as Gran Meliá Nha Trang, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao and INNSiDE by Meliá Kuala Lumpur Cheras.

Eco-friendly grass straws and paper straws have become the norm and can be found in drinks at Meliá Vinpearl Hue, Meliá Vinpearl Danang Riverfront, and Meliá Makassar among most other hotels in the region. Plastic bottles are becoming a thing of the past at each property too. Meliá Makassar is the most recent convert having switched to glass bottles in December 2023. Gran Meliá Jakarta has also eliminated all plastic water bottles in guest rooms and meetings and moved away from plastic straws, and single-use disposable amenities opting for refillable dispensers for toiletries instead. Plastic keycards are being updated to bamboo keycards at properties such as Meliá Makassar.

Global recognition

Meliá Hotels International’s efforts worldwide have resulted in the hotel group being recognized as one of the top-performing hotel companies globally according to the latest Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global. The leading financial ratings and market analysis provider ranks Meliá in third place – behind Thailand’s Asset World Corporation and Minor – making it the first European-origin hotel company in the ranking.

The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 is based on the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Assessment, an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices. It covers over 9,400 companies from around the world.

“We are very proud to once again be recognized as one of the leading hotel companies in sustainability worldwide, and we will continue to work to innovate and lead the way towards more responsible tourism, contributing to generating wealth in destinations and improving our positive impact on communities,” stated Gabriel Escarrer, President and CEO of Meliá Hotels International.

