Global Travel News

UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Returns to San Sebastián

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UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Returns to San Sebastián - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comDonostia-San Sebastian, Spain, September 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will return to Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain (5-7 October) to focus on how tourism can foster rural development, build economic resilience, and preserve cultural heritage.

Held under the theme ‘Gastronomy Tourism: Back to the roots‘, the Forum will put the spotlight on the connections between product, gastronomy and tourism. Over three days, industry professionals, leading experts, and institutional representatives will engage in live debates, keynote speeches, hands-on workshops and live cooking demonstrations with local and international chefs and producers.

Top forum for sector leaders

The event will welcome many of the leading figures of global gastronomy and tourism, such as Qu Dongyu, General Director of FAO; Paolo Di Croce, Director General of Slow Food (Italy); Célia Tunc, Secretary General of Collège Culinaire de France; Fatmata Binta, winner of the BCWP 2022 and who will be appointed on the occasion UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism ; and confirmed speakers from Brazil, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Italy, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Spain and Switzerland.

Furthermore, forum attendees will have the opportunity to choose from five different excursions to experience and savor the local gastronomy: “Rioja Alavesa, excellence in wine tourism”, “Rural flavours of the Basque Country and the Idiazabal territory”, “Urola Kosta: fishing villages, landscapes and dream flavours”, “A sea of mountains, Gorbeialdea and Arratia Valley” and “Bizkaia – Urdaibai coast”.

Underscoring the significance of preserving culinary traditions, this edition will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mediterranean Diet’s inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Additionally, the side-event “Culinary Plaza” organized by Basque Culinary Center will spotlight culinary specialties from destinations including Azerbaijan, Botswana, Porto (Portugal), Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe. Residents around Donostia-San Sebastián will be able to access the Forum’s venue at Tabakalera.

In addition, within the framework of the Forum, a UNWTO Gastronomy Pitch Challenge will also be held alongside Culinary Action! (the entrepreneurship area of Basque Culinary Center), where selected finalists from UNWTO Startup Competitions will pitch their technology-driven innovative proposals and solutions for gastronomy tourism. In order to welcome and connect participants from around the world, the Forum will be held in a hybrid format.

Advancing sustainability

Building on the Global Roadmap on Food Waste Reduction in Tourism, launched during the previous edition of the Forum, this year’s conversations will advance discussions on reducing food waste, promoting circularity, and combating climate change within gastronomy tourism. Sustainable practices, encompassing the reduction of carbon footprint, the promotion of seasonal and local produce, and the shift to circular economy models, will be showcased.

The Forum has been co-organized by UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center since 2015 with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences between experts in tourism and gastronomy, identify good practices and promote gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Professionals interested in attending the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism can register online now.

The Forum’s has been presented by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the UNWTO; Joxe Mari Aizega, General Director of Basque Culinary Center; Félix De Paz García, Deputy Director General for Tourism Cooperation and Competitiveness of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism; Javier Hurtado, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government; and Azahara Domínguez, Deputy of Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa.

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

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket’s TOP25 Restaurants Awards Winners 2023 Revealed

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Phuket's TOP25 Restaurants Awards Winners 2023 Revealed - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comPhuket, Thailand, September 12, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / TOP25Restaurants.com, the world’s first organization to use artificial intelligence (AI) to curate and recognize the finest dining establishments across the globe, is thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated list of the top 25 restaurants in Phuket for 2023. This year marks the third installment of the prestigious ranking, a testament to our commitment to celebrating culinary excellence in Phuket.

This year’s awards recognize the achievements of Phuket’s best 25 restaurants, chosen and ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index, an objective curation and measuring standard based on artificial intelligence and enhanced by professional discernment.

hom restaurant took the island’s top position for fine dining. hom is helmed by chef Ricardo Nunes, preparing fermentation-inspired cuisine with ingredients sourced from around Phuket. The restaurant in an “ethereal setting” was closely followed by L’Arôme by the Sea, the only French fine dining restaurant on the island where chef Yannick Hollenstein presents his interpretation of contemporary French cuisine. The top two restaurants were closely followed in third place by Jampa, a farm-to-fork concept where dishes change daily. In fourth and fifth positions, Pru located in the award-winning Trisara resort, and Samut serving fine Thai cuisine, focusing on local seafood enhanced with local ingredients.

