Global Travel News

Catalonia Officially Nominated World Region of Gastronomy 2025

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Catalonia Officially Nominated World Region of Gastronomy 2025 - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBarcelona, Spain, November 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Catalonia was officially awarded the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) for their commitment to work across sectors to ensure a healthy, safe and resilient food future through sustainable actions.

The award ceremony took place on 8 November 2023 in the framework of the Gastronomic Forum Barcelona, and saw the participation of Councillor for Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia, Roger Torrent i Ramió; Councillor for Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, David Mascort i Subiranas; and local stakeholders involved in the World Region of Gastronomy candidacy and programme, including President of the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, Carles Villarubí, and Director General of Alícia Foundation, Toni Massanés.

President of IGCAT, Diane Dodd PhD officially presented the award to the regional stakeholders and applauded “the many, many people in Catalonia that have been working for decades to ensure that Catalan cuisine, culture and culinary heritage is available and relevant in the minds, hearts and stomachs of Catalan citizens. This is undoubtedly why Catalonia is such an interesting destination for foodie travellers. Well-deserved and congratulations!”

Councillor Torrent explained that with this award “we are opening up a new scenario for Catalonia and we are positioning ourselves around the world as a reference food and wine destination, generating new economic opportunities in the territory while involving different sectors, from the primary to the restaurants, through the food industry. The World Gastronomy Region title reinforces the transformation towards a more sustainable, balanced and diversified tourism model, which we are promoting through our National Commitment for Responsible Tourism.”

Councillor Mascort emphasised that “from now on we will start working to show the world that gastronomy and agriculture are two sides of the same coin,” and highlighted that “behind the kitchens that dazzle the world, there is a farming community committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability.

“We will be ambitious and we will work to set up a programme and a legacy for Catalonia. We have a unique proposal not only because of our culinary uniqueness, but also because it reflects every corner of our territory and its people,” he concluded.

Moderated by gastronomic journalist, Carme Gasull, the event was closed by a conversation with chef of Disfrutar restaurant, Oriol Castro and livestock farmer Mònica Soler, from Masiets Perich who offered their perspectives as regional stakeholders of

Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025 manifesto

During the event, the Government of Catalonia launched a manifesto to which regional stakeholders and citizens can sign up in order to join and support the World Region of Gastronomy 2025 programme. The document includes a series of commitments such as (to name a few). promoting the heritage linked to gastronomy and the agri-food landscapes; promoting Catalan cuisine; opting for a change of model towards regenerative and quality food and wine tourism; promote the professionalization of the food sector; and encouraging the circular economy. The manifesto is accessible on the dedicated website together with a link for stakeholders to sign up.

New initiatives to position Catalonia as a benchmark for food and wine tourism

The event marked the starting point for the preparation of new initiatives that, throughout the coming year, will be organised across the region with the aim of highlighting food production, Catalan cuisine and Catalonia as a quality tourist destination. These include for example:

The International Week of the World Gastronomy Region, to take place in the main cities and countries hosting delegations of the Government of Catalonia, and which will include various activities such as promotions in shops or restaurants, wine tastings, cultural evenings, debates, food and wine experiences, chef exchanges, and many more.

Àpat Catalunya, a people’s dinner to be celebrated in an emblematic street or public space in Barcelona, featuring the most iconic dishes and recipes of Catalan gastronomy.

The Som Gastronomia Tour 2025, a series of presentations to be held in the main outbound markets of food and wine tourism in Catalonia, aimed at operators, the press and influencers, with a technological and innovative component.

Moreover, 130 unique Catalan landscapes and their gastronomic offer will be highlighted; activities will be organised to connect art, sport, culture and Catalan cuisine; the National Food Awards will be promoted; and an intense international agenda will be offered so that Catalonia’s farming, food companies and gastronomy can be presented across the globe.

Gastronomic Forum Barcelona: the perfect setting for Catalonia’s renewed commitment to sustainability

A point of reference for professionals in the hospitality and gastronomy sector, the Gastronomic Forum Barcelona 2023 focused on transformative cuisine and its role in preserving biodiversity and boosting social transformation.

Celebrated on 6-8 November at the Montjuïc venue of Fira Barcelona, the event included around 120 activities that involved over 200 chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers and other experts in gastronomy. Many of them presented their initiatives supporting the use of local products, the revival of traditional techniques, and the reduction of food waste, among other urgent challenges.

Catalonia’s path to the title

In 2016, Catalonia was among the first two regions to be awarded European Region of Gastronomy by IGCAT. During that year, over 500 stakeholders in the region committed to promote Catalan gastronomy and celebrated over 500 activities related to local products, local cuisine and the territory. Eager to deepen the work started in 2016, Catalonia presented their bid for the World Region of Gastronomy 2025 title.

After evaluating the bid book Catalunya, the European Mosaic of Gastronomy, presented on 7 February 2023, a jury of international IGCAT experts visited the region (8-12 May 2023) to meet local stakeholders and assess Catalonia’s readiness to hold the World Region of Gastronomy title.

