Global Travel News

PATA Invites Face of the Future 2023

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PATA Invites Face of the Future 2023 - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, May 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is now accepting submissions for the PATA Face of the Future 2023. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2023.

PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. As part of its activities, the Association is dedicated to human capital development (HCD) across the travel and tourism industry value chain. The primary focus of the Association’s HCD programme is the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.

To highlight PATA’s commitment to HCD, the Association presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.

The PATA Face of the Future 2023 will be recognized as the PATA Face of the Future 2023 at PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi, India.

Other benefits include:
– Full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2023 (air ticket, accommodation, and event registration).
– A speaking opportunity at the PATA Youth Symposium during the PATA Travel Mart 2023 to share your story about your passion and journey to success (may be replaced with a Virtual PATA Youth Symposium).
– Opportunities to speak at other PATA events or partner events on behalf of PATA.
– Global media exposure via PATA’s far-reaching communication channels.
– Opportunity to build their profile as a mentor for the PATA Youth Mentorship Programme to help develop young tourism professional students in the region via speaking and mentoring opportunities at PATA Youth webinars and other youth events.
– One blog post on the PATA Blog to share their passion and journey to success.
– Seat on the PATA Board to represent the PATA youth community.

PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “Through the PATA Face of the Future award we are able to identify young people making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific and Asia Region. As an invited speaker at PATA events and a member of the PATA Board, the winner serves as the voice of young tourism professionals and the future of tourism. PATA is committed to engaging youth; and together co-creating a sustainable tourism future.”

For information about how to enter, eligibility, and judging criteria, please visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or email PATA Youth Ambassador, Mr Nick Chun at fof@PATA.org.

PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s international travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships. This year’s event is generously hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and consists of the Travel Mart, PTM Forums, PTM Talks and the PATA Youth Symposium.

More information about the event can be found at www.pata.org/pata-travel-mart-2023.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Siam Adventure Club Pioneers New Era of Family Travel in Thailand

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Siam Adventure Club Pioneers New Era of Family Travel in Thailand - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Fun-filled children’s centres reveal expansion strategy, including immersive new recreational and eco-sensitive experiences for all ages, from tots to teens. Destination Group, the leading owner and operator of leisure resorts and attractions in Thailand, has announced plans to raise the bar for family travel experience in Thailand – and across Asia – with the launch of a new experiential and sustainable guest concept at Siam Adventure Club, its vibrant family activity centres.

Currently available at four internationally-branded resorts – Radisson Phuket Resort & Suites, Radisson Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Phuket Surin Beach, and Holiday Inn Phuket Karon Beach (with more to follow!) – Siam Adventure Club immerses kids in a world of fun with carefully crafted itineraries, while ensuring stress-free holidays for parents.

Ideal for children of all ages, from tots to teens, each Siam Adventure Club comprises an amazing array of activities and amenities. Led by Elfie and Eloise, the friendly elephant mascots, these centres are the heart and soul of their resort, with themed events, parties, sports, games, excursions, merchandise and much more.

As families now flock back to Thailand, Siam Adventure Club has revealed an exciting pipeline of plans for the future, with a focus on uplifting experiences. Fresh activities will focus on sustainability and community interaction, as well as live entertainment and new opportunities to embrace state-of-the-art technology, such as virtual reality and AI.

Guests can look forward to making a splash at the Mini Sharks swimming school, which is scheduled to launch ahead of the upcoming high season. Other new-look zones including Kids’ World, Arcade Galaxy, Hangout, Movie World and Champions Sports Bar are also awaiting every family with various types of fun and will surely create lifetime memories for everyone.

Partnerships with responsible partners such as elephant sanctuaries also enable families to head out into their destination, enjoy sustainable experiences and make lifelong memories. Launching this summer, this environmental concept will capture the imagination of today’s generation of eco-conscious youngsters. Dedicated events will also support local community projects through the group’s Destination Kids foundation.

Every aspect of Siam Adventure Club is being overseen by professionally-trained team members. New local, expat and international team members are being recruited and trained through unique multi-level employee training system to deliver and create outstanding guest journeys – like a cruise ship-style experience on land.

Looking ahead, new Siam Adventure Clubs will be launched in the popular Thai resorts of Pattaya and Khao Lak, and the first international Siam Adventure Club is being planned in Bali, Indonesia.

“In today’s hospitality industry, guests no longer seek just a comfortable bed or a lavish room; they crave unforgettable moments and experiences that create lasting memories. At Siam Adventure Club, we create an immersive journey full of fun, where each touchpoint becomes a cherished memory,” said Gary Dowson, Director of Fun at Destination Group.

