Global Travel News

Chefs Paco Ruano and Alonso Presents Creative Mexican Flavors and Fine Caviar at Ojo

 800 492 wttc2
By:

Chefs Paco Ruano and Alonso Presents Creative Fusion of Mexican Flavors and Fine Caviar at Ojo - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, January 23, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In an exclusive collaboration between celebrated Mexican chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano together with chef Alonso Luna Zarate and Parisian caviar house Kaviari, Ojo at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is throwing an exclusive caviar-focused five-course dinner on Thursday, 8th February 2024.

Nestled in the heart of Paris, Kaviari is one of the world’s leading caviar houses. With a legacy rooted in the splendor of wild Iranian caviar, the family-run company offer only the best caviar sourced from around the globe. The night will start with a tasting round, where the prized ingredient will be served on its own as caviar bumps or with classic accompaniments. In the five-course dinner that’s to follow, Ojo’s Chef Paco Ruano and Chef Alonso will use Kaviari’s precious pearls to enhance traditional Mexican flavors, each dish paired with Aqua Panna or San Pellegrino water.

The opening set is a duo of Macadamia Tartlet with smoked cream, salsa de uña, Kristal caviar and nasturtium, and Tostada Huevona with A4 wagyu beef tataki, pickled chanterelles, Baeri caviar and chili ponzu. Next, guests will be served an elevated version of Mexican street-food favorite, Sope, made with bluefin tuna, ant eggs, burnt avocado, Oscietra caviar and epazote herb, followed by the delectable Uchepo Young Corn Tamal with stracciatella cheese, fresh cream, salsa roja and Kaviari’s buttery Transmontanus caviar obtained from white sturgeon. Grilled Turbot with atole-dashi sauce, Oscietra caviar and garlic flowers completes the savory part, while Platanos con Crema provides a sweet finale of grilled banana, palm sugar, fresh cream and dried and pressed Kaviari en Barre roe.

The Ojo X Kaviari dinner will take place at Ojo on 8th February from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm. The price of a five-course set menu is THB 5,500++ per person, including Aqua Panna or San Pellegrino water pairings and a gift of mother-of-pearl caviar spoons from Ojo. Champagne pairing is available at a surcharge.

For more information, please visit https://ojobangkok.com/happenings/. To make a reservation, please call +66 2 085 8888

About The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon:
Bangkok’s spirit of innovation and unconventionality made the Thai capital the perfect locale for our Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Located in one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the 155-room hotel is already a landmark. With rooms ranging from 40 sqm to a sprawling 144 sqm penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness center and spa, meetings rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a fit for any traveler, at any time of day or night. There’s the Parlor, the hub of the hotel for check-in and out, cocktails, work or lounging, the eclectic and unexpected Tea Room, American steakhouse classics at The Standard Grill, a new craft beer bar, Double Standard and award-winning Chinese cuisine, sparkling ambiance and impeccable wine list by Mott 32, and two remarkable sky-high dining experience from Ojo a Mexican-inspired restaurant directed by one of the finest chefs in Mexico to Sky Beach the highest alfresco rooftop bar in Bangkok.

About Standard International:
Standard International is the parent company of The Standard hotels. Created in 1999, The Standard hotels are known for their pioneering design, taste-making clientele, and unrelenting un-standard-ness. Launched originally in Hollywood, The Standard has now opened properties in marquee locations across the globe including in New York, Miami, London, the Maldives, and Hua Hin, The Standard, Ibiza and the brand’s Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Standard hotels in Lisbon, Milan, Melbourne, Singapore, Dublin and Brussels are under development. The goal of every Standard project—be it a city hotel, a seaside resort, or a rooftop bar—is to defy convention, up the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that only The Standard can. The Standard’s unconventional and playful sensibility combined with careful consideration of design and service details, have established its reputation as a pioneer in hospitality, travel, dining, and nightlife. Standard International also owns a majority stake in the Bunkhouse Group and The Peri hotels.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Becomes UN Tourism to Mark A New Era for Global Sector

 993 590 wttc2
By:

Madrid, Spain, January 24, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era today with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability with:

  • Member States – both as recipients of its services, assistance and as active stakeholders in the Organization’s Programme of Work.
  • Individuals – specifically travelers and local communities whose lives flourish through the empowerment of the economy through tourism.
  • Private, semi-private, and public organizations – all engaging with UN Tourism’s work, including its data and insights, events and products.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, said: “As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism. The organization takes on the role of driving a sustainable force that is now central to many economies.”

