Global Travel News

UN Adopts New Global Standard to Measure Sustainability of Tourism

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UN Adopts New Global Standard to Measure Sustainability of Tourism - TRAVELINDEX.comNew York, NY, United States, March 9, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / A groundbreaking statistical framework, developed under the leadership of UN Tourism, has been adopted by all 193 UN member states.

The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) thus becomes the internationally agreed reference framework for measuring the economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism.

The adoption by the UN Statistical Commission at its 55th session (27 February – 1 March 2024) marks a historical milestone towards harnessing the full potential of the sector, providing a solution to the pressing need for a harmonized methodology to effectively assess the sustainability of tourism.

“Tourism is a powerful force for positive change when managed responsibly and sustainably,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary General. “The adoption of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism marks a paradigm shift, going beyond GDP by enabling the measurement of what matters most to people and planet.”

The adoption of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism marks a paradigm shift, going beyond GDP by enabling the measurement of what matters most to people and planet

Collaborative effort

This achievement is the fruit of a seven-year UN process led by Austria and Spain as co-chairs of the UN Tourism Committee on Statistics, with Saudi Arabia and Seychelles as co-vice chairs.  Under auspices of the Committee, the Framework was developed thanks to the extraordinary work of the multistakeholder Expert Group on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism composed of 40+ countries and 30+ international and regional organizations including the UN Statistics Division, the International Labour Organization (ILO), subnational authorities and observatories, academia and others.

The work involved technical guidance from an Editorial Board chaired first by the Philippines and then by Canada, as well as extensive engagement and consultation with input from numerous pilots in countries.

The Statistical Commission expressed an overwhelmingly enthusiastic support with 34 countries, 3 world regions and international organizations taking active part in the deliberations: Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Benin on behalf of the African Group, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland on behalf of the European Statistical System, Greece, Jamaica, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Slovenia, Spain, Tajikistan, Tanzania, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, the Committee for the Coordination of Statistical Activities and ILO.

Looking ahead, the Commission also welcomed the future development of an implementation programme, including a compilation guide, and called on the international donor community to support the financing for measuring the sustainability of tourism.

Established in 1947, the UN Statistical Commission gathers Chief Statisticians from Member States and international organizations, and is the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities. The last time that the Commission adopted a statistical standard for tourism was in 2008, when the International Recommendations for Tourism Statistics and the Tourism Satellite Account framework were presented.

Closing the gap between policy and statistics

In the margins of the United Nations Statistical Commission, Austria, Spain and UN Tourism co-organized the high-level side event “Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism: Closing the gap between policy and statistics”, in collaboration with the UN Committee for Economic-Environmental Accounting. Austria and Spain shared their vision on the importance of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism for evidence-based policy and decisions, while acknowledging its significance in upholding the relevance of statistical systems worldwide and the links to key topics like data governance and stewardship.

Mexico, the Philippines and Canada reflected on their pioneering experiences with implementing the framework, showcasing the power of integrating data from different domains and sources to distil more holistic and meaningful information on tourism.

The event raised awareness of the Statistical Framework for MST and functioned as an informative preamble to the UN Statistical Commission’s formal deliberations.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Launches Afternoon Tea for International Women’s Month

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Launches Afternoon Tea for International Women’s Month - TOP25HOTELS.comRaffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the iconic luxury heritage hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites, has introduced an exclusive new ‘Khmer Afternoon Tea’ to celebrate the female artisans of Angkor.

The tea service, served throughout March for International Women’s Month, features traditional delicacies and local favourites in classic combinations of sweet and savoury, and pays homage to Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage and the contributions of female artisans in Siem Reap.

The Khmer Afternoon Tea is being offered in partnership with MANAVA, a local social enterprise that produces beautiful accessories and homeware made from locally harvested rattan. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the Khmer Afternoon Tea will be donated to families living in Krobey Riel Village in Siem Reap.