Nine restaurants were newly awarded and included in the top 25, among them HEH, the first Australian fine dining in Phuket; Semi di Tsubu, the first Itameshi restaurant in Thailand, blending the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine; and Su Va Na, surprising guests with a marine dining experience.

Founded by Bernard Metzger, the visionary behind the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series, Top25Restaurants.com has consistently set the gold standard in the culinary world. Since 2018, our annual list and awards have been powered by the Travelindex-owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index.” This multi-assets index evaluates various facets of dining establishments, including the quality of food, ambience and comfort, value for money, and social indicators such as online presence, social markers, online footprint, media engagement, and review content analysis by AI. The Restaurant Rating Index is recognized as a benchmark for rating quality restaurants, and chefs aspire to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it not only increases their restaurant’s reputation but also attracting discerning diners seeking unparalleled culinary experiences.

While this year’s event marked the first award ceremony for Phuket, we are proud to note that earlier in June 2023, TOP25Restaurants.com hosted the TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok awards ceremony, adding to the rich tapestry of culinary recognition in the region.

The TOP25 Restaurants Phuket Awards 2023 event took place on September 11, 2023, at the luxurious InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket. This gathering marked a significant milestone as it was the first in-person event since the inception of the rankings, further highlighting the resilience and vibrancy of the culinary scene in Phuket.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious trophies to each of the top 25 restaurants Phuket award winners. These elegant trophies featured the restaurant’s name and its 2023 rank and were personally presented by Mr. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office. This added a touch of distinction to the evening, underscoring the significance of this recognition.

THE TOP25 Restaurants Phuket 2023 –
Ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index ( www.phuket.top25restaurants.com )

  1. hom, Fermentation Based
  2. L’Arôme by the Sea, Modern French
  3. JAMPA, Sustainable Cuisine
  4. PRU, Natural Thai
  5. Samut, Modern Thai
  6. Nitan, Innovative Thai
  7. Suay, Northeastern Thai
  8. Black Ginger, Modern Thai
  9. Jaras, Modern Thai
  10. Acqua, Italian Fine Dining
  11. HEH, Contemporary Australian
  12. Tengoku, Japanese
  13. Takieng, Authentic Thai
  14. Ta Khai, Thai Seafood
  15. Saffron, Classic Thai
  16. Age, Classic Grill
  17. Semi di Tsubu, Itameshi
  18. Blue Elephant Phuket, Royal Thai Cuisine
  19. Bon Pan-Asian Tapas, Pan-Asian Tapas
  20. Siam Supper Club, Steakhouse
  21. Akoya, Coastal Tapas
  22. Baan Rim Pa, Royal Thai Cuisine
  23. Talung Thai, Modern Thai
  24. Su Va Na, Marine Dining
  25. Big Fish, Seafood

In addition to Phuket, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurants Guides in the following vibrant dining destinations: Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Delhi. Visit www.TOP25restaurants.com to explore these culinary hubs and discover the best dining experiences each city has to offer.

About TOP25 Restaurants International
TOP25Restaurants.com, a division of Travelindex Group, is the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise, dedicated to identifying and celebrating the finest dining establishments around the world. Through the Restaurant Rating Index, a pioneering standard in culinary evaluation, we recognize restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences. Our mission is to promote culinary excellence and provide discerning diners with valuable insights into the world of fine dining.

With a global presence in vibrant city destinations, including Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Delhi, and more, we’re dedicated to promoting culinary excellence and offering discerning diners valuable insights into the realm of fine dining. As we continue to expand our culinary horizons, follow us on Instagram @top25restaurants for the latest updates and discoveries. The annual TOP25 Awards shine a spotlight on the most outstanding restaurants, presenting the ultimate collection of dining venues from around the globe.

Visit us online for more information about TOP25 Restaurants and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter and YouTube.