The jury was very impressed by how the legacy from Catalonia, European Region of Gastronomy 2016 has reinforced the benefits of inter-sectoral working to ensure that gastronomy, culture, food production and biodiversity have a strong focus in the region. They also appreciated the detailed action plan presented by the region including projects, events and development proposals for the title year and beyond, to ensure a legacy of the Award.

On this basis, they recommended the region for the title to the IGCAT Board, that officially approved Catalonia to be awarded World Region of Gastronomy 2025.

Thanks to this title, the Catalan Government will invest 9 million euros to support a series of new initiatives and projects with the aim to position Catalonia as worldwide food and wine reference.

The Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025 candidacy and programme have been created by a cross-sectoral consortium including stakeholders from the public, private, third and knowledge sectors. Founding stakeholders include: Directorate-General for Tourism (Ministry of Business and Labour, Government of Catalonia); Catalan Tourist Board; Directorate-General for Food Industries, Food Quality and Gastronomy (Ministry of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, Government of Catalonia); PRODECA; Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition; Alícia Foundation; elBUlliFoundation.

About the World and European Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.

About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.

IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TRAVELLING PONO: And 3 ways to malama Hawaii

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As Maui recovers from devastating wildfires, travelling to Hawaii for many has become more purposeful. While surf, sand and sun are definitely still on the itinerary, there are many experiences waiting for visitors that reflect the importance and meaning of life that can’t be found in all the guidebooks just yet.

In the islands – Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i, and the island of Hawaii – its called travelling “pono” (correctly), and encompasses an infinite list of enriching and meaningful travel possibilities that prescribe to another Hawaiian concept – “mālama,” or to take care of our earth, each other, and ourselves.

Here are several ways to redefine a visit to the Hawaiian Islands that equally benefit visitors, the destination, and its residents:

Give back

Native Hawaiians understand the relationship between humans and the natural world as a reciprocal one – the notion being that if people mālama the land, the land will, in turn, provide them an abundance of life and care.

With that crucial relationship firmly in mind, volunteer organizations and travel partners statewide now offer a range of opportunities for visitors to engage in mindful travel through the Mālama Hawaii initiative. Volunteer experiences range from reforestation projects and restoration of early Hawaiian structures to coastline cleanups, clearing invasive flora and more. Engaging with the land and culture during a visit leaves a positive impact and provides visitors with a more personal and deeper connection to the Islands.

Embrace culture

Many Hawaiian experiences and activities can comfort or rejuvenate one’s mind, body, and soul. For example, E ala ē, led by Hawaiian cultural practitioners at several resorts across the Islands, is a Hawaiian oli (chant) welcoming the sun’s rise from the ocean each morning and offering all who speak its words energy and a release from life’s stresses to face the day ahead.

E ala ē and other authentic cultural experiences – such as lei making workshops, hula lessons, nature walks, language lessons and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge – are led by native Hawaiian cultural ambassadors for resort guests and help reshape Hawaii’s visitor industry for the better in multiple ways.

Photo – Extreme Exposure

A large part of embracing a culture is learning about and understanding it, which can be begun at a host of museums and historic sites, including refuge and spiritual sanctuary Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and the massive stone temple of seaside Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, both on the island of Hawaii.

Don’t mind getting your hands dirty? Visit the breathtaking Olowalu Valley on Maui to help plant native plants, remove invasive species, and restore the lo‘i kalo (taro patch) at Kīpuka Olowalu. On O‘ahu visitors can learn about ecological issues affecting Maunalua Bay with community group, Mālama Maunalua, including helping members remove invasive algae threatening marine sanctuaries in the bay’s nearshore waters.

And for those interested in learning ka ‘ōlelo Hawaii (the Hawaiian language) or topics and history of the Hawaiian culture, the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association offers training programs exploring Hawaiian language, history, and cultural stories.

Get local

Another way to travel differently in Hawaii is to immerse oneself in the local food culture, diversity of small towns and interesting districts, and community festivals and events. Take time to break away from your resort area to explore and support local towns, retailers, restaurants, and more throughout the Islands.

On Kaua‘i’s south shore, Po‘ipu is a great small town packed with a variety of local restaurants and boutique shops, while in Maui, stroll through the quaint, colourful town of Pā‘ia perusing its intriguingly arty retailers, surf shops, galleries, and boutiques.

Or check out downtown Honolulu’s Chinatown district for a modern and traditional mix of restaurants and bars, small boutique shops, multiethnic foods and goods, lei makers, coffee cafés, temples, apothecary shops and more.

Hilo, Hawaii, offers one of the best spots to chat with island farmers and producers – and try their produce and food goods – at the Hilo Farmers Market. You may even discover a few things to eat you’d likely never find anywhere else in the Islands (fresh-picked jaboticaba, anyone?).

And don’t miss an even deeper dive into the communities at popular annual events and celebrations. Many of these keep elements of Hawaii’s multitude of cultures alive, such as the Paniolo Heritage Rodeo, showcasing paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) traditions; Lei Day Celebration, honouring the craft of lei (garland or necklace, often made of flowers); E Kanikapila Kākou, honouring authentic Hawaiian-style music.