The menu includes bites categorized as ‘Street Stalls’, such as local baguette with chicken, pork terrine and pickled vegetables; coconut and spring onion rice pancakes with coconut sauce; and fresh vegetable spring rolls with lime and chili dressing. ‘Sweets’ include taro and sago coconut pudding; palm sugar and coconut dumplings; and yellow bean cake. ‘Ancient Traditions’ include glutinous roasted rice cake and slow-cooked local banana with palm sugar caramel. And ‘Local Produce’ features seasonal Siem Reap fresh fruit and a fresh juice of the day.

The bite-sized treats are served alongside a selection of premium-quality teas and coffees.

For more information on Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, or to make a booking, please call +855 23 982 598

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit to Accelerate Innovative Start-Ups in Travel

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Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit to Accelerate Innovative Start-Up And Travel - TOURISMAFRICA.orgIn collaboration with UN Tourism, AfCFTA, MEFT (Namibia), Namibia Tourism Board, NIPDB, NEPAD and BDO, the 2024 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit has been curated to accelerate innovative travel industry and start-up linkages among all participants.

The 6th and 2024 edition of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge (https://youthtourismsummit.com) is poised to accelerate business growth. Key among this year’s programme is Entrepreneurship Masterclass and Intra-Africa Trading Day. These are targeted at youth and women in tourism, businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurs and all Namibian Tourism stakeholders to guide and assist them on how to improve their businesses or to source funding for start-ups across Africa’s tourism and related industries.

Also, this well-thought capacity building program aims to provide insights and guidance on how participants can connect to angel investors, innovative start-ups, travel tech innovators, and youth-run tourism businesses making waves in Africa.
The Entrepreneurship Masterclass & Intra-Africa Trading Day will be characterized by Market Access Expo set-up, 1- on -1 Business Exchange and Africa Tourism Innovation Challenge Boot Camp/Demo Lab.

Among renowned international experts speaking at the Summit are Dino Ballotti – Executive Director: MSME Development, Innovation & Acceleration, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Waseem Carrim – Chairperson, National Youth Development Agency, South Africa, Dan D’souza – Senior Programme Manager, Intrapreneurship L Marks, United Kingdom, Akwasi Obeng-Adjei – Director of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance, ABSA Bank, South Africa, Joram Mwinamo – CEO & Founder, Wylde International, Kenya, Prof. Matshediso ‘Tshidi’ Mohapeloa – Acting Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator, Rhodes University, South Africa, Nombulelo Guliwe – CEO, South African Tourism, Khaya Mbanga – Head Of Digital Advisory, BDO.

This year’s Summit is set to host more than 650 physical delegates and over 2000 online participants from across the world. As the norm, the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Namibia will avail exhibition space to allow tourism stakeholders to sell their products and services to a wide range of participants.

Namibia is distinctive tourist destination and, we encourage all delegates to stay a day or two longer to indulge in some of Namibia’s famous delights including the dunes, wildlife, culinary aqua tourism and nightlife (mention some of the famous destinations to visit).
Register at www.youthtourismsummit.com to attend physically as there is limited space. Please also use SAA discount code on the website to qualify for a discounted air fares and watch the space for discounted accommodation codes from Hilton Garden Inn, NUST Hotel School and Marriott soon.

For more information about the Summit, exhibition, partnerships, sponsorships, registration, please contact Ms. Rejoice Chishamba at: rejoice@africatourismpartners.com / +27 (0) 11 318 1741 / +27 (0) 81 303 7030.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Tourism Applauds Saudi Arabia’s Historic Milestone of 100 Million Tourists

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In a testament to its strategic vision and robust sector growth, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a global tourism powerhouse.

In an exceptional achievement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, a milestone celebrated by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). This remarkable accomplishment achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, not only underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global tourism powerhouse but also highlights its leading role in the economic diversification and sustainable development of the tourism sector worldwide. This milestone, marked by the arrival of over 27 million international tourists and over 79 million domestic tourists with a combined total spend of over USD 67 billion, not only showcases the Kingdom’s robust tourism sector but also underscores the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to advanced data gathering and statistical analysis, a priority echoed by UN Tourism.

