Global Travel News

Jim Thompson x GranMonte Announce Exclusive Wine Collaboration

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Jim Thompson, the iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia, in collaboration with GranMonte, is proud to announce the launch of an exclusive wine collection, marking a significant move in the gastronomy realm for the lifestyle brand. This collaboration brings together the culinary craftsmanship of Jim Thompson with the viticulture expertise of GranMonte, a family-owned vineyard and winery in Thailand’s Khao Yai region, a testament to both brands’ commitment to excellence and innovation.

The Jim Thompson X GranMonte Collection features two distinct wines: the Jim Thompson X GranMonte Syrah and the Jim Thompson X GranMonte Verdelho. The bold red Syrah encapsulates ripe raspberry and blackcurrant flavors with a vanilla oak finish. The crisp white Verdelho offers an aromatic bouquet of gooseberry and passion fruit with a flinty undertone.

This first wine collection from Jim Thompson stands out with its unique label design – stylized patterns in red and earth tones for the red wine and blue with earth tones for the white, inspired by Thai silk motifs. The label draws from Jim Thompson’s “The Icon of Siam” scarf, capturing the majestic Chao Phraya River and the spirit of Siam while highlighting Thailand’s iconic landmarks and cultural beauty. The neck of the wine bottles is further embellished with decorative trims sourced from Jim Thompson Home Furnishings. Specially crafted 100% silk wine bags at Jim Thompson’s factory in Nakhon Ratchasima province turn the bottles into perfect gifts: a gold bag for red wine and a blue bag for white.

GranMonte Vineyard and Winery is spearheaded by Visootha ‘Nikki’ Lohitnavy, Thailand’s first qualified oenologist. Dedicated to sustainable practices and employing cutting-edge techniques adapted to the unique terroir of Khao Yai, GranMonte crafts internationally acclaimed wines exclusively from locally grown grapes. Situated in the Asoke Valley at an elevation of 350 meters near the UNESCO-listed Khao Yai National Park, the 40-acre vineyard has earned the title of “Best National Producer – Thailand” by AWC Vienna multiple times. Its wines carry the Khao Yai Wine Geographical Indication, ensuring their origin and quality.

States Joan Tana Dot, Food and Beverage Director of Jim Thompson, “This partnership represents a natural evolution of Jim Thompson’s offerings, broadening our range to include premium wines that enrich our customers’ experience. With these exclusive vintages, available at Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, we’re not just offering a meal but a curated dining journey that pays homage to the heritage of Jim Thompson and the GranMonte. This collaboration not only underscores Jim Thompson’s position as a lifestyle brand, showcasing Thai excellence, but also reflect our commitment to supporting local Thai brands and communities.”

At Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, Executive Chef Pepe Dasí Jiménez has crafted a selection of dishes that harmonize perfectly with the Jim Thompson X GranMonte wines. Guests can enjoy the special menu pairs 2021 Jim Thompson x GranMonte Verdelho with Sourdough toast with grilled local eggplant and tomato relish, Miang Kham Iberico and a unique Deep-Fried Lotus Root creation served with salted egg sauce. The Grilled Inky Striploin Wagyu main course menu is perfectly paired with 2021 Jim Thompson x GranMonte Syrah.

Suvisooth ‘Mimi’ Lohitnavy, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at GranMonte, highlights, “This partnership with Jim Thompson signifies a fusion of tradition and innovation, as we bring the essence of our vineyard to a wider audience through Jim Thompson. Our collective efforts have culminated in a special wine collection and label that embodies the rich terroir of our estate and the intricate beauty of Thai silk. We are thrilled to offer connoisseurs a taste that encapsulates the spirit of Thailand’s craftsmanship and GranMonte’s wine making excellence”

The Jim Thompson x GranMonte wine collection is a celebration of Thai culture and craftsmanship, available exclusively at Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant. For reservations and more information, please contact: 02-612-3601.

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

DASTA, MTCO, Green Destinations and AEN Establish Strategic Partnership

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in Bangkok, establishing a strategic partnership between the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), Green Destinations (GD), and the Trade Association of Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN). This collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable tourism certification for destinations in Asia with a focus on the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

“As we embark on this transformative mission, we are committed to elevating tourism destination standards for sustainability, fostering economic stability, and preserving our rich cultural heritage in the subregion. This initiative equips DMOs with the tools to collaborate effectively with all stakeholders in tourism development.”, said Gp. Capt. Athikun Kongmee, Director-General of DASTA.

Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of MTCO, shared her perspective on this new partnership: “The signing of this MOU is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainable tourism in the GMS. By uniting our efforts, we aim to develop tourism destinations that are not only economically viable but also environmentally and culturally sustainable.”

“Government leaders have a responsibility to future-proof their destinations for sustainability to protect the environment, stimulate economic growth, and provide international leadership in addressing global challenges. It’s their legacy to their constituents and the future generations to ensure good governance for the people, planet and prosperity,” said Ms. Susan Santos de Cardenas, Southeast Asia Partner and Representative of Green Destinations.

Mr. Masaru Takayama, President of the Trade Association of Asia Ecotourism Network (AEN) commented, “AEN aims high to help introduce sustainable tourism to the GMS countries and grow it together with our partners to make ripple effects to ensure a bright future for the communities and our children for the generations to come while ensuring environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and priority to local employment and economy. The certification scheme should focus on the objectives, progress, and mission-driven actions not just on the scheme itself.”

