Global Travel News

Korean Offerings Add Flair to Culinary Constellation at Laguna Lang Co

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Korean Offerings Add Flair to Culinary Constellation at Laguna Lang Co - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comLaguna Lang Co’s vivid constellation of dining stars has just been enhanced by an upgrading of the Korean cuisine at the resort.

A skilled chef with a strong track record of creating authentic Korean food has been appointed to impart expertise. This input is sure to be appreciated by Korean golfers seeking an authentic taste of home, with numbers surging at the integrated project’s championship layout, a Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design.

The integrated project in Central Vietnam encompasses a wealth of alluring flavours across its two award-winning resorts — Banyan Tree Lang Co, and Angsana Lang Co — as well as its acclaimed golf course where another enticing accommodation option, Laguna Parkside Residences, is just steps from the 18th hole.

Cuisines on offer include Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Mediterranean, Italian, and many more. Now, with the heightened focus on Korea, golfers and other guests can sample delicious cuisine as presented by a chef with experience of working at top Korean restaurants around the globe.

“The new chef is bringing another dimension to the dining options for golfers and other guests,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Golf Lang Co. “Korea is a huge market for us. Indeed, it has become the leading source market for Vietnam as a whole. We realized that we had to up our culinary game to keep our Korean guests happy. And the fact that guests of every nationality can now enjoy truly delicious Korean food means that it is a win-win situation for everyone.”

The upgraded Korean cuisine is far from the only culinary initiative keeping golf guests well fed and happy at Laguna Golf Lang Co. The recent introduction of an “on-course” menu means that golfers can order from a range of gourmet snacks and light meals that can be delivered to them during play. Options range from filled banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) to Korean stir fried beef belly and bibimbap (a classic Korean mixed rice dish).

“Whether you are out on the course or relaxing in our clubhouse Golf Café, you are not going to go hungry!” added Banks.

The recent developments on the culinary front are enhancing Laguna Lang Co’s already strong reputation as a world-class dining destination. There are a total of ten dining and lounge outlets across the integrated property. These include the beachfront Azura, where Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood can be savoured to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves; The Water Court, a place to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine; and Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant which, at Lang Co, is perched on a hilltop with stunning sea views.

Guests can also enjoy a range of customised culinary experiences, encompassing everything from romantic in-villa dining to candlelit meals on the pristine 3-kilometre-long beach alongside Laguna Lang Co.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Vietnamese Wellness Resort Voted No. 1 in Worldwide UK Poll

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Vietnamese Wellness Resort Voted No. 1 in Worldwide UK Poll - TOP25HOTELS.comAlba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a wellness-inspired luxury resort nestled in the foothills of the Truong Son Mountain range in central Vietnam, has scooped no less than four awards at the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers’ Travel Awards 2023. Upon tallying the results, Alba Wellness by Fusion was placed in the following categories:

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion is a strong contender to be nominated as a top hotel in the prestigious and world’s first AI-powered hotel guide at TOP25 Hotels in Vietnam and TOP25 Hotels in Asia.

A second Fusion resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon also claimed three of the top spots, earning listings for: Best Hotel for Sustainability; Best Hotel for Romance; and Best Spa/Wellness Hotel. The Fusion Hotel Group’s flagship culinary-led resort, Maia Resort Quy Nhon is a 94-villa beachfront property located at Phuong Mai Bay, in addition to its outstanding dining options, Maia has recently become a favourite wedding and honeymoon destination.

Some 32,400 readers of the London-based luxury travel magazine voted between August and November 2023 for their favourite airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and destinations around the world.

“It is an honour to receive this prestigious recognition, and we wish to dedicate the award to our staff, who are endlessly dedicated and ceaselessly offer warm hospitality, and to our guests who voted for us, and to the lovely community we live in,” said Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion General Manager Eugene Hendriks. “We genuinely value the guest and community participation in wellness activities and sustainability programs and embrace our recycling efforts as we appreciate Mother Earth. Apart from having been recognized as a wellness destination, Alba has always been a multi-generational resort that caters to guests of all ages.”

Built in 2018 around hot springs on the outskirts of the Imperial City of Hue, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion commands some 50 hectares of lush grounds, and features a Japanese-style onsen with indoor and outdoor mineral-laden pools, along with rivers of healing thermal waters that wind their way through the property. The hotel also offers a diverse daily menu of wellness activities, including Tai Chi, yoga, water meditation and walking meditation, as well as hosting wellness experts for retreats and workshops.

In October 2023, Alba introduced an exclusive new Wellspring Stay promotion that includes special health-focused dining offers and multi-day retreats. The 4-day and 6-day options provide guests an all-inclusive retreat with special spa treatments, hot spring, Japanese onsen baths, yoga, meditation, and adventure activities such as hiking, biking, a highwire zipline, and a cooking class at the resort’s organic farm.