The Kingdom’s success story is built on a foundation of strategic initiatives and reforms that have propelled its tourism sector to new heights. With a staggering 390% increase in demand for tourism activity licenses in 2023 and the contribution of tourism to the non-oil GVA estimated to exceed 7%, Saudi Arabia’s vision for the future is clear. With the tourism sector’s direct contribution to the GDP estimated to exceed  4 %, the country has showcased its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Leadership

UN Tourism has closely collaborated with Saudi Arabia, recognizing its efforts in developing a robust tourism infrastructure and statistical analysis capabilities. The inauguration of UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh in 2021 marked a significant step towards fostering tourism innovation, education, and rural development. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable tourism practices and statistical excellence.

Elevating its global position in the tourism sector, Saudi Arabia has distinguished itself by leading the G20 in international tourist growth rate in 2023 compared to 2019. This recognition underlines the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the global tourism sector’s recovery following the pandemic. Moreover, the Middle East has emerged as the sole region not only to rebound but also to outpace pre-pandemic tourism levels, with a 122 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019. At the forefront of this remarkable growth, Saudi Arabia witnessed a staggering 156 percent recovery in international tourist arrivals compared to 2019, underscoring its central role in the region’s tourism boom.

A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

The Kingdom’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience, with inbound spending reaching over USD 37 billion in 2023 and a significant increase in hotel keys across the kingdom. These achievements are a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a prosperous and sustainable tourism sector.

Empowering the Workforce

The employment opportunities created by the tourism sector are a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s success. As of 2023, with 925.5 thousand jobs in the tourism sector and significant investments in training, the Kingdom is on track to make tourism the second-largest employer by 2030. This focus on workforce development ensures that the benefits of tourism growth are shared widely and sustainably.

Gratitude and Future Vision

UN Tourism extends its congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this historic achievement. We commend the leadership, the Ministry of Tourism, and all partners for their unwavering support and dedication. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive towards its goal of 150 million tourists by 2030, UN Tourism looks forward to supporting its journey, celebrating its successes, and promoting a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for global tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023 is a beacon of what is possible through collaboration, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. The Kingdom not only promises a diverse and rich tourism experience but delivers on that promise, paving the way for a brighter future for the global tourism industry.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dine in the Dark, Bangkok’s Most Surprising Culinary Experience

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dine-in-the-dark-bangkoks-most-surprising-culinary-experience.jpgBangkok, Thailand, March 4, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / DID – Dine in the Dark, the multi-sensory, thought-provoking and socially responsible dining experience, has been surprising and delighting guests in the heart of Bangkok since 2014. Now, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this pitch-black culinary evening at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok, three delectable new menus have been launched that will transport diners on an adventure through taste, smell, touch and sound.

At DID, diners embark on a journey into the world of the blind and partially sighted. Having been warmly greeted at BARSU, the legendary lounge on Sukhumvit Road, guests are plunged into darkness and guided to their table by a team of visually-impaired guides. Without the power of sight, they are presented with a four-course menu and have to use their remaining senses to work out what’s on their plate – a fun, interactive gastronomic guessing game that also raises awareness about blindness.

New Western, Asian and Vegetarian menus have now been added to the DID experience, alongside the existing Surprise (East meets West fusion) options. Each of these four-course set dinners has been expertly crafted by a team of talented chefs, who carefully blend different textures, flavors and aromas to stimulate the senses and tantalize the taste buds. Every meal can be accompanied by a choice of beverages, including fine premium beverages and cool cocktails.

While the evening is designed to be lively and entertaining, it also serves a more important purpose. As a socially responsible venture, DID is presented by a team of sightless servers who guide their guests through the entire meal. The aim is to raise awareness about the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Thailand and to provide a valuable source of employment and income for talented individuals who may otherwise find it difficult to find work.

By reversing the usual roles of society and letting the visually-impaired service team help their full-sighted guests, this revealing evening offers a valuable insight into how the world is perceived by people without the power of sight. For every customer hosted at DID, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel will donate THB 50 to the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, a non-profit organization based in Bangkok.

DID is available six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), from 18.00 – 22.00 hrs. Staged at BARSU, the stylish social venue at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and with a direct connection from Asok BTS skytrain station, this is an unmissable culinary experience that will bring families, friends and groups closer together.