Food festivals focused on Hawaii’s bounty of local produce include the annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, held on the islands of Maui, Hawaii, and O‘ahu; the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival; and Big Island Chocolate Festival, spotlighting Hawaii Island’s cacao and coffee industries.

To find out more about travelling pono, check out the gohawaii.com website.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

HOW TO SKIP THE CROWDS AND FIND THE REAL PORTUGAL

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Time away is precious and no one wants to wait in line, be lost in a crowd, or stuck at a touristy eatery. In the last 10 years Portugal has burst onto the world stage as a major travel destination, but as a new destination, folks typically go to what they know: Lisbon, Lagos, and Porto.

All are worthy destinations, but just a small part of what makes Portugal so special. So, while Lisbon or Porto provide perfect starts for a trip, savvy travellers know to wander further afield to explore a country that is authentic and charming, and filled with unforgettable places with fewer lines and crowds.

And the good news is, they’re not far, and equally amazing. Here are some tips for finding the real Portugal:

Walled and wonderful

Obidos is a great escape, with its strong walls, cobbled streets, and sweet shops. But with it’s popularity comes a rush of visitors, so here’s an alternative suggestion: Castelo de Vide – called by some Portugal’s best preserved medieval town and “the Sintra of Alentejo.” The castle, surrounded by elegant houses, dominates the landscape of the foothills (banner photo). The best way to appreciate the town’s historic charm is to stroll the narrow, winding streets. The Capela do Salvador do Mundo is the oldest chapel in the region with panels of blue and white azulejos, just one of the town’s 24 churches.

Portugal also boasts many other walled towns, from Marvão to Monsaraz.

Royal options

Sintra is sensational, but there are other royal palaces too. Portugal was a monarchy from 1143 to 1910 and the kings and queens had plenty of palaces that they loved to escape to, including two not far from Lisbon in Queluz and Mafra. Meanwhile, the University of Coimbra, north of the capital, is built into a former royal palace, and the nearby castle of Leiria was built for royals.

In Alentejo region of south-central Portugal, there is a royal tour that highlights the good, the magnificent, and the struggles of being a monarch. Start in Estremoz, a royal city with impressive walls and 13th-century castle with an ancient keep that sails above the plains. Built of white and decorative marble it is free to explore (except Mondays) and part of the former palace is now a pousada (historic hotel).

The Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa (photo below) is a huge royal palace in the royal town of Vila Viçosa. Set on a grand square, the palace is encircled by convents, churches, and a pousada. Inside, there are many public rooms built for a king, as well as a sizable armoury and a magnificent kitchen with huge ovens, wine cellars, and more copper than you have ever seen.

Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa; Photo – Foundation of the House of Bragança

In the distance, on a high mountaintop stands the fortified town of Évora Monte, walled around a massive castle that soars above the horizon. The town is a great escape with its ancient churches, cobble stone streets, sweeping views, and many local arts and craft shops.

Young chefs, fresh ideas

Ancient but trendy, Estremoz is full of up-and-coming places to eat, run by young chefs. This marble city of some 8,000 people has become the go-to dining spot, after Évora, for a hot and emerging food scene.

Finding religion

On any given day there are lines to see some of the most popular monasteries and churches in Europe, but not far from Lisbon, significant religious sites are awaiting with no lines, and amazing stories to tell:

Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção – Designed by Francisco de Arruda in 1517 and set in Praça da República, in Elvas, the cathedral features Manueline side doors, and Baroque chancel and gilded altars finished in marble.

The Convento dos Congregados – This convent in Estremoz has a rich history starting in the 16th century when it was used as a palace. Its facade is crafted in beautiful pink marble and its tiles depict the life and miracles of Saint Philip.

Museum of Sacred Art – Opened in 2004 in Moura, the museum is located in the Church of São Pedro, a building that has magnificent 17th century tiles. Exhibitions highlight hundreds of pieces that demonstrate the religious traditions of the region.

Cathedral of Évora – Standing out for its tall silhouette in the walled city, the Basilica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Completed by 1250, the structure is entirely in local granite, marked by the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. The church has a unique crucifix called the “Father of the Christs,” which is above the painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, allegorical statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, and a spectacular organ from the Renaissance period.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel: Set in the landscapes of the Serra de São Gens, the Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is 1.6 km. from Serpa in central Portugal and boasts simple architecture of the Mudejar style of the Iberian Peninsula. The small refuge houses the image of the patron saint who is honoured in a great celebration for the arrival of spring, which begins at Easter and lasts for five days. The event includes processions, parades, and masses.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ba Na Hills Golf Club Recognized by World Luxury Travel Awards

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Ba Na Hills Golf Club Recognized by World Luxury Travel Awards - TOP25GOLFCOURSES.comDanang, Vietnam, November 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ba Na Hills Golf Club has continued its recent hot streak by earning commendation as Global Winner in the golf category at the World Luxury Travel Awards, held in Athens last week.

With its challenging layout designed by triumphant Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, the club is widely regarded as one of the top layouts in Vietnam and Asia.