Spearheaded by DASTA, the MOU outlines a collaborative framework focused on enhancing sustainable tourism practices, particularly in destination management and certification. This initiative encompasses sharing knowledge and resources, supporting the development and testing of sustainable tourism initiatives, and engaging in the exchange of ideas to formulate operational guidelines. These efforts aim to ensure that tourism development in the GMS is conducted responsibly, balancing socio-economic growth with the preservation of the region’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) was established in 2006 by the governments of Cambodia, Yunnan Province, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China (PRC), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. MTCO serves as a collaborative framework dedicated to advancing tourism’s role in fostering inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Guided by the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), comprising senior representatives from the National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of the six member countries, MTCO plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable tourism development in the region.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

With Over 560 Open Hotels Projects in Asia-Pacific Marriott International Saw Record Year of Growth

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Bangkok, Thailand, February 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / 2023 marked a terrific year for Marriott International in the Asia Pacific Excluding China region with over 80 deals signed, adding approximately 18,000 rooms in the pipeline for this region. Following the recent announcement by Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) of its strong global net rooms growth and record year of organic signings in 2023, the company highlighted the remarkable surge in hotel and residences openings and signings in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region, particularly in key travel markets such as Japan, India, and Vietnam.

At the close of 2023, Marriott set a milestone in APEC with over 60 properties added to its portfolio during the year, bringing the company’s presence in the APEC region to more than 560 operating hotels and residences, and exceeding 10 percent net rooms growth compared to 2022. The company also sealed a record of over 80 deals signed across 13 markets, representing approximately 18,000 rooms.

As tourism recovers in APEC and the travel landscape evolves, Marriott has continued to focus on strategically providing the best-in-class offerings to owners, franchisees, and guests. At the end of 2023, Marriott’s APEC development pipeline stood at over 320 hotels with over 69,000 rooms, showcasing the company’s dedication to providing world renowned brands and diverse experiences, aligning with the evolving preferences of travelers across the region.

Luxury continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of Marriott, and 25 percent of Marriott’s global luxury rooms pipeline is represented in APEC. In 2023, 15 percent of the deals signed in APEC were in the luxury segment. A record nine luxury hotels were opened in the region in 2023 — including The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne— Marriott’s 1,000th hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The JW Marriott Goa debuted the brand in Goa and was the company’s 150th hotel to open in South Asia, and added The Singapore EDITION, the first EDITION in Southeast Asia.

“With our record year of growth at Marriott International in APEC, we remain committed to meeting the demands of modern travelers underscored by our diverse portfolio of brands and strategic presence in new destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, APEC. “2023 has positioned us as a thriving and desirable region in the global landscape. I am excited about our momentum as we focus on being where our customers want us to be and connecting people through the power of travel.”

Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s award-winning travel program— has helped fuel interest in the company’s regional portfolio. In APEC, the Marriott Bonvoy membership base has surged by 50 percent since 2019. This momentum is attributed to the unique and unforgettable experiences the program offers, including exclusive access to prestigious events like the Australian Open and Formula 1. Beyond hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy continues to re-define the regional travel landscape with strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines, Rakuten and co-branded credit cards in Japan, Korea, and India. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, coupled with the strength of Marriott Bonvoy, positions Marriott as a leader in shaping the future of travel and hospitality across the APEC region.

For more information on Marriott’s latest developments and brand news, please visit the Marriott News Center.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

CANADA’S MOST WELCOMING PLACES: And other Traveller Review 2024 favourites

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Booking.com has opened its very big envelope to reveal the 2024 winners of its 12th annual Traveller Review Awards. Based on more than 309 million verified customer reviews, and in recognition of delivering consistently excellent service and hospitality, a record 1.48 million travel partners received a Booking.com Traveller Review Award 2024, including 7,725 in Canada.

Highlights of the awards include:

  • Whistler awarded the ‘Most Welcoming City’ in Canada, with Canmore, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Moncton, and Toronto rounding out the top five
  • Italy is home to the largest number of award recipients for the seventh year running, followed by Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom
  • Recognition was given to 1,484,294 accommodations, 449 rental car companies and 129 taxi providers

Read on for a deeper dive:

Most Welcoming Places in Canada

Based on each location’s share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024, this year’s list of the Most Welcoming Places in Canada includes five world class mountain sports destinations, a wine lover’s locale that places yearly, and an east coast newcomer to the list. Here are Canada’s most welcoming places for 2024.

  1. Whistler, BC
  2. Canmore, Alta.
  3. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.
  4. Moncton, NB
  5. Toronto
  6. Québec City
  7. Blue Mountain, Ont.
  8. Victoria, BC
  9. Mont-Tremblant, Que
  10. Revelstoke, BC

Accommodation 

Travellers continue to favourably review the home-away-from-home experience, with apartments claiming the top spot in Canada as the most-awarded accommodation type (1,915 awards). Hotels aren’t far behind, claiming 1,682 awards, then holiday homes with 962 awards, B&Bs earned 794, and chalets round out the top five across Canada with 482 Traveller Review Awards for 2024.

Globally, apartments are the most popular accommodation type for the 7th year running with 710,687 awards. Holiday homes (213,824) have edged out hotels (179,357) for the number two spot, while guest houses (84,715) and B&Bs (71,514) make up the top five most-awarded accommodation types.

Villas saw the greatest increase in award recipients year over year at 23%, followed by holiday homes (20%), and campsites (14%). Overall, there was a 10% increase in awards granted to vacation rentals and other unique properties that offer an alternative to the traditional hotel experience. Travellers are continuing to expand their choices on what types of properties they like to stay in, demonstrating a growing appreciation for the unique hospitality that alternative accommodations can provide.