For more information about Destination Group, please visit destination-group.com.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Marks 15 Years of Redefining Modern Luxury

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Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Marks 15 Years of Redefining Modern Luxury - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comKoh Samui, Thailand, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, a leading luxury resort on Samui Island, announced its roaring success for 15 consecutive years as this year marks its 15 anniversary and revealed ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy to add a new dimension to and redefine luxury. The hi-end retreat aspires to elevate itself to world-class status based on three pillars, namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A. is conceived to answer trends of modern travellers and in response to the recovery of Samui tourism.

Chonlada Soonthonvasu, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort’s managing director, said, “Silavadee Pool Spa Resort is a luxury resort that originated in Thailand and is managed by Thais. As this year marks its 15th anniversary, Silavadee has always been popular among Thai and foreign guests due to various factors such as its pristine location, world-class facilities, superb and meticulous service as well as warmth and uniqueness of Thai hospitality.

Now that Koh Samui welcomes the return of tourists with open arms, Silavadee has reached a 90% booking rate from foreign guests, 20% of whom are repeating guests from Europe, the US, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan while guests in new markets in Saudi Arabia and Israel also head for Silavadee. Most of them have made direct online bookings with the resort, as a result of online marketing plans executed during the height of the Covid-19 crisis which directly linked promotions and news to the consumers. Moreover, guests now are inclined to stay for longer periods and spend more compared to when they did in pre-Covid 2020. Therefore, Silavadee projected a 10% growth by the end of this year in comparison to 2020.

As 2023 marks Silavadee’s 15th anniversary, a new strategy called “The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A” has been introduced to deliver utter relaxation to guests through the resort’s three main pillars namely ‘S’ for Sustainability, ‘E’ for Experience and ‘A’ for Activity. The acronym S.E.A answers to the needs of modern travellers who seek a different kind of luxury than they’ve experienced before and responds to the speedy rebound of Samui tourism in the post-Covid-19 world as well as competition among tourism operators on Samui which looks to be increasingly intense.

“For the past 15 years, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort has been recognised and lauded by Thai and foreign guests as a superb resort with great service, beautiful location and unique natural surroundings. These factors motivate us to improve our service level and deliver a higher kind of luxury and we believe that our ‘New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy will guide us to create a truly relaxing experience for guests and help push Samui tourism”, said Chonlada.

The three pillars of ‘The New Chapters of Luxury – S.E.A’ strategy comprises of
1) S: Sustainability, one of the core policies of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, runs on the concept of “Back to Nature”. It started from the resort’s construction which keeps the natural abundance intact and uses eco-friendly materials for building and amenities within the resort. This year Silavadee will reinforce its commitment to sustainability, environment and community through various actions such as the distribution of income to the local communities by purchasing snacks from local vendors on Koh Samui, sourcing of ingredients within the island to cut transportation and greenhouse gas emissions, turning food leftover into compost for its in-house farm to combat food waste. Guests will also have opportunities to participate in activities which promote the environment and sustainability. For example, a visit to Silavadee Farm which runs on the circular economy concept. It is where vegetables, flowers and melons are grown and chickens are raised for ingredients to be used at the resort.

2) E: Experience is exceptional stay experience. This year, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort plans to elevate a stay into an experience for guests and provide service to meet the trends and behaviours of guests from the moment they book a stay to the checkout. To live up to its motto of ‘Silavadee Pool Spa Resort gives more than other luxury resorts’, there are in-room and in-resort amenities upgrades, new dishes and drinks, and highly attentive service to cater to individual needs and feelings of each guest. The resort hosts training sessions for its 200 staff on a regular basis to equip them with service minds to cater to the needs of guests more specifically. First-time guests will receive impressive experience and service while repeating guests will notice the improvement in their stay experience that the resort strives to deliver. The Experience pillar is Silavadee’s strong point which makes the resort well-known worldwide.

3) A: Activity refers to on-site inclusive activities. Currently, the resort offers a variety of activities for the convenience of the guests. On the occasion of its 15 anniversary in 2023, the resort has planned many activities to entertain guests no matter what lifestyle they have, including wellness service, exercise programme and consultation, food and beverage programmes, DJ sets and live music bands. These activities change monthly so guests can experience different activities during each visit and season.

“Silavadee Pool Spa Resort Koh Samui” comprises 80 guestrooms, 36 units of which are Deluxe type averaging 50sqm in size. Higher tier accommodation includes 40 Pool Villas and 4 Pool Villa Suites. The resort is well-equipped with various facilities such as Thai restaurant The Height, all-day dining restaurant Moon and rooftop bar Star. Silavadee Spa offers pampering and natural treatments in a serene setting. Moreover, guests can rest assured that security and hygiene measures are in place at the resort while all staff adhere to rules and regulations issued by the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, guests can enjoy exclusive experiences and privileges until the end of 2023. They can enjoy the specially crafted cocktail Sila 15th, which is made from 15-year-old whiskey and local tropical fruits such as coconut, with smooth sips at the rooftop bar Star. Guests can also embark on an epicurean journey through an exclusive fine-dining seven-course menu created from local ingredients to embody southern Thai culture. It’s affordably priced at 1,800 baht per person and available at The Height. Last by not least is the ‘Silavadee 15th Anniversary’ package which offers a 45% discount from Flexi promotion along with 1,500 baht of resort credit per stay. The offer stands until the end of 2023 so guests can experience ‘The New Chapters of Luxury’ and celebrate the anniversary with Silavadee.

To book a room or find out more about Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, please visit www.silavadeeresort.com

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Executive Council Meets in Punta Cana

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UNWTO Executive Council Meets in Punta Cana - TRAVELINDEX - VISITDOMINICANREPUBLIC.netPunta Cana, Dominican Republic, May 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / With global tourism on track to reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, UNWTO convened its Executive Council to advance plans to place education, investments and sustainability at the centre of the sector’s future.

Ahead of the 118th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer showed international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The  first quarter global results of 2023 set the pace for this upward trend to continue.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action. Building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism sector will require more and better-targeted investments, skilled workers and more innovation. UNWTO is working closely with our Member States to make significant progress in all these areas and we leave Punta Cana with a clear focus around shared goals and a shared vision for our sector.”

In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action.

Highest Political Support for Tourism

UNWTO welcomed delegations from 40 countries to its Council meeting, with the high-level political support reflecting tourism’s heightened relevance.

  • UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic. The one-on-one meeting focused on tourism investments and education, both shared priorities.
  • The 118th session of the Executive Council counted on the participation of high-level delegations from 40 countries, including 30 Council members.
  • Secretary-General Pololikashvili was awarded the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic’s “Champion of Tourism” recognition for his leadership of the sector and friendship of the country.

Guiding Tourism Forward

The UNWTO Secretary-General gave Member States an overview of the Organization’s work since the previous Executive Council (Marrakesh, Morocco, 25 November 2022) as well as UNWTO’s priorities looking ahead:

  • The Secretary-General’s report provided an up-to-date overview of tourism numbers and trends, identifying potential challenges for 2023 and beyond, including the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical uncertainty.
  • Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s key achievements around its main priorities (investments, education and jobs, innovation and tourism and rural development).
  • Participants were provided with a update on UNWTO’s status as an Organization, including plans to open new Regional and Thematic offices, and new approaches to tourism governance.

Focus on Sustainability

On the eve of the Executive Council, UNWTO participated in an International Forum on Sustainable Tourism organized by the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, UNWTO:

  • invited the Dominican Republic and Maldives to become the first countries to sign up to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, designed to reduce waste and increase circularity in the sector;
  • provided an overview of its central role in advancing sustainability, including as part of the One Planet Network, which UNWTO will continue to lead in 2024-25; and
  • announced progress on the creation of a landmark first global standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

Education, Jobs and Investments: Priorities for Tourism

During its Executive Council session, the UNWTO Secretariat provided updates on progress made in advancing its key priorities of education, jobs and investments:

  • UNWTO and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have partnered for a Bachelor’s Degree in International Sustainable Tourism
  • Reflecting the feedback of Members, UNWTO is set to launch a new Educational Toolkit to help make tourism a subject in high schools everywhere
  • UNWTO Investment Guidelines are serving as the bridge between investors, destinations and projects, with editions focused on countries in the Americas and Africa
  • Plans to create a Pan-African Tourism Fund, a Guarantee Fund to provide security for banks, investors and financial institutions, continue to advance

Within the framework of the Executive Council, UNWTO held the first ever Thematic Session on tourism communications and its role in building a new narrative focused on the sector’s importance for economic development and social opportunity.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

InterContinental Bangkok’s June Relaunch to Deliver the IC Life for Everyone

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InterContinental Bangkok's June Relaunch to Deliver the IC Life for Everyone - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25HOTELS.comBangkok, Thailand, May 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / InterContinental Bangkok Hotel is set to rise again with a stunning comeback in June. Boasting a bold new vision and a commitment to unparalleled service and innovation, the iconic property will usher in a new era after a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover.

Under the leadership of Stephen Gould, a seasoned luxury hotelier with a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional guest experiences, the InterContinental Bangkok will draw heavily on the property’s 20 years of handcrafted hospitality inspired by Thailand’s rich culture a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. Stephen’s 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality as an accomplished hotelier, including vast experience in the Asia Pacific region, is key to helping the hotel deliver this level of hospitality.

Stephen said about the InterContinental Life:
“At InterContinental Bangkok, we believe travel should always be alluring and we are dedicated to those who appreciate and enjoy The InterContinental Life. With our 20-year heritage, our prime location in the heart of Bangkok and our elite network of internationally acclaimed concierges with rich local knowledge, we offer guests an opportunity to elevate and enrichen their experience in one of the most desired destinations for travellers worldwide.”