And that reputation was reaffirmed in Greece’s capital when it was recognized as one of the continent’s most exciting golf clubs by World Luxury Travel Awards judges.

As well as being singled out at the awards ceremony, Ba Na Hills Golf Club earned prominence in October’s edition of Travel Temptations, a bespoke publication attached to the World Luxury Travel Awards.

Gary Dixon, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club, commented: “It’s always uplifting to be given recognition by a wider audience. Therefore, it’s an honour and a pleasure to be singled out by the World Luxury Travel Awards as one of the best courses in the world.”

It’s been a fantastic year for the club, a driving force in the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a freshly rebooted destination marketing organization that links Central Vietnam’s best signature golf layouts.

It was named among the top 11 best golf resorts in Asia in a list compiled by Golf .com, one of the world’s leading golf titles.

The latest recognition reaffirms Ba Na Hills Golf Club’s standing as Vietnam’s most decorated golf destination. This accolade also serves as a testament to the club’s exceptional quality and its ability to deliver a world-class golf experience. Managed by IMG, the club boasts an impressive, fully illuminated 18-hole championship course designed by Donald.

Ba Na Hills has garnered numerous awards over the years, and the reasons are evident. Situated at the base of a towering mountain range, just a brief 30-minute drive from the rapidly growing city of Danang in Vietnam, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a picturesque parkland-style course. The layout is intricately woven over rolling hills, offering continuous views of a lush landscape accentuated by serene streams and tranquil lakes.

“Our primary objective is to continually enhance the experience here,” added Dixon. “By consistently achieving this goal, we anticipate a continuous stream of accolades. These awards are a direct reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment and relentless effort to ensure the satisfaction and lasting delight of our guests, encouraging them to return time and time again.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Halong Bay Cruises to Welcome 200,000th Passenger

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Halong Bay Cruises to Welcome 200,000th Passenger - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comHalong Bay, Vietnam, November 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The five-star line behind Halong Bay’s most remarkable cruise experiences, Ambassador Cruise, is poised to usher its 200,000th passenger aboard its ‘Ambassador Cruise II’ vessel by the end of 2023.

Since its debut in February this year Ambassador Cruise II, which offers both a luxurious eight-hour day cruise followed by an exquisite four-hour dinner cruise, has welcomed up to almost 1000 guests per day during peak times.

The vessel has helped propel a tourism bonanza for Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, attracting more than 156,000 passengers, making for 13% of the estimated 1.2 million visitors to Halong International Cruise Port from January 1 through to October 31 this year. Combined with Ambassador Cruise’s overnight cruises ‘Ambassador Cruise I’ and ‘Ambassador Signature Cruise’, it’s estimated Ambassador’s fleet will contribute to 18% of the total number of passengers to the cruise port by the end of the year.

Elegantly designed, Ambassador Cruise II features spacious sundecks across two floors that total 324sqm and 250sqm, affording 360-degree vistas of Halong Bay and its myriad limestone karsts. Two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, and the large open-air jacuzzi are among the 45-cabin vessel’s top-notch facilities. The five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow 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.

The Ambassador Cruise II’s daytime voyage, known as ‘Ambassador Day Cruise’, takes passengers on a sublime journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its plethora of limestone karsts dotting its emerald waters.

The itinerary includes exploration of Sung Sot Cave and swimming off Titov Island, whose scalable heights offer panoramic views of the bay. Passengers take in Luon Cave by either kayak or in a bamboo boat rowed by a local followed by a cooking class and Filipino DJ onboard.

Designed for travellers who cannot squeeze an overnight trip to Halong Bay into their schedules, the itinerary covers the same ground as an overnight cruise within a shorter time frame.

By night, Ambassador Cruise II transforms into the ‘Ambassador Dinner Cruise’. A first for the bay, the cruise is underpinned by premium dining and live entertainment. To a backdrop of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring sunset, guests indulge a delectable meal of Asian and European delicacies accompanied by a cabaret show, performances by Vietnamese singers and a live band.

“Welcoming our 200,000th passenger aboard Ambassador Cruise II in such a short time is a major milestone and testament to how we have redefined cruising Halong Bay; by pioneering a luxurious day cruise and dinner cruise, we have played a notable part in expanding Quang Ninh’s tourism industry post-COVID,” said Nguyen Cao Son, chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise. “Attracting more than 69,000 passengers from January 1 until October 31 this year, our dinner cruise alone contributed to 70% of the total number of passengers to the Halong International Cruise Port in the evening amid a total of four cruise operators.”

To celebrate the 200,000th passenger, Ambassador Cruise II will hold a small party aboard with all of the cruise’s guests, and distribute dinner vouchers as a lucky draw present during a mini game. The 200,000th passenger will be presented with a gift voucher of two tickets to attend a liveshow on Ambassador Dinner Cruise.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Wins Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand Award at TTG Travel Awards 2023

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Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Wins Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand Award at TTG Travel Awards 2023 - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comCourtyard by Marriott Bangkok proudly announces its victory after the 32nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2023, held in Bangkok. The hotel has been honored with the prestigious title of “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” by TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTG associations, and TTG Asia Luxury.

