Travel & Tourism Foundation
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Bangkok, Thailand, December 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Hungry Hub announces a landmark achievement at the “Hungry Hub’s Red Table Award 2023”, The Best Restaurant Award from 3 million customers. This marks a significant leap towards global expansion, with partnerships spanning 1,400 top-tier restaurants and hotels worldwide – Leveraging innovative booking platforms, Hungry Hub aims to capture both Thai and international tourist markets, broadening its partnership horizons – With user rates projected to double in 2024 and GMV target at 1.5 billion baht, Hungry Hub is set to redefine the dining experience on a global scale.
Hungry Hub, Thailand’s leading dining offer platform, is proud to announce its supply partnership and integration with renowned industry leaders in restaurant-hotel booking platform worldwide to reinforce Hungry Hub: Reserve with Google, OpenRice, KKDay, GoKoo, GetYourGuide, Klook, GlobalTix, Pelago, MyRealTrip, xplORe, and TagThai. This collaboration is expected to complete on first quarter of 2024, positioning it as a top dining destination for both Thai and foreign tourists. Hungry Hub is well-prepared to flip restaurant and hotel dining businesses into the Online Travel Agency (OTA) world, reflecting from demand of foreign tourists that are expected to step forward to Thailand more 35 million people in upcoming year. Hungry Hub is eager to participate as the one of positive factors to propel tourism industry and promote Thai economy continuously.
Mr. Surasit Sachdev, CEO of Hungry Hub, announced this collaboration in ‘Hungry Hub’s Red Table Award 2023’ that “This collaboration is the critical point for Hungry Hub and Thailand’s restaurant industry as tourist segment has always been challenging to tap into, previously limited to a few prestigious award-winning restaurants, dinner cruises, or renowned street food outlets. With this collaboration, it delivers more choices of quality restaurant in varied segments from street food to luxury dining that is loved by our local customers and reviewed over 250,000 times. Also, the exclusive benefit factor from Hungry Hub is what helps entice the tourist to make that final decision.”
“Our mission is to ensure every meal is a memorable experience. This collaboration accelerates us to one more step ahead to transform Hungry Hub into go-to platform for tourists seeking to deliver exclusive culinary experience endlessly.” Mr. Surasit said.
Currently, Hungry Hub partners with 1,400 restaurants across Thailand and have been booked by over 3 million customers. The average spending per customer is more than 1,000 baht. Hungry Hub has generated over 700 million baht this year for its partner restaurants and hotels, supported by nearly 1 million monthly active users. The Top Customer in 2023 has booked more than 100 times via Hungry Hub, spending over 300,000 baht. One of the principal objectives of Hungry Hub in 2024 is adding a new segment of user base – the tourist segment which currently accounts for 10% to be 50% by end of 2024. The key tourist markets for Hungry Hub’s focus will include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea.
“Moreover, Hungry Hub is highlighting its branding as the ultimate dining companion in restaurant and hotel scene for foreigners who travel to Thailand. The platform functionality is similar to an OTA and this collaboration with worldwide leading service providers, Hungry Hub is strengthened and all set to grant the magical experience for tourist to be engulfed with choices ranging from Buffets, Afternoon Tea, Rooftops, Riverside outlets and local favorites to cover their whole trip. On the other hand, Hungry Hub generally helps restaurants uplift their revenue by 20-30% compared to before joining Hungry Hub. This benefit for partners stems from the extensive user base of Hungry Hub, Critical Strategy as best companion with our partners, 360-degree of marketing for Thai and foreigner’s demand, acting as connector between entrepreneurs, restaurant and hotel exchanging knowledge among in the industry, contribution to make sustain revenue in Thai restaurant and hotel industries, and presenting worth and brand-new promotion for customers continually.” Mr. Surasit added.