The resort also launched this year a series of 3-day, 5-day and 7-day “Detox Yourself” and “Healing Yourself” private retreats, promoting inner balance and healthy living, including physical fitness in a serene setting of landscaped gardens and fragrant eucalyptus plantations.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Outrigger Khao Lak in Thailand Illuminates the Season

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Outrigger Khao Lak in Thailand Illuminates the Season - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comEmbracing the true spirit of Christmas and environmental responsibility, OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort is proudly presenting an elegant and sustainable Christmas tree in its lobby. Designed by the resort’s dedicated hosts, this innovative Christmas tree is crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottles, adorned with twinkling lights and embellished with recycled ornaments, creating a striking symbol of sustainability and holiday cheer.

“The tree symbolises our unwavering commitment to sustainability and is inspired by OUTRIGGER Zone, our global conservation initiative. It serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can make by embracing eco-friendly practices in the travel and hospitality industry,” said Resort Manager, Sujittra Rongmuang.

This recycled Christmas tree has become a captivating focal point, sparking meaningful conversations among guests about the urgency of reducing waste and the significance of adopting sustainable habits in daily life.

“Our Christmas tree is a testament to the power of creativity, community, the true spirit of Christmas and, most importantly, our collective responsibility to care for the environment,” said Ms Rongmuang.

Located on the serene Bang Sak beach, OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, a 158-key garden resort, offers a delightful beachfront setting just a 90-minute drive north of Phuket International Airport.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the festive season, with various eco-friendly initiatives in place to minimise its environmental footprint.

For example, the resort’s hosts clean the beach in front of the property; no plastic straws are used in the hotel; the kitchen reuses waste food for organic compost on its own herb garden; and there is automatic electricity cut out when guests leave their room.

This sustainable Christmas tree initiative showcases OUTRIGGER Khao Lak’s dedication to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable practices, providing guests with a meaningful and environmentally conscious holiday experience.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Hotels and Resorts Across Asia

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New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Hotels and Resorts Across Asia - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comMinding the New Year in Danang
TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang is helping guests step into the new year on the right foot with a curated selection of activities designed to nourish mind and body. Balancing revelry and reflection, offerings range from an intention-setting workshop on December 31st to a New Year’s feast rich with local seafood, and an equally decadent plant-based menu. There’s also a sunrise meditation on New Year’s Day for early risers. On December 31st there will be two ‘Reflection and Intention Setting” creative workshops at the resort’s dedicated creative space. Each 60-minute session is led by a wellness guide who will help participants celebrate or let go of what happened over the last 12 months. The six-course New Year’s Eve feast at The Dining Room is based on the property’s wellness cuisine and their eat-light feel-bright concept. TIA’s food philosophy is rooted in eating natural, real food and using healthy alternatives, for ingredients like white flour and sugar, and cooking methods that offer the most nourishment. Prices start at VND 1,400,000++ for the plant-based course, and VND 2,400,000 with wine added. The regular course starts at VND 2,200,000++ for the meal only or 3,200,000 inclusive of wine.

Resorts at Cam Ranh and Mui Ne to Count Down the New Year

The Anam Cam Ranh and The Anam Mui Ne will ring in 2024 with seafood BBQ buffets and countdown parties by the beach. The Anam Cam Ranh will celebrate with a seafood BBQ buffet at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar with free-flow cocktails, beer and wine to a backdrop of a live Filipino band from 7-9pm on Dec. 31. The Beach Club will host a live band and countdown party on Dec. 31 from 9:15pm, with cocktails, Champagne, finger food and more on offer. The Anam Mui Ne, which debuted in January this year, will mark its first New Year’s Eve with a seafood BBQ buffet at Lang Viet Restaurant & Bar with a live band and a circus-themed BBQ buffet at Indochine. Both buffets will be staged from 7-10pm with selected free-flow beverages. Free-flow sparkling wine and Champagne are optional at the Indochine’s buffet. The countdown party will kick off at 10pm at the resort’s beachfront grass area, with highlights including games, food stations, a live band, and free-flow packages. In addition to Bloody Mary and Mimosa stations during The Anam Mui Ne’s Jan. 1, 2024 breakfast service, The Anam Spa’s therapists will conduct an express head massage class on the lawn from 4-4.30pm.

