Global Travel News

Madrid/Nairobi, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / “Recipe of Change” is the groundbreaking initiative launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism to tackle a major global sustainability challenge: food waste.

The initiative’s value is immediate and tangible, brought to life through its adoption by major global players in the tourism sector. Combined, these businesses serve over 600 million guests annually and generate more than USD 56.5 billion in annual revenue, mobilizing the sector at scale to prevent food waste, influence consumer behavior, and accelerate the transition to more sustainable food systems.

On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, a Global Roundtable was convened, aimed at accelerating food waste reduction across the tourism sector. As well as recognizing the environmental challenges, the event also emphasized that food waste reduction can contribute to lower costs for the sector, build resilience against supply shocks, and contribute to broader food security.

Through Recipe of Change, stakeholders will measure food waste in their operations, and implement operational and behavioral solutions in support of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 to halve food waste by 2030.

Remarking on the significance of this initiative, Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism said: “2.3 billion people experience food insecurity every single day. With a third of the world´s population failing to receive this basic human right and food wastage contributing up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, we must take decisive action. Recipe of Change seeks to do just that – with the tourism sector directly supporting solutions that drive sustainable consumption.”

The need to drive direct ground-level impact was reiterated by Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the Industry and Economy Division at UNEP, who said: “Tourism businesses are in a unique position to redesign menus, encourage lasting behavioral change and deliver measurable reductions in food waste. We are calling on more businesses across the tourism sector to become active partners of Recipe of Change and help accelerate progress towards halving global food waste.”

Leading Businesses Commit to Action

The initiative has seen major players in the tourism sector join UNEP and UN Tourism to create ground level impact, including: Accor, Constance Hotels & Resorts, Club Med, easyJet holidays, Grupo Posadas, Hilton, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, Radisson Hotel Group, Six Senses, TUI Group, Lightblue Consulting and Winnow.

The interest of these tourism leaders reflects the continued commitment of the private sector to sustainability. It builds on successes such as the “Green Ramadan” campaign led by Hilton in partnership with Winnow, which saw participating hotels reduce food waste by over 60% in early pilots (2023), with further reductions of 20-30% in subsequent editions, as the initiative scaled from 3 hotels to 64 hotels in 2026.

To further accelerate the sector’s transformation, UN Tourism and UNEP encourage businesses across the tourism sector to join the movement and help cut food waste in half.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 31, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) today announces the release of the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028, which shows that inbound arrivals to the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026 onward, with the baseline reaching 761.2 million by 2028.

However, in light of evolving geopolitical developments and macroeconomic volatility, the outlook also considers a lower bound forecast scenario, where international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery compared to 2019 levels.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation—the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, with the ability to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

“The results reflect not only the pace of recovery across destinations, but also the deeper structural changes transforming the tourism economy,” said Professor Haiyan Song, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, Research Center for Digital Transformation of Tourism, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (SHTM). “Understanding these dynamics is critical for destinations seeking to navigate uncertainty while pursuing more sustainable and competitive growth.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth of each region and sub-region.

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Some highlights from the report:

• Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.
• Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.
• China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.
• China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.
• Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.
• Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150 percent of their 2019 levels.
• By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members.  Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications.

In connection with this report, a complimentary webinar titled Asia Pacific Tourism Outlook 2026–2028: Growth Under Global Uncertainty was held on Thursday, February 26. The full recording can be accessed via the PATA calendar.

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Manila, Philippines, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / ASEAN will continue to navigate its future together, even as the Philippines shifts preparatory meetings for its 2026 Chairship to virtual formats — a timely and necessary move in response to evolving developments in the Middle East and their impact on regional priorities, particularly energy security.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a recalibration of the Philippines’ hosting of ASEAN 2026, scaling down non-essential activities “in order to save on expenses and focus on the most important,” according to Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

As part of this directive, approximately 650 preparatory meetings will now be conducted online.

The upcoming Leaders’ Summit in May will tackle urgent priorities, including energy security, food security, and migrant workers’ concerns. It will proceed as an in-person meeting but on a “very bare bones” format.

To implement the directive, the ASEAN National Organizing Council (NOC), chaired by Recto, issued a 27 March memorandum directing the host agencies to conduct virtually all preparatory meetings — from working groups to ministerial.