The award was presented to Mr. Joshua Lee, the hotel’s General Manager, during a splendid awards ceremony held in Bangkok. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok is thrilled to receive this accolade, reaffirming its commitment to providing exceptional mid-range hospitality experiences. The hotel prides itself on its dedication to service excellence, comfort, and memorable guest experiences.

The TTG Travel Awards, established in 1989, has been an esteemed platform for recognizing excellence within the Asia-Pacific travel industry. This annual event distinguishes outstanding organizations and individuals across three categories: Travel Supplier, Travel Agency, and Outstanding Achievement. The event is proudly organized by TTG Asia, with strong support from TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTG associations, and TTG Asia Luxury.

About Courtyard by Marriott® Bangkok

Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok is the inaugural Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Thailand. Nestled in the tranquil heart of Bangkok’s CBD, this multi-award-winning hotel establishment offers an exceptional location just steps away from Ratchadamri and Chit Lom BTS Skytrain stations, providing unmatched access to the city’s premier shopping, corporate districts, entertainment, and culinary treasures. This 4-star hotel, tailored for all travelers, boasts 314 guestrooms and 2 suites, all designed for spacious and stylish comfort. From the culinary delights of MoMo Café and MoMo Bar to poolside relaxation, spa pampering, and a fully-equipped fitness center, catering to every desire. Whether meetings or events will be held in state-of-the-art venues complete with advanced AV technology, a commitment to sustainability, and gracious hospitality to ensure that every stay is an unforgettable experience.

About Courtyard by Marriott®
Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,285 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

AfCFTA Endorsed the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance ATPSA

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AfCFTA Endorsed the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance ATPSA - TOURISMAFRICA.orgJohannesburg, South Africa, November 8, 2023 / TRAVELNEWSHUB / The Africa Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA) has endorsed the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA). This took place during the 6th ATLF hosted by the Government of Botswana in October 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana. The endorsement was witnessed by over 600 industry stakeholders, policy-makers, private sector executives, academics and investors who had gathered in Gaborone Botswana for the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards 2023 that was held from 03 to 06 October.

AfCFTA’s endorsement now affirms the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA) as the only Pan-African apex body and platform for national tourism private sector associations and organisations for African Union Member states. Birthed on the margins of ATLF 2022 in Botswana, the ATPSA will serve as a single voice and platform for positioning Tourism as priority sector across all African countries. The primary role of the body is to advocate for the removal of barriers to intra-Africa travel such as visa-free travel for Africans within Africa, improved connectivity within African countries, reduced cost of air travel across Africa, promotion of Africa under the “Brand Africa” banner in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Other key priority focus areas of the Alliance are research, creation of market access for SMEs through destination marketing, capacity building and learning, best practice and knowledge sharing, Thought-leadership development, sustainable tourism development more.

Championed by AfCFTA, ATPSA is positioned to promote sustainable tourism development, improved intra-Africa travel facilitation, strengthen sector competitiveness and youth and women inclusivity.

The interim Secretariat of the alliance is hosted by Society for Aids in Africa (SAA), Accra Ghana and supported by Kenya Tourism Federation Offices in Nairobi, Kenya. The ATPSA secretariat therefore takes this opportunity to invite all tourism and related industries’ private sector organisations across Africa to join the ATPSA. The Alliance’s work plan and programme of action for 2024 is being developed to be validated by AfCFTA, members and African tourism industry stakeholders and related international partners in early 2024.
For more information, kindly contact Rejoice Chishamba on +27 (0)81 303 7030 or rejoice@africatourismpartners.com or Ms. Marie-Noelle Atta on +233 30 291 3739 marie@saafrica.org

About Africa Tourism Partners
African Tourism Partners (ATP) – www.africatourismpartners.com is a UNWTO- affiliated award-winning Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm. The firm specializes in tourism and MICE strategy formulation, investment facilitation and promotion, research, master planning and destination market development and capacity building across Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and golf sub-industries.

Our clients and partners include but are not limited to UNWTO, World Bank, Mastercard Foundation, NEPAD, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, Ghana Tourism Authority, Tourism KwaZulu- Natal, Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Chamber of Commerce, SAACI, RwandAir, SAA, Ethiopia Airlines, Tanzania Tourism Board, Kenya Tourism Board, Uganda Tourism Board, Gauteng Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Nigeria and more.

About Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO)
The Botswana Tourism Organisation was set up by the government to market tourist products and to grade and classify tourist accommodation as well as to promote investment in the tourism sector. The organisation has successfully focused its efforts on achieving high standards and developing tourism strategies that exceed customer expectations as well as building customer confidence around the world.

Its stated aim is to develop Botswana into a unique preferred tourism destination of choice, in order to increase the sector’s contribution to the economic growth of the nation. As part of its efforts to reach this goal, the organisation is constantly expanding and promoting the international image of Botswana. Dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of Botswana, the organisation has laid down conservation policies and ecotourism strategies to ensure that tourism is sustainable for its inhabitants and future generations while still contributing meaningfully to the national economy.