Borja Borrero, Executive Director at Interbrand, said: “Transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism marks a significant new phase for the organization. The revised nomenclature offers several advantages, including simplicity, enhanced comprehension, improved legibility and memorability. It also serves to clarify the agency’s sphere of influence within the global tourism industry. The new elements of the brand are the foundations of a distinct and proprietary image – one that is direct, relatable, and relevant for diverse audiences.”

The new brand expression is not only limited to words and messages but also expands into a reinvented visual discourse. UN Tourism has a new design language starting from its symbol. “Bringing the world closer” is the new tagline that inspires the concept of a Pangea shaping a human figure in action.  This drastic evolution from the former globe symbols reflects the Organization’s emphasis on the dynamic nature of tourism and on putting people first.

Beyond the symbol, the rebrand also includes a revamp of the entire visual system, which is now based on a grid of geographical coordinates meant to help people navigate the brand’s touchpoints, both offline and online, such as events, website, reports, social media channels and campaigns. This system unlocks a rich universe of elements including imagery, fonts, colors, and pictograms all designed to personalize social media campaigns, events, posts, and videos.

The new brand will be gradually implemented across all UN Tourism touchpoints over the next few months, beginning with digital channels such as the website, social media accounts and newsletters, followed by physical spaces such as offices and events, and elements such as reports and stationary.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

EVERMORE-CONRAD OFFERS FRESH OPTION IN ORLANDO

 1080 494 wttc2
By:

Billed as a “new hospitality category that will forever change the landscape of luxury vacation rental homes,” newly opened Evermore Orlando Resort offers guests a unique new option in the Florida theme park capital. The 450-hectare property, which boasts its own lagoon and beach,

Is located less than 5 km. from Walt Disney World, and notably includes the new Conrad Orlando.

Evermore offers luxury accommodations from two-bedroom villas and four-bedroom flats, all the way up to 11-bedroom houses where resort guests receive all the services and conveniences of a hotel, including a full-sized washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchens with high-end appliances, plus oversized common areas designed to facilitate togetherness.

At the heart of it all is eight-hectare Evermore Bay, with beaches and crystal-clear swimming areas, and providing activities from paddle boarding and kayaking to a rope swing and family water slide. The beach areas include zero entry swim areas, bars, cabanas, and private fire-pits.

Meanwhile, golfers can choose between two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, and foodies have an array of dining options, from casual bites at a waterside food truck, to upscale dining overlooking Evermore Bay. Pre-made meals can also be delivered to guest units, while private chefs can also be arranged.

“Evermore offers a vastly superior short-term rental experience by solving the inconsistency problems of renting someone’s personal home while also providing hotel-like service and security,” says Christopher Kelsey, President of Dart Interests, the resort’s developer.

“Evermore is Orlando’s only true destination resort worthy of a vacation even without a trip to the theme parks,” he adds. “Within the resort, we have created whole neighbourhoods of resort-owned, purpose-built vacation rental homes in concert with a true luxury hotel to provide high-quality, bespoke experiences for all sizes and types of groups from couples to large conferences, particularly including multi-family and multi-generational vacations.”

Evermore Bay

Conrad Orlando

Meanwhile, uniquely nestled within Evermore, Conrad Orlando marks the brand’s debut in the city and is its second property in the Sunshine State. With 433 rooms, the hotel draws inspiration from Florida’s more than 1,000 natural springs and the 200-hectare nature preserve adjacent to the property.

There are five distinct dining venues; the Conrad Spa Orlando and Water Garden; Evermore Bay, the crystalline lagoon and expansive pool complex shared with Evermore; plus, more than 6,000 sq. m. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space.

Conrad Orlando’s design synchronizes with the area’s natural landscape to create an indoor-outdoor environment for relaxation and rejuvenation and embraces the use of organic shapes and fluid lines to emulate the flow of water, while natural wood tones and use of regional materials, such as limestone, create the tie back to land.

The resort’s guest rooms and suites include oak flooring, plush beds outfitted with Frette linens, built-in closets, well-appointed bathrooms with marbled double vanities, and Byredo bath products, stocked minibars with Nespresso machines, and in-room dining offerings.