Even as formats evolve, ASEAN cooperation remains steady and purposeful, ensuring that the region continues to respond collectively and decisively to shared challenges.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes World Champion Pastry Chef Masanori Hata, winner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, for a limited-time residency at The Authors’ Lounge, presenting an afternoon tea that showcases his signature artistry and delicate balance of flavour.

Available from 26 March to 25 April 2026, this special collaboration introduces guests to Chef Hata’s pastry creations through a selection of savouries, warm scones and desserts. Recognised internationally for his disciplined technique and thoughtful approach, Chef Hata brings his distinctive style to one of Bangkok’s most celebrated afternoon tea settings.

The experience begins with a sorbet course featuring Floating Island with Bourbon vanilla ice cream and sea-salted caramel, offering a gentle introduction to the afternoon tea that follows.

Guests may then enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches, including Boston lobster with tartare sauce, beef pastrami with potatoes and sour cream, yellow curry bread sandwich with celery heart and egg salad, smoked salmon with horseradish and cucumber, and coronation chicken salad with black olives.

The afternoon tea continues with warm plain and raisin scones, served with seasonal house-made jams and a choice of Devonshire clotted cream, mascarpone or butter.

Chef Hata’s pastry selection includes Lemon Mint Pie, Hazelnut Milk Chocolate Cake, Pistachio Griotte Cake, Apricot and Pistachio Macaron, Hazelnut Praline and Caramel Petit-Beurre Dulcey, and a Brioche Roll with Pear Compote and Jasmine Cream.

Served within the historic surroundings of The Authors’ Lounge, the experience reflects Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s long-standing connection with visiting culinary talents and the traditions of afternoon tea that have been part of the hotel’s story for generations. As Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok celebrates 150 years, the collaboration with Chef Masanori Hata continues the hotel’s tradition of welcoming distinguished guest chefs.

Afternoon tea is priced at THB 1,980++ per person, or THB 2,680++ per person including a glass of Champagne.

Afternoon Tea by World Champion Pastry Chef Masanori Hata will be available from 26 March to 25 April 2026 at The Authors’ Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 30, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Santiaga presents Summer in Tulum, a Tulum-inspired daytime brunch where fermentation, bold Mexican flavors, and music come together.

On Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Chef Mauricio Rosales Ungson brings together a vibrant brunch menu, house-made tepache, and a live DJ set for a one-day event inspired by the laid-back rhythm of coastal Mexico. Recently awarded Bangkok’s Best Mexican Restaurant 2026 by BK Top Tables, Santiaga continues to push contemporary Mexican dining forward through immersive culinary experiences.

The spotlight is on tepache, Mexico’s refreshing fermented fruit drink, crafted in-house and presented through a series of bright, tropical, and spiced variations. Expect playful flavors like hibiscus, tamarind, lemon, jackfruit, mangosteen, and pineapple, all designed to complement a lively daytime drinks program. Guests can also explore the range through a Tepache Flight: three signature tepache cocktails, THB 590++.

The food is bold, expressive, and made to share, featuring dishes such as pan francés tres leches with pink guava, huevos with machaca and chorizo, onsen egg in salsa verde, yogurt with mole rosa, and enchilada de pato.

With only 30 seats available, Summer in Tulum is set to be an intimate daytime experience where food, drinks, and music come together in true Santiaga style.

Santiaga Mexican Restaurant
Saturday, April 4, 2025
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Sukhothai Bangkok invites culinary enthusiasts to a special one-night-only wine dinner at Celadon on 10 April 2026, presenting a collaborative dining experience between two distinguished chefs from Bangkok and Shanghai.

Hosted at Celadon, the Michelin Guide-listed Thai restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, the evening brings together Chef Chapornpat “Jib” Dapachutisan, Thai Chef of Celadon, and her guest chef, Chef Daniel Liu, Executive Chef of The Sukhothai Shanghai. Together they will present a thoughtfully crafted four-course menu with Thai wine pairing, priced at THB 2,200++ per person.

The concept, “Thai–Chinese Twist Cuisine,” explores the harmonious meeting of authentic Thai and Shanghainese flavours, where traditional culinary identities are interpreted through contemporary techniques. Each course highlights the chefs’ shared creativity, blending regional ingredients, cultural inspiration, and modern presentation.

Chef Jib has quickly become a key culinary force at Celadon since joining the restaurant in 2024. With nearly two decades of experience, she combines classical training from Le Cordon Bleu with a deep appreciation for traditional Thai flavours. Her refined techniques and artistic presentation continue to shape Celadon’s distinctive culