Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels & Resorts Upholds Its Place in Travel Hall of Fame

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts Upholds Its Place in Travel Hall of Fame - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, October 5, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has affirmed its place again in TTG Asia’s “Travel Hall of Fame,” one of the travel industry’s highest honors.

This esteemed placement is only given to an elite group of organizations as a permanent honor for their impressive record of winning the same prestigious award over ten consecutive years. In the 32nd TTG Travel Awards 2023, which was celebrated in a gala ceremony in Bangkok, Best Western Hotels & Resorts was named the “Travel Hall of Fame: Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand”.

The winners were voted for by the readers of TTG Asia, the region’s leading travel trade magazine, and its six sister publications. This signifies that BWH Hotels was given a resounding vote of confidence by the region’s most respected travel trade personnel, including corporate and leisure travel agents.

“This is a significant achievement for our BWH Hotels family,” said Ron Pohl, President of International Operations, BWH Hotels. “As we continue to expand our footprint throughout the region, I am proud to see Best Western Hotels & Resorts maintain its position as an industry leader and trusted travel brand. Congratulations to the entire APAC team for this impressive accomplishment.”

“We are delighted and deeply honored to have retained our position as the “Travel Hall of Fame: Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand”. At BWH Hotels, we constantly strive to maintain strong relationships with our travel industry colleagues, so this award is a wonderful reflection of the success of these partnerships. I would like to pay tribute to our entire team for their hard work and dedication, and I look forward to creating many more exceptional experiences for our esteemed travel trade partners and clients in the future,” said Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

While BWH Hotels has grown into a global hospitality enterprise comprising 19 industry-leading brands, ranging from economy to luxury, the fact that the company achieved the “Travel Hall of Fame: Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” award reflects how it has retained its reputation as the industry’s most trusted and respected provider of midscale hospitality.

For more information about BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Appoints Chefs as UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Ambassadors

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UNWTO Appoints Chefs as UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Ambassadors - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - CHEF-FATMATA-BINTADonostia, Spain, October 4, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has appointed Chef Fatmata Binta and world-renowned Basque Chefs Martín Berasategi and Pedro Subijana as Ambassadors for Sustainable Tourism, in the framework of the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism co-organized with Basque Culinary Center (BCC). The UNWTO thus recognises their work in gastronomy, the enhancement of local produce and community development.

With this nomination, the UNWTO underlines the importance of sustainable food systems, cultural preservation and capacity building as examples of the joint transformative potential of gastronomy and tourism for the development and prosperity of communities around the world.

It is a privilege to have world-renowned chefs join us today in our mission to advance the role of gastronomy and tourism for our planet and people, strengthening communities, fostering sustainable food systems and changing lives

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the combined potential of gastronomy and tourism: “It is a privilege to have world-renowned chefs join us today in our mission to advance the role of gastronomy and tourism for our planet and people, strengthening communities, fostering sustainable food systems and changing lives.”

Chef Fatmata Binta

Originally from Freetown, Sierra Leone, her extensive travels and collaborations with internationally renowned chefs have led her to promote responsible and sustainable consumption, especially in Africa, in collaboration with the Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Her exceptional dedication has earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize (2022) and the Best Chef Rising Star Award (2021). She founded the Fulani Kitchen Foundation in 2020, which aims to empower women in rural Ghana through food security.

Chef Martín Berasategi

The chef from Gipuzkoa with the most Michelin Stars in Spain – 12 between seven of his restaurants – began his culinary career at the age of 15. He achieved worldwide recognition for a family business and continues to be an exponent of the best Basque gastronomy around the world, while maintaining his commitment to healthy cuisine.

Chef Pedro Subijana

Considered a visionary in the sector, author of several books and with a cooking programme for Basque television, he is co-founder of the New Basque Cuisine movement. Since 1975 he has headed the Akelarre restaurant, which has held three Michelin stars since 2007.
In addition, chefs Subijana and Berasategi are trustees of Basque Culinary Center, underlining their commitment to culinary excellence and education.
The three new UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Ambassadors join other prominent figures, who in addition to gastronomy, represent culture, sport, the arts and philanthropy.

8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

The 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, to be held in Donostia-San Sebastian between 5 – 7 October 2023, will focus on how tourism canfoster rural development, generate economic resilience and preserve cultural heritage, and on the connections between product, gastronomy and tourism.