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the world’s first international luxury travel hotel brand and has been pioneering international destinations for decades. The InterContinental Bangkok has been a pillar of Bangkok history for the past two decades and following a multimillion-dollar renovation and spectacular makeover positions the hotel like never before to welcome Thailand’s revived travel and leisure sector that is expected to receive between 25 million and 30 million foreign guests into the country this year.

The newly renovated InterContinental Bangkok will deliver a heightened level of sophistication, style, luxury and lavish design that embodies Thailand’s rich culture. Guests can enjoy curated culinary experiences from global cuisine offerings, including the debut of Bangkok’s first California-inspired restaurant, SoCal, or they can indulge their senses at SPA InterContinental, with a wide range of treatments that use HARNN and Elemis products. These characteristics, when combined, also deliver the InterContinental Life and create unforgettable experiences for guests and travellers from all over the world.

“I am confident that our talented team will introduce a new standard of luxury in Bangkok, creating truly exceptional experiences and delivering moments that matter for our guests. Thailand is a country with a rich history and shines as a beacon in global hospitality and reopening the InterContinental Bangkok after this makeover is one of the highlights of my career,” added Stephen.

InterContinental Bangkok is the ultimate destination for avid explorers and guests seeking traditional Thai luxury and curated experiences. Serving as an ultimate landmark, the hotel offers guests a sanctuary from Bangkok’s busy, urban lifestyles with an opportunity to ‘Discover More’.

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts makes travel alluring, with insights from over 75 years of experience. Each of our properties provides a gateway to the glamour of The InterContinental Life. As a brand, we aim to embody global sophistication through our superior, understated service and exceptional amenities. What makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show our guests through personalised and attentive services. We offer our most valued guests signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental experience. We connect our well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination, so they enjoy authentic local experiences that will enrich their lives. For more information and to book, visit intercontinental.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
With a family of 18 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 1,900 in the development pipeline.
– Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
– Premium: voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
– Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels
– Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites
– Exclusive Partners: Iberostar Beachfront Resorts
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avana Retreat Offers Nature Escape Stay Package

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Avana Retreat Offers Nature Escape Stay PackageHanoi, Vietnam, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / A mountainside retreat that’s won renown for its natural splendor, a picturesque cascade at the heart of the property and its embrace of local traditions, is rolling out a new two-night stay package that takes in highlights both in and out of the property.

Avana Retreat’s new ‘Avana Immersion’ package was designed to take the fuss out of pre-trip planning and celebrate Mai Chau’s stunning natural landscapes and the rich culture of local ethnic group. From local craft workshops and nature treks to exploration in a classic open-top military-style jeep, Avana has positioned itself at the helm of an unforgettable guest experience. The package includes:

  • Round-trip limousine shuttle bus transfer (a private car is available at additional cost)
  • Two nights in Bauhinia Mountain Suite, with interiors inspired by local design
  • Full breakfast daily, two 3-course lunches, and two 4-course dinners at Green Chili
  • Afternoon snack at Cloud Pool, a tiered pool with a shape that mimics tiered rice fields
  • A three-hour guided nature trek
  • A jeep tour of the local villages
  • A 60-minute body massage at Orchid Spa set by a jungle cascade
  • A craft and cultural workshop led by a local artisan
  • A tour of the on-site museum, housed in a 50-year-old Thai style stilt house
  • Daily yoga classes in the H’mong Cottage, overlooking rolling hills dressed in tiered rice paddies, bamboo groves and lush forest.

At the Green Chili restaurant, perched beside a koi pond at the base of the rice fields, the culinary team infuses its dishes with local herbs, spices and vegetables, many of which come from their own organic garden. Guests can further customize their dining plan, choosing to upgrade the four-course dining experience to Private Dining at the Waterfall or Private Dining at the Hidden Spring Lagoon.

Avana Immersion is available for bookings year-round. Depending on the time of week, visitors can take part in several complimentary activities most evenings, including movies under the stars at the outdoor cinema (Sunday to Friday), a traditional Thai dance performance ( Saturday), and sweet potato and corn roasting by the fire at the Stilt House Museum (Friday).

The Stilt House, thought of as the soul of Avana, was transformed into a museum so visitors could learn about the lives, culture and traditions of the local Thai, Muong, and Hmong ethnic groups, through exploration of the displays and listening to the stories behind them, as well as with hands-on activities with local artisans who still ply traditional trades, such as rattan weaving.

Another highlight of the offering is the spa. Designed to give guests a sense of peace and immersion in the natural world, the Orchid Spa weaves its way around the beginnings of the retreat’s landmark cascade, which acts as the soundtrack for spa therapies. Package guests can choose from a Deep Tissue Release, Vietnamese Energy Healing or Thai Stress Relieving massage as part of their stay.