Accommodations include 61 elegant suites ranging from one to three bedrooms, all with exclusive amenities, such as standalone soak tubs and outdoor living space.

Ten Family Suites offer a private bedroom along with a full living room featuring a comfortable pullout sofa and two twin bunkbeds, able to be tucked away behind pocket doors.

Five dining experiences include Sophia’s Trattoria, celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of Southern Italy; Apéro lobby bar; the Polynesian-inspired Papaya Club; Spoon, for casual all-day dining; and the property’s crown jewel, Ceiba, offering contemporary rooftop dining rooted in Mexican tradition with a focus on heirloom ingredients and agave-forward spirits.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Launches Tool to Promote Collaboration Among Best Tourism Villages

 754 464 wttc2
By:

Madrid, Spain, January 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has launched the world’s biggest digital hub for communities focused on rural tourism. The ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform will boost collaboration across the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Network, connecting around 200 rural destinations in every global region.

Empowering Village Connections

TourismConnectsRural is designed to facilitate internal communication, allowing villages to exchange experiences and insights, and take part in masterclasses focused on growing tourism as a driver of rural development. Key features of the platform include:

  • Experience Exchange: Villages can share their unique experiences, insights, and best practices through the platform, or work together on specific topics creating a dynamic ecosystem of knowledge.
  • Masterclasses: A comprehensive bank of masterclasses will allow villages to enhance their skills and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Interactive Communication: The platform enables real-time interaction, allowing villagers to engage in meaningful conversations, ask questions, and collaborate effortlessly.
  • Event Hub: Villages can showcase their events and stay informed about special occasions, fostering a sense of community through the exchange of information.

Zorista Urosevic, Executive Director at UNWTO says: “UNWTO is empowering rural communities by providing a digital space where they can converse, collaborate, and collectively learn and contribute to the sustainable development of their regions. Communities in our Best Tourism Villages Network now have unprecedented access to a space where they can communicate, share, and learn from their counterparts globally.”

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

 881 539 wttc2
By:

Madrid, Spain, January 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.

Middle East, Europe and Africa performed strongest in 2023

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways include:

  • The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.
  • Europe, the world’s most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
  • Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and Americas reached 90%.
  • Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-East Asia around 55%.

Available data shows several destinations, including both large, established destinations as well as small and emerging ones, reporting double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2023 when compared to 2019. Four sub-regions exceeded their 2019 arrival levels: Southern Mediterranean Europe, Caribbean, Central America and North Africa.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere. These numbers also recall the critical task of progressing sustainability and inclusion in tourism development”

International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023

The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.

  • International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
  • Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
  • Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.

Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 65% in November, slightly above 62% in November 2022 (based on STR data).

Looking Ahead to 2024

International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks.

The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year. Key considerations include:

  • There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.
  • Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024.
  • Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.
  • Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024. In March, Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, and Paris will host the Summer Olympics in July and August.
  • Strong travel from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.
  • Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.
  • Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice.
  • Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labor to cope with high demand.
  • The evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveler confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Fresh Ideas from Dusit Thani College Students at Thailand Tourism Forum 2024

 1000 651 wttc2
By:

Fresh Ideas from Dusit Thani College Students at Thailand Tourism Forum 2024 - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comStarting the year of 2024 with one of the largest events for tourism and hospitality industry in Thailand Thailand Tourism Forum 2024 which was wonderfully run under the concept #TimeForGrowth by C9 Hotelworks Hospitality Consulting Group at InterContinental Bangkok.

The event connected over 1,000 hoteliers and those related to the industry to update the current trends in this field while identifying issues and ideas for their solutions. There were also speakers who shared knowledge and experience from many challenging cases and key takeaways from success stories.

To tackle new challenges which are emerging in the era of change, we need new waves of ideas and creativity to ripple inspirations in the red ocean. That’s the reason why Dusit Thani College joined the stage in Bang Bang session and let our 11 students blast their individual ideas toward each topic.

For the topic ‘Waste Management’ in hotels and restaurants, Mr. Pawares Kento Kasai from Hotel and Resort Management International Program (currently Hospitality Management International Program) gave an opinion to apply sustainable purchasing policies, use environmentally friendly products, and support local vendors who adopt minimal packagings and sustainable practices. While Ms. Nicharas Rujiteerapat from the same program answered the question about talent nurturing and retention that prioritizing staff wellbeing and growth is the key and this can create an inside-out satisfaction which leads to better guest experience.