Hungry Hub’s Red Table Award 2023 celebrates the success for the best alliance restaurants promoting with Hungry Hub: Stand-alone restaurant, Chain restaurant, Hotel restaurants, and Rooftop restaurant. The accolade is bestowed upon carefully chosen establishments, chosen through a rigorous selection process, taking into account feedback from millions of Hungry Hub users over the past year. These distinguished restaurants are recognized across 23 award categories by outstanding venues such as Copper Beyond Buffet, Great Harbour International Buffet, Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Audrey Cafe, and Rain Tree Cafe at The Athenee Hotel. Additionally, noteworthy recognition goes to exceptional bloggers contributing to the gastronomic scene.
About Hungry Hub
Hungry Hub is a leading online platform that connects diners with exclusive promotions and offers from a wide range of restaurants and hotels. With a mission to enhance the dining and hospitality experience, Hungry Hub provides a convenient and user-friendly platform for users to discover and book promotions at their favorite establishments. Hungry Hub currently works with 1,400 restaurant and hotel partners and has seated over 3 million diners to date sourcing over 2 billion baht to its partners.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
We get hundreds of news notifications and press releases every day, which means thousands each week and, well, you get the idea… That means that all the news that’s fit to print (or post these days) doesn’t always make it. Here’s a wrap for 2023 of our inbox, with some worthy news bites that we missed the first time around – and maybe you did too!
CANADA
The Montreal Holocaust Museum has started construction of its new home at 3535 Saint-Laurent Boulevard in the Plateau Mont-Royal borough. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025, followed by an official public opening of the museum by June 2026.
The relocation and expansion project addresses growing public interest in Holocaust history and human rights. In November 2023, the museum recorded the highest number of visitors in its history.
With the closing of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, the flag for the next Games was handed over to Canada, which will host event in 2025. The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will bring together more than 500 competitors from up to 25 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, skeleton, and wheelchair curling, in addition to the core sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
INTERNATIONAL
The Hawaii Tourism Authority will undertake a six-month action plan for 2024 to help address the aftermath of wildfire damage including increasing visibility and call-to-action for travel to Hawaii targeting high-potential travel markets in the US and Canada.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announced a historic achievement in tourism, with the country welcoming a record-breaking eight million annual visitors in 2023.
AIR
Air Canada announced a partnership with the new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) ahead of its inaugural season opener on January 1, 2024. The deal sees Air Canada become an Inaugural Premier Partner of the PWHL and Official Airline for the league’s first six teams, reflecting its deep passion for hockey and sharing the best of Canada with the world.
In late November, Emirates became the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Departing from Dubai International Airport, this historic flight underscores Emirates’ ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation practices.
Travelport launched Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC content and servicing capabilities in the Travelport+ platform. Agents using Travelport+ will be able to easily search and compare NDC offers from the Lufthansa Group airlines, which include Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and Air Dolomiti. Travelport also announced a renewed agreement with Virgin Atlantic.
Travel agents will soon have more ways to access to Qantas’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) content through a new portal the airline is launching in 2024. From February, the portal will give agents who may not access Qantas NDC content via an Approved Technology Partner the ability to shop, book and service flights using the capabilities of the Qantas Distribution Platform.
TOUR COMPANIES
Transat A.T. Inc. entered into a sale and purchase agreement for its 50% equity interest in the Armony Luxury Resort & Spa, Marival Collection (previously known as Rancho Banderas All Suites Resort), located near Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast of Mexico (the “Hotel”), to its co-shareholder, the owner of the Marival Group. The transaction in the amount of US$15.5 million is expected to close during Transat’s 2024 first quarter. The divestiture of Transat in the hotel is aligned with the Corporation’s strategic plan to refocus on its airline activities.
Intrepid Travel reported that it achieved record sales month globally in November and recorded its highest sales day in company history thanks to its annual Cyber Sale. This year’s record numbers also included the biggest day for North American sales ever, topping the previous record by 32%. Top selling destinations for North Americans included Ecuador, Morocco, Peru, Vietnam and Croatia, with Ecuador climbing a notable six spots in the rankings from last year to claim the top booked in the 2023 sale.