This year’s Forum is organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with the support of the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, the City Council of Donostia – San Sebastian and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Sector Pledges to Promote Investment, Education and New Destinations

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Tourism Sector Pledges to Promote Investment, Education and New Destinations - TRAVELINDEX - UNWTORiyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 3, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The legacy of the World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations will live on in the shape of greater investments in the sector’s sustainability and a shared commitment to spread the benefits the sector delivers even more widely.

Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the official celebrations welcomed more than 50 Ministers of Tourism alongside hundreds of high-level delegates from the public and private sectors. The day featured expert-led panels focused on key topics around this year’s theme of Tourism and Green Investments, with plans backed up with concrete actions as UNWTO announced several important new initiatives.

This year has been the biggest World Tourism Day ever, and we want to make sure it leaves the biggest impact too

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “This year has been the biggest World Tourism Day ever, and we want to make sure it leaves the biggest impact too. From Riyadh, we have joined our global sector around a pledge to promote new destinations, to diversify the economic and social benefits of tourism, and have announced a new school that will transform tourism education in the Middle East.”

Tourism Pledges to Open Minds

In Riyadh, Secretary-General Pololikashvili introduced “Tourism Opens Minds”, a landmark initiative designed to showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and fostering peace and understanding. With UNWTO’s latest data indicating the sector is well on track to recover as much as 95% of pre-pandemic arrivals numbers by the end of 2023, Tourism Opens Minds is designed to ensure that this strong recovery is joined by a greater emphasis on tourists exploring less-visited destinations. The focus will be on:

  • Making lesser-known destinations more accessible to all tourists and ensuring all visitors receive a warm welcome by host communities
  • Promoting lesser-known destinations and actively working to make tourists visit them
  • Working with governments and the private sector to encourage tourists themselves to be more open-minded in their choice of travel destination

To mark the launch, UNWTO unveiled a new symbol for the initiative, made up of the colours of the various flags of the world, and shared a pledge for the sector to unite around. A special pledge, to be supported by Governments, private sector leaders and tourists themselves, was shared with select delegates, calling on them to commit to promoting new and diverse travel destinations.

Investing in Tourism Education

To ensure that the World Tourism Day 2023 celebrations leave a lasting impact in Riyadh and across the wider region, UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb to announce a joint project focused on creating new generations of skilled tourism workers:

  • The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality will be a collaborative effort between UNWTO, the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Qiddiya
  • With 80% of all global tourism education programs currently focused on hotel operations, the Riyadh School will deliver learning for every part of the diverse sector.
  • The School will offer eight different levels of educational programs including diplomas and certificates through to professional courses and courses at the Bachelors and Master’s degree level.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Weeva’s Cheetham Voted Change Maker of the Year.

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Julie Cheetham, the Co-founder and Managing Director of Weeva and Head of Sustainability at Nianova Advisors, was announced as Change Maker of the Year at the Regenerative Travel Impact Awards hosted on 21 September 2023 alongside Climate Week NYC.

The awards celebrate innovative projects and purpose-led individuals who challenge, disrupt and are committed to solving our planet’s biggest problems through systemic action.

Julie was recognised as “a dedicated leader driving regenerative travel forward. Her resolute commitment reflects her pursuit of lasting industry transformation” by Regenerative Travel.

The awards acknowledged hospitality and tourism’s substantive environmental impact – highlighting its contribution of 11% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions – and its significance to the global economy as a vital enabler to help meet climate goals.

Weeva, a pioneering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, with offices in the UK, South Africa and the USA, provides properties and travel businesses with affordable, data-driven sustainability practices that catalyse profound change.

Julie’s leadership not only ensures that Weeva is driving business impact amongst hospitality and tourism organisations, but also nurtures future change agents.

The award is a wonderful accolade to receive as Weeva celebrated its first anniversary on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2023.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PLUGGING IN TO ‘LAS VEGAS UNPLUGGED’

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On a day on which Ontario’s cottage country was actually hotter than Las Vegas, it seemed only fitting that a team of suppliers and tourism officials from the latter city met with a group of Canadian trade representatives in Muskoka to talk travel. The two-day retreat early this week at the JW Marriott on Lake Rosseau was also meant to symbolize Sin City’s current tagline: “Las Vegas Unplugged.”