For reservation, please visit https://sheratongrandesukhumvit.info/dineinthedark.

Alternatively, to contact Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit please call +66 (0)2 649 8888

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of nearly 120 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hospitality Industry Builds Strong and Competent Professionals

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Mahé, Seychelles, March 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / It is hard to believe, that some 30 years have already elapsed since I first met Paul van Frank, at the time, when he was the General Manager of “The Plantation Club Resort & Casino” ( later rebranded as the “Kempinski Seychelles Resort” located on the island of Mahe). Paul can best be described, as an “Old School Hotelier”, who values principles such as “honesty, integrity, fairness and loyalty”. He is a seasoned, multi-lingual & undoubtedly, accomplished Hotelier, with a proven track record in Operations as well as an in-depth expertise in all aspects of Sales Marketing.

Paul is very “guest centric” with an extraordinary eye for detail, who will go to great length to achieve optimal guest satisfaction. Having many times watched Paul in action so to speak, he adopts a “hands-on approach” and is clearly an inspirational leader, who believes in working closely with his team, to deliver the highest standards and achieve the desired financial results. Paul has a sound business acumen with a deep understanding of the need to be very “bottom-line driven”. What I have always admired in Paul being his passion for developing young talent leading to be baled to create a bond with his team.

I start this way to speak about a Team Member of the Hospitality Fraternity because too often it is forgotten that behind every successful Hotel & Resort sits a dedicated hospitality professional amassing a wealth of experience and knowledge. Who benefits from these years of knowledge at the end? Is the question many continue to ask?.

Paul van Frank, the hotelier, is a typical Belgian with an infectious sense of humour and a true love for the Culinary Art. By the same token Paul has equally demonstrated time and time over his competence & proficiency with “pre-openings “, as well as the “rebranding” and “repositioning” of 5-star Hotels.

Paul is a passionate and truly committed professional, who has acquired a reputation for “getting the job done” even when facing challenging & complex situations demanding a high level of diplomacy, flexibility & sensitivity.

In all honesty, over the course of the past 3 decades, I must applaud Paul for his tenacity & unwavering determination to persevere in the adversity, having survived the ‘tsunami” in Thailand, the bombing in Bali, serious earth quakes in Istanbul, multiple hurricanes and cyclones in the Indian ocean, yet somehow always able to remain calm, collect and still able to maintain a positive attitude, whilst overcoming such unexpected serious incidents.

Paul can only be qualified as an expert in having successfully run a series of 5 star ‘luxury” Resorts in a variety of tropical destinations, such as “Como Shambhala Estate” (formerly known as “Begawan Giri Estate” in Bali), the highly acclaimed “Fregate Island Private” in the Seychelles, the no 1 Destination Spa in the World, being the multi-award winning “Ananda in the Himalayas” in India, as well as “Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Mauritius” (part of the portfolio of “Banyan Tree Hotels & Resots”).

As Paul and I keep sporadically meeting at different “ International Travel Trade Fairs”, in all sincerity, I hope that Paul van Frank will continue his pursuit of excellence around the world for many years to come.

Hospitality and Tourism as and Industry needs many more years of the likes of Paul van Frank

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism Focuses on New Challenges

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Andorra la Vella, Andorra, March 2, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / “Sustainability and wellness, the keys to mountain tourism” will be the slogan of the 12th edition of the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism, which will take place on 20, 21 and 22 March in Andorra.

• Organised within the framework of the “Five years of action for the development of mountain regions” of the United Nations, the Congress will feature internationally renowned speakers who will explain real experiences of “wellness tourism” and “health tourism”, the new concepts incorporated into the congress.

• This year, as a new feature, the Congress will focus on the theme of “wellness”, reflecting the demand of a new tourist and the necessary adaptation of the offer to the new needs of travellers and to the challenges faced by mountain destinations due to the diversification and advance of climate change.