The 36-villa retreat is spread over 15 hectares of land that includes picturesque terraced fields and verdant mountainside, much of which was planted by the Avana team. Though the Avana Immersion package is available indefinitely, the resort is offering an introductory offer of 25% off all packages until December 22, 2023. Prices are based on a minimum of two people sharing with rates beginning at USD 625 per person for two nights. A two day one night package is also available from USD 256 per person.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

First ZEL Hotel by Meliá and Tennis Player Rafa Nadal Opens in July

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First ZEL Hotel by Meliá and Tennis Player Rafa Nadal Opens in July - TRAVELINDEXPalma de Mallorca, Spain, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Meliá Hotels International and tennis player Rafa Nadal have joined forces to bring an exciting project to life: to create the first lifestyle hotel brand with an essence of the Mediterranean, instilling its character, lifestyle and culture as key features of the brand’s identity.  The ZEL Mallorca hotel is counting the days until it opens its doors this summer to present an inspirational experience that pays tribute to the unmistakable lifestyle of a Mediterranean home.

The first ZEL hotel is located in Palmanova, Mallorca, just 20 minutes from the airport, five minutes from one of Europe’s most stunning ports, Puerto Portals, a stone’s throw from the captivating Serra de Tramuntana and right alongside a beach with over 1,000 metres of white sand and crystal-clear waters.

At ZEL Mallorca, the patio serves as the heart, epicentre and energy source for the hotel, functioning as a lobby and joining the various areas together. A reflection of the passion for outdoor life.

In this same patio the hotel also offers a specialty coffee corner from the Syra Coffee brand. And ZEL Mallorca has designed and integrated its own concept store into this special space as well offering a place where visitors and guests can purchase exclusive products from local and international brands.

Taking this love of open spaces as inspiration and the trend of biophilic design as a starting point, the rooms have been conceptualised with colours, textures and shapes that convey the natural world, generating a sense of peace, wellbeing and reflection for guests.

The interior of ZEL Mallorca highlights a harmonious combination of influences, with nods and references to other key aspects of Mediterranean culture, such as those from Italy and Greece, along with prints and finishes in maritime tones.

The 165 room property features two pools. The rooms include 21 Suites and Junior Suites with incredible views of the sea. Electrical appliances are from CREATE®, giving a retro feel to the rooms while maintaining the contemporary essence. The amenities in the rooms are creations specially selected from the personal care company HAAN®.

“With our first ZEL hotel in Mallorca, and with the concept that we have created for the brand, we are looking to offer those moments in life that I enjoy so much: everyone knows that I love sailing, particularly in the Mediterranean; eating on the beach, at a beach bar or in a beach club; and relaxing while spending time with friends and family, feeling at home. This is what’s most important to me, what I wanted to convey with ZEL, and I believe we have achieved it,” shares the tennis player Rafa Nadal.

The first hotel from Meliá Hotels International and Rafa Nadal reflects the spirit of Mallorca: both relaxed and full of life. In doing this they have created a hotel that combines the concepts of both fiesta and siesta, where relaxing and having a good time are the priority.

Along these same lines, ZEL Mallorca also offers some of the best culinary and gourmet options. Beso Beach is the perfect example of this, with over 10 years of experience as a benchmark for gastronomic quality, thanks to its cuisine from the heart of the Mediterranean and the Basque Country.

Beso Beach Mallorca repeats the same magic formula with tables on the sand and a menu containing fantastic products, with rice with Carabinero prawns, txuletón de vaca vieja bilbaína (T-bone steak), lobster tails and delicious mussels featuring as just some of its star dishes.

In line with the most up-to-date gastronomic trends, ZEL Mallorca also offers a space by Syra Coffee, one of the leading brands in specialty coffee. With more than 30 outlets throughout Spain, Syra Coffee has come to the hotel to share its democratic coffee philosophy. A vision based on an environmentally-friendly product—obtained from transparent fair-trade crops, on family farms with a maximum of one hectare, to avoid overexploitation—while offering good quality, perfectly brewed, seasonal coffee.

When it comes to wellness, exercise is always a key aspect. ZEL Mallorca provides guests with professional trainers, who will help them to create their own personal routines. The hotel also offers a large gym with cutting-edge equipment, multifunction heated rooms for a greater challenge, hanging equipment for outdoor activities, and meditation spaces. For those who love outdoor sports, the gardens and the enormous golden sandy beach are perfect places for keeping in shape. And alongside the outdoor treatments on offer, the hotel also provides a spa with three treatment rooms, two jacuzzis, a steam room and a sauna.

To complete the experience, the hotel team has also designed a programme of concerts, music sessions and excursions. Guests can enjoy sports boot camps and tastings of local products at incredible locations, or they can explore some of the island’s most iconic destinations either on foot or on a bike, with routes exclusively selected by Rafa Nadal himself. Perfect activities for discovering the area and connecting with the true essence of the Mediterranean.