Fireworks to Light Up Chiang Mai’s Skies on New Year’s Eve

A sky-high party, lively buffet, intimate four-course dinner, and afternoon tea for two are among Meliá Chiang Mai’s celebrations to usher in 2024. Laan Na Kitchen’s ‘New Year’s Eve Buffet’ will make for a culinary journey around the globe from 6.30-10.30pm, as a live band entertains. Highlights include roasted prime ribs, seafood on ice, charcuterie board, salmon tiradito, a live cooking foie and truffle cream pasta station, Spanish-inspired Roscón de Reyes pastries, strawberry trees, and more, with optional two-hour free-flow drinks. All kids have free access to KIDSDOM. Mai The Sky Bar, the city’s highest rooftop bar, will ring in 2024 with a bang as fireworks light up the sky during the ‘In the Sky New Year’s Eve Countdown Party’ from 7pm-1am. Young Brother band and DJ Fufu will entertain, with prizes on offer. Mai Restaurant & Bar, that also affords incredible vistas of the city, will start 2024 on a delectable note with its ‘New Year’s Day Dinner’ from 6-10pm. The four-course Thai set dinner begins with appetizers followed by Tom Kha soup with crabmeat, young coconut, and fresh turmeric. After a choice of grilled sirloin steak or grilled Andaman yellow curry tiger prawns with crab roe brown rice for the main course, a New Year’s treasure box of desserts rounds out the dinner.

Plenty of Food and an Arts and Craft Market to Usher in 2024 in Cam Ranh

Alma Resort will host a champagne breakfast on a floating tray, an exquisite five-course dinner, buffet feast, a countdown party, and an arts and craft market to welcome the new year. ​​In addition to Alma Garden’s special breakfast buffets to mark New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a picture-perfect champagne breakfast on a floating tray will be available in the guests’ private pavilion pools and at swimming pools that cascade down to Long Beach. Accompanied by the resident pianist, La Casa will host the five-course dinner on New Year’s Eve featuring the likes of ‘Seared Japanese scallops, cream of broccoli, sea urchin and Iranian saffron sauce’. Alma Garden’s New Year’s Eve buffet dinner will brim with options such as baked tiger prawns in garlic butter, braised Australian leg of lamb with red wine sauce, and Oysters Kilpatrick. Alma will ring in 2024 at Alma Lounge, with a countdown party to feature live entertainment, games and special prizes. Guests are encouraged to wear “a touch of white, black and gold”. The lobby will be home to an arts and craft market on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

New Hotel Rings in the New Year in Bangkok

INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, which debuted in July this year with a sky-high transparent infinity pool, an authentic Spanish tapas bar and integrated co-working spaces, will mark the new year with a delectable set menu, a buffet dinner, sky-high countdown party and a buffet brunch. LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day five-course menu begins with starters such as ‘creamy lobster croquette with caviar’, with highlights including ‘turbot with saffron sauce and asparagus’, and ‘slow-cooked beef short ribs, truffle mash potatoes and homemade gravy’. With its soaring windows affording spectacular views, all-day dining restaurant The Kites Eatery will serve a New Year’s Eve buffet from 6-11pm, as well as a buffet brunch from 12-3pm on New Year’s Day. Revelers will say goodbye to 2023 and count down the new year at the pool bar for a night of rooftop fun and music from live DJs, from 6pm on Dec. 1 until 1am on Jan. 1.

Dinner Cruise Marks New Year’s Eve in Halong Bay

Ambassador Cruise, the luxury line behind UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay’s most compelling cruise experiences, will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an exquisite dinner cruise. Ambassador Cruise II, which debuted in February this year and offers an eight-hour day cruise followed by a four-hour dinner cruise, will toast its first New Year’s Eve with the special cruise. Passengers will soak up a sunset show by the Ambassador live band on the vessel’s spacious sundecks across two floors affording 360-degree vistas. Instead of plying the usual cruise route within the Halong Bay area, the dinner cruise will sail along the bay adjacent to the mainland to witness the glittering lights of Halong City and Bai Chay Bridge by night from 6.30 – 10pm. A lavish New Year’s Eve feast featuring Asian and European delicacies ranging from roast meat and fresh seafood to sashimi and sushi will be served at the ship’s two restaurants. A spectacular music show by the band, featuring popular New Year tunes, will be staged at the vessel’s entertainment area, followed by a cabaret show with Thai performers. The cruise will be rounded off with a DJ party underscored by a bikini show and “hot” dancers before passengers disembark at Halong International Cruise Port.

Koh Samui Resort Invites Guests to Beachfront Champagne Party

Visitors to the effervescent island of Koh Samui are invited to join a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet, starting at 7pm on Dec 31st, at any one of the resort’s three restaurants: Saffron, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant; The Edge, an international restaurant with a beautiful sea view; or Sands, a beachfront venue with sea breezes and romance in the air.