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

Does the Fate of Tourism Hinge on Land Use

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Does the Fate of Tourism Hinge on Land Use - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comChanges in land use rights to encourage tourism can have unexpected negative consequences for tourist businesses, according to Dr Michael Lin of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Noting that the impact of land use regulation on tourism has historically been understudied, the researchers performed an impact assessment of a unique form of tourist business in Namibia. They found that although regulatory changes had expanded access to land use rights, the economic outcomes for these ventures were not entirely positive, due to legal complexities and conflicts between stakeholders.
How we use land is central to how our societies function. Societal progress therefore frequently involves changes in land use, and in modern civilisation this is generally accomplished by official legislation. As the authors note, “land use change through a formal and regulatory framework is relatively recent, dating back to the mid-17th century, and the more comprehensive regulations to the early 20th century”. Being inherently tied to distinct local features, the fate of the tourism sector is particularly closely intertwined with land use legislation.
The economic consequences of land use changes are conventionally gauged through regulatory impact assessments. In societies worldwide, tourism is a key pillar of the economy. According to the researchers, however, “despite the importance of land use in tourism, there remains a critical gap in the literature of the assessment of changes in land use regulations”. This lack of understanding contrasts with the well-established literature on the impact of land use legislation in other economic contexts, such as agriculture, and may lead to regulatory changes being made by policymakers who are blind to their potential effects.
In both the developed and developing worlds, the reallocation of land for touristic usage is intended to support the economy. However, it is often a source of conflict, which “usually involves citizens opposing tourism development, and businesses supporting it for the reasons of economic growth”. However, even when efforts to redirect land use towards tourism succeed, economic growth is not guaranteed. The authors draw particular attention to a dearth of research investigating how small tourism businesses respond to regulatory changes, and whether the effects are positive.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the bedrock of tourism, accounting for 70% of businesses in the sector, and are especially important in developing countries. Lacking the power and resources of larger firms, they are also particularly sensitive to regulatory changes. Tourism SMEs, as the researchers observe, are generally “dependent on debt financing due to limited access to other sources [of funding]” and tend to rely on fixed assets as collateral. Land is a major type of fixed asset, and therefore land use changes directly intersect with tourism SMEs’ attempts to grow using external financing.
The researchers’ focal country, Namibia, is an African nation that has seen a boom in land use allocation for tourism. “In 1990”, the authors note, “when Namibia gained independence, the government inherited an unbalanced distribution of land ownership”. This situation initially stifled economic growth by restricting communities’ ability to tap the country’s huge tourist potential. In the last two decades, however, the state has taken legislative steps to remedy this, including increasing the amount of land with communal access. Such land can legally be used for commercial ends, notably including tourism.
Specifically, a 2002 law opened the possibility of touristic land use under the auspices of communal conservancies, a type of local body governed by communal authorities. “This resulted in the development of Communal Joint Venture lodges through a partnership between the communal conservancies and the private sector”, the researchers tell us. The 46 Lodges now operating in Namibia employ numerous workers from local communities and have been supported by international development agencies. However, the Lodges’ ability to secure market financing and thus cement their long-term viability remains unproven.
To delve deeper into the Lodges’ situation, Lin and coworkers performed an impact assessment to investigate “whether the changes in land use regulations in Namibia impacted the Lodges’ ability to source market financing to continue growing, and their financial performance to stay competitive”. In other words, can these public–private joint ventures – which effectively represent a home-grown Namibian form of tourism SME – attract hard-nosed investors and become genuinely self-sufficient hospitality businesses in a market economy?
Interviewing representatives of key stakeholders in Namibia’s tourism sector, including banks, government departments, investors and law firms, the researchers acquired a wealth of expert opinion on the relationship between land use regulation and Lodge financing. They also personally visited a number of Lodges to obtain financial performance data, encompassing “a relatively well-rounded profile of operations in communal conservancies”. These statistics bolstered the study’s qualitative findings by providing a window into the financial status of the Lodges.
From the interviews with stakeholders, four themes emerged regarding the barriers to providing financing for Lodges: “unclear business viability; lack of acceptable collateral; poor quality of project proposals and financial information; and availability of alternative financing”. For example, the Lodges’ viability as tourism enterprises was hampered by the unclear legal boundaries of the sublease arrangements between conservancies and investors, while the relatively short (10-year) lease terms gave investors little confidence in their long-term prospects.
The legal robustness of the joint venture agreements was another sticking point for investors. “There was no explicit legal basis for the transfer of land use rights in communal conservancies for commercial purposes”, the researchers point out. This gave investors doubts about whether land use agreements would actually be upheld, making leases an ineffective form of collateral for obtaining financing for the Lodges. Meanwhile, financial institutions expressed doubts about some of the investors, noting that they were often owner–managers or “lifestyle” investors with little business acumen, thus providing inadequate operational data.
In their early days, communal conservancies received support from international agencies, often on relatively lax terms. While this had once played a vital developmental role, the continued availability of such “soft” alternative financing was now seen by banks as a safety net, preventing the Lodges from presenting as viable to investors. Those who did choose to invest encountered a complex web of parties expecting payment, often becoming subject to both lease fees and the land taxes passed on by conservancies, dubbed by one investor as “paying [twice] for the same product”.
Among the many other hurdles to investment were human resource issues and the terms of partnership agreements. These overlapped in the widespread stipulation for lodges to “hire from within the community, and not necessarily seek out the best trained, most productive staff from elsewhere as other non-joint venture lodges could”. Such terms made sense for conservancies, which often gained little economic benefit other than employment of locals, but clashed with the needs of private investors as they impaired the quality of service offered by the ventures.
The study’s conclusion is stark. Even if well intentioned, “land use regulations can negatively impact the growth and competitiveness of small tourism and hospitality enterprises through increased risk, lower financial performance, and unclear legality”. The authors call for caution by lawmakers who rule on land use changes, which can be a double-edged sword. They also note that possible agency conflicts – such as those between the governors of and investors in Namibian Lodges – must be considered as part of a holistic economic impact assessment of such laws, which will be crucial for devising better regulations in future.
Sharma, Amit, Messerli, Hannah, and Lin, Michael S. (2023). Land Use Regulations and Small Tourism Enterprises. Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 100, 103550

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Summer Paradise Afternoon Tea at Tuxedo Espresso Bar

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Summer Paradise Afternoon Tea at Tuxedo Espresso Bar - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comExperience the delightful flavors of summer at Tuxedo Espresso Bar, located at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Join us for our special Summer Paradise Afternoon Tea, available until 30 June 2024.

Our pastry chef, Pavitra Bangchay or Pom, has crafted a menu inspired by Thai fruits and snacks. Try Mahor, a sweet and sour treat made with Fresh Marian Plum, peanuts, minced pork, and shredded pork. Indulge in Banana Apple Caramel Cake or Scone, infused with Amphawa Young Coconut. And don’t miss the menu highlight Mango Sticky Rice Cheesecake, blending Fresh Barracuda Mango with creamy cheese and sticky rice.

For just THB 1,380++ per set for two, enjoy your choice of TWG Tea or Coffee. Upgrade to THB 1,780++ per set for two to also receive two glasses of bubbles. Plus, during the Songkran Festival from 12-15 April, enjoy a 25% discount on our Summer Paradise Afternoon Tea.

The selection of pastries is also available for you to enjoy as the ‘Dessert of the Month’ on à la carte menu, including Lychee Rose Panna Cotta, Mandarin Orange and Pistachio Cake, Banana Apple Caramel Cake and Mango Sticky Rice Cheesecake.

Come and savor the taste of summer with us at Tuxedo Espresso Bar!

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888 or email Fbreservations@carltonhotel.co.th

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Save 20% Plus Free Breakfast at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

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Save 20% Plus Free Breakfast at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comDiscover a World of Difference with the perfect place to stay in the heart of Sukhumvit at Carlton Hotel Bangkok and enjoy the following benefits:

• A night’s stay in a spacious room.
• International buffet breakfast for 2 persons at Plate Restaurant.
• Save up to 20% off the Best Flexible Rate when booking a minimum of 2 consecutive nights.

Book now and enjoy your stay until 31 December 2024.

Terms & conditions
• Advance reservation of minimum 7 days required and subject to availability.
• Free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival.
• The rate is not applicable in conjunction with other promotions.
• Blackout dates may apply.

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

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism Affirms Commitment to Sustainability

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World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism Affirms Commitment to Sustainability – TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News and Updates


















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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Authority of Thailand Announces Collaboration with Tourism Cares

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Tourism Authority of Thailand Announces Inaugural Collaboration with Tourism Cares - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, March 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is excited to announce its inaugural partnership with Tourism Cares, a U.S.-based non-pro t organization dedicated to advancing sustainability within the travel and tourism industry). This collaboration stems from a strong belief in the travel sector’s ability to create positive social, environmental, and economic impacts.

Focused on advancing Thailand’s tourism sustainability, TAT has implemented various initiatives to realize its Sustainable Tourism Goals (STG). Examples include standardization programs such as STARS, CF Hotels, Green Leaves, and Thailand Tourism Awards (TTA), aimed at motivating Thai suppliers to incorporate sustainable practices.

Within the US Market, TAT has partnered with Tourism Cares, an organization that has been a catalyst for positive change for more than two decades. They bring together global stakeholders in the tourism industry to contribute to the well-being of local communities through various initiatives, including programming, education, and resources.

“TAT is delighted to collaborate with Tourism Cares, as we share the common vision that travel can o er meaningful experiences for travelers and the people and communities they visit. By becoming a destination partner of Tourism Cares, we believe that Thai tourism businesses will gain valuable insights into the preferences of U.S. travelers when it comes to sustainable trips. This partnership will enable us to enhance our o erings and better meet the needs of these conscious travelers,” stated Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

In 2023, Thailand welcomed approximately 930,000 US travelers, an increase of 112% (post covid) from the previous year. US travelers seek a unique experience that profoundly connects with local communities. In 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates that the country will accrue a combined tourism revenue ranging from approximately 1.54 to 1.92 billion Baht from the international market and 0.86 to 1.08 billion Baht from the domestic market as part of the base case scenario.

To help the travel trade and sustainably-minded travelers quickly source a list of vetted, sustainable organizations making positive social and environmental impacts in destinations, the TAT has collaborated on the Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel Map of Thailand by adding 15 Impact Partners, with more to come. The Map can be viewed at https://www.tourismcares.org/thailand.

Mr. John Sutherland, Senior Director of Community Impact at Tourism Cares, expressed enthusiasm about the organization’s venture into Southeast Asia, marking this as a signi cant collaboration with Thailand. He recognized Thailand’s prominent position in the region’s sustainability e orts and highlighted the potential observed during the recent Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel FAM with Thailand.

“Throughout the past week, we actively interacted with local authorities, individuals, and communities, fostering meaningful exchanges of ideas to ensure that travel is used as a force for good. The partnership between Tourism Cares and TAT is poised to introduce sustainable Thai products and services to the U.S. markets to help positively impact Thailand’s people and places.”

From March 6th-14th, 2024, TAT and Tourism Cares organized the “Tourism Cares Meaningful Travel FAM with Thailand.” Together, they brought 14 representatives from various tourism industry sectors to Thailand, meaningful experiences such as engaging with local Thai business operators and communities in Bangkok and Krabi.

TAT Deputy Governor, Mr. Cheawsamoot emphasized that “ by placing sustainability at the heart of our strategies, a sustainable trip as this would not be possible without a means of sustainable transportation. We are delighted to continue our partnership with Delta Air Lines and Korean Air for a second consecutive year after the Feel Thailand with Delta Air Lines campaign launch in 2022. The accessibility for U.S. travelers to Thailand through the initiative made travel seamless and lessened the stress often accompanying an international journey. This year, we are advancing our e orts to ensure that this accessibility evolves into a more responsible mode of travel for every customer’s journey.”

view sustainability not as an option but as a way of life. Individuals do not need to trade luxury for sustainability, as we smoothly integrate both. We are enthusiastic about extending our partnership with Thailand and take great pride in having Thailand as an integral part of our Delta Sustainability Program.”

Following the announcement of the collaboration between TAT and Tourism Cares, an educational session was held at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel for a Thai audience of business operators in the tourism sector. The agenda featured a presentation by Tourism Cares and a panel discussion on “Crafting a Sustainable Thailand Trip Tailored to the US Travel Market,” led by key figures from the public and private sectors of the tourism industry. The session concluded with a networking opportunity for FAM participants and Thai suppliers. .

About Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was established in 1960 by the Royal Thai Government to promote tourism promotion. Since 1965, TAT has been in the United States, with o ces in New York and Los Angeles.

About Tourism Cares
Tourism Cares, Inc. is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that advances the travel industry’s positive impact to help people and places thrive. We believe it’s in our best interest to support the destinations our industry depends on so that communities, travelers, and businesses can prosper. We mobilize the entire industry to use its business as a force for good by uniting, activating, and inspiring all sectors to make a positive impact through travel. Learn more at TourismCares.org and @TourismCares.

About Delta Airlines
One of the major airlines of the United States and a legacy carrier. One of the world’s oldest airlines in operation, Delta Air Lines is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline, its subsidiaries, and regional a liates, including Delta Connection, operate over 5,400 ights daily and serve 325 destinations in 52 countries on six continents. Delta is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Delta has nine hubs, with Atlanta being its most extensive in terms of total passengers and number of departures. It is ranked second among the world’s largest airlines by number of scheduled passengers carried.

About Korean Air
Korean Air, established in 1969, is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 26 million passengers in 2017. The airline operates over 460 flights daily to 124 cities in 44 countries on six continents; it has a modern fleet of 174 aircraft and employs over 20,000 professional employees. Korean Air’s core business includes passenger, cargo, aerospace, catering, and in- ight sales. The airline’s central hub is at the newly-opened Incheon (ICN) International Airport Terminal 2.

Korean Air is also a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance established in 2000. SkyTeam has 19 members and operates more than 10,062ights daily to 1,062 cities in over 170 countries worldwide. SkyTeam members are dedicated to delivering our passengers safe, reliable, and comfortable journeys.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Plate’s of the Month Flavors of the Season

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Plate Restaurant at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit invites all of you to explore the delicate flavors of seasonal French green and white asparagus, available until the end of April 2024.

Our Executive Chef, Pongsapon Sugandha-osatha, is excited to present two special dishes for your enjoyment:

Garden Elegance French White & Green Asparagus served with Homemade Cured Salmon, Ricotta Cheese, Pistachio, Beetroot Pickle, and Organic Rose Hydrosol (THB 790++)

Harmony of Land and Sea French White & Green Asparagus, Indian Halibut, Parma Ham, Ikura, and Hollandaise Sauce (THB 690++)

Asparagus is not only nutritious but also delicious. Low in calories and packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s an excellent addition to a fiber-rich diet to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Plate Restaurant
Lower Ground Floor
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Breakfast: 6:00 am – 10:30 am
Set Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Plate a la carte menu available from 10:30 am – 10:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888 or email Fbreservations@carltonhotel.co.th

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Chatuchak Celebrates First Anniversary with Glittering Party

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Best Western Chatuchak Celebrates First Anniversary with Glittering Party - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comBangkok, Thailand, March 18,2024 / TRAVELINDEX/ BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, proudly marked the first anniversary of Best Western Chatuchak with a vibrant celebration in Bangkok.

As the sun set over the Thai capital on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, Best Western Chatuchak’s leadership team, BWH Hotels’ senior executives, the hotel’s owners, local government officials, travel trade partners, corporate clients, media representatives and other esteemed visitors came together at The Barn, the hotel’s vibrant ground floor venue, to celebrate this important milestone. Guests were treated to cocktails, heavy appetizers, canapés and grilled meats, an exclusive hotel tour, fun activities and a lucky draw with fantastic prizes and giveaways.

As the sun descended over the Thai capital on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, Best Western Chatuchak’s leadership team, BWH Hotels’ senior executives, the hotel’s proprietors, local government dignitaries, travel trade partners, corporate clients, media representatives, and esteemed guests gathered at The Bӓrn, the hotel’s lively ground floor venue, to commemorate this significant occasion. Guests indulged in cocktails, delectable appetizers, canapés, grilled meats, an exclusive hotel tour, engaging activities, and a thrilling lucky draw offering fantastic prizes and giveaways.

Strategically positioned in North Bangkok, mere moments from the iconic Chatuchak Weekend Market and Bangkok’s new main railway terminal, Best Western Chatuchak has emerged as one of the most sought-after venues for accommodation and gatherings in this dynamic part of the city. Suited for business and leisure travelers alike, this modern midscale hotel features 192 stylish rooms and suites, The Market Restaurant, Plot Twist Bar, a 300-guest ballroom, meeting space and a large outdoor terrace and garden.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tanah Gajah Highlighs Local Bali Businesses

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Tanah Gajah Highlighs Local Bali Businesses - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comTanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, has deep roots in Indonesia’s creative scene. The founder of the property opened the country’s first art gallery over sixty years ago. Moving past the sculptures and paintings it’s known for, the resort is embracing another kind of creativity – culinary arts, with events that showcase talented local entrepreneurs and bring people together.

Inspired by International Women’s Day, the March 16th event ‘Bird Lounge Beats & Oriental Treats’ is a collaboration between craft cocktail bar Moonsipper Club, Tanah Gajah, and artisan noodle shop Kedai Hou Ah, all of which are run by women. Tanah Gajah’s general manager Deasy Swandarini was born and raised on the island. Even Chef Dean, behind The Tempayan restaurant at Tanah Gajah, will be serving up dishes passed down from his mother for the one night event.

Running from 5-8pm the sunset Soirée will include oriental-inspired cocktails from Sherrine Budiman’s hip cocktail bar, noodle dishes by the friends Nydia Orlatta and Regina Nalasetya behind Kedai Hou Ah, and dishes highlighting Chef Dean’s Singaporean roots. There will be live music and the resort’s Bird Lounge, a creative gathering space near The Tempayan, will be transformed with cultural ornaments and the addition of picnic-style seating allowing guests to spread out and enjoy the surrounding green space. Guests who arrive early will have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind hot air balloon ride.

Sherrine’s business acumen combined with her innovative spirit have led her to create several successful ventures including a boutique hotel, Flock restaurant in Ubud, and a daycare center. Tempakultura, a creative haven in Bali advocating for various causes (including animal welfare and women empowerment) was launched during the pandemic. Moon Sipper Club, inspired by a love of mixology that blossomed during her time in Canada, is one of her more recent endeavors but she didn’t stop there. In recent weeks she launched a hip cafe and taproom called Old Pals, with a lifelong friend.

Kedai Hou Ah was also born out of friendship and a craving to recreate the noodle dishes Nydia and Regina shared with their family in Jakarta.

“In many households, recipes are heirlooms that are well-kept and passed down through generations,” explained the duo. “We embrace our culture through food, take our time to understand it, and share what we have learned.”

Following on from the March experience, the next Sensory Soirée ‘Sunny Bites & Cool Delights,’ will take place in June. It will be a summer gastronomy festival highlighting unique local brands, wine, spirits, and locally sourced produce.

For Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17th Tanah Gajah will host ‘Threads of Tradition and Tea Tastings,’ that will introduce traditional tenun fabric from Gianyar and artisan jewelry. A selection of teas and afternoon tea treats that showcase the country’s heritage will also be on offer.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News