“The personality of ZEL Mallorca has a little something for everyone. Here you can do everything or just enjoy yourself while doing nothing; we have thought of every little detail to make sure your visit to our home is unique. We have a programme full of events that celebrate life: concerts, parties on the beach or by the pool, and endless hours of music that fits perfectly with every moment of the day,” explains Antonio Albiol, General Manager of ZEL Mallorca.

Rooms from €265/night

About ZEL
ZEL is the new lifestyle brand created together with Rafa Nadal. A collection of hotels inspired by the welcoming homes, outdoor culture and spontaneous lifestyle of the Mediterranean. A new hotel concept with a refreshing aesthetic based on the spontaneity, energy and family values of the Mediterranean.

ZEL presents an architecture based on open and dynamic spaces, with an organic and revitalizing aesthetic, inviting you to feel the warmth of a Mediterranean House. The Mediterranean patio is the centre of the experience, from sunset to sunrise, enjoy an exceptional and festive atmosphere without interruption.

The brand will soon open its doors in Mallorca, an island settled in the very heart of the Mediterranean Sea that bursts with a lively energy and idyllic landscapes.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International has a portfolio of more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline), throughout more than 40 countries, and 10 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, The Meliá Collection, ME by Meliá, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company worldwide, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and it is also a “Top Employer 2023” brand in Spain, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy and Germany. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar Pairs Creative Concoctions

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Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar Pairs Creative Concoctions - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comCooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit presents new Constellation Cocktails to light up the rooftop panorama.

Twelve new cocktails are created and named after the constellation stars/zodiac signs. We invite all friends and guests to embrace their inner star and pay homage to their celestial sign.

Each cocktail is named after the constellation and goes in sync with the basic characteristics of the celestial sign.

Price starts from THB 410++
A full menu is available here: qrco.de/bchQKr

For more information or to make reservations, please contact 02 090 7888

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ROUND-UP: May 15-19, 2023

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A week of drama ended with an 11th-hour deal between WestJet and its pilots averting a strike before the long weekend. In other news last week, the WTTC reported that Canada’s travel and tourism sector is within site of 2019 numbers; ACTA’s 2023 award nominations opened; and a fraudulent Ontario travel agent received 30 days in jail resulting from TICO charges.

NEWS

WestJet and its pilots union reached a last-minute deal, averting a strike ahead of the May long weekend. Some 1,800 pilots at WestJet and Swoop had been poised to walk off the job as of 3 a.m. mountain time after the ALPA served a strike notice earlier in the week. The airline had grounded the bulk of its fleet Thursday, including for Swoop, parking their 130 planes at airports from Vancouver to Halifax and leaving thousands of travellers in limbo across the country.

Lost in all the strike talk, the Air Line Pilots Association, which represents WestJet workers, approved a merger with the Air Canada Pilots Association, bringing the country’s two biggest flight crew labour groups under one roof. The move means 95% of professional Canadian pilots are represented by a single union.

A new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council finds that Canada’s travel and tourism sector is poised for major recovery this year and is within sight of its previous peak in 2019. If achieved, the activity would furnish some 90,000 more jobs to reach 1.64 million this year, recovering nearly all the travel and tourism positions scrapped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TICO

After being charged by TICO, Libia Ysabel Guerra Paez and Representaciones Neward Inc. were convicted of one count each of operating as a travel agent without being registered – the former receiving a sentence of 30 days in jail and a two-year probation. Paez was also convicted of one count of being an officer or director and failing to take reasonable care to prevent the corporation from committing an offence. Representaciones Neward Inc. was fined $12,500, inclusive of a victim surcharge.

ACTA

Nominations for the annual ACTA Awards – including a new Lifetime Achievement Award – for 2023 are now open. The honours will be bestowed at the annual ACTA 2023 Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit in September in Toronto. Anyone can nominate a person, but nominees must be ACTA members. Nominations will close on Friday, June 23, 2023. For details, click HERE.

BY THE NUMBERS

More than 74 million people visited Orlando in 2022, making the destination the most visited in the US, according to Visit Florida. Among them were over 860,000 Canadians, representing the Florida city’s top international market. While falling just short of pre-pandemic levels (98%), the number of tourists was 25% greater than it was in 2021. In 2022, international visitation recovered to 75% of pre-pandemic, reaching 4.9 million. Following Canada, the top markets were the UK (809,000), Brazil (575,000), Mexico (394,000), and Colombia (287,000).

AIR

Ottawa-Charlottetown service was inaugurated by Porter Airlines on May 17, with the carrier also announcing it plans to serve the route year-round.

Air Canada and flydubai announced a new partnership that will see the carriers codeshare on nine markets and interline on more than 60 others beyond Dubai. Pending final regulatory approval, Air Canada’s marketing code will be placed on nine routes operated from Dubai by flydubai that include Medina, Dammam, Bahrain, Jeddah, and Muscat, as well as flights to Colombo, and Karachi on the Indian Subcontinent.