The Edge will feature a galaxy of sumptuous choices from land and sea, including caviar, yellowfin tuna, tasmanian salmon, foie gras, a carving station, a vegetarian selection, and an assortment of desserts. Saffron offers diners a magnificent 7-course set menu, with either vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. And diners from both venues will be escorted by buggy to the beach around 10pm where the evening’s entertainment continues well into the night at Sands Restaurant with dancing and Champagne by the beach to ring in the new year at midnight.

New Year Revelers to Light Up the night in Krabi

This New Year’s Gala Dinner and Countdown Party at Banyan Tree Krabi includes live entertainment, free-flow drinks and fireworks. The evening’s fun begins at 7pm at The Naga Kitchen restaurant, just a stone’s throw from the beachfront lawn. Diners can choose from a selection of cheeses and cold cuts, a salad bar, as well as live stations, including an oyster bar, a carvery, barbecue, and a Japanese buffet. There’s also a kids’ menu available. Guests will be invited to enjoy drinks by the resort’s secluded beach as the midnight celebrations begin.

Exclusive Phuket Resort Welcomes 2024 In Exquisite Fashion

Trisara’s glittering New Year’s Eve Gala unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. The air will be filled with excitement as guests immerse themselves in the lavish festivities that promise to bring 2023 to a close in unparalleled style. The extravagant buffet feast offers a culinary journey, featuring exquisite flavors and international delights that cater to every palate.

Adding cultural flair to the evening, a Khon Thai traditional show captivates attendees with its rich heritage and vibrant storytelling. The live jazz band sets the perfect tone, creating a melodious ambiance that resonates throughout the venue. The sophisticated cabaret performance and the skillful DJ seamlessly blend entertainment genres, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all. As the night progresses, the anticipation builds towards the grand crescendo—an awe-inspiring midnight fireworks display that paints the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, marking the beginning of a new year filled with promise and excitement.

Countdown in Central Vietnam Enlivened By Balloon Drop

Laguna Lang Co, one of Asia’s most ambitious integrated resorts, welcomes 2024 in grand style with an extravagant soiree. The New Year’s Eve countdown party promises to be an exhilarating climax, a jubilant affair marking the transition into a new chapter. As the final seconds of the year tick away, anticipation heightens, and all eyes are drawn to the mesmerizing balloon drop. The release of countless balloons, suspended in mid-air, symbolizes the collective hopes and dreams of those gathered. It’s a spectacle that captures the essence of new beginnings, a visual representation of the boundless possibilities that await in the upcoming year. The air is filled with the colorful cascade of balloons, a visual spectacle that marks not only the changing of the year but also the collective spirit of joy and anticipation that defines the essence of the New Year’s Eve countdown party.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Vietnamese Capital

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam’s most storied hotel, will host exclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations at the award-winning modern French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, and at Le Club Bar, angelina (cocktail bar, whisky lounge and rustic New World restaurant) and the newly renovated modern Vietnamese restaurant Spice Garden. With prices ranging from VND 3.3 million to 5.9 million, gala dinners and countdown parties will be the order of the evening. Revelers can choose from an extraordinary 9-course New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Le Beaulieu or a 7-course New Year’s Eve Dinner at angelina, along with special dinner buffets at Le Club Bar and Spice Garden. The elegant poolside Bamboo Bar and upscale angelina will both host New Year’s Eve countdown parties that promise to be among the most exciting places in Hanoi to welcome 2024.

Welcome, 2024: Where to Count Down in Cambodia

Ring in the New Year at one of Cambodia’s most iconic hotels: Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh or Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. A gala “New Year’s Eve in the Tropics” evening at Raffles Hotel Le Royal includes dinner, dancing and a party at Le Phnom 1929 and outside on the terrace. The festivities kick off with a grand buffet featuring BBQ stations and Cuban culinary classics, before a live Cuban band ushers in the New Year. Or step into a world of magic and grandeur at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s Poolside Terrace as the iconic Grand Dame sets the stage for the most anticipated event on the holiday calendar. “The Grand Circus New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner” will usher in the New Year on Dec. 31 in true style, with a lavish dinner buffet, music and mesmerizing circus acts from Phare Circus, which has been thrilling Siem Reap for over 10 years.