About Travelindex Group
Travelindex is a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting directly millions of travelers worldwide, providing inspiration and advice for discerning tourists. Travelindex Group is a media partner of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and a Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Preferred Partner.

Visit us online for more information about Travelindex and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter and YouTube.

About the InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket
Inspired by Phuket’s natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s five restaurants and bars offer contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea, and delicacies at Devas’ Lounge. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, six swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and the Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has already garnered international awards such as ‘2019 Readers Choices: The Best Overseas Hotel’ from Travel + Leisure China ‘2019 Best Overseas Hotel’ from Voyage, China, 2022 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and LEED Gold Certification since its official opening in November 2019.

Visit us online for more information about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon Began Her Role as New TAT Governor

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Thapanee Kiatphaiboon Began Her Role as New TAT Governor - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon today began her role as the new Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Having been with the TAT in 1999 after earning a master’s degree in science from the University of Surrey in the UK, Ms. Thapanee has held various positions within the organisation, including Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and most recently Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing.

In her most recent role as TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Ms. Thapanee initiated various tourism initiatives to help drive Thailand’s economy. Among them included the workation in Thailand, faith and religious tourism routes, and solo travels – which helped stimulate 151.45 million domestic trips in 2022 – about 88% of the record year in 2019 – and generated 641.5 billion Baht.

In her role as Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Ms. Thapanee was recognised for her leadership in initiating the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme that enabled hotels and services to meet specific health and safety standards. The programme became a mandatory requirement for hotels seeking to register as quarantine facilities during the period of strict COVID-19 control measures and also received global recognition in alignment with the WTTC SafeTravels protocols.

She also initiated the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme to promote the reopening of Thailand, which led to subsequent entry schemes, including Villa Quarantine, Yacht Quarantine and Golf Quarantine, as well as the Phuket Sandbox, which has been recognised internationally as the model for the country’s reopening.

Recognised as a social media and technology savvy individual, Ms. Thapanee has played a key role in utilising technology and social media in the promotion and development of Thailand’s tourism. Some of her outstanding achievements in this area have included the Google Street View project in cooperation with Google Thailand, and the ‘Amazing Thailand’ social media platforms.

As an advocate of Thailand’s tourism, Ms. Thapanee has been instrumental in the development of various special interest tourism products, including health and wellness tourism, yacht and cruise tourism, and community tourism, as well as the “King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism” project, which won the PATA Grand Awards 2018 in the category of Education and Training.

In her earlier years with the TAT, Ms. Thapanee was widely recognised for her contribution towards the promotion and development of intra-regional travel within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Welcomes Mexican States to Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action

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UNWTO Welcomes Mexican States to Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action - TRAVELINDEXLéon, Mexico, September 8, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has worked with tourism leaders from across Mexico to accelerate the sector’s shift to greater sustainability.

At the Sustainable Social Tourism Summit (León, 30 August – 2 September), UNWTO welcomed new high-level signatories to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. The Secretariats of State for Tourism of Ciudad de Mexico, Queretaro, Guerrero, Quintana Roo, Nuevo Leon, all signed up to the landmark declaration, designed to guide tourism to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. They join the Secretariat of State of Tourism of Guanajuato which signed up at the COP27 United Nations climate change conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The Secretary of State of Tourism of Guanajuato, Mr. Juan José Álvarez Brunel, heads the Sustainability Coordination of the National Association of Secretaries of tourism of Mexico A.C. (ASETUR) and led the discussion of climate action in tourism at sub-national level since becoming a signatory.

“I greatly appreciate the assistance of my counterparts working for national tourism and the commitment to undertake climate change actions through the Glasgow Declaration. We have the honor to have the support of the UNWTO in this important event” said Mr. Juan José Álvarez Brunel.

“These commitments are important and affirm the role of tourism as a high-impact sector for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). We commend those leading actors undergoing transformation well ahead of the upcoming international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in marine environments, currently under negotiation,” said Jorge Laguna-Celis, Head, One Planet Network (10YFP), UN Environment Programme.