Organised by the Government of Andorra and the Comú (town council) of Encamp, in the collaboration with UN Tourism, the Congress also has the support of the other Comuns (town councils) of Andorra and two main sponsors: Andorra Telecom as technological sponsor and Creand, Crèdit Andorrà, as financial sponsor.

“Once again, we are delighted that Andorra is hosting the World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism. Andorra’s tourism promotion model has always emphasised the importance of mountain and snow tourism. Now, in response to the demand of the new traveller, we are beginning to highlight the wellness attributes that have always accompanied the country of the Pyrenees,” says Jordi Torres, Andorra’s Minister of Tourism and Trade.

“The Government of Andorra is aware of the importance of working with determination to achieve the difficult and indispensable balance between economic growth, the well-being of citizens and the protection of the environment. In short, the challenge is to work for a more sustainable tourism, which takes into account social, economic and environmental aspects, to ensure the prosperity of citizens and professionals in the sector, without neglecting the satisfaction of visitors,” added Torres.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “It is our duty to ensure that tourism contributes to the sustainable future of mountains and that we work to guarantee the competitiveness and sustainability of mountain tourism for the benefit of mountain people.

“This edition of the congress is intended to serve as a roadmap for the sector to shape the future of mountain destinations, showcasing examples of innovation, best practices and creative initiatives that can serve as inspiration to grow stronger and better for the benefit of local communities around the globe,” added the secretary-general.

On this occasion, UN Tourism will present its recent report prepared together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Mountain Partnership: Understanding and Quantifying Mountain Tourism.

Real experiences of new concepts such as “wellness tourism” and “thermal tourism”

In this edition, top-level professionals and many institutional representatives will discuss, during the two days of work, issues such as sustainability as the axis of the development of the tourism sector, tourism diversification, especially the emerging tourism products that respond to the new demands of travellers of the future, as well as the necessary training to face this transformation, among others.

Real experiences of the implementation of the “wellness tourism” concept will be highlighted with speeches by Lászlo Puczko, CEO of Health Tourism Worldwide, Joan Muro, President of Andorra Health Destination Association, and Emma Haefeli, Marketing Director of CHENOT GROUP (Switzerland), among others.

Another star product will be “thermal tourism” – in order to delve into this new trend in mountain areas, the congress will be attended by Csilla Mezősi, secretary-general of the European Spas Association, who will explain the experience of thermal tourism throughout Europe.

Also represented will be Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism such as Saas-Fee, in the Swiss region of Valais (BTV in 2021), St. Anton am Arlberg in Austria (BTV 2023) and Ordino in Andorra (BTV in 2023).

Sustainability will also take centre stage with presentations by Javier Corso, who will present the project that National Geographic has carried out together with Andorra Turisme to improve the impact of tourism on the environment and on people, entitled: “Andorra al natural, the environment in which ideas germinate”. Javier Corso is a National Geographic Explorer, a distinctive position that is only awarded to a few people from around the world who work to protect the planet.

Education and training will also feature prominently at this year’s congress, where Rui Zhou, president of the Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland, together with Maria Abellanett, president of the CETT in Barcelona, will discuss the challenges and human resource needs of mountain tourism in the near future.

Sport will be another theme, this time addressed by David Astrié, director of Icònic Andorra, who will present the medical-sports high-altitude residential centre that aims to become a European and world reference in high-altitude sports training.

Successful experiences will also be presented by representatives of Best of the Alps, Lech Zürs Tourism (Austria), the Pyrenees Agency and Pic du Midi (France).

To address the main issues, the event will be divided into four sessions focusing on health and wellness tourism, the promotion of premium tourism in mountain areas, emerging tourism products and training and recruitment of staff.

You can consult the program here: https://mountainlikers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/progprov_CMTNMB2024_pub_ENG.pdf

World Congress on Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism
The Congress is an initiative of the seven Communes and the Government of Andorra, together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of creating a forum for permanent debate on the development and sustainability of tourism in mountain areas. It is organized every two years: the first edition was held in 1998 in Escaldes-Engordany and since then, each edition is organized in a different parish.