About UNWTO
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

About AfCFTA
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a free trade area encompassing most of Africa. It was established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which has 43 parties and another 11 signatories, making it the largest free-trade area by number of member states, after the World Trade Organization, and the largest in population and geographic size, spanning 1.3 billion people across the world’s second largest continent.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

THE REALITY OF TODAY’S RENTAL CAR MARKET

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When Enterprise started to see automobile supply problems after the pandemic hit in 2020, the car and truck rental, fleet management and mobility company decided to cater to its long-term customers. Chrissy Taylor, CEO of the newly renamed Enterprise Mobility, emphasized rentals to businesses and insurance companies with clients whose cars were damaged in crashes.

Now that travel has made a comeback, Taylor sees rental cars growing again, but says most of the St. Louis-based company’s business is still with its core customers.

Enterprise is now up to more than 2.3 million vehicles in its fleet, more than it had right before the pandemic.

Taylor talks about where her business is headed, the resurgence in travel, and rental prices. The answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: With a shortage of cars and trucks during the pandemic, but leisure travel making a big resurgence, what’s going on with your business now?

A: A third of our business happens in the airport and two-thirds happens in our suburban market. And our suburban market has been growing exponentially with our contracted business, which includes the corporate customers and the road warrior. They are back and they do travel regionally. So, we do have a lot of that business, not just at the airport but in the home city, and then insurance replacement. People still have been driving the last several years, even with the pandemic. So, accidents happen. And so, we have long-term relationships with insurance partners. That business has also been back on track. Travel demand was through the roof, through the summer. We have also experienced that both domestically (in the US) and globally and in Europe in particular. And so, the airport business is growing. We have a very diverse business line. All of it is growing right now.

Q: How did you end up with most of your business not being rental for travel?

A: We’re coming back online with our leisure customer. About 25% of our business is leisure and the rest is contracted. During the pandemic, when supply chain and vehicle availability were difficult, we made the decision to prioritize those long-term contracts with corporate customers and insurance customers because they’ve been with us for decades. And now with vehicle availability, we’ve been able to bring that leisure customer back online.

Q: Rental vehicles got very expensive when the pandemic hit. Have prices stayed high and what do you see in the future?

A: As demand loosens, we have seen prices moderate year over year, but we’re happy where pricing is. People continue to travel. Pricing is also a factor because we’re in the suburban market. It is based on availability of vehicle, what location you’re going to, what vehicle type you are trying to rent. So, there are different factors that go into pricing. The experience needs to be positive, but we feel good about where pricing is.

Q: Are you still seeing a shortage of vehicles because demand is high?

A: We definitely are not buying as many vehicles as we were pre-pandemic. Vehicle supply is down, but we are in a much better place. And so, we partner with all of our OEM partners, not just the big three in Detroit, but we’ve got great relationships. We are talking to them on a daily basis and working on what works for them, what works for us. And so, we feel really good about vehicle supply coming into the back half of the year.

Q: What about the autoworkers’ strike against the Detroit Three?

A: When we look back at everything that we’ve been through, whether it’s a financial crisis, whether it’s a pandemic, whether it’s the supply challenges, we are in a great position with our local operators and great leadership and great partnerships with the OEMs that we can weather anything that’s coming our way. We feel good about the car flow that’s coming in really through December and into the first part of the year. And if some of that is delayed, that is normal course of business because things don’t always come in when you think they’re going to come in.

Q: Used vehicle prices shot up in 2021 and then dropped in 2022. But they’ve stayed high in part because of lack of supply coming from rental car companies returning vehicles to the market. Do you see that as normalizing?

A: We anticipate that it will most likely stay elevated. We do not have a crystal ball. We are monitoring that on an individual market basis, how we sell those vehicles after we’re finished with them with rental, how we sell them back to our dealerships, how many and at what price, who needs them. It’s very important to keep the residual value high for the manufacturers, making sure that the customer is getting a well-maintained and great vehicle. We also have a very large retail car operation, so dealerships of our own. Pricing is in a good place, but it is elevated.

Q: How long are you keeping vehicles now?

A: Even though our miles are up and we are holding vehicles longer, our customer service has never been higher. So, our peak was about 2022. That has come down this year. It is still elevated over pre-pandemic and you really have to dig in to make and model of our fleet because some of the vehicles just are not readily available from the manufacturer and they’re in high demand in the summer. Everybody wants a minivan, they want a large SUV. We tend to keep those a little longer because the demand has been so high. We have a team dedicated on the maintenance, the miles and how long we keep those vehicles to make sure the customer is getting a great product.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sustainable Tourism Global Center and WTTC with Environmental Impact Research

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Sustainable Tourism Global Center and WTTC with Environmental Impact Research - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / In a defining moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia today released the latest industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data.

Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organizations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the sector’s accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.

This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in Travel & Tourism’s history.

H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:

“We welcome this joint report initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, and WTTC, as an invaluable resource for decision makers around the world. It provides vital insights and unique impactful environmental research into how Travel & Tourism has both an influence on climate change and how it is affected by it.