A Circular Economy of Plastics in Focus

During the Summit, a new round of private sector stakeholders were also welcomed as signatories of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (GTPI) – another lighthouse initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNWTO within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme. The signature reflects one of the outcomes of the Project Caribe Circular, led by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with Sustentur. This joint effort brought the total of the GTPI signatories to 200 organizations.

New signatories span across Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Belize and include hotel chains (Las Brisas Huatulco, Grupo Lomas Travel, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Grupo Presidente), independent hotels (Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa, Boca Olas Resort & Villas/Dale Dale Café, Hotel Gran Costa Azul, Manzanillo Caribbean Resort, Pargos Restaurante y Hotel, Roca Sunzal, Sunbreeze Hotel, Hotel Hacienda Tijax, TreeCasa Hotel & Resort Nicaragua, Vega Inn and Garden, Victoriano), tour operators (Verde Sentir) and other tourism stakeholders (Asociación Nacional de Cadenas Hoteleras).

Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Consumption and Production

UNWTO is leading the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme and cooperates closely with UNEP and to accelerate the implementation of SDG 12, in line with the Global Strategy on Sustainable Consumption and Production 2030 which highlights the importance of collective approaches at national and sub-national level.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Conrad Macao Introduces Lapidem Rituals and Crystal Sound Therapy

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Conrad Macao Introduces Lapidem Rituals and Crystal Sound Therapy - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25SPAS.comMacao, Macao SAR, September 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Conrad Macao’s Bodhi Spa has introduced two gratifying wellness experiences, both of which provide noticeable benefits, Lapidem Rituals and Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation classes.

The only spa in Macao to offer Lapidem Rituals, these indulgent treatments at Bodhi Spa combine intensive pampering with Lapidem’s critically-acclaimed products from Japan. The other addition, Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation, also known as singing bowl therapy, brings inner stillness and a deep sense of peace.

Both are founded in venerable traditions and wisdom, and adapted for a contemporary and complete sensory experience that will leave guests feeling nourished.

Four Exclusive Lapidem Rituals

Lapidem is noted for its philosophy that only when the body, mind and soul are balanced is beauty created. This holistic outlook is showcased in Lapidem’s best-selling products, which include skin, body and hair care ranges. Combining Lapidem’s results-driven range and ancient Japanese beliefs towards health and wellness, with the expertise of Bodhi Spa therapists, has resulted in the creation of four specially designed signature rituals, each lasting 2.5 hours.

Choices include:

• The deeply relaxing Healing Ritual, which uses constant and fluctuating massage techniques, relieving fatigue, stress and chronic pain, while improving sleep quality. Included in this treatment is Lapidem’s Calm bath & massage oil and a moisturising mist.

• The exquisite detoxifying Purification Ritual eases fatigue, reduces swelling, rejuvenates, and rebalances hydration. Lapidem’s Charge bath & massage oil and five elements Repair Jelly Cream are some of the products included in this ritual.

• Based on Chinese medicine the Energetic Alignment Ritual revitalises, restores healing, balances mind and body, regulates hormonal balance and improves immunity. A concentrated Lapidem Serum Lotion and the Vital Mask are just some of the range included.

• Designed specifically for the busy and active man, the Gentleman’s Escape Ritual enhances sleep quality, boosts energy levels, counters eye strain, and alleviates fatigue, stiff neck and shoulders. Lapidem’s five elements bath & massage oils and a moisturising mist are used.

All rituals take place in private spa suites and begin with an aromatic bath and steam, plus a choice of Lapidem oils that are based on the Chinese philosophy of the five elements, and end with a reviving head massage and wakeup ritual.

To maintain and continue the results beyond the spa, a range of innovative Lapidem products, which are highly functional, predominately all natural (95-100%) and made in Japan, are also available for sale at Bodhi Spa. This includes the moisturising five elements Repair Jelly Cream, the revitalising Vital Mask, and the full range of five elements bath & massage oils.

Crystal Sound Therapeutic Classes

Crystal sound therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. It is known to lower stress levels and bring inner calm that stimulates the body and mind to enter a natural meditative state. Taking place in the Wellness Lounge, the Crystal Sound Therapy Meditation classes will be led by Thai practitioner and crystal sound therapy expert, Nong Sompong.