Emirates and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims will enable customers of each airline to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport, as well as providing the flexibility of one-stop ticketing and convenient baggage check-in.

TOURS

Tauck has unveiled its 2024 portfolio of European river cruises, including six new itineraries – the most the company has ever added to its portfolio in a single year. Several of the trips incorporate included pre or post-cruise hotel stays in new-to-Tauck cities including Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany and Montreux and Geneva Switzerland. The new river cruises will be highlighted by an included dinner ashore in a lavish setting, with venues ranging from an elegant Viennese palace to a Dutch castle on its own private island, to an Italian Renaissance-style mansion in a small commune in northern France.

RAIL

Eurail has added new routes in Italy and Denmark. Lokaltog, a Danish railway company, has been added to Eurail’s Pass network, while two new overnight routes through Italy, specially designed for the summer season, offer a “slow travel” experience through the Italian countryside. Travellers can depart from either Vienna, Austria, or Monaco, and arrive in Ancona, Italy (and vice versa) the next morning with stops in Bologna, Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica and Pesaro.

HOTELS

Marriott International, Inc. has completed its acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio from Hoteles City Express. With the acquisition, Marriott International has entered the affordable midscale segment and is launching its 31st brand, City Express by Marriott. The existing City Express hotel portfolio, consists of approximately 150 properties that offer urban, suburban, and extended stay offerings in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile, makes Marriott largest hotel company in Caribbean, Latin America.

Inspired by Steve Irwin’s life, legacy and love for wildlife and wild places, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge in Queensland, Australia, offers eight deluxe cabins surrounded by wilderness and native fauna, helping guests reconnect with nature. With family-friendly rustic cabins and spacious decks overlooking the bushland and wildlife habitats, guests receive complimentary breakfast and a gift pack, along with unlimited entry to Australia Zoo. Amenities include a pool, restaurant and a multi-species habitat that is home to red kangaroos, emus and koalas. More than 3,000 native trees and shrubs are planted throughout the grounds, creating natural wildlife corridors for animals, along with purposefully placed nesting boxes.

RESORTS

The Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, reports that effective June 1, the Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa in Mexico will no longer be affiliated with the brand’s portfolio. Guests with existing reservations at Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa from June 1 will have their stays accommodated at another Inclusive Collection branded property in the destination.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has announced plans for a new luxury resort in Saudi Arabia as part of the NEOM master project, located on Sindalah Island. The resort will feature 225 guest rooms and suites with terraces overlooking the beaches of the Red Sea, as well as 52 villas with one to four-bedroom configurations with plunge pools and beach views.

EVENTS

This year’s Global Tourism Film Festival recently wrapped up in North Bay, Ont., having provided attendees (above), including travel professionals, to “four days of worldwide destination discovery” through cinema screenings, and in-depth seminars, tourism insight and professional development. GTFF 2023, held this year in Canada, shone a spotlight on the country with ‘Cinema Canada,’ a segment of Canadian produced film promoting the destination’s heritage, along with a host of international offering, including the world premiere of ‘Closer to Heaven’ by director Zara Janjua, who attended with cast members. The Australian produced ‘Blueback,’ with Radha Mitchell and Eric Bana, was awarded Best Feature.

Ensemble Summit, a high-level executive getaway, will take place from June 4-7 at the Forbes Five-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah followed by the Ensemble Beyond event for top performers from Aug. 1-8 in partnership with Explora Journeys. The summer culminate with Ensemble Horizons – the gathering for the entire Ensemble community – which will take place from Nov. 2-6 at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

CRUISE

Departing Nov. 30, 2024, Seabourn Sojourn will debut its first-ever “Grand Africa Voyage,” circumnavigating the continent during a 90-day roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. The journey will visit 44 marquee and off-the-beaten path ports and cities throughout 26 countries, with six overnight stays on the itinerary. The cruise is open for sale.

Cunard has announced its Winter 2025 program, offering over 133 voyages, with stops at 159 unique destinations around the globe. The luxury cruise line also revealed that its highly anticipated Queen Anne will be the only one of vessels to offer a full World Voyage in 2025. Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, flagship liner Queen Mary 2, and the brand’s newest vessel Queen Anne will call at 57 countries, with six maiden calls for the fleet in Alaska, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Japan.

DEALS

Celebrating its relaunch on June 2 after refurbishments, Margaritaville at Sea’s ‘Summer Sail-A-Bration’ is offering a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) special on its, 3-day/2-night cruises from Palm Beach, Fla., to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The offer must be purchased by May. 31 and is valid for sailings in 2023.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Opening soon is SeaWorld San Diego‘s all-new kid-friendly play area, Rescue Jr., which allows kids to learn about animal rescue and rehabilitation through hands-on, active, and engaging experiences, as well as offering play elements such as splash pad, water features, climbing structures and rides, along with real rescue vehicles, an obstacle course, puzzles, fun animal facts, and tips on how to help conservation every day.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Agents who book their clients with Sunwing on a Hyatt Inclusive Collection vacation package at select Dreams Resorts & Spas and Secrets Resorts & Spas properties by May 31 (for departures by Dec. 15) will be automatically entered for a chance to win a free seven-night stay at Dreams Sands Cancun Resort and Spa or Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya. Additionally, agents will earn 5X STAR Points on eligible bookings.