“Our research highlights the consistent decline of emissions intensity of Travel & Tourism over the last decade. Whilst the sector’s GDP growth averaged 4.3% annually, emissions only grew by 2.5% annually between 2010-2019 Still, the continued commitment to achieve net zero emissions for the Travel and Tourism sector has never been more important.

“We firmly believe Travel & Tourism is part of the solution and that is why Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role to accelerate and track this change to promote sustainability across the sector, protect nature and support communities.”

Today’s launch not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in Travel & Tourism’s international supply chains.

The groundbreaking ER data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.

Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Today marks a pivotal moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector. Through this data, we are highlighting the sector’s multi-dimensional impact — economically, environmentally, and societally.

“We’re talking about a vision that sees beyond tourism and leans into its sustainable future. With this data, we are not just reflecting on where we are now, but actively charting our course for a future where the sector progressively reduces its environmental footprint and boosts its social impact.”

H.E. Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor of the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:

“There is no doubt that this joint report between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s STGC and WTTC is a major milestone for the global Travel & Tourism sector. We are proud that Saudi Arabia has stepped up to become part of the solution. The STGC will unite the sector to accelerate the transition to a net-zero world, while protecting nature and supporting communities. Our mission is to be the leading global center for sustainable Travel & Tourism, delivering impact driven research, stakeholder-centric services, and tangible end-to-end solutions.”

“As an industry, we are responsible for 8.1% of all carbon emissions globally, rising on average 2.5% a year between 2010 and 2019. However, global Travel & Tourism’s GDP grew at an average of 4.3% per year, indicating the link between our sector’s growth and its carbon footprint has been loosened.

“Now for the first time we have the data which enables us to properly quantify the sector’s global emissions and identify and track which measures will work so we can map our journey towards a net zero future.”

Arnold Donald Chairman of WTTC said, “This first of its kind, in-depth report is a significant contribution to ensuring the inclusive, sustainable growth of the sector. Through its sponsorship, It’s yet another example of how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading in so many ways in advancing global Travel and Tourism.”

The data converges economic metrics with crucial issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and composition, freshwater use, air pollution and resource use as well as age, gender, and wage profiles of different employments, as well as harmonised indicators across a wide range of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The comprehensive data reveals the nexus between each dollar generated by Travel & Tourism in the economy and its consequential environmental and social impact.

Key highlights from the research include:

Environmental Impact (highlights):

• The Travel & Tourism sector demonstrates an impressive trend of decoupling its environmental footprint from its GDP growth.
• Key achievements include reductions in the intensity of water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and material extraction.
• Travel & Tourism’s share of global energy consumption amounted to 10.6% in 2019
• The sector represented 0.9% of total global water consumption in 2019
• Travel & Tourism’s material footprint accounts for 5-8% of global material extraction
• The report’s monitoring extends to pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides, among others.

Importantly, the data tracks the sector’s performance towards 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.

The prime objective of this groundbreaking work is to elevate the accuracy and pertinence of sector-specific data, setting the trajectory for future initiatives and realigning with global sustainability milestones.

WTTC and STGC remain committed to cultivating cooperation and conversation among all industry stakeholders.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Urbani White Truffle Dinner by Four Italian Culinary Maestros at ALATi Bangkok

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Urbani White Truffle Dinner by Four Italian Culinary Maestros at ALATi Bangkok - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, November 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Urbani White Truffle Dinner at ALATi Mediterranean restaurant by Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok will be introducing four Italian culinary maestros featuring Chef Carlo Valenziano, the innovative force of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok; Chef Gianni Favro, the renowned Italian chef-restaurateur in Bangkok for 25 years and founder of Gianni Ristorante; Chef Christian Martena by Clara Restaurant recognised in the Michelin Guide since 2021 and TOP50 ITALY as the ‘21st Best Italian Restaurant in the World in 2023’; and Chef Marco Avesani, the inventive storyteller of traditional Italian cuisine, modernity, refinement and conviviality by La Bottega Restaurant. The four masters of Italian cuisine in Bangkok will present an exclusive 5-course Italian dinner menu, featuring the excellence of Urbani fresh white truffle paired with ‘Gianni Gagliardo’ wine from 20 to 21 November 2023.

Discover the exclusive Urbani White Truffle Dinner, where each chef will showcase their signature menus with the finest fresh white truffles from the number one producer in Italy for 170 years, Urbani Truffles. Chef Carlo, Chef Gianni, Chef Christian and Chef Marco have created a gastronomic journey of authentic and delectable Italian dishes with enlivening flavours to enhance the powerful and rich taste of Urbani fresh white truffles, sliced in front of guests as tradition dictates.

Award-winning bartender Matteo Cadeddu of Opium Bar Bangkok, listed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, will delight guests with two special pre-cocktails in collaboration with Sabatini Gin on both nights.

Embark on a flavourful culinary journey by Executive Chef Gianni, the founder of Gianni Ristorante, showcasing the first course of ‘Battuta’ of fassona beef, aged parmesan mayo, lamb’s lettuce and Urbani white truffle paired with ‘Gianni Gagliardo Fallegro Favorita 2021’.