Also known for therapeutic properties, the sounds and vibrational frequencies emanating from the crystal quartz bowls are designed to unblock the chakras (energy centres) and promote a healthy flow of energy, thereby promoting overall physical and emotional health. The classes are twofold. The first part of the class is a calming guided meditation combined with the bowls, while the second part is the resonating tones of the crystal bowls only. The overall experience is that of being transported to a profound level of relaxation.

Classes are available at 6:00pm every Wednesday and at 10:00am every Saturday, with the option of a small group class (MOP250* per person), a two-person class (MOP500*per person) or a private class (MOP800*).

Tracy Lord, director of Spa Operations, Bodhi Spa said, “We are elated to be introducing both of these wellbeing offerings to guests. We all need to escape daily pressures, and to take care of our body physically and our mind emotionally, and these new additions to Bodhi Spa’s comprehensive menu do just that. The Lapidem Rituals are designed holistically to achieve profound results. The crystal sound classes, like the rituals, take a comprehensive approach and are a perfect tool for reducing stress, pressure and worry, while motivating people to slow down.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Ubud Resort Deepens Artistic Roots with Additional Kecak Performances

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BALI (Sept. 12, 2023) – An intimate resort in the uplands of Bali that has garnered a reputation for its deep artistic roots doesn’t limit itself to the mesmerizing sculptures, statues, and paintings collected over the founder’s lifetime. One of its biggest contributions to the local art scene is in the performing arts with its Kecak extravaganza, a traditional and captivating Balinese dance and drama, that is a bucket-list experience for many who visit the island.

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana, recently announced the addition of a third performance night to the roster. Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday a troupe of 60-70 bare-chested men descend on the property’s open air amphitheater to deliver the epic of Ramayana. There is love and war, struggle and success, good and evil, human royalty along with a monkey king. Performers chant and dance in a hypnotic-like state in concentric rings around an open flame beneath the stars. The rhythm comes from the monkey chorus and their heady chants.

Kecak originated in Bali close to a century ago in the 1930s and has its roots in Sanghyang, an ancient trance-like dance that also developed on the island.

The evening begins at 7pm as guests are welcomed with a chilled lemongrass drink and given a frangipani flower by Balinese women dressed in traditional Kebaya attire. They then take a seat in front of one of the resort’s most impressive structures, a Candi Bentar, a Balinese-style split gateway of carved elephants. Given the design of the resort’s amphitheater the audience has an abundance of space while still feeling they are part of an intimate gathering.

Bathed in a torch-lit glow guests watch the 30 minute-long Balinese Kecak and fire dance performance. There is then an opportunity for guests to take photos with the performers before a Royal Rijsttafel dinner experience, a family-style three course menu, at The Tempayan restaurant. Private performances are also available upon request.

The Kecak performance will be held three times a week until December 31st, 2023, before dropping back down to Tuesday and Friday performances only in 2024. Rates start at IDR 785,000++ per person inclusive of dinner, with children aged 6-11 years old half price and kids under 6 free. Reservations must be made in advance.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Joyned appoints Sergio Vargas Johansson as Managing Director of Travel

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Joyned appoints Sergio Vargas Johansson as Managing Director of Travel - TRAVELNEWSHUB.comAward-winning Jerusalem-based startup Joyned has today announced the appointment of Sergio Vargas Johansson as its Managing Director of Travel. 

Vargas Johansson will be responsible for the company’s commercial strategy, market expansion and business development within the travel sector. With a wealth of travel and technology experience, he has worked at Amadeus for over 20 years, most recently as VP of Online Travel Companies in EMEA. 

Founded in 2017 by CEO Jonathan Abraham and CPO Michael Levinson, Joyned is a SaaS solution for travel websites that enables friends and family to book together, while increasing revenue for the site. Following a period of significant growth within the company, Vargas Johansson’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter in Joyned’s offering to the travel sector. His expertise will enable Joyned to reshape the travel tech sphere, driven by values that fuel collaboration, empowerment, and growth.