CRUISE
On Dec. 4, Carnival Cruise Line welcomed Carnival Jubilee (photo), its third Excel-class ship and 26th vessel in the fleet and immediately began departures from Galveston, Texas.
Royal Caribbean International’s revealed that sports “icon” Lionel Messi will be the official Icon of Icon of the Seas, which debuts in January. The most decorated football (soccer) player in history, Messi will welcome the new ship at an exclusive naming celebration in Miami.
Viking announced it’s bringing an additional 10 Viking Longships to its river fleet in the coming years. To meet strong demand for European river voyages, eight of the new vessels will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two additional Viking Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. The total order is also inclusive of one Viking Longship for the Seine River that was announced in February 2023. Five of the new vessels will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five to be delivered in 2026.
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, unveiled sailings for EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II through to April 2026. The carefully curated journeys offer an array of different length sailings ranging from shorter journeys of between six to eight nights, through to longer voyages of 19 to 21 nights and offer accessible homeports such as Barcelona, Civitavecchia/ Rome, Miami, or Bridgetown. The journeys are designed to allow for a slower pace of travel, and to give travellers the opportunity to spend more time in each destination with overnight stays.
A full summer season in French Polynesia will be a first for Silversea, which opened a pre-sale on 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper. The ultra-luxury travel brand will operate two itineraries in rotation, offering deep immersion into 11 of some of the world’s most remote destinations in three of the region’s five archipelagos — the Society, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands.
Also open for booking:
HOTELS & RESORTS
The Sheraton Gateway, attached to Terminal 3 at Pearson Toronto International Airport, now has day passes for guest rooms and club lounge access. Day Passes are available from 9 am to 5 p.m. and cost from $225. Club Lounge Passes are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and cost $129.
Warwick Hotels & Resorts opened its first property in Canada. Warwick Le Crystal – Montréal features 131 rooms and suites and follows WHR’s core strategy, namely, having hotels located in the centre of commercial, cultural, and gastronomic activities of international gateway cities.
Elite Island Resorts’ first-ever loyalty program offers discounted rates and value-added perks for its regular clientele at its eight properties located in Antigua, Barbados, the Grenadines and Panama. Highlights of the program include 15% off when booked nine months or more in advance; 10% off when booked six months or more in advance; 5% for less than six months in advance; plus, the privilege of extending VIP discounts to up to two additional rooms, accommodating friends or family traveling on the same dates. Discounts applicable year-round across all room categories and resorts.
The members of Relais & Châteaux‘s World Culinary Council voted to remove eel from their own menus and are sending a call to action to the rest of the group’s 580 hotels and restaurants to do the same. The European eel, which is featured in menus all over the world – and revered in certain French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Japanese culinary cultures – is considered critically endangered and features on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Aqua-Aston Hospitality completed the shift to bulk bathroom amenities across its Hawaii properties, which has eliminated 5.5 million pieces of single-use plastic waste from its operations. The brand seeks to help further limit single-use plastic in Hawaii by providing complimentary tote bags and reusable water bottles to A-List subscribers.
The non-profit Iberostar Foundation and Planeterra have launched an ambitious program to promote community tourism initiatives by nearly a million potential travellers in 35 communities where the hotel group operates by 2030.The initiative has been piloted in Mexico and the Dominican Republic where Iberostar has 18 hotels and resorts.
Anticipated to open in 2027, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai will soar 44 storeys high with 160 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites in the Chinese city.
Margaritaville and Karisma Hotels & Resorts are planning an new resort under all-inclusive Island Reserve Inclusive Collection banner in Roatan, Honduras. The new-build is expected to completed in 2025.
DESTINATIONS
More than 30 years in the making, the new Louisiana Civil Rights Museum in New Orleans (image above) honours Louisiana’s unique place in the national Civil Rights movement as well as its heroes, demonstrating their impact and significance today. The museum is part of the ongoing Civil Rights Trail, which since spring 2021, has unveiled 13 markers around the state.
Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the renowned European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) inaugurated its groundbreaking Science Gateway, designed to be a visionary hub for science education and outreach. The state-of-the-art facility represents a significant milestone in scientific engagement and welcomes curious minds from the age of five and above. The attraction is open Tues-Thurs with with exhibitions and activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Better still, it’s free.
The tiny Caribbean island of Dominica is creating the world’s first marine protected area for one of earth’s largest animals: the endangered sperm whale. Nearly 800 sq. km. of royal blue waters on the western side of the island nation that serve as key nursing and feeding grounds will be designated as a reserve, the government announced.
Michelin recently recognized 26 Denver restaurants in their inaugural Colorado-based Guide. The famously anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors selected a diverse range of restaurants across the city that exude culinary excellence. More info about the venues is available on the Visit Denver website.
New York’s Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum has sent its Concorde supersonic jet away for a facelift. The British Airways Concorde that still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger aircraft: 2 hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds from Heathrow to JFK. The plane will be out of commission until the spring of 2024.
More than 50 works by Hans Holbein the Younger from the Royal Collection, including drawings, paintings, and miniatures, are on display at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace in London in the largest UK exhibition of the artist’s work in over 15 years. Running through April, ‘Holbein at the Tudor Court’ brings together more than 100 objects to chart the career and legacy of the great Renaissance artist at Henry VIII’s court. At the heart of the exhibition are more than 40 of Holbein’s intimate portrait drawings of the royal family and the Tudor nobility, particularly Henry VIII.
Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com
First published at Travel Industry Today
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, December 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has concluded the Gastronomy Tourism Project, designed to make Ubud, Indonesia, a global hub of sustainable gastronomy tourism. Within the framework of Indonesia’s annual Tourism National Coordinative Meeting, the project’s final report was presented to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, and to the Gianyar Regional Government.
The UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project in Ubud was developed with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy with the aim of growing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage and boost the local economy, create jobs and drive sustainable and inclusive development. Launched in 2018, it was put on hold during the pandemic, returning at the start of this year. The project was divided into three phases:
As part of the project final visit, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will host a workshop for local stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Ubud to discuss the outcomes of the project. The workshop will welcome participants from regional and local Destination Management Organizations, as well as representatives of gastronomy-related businesses and academia, to discuss an action plan and the way forward to turn Ubud into a global hub of sustainable and authentic community-based gastronomic experiences. The workshop will also focus on the next steps, such as the creation of a Gastronomy Tourism Club to support a structured governance model.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Bangkok, Thailand, December 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok unveils its newest gem in the nightlife circuit, The O.S.S. Bar, where the intriguing legacy of Jim Thompson meets masterful mixology. Nestled within the iconic Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, this bar promises an immersive experience, blending historic tales with inventive cocktails, offering patrons a taste of Thompson’s mystique with every sip.
Nestled within the heart of Bangkok’s Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, The O.S.S. Bar beckons those seeking a sublime cocktail experience with the city’s picturesque canals for a backdrop. An extraordinary addition to the historic premises, the bar draws inspiration from the enigmatic life and mysterious 1967 disappearance of Jim Thompson. Blending vintage charm with contemporary sophistication, the bar invites guests into a world of chic intrigue. For those in the know the recently opened, The O.S.S. Bar has become an essential stop, drawing the city’s vibrant cocktail circuit; a must-do for discerning travellers eager for a nuanced Bangkok nightlife experience.
Subtle hints of Jim Thompson’s connection to the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) surround patrons as they embark on a journey through vintage photographs, cherished artefacts, and whispered tales that set the stage for an unforgettable experience and hint at Thompson’s adventures. Guests are promised a trip to an age filled with charm where they can savour their exquisitely crafted drinks against a backdrop of vibrant beats and picturesque surroundings.