Most Welcoming Places in the World

Trentino Italy

For the seventh year in a row, Italy is home to the largest number of Booking.com Traveller Award recipients with 181,012. Here is the complete list of the world’s most welcoming places.

  1. Italy
  2. Spain
  3. France
  4. Germany
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Poland
  7. Brazil
  8. United States
  9. Croatia
  10. Portugal

From enchanting coastal towns to alpine retreats and even rustic desert gems, here are the most welcoming cities across the world.

  1. Arraial d’Ajuda, Brazil
  2. Ermoupoli, Greece
  3. Viana do Castelo, Portugal
  4. Daylesford, Australia
  5. Grindelwald, Switzerland
  6. Moab, United States
  7. Uzès, France
  8. Mazatlán, Mexico
  9. Jaisalmer, India
  10. Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Transportation 

For the fifth year, Booking.com is recognizing its ground transportation partners. Beyond the basics of just getting around, rental cars make it easier for travellers to explore off the beaten path and taxis frequently provide visitors with their first interactions with local people and culture, often setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

This year, 449 car rental partners from 26 countries are receiving a Traveller Review Award. Spain (84) tops the list again with the most car rental companies being recognized, followed by Italy (74), Portugal (47), Greece (42) and the US (28). And 129 taxi partners are also receiving an award with Italy (17) and Spain (12) leading the pack.

“Whether it’s a personalized welcome note from an apartment owner with recommendations for the best spots in the neighbourhood to grab a bite, or a tip on hidden local gems to explore at the car rental counter, our partners make trips more memorable and enjoyable for our customers each and every day,” says Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com.

“The Traveller Review Awards are our way of thanking and publicly acknowledging the top-notch service our partners provide to travellers and the critical role they play in our mission of making it easier for everyone to experience the world!”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

72 HOURS IN VEGAS (WITHOUT BETTING A PENNY)

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By Michael Baginski

Beyond keeping up with Karly (our host and a speed-walker of the first order), Las Vegas is meant to be experienced at double speed. The current concept of “slow tourism” does not apply here.

The desert city, of course, offers no shortage of possibilities to keep the body moving – and notably many of them do not include gambling. In fact, on a recent visit, we blitzed the burg in just less than 72 hours and didn’t set foot in a casino – save that every route from point A to B in a hotel-resort invariably leads past the gaming tables and rows of one-eyed bandits.

That’s not to pooh-pooh poker or shrug off the slots – judging by the crowds, the casinos seem to be doing just fine if you’re interested; rather, our purpose was to forge a new script for the Strip, and experience Vegas in a less-traditional way, proving that one doesn’t have to be Kenny Rogers (“the gambler”) to have a good time.

Here then is my guide – good for a long weekend getaway, but certainly expandable to a longer stay – designed to reflect our experiences, and also to touch on some of the most obvious touchpoints for short-stay visitors:

Pro sports

Sin City has quickly become Win City with the NFL Raiders and NHL Golden Knights now mainstays on the scene. We caught the latter playing Calgary, and while plenty of Flames Jerseys were in evidence at T-Mobile Arena, it was definitely a home crowd (not a given in the franchise’s early days) who are fully committed to the team and the boisterous experience on offer (drummers, mascots, inflatable castles on ice, etc.) An unlikely tradition comes during the national anthem as 17,500 fans belt out the team’s name at ear-splitting volume in synch with the line: “… gave proof through the KNIGHT! that our flag was still there.” And why not? The Knights are Stanley Cup champions! Games are easy to get to with the arena located just off the Strip beside the Park MGM hotel.

Following hockey’s arrival in town in 2017, Vegas welcomed the football Raiders from Oakland in 2020, playing at the impressive new Allegiant Stadium, a short Uber from the Strip. While not yet achieving the success of their hockey cousins, the team is still capable of dropping 63 points on an opponent (a franchise record) like they did when we attended. And even with a night game, we still had time to get to the airport in time to catch the Rouge redeye back home to Toronto.

Tip: Leave big bags/purses or backpacks at the hotel – they are not allowed in stadium and must be checked (at a cost).

While there is no NBA team in Las Vegas, that eventuality is considered by most to be inevitable in the future, and in the meantime the Las Vegas Aces compete in the WNBA (we would have required a fourth night for that).

And though our timing was off, Vegas has also hit the jackpot for signature sporting events like Formula One racing (the inaugural event took place in November and returns Nov. 21-23, 2024), and the upcoming Super Bowl (Feb. 11). As for the NFL championship, David Han, Canada’s sr. account rep. for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, once enthused, “It is probably going to be the biggest event this planet has ever seen. It’s more than the Super Bowl – it’s the Super Bowl in Las Vegas!”

The Sphere

In a destination of big, shiny, and new, The Sphere is the latest attraction to dazzle residents and visitors alike. A next-gen entertainment venue, it is said to be the world’s largest spherical structure with an Exosphere that consists of approximately 1.2 million LED pucks, spaced eight inches apart, making it the largest LED screen and an ongoing piece of ever-changing art on the skyline. Each puck contains 48 individual LED diodes, with each diode capable of displaying 256 million different colours, prompting it to be called “living architecture.”

The venue officially opened on Sept. 29 with a concert by U2 (the band remains in residence), with other concerts and events on the ongoing schedule. In between are showings several times daily of the sensational “Postcard from Earth,” a multi-sensory cinematic history of the planet directed by Darren Aronofsky, shot in 18k resolution specially for The Sphere’s 15,000 sq. m. interior video screen, wrapped around in 270 degrees, and featuring climate control (blowing breeze) and shaking seat. It’s like an enhanced 2024 version of Ontario Place’s inaugural IMAX films, or “Soarin’” at Disney.