‘The Art of Hospitality’ is a topic for Mr. Teethat Raksa from Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management Thai Program to state his opinion. He mentioned the needs of people are diverse and customizable responses could differentiate great hospitality from good ones, with a plus of uniqueness and trend catching. Mr. Jetsada Thamrongrungrot, student of Hotel and Resort Management International Program, gave a recommendation on the issue of language barriers to invest more in multilingual staff, translation assistance materials, and crosscultural communication.

Following, Ms. Jirada Kluaymaingarm from Professional Culinary Arts International Program was given an interesting issue ‘Lack of Innovation and Weak of Soft Power’ which she suggested to nurture cultural pride as well as encourage environment that fosters innovation, out-of-the-box thinking, and hands-on experiment. The more intense question ‘Market Saturation’ was answered professionally by another Professional Culinary Arts International Program student Mr. Neo Sachdev that hospitality businesses need to identify the desires of specific visitors and fortify with the right partners to stay competitive.

Mr. Bruce Saran Ide, a Hotel Management Thai Program student, received the topic ‘Issues with the Current Administration’ and gave remarkable ideas that better communication from the authorities, more legislations which support hospitality industry, and higher security level could elevate travel experience in Thailand. While Mr. Kongphop Kanchanaveera from Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management Thai Program was asked about how food and beverage offerings integrate green practices. He opined that the businesses could support local organic farmers in order to reduce cost, transport, and the gap of SME approaches.

Another Culinary Arts and Kitchen Management Thai Program student Mr. Natchanon Choopaibool expressed his idea on the pressure to fit in an organization for younger generations which hinders innovation and their authenticity. He suggested an open space and mentorship by the senior professionals combining eccentric ideas with practicalities. The speech was followed by the perspective of Ms. Pailin Braddel from Hotel Management Thai Program on the topic ‘AI Takeover in the Hospitality Industry’. Her statement included the understanding of people’s fear over technologies and the bright side of Artificial Intelligence, concluding a recommendation to work with than combat AI.

Last but not least, the only MBA student from the latest cluster Gastronomy Business Management Ms. Panida Yamthongkam extracted her experience in an airline company into a solution for the issue ‘Sustainability in Aviation Hospitality’. She mentioned the needs of alternative power sources such as biofuel, hydrogen, and electricity as well as their international implementation. Moreover, she highlighted the reduction of single-use plastic products and food waste is necessary in order to save the environment. Lastly, staff and passengers ought be aware of carbon footprint and the power of their actions that minimize carbon emission though their normal activities.

As an educational institution which specializes for hospitality businesses, Dusit Thani College encourages students to speak out their minds to develop the industry without limiting their ideas while fostering their growth with opportunities to expose to other professionals who connect them to future careers.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Valentine’s Day is in the air at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

 887 535 wttc2
By:

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit cordially invites all couples to celebrate the season of love in style. We offer two delightful options for you to choose from:

Romantic Dinner at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar
Date: 14 February 2024
Time: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Indulge in the romance of the day at the breathtaking Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar, providing a stunning backdrop for your Valentine’s Day celebration. Enjoy a carefully crafted 5-course romantic dinner designed especially for you and your love to celebrate this special day.

Choose from two packages:
Regular Package: THB 5,500++ per couple, inclusive of a 5-course romantic dinner with four glasses of selected beverages
Premium Package: THB 6,900++ per couple, inclusive of a premium 5-course romantic dinner and a bottle of Chandon Brut or Rosé

Both packages include a welcome drink, a bouquet of flowers, a Carlton Teddy Bear and free-flow soft drinks.

Remarks:
• Happy Hour and the regular à la carte menu will not be available on 14 February
• An option for a Vegetarian 5-course romantic dinner is also available

Tuxedo Afternoon Tea – Love is in the Air
Date: Now – 31 March 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Savor sweet moments with your loved one and friends with Tuxedo Afternoon Tea. Elevate your afternoon to a new level of joy with our newest collection in elegant pink, featuring 9 items of pastries and savory delights. The highlight of the afternoon is the Red Velvet Clef, a lovely pink cake you shouldn’t miss.