This bar itself is an ode to timeless elegance where every cocktail is a curated narrative, reflecting the intricate tapestry of Thompson’s life. The skilfully crafted menu showcases Thompson’s myriad adventures and his larger-than-life persona in four chapters. Each chapter, from his early life to his associations with the O.S.S., and his profound connection to Thailand, offers cocktails inspired by pivotal moments and locales in his journey.
The menu is designed as a field manual, where each drink unfolds a tale. Symbols hinting at its flavour profile – sweet, sour, spicy, bitter or more – convey a nuanced message in a glass. Instead of traditional ingredients, scenes from Jim Thompson’s life offer subtle clues about the cocktail’s essence.
‘Chapter I – Early Life’ delves into Thompson’s formative years. Born March 21, 1906, in Greenville, Delaware, USA, to a prominent textile magnate father he was a descendant of Union General James Harrison Wilson. This chapter gives rise to two evocative cocktails: ‘The Grand Papa’, a luscious, sweet blend, and ‘Class of 28’, a robust drink with subtle bitter notes.
‘Chapter II – The O.S.S. Time’ reflects on Jim Thompson’s tenure in military intelligence, capturing the essence of missions like ‘Fort Monroe’, ‘Operation Forth’, ‘Ceylon’ and ‘C47’. The flavour profiles trace his covert journeys from America, through North Africa and Ceylon, culminating in Bangkok.
‘Chapter III – Thailand: A Dream Come True’ unveils Jim Thompson’s time as Thailand’s silk king. Celebrate this era with concoctions like the thrilling ‘Golden Banana’ and the balanced ‘The House on the Klong’. While ‘K.YEE & K.TUN’ pays homage to Thompson’s dependable cook and houseboy who were a soothing constant in his life. The chapter concludes with the captivating ‘Sunset at Mekong’, a liquid ode to Southeast Asia’s mesmerising allure.
‘Chapter IV – The Unsolved Mystery’ delves into the enigmatic disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967 in Malaysia’s jungles, represented by two cocktails: ‘Moonlight Cottage’ and ‘Mystery’. While ‘Moonlight Cottage’ is inspired by the Cameron Highlands, ‘Mystery’ remains the bartender’s secret – every sip evokes the profound mystery surrounding Thompson’s last days.
Beyond the captivating tales spun by the cocktails, patrons can explore a vast repertoire of beverages from artfully crafted mocktails to a curated wine list. You can also explore Thailand’s rich spirit heritage with authentic Thai spirits, each telling a story of craftsmanship, while whisky enthusiasts can rejoice over an array of choices, ensuring a memorable tasting journey. The bar ensures that every guest, regardless of their drink preference, finds something to suit their palate.
Says Siriwan Sinpan the bar manager, “The O.S.S. Bar is a labour of love, a place where history, creativity, and mixology converge. We’ve crafted each cocktail with meticulous attention to detail, aiming to transport our guests on a journey through time and flavour. Here, every sip tells a story.”
Just below The O.S.S. Bar, the Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, offers a culinary ode to the legendary Silk King. Melding Jim Thompson’s rich history with modern Thai gastronomy, the restaurant offers premium ingredients and inventive dishes. Whether enjoying a casual lunch beside the tranquil koi pond, or delving into an evening of curated wine and innovative Thai cuisine, guests are assured memorable experiences. Embracing the “Vibe Dining” concept, the venue seamlessly combines restaurant and club elements.
At the helm of Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant is Executive Chef Pepe Dasí Jiménez. Also known as Chef Pepe, he brings international acclaim and a special twist on Thai flavours, capturing the contemporary spirit of Thai cuisine. Says Chef Pepe, “Both the bar and restaurant encapsulate the essence of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife and culinary scene, offering guests an unparalleled blend of history, innovation, and ambiance.”