The two-hour experience also enables guests to engage in a number of interactive exhibits in the Atrium before the film (where drinks and cocktails can also be purchased).

Tip: Arrive early, the lines are shockingly long (though move quicker than one would expect). Tickets must be reserved in advance; Hotel packages including The Sphere are available at the adjacent Venetian hotel.

Entertainment

 From concerts to magicians and comedians, and even performances that defy description, like the Blue Man Group, evening stage shows are part of the fabric of The Strip – not least Cirque du Soleil, which boasts no less than seven separate productions in Las Vegas. We attended “O” at the Bellagio, which is consistently one of the mostly highly rated. Based around water (a play on “eau” in French if that never clicked in), the experience is described as “a tapestry of creativity, surrealism, and romantic theatre (where) the grace of water and the idea of infinity inspire world-class divers, synchronized swimmers, and acrobats to create an experience that is simply magnificent” – or “magnifique” to stay in the spirit of the Quebec-based troupe.

AREA15

Located a short drive from the Strip, AREA15 (not to be confused with Nevada’s alien-oriented Area 51, though signs playfully proclaim “This area does not exist”) is an award-winning entertainment venue featuring immersive activities like ziplining, simulated golf, (not simulated) axe throwing, escape room, and much more, along with food, bars, cafés, quirky retail shops, an arcade, and a movie theatre. Timeout has called it the “the most innovative venue in the US.”

Foremost among the options is Omega Mart, the newest interactive experience from Santa Fe’s groundbreaking art collective, Meow Wolf. Featuring unique and unusual work created entirely by international and local artists, the installation mimics a convenience store where any can of soup or sliver or sushi on display may prompt a unique guest experience.

“When a phone rings, we want you to answer; if there’s a door, walk through it,” Michael Duffield of Meow says, explaining that the venue is best described as an “immersive, interactive art exhibit in the prism of an Omega Mart store.”

Indeed, there are “portals,” like walk-in freezers or a janitor’s closet, that make Omega Mart as much a fun house as an art gallery. And not limited to convenience store contrivances, some of the portals lead to a “factory” in the back – a space that has been “touched” by 328 artists.

“I think seeing a tattooed chicken, and then ending up here (in the factory) is a kind of cool adventure,” says Duffield. “It goes from the silly to the sublime.”

Omega Mart also offers VIP guided tours and offers scavenger hunts for groups.

Dining

Like everything else, dining in Las Vegas is a smorgasbord of options and experiences – ranging from extravagant food courts (like the one in Resorts World) to a who’s who of celebrity chef restaurants offering the latest and greatest in culinary adventures.

Recommended: FUHU Las Vegas (also in Resorts World) offers a high-energy, experiential vibe based on contemporary Asian cuisine and elevated mixology. The venue’s vibrant, multi-dimensional design features retro touches and modern, Chinese-inspired details, and a lush indoor-outdoor dining room and patio available for all-day dining. The menu features a wide variety of Asian-inspired dishes, including seafood, steak, and sushi, plus specialty cocktails and sake.

Buffet

Sadly, the days of the cheap and cheerful Vegas buffet are long gone, but the tradition continues in accordance with the city’s new aura of utter opulence. There are dozens from which to choose, including at most of the major casino-resorts.

For our part, we bellied up to the Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas, considered by some the most attractive of the all-you-can-eats with its new entrance adorned by palm trees imported from Florida.

Inside, there are 16 live-action cooking kitchens and an updated menu of 120 dishes that check off almost every food category (as well as dessert), including a new eggs Benedict station, and both plated and self-serve offerings are available.

There are separate seatings for brunch ($54.99 p.p. plus tax) and the Daily Seafood Gourmet Dinner ($74.99) with patrons permitted “up to two hours of limitless indulgence.” Endless pour beverage packages are also available at an additional cost.

Conclusion: Worth every penny (including for a subsequent membership in Weight Watchers).

A pub?

Paris, Venice, and New York are among the destinations represented along the Strip; for London or Dublin, a trip to Flight Club will happily do the trick. The venue is a rare pub along the Strip (located in Grand Canal Shoppes across from Treasure Island – use the Sand Avenue Bridge entrance), but one with a sharp focus: darts. Guests can play a series of provided games (with electronic scoring) for US$20/hr. Tapas style-food and drinks are extra. Playing isn’t required and a large carousel bar adds to the ambiance. Reservations are suggested online at flightclubdartsusa.com.

Hotel-hopping

Hotel-hopping in Vegas is like window shopping – an activity where you don’t have to buy, but are happy – amazed, gobsmacked, bewildered? – just to look. With this in mind, we checked out two new resort/hotels that are certainly worth the trip:

The Fontainebleau

After years (decades) of deliberations and delays, the shimmering 67-storey Fontainebleau opened in mid December with the distinction of now being the tallest hotel in the city’s glittery resort corridor. With a cost of $3.7 billion, the expansive property features 1,300 slot machines, 128 gambling tables, and a total of 36 first-to-market concepts from acclaimed chefs and restaurateur partners including Evan Funke, Masa Ito, David Grutman, David “Papi” Einhorn, and Alan Yau – as well as world-class shopping, seven pools, lavish spa, and a LIV nightclub.

Based on a premise of “timeless elegance,” the resort boasts a bowtie theme that pays homage to the standard neckwear of Morris Lapidus, architect of the Miami resort that opened in 1954.