More information and registration: http://mountainlikers.com

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure in Japan’s Culinary Capital

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Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure in Japan's Culinary Capital - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comOsaka, Japan, March 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The vibrant metropolis of Osaka is considered the culinary capital of Japan – a haven of gastronomy where local residents and international visitors can savour world-class cuisine. Now, this captivating city is raising the bar for dining even higher with a collection of eight world-class restaurants and bars at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka.

Rising 33-storeys in Namba, Osaka’s most vibrant entertainment and retail district, this five-star urban landmark transports diners on a multi-sensory journey of discovery, as talented chefs fuse premium ingredients and a spirit of innovation to craft exquisite cuisine in atmospheric venues. Here is a selection of the hotel’s most unmissable dining experiences:

Suan Bua: Sizzling Thai Street Food

As Thailand’s leading hotel group, Centara is rooted in Thai culinary heritage. At Suan Bua, diners’ taste buds are escorted to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia with stylish interiors and a genuine tuk-tuk in the heart of the restaurant! All ages can savour authentic Thai street food, including fresh salads, spicy soups, sizzling stir-fries, colourful curries and more, crafted by Chef Sompong, who hails from Thailand, and his talented team.

Don’t miss: Tom Yum Goong Naang. Thailand’s national dish is a wonderfully fragrant, spicy and sour soup featuring river prawns, lemongrass, chilli and mushrooms.

Kunsei Kitchen: Osaka’s Most Spectacular Smokehouse

Discerning diners can elevate their epicurean adventure at Kunsei Kitchen, the 33rd floor smokehouse restaurant which frames sparkling skyline views. Within this stunning setting, Chef Asano, who has worked at some of the world’s leading restaurants, uses exquisite ingredients to craft contemporary dishes, accompanied by fine wines and smoked cocktails. The omakase menu is a highly exclusive experience that blends tradition with invention.

Don’t miss: Seasonal Fish with Smoked Broth. Kunsei Kitchen’s menu changes with the seasons to showcase the finest ingredients in their prime – including the freshest fish.

Whiskey Nova Steakhouse: Elevating the Epicurean Arts

Osaka’s most exciting and immersive new steakhouse, this dazzling 32nd floor restaurant transports guests to a world where American comic book culture meets Japanese retro art. Amidst this vibrant ambience, diners can indulge in expertly prepared cuts of meat, from succulent dry-aged beef to perfectly grilled wagyu. Every meal can be paired with a curated selection of fine wines and whiskeys, all set against a backdrop of breath-taking city views.

Don’t miss: Japanese Beef Sirloin Steak. Wonderfully tender and cooked to perfection, this is a meat-lover’s dream. Enjoy it with WhiskeyNova’s own signature steak sauce.

Smoke & Spin: Feel the Spirit of the City

Step into Centara Grand Hotel Osaka’s rooftop oasis at Smoke & Spin, where panoramic views of the city unfold. Designed with the theme of a baseball park, this inspiring venue is the ultimate setting for afternoon tea during the day. Then as night falls, this spirited lounge transforms into a vibrant hub of activity where guests can feel the energy of Osaka and sip expertly crafted cocktails until 2am.

Don’t miss: Strawberry Afternoon Tea. This sublime selection is presented on an elegant tree stand and features 17 sweet & savoury bites, focusing on fresh strawberries.

Guests can also discover Crudo Deck, the breath-taking rooftop restaurant where diners can soak up panoramic views, sip in a world of science fiction at Automata, the cutting-edge cocktail bar with self-service technology, or grab light refreshments on the move at Platform 2, the bright lobby lounge.

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 96 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. The group’s newest Centara Reserve brand was unveiled in 2020 as an experiential luxury collection, inviting guests to discover a new era of story-driven hospitality starting with Centara Reserve Samui.

Centara also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The 1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Host Country Oman to Open ITB Berlin 2024

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Host Country Oman to Open ITB Berlin 2024 - TRAVELINDEX.comBerlin, Germany, February 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Prominent political and tourism industry figures are to attend the official opening ceremony of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show on 4 March. A spectacular show programme featuring classical works and folk music by the Official Host Country Oman awaits the audience at the opening of ITB Berlin 2024.