The Vegas team included representatives from Caesars Entertainment, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Indigo (show attractions), Resorts World, The STRAT Hotel Casino & Tower; The Venetian, Travel Nevada, Wynn and Encore, while the Canadian roster included Air Miles, Air Canada/ACV, NGH/Tai Pan Tours; Perkopolis, Porter Escapes, TravelBrands/Red Tag, SellOffVacations, Travel Leaders Network, tripcentral.can, WestJet Vacations, and select media including Travel Industry Today.

Together, the groups wined and dined, took part in a poker-themed treasure hunt, cooking class challenge, and chilled out, literally, at the resort’s Dan Aykroyd-branded Crystal Head Vodka Ice Bar – in between bites of s’mores at the campfire.

Attendees were also treated to nature walk through the budding fall colours, overlooking the spectacular lake.

More typically, a traditional speed-dating session facilitated official business, though the overall point of the unique getaway was to help attendees bond outside the boundaries of the boardroom.

Fernando Hurtado of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority declared the event “phenomenal” and said the concept replicated recent events in Mexico and Brazil, and most recently “Camp Vegas” In the UK.

“It’s a chance to bring our top operators and top sellers together to have a chance to rekindle relationships as well as connect outside of work,” he told Travel Industry Today, adding that in such circumstances conversations tend to be “more organic” and “more meaningful.”

Sam Youssef of TravelBrands agreed the event was great for enhancing relationships with both familiar and new partners by providing a unique and creative environment, such as the team- building exercise of planning, cooking, presenting, and then eating a meal during the “Black Box Cooking Challenge,” with the winning team members each earning a three-day, two-night stay at Caesars Palace.

“It’s much better than a PowerPoint presentation,” Youssef smiled.

Anju Bliss of Travel Leaders Network praised the LVCA for organizing he event and said it was a good opportunity two liaise with Canadian partners as well. “You get to spend more than 10 minutes (during the speed dating sessions) with them and get to know them. It’s wonderful.”

Altogether the delegates were working to boost business to a destination that has lost its No. 1 status for the first time in forever (to Mexico) in 2022, albeit under the mitigating circumstances of the pandemic.

Nevertheless, Hurtado says, Canadian capacity has nearly reached pre pandemic levels with the addition of service from new carriers like Flair, Canada Jetlines, and Lynx, plus new flights from WestJet from Victoria and Kelowna, and that 2023 visitations are already up 49% – putting the city on pace to surpass 2019 (1.4 million), resulting in Canada claiming top spot again in international arrivals.

And just in case the s’mores don’t do it, the mission was moving on to Ottawa and Montreal.

Attendees cooked up both relationships and food at the retreat

Las Vegas takeaways

Here are some of takeaways for the Canadian travel trade shared by suppliers at ‘Las Vegas Unplugged’:

Caesars Entertainment: Located in the heart of the Strip, Caesar’s incorporates nine properties, including the new Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s). The brand is well-known throughout the US, but less known to Canadians. In other Caesars’ news, Paris is gaining a new tower (the Versailles, which is being transferred from the Horseshoe). Agents are recommended to register at Caesarstravelpartners.com for collateral and commission on bookings.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas: Direct from Miami Beach, the famous Fontainebleau brand takes residence in Las Vegas as of Dec. 13, the first incarnation of the hotel outside Florida. At 67 storeys, the 3,644-room hotel, which promises “a new take on Las Vegas luxury” will be the tallest building on the Strip, and will feature 34 restaurants and bars, seven pools, lavish spa, and a LIV nightclub. Reservations are now open.

Resorts World Las Vegas: Available through WestJet Vacations in Canada, Resorts World is three hotels in one resort – a four-star Hilton and five-star Conrad and Crockfords (part of Hilton LXR), the latter brand imported from London and described as an ultimate ultra-luxury property that features a more curated, personalized experience for guests, including a custom tea service upon check-in.