Resorts World International

Until the Fontainebleau came along, RWI had been the newest kid on the block on The Strip – specifically its north end, which has now been totally transformed by the two neighbouring resorts. Resorts World is three hotels in one resort – a four-star Hilton (1,700 rooms) and five-star Conrad (1,500) and Crockfords (332 rooms, part of Hilton LXR), the latter brand imported from London and described as an ultimate ultra-luxury property that features a more curated, personalized experience for guests.

On our tour, RWI’s Cathy Vhu broke down the hotels – which are separate, but feed into the shared casino, shopping, dining, theatre, and pool/spa areas – as business class (Hilton), first class (Conrad), and private jet (Crockfords). Notably, the gaming area, unlike most in Vegas, is bright and airy, with Vhu stating, “We wanted to stay away from dark and stuffy.”

A destination unto itself, the US$4.3 billion Resorts World International – packed with cowfolk for Rodeo World 2023 when we were there – is set on 35 hectares (site of the former Stardust) with plenty of space still to be developed, including an outdoor area that will host music festivals by later this year.

Since opening in 2021, Zhu says more and more people are visiting Vegas for entertainment, like concerts, and mega events like Rodeo World, as well as its glorious food. Or simply to relax.

And while she concedes that gambling is still synonymous with the city, for the multitudes now coming for other things, it’s something that “just happens to be there.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Travel Booking Innovator Joyned Secures $8 Million in Series A Funding Round

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TRAVELNEWSHUB.comJoyned, an award-winning travel tech startup with an innovative social revenue technology platform, has just announced the completion of an $8 million Series A funding round. The funds raised will fuel Joyned’s mission to become a global growth engine for travel and hospitality brands.

The round was led by Reach Markets, an Australian private equity and financial services company. Sentor Investments, a private investment firm based in Australia, Velocity Ventures, a Singaporean investment fund focused on investing in innovative solutions in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and Lucerne Investment Partners, an Australian private investment group also participated.

Joyned enables end-users to discuss and book trips together directly on the website, making travel booking seamless and collaborative. This can be done anonymously, without registration, from a secure, private online space. The solution provides a cross-website, live experience for customers, at the same time empowering travel sites to own their shoppers’ natural social engagements and significantly increasing their conversion rates.

Joyned’s AI-based social revenue platform identifies critical data such as price perception and sentiment analysis, giving travel sites access to a comprehensive overview of the customer booking journey, which then allows them to offer users personally tailored deals.

With clients reporting increases across a wide range of metrics (KPIs), such as conversion rates, average transaction size, organic traffic, and more, Joyned generates remarkable improvements in the business performance of travel sites. By using its social revenue platform, the average booking value of users grows by an impressive 25%, and the conversion rate increases fourfold.

Commenting on the funding round, Joyned CEO, Jonathan Abraham, said: “The platform we have developed addresses the travelers’ need to experience the holiday booking process together. We are the first to bridge the gap between users’ desire for shared experiences and the possibility of doing so. Together with our partners, we are making a significant difference to the global hospitality industry, which is expected to roll over $4.6 trillion by the end of the year. The power of our solution is evidenced by the agreements we have signed with the world’s leading travel brands and the impact the solution has had on their businesses. We are proud of the support we received from leading funds joining our journey.”

Jonathan Cocks, Partner, Velocity Ventures added: “Joyned’s innovative approach to collaborative travel booking experiences and its ability to drive engagement and conversions make it a standout player in the market. This investment will help catalyse Joyned’s expansion efforts and create lasting value for both customers and stakeholders.”

Joyned has made significant strides in its global expansion with commercial agreements with dozens of international travel brands, including a strategic commercial agreement with Amadeus, the world’s leading travel technology provider, OYO Vacation Homes, one of Europe’s leading holiday home rental companies, and TravelUp, the UK’s leading travel arrangements company. The capital raised will be used for product development, consolidating growth in international markets as well as business development and driving sales and growth processes in new verticals.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Prime Time for Service Robots