THB 1,380++ for 2 persons sharing, including a pot of TWG Tea or Coffee of your choice.
THB 1,780++ for 2 persons sharing, including 2 glasses of bubbles.

Join us at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit to make this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable celebration of love.

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

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Southeast Asia

 900 600 wttc2
By:

It’s been a long road back for Chinese tourism in Southeast Asia, and everyone from street vendors in Saigon to tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok will be hoping that this most special of years, the Year of the Dragon, brings back prosperity and good fortune. Here is a round-up of luxury resorts where you can join in the feast, the fireworks, and the fun for Chinese New Year.

Homage to the Sacred Naga in Krabi

The town of Krabi has a long and fabled relationship with dragons, or naga, as they are known in Thai mythology. For that reason, the naga is the symbol of Banyan Tree Krabi, and its serpentine image can be seen throughout the hotel, from the magnificent Naga Staircase that greets you as you arrive in the lobby, to the interior design, to the lush Naga Crest Mountain which overlooks the resort. On February 9th, the resort’s Naga Restaurant will host a sumptuous Chinese buffet featuring favorites such as Smoked Duck with Pomelo Salad, Chinese Drunken Chicken with Sichuan Cucumber Salad, and Chinese Five Spice Pork Terrine. A salad bar and vegetarian options will be available, as well as a Chinatown Chef Live Action Station where you can order an endless indulgence of everything from pork crackling to Spicy Tuna and Salmon Tartare to Hokkien Noodles with BBQ duck and wagyu beef. Dinner starts around sunset at 6:30pm and the price is just 2,990 THB per person, including a welcome drink.

For info and reservation, contact +66 075 811 888

A Mindful Way to Start the Year of the Dragon

The lunar new year program at TIA Wellness Resort in Vietnam is inspired by the dragon’s symbolism for strength, good fortune and transformation. Guests can pick and choose what they’d like to join over the three days of Tet celebrations. The festivities begin on Friday, February 9th with a creativity workshop “Reflection of the Year of the Rabbit” at 2:30pm. The evening brings a “Wishing Lantern Ceremony” at 7pm. On Saturday, February 10th the TIA team will host a 45-minute “Sunrise Beach Gratitude Meditation” at 6am followed by a traditional dragon dance performance at 9:30am. A range of festive feasts will be on offer each day including special menus in The Dining Room such as a Traditional Vietnamese Family Style Tet tasting menu with dishes including an abalone and sea ginseng soup, fish cakes on sugarcane with fresh herbs and pickles, and a rich beef stew served in a clay pot. Plant-based menus are also on offer.

Savor the Elements of Chinese New Year in Bali

At Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, ‘The Art of Lunar New Year’ feast on February 9th invites guests to savor the elements of the Chinese New Year. Each dish represents an element of the holiday with prosperity, wealth, health, longevity, and fortune being plated up. The menu features Balinese, Japanese and Chinese cuisine with dishes like hot and spicy szechuan crab soup, and crispy Balinese pork belly. The evening also features a traditional Chinese lion dance and a welcome cocktail in the Tempayan courtyard. Prices start at IDR 888,000 ++ per person.

Lion Dances & Mongolian BBQ on Koh Samui Beachfront

Guests enjoying breakfast at Banyan Tree Samui are in for a surprise on the morning of February 10th when a Chinese lion dance procession sweeps through The Edge restaurant, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year at 10:30am. That same evening, at 7pm, the normally placid private beach in front of the resort will explode into a fiery fiesta, when the hotel launches a Lunar New Year Party. The nightlife entertainment will include live music and a fire show on the resort’s private beach, with exquisite dining at beachfront Sands Restaurant which will host a Chinese Mongolian & International Buffet.