The STRAT Hotel Casino & Tower: The newly “top to bottom” renovated hotel’s adjacent 112-storey tower is to Vegas what the CN Tower is to Toronto and includes “Big Shot” and “Sky Jump” attractions, plus a revolving restaurant that offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and desert beyond (not to mention guests plunging past while on the Sky Jump). Room rates are less expensive than others on the Strip and guests can get 50% off the attraction tickets, prompting the hotel’s rep to quip that visitors “can get terrified for half price!” But book ahead for the restaurant, it’s the fifth busiest in North America.

The Venetian: The largest hotel on the Strip is revelling in its ideal location adjacent to The Sphere, Vegas’s new “it” attraction, which opened on the weekend with a concert by U2, who is in residency at the giant multi-use marvel. Guests can now request a “Sphere-view” room (in addition to Strip-view) at an upgraded price, and a walkway leads guests from the hotel to the venue. Soon packages will be available that include Sphere events.

Travel Nevada: Citing a mission to promote the state beyond its most famous destination, Travel Nevada has rolled out a “road trip capital” theme with 10 unique and varied trips for visitors, some of them utilizing Las Vegas as a starting point. The trips’ comprehensive itineraries make great tours for travel advisors to suggest and sell and can be found on travelnevada.com. Agents can also become a “Nevada Trailblazer” through the tourist board’s short and easy specialist course, which entitles graduates to FAM possibilities and access to assorted collateral material.

Wynn and Encore: Boasting the only golf course on the Strip (though be prepared to fork out about $800/round), sister properties are both newly renovated, with Wynn making claims to be “the” luxury property in Vegas. A popular add-on for guests are buffet offers that give a $50 credit towards the quintessential Las Vegas dining experience.

Enjoying (?) a shot of Crystal Head vodka in the Ice Bar.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PORTER ADDS LOS ANGELES AND SAN FRANCISCO

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Porter Airlines is launching its first two western US destinations in California with daily roundtrip service connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

The new routes will be operated by the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration. There are no middle seats on any Porter flight.

Free, fast WiFi lets passengers stream their favourite movies and shows on their preferred platforms and stay connected throughout the entire flight. A selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware is standard for everyone onboard. Extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or can be purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.

The E195-E2 is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft, at 65% quieter and up to 25% more fuel efficient than previous-generation technology. It has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120- to 150-seat aircraft, and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today.

Sustainability is at the heart of the menu design, with a priority on reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging.

The flight schedule and respective start dates are as follows:

Connections are available throughout Porter’s Canadian network, including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and St. Johns. The new routes complement Porter’s existing US markets served with the E195-E2 to five destinations in Florida that launch this fall: Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Detailed schedules and Porter Escapes vacation packages can be found on www.flyporter.com.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Discover Pet-Friendly Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista

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Discover Pet-Friendly Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, October 2, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Are you longing for a getaway where your furry friend is just as welcome as you are? Look no further than Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista – Bangkok, an urban oasis that beckons both you and your beloved pets to experience the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Bangkok’s Sathorn district, our upscale property offers a haven for travelers seeking a home-away-from-home experience with their four-legged companions. Here’s why our pet-friendly haven should be your next destination:

A Tail-Wagging Welcome
Upon arrival, you and your furry friend will be greeted with a warm smile, setting the tone for a delightful stay. Our spacious suites, starting at 65 sq.m, are thoughtfully designed with both you and your pets in mind. With separate living, sleeping, and working areas, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, our suites provide all the comforts of home.

Pet-friendly Perks Galore
We understand that pets are part of the family, and we want their stay to be as enjoyable as yours. That’s why we provide more than just pet-friendly spaces in our suites; our offerings extend to our 5th-floor outdoor saltwater pool. Here, you can take your furry companions for a leisurely stroll while savoring picturesque views of Bangkok.

Exploring the City Together
Venture beyond our welcoming doors, and you’ll discover that Bangkok is a pet-friendly city ready to be explored. Our complimentary shuttle service conveniently takes you and your pet to the nearest public transportation hubs, including Lumphini MRT, Chong Nonsi BTS, and Sala Daeng BTS, as well as popular destinations. On weekends, hop on our shuttle for shopping excursions to leading malls such as CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, MBK Center, Siam Square One, and Samyan Mitr Town.

Unwind and Reconnect After a day of adventures, relax and recharge in the heart of our urban haven. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll with your pet along our lush terrace or bask in the glow of the city lights. It’s a chance to unwind, connect, and create lasting memories with your beloved companion.