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Prime Time for Service Robots - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThe COVID-19 pandemic catapulted the hospitality industry into a more digitised future. Coupled with the vast social changes and prominent safety concerns, this wave of technological innovation could transform the hospitality workforce, according to Professor Seongseop (Sam) Kim of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and co-authors. Service robots could solve many of the safety concerns felt to this day, but how are they perceived by customers? To probe these issues in more depth, the researchers investigated how feelings of safety and the intention to visit an establishment are shaped by the presence of robot baristas, as well as the influence of vaccination status and mask-wearing.
Before 2020, the hospitality industry prided itself on providing a warm welcome through close interpersonal contact between guests and service staff. After the outbreak of COVID-19, safety became the critical box to tick for hospitality managers, inevitably overriding the more “human” experiences of the past. Confronted with infection risk, customers need more reassurance than before. Contactless services, self-check-in devices and service robots have become staples of the post-COVID-19 service landscape. “Managers of numerous establishments have focused on enhancing safety, hygiene and cleanliness and alleviating public concerns”, explain the authors.
As a result, customers’ pre-pandemic preferences for human staff over robots have been flipped on their head. Driven more than ever by fear of infection, travellers and guests preferred contactless AI technology during the pandemic period. Research at that time found that robots were more positively viewed than human staff during COVID-19 infection rate peaks. “This suggests that the unprecedented global pandemic and long-lasting concerns about safety have substantially influenced consumer perceptions of service robots”, say the researchers.
Robots could be of great value in a post-COVID-19 world, as concern about the virus remains rife among travellers. However, given the recency of both the pandemic and related technological advances, it remains unclear which features of service robots drive a preference over humans. It is critical to understand this, say the researchers, because service robots can, by decreasing health risks, increase the feeling of security and inspire “increased visiting intentions and a willingness to use and pay more”. Moving forward, it will be crucial to create human–computer interactions that can offer as much as – if not more than – person-to-person service interactions.
Person-to-person contact could soon begin to be replaced by “robot baristas, receptionists and concierges, together with facial scan check-ins, voice-activated guest control and other contactless services”, say the researchers. Already, service robots are an emerging trend in restaurants and cafés worldwide, from San Francisco’s Café X to the robot mixologist of Switzerland’s F&P Robotics and Hong Kong’s one-of-a-kind milk-tea silk stocking-straining robot. The continued emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness means that integrating service robots into the service environment seems the way forward.
However, there is still no thorough understanding of how human–robot interactions shape leisure experiences, or which safety-related attributes are most valued by customers. “To successfully adopt service robots in service delivery environments”, explain the researchers, “it is important to understand what makes customers feel safer and how the perception of safety influences their behaviour”. For this reason, they investigated whether customers would feel safer with a robot or human barista, and how this affected their intention to return.
More human-like robots reportedly drive more satisfying guest experiences. This could be particularly important given the post-pandemic norm of mask-wearing, which provides a sense of reassurance. “No empirical study has been conducted on whether the use of masks moderates how human and robot staff are perceived during the COVID-19 pandemic”, say the authors. While mask-wearing by human employees could increase perceived safety, robots wearing masks might cause anxiety.
Finally, the investigators examined how customers’ vaccination status fed into their assessments of safety. “There may be differences in consumers’ perceived safety of masked robot baristas depending on the customer’s COVID-19 vaccination status”, say the authors, “because unvaccinated consumers may have a lower perception of safety regarding masked robot staff compared with fully vaccinated consumers”. Customers who are not fully vaccinated were expected to feel less safe when confronted with unmasked human staff.
Three successive studies investigated the preference for robots over humans and the moderating roles of mask-wearing and vaccination status. In the first study, 135 participants were presented with a theoretical scenario involving trying out a new coffee house. They were then shown one of two sets of photos. In the first set, a robot was shown preparing and serving a cup of coffee. In the second set, a human barista was shown preparing and serving an identical cup of coffee. The participants then completed a questionnaire to assess their intention to visit the coffee shop and perceived safety.
In study 2,300 participants were shown photos of either masked or unmasked robot/human baristas, and completed the same questionnaire. An additional 300 participants were recruited to complete Study 3, which measured the additional effect of the participants’ vaccination status, for which the participants indicated whether they were fully vaccinated or not.
Overall, robot baristas were consistently perceived as safer than human baristas. Moreover, perceived safety was identified as a key factor explaining the preference for robot baristas over human baristas. The participants also reported being more likely to visit the café when perceived safety was highest. “When customers’ attention to safety is heightened”, report the researchers, “the adoption of service robots could be a strategic way to increase customers’ visit intention to restaurants”.
The studies also delved into the psychological response to masks, and how this alters perceived safety in human–computer interactions. Thus, this work uniquely elucidates how human-like behaviour by robots is interpreted, and how it affects subsequent customer behaviour. “Interestingly, mask-wearing produced seemingly opposite types of heuristics (e.g. safety and risk) for human baristas and robot baristas”, report the researchers. In other words, the same visual cue of a mask resulted in contradictory perceptions of safety for robot and human baristas. According to the authors, this is because masks are practical and protective when worn by humans, but a symbolic warning sign when worn by robots.
The vaccination status of customers also influenced how mask-wearing was perceived. For human baristas, vaccination status had no effect on perceived safety. For robot baristas, fully vaccinated customers tended to rely more on visual cues, and non-fully vaccinated customers tended towards interpreting the “symbolic” meaning of the mask. “Vaccinated consumers experience higher levels of perceived safety when interacting with masked robot staff than with unmasked robot staff”, state the researchers. Given the increasing numbers of vaccinated customers, the use of robot staff wearing face masks could be an effective management strategy.
This pioneering study places itself within the context of modern-day trepidation surrounding COVID-19. The results deepen our understanding of human–computer interaction and show that robots could well have a place in the recovering hospitality sector. With a new spotlight on safety in the hospitality industry, the use of AI, such as contactless services, is proving more popular than ever before. By deciphering the impact of vaccination status and feelings about mask-wearing on preference for service robots, the findings are ultimately expected to help businesses recover following the pandemic period, and to propel the industry into a more technologically driven future.
Choi, Miju, Choi, Youngjoon, Kim, Seongseop (Sam), and Badu-Baiden, Frank (2023). Human vs Robot Baristas during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Effects of Masks and Vaccines on Perceived Safety and Visit Intention. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 35, Issue 2, 469-491.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SONGS OF THE SOUTH: ‘Country roads’ culture can’t be beat

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Travel South USA arrived in Canada this week to court the travel trade at gala events in Toronto and Montreal, enticing guests with “bacon, bourbon and blues” – the latter courtesy of special guest, American Idol winner (and Alabaman) Taylor Hicks, whose rootsy refrains provided the soundtrack of the evenings.

In Toronto nearly 80 guests were on hand at the W Hotel, along with close to two dozen representatives from the destination marketing organization’s 12 member states, from Alabama to West Virginia.

“We have geography, culture and the outdoors in common, but there is so much that is unique in each state,” said Travel South USA president and CEO Liz Bittner.

She added that the “the American South” has become a globally recognized region unto itself amongst visitors, and scores top marks amongst its US competitors as a brand and desired destination to visit.

That includes Canadians, who comprise the South’s top international market with approximately 2.5 million visitors a year. Moreover, according to survey results over 17% of Canadians consider the South the US’s most desired destination to visit.