The second course by Executive Carlo Valenziano of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok features ‘glazed hen and duck liver agnolotti, barolo jus, roasted hazelnuts and Urbani white truffle’ paired with ‘Gianni Gagliardo Garetto Nizza Favà 2021’.

The third course by Executive Chef Marco Avesani of Bottega Bangkok features ‘risotto, nosellari leek, Jerusalem artichoke, cardo gobbo and Urbani white truffle’ paired with ‘Gianni Gagliardo Barolo 2021’.

The fourth and main course by Executive Chef Christian Martena, founder of Clara, features a main course of ‘yellow chicken, banana blossom, baby sage and Urbani white truffle’ paired with ‘Gianni Gagliardo Barolo del Comune di La Morra 2021’.

This fascinating journey around the Italian region ends with Executive Pastry Chef Franck Istel of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok’s signature recipe of ‘hazelnut crème brûlé, 70% chocolate ganache, almond cake crumble and Urbani white truffle’ paired with ‘Moscato d’Asti Tenuta Garetto DOCG’.

The ‘Urbani White Truffle Dinner’ by Four Italian Culinary Maestros for an exclusive 5-course Urbani White Truffle Italian Wine Dinner Menu is priced at THB 8,000++ per person, including a welcome pre-cocktail, 5 glasses of Gianni Gagliardo wine pairing, ACQUA PANNA mineral water, SANPELLEGRINO sparkling water, coffee and tea served from Monday to Tuesday, 20 to 21 November 2023, from 19:00 to 22:30 at ALATi on the ground floor of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

All dining prices are exclusive of a 7% government tax and a 10% service charge.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact ALATi at +66 (0) 2 162 9000

About URBANI TRUFFLE
The company history started in 1852, when the company began exporting fresh truffles to France, thus creating a business that has become increasingly larger and more relevant through the years. Today the sixth generation keeps the family mission with the same passion of 170 years ago. In 2021, Truffle Hunting was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural heritage, and Urbani Truffle objective is to preserve this tradition for the future generation, always respecting nature and time. Nowadays Urbani exports in 68 countries around the world, counting 23 subsidiaries worldwide, making it available in key cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Seoul, Manila Bangkok and many more. A catalog with more than 600 truffle-based products, marketed in various forms, is the flagship of Urbani Tartufi: from classic fresh and preserved truffles to frozen ones, from sauces to truffle sauces, for both horeca and retailer customers. Urbani Truffle is distributed in Thailand by Global Food Products.

About SANPELLEGRINO / ACQUA PANNA
Since the early 1900s, Sanpellegrino and Acqua Panna chose the table as their place, embracing the typical Italian passion for fine living and becoming itself synonymous with good taste and lifestyle. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna mineral waters flow respectively for 30 and 14 years through the soil, getting the mineral salts that characterize their unique taste. They are bottled only at the source, with no human intervention and no chemical treatments. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are worldwide recognised as the fine dining waters and as ambassadors of the fight against food waste, playing an active role by bringing its assets on the ground to educate consumers and engage the global chef community. Through a global partnership with Food for Soul by Massimo Bottura, they empower socially responsible actions that improve the health of our food system and reduce food loss and waste, while enabling inclusion and resilience. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are distributed in Thailand by Global Food Products.

About GAGLIARDO winery
While the origins of the winery belong to the Colla family back in 1847, it became Gagliardo in 1986, when mr Gianni (husband of Paolo Colla’s daughter) took the reins of the cellar and started improving more the wine production, for example using French barriques. In 2003 the winemaking trials of the CRU began, thanks also to Gianni’s sons who joined the winery. Today the three of them keep working on improving the family business and
in July 2017 the family acquired Tenuta Garetto, a beautiful estate with 10 hectares of vineyard and win-ery in Agliano Terme (located in the heart of the most premium Barbera area in the world, recently de-fined by the new appellation Nizza docg). Gagliardo wines include local varietals, such as Barolo, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto d’Alba and Arneis coming from different crus, and Favorita (the Piedmont version of Vermentino varietal). Gagliardo wine is distributed in Thailand by FineSip Asia.

About SABATINI gin
Sabatini Gin is a premium London Dry Gin produced through a handcrafted method, both in the distillation process and in its quest to fulfill very particular and refined product specifications, such as the presence of wild fennel and lemon verbena in the aromatic blend. The project started in 2015 from an idea by Filippo, Enrico, Niccolò, and Ugo Sabatini, who are all connected by the bond of family and their land. Most of the botanicals are wild plants harvested mainly on the family’s own land and in the surrounding area, whereas Juniper, renowned for its excellent quality, is harvested in various other parts of the Tuscan region. On the nose, Sabatini Gin appears with lovely fresh herb with hints of Tuscan countryside Then, on the palate, it turns up with a full body but not heavy with the juniper beautifully balanced by the balsamic wild fennel, the fresh lemon verbena and thyme. The final is long and smooth with all the botanicals combining to give a sophisticated finish. Sabatini just launched its 00 Sabatini Gin, made for those wishing to appreciate gin’s taste with alcohol free option. Sabatini Gin is distributed in Thailand by Global Food Products.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News