Commenting on Vargas Johansson’s appointment, Joyned CEO and co-founder Jonathan Abraham, said: “We’re delighted to have Sergio join us as our Managing Director of Travel. We’ve witnessed tremendous growth over the past year and we are also signing more agreements with international tourism brands than ever before. Sergio knows exactly what makes the travel tech market tick so his input will be invaluable in making Joyned the de facto social booking tool within the travel sector.”   

Vargas Johansson said: “I’m very pleased to be joining one of the most innovative and best performing travel tech providers in the industry. Joyned’s social booking technology is so compelling and I’ve been monitoring their exemplary progress for some time now. It’s a real privilege to work alongside them to further expand their customer base which will reshape the travel sector.” 

Sergio Vargas Johansson brings a multicultural approach to Joyned having lived in countries across four continents. 

“As Managing Director of Travel, I am committed to expanding Joyned’s key markets within and across much of the Americas, EMEA, Asia Pacific and beyond. We have big plans for Joyned and I’m ready to realize their vision of being the default social commerce solution for OTAs,” he adds. 

The recent appointment comes at a time of buoyancy within the company which also recently appointed a new VP of Marketing, Michael Avni, in addition to six other team members joining in the past quarter alone.    

With a growing team of 25, Joyned aims to implement its Joyned Booking solution across dozens more global tourism brands. Current partners which utilize the Joyned Booking travel add-on include travel technology giant Amadeus, leading destination management company NexusTours, hotel giant RIU Hotels and European vacation home rental company OYO Vacation Homes.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine

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CAM RANH, Vietnam (Sept. 5, 2023) – With Vietnamese food popular the world over, a resort on Vietnam’s southern coastline has cooked up a culinary journey that delves into centuries-long traditions, bringing new meaning to the humble bowl of phở.

Alma Resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula has joined forces with boutique travel agency Zazen Travel to launch ‘A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine’, a cultural immersion experience anchored by an interactive cooking class.

The adventure begins with participants rummaging through colourful and lively Cam Duc Market to experience the local way of life, and learn about fresh, local ingredients to be used in the cooking class.

The small, intimate group then visits a unique cobblestone temple in Cam Lam, the only one of its kind in Vietnam and possibly the world. Through perseverance and faith, the temple has taken monk Thich Tam Phuoc 24 years to build and counting.

The journey also entails a stop at a mango garden to learn about the importance of mango cultivation and harvesting to the area, accompanied by a cup of mango tea.

The budding chefs then return to Alma to learn recipes that have been handed down the generations. Together they cook quintessential Vietnamese dishes including bò lá lốt (ground beef wrapped in betel leaves), chả giò tươi (fresh spring rolls) and phở (Vietnamese soup with bone broth, rice noodles and meat).

Guests then indulge their creations together for lunch and take home a recipe book and an apron, along with new memories.

“As they say: ‘You have to taste a culture to understand it’. You can’t get a much more authentic experience in Vietnam than sharing a meal, cooked from scratch,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “We hope our guests will return home with not only a remarkable repertoire of authentic dishes with which to impress their dinner guests but also new friends for life.”

About Alma 

Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 75-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre, a sustainable organic farm and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Chef Sasha Presents Unique Thai Fine Dining Experience with an Italian Twist

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Chef Yodying “Sasha” Phoomcharoen (4th from left), and Jean-Louis Graindorge (far left), Managing Director of Hybrid-Cuisine Co., Ltd., hosted a dinner in honour of a group of high profile guests  who were transported on a gastronomic journey to indulge in Chef Sasha’s unique cuisine, a masterful blending of traditional Thai flavours with Italian cooking techniques to create an unforgettable culinary experience at Hybrid Restaurant & Wine Bar located at Mahatun Plaza recently.  Pictured from left are:  Jean-Louis Graindorge; Naphalai Areesorn, Akarat Vanarat; Chef Sasha Phoomcharoen; Piyarat Kaljaruek; Sikanya Saktidej Bhanubandhu; and Korn Narongde.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

NEW TRADE GUIDES HELP AGENTS SELL U.K.