This country is so important that Travel South’s chairman of the board (and commissioner of Kentucky Tourism) Mike Mangeot says this market is treated as domestic market by the organization.

The rise of the South amongst Canadians comes in part due to increased airlift to the region, into cities like Atlanta, Cincinnati, New Orleans, St. Louis, Nashville, Charlotte, and Charleston.

In fact, close to 40% of Canadians now arrive by air to a region previously considered exclusively a drive market.

Of course, that means 60% still drive (including on their way further south, including Florida), so a key aim is to encourage them to “stay a little longer,” says Bittner.

“I’m not going to stop Canadians from going to the beach,” conceded Mangeot to Travel Industry Today. “But go (on your trip) a day earlier to stop along the way. All the beaches are the same – but the South is full of memorable experiences.”

Indeed, authenticity is the South’s primary calling card – from its music to food (not least barbecue); and drink, such as Tennessee whiskey and Kentucky bourbon.

“When you go to that barbecue place, and are served by someone that’s been there for 20 years, that’s authenticity,” says Mangeot. “It’s those little surprises – the South is full of rich experiences and offers so much. I don’t see a region of the country that can beat us.”

Travel South group; Liz Bittner front row left, Mike Mangeot, back row left

Beyond its “country roads” culture, The South also drips with history, from the nation’s founding to the Civil War and Civil Rights movement of the 1960s (remembered and celebrated in many places, such as on Alabama’s Civil Rights Trail).

“You can’t ignore the past,” says Mangeot. “We acknowledge it and try to grow from it.”

“We are who we are, and we have to embrace it,” adds Bittner. “We have character.”

On a more contemporary level, the South also has nature, and lots of it, from the Appalachian mountains to the Atlantic coast and barrier islands, and the waterfalls of West Virginia to the lesser-known beaches of the Gulf shores of Alabama. And, upward, dark sky preserves. As such, it as playground for activities and adventure of every kind, from hiking to biking, and rock climbing to kayaking.

But it really all comes back to the culture. There are wine, whiskey, and craft beer trails; the holy tourism trinity of Elvis, Jack (Daniels), and Dolly in Tennessee; Route 66 (celebrating it’s centennial in 2024) in Missouri; Mardi Gras in New Orleans (and its older sibling in Mobile); the 63rd annual CanAm Days in Myrtle Beach, SC, this year; and much more.

Canada and the travel trade

All of this presents a great opportunity for the travel trade in Canada, says Bittner, noting that “the value proposition of the South is huge, and travel agents can find those activities where commission is built into a lot of the product. We’re not pre-packaged like Disney or a cruise.”

She suggests girlfriend getaways (including shopping), boys golf weekends, luxury experiences, sporting events, cultural festivals, and concerts, as possibilities – not to mention the plethora of hotel and resorts options, including glamping and other unique accommodations.

“These are things agents can make commission on – they are the trusted planner,” she says.

She adds that Travel South will continue to support the trade in Canada with marketing, representation (it engages Reach Global in Toronto), fams, and missions like the one conducted this week.

“We’ve been coming to Canada since the late 1960s,” she says of the Travel South USA collective. “We’re old friends!”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Journey into Silence: The Serene Beauty of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year

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Bali, Indonesia, January 31, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Bali is renowned for its stunning landscapes and fascinating culture. The Balinese practice their unique form of Hinduism, with rituals of worship and cleansing structured by their lunar calendar, the Saka. Their ceremonies are often grand and magnificent, accompanied by lively celebrations. However, one stands out as perhaps the most beautiful of them all – Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, a day of silence and introspection.

Chaos Before the Quiet
The night before Nyepi is far from quiet. Streets are filled with the joyous and vibrant energy of the ogoh-ogoh parades. Villages and communities spend weeks preparing garish monsters made of cloth, tinsel, and papier-mâché, representing malevolent spirits, demons, or negative forces. These heavy statues are hoisted on bamboo rafts through the villages with shouts, chants, and the clanging of gongs until they meet their final fate in a massive cleansing bonfire. The next day, Bali undergoes a remarkable transformation as Nyepi, the day of silence, unfolds.

A Day Like No Other
The usually lively streets and beaches fall into an unusual stillness. No planes land in paradise, as the airport closes and planes stand idle on the runway, perhaps taking a pause to reflect on the year ahead alongside the rest of Bali. No fires are lit, no lights are turned on, and only a few hushed words are spoken. All that can be heard is birdsong and the wind rustling the palms.

Nyepi for the Visitor
The Balinese stay home, meditate, pray, and perform rituals. The sense of calm and introspection also permeates into the resorts, where tourists pause their travels to relax and reflect in silent camaraderie, engaging in a candlelit card game or two. Unfortunately, an ill-advised trend has emerged on social media, where tourists sneak out to take selfies on the empty streets, considered highly offensive to the Balinese.

Silent Night
As the day of silence comes to a close, Nyepi night is a final treat. With minimal light interference, the island’s skies become an astronomical canvas, displaying a breathtaking array of stars. This allows you to experience the Milky Way as it is seen only in the most remote of places.

Experiencing Nyepi
Nyepi is a rare and memorable experience for visitors. In the unspoiled North Bali, The Damai Resort offers guests a unique opportunity to experience this fascinating ritual in an immersive setting centered around sound and silence. The renowned sound healer and yogi, Akiko Kigarashi, will host sessions with her famous brass singing bowls – hauntingly beautiful vibrating bowls that emit moving soundscapes resonating within your body. For more information, contact The Damai Resort.