Whether patrons begin their evening at the restaurant or the bar, they are guaranteed an immersive experience that blends tradition with contemporary flair. This seamless fusion is epitomized by The O.S.S. Bar. Every element here is meticulously designed to transport patrons into the riveting world of Jim Thompson. As a fresh addition to Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife, The O.S.S. Bar offers both travellers and Bangkok’s discerning cocktail circuit an evening that promises to be as unforgettable as the legend of Jim Thompson himself – a harmonious blend of history, mixology, and entertainment. By day, The O.S.S. Bar transforms into a tearoom – The O.S.S. Room – to offer an elegant afternoon tea experience.
The O.S.S. Bar welcomes cocktail enthusiasts every night, 6 pm–12 am (midnight). Step in for an evening that blends the magic of yesteryears with today’s vibrancy.
For more information on the bar, check out: https://jimthompsonrestaurant.com/th/restaurant/the-oss-bar/
About Jim Thompson
No brand spells heritage like Jim Thompson, the Thai Silk Company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, an architect, art collector, socialite, and entrepreneur who is recognized as the driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry. Jim Thompson’s disappearance remains one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing unsolved mysteries.
Today, Jim Thompson is the iconic global lifestyle brand from Thailand with a reputation for beautiful silks and “Beyond Silk”.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Red Sea, Egypt, December 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Meeting Point, a hotel management company owned by FTI Group, a German company owned by Engineer Samir Sawiris, signed a new management contract for Beach Safari Marsa Alam Hotel.
Meeting Point Group, a hotel management company owned by FTI Group, a German company, and Beach Safari Marsa Alam Group signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement in the presence of Mr. Ibrahim El-Gamal, the financial manager of the group, Ms. Nadiya Ziani, the business development manager of FTI Group, and Mr. Hedi Issa, the executive director of the group in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Beach Safari is located in Marsa Alam on the Red Sea, and offers modern air-conditioned rooms with advanced smart management systems. Wi-Fi service is available at this resort. It has an outdoor pool, a private beach area, a spa, and all water sports activities, as well as various upscale restaurants and entertainment facilities that make the tourist’s stay an unparalleled pleasure.
The signing was attended by Mr. Boshra Ghali, Chairman of Beach Safari Group, Mr. Sameh Lotfi, Board Member, and Dr. Hossam Darwish, Business Development Consultant for the Group.
Mr. Boshra Ghali, Chairman of Beach Safari Group, expressed his happiness for concluding this strategic partnership with FTI Group for hotel management, adding that this partnership confirms Meeting Point and FTI Group’s interest in investing and managing hotels in the Red Sea region as well as ensuring quality and excellence in the hotel sector.
Ms. Nadiya Ziani expressed her happiness with signing the contract, confirming that this partnership with Beach Safari is just the beginning of working with Mr. Boshra Ghali and his distinguished group and that she looks forward to more cooperation in the future.
It is known that FTI Group, headed by Sabine Dorn-Aglagul, the CEO of hotels in FTI Group, is one of the most important international companies that work to bring thousands of tourists to regions of the world.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Bangkok, Thailand, December 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is excited to announce the launch of Asiatique Ancient Tea House, an elegant Dim-Sum Restaurant and stylish cocktail lounge located at Asiatique The Riverfront. This vibrant waterside destination, situated along the picturesque banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, promises a unique blend of Chinese Dim Sum, a curated selection of global teas, and innovative cocktails inspired by the world of tea.
Situated in a 111-year-old heritage house, first built in 1912 as part of the East Asiatic Company’s warehouse which is Thailand’s first trading pier,” Asiatique Ancient Tea House invites local residents and international visitors to step into a world of colonial grandeur and classical grace. The menu has been crafted distinctively by Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, the award-winning restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel. The concept is based on the story of Emperor Shen Nong, who first discovered tea 4,000 years ago. Along with silk, porcelain and spices, tea became one of the most popular products traded between Siam and China.