Wellness-Inspired Resort Brand in Vietnam Announces NYE Festivities

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort brand with multiple properties across Vietnam, will ring in 2024 in style. Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, on the country’s south-central coast, will host a New Year’s Eve Buffet followed by a Masquerade Ball. Up the coast, Maia Quy Nhon will present an extraordinary New Year’s Gala Dinner with live food stations and a selection of artisanal champagnes. In Ho Chi Minh City, Fusion Original Saigon Centre’s Miss Thu will host a fabulous New Year’s Eve Dinner featuring a 6-course degustation menu. Across town, Fusion Suites Saigon will offer festivities including live music and a countdown party. Fusion Suites Vung Tau on the southern coast will feature a gourmet buffet with live saxophone performance and lucky draw before a fantastic Countdown Party with fireworks at the rooftop bar. And Ixora Ho Tram by Fusion will host lunch and dinner set menus, and the on-site Roxy Nightclub will take guests through till 2am with a fun-filled New Year’s Eve party atmosphere.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RETAIL ROUND-UP: TRAVELSAVERS, Trevello, TDC, Flight Centre, and Direct Travel

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TRAVELSAVERS members enjoyed an elite retreat, while in other round-up news, Trevello was cruising to success, Flight Centre embraced AI, while TDC said ‘bravo’ to 25 top agencies, and Direct Travel hosted its first-ever leisure conference.

TRAVELSAVERS

Fifty top TRAVELSAVERS’ 50 advisors were whisked away recently on an Elite Retreat with Avalon Waterways, cruising the Danube from Budapest to Vienna. The trip gave participants a chance to check out a trending destination and a popular travel style (river cruising) that is showing increasing sales.

Highlights of the trip included visiting celebrated Christmas markets, decorating their own creations at a glass factory, learning creative techniques in a painting workshop, and a Champagne reception and an exclusive evening tour of the magnificent Baroque Belvedere Palace in Vienna.

“The TRAVELSAVERS Elite Retreat is our chance to celebrate our outstanding advisors and their sales achievements,” said Jane Clementino, Sr. VP. and GM of TRAVELSAVERS Canada. “During the event, consultants gain firsthand knowledge of these destinations and travel styles, helping them continue to deliver next-level travel experiences for their clients. Our top advisors are dedicated to providing the same distinctive experiences they enjoyed on this reward trip.”

Trevello

Trevello Travel Group has introduced a new platform for advisors, Cruise Central, culminating a successful year of cruise sales, along with initiatives such as regular cruise chats, targeted marketing efforts, and specialized cruise training.

Caroline Hay, General Manager of Cruise at Trevello, says, “The roll-out of Cruise Central is a milestone event for us. It’s more than just a booking tool – it symbolizes our deep commitment to our advisors and our ambition to expand our cruise segment. This platform is customized to refine booking processes, boost cruise sales, and arm our advisors with the necessary resources to excel.”

Hay touts the platform’s user-friendly design and cutting-edge features, which integrates the offerings of over 35 cruise lines into one seamless interface. There are features for both B2B and B2C needs, customizable branding for advisors, and comprehensive management tools for team leaders, including unique functions like secondary phone fields. It’s also equipped to handle bookings for Consortia, Headquarters, and Advisor groups.

“The platform’s versatility and tailor-made options are exactly what our advisors need,” adds Hay, who notes the new tech has arrived just in time for Wave Season.

TDC

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has recognized 25 Marlin Travel, Affiliate, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté agencies with a spot on its Bravo Club Excellence list. The agencies, which have distinguished themselves by their outstanding sales performance during the 2022-23 fiscal year, will see a few of their owners take part in a celebratory cruise aboard the Seabourn Encore in the Eastern Mediterranean in June.

“Looking closely at this group of 25 deserving agencies, it’s impressive to see that the vast majority of owners are long-standing members of the TDC network, with 10, 20, 25 years, even up to 30 and 35 years of loyalty. Year after year, many of these owners find themselves in this select group,” says Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. “What’s even more gratifying,” she adds, “is that new members who have joined us in the last two or three years have also earned their place in this prestigious group, testifying to the dynamism and constant renewal of our network.”

Flight Centre

The ‘AI Center of Excellence’ has been launched as a new global division of Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), focussing on promoting, adopting, and integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the company’s corporate divisions.

The company says the Centre will strategically harness the power of AI to revolutionize FCTG’s flagship business travel divisions, Corporate Traveller and FCM, by enriching customer experiences, boosting employee productivity and more.

As part of the launch, Adrian Lopez will step into a newly created role as Head of AI for Corporate, where he will lead a dedicated team of technical experts responsible for laying out the shared corporate vision for AI within the organization. He most recently served as Global Chief Technology Officer for FCM Digital.

“In today’s ever-changing digital world, we recognize the tremendous potential with AI and ways it can transform our work,” said John Morhous, Global Chief Experience Officer of FCTG’s Corporate Brands, adding that FCTG will aim to strengthen the relationship between the human workforce and hands-on AI applications.

Direct Travel

Direct Travel advisors, management and the majority of its strategic suppliers convened in November at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile to network, learn and foster relationships. This was the first North American leisure conference for Direct Travel and the event saw over 300 attendees, with fully half from Canada.