About Damai, Bali’s Gourmet Retreat
The Damai Resort is Just a few hours from the airport, but light years away from the crowds. Just 14 private villas with views of the surrounding spice plantations and Java’s distant volcanoes – and a prize winning restaurant, that for three decades have been one of Bali’s leading restaurants. The Damai is also home to North Bali’s best spa.

Journey into Silence
Stay at the Damai Resort, accommodation for 4 or 5 nights in a luxury Pool Studio or Pool Villa
– return transfer at any point in Bali
– 1×3 course Balinese dinner menu
– 1×60 minutes Balinese massage
– 1x morning dolphin tour
– 1x private yoga
– 1x singing bowl
– 1 time free laundry
– daily fresh Damai jamu during breakfast
To book The Silent package at The Damai Hotel, please contact
reservation@thedamai.com or via Whatsapp + 62 877 88841008.

About Akiko Igarashi
Aikiko is a sound healer, reiki practitioner and yogi with a rich background hosting retreats worldwide, Akiko founded the Shima Healing Institute in 2015, offering ancient Eastern holistic courses.

Drawing from her diverse expertise, Akiko has been a Reiki instructor for nearly two decades, a Qigong practitioner, a Yoga therapist and a Tibetan Singing bowl Master for the last 10 years, brings a harmonious blend to guide you back to a tranquil state of well-being.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Reopens Historic Heritage Wing

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Reopens Historic Heritage Wing - TOP25HOTELS.comHa Noi, Vietnam, January 30, 2024 / TOP25HOTELS / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic luxury hotel in the Vietnamese capital, has opened a new chapter in its storied 123-year history with the relaunch of its historic Heritage Wing following an extensive and inspired refurbishment.

The Metropole Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, has been meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project. The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology and vibrant color.

The comprehensive reconstruction work was centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-renowned actors, writers, musicians and others. The newly renovated wing reopened to guests in mid-December.

Under the project, approximately 60% of the wooden floors in guest rooms were either refurbished or replaced; bathrooms were enhanced with all-new Italian marble surfaces and floors, and new bathtubs and showers; luxurious hand-tufted carpets were installed in guest rooms and corridors; and rooms were outfitted with elegant and sophisticated new beds, desks, side tables and sofas. New upholstery and curtains, along with contemporary artwork, provide colorful accents to the bright and airy rooms.

“The timeless feel of the Heritage Wing has been carefully preserved and enhanced, offering guests an even more sophisticated, elegant and luxurious environment. It embodies a seamless transition from the past to the future, creating a profound feeling of place and warmth, with an interplay of tradition, comfort, modernism and authenticity,” Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi General Manager George Koumendakos said.

Guest room layouts remain mostly the same, but six pairs of connecting rooms have been transformed into new suites, featuring a distinct master bedroom, a parlor area and a living room equipped with a sofa bed.

Technological enhancements include all-new IPTV, sound bars, mood lighting and air-conditioning units and control systems, along with new Wi-fi routers in each guest room and in the corridors to ensure seamless connectivity with maximum speeds. The lighting system has three modes, including “work,” “relax,” and “full,” along with a nightlight button.

The original wooden staircase that winds from the lobby up to the Heritage Wing’s guest room floors remains as elegantly charming as ever. The sturdy wooden banisters and handrails, and the landings, have also preserved the original wood from 1901. The exclusively designed carpets throughout the public areas of the building draw inspiration from iconic symbols of Vietnamese culture, including weaving patterns, conical hats and vintage Indochine decor.

The Heritage Wing lobby has been partially refurbished and restored, and features a new artisanal antique mirrored ceiling situated over the reception area, along with silver leaf-gilded, hand-painted artwork adorning the elevator car. The new reception desks, furniture and mood lighting provide a fresh design angle. All of these elements combine to evoke a sense of nostalgia while exuding a more contemporary and opulent ambiance.

The updated interior design of the lobby and guest rooms in the Heritage Wing was completed by the Singapore-based David Grace Designs International.

“Our aim was to transcend mere design and create a timeless sanctuary of luxury and understated elegance, and to craft an environment that not only appeals to the senses but leaves an indelible mark, offering an experience that captures the essence of refined living and evokes the charm of days gone by,” said Grace Soh, Managing Director of David Grace.

The Heritage Wing comprises 54 Luxury rooms, 40 Grand Luxury rooms, six Metropole suites and three Legendary suites named after former guests of the hotel: Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin, who famously honeymooned at the Metropole.

The wing has demonstrated its durability throughout the years and previously underwent major renovations in 1992 and 2004. The Heritage Wing is complemented by the hotel’s contemporary Opera Wing, whose 236 guest rooms, 18 suites and one Grand Prestige Suite, as well as the Club Lounge, offer stylish neoclassical elegance.

For more information on Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or to make a booking, please call 0243 826 6919 (ext. 8500)

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI

A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, the Hotel Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors and heads of state. The recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service, this legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the historical Heritage Wing and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

The Metropole restaurants and bars are all famous dining venues, each offering a different exotic experience: Le Beaulieu has the best French fare in this corner of the world; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist; angelina is Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant; La Terrasse brings Parisian-style to the sidewalks of Hanoi; Le Club Bar treats guests to its famous afternoon high tea and cool jazz performances; and, finally, Bamboo Bar brings poolside lounging to the next level.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND

Sofitel Legend is an illustrious selection of heritage luxury hotels where the best of past and present converge. Set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations with such notable hotels as the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan and Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, each legendary retreat is both timeless and elegant, delivering lavish settings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts matched with impeccable service for the ultimate luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels entice worldly travelers who are all drawn to these beloved places of grandeur for their storied past, architectural beauty, sweeping vistas and enchanting ambience. Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News