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Two new travel guides have been released by British tourism travel organizations with the aim of helping the trade plan and book travel to the UK by receiving information from and directly connecting with local suppliers. The guides – from England’s Historic Cities and the Great West Way – are excellent resources to destinations across Britain and can be accessed online.

England’s Historic Cities

The consortium of 13 historic cities in England launched its new Travel Trade Guide at VisitBritain’s Destination Britain North America travel trade conference, which took place Sept. 7-10 in San Franscisco.

‘England’s Historic Cities,’ previously operating as ‘England Originals,’ includes Bath, Cambridge, Canterbury, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster, Lincoln, Oxford, Salisbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, and York.

The new England Historic Cities Travel Trade Guide includes a selection of attractions, experiences, tour guiding companies and accommodation providers for each city. There is a wealth of history and heritage product in addition to some more unusual and exciting things to do.

It highlights trade-focussed information for almost 100 tourism businesses including discounted trade rates, min/max groups sizes, car/coach parking and details key trade contacts as well as providing overarching information on each of the city destinations with travel information and image library links.

Melanie Sensicle, England’s Heritage Cities Chairperson says, “This new guide gives the international travel trade a fantastic introduction to the very best of England’s Heritage Cities. It is an invaluable resource for intermediaries crafting bespoke itineraries for their clients who are wishing to explore the amazing things to do in England’s Historic Cities for 2024 and beyond.”

The new England’s Historic Cities Travel Trade Guide is available to download at www.englandoriginals.com/travel-trade.

Other resources include a travel trade toolkit, and five pre-planned suggested itineraries (each incorporating three cities): ‘Western Wonders,’ ‘Treasure Trove,’ ‘Wall to Wall,’ ‘Thinkers & Writers,’ and ‘Time Travellers.’ It also details the trade partnerships and their associated bookable programs – all designed to help join the distribution chain.

The Great West Way

Photo – Great West Way

Similarly, The Great West Way touring route, which extends from the outskirts of London west to Bristol, has unveiled its latest travel trade directory.

The comprehensive guide serves as a one-stop resource for intermediaries seeking to delve into the heart of the Great West Way and its array of things to do, streamlining the process of curating enticing itineraries, forging partnerships with suppliers, and showcasing the region’s charm to curious travellers.

This fifth edition brings to light not only prominent destinations ‘along the route,’ but also hidden gems in close proximity ‘within easy reach.’ New highlights, specialist tours and attractions, and a new ‘Stately Homes, Palaces and Castles’ suggested itinerary, offers inspiration for those creating new programs.

With a meticulous assessment of attractions, activities, accommodations, and dining options, the directory boasts a comprehensive compilation of approximately 500 up-to-date supplier listings, ranging from the less well known to the more prominent players in the tourism sector.

“This latest edition of the travel trade directory stands as our most invaluable asset yet – a veritable compendium of information catering to trade professionals keen on curating experiences within and around the Great West Way,” says Florence Wallace, Head of Travel Trade.

“Packed with inspirational concepts and vital contacts, it empowers buyers to cultivate and present distinctive and exhilarating tourism experiences for their clients. We remain steadfast in our commitment to aiding these intermediaries, striving to optimize bookable programs that entice a growing number of travellers to explore and savour the wonders strewn along this magnificent touring route.”

Over 100+ Great West Way Official Tour Operators and over 80 bookable programs being distributed in over 20 countries, comprise the guide.

Copies of the directory will be available at the annual Great West Way Marketplace event, which is now open for buyers to register. This hybrid event will run from Nov. 15 to 19 with the am of facilitating business between buyers and suppliers.

Other travel trade industry support includes 1:1 advice and support to over 225 Great West Way Ambassador businesses on how to work with the international travel trade, plus continued support for the Great West Way Official Tour Operator network, including a travel trade help desk, ongoing engagement and communications, troubleshooting, itinerary development and personal introductions to suppliers.

The interactive edition of the directory is available to view HERE.

It is complemented by an online travel trade toolkit which includes additional information to assist the development of wholesale programs at GreatWestWay.co.uk/traveltrade.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News