Booking your pet-friendly retreat is easy, simply visit our website at www.marriottsathornvista.com or contact us directly at +66 2-343-6789

For travelers seeking a pet-friendly escape in the heart of Bangkok, Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista – Bangkok offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a warm welcome for all family members, including the furry ones. Book your stay today and embark on a pawsome adventure in the vibrant city of Bangkok.

About Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments
To the place that has temporarily become home. With 32 floors of spacious suites and apartments, the Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments gives travelers the best of home and travel in one unique destination. Guests can choose from one- to three-bedroom, fully-furnished apartment suites for a home-away-from-home experience and yet still feel exquisitely removed from the expected. The hotel’s restaurant – MoMo Café embraces international inspirations, while amenities like the 24-hour fitness center, saltwater pool, children’s pool, sauna and game room transport visitors to a world of recreation. Plus the hotel’s location within Bangkok’s vibrating business district puts shopping and entertainment just as close as embassies and corporations, making the property ideal for leisure travelers, corporate guests and families alike. The ‘Saladang’station BTS skytrian on Silom road and ‘Lumpini’ MRT subway station on Rama-4 road are both within a short walking distance.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BWH Hotels Opens New Surestay Plus Hotel in Cebu City

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BWH Hotels Opens New Surestay Plus Hotel in Cebu City - TRAVELINDEXCebu City, Philippines, September 29, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has expanded its presence in the Philippines with the opening of SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City.

This brand-new midscale hotel is nestled in the center of Cebu City, surrounded by shops, restaurants and malls – including Robinsons Galleria Fuente which is just a short walk away. Attractions such as Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Sto. Niño, and Fuente Osmeña Circle, one of the liveliest spots during the Sinulog Festival, are all easily accessible and Cebu International Port is also in close proximity.

The hotel features 63 modern and stylish rooms, all of which are fully equipped with comfortable beds, flat-screen cable TV, refreshing bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and kitchen facilities, making them perfectly suited for business and leisure travelers alike. With a selection of connecting rooms and family rooms, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City is also a great option for extended breaks in this dynamic city.

A bright and inviting onsite restaurant allows guests to savor local and international culinary delights for breakfast and throughout the day, complemented by exceptional service.

“The Philippines is a strategic market for BWH Hotels and we are delighted to introduce yet another outstanding midscale hotel to guests in the country. Our innovative SureStay concept enables us to bring international standards to the country, while also retaining the Philippines’ heartfelt local hospitality. We look forward to introducing domestic and international travelers to the wonders of Cebu City,” said Mr. Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City, will be BWH Hotels third SureStay hotel in the Philippines, following SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western AC LUXE Angeles City and SureStay Studio by Best Western Clarkview. BWH Hotels now operates a total of 8 properties in the country – two WorldHotels, three Best Western branded properties and three SureStay branded hotels – with more expected to follow in the future.

For more information about BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com.

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
*Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Tourism Day 2023 Recognizing the Power of Green Investments

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World Tourism Day 2023 Recognizing the Power of Green Investments - TRAVELINDEX - UNWTO - BERNARD METZGERRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / On World Tourism Day 2023, leaders from every global region have united around a shared determination to invest in the sector’s growth and transformation. Held around the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments,” the celebrations of the Global Day of Observation have been the biggest and most impactful on record.

Riyadh Welcomes the World

Hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the official celebrations in Riyadh brought together more than 50 Ministers of Tourism alongside hundreds of high-level delegates from both the public and private sectors. They were joined by UNWTO’s Member States and other tourism stakeholders around the world celebrating in their own countries. Welcoming them all, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia Ahmed Al Khateeb, emphasized the need for the whole of the sector to step up investments that deliver for People, Planet and for Prosperity.

Tourism must lead the way in accelerating our shift to greater resilience and sustainability. For this, we need more investment, as well as the right kind of investment

Opening the celebrations, His Excellency Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to tourism development and strong support of UNWTO’s mission. He said: “It is a privilege and honour to host World Tourism Day in Riyadh. Let’s celebrate our achievements in coming back strongly from the pandemic. But let’s also travel with confidence into the future. A future where large countries and smaller countries can work together to achieve amazing things. And let’s all move in harmony towards a new horizon for global tourism.”

UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Tourism must lead the way in accelerating our shift to greater resilience and sustainability. For this, we need more investment, as well as the right kind of investment. That is the central message of this year’s World Tourism Day, a message that is being amplified from the official hosts of the celebrations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and echoed around the world by our Members everywhere.”

Tourism Investments in the Spotlight

Exploring the meaning behind Tourism and Green Investments, the official World Tourism Day celebrations featured a series of expert panels, each focusing one key priority for the sector right now. These included: Investing in people, through education and jobs; Investing in destinations, including new destinations and products to reduce overcrowding and diversify benefits; investing in innovation and entrepreneurship, and Investing in green transformation.

The expert-led discussions, which featured contributions from Ministers of Tourism as well as from business and finance leaders, were complemented by strong actions as UNWTO announced several key initiatives:

  • UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and Saudi Minister of Tourism Al Khateeb jointly announced plans for a new Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality. The School will offer eight levels of educational programmes, ranging from certificates through to courses at the Bachelors and Master’s degree level, with a clear focus on bridging the current skills gaps in tourism.
  • UNWTO announced the winners of its inaugural Women in Tech Start-Up Competition. The winning women-led enterprises were selected for the relevance of their work to tourism for development and for their potential to scale up. All of them will benefit from support and mentorship from UNWTO’s innovation network.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SUNx Malta Launches 50 Climate Friendly Travel Chapters

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SUNx Malta Launches 50 Climate Friendly Travel Chapters - TRAVELINDEXValletta, Malta September 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / At an event at the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), Minister for Tourism, Hon. Clayton Bartolo MP, MTA CEO Carlo Micallef, and MD Malta Tourism Observatory Leslie Vella, launched 50 SUNx country programmes in the world’s Least Developed countries (LDCs) aimed at mitigating Climate Change. This is a key component of Malta’s commitment to be a global centre of Climate Friendly Travel,(CFT) as laid out in its 2030 Tourism Strategy

These Chapters will led by scholarship graduates of the Climate Friendly Travel Diploma run by SUNx Malta and The Institute of Tourism Studies, Malta which is supported by MTA and the Ministry of Tourism. They focus on the countries most affected by Climate Change. Earlier this year Malta confirmed another 50 scholarships for the world’s 39 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and 11 other countries affected by Climate Change.

The CFT Diploma is a world first and trains students to support Travel & Tourism companies and communities to be climate resilient and to pursue Climate Friendly Travel Growth; as well as in transforming to achieve Zero GHG emissions by 2050. It also trains them to help to build Climate Friendly Travel Communities – preparing them for jobs in Sustainable Transport, Hospitality, Destination Management or

Government Services.
The aim of the Chapters is to build a growing community of like-minded, thoughtful tourism focused, climate activists who are networked across the world’s developing countries. These Climate Champions will also encourage companies to join SUNx Malta’s CFT Registry where they can show their Climate Actions Plans.

Minister Clayton Bartolo expressed his support for the ongoing work to establish Malta as a centre for Climate Friendly Travel development and said:
“By providing scholarships to students from the countries most affected by Climate Change Malta is furthering its support of a global movement of Climate Resilience. These Chapters are important because they are designed to engage local stakeholders and play a small part in the global shift that is required to meet the central goal of the Paris Climate Accord of a 1.5oC limit to global warming by 2050.”

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President SUNx Malta, said:
“Thanks to our support from MTA and the Ministry of Tourism we are building a global community of thousands of Strong Climate Champions, committed to local Climate Adaptation and emission reduction for the Tourism sector, in countries that are not usually the leaders in this field.

It is this next generation of Climate activists that will engage local industry and will focus attention on only the most critical components of the transformation – preparedness for the dramatic weather impacts – fires, floods & drought; as well as the need to peak emissions by 2025 for Climate Friendly Travel growth.”

About SUNx Malta – Strong Universal Network
SUNx Malta is a legacy for the late Maurice Strong, father of sustainable development. Its goal is to advance Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) ~ low carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5. Its goal, with Malta’s Ministry of Tourism and Malta Tourism Authority, is to advance CFT, to create a UNFCCC-linked CFT Registry, and to promote CFT Education. It plans to put in place 100,000 Strong Climate Champions by 2030 across all UN states.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News