“This has been a huge success and a real win for both our team and our suppliers,” said Stephen Smith, Sr. VP, Leisure Strategy & Marketing, adding that top partners present included Oceania, Silversea, and Allianz. “Human connection is a big part of our business, and it was great to get everyone in one place, with over 3,500 face-to-face meetings facilitated over the span of two days.” There were also professional development sessions focused on simplification, efficiency, and growth as travel advisors.

At the Awards Gala on Wednesday night, Direct Travel launched its expanded GEM recognition program which distinguishes top leisure producers. “Of the nearly 1,000 Direct advisors across North America, 130 were awarded GEM status for 2022-23 – an impressive achievement,” said Gerard Bellino, EVP Leisure at Direct Travel.

The conference wrapped with a Give Back event at Project C.U.R.E to help fill a shipping container with supplies for a medical facility in Africa. “We were so delighted to partner with A&K Philanthropy to facilitate this opportunity to help those in need. Project C.U.R.E. does some incredible work and it was so great to see everyone contributing and working together,” said Rene Schneeberger, SVP, Supplier Relations at Direct Travel, who also sits on the DEI committee.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BRAZIL BECKONS CANADIANS: Takes new approach to tourism

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Brazil’s Embratur has joined the Canadian association of tour operators (CATO), an unusual arrangement for a tourist board, but one that reflects the South American country’s keen interest in the Canadian tourism market.

And vice versa, says Embratur’s head of international marketing, Carolina Stolf, who told Travel Industry Today in a recent interview at WTM London that the number of Canadian visitors to Brazil is continuing to grow, and has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels this year.

The high watermark was 78,000 arrivals in 2014, with this year’s arrivals expected to be just short of 77,000.

And while Canadians will be subject to new visa requirements to visit Brazil starting Jan. 10, Stolf assures that the process will be available online and easy to obtain, removing difficulty in getting documents as a deterrent to interest.

Stolf says Canadian visitors to Brazil are both corporate and leisure travellers, who benefit from 10 weekly Air Canada flights from Toronto and Montreal to Sao Paulo, as well as connections through Miami. Onward flights to other cities are plentiful due to the country’s extensive domestic air network with LATAM, Gol and Azul airlines (driving in most cases is not recommended and, in some cases, not possible.)

Top destinations for Canadians, according to Stolf, are Sao Paulo (the New York of South America), Rio de Janeiro, and Manaus, capital of the country’s Amazon region.

But Stolf says Embratur is eager to promote the other areas of the country, including Salvador and the northwest, known for great beaches but also Afro Brazilian culture, including axe music.

Promoting “Afro tourism” and other aspects of Brazilian culture are part of Embratur’s “new perspective,” says Stolf, noting its synergies with community-based tourism approach, which includes the native indigenous population of the Amazon, and a focus on sustainability.

“We want to offer more than sun and beaches,” she says.

Pantana

Such as the Pantanal, a natural area of wetlands and wildlife less known than the Amazon; and the “Route of Emotions” – a breathtaking 500-km tourist route that encompasses beautiful beaches of the state of Ceará, through the unique landscapes of the Lençóis Maranhenses national park (including sand dunes), and the Parnaíba river delta.

Activities along the route include kite surfing, which illustrates the opportunity for travellers to combine unique activities and experiences with the destinations they visit, says Stolf.

Travel advisors

Part of Embratur’s motive for joining CATO Is to help engage the Canadian travel trade. It follows the election of a new government in Brazil in 2023, which has led to a “new approach” to tourism, says Stolf.

“We rely on travel agents,” she says, “and we really want to keep in touch. Our message to travel agents is, ‘We want to reconnect.”

Besides its membership in CATO, Embratur will also launch a Brazil Travel Academy (available online and by app) in January.

Stolf also invites trade inquiries directly at Carolina.stolf@embratur.com.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate Unforgettable Festive Delights at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20

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Celebrate Unforgettable Festive Delights at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 - TRAVELINDEXEmbrace a flavour of joy at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. Enjoy a special feast at ‘Food Exchange’, join a glitz and glamour countdown party at ‘Sky on 20’ and savor in a romantic dinner at ‘Pantharai Restaurant & Bar’

♦ Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet | 24 December 2023 | Food Exchange

Ring in Christmas Eve with a sumptuous delightful at Food Exchange, with King crab, River Prawn, Fresh oyster, Lamb steak special! Honey Glazed    Ham, Traditional Turkey, and plenty more! From THB 2,099 net/person with a complimentary Christmas welcome drink.

Accor plus member, Only THB 1,699 net/person.