Through June 12, agents booking a minimum of three cruises with TravelBrands’ Encore Cruises will earn 15,000 bonus Loyalty Rewards points. Additionally, agents who book a cruise during the eligible period will be entered into a draw to win a 250,000 Loyalty Rewards points – “enough points to cover a very nice vacation in paradise!” Go to travelbrandsaccess.com for more.

TravelBrands has also launched three new games – Quiz, Treasure, and Casino – to reward agents with bonus Loyalty Rewards Points and extra commission. The games are accessible on Access+ through June 9. Plus, agents who complete all three games earn a chance to win a $2,500 TravelBrands future travel voucher.  TravelBrands is also giving 2% bonus commission for bookings made on Access+ through the same date, valid on TravelGenie packages, hotel only, and add-ons such as tours, transfers, and attractions.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Toronto-based Reach Global Marketing has been named agency of record for Visit Virginia Beach. Kelli Norman, Interim VP of Tourism Marketing & Sales, at the Virginia Beach CVB said, “Canada is an extremely important market for us. We have been in the market for 30 years now and we are extremely excited to partner with Reach Global Marketing to elevate brand Visit Virginia Beach to the next level.”

DESTINATIONS

St. Nicholas Church

The millennium-and-a-half-old St. Nicholas Church in Antalya, Turkey, has reopened to the public after an 18-month restoration. Located in the Mediterranean resort city’s Demre district, the church, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is built on the burial grounds of the Turkish-born saint now known today as “Santa Claus.” Built in 520 CE, the church’s extensive wall paintings and floor mosaics, are considered essential works in Byzantine art and architecture and were also restored. New gallery space was installed on the second floor, and accessibility enhanced among other improvement and protections.

The 33rd edition of the Malta Jazz Festival will be from July 10 to 15. Known for its philosophy of creating a synergy between upcoming and headlining musicians, the jazz fest is a national and international highlight in the portfolio of festivals produced by Festivals Malta. The event launches on July 10 at the Embassy Hotel with an opening concert by Daniel Sant, William Smith, and Dean Montanaro and festival week proceeds with evening concerts at the Valletta City Theatre featuring hard bop band, The New York Blue Quintet.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1930, registered nurse Ellen Church, the first airline stewardess, went on duty aboard an Oakland-to-Chicago flight operated by Boeing Air Transport (a forerunner of United Airlines).

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

 

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Appoints Jagdeep Thakral as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar

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Jabal Akhdar, Oman, May 22, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Mr Jagdeep Thakral as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar and its adjoining adventure park in Oman.

Mr Thakral is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in the hospitality industry. During his career he has held several key leadership positions for IHG Hotels and Resorts, including Area General Manager for Indonesia, where he oversaw the operations of several flagship hotels in Jakarta; and Area General Manager for Holiday Inn Express in Bangkok, where, alongside serving as the General Manager of Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, he successfully managed five hotels in different suburbs.

Mr Thakral’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry also includes, amongst others, serving as the General Manager of IHG Hotels Pyeongchang, South Korea, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, and Resident Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Penang, Malaysia. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, India, where he majored in Hotel Management, Mr Thakral also has extensive experience in Food and Beverage, working in various F&B management roles for Starwood and IHG from 1987 through 2009.

Passionate about providing employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, he gave a speech on the topic at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2013 and received the UN ESCAP-Sasakawa Award for Disability-Inclusive Business in 2014 in Bangkok.

Prior to joining Dusit, Mr Thakral was General Manager of The Grand New Delhi, where he successfully repositioned the hotel in the luxury space by upgrading the product and standardising systems and processes. He took on his new position as General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar in April this year.

“I am honoured and excited to join Dusit Hotels and Resorts and work with the talented team at dusitD2 Naseem Resort and Adventure Park,” said Mr Thakral. “Together with the team, I am committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, building strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders, and driving sustainable growth for the property. I look forward to leading the team towards achieving new milestones and positioning dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar as a premier destination in the region.”

Opened in 2021, dusitD2 Naseem Resort is located within an 8,000 sq m Adventure Park on the Saiq Plateau in Oman’s renowned Jabal Akhdar area, just a five-minute drive from the ‘Grand Canyon of the Middle East,’ and two hours by car from Muscat International Airport. Comprising 252 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, the contemporary resort fully embraces its unique mountain location with a spacious layout that blends seamlessly with its stunning natural surroundings.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services.

The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Dusit Devarana, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 17 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News