Sky-High Restaurant in Chiang Mai Hosts Prosperous Feast

Situated on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 21st floor with panoramic views of the city and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west, intimate fine dining restaurant MAI Restaurant and Bar will serve a delectable family-style dinner to wish guests ‘gong xi fa cai’. Served from February 9-11 from 6-10pm, and priced at THB 6000 net per set for four people, the feast’s highlights include a colourful salad featuring fresh salmon, shredded vegetables, pickled ginger and pomelo, as well as Chinese braised chicken with dried mushrooms and wolfberries, and steamed whole sea bass with warm lemon dressing. Other dishes include tender slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, wine, and spices, lotus leaf-wrapped artisan sausage fried rice, assorted seasonal greens with oyster sauce, and sesame dumplings in ginger broth. The dinner is accompanied by Chinese fine teas, fortune messages and a traditional red pocket containing a discount coupon for another visit.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Krabi Unveils Valentine’s Day Special

 900 600 wttc2
By:

Banyan Tree Krabi Unveils Valentine’s Day SpecialLocated on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, and tiered into a lush hillside facing westward towards the Andaman Sea and the sunset, Banyan Tree Krabi has become one of Thailand’s best-loved venues for Valentine’s Day and romance since it opened its doors to guests in 2020.

Beginning around sunset on February 14th, eight lucky couples are invited to gather on the resort’s beachfront lawn where an intimate candlelit dinner will be served inside a private bamboo gazebo to the accompaniment of live music. The set menu features amorous delicacies such as Crispy Beer Battered Oyster in Rose Jam, Smoked Salmon Gravlax, and Black Caviar, which will be followed by entrées of Roasted Wagyu Beef Tenderloin or Pan-Roasted Black Kingfish with Grilled Krabi Lobster, and rounded off with some sumptuous chocolate-inspired desserts.

Bookings for Valentine’s evening are expected to be at an all-time high this year, not only at Banyan Tree Krabi, but across the lush tropical province which was recently voted “Best Romantic Destination in the World” by readers of Travel + Leisure Magazine India and South Asia.

With its iconic limestone cliffs jutting from a sapphire sea, white-sand beaches and exquisite seafood, Krabi claimed the “Best Romantic” title in a tie with The Maldives and the oasis city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia at this year’s Travel + Leisure awards, beating traditionally dreamy locations such as Lucerne in Switzerland, the Greek island of Santorini, and the Bahamas.

Nowhere along the palm-fringed Krabi coastline is that sense of sensuality more pronounced than at Banyan Tree Krabi, which faces a marine national park, peppered with uninhabited islets, including Koh Hong, famous for its hidden lagoon.

Each of the resort’s 72 suites and villas has its own private pool including a hot jet pool. The rooms are modern and bright; decor is contemporary chic with gentle tones of wood, stone and sand that are easy on the eye.

A freshwater stream winds downhill from the surrounding hillside into the property where Banyan Tree’s innovative design team has sculpted a beautiful tropical canal to ferry the springwater to the sea. The rush of water is a recurrent sight and sound at the floral 10-acre resort, where guests are constantly treated to the trickle of streams or the cascading of waterfalls, from the spectacular water feature gracing the lobby to a small waterpark for kids.

Weddings are, of course, popular at this five-star resort with its spectacular backdrop. Options include a traditional Siamese ceremony or a Western-style white wedding.

Facilities at the hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and — in keeping with Banyan Tree’s wellness branding — a rainforest-themed spa, which includes special Couples’ Packages.

Saffron, the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant with its picture-postcard Bird’s Nest tables perched vertiginously among the trees, can be reached by electric funicular.

Bookings in advance are frequently required for Bird’s Nest tables due to their popularity. And only eight reservations will be taken for the gazebos on the beachfront for the Valentine’s Day dinner, as Chef Tum and his team seek to create an ambience of privacy and intimacy.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE

Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP

Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WASN’T THAT A PARTY: Italian town celebrates 500 years of Carnival tradition

 1080 494 wttc2
By:

“What in God’s name are you wearing?” my neighbour asks. “Me! Look at you! You look a right idiot.” So, there we stand in our respective costumes, surveying our splendour in my hallway mirror. Serena is costumed up as Po, the red Teletubby (UK kids TV show) and I’m Kermit the Frog. “We could become a thing,” I said. “It might catch on.”

February is Carnival month in Italy – when every city becomes a colourful sea of masks, confetti, and lights. It’s a celebration of ancient origins that has become a country-wide cultural event, combining tradition and fun, and creating unique shows.

Offida (province of Ascoli Piceno) is one of Italy’s top 20 most beautiful destination villages, and once a year becomes a cult destination for Carnival lovers. The reason for this is because of the inclusive atmosphere, the myths and ancient rituals, but above all, it’s the adrenaline-charged desire to have fun. It’s impossible to feel like a tourist.