The stage is set for Oman: the slogan of this year’s ITB Berlin opening ceremony is ’Beauty Has An Address’. Represented by H.E. Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of the Sultanate of Oman, the host country will present a colourful and impressive show onstage at the CityCube Berlin on the eve of the first day of the trade show, 4 March 2024, starting at 6 p.m.. A tour of the beauty and many facets of the country in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula awaits some 3,000 guests invited to the event, among them numerous prominent political and tourism industry figures.

Political representatives Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, the Federal Government’s Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism, will welcome the host country and those present. The travel industry will be represented by Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, will represent ITB Berlin.

An impressive tour of the many facets of this country awaits the audience and is divided into three parts. The first will highlight the beauty of Oman, including its many natural attractions, traditions, and elements of the Sultanate of Oman’s cultural heritage. The second part will focus on the progress of Oman, including the modernisation of the country and preservation of its cultural identity, as well as religion, education, human rights and art. In the third part entitled ’Vision 2040’, the Sultanate of Oman will present new horizons, sustainable tourism development and its role on the world stage.

In addition, Omani singers and folk groups will present a colourful programme, accompanied by the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra, which will combine all elements of the show by presenting traditional Omani customs and melodies as well as music works from around the world. This is the first time in 17 years that the Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra is visiting Germany again. As one of the few western-oriented symphony orchestras in the Arab World it occupies a special role. What is also extraordinary is that since the orchestra was founded its musicians have been exclusively from Oman.

After the opening ceremony, the host country will hold a reception at the CityCube Berlin, where culinary delights from the Sultanate of Oman will be served.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2024 will take place from Tuesday, 5 to Thursday, 7 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading „Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.“, leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss the industry’s current and future challenges on 4 stages with a total of 17 themed tracks and more than 24,000 attendees.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

O.S.S. Bar Celebrates International Women’s Day with Guest Shifts from Female Bartenders

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o-s-s-bar-celebrates-international-womens-day-with-guest-shifts-from-female-bartenders.jpgBangkok, Thailand, February 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / In honor of International Women’s Day, The O.S.S. Bar, nestled within the heart of Bangkok’s Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, is delighted to announce a special celebration – The O.S.S. Allies – throughout March, showcasing the talents of Asian female bartenders through special guest shifts. This event is a tribute to the remarkable contributions and achievements of women in the hospitality industry, highlighting their creativity, skill, and passion. Guests are invited to join us in this unique experience, where they can savor exclusive, specially crafted cocktails by some of the most talented female mixologists in the region. This is a golden opportunity for cocktail connoisseurs to interact with renowned mixologists.

Our dynamic roster of guest shifts showcases:

● March 1: Air Benjawan , former head bartender at Rabbit Hole, Highball Bkk and Kilik Social Club; Pumpui Wanaya, Managing Partner at Sixteen Grapes and Saimai Nantharat, Former Brand Advocate for Stranger & Sons.

● March 5: Lina Kang, award-winning mixologist, from IT Bar in South Korea.

● March 16: Alex from OTO, a Japanese-themed cocktail bar in Manila.

● March 21: Fah Beer Suchada , owner of Lost in Thaislation; her birthday and shift coincides with Jim Thompson’s birthday.

● March 23: Chanel Adams, Bar Manager at The Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

● March 26: Moa Chadchayaphat, Jameson Brand Ambassador from Thailand; her shift coincides with the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

Special highlights include Fah Beer’s guest shift on March 21st, celebrating both International Women’s Day and Jim Thompson’s birthday, and Moa’s guest shift on March 26th, marking the day Jim Thompson disappeared.

The O.S.S. Bar is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and mixology aficionados. The bar combines vintage charm with contemporary sophistication, becoming a must-visit for discerning travelers seeking a nuanced Bangkok nightlife experience.

This event is an opportunity to celebrate the month of International Women’s Day and the legacy of Jim Thompson while enjoying special cocktails in a sophisticated setting. Join us at The O.S.S. Bar in March to raise a glass to the talented women shaping the future of bartending.

The O.S.S. Bar is open every night, 6 pm–12 am (midnight).

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”.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News