♦ New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet | 31 December 2023 | Food Exchange

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular buffet. Indulge in seafood such as Alaskan crab, Grilled river prawn, Oysters, Premium Carving, and more. Special! Lobster garlic butter sauce. From THB 2,567 net/person with complimentary welcome New Year drink.

Accor plus member, Only THB 1,899 net/person.

♦ New Year’s Eve Dinner Romantic Set | 31 December 2023 | PantaRei Restaurant

Embark on a joyous celebration with an exclusive 6-course set menu served with the finest wine pairings. Revel in the enchanting of a live violin during romantic ambient. Romantic dinner price at THB 3,999 net/person including countdown party ticket at Sky on 20.

Accor plus member, Only THB 3,499 net/person.

♦ Glitz & Glamour Countdown Party| 31 December 2023 | Sky on 20 Rooftop Bar

Revel in an illuminated skyview, countdown to year 2024 with a bustling vibes —through stellar parties featuring DJ performance, music and more. Price at THB 1,499 net/person and enjoy with 2 welcome New Year drink.

Accor plus member, Only THB 1,199 net/person

New Year Brunch Buffet | 1 January 2024 | Food Exchange

Joyous celebration with a spectacular buffet. Indulge in authentic taste of seafood such as Grilled river prawn, Oysters, Premium Carving, and more. Special! New year Welcome Drink 1 glass. From THB 2,024 net/person.

Accor plus member, Only THB 3,499 net/person.

Exclusive offer for credit card members!

  • For KTC credit members get discount 30% from regular price. Only Food Exchange Restaurant and SKY ON 20
  • For KTC credit member get discount 10% from regular price. Only at PantaRei Restaurant & Bar
  • For Krungsri and ICBC credit card get discount 20% from regular price in all outlets.

For more information, please contact us.

Tel. +662 009 4999

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Counting down to OurAfrica.Travel 2024

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Counting down to OurAfrica.Travel 2024 - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThere’s less than two months to go till the fifth edition OurAfrica.Travel, kicking off the tourism show season in style from 5 – 9 February 2024!

Watch this festive greeting from Founders Storm Napier in Namibia and Allie Hunt in South Africa.

This digital travel trade show is not only affordable and accessible to all – but it offers a unique opportunity to connect global buyers with properties and suppliers in Africa and Indian Ocean who are not able to attend some of the international in-person shows.   OurAfrica,Travel is ALL about collaboration and, as such, partners will again include Wetu, The Africa Hub, ATTA and Nightsbridge.

DMC, Destination Africa has just confirmed as a key sponsor for the event, and the nominations for the trade’s favourite charitable causes are starting to come in thick and fast. The show not only showcases these great community and conservation projects to raise awareness and profile, but generous donations are also made after the show on behalf of all the exhibitors to two of them.

We have over 170 confirmed exhibitors so far including Great Plains Conservation, Zambian Ground Handlers, Jamala Madikwe, Andrea Hugo Associates, Cottar’s Safaris, Hemingways Collection, Last Word Intimate Hotels and Safari Camps, Onguma Nature Reserve, Chiwani Safari Camps and Inspirational Places.

We also have more than 280 buyers and 20 media registered already which is fantastic this far in advance.

In the spirit of festive giving, generous owners have been donating incredible accommodation prizes which will be combined beautifully to create amazing fam trip opportunities for our most engaged buyers.

For more information or to register as an exhibitor, buyer or media please visit https://ourafrica.travel/. Buyers and Media are complimentary.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Seasonal Elegance: The Peninsula Bangkok’s Festive Afternoon Tea

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Seasonal Elegance: The Peninsula Bangkok's Festive Afternoon Tea - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comThe Peninsula Bangkok adds a festive touch to its traditional afternoon tea during the holiday season from 1-30 December 2023. Guests at the city’s premier urban resort can enjoy classic treats and new delights in The Lobby restaurant, accompanied by Christmas music and surprises for children. The Festive Afternoon Tea, curated by the resort’s Executive Pastry Chef, David Guimaraes, promises a culinary experience that reaches new heights. Specially tailored for children and set against the backdrop of a beautifully decorated Canadian spruce tree, the tea includes traditional sweets and savouries. A portion of the proceeds from each Festive Afternoon Tea sale is donated to The Mirror Foundation, supporting indigenous hill tribes in northern Thailand.

Elegant Bites and Decadent Desserts

Alongside the ever-popular fresh-baked scones with clotted cream, diners will discover this season’s Festive Afternoon Tea menu features refined savoury preparations such as foie gras terrine with pistachio and apple chutney; a winter vegetable tart with roasted pumpkin and pickled beetroot; and steamed egg custard with snow crab meat and edible flowers.