2024 marks Offida’s 500th Carnival Anniversary. Historically speaking, these guys know how to throw a party.

One of the highlights of the Offida Carnival tradition is the symbolic bullfight (Lu Bov Fint, meaning fake bull) on Feb. 9. It dates to religious feasts of the ancient past, celebrating the New Year and the beginning of spring.

The fake bull is an oblong wood and iron frame covered with white and red cloth, adorned with an angry looking bovine head complete with a massive set of horns. The bull is carried on the shoulders of young men who run through the streets of Offida’s historic town centre, with chasing crowds coming up the rear, and other spectators hanging out of their windows cheering on the masses.

From under the frame, two very fit men blindly run the bull, while another two guide it from the outside. This is a much-lauded role and has men apply for the honorary position years in advance. Leading up to the day, the runners train hard for the task ahead. In fact, it’s so taxing on the mind, body, and senses, there are several back-up teams to take over and give the lead runners some respite.

From the top of the hill, and through Offida’s cobbled streets and narrow alleys, you can hear the echoing chants of the crowd. Thousands of people participate in this event (wearing the guazzarò or the typical bullfighter costume) chasing after the panicked bull, taunting it, poking at it, and shoving it along in the direction of Piazza del Popolo. The chaos caused by the bull’s sudden changes in direction, and the screams of the crowd generate moments of panic, which are generally resolved with hilarity and red wine, which is consumed in copious amounts.

Once on the Piazza, the crowd disperse, creating a clearing for the lengthy and dramatic bullfight. This is also the location of the bull’s demise, and before its symbolic slaughter, its horns are made to touch a column of the Town Hall. The final act of this celebration is a procession carrying the dead bull through the streets of Offida as the crowd sings what has now become the Carnival anthem. “Addio Ninetta Addio.”

Let’s burn them reeds

Meanwhile, on Shrove Tuesday (Feb. 13) it’s the turn of the ‘Vlurd’ procession. A dusk parade of ‘farmers’ clad in white robes, who slowly parade, in single file, through the streets of Offida, bearing massive burning spindles of tall reeds. As night descends the long procession of burning reeds take on the look of a flaming red serpent. Later, much later, several hundred farmers deposit their blazing bundles into the centre of Piazza del Popolo, which creates an enormous bonfire, symbolizing the start of Lent and the end of the Carnival. Screams and songs fuse with swirls of grey smoke and plumes of brilliant gold sparks as the pagan fire lights up the square.

For everyone, the traditional costume is the guazzarò – a white cloth garment edged in red (the colours of Carnival). It’s a close relation of the tunic that men and women once wore whilst working in the fields. It was also originally adopted during the traditional procession of li vlurd, so as not to get dirty while carrying the burning and partly charred bundles on their arms. Over time this garment has been reworked and has become the traditional uniform of carnival celebrations. But on this final day of the Carnival anything goes as everyone in Offida tries to out-dress and out-crazy the next with masks, wigs, painted faces, and bizarre costumes – most worn simultaneously.

Then there’s the great masquerade ‘Veglionissimi’ after-party at the Serpente Aureo Theatre.

But around these events, whose origins are connected to 16th century peasants, there is much more. Costumed balls in the red velvet setting of the Serpente Aureo theatre, masked parades, food, and wine banquets and, most of all, the long preparation period that begins on Jan. 13, and following exacting events that demands perfect timing which all relies on the extraordinary organizational machine of the covens – historical masked groups, linked by kinship, and formed to embolden and bond traditions.

Each coven has its own organization, a uniform, a banner, and a distinctive form of participation in the Carnival. They are the true leaders of the carnival festivities, the creative people who tirelessly produce music, dancing, and other types of entertainment in the squares and at traditional gatherings. The real celebration begins when, on Shrove Tuesday the mayor of the Marche village hands them the key to the city.

The Offida Carnival is not a party to be attended, but a collective and somewhat frenzied ritual in which everyone, Offidans and visitors alike, must partake. It is an authentic interpretation of the free and inclusive spirit of the Carnival which, for just a few days, forgets formalities and divisions.

However, it may take some time for the good folk of Offida to forget about the antics of Kermit the Frog and his sidekick, Po, the red Teletubby.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News