The original century-old building has been fully restored and refurbished with a designed concept that showcases a “Celestial Hint from Heaven” with a modern classic Chinese style scheme. Wall prints, porcelain collections, art installations, the Horseshoe Arch and an extended balcony enhance the overall ambiance.
Asiatique Ancient Tea House unfolds as a living museum for tea enthusiasts, offering a journey through the art and history of tea. The three stories of “Tea Discovery and Tea Culture” are embodied in distinct spaces: Hint of Heaven, a glasshouse surrounded by greenery; 1890’s Blend Gallery, an exhibit of fine tea selections; and The Blooming on the second floor, symbolizing the flourishing era of tea culture. The colonial characteristics of the original historic building have been preserved and accentuated.
Transitioning seamlessly from a refined daytime venue offering an array of premium dim-sum to a sophisticated after dinner lounge, Asiatique Ancient Tea House boasts a global tea collection that includes Silk Dark Tea and Thida Green Tea from organic farms in Chiang Dao, Thailand, Bai Mu Dan White Tea from China, Sencha Green Tea from Japan, Darjeeling First Flush Dark Tea from India, and Rooibos Tisane from South Africa. Accompanied by delectable dim sum, yum cha, crispy pork belly, roasted barbecued pork, and more, the daytime offerings set the stage for an evening menu featuring playful mocktails, fine whiskies, tea-infused gins, and three signature cocktails inspired by green, white, and brown Chinese teas.
Asiatique Ancient Tea House becomes Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s fourth culinary and social venue at Asiatique The Riverfront, joining Sirimahannop, the reimagined Thai tall ship, The Crystal Grill House, an elegant glasshouse restaurant, and The Siam Tea Room, the highly authentic Thai restaurant and café. All four are easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station.
Operating daily from 12:00 to 00:00 hrs, Asiatique Ancient Tea House invites guests to indulge in the art of tea and the delights of Dim Sum. For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2 059 5999.
About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The hotel offers extensive facilities, including 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across more than 30 venues, two swimming pools, 24-hour fitness center, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News
Santiago, Chile, December 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The tourism sector in Chile experienced a 52.9% growth in income 2022, new UNWTO research into the country’s status as a top destination for investors reveals. The latest edition of the UNWTO “Tourism Doing Business: Investment Guidelines” also makes clear the opportunities available to foreign investors and the challenges caused by both national considerations and global economic conditions.
Launched during the 2nd Tourism Investment Forum of Chile (Santiago, 7 December), “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Chile” highlights the main attributes of the country as a tourist destination and as an attractive place to invest in the sector. The guidelines note:
The UNWTO Guidelines showcase the enormous opportunities the tourism sector offers for investors – and the way in which investment is key to building a more sustainable, inclusive and future-proof sector
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Our focus on Chile caps a productive year for UNWTO as we promote investment in tourism, especially in the Americas. The UNWTO Guidelines showcase the enormous opportunities the tourism sector offers for investors – and the way in which investment is key to building a more sustainable, inclusive and future-proof sector.”
The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of the investment landscape in Chile. Key takeaways include:
Chile also stands out for the development of its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, with support institutions such as the Production Promotion Corporation (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción – CORFO) and the Technical Cooperation Service (Servicio de Cooperación Técnica – SERCOTEC). In the tourism field, the Chilean government promotes investments in digital transformation and innovation, including awards from the National Tourism Service for innovative tourism products.
The guidelines set out factors in making Chile an attractive value proposition for investors. These include the quality of its infrastructure, its entrepreneurial ecosystem, its focus on sustainable industries, and its tourist attractions, such as nature tourism, adventure and astrotourism, which stands out due to its clear skies, ideal for astronomic observation. The third chapter also provides an overview of business taxes and specific incentives for tourism investments in the country.
Looking ahead, the guidelines provide insights into green or sustainable investments in Chile, highlighting the country’s strategies and commitments towards sustainability, including the transition towards carbon neutrality and the promotion of energy efficiency and resource conservation projects in the tourism industry.
First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News