The sweet offerings, however, are truly sumptuous – and include exquisite, shaped pastries like a cinnamon-orange snowflake macaron, a chestnut and meringue sleigh bell Mont Blanc, and a Black Forest chocolate reindeer choux. Additional selections available from a dessert trolley include Christmas cookies, panettone, and house-made gingerbread ice cream.

Priced at THB 1,288++ per person; THB 2,188++ for two, or THB 2,988++ including two glasses of Champagne.

Delectable Plant-Based Choices

Health- and sustainability-minded guests at The Peninsula Bangkok are also catered to at Festive Afternoon Tea, with a special menu entirely devoted to Naturally Peninsula plant-based preparations. The offerings include savoury finger sandwiches like buckwheat crepe with hummus and roasted mushroom, and avocado mille-feuille with acai on sun-dried tomato bread; and pastries like zucchini cake and a mango-coconut sable. The traditional scones on this menu also get a healthful twist; here, they are made with whole wheat or carrot and olive oil and served with cashew butter and lemon curd.

Priced at THB 1,100++ per person; THB 1,998++ for two, or THB 2,790++ with two glasses of Champagne.

Premium Curated Teas and Beverages

In keeping with time-honoured custom, Festive Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Bangkok spotlights many of the finest artisanal teas from Asia, Europe, and beyond. A variety of teas are available, including the Christmas Blend, Araksa Organic teas from the Thai growing region of Chiang Mai, top-tier Yunnan Pu-er and other rarefied teas from China. Specialty coffee drinks and signature Peninsula hot chocolate are also available.

More Information:
The Peninsula Bangkok Festive Afternoon Tea

· Served daily at The Lobby Restaurant from 2 – 6 pm

· From 1 to 30 December 2023
For reservations and enquiries, contact +66 (2) 020 6969

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. The Peninsula Hotels portfolio comprises The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Istanbul, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila. The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The Peak Tram in Hong Kong; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ambassador Cruise II Brings Famed Conductor and Orchestra to Halong Bay

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Seasonal Elegance: The Peninsula Bangkok's Festive Afternoon Tea- TRAVELNEWSHUBLuxurious Ambassador Cruise is teaming up with conductor Dong Quang Vinh to stage Halong Bay’s first orchestral cruise, showcasing instrumentalists, opera singers and ballet dancers in what’s poised to be a remarkable sunset concert.

The inaugural “Dreamy Voyage – Symphony of Heritage” on 22 December this year will begin with a red-carpet wine reception at Ambassador Lounge at Halong International Cruise Port from 3pm. Guests will then board Ambassador Cruise II for the concert in the UNESCO World Heritage site from 4.45pm – 6.30pm followed by a buffet dinner on the lavish vessel.

Dubbed “Vietnam’s music ambassador” by domestic and international media for his ongoing efforts to promote Vietnamese music to the world, Vinh will conduct Suc Song Moi Orchestra during the cruise. Featuring 30 Vietnamese instrumentalists, the orchestra will play four chapters, with four to five songs apiece. The chapters comprise classical opera and ballet music, Vietnamese music, film scores, and Christmas carols.

The program, to feature performances by award-winning tenor Nguyen Truong Linh and soprano Trang Bui, is packed with iconic music. Highlights include themes from ballets “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker”, as well as “Nessun Dorma”, “Hello Vietnam”, blockbuster Titantic’s “My Heart Will Go On”, “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells”.

Born into a family of esteemed traditional musicians, Vinh began learning to play the bamboo flute at nine with the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where today he is conductor and teacher of orchestral conducting. He is also the principal conductor of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, and artistic director and conductor of Hanoi Voices Choir. He has been a guest conductor of numerous international orchestras including the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra.

He described Halong Bay’s upcoming orchestral cruise as “something to be celebrated” because it would promote arts and culture in a unique setting, thus making orchestral music more accessible.

“My desire is to bring music to everyone and this is an irresistible opportunity,” the conductor said. “To take this enchanting music, usually performed in a large concert hall, and bring it to an open space, one as spectacular as Halong Bay, with a new audience of cruisers is particularly rewarding.”

Nguyen Cao Son, the chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, added that the orchestral cruise marked the beginning of a series of exquisite themed cruises to be staged by the cruise line.

“An orchestral cruise is yet another first for Halong Bay from Ambassador Cruise, following the introduction of our day cruises and dinner cruises earlier this year,” he said. “The breathtaking backdrop of Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts will bring a whole new dimension to this atmospheric orchestral performance.”

The elegantly designed 45-cabin Ambassador Cruise II is home to spacious sundecks across two floors affording 360-degree vistas, two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, large open-air jacuzzi and a five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow that inspires compelling photographs.

The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90-meters long, 16-meters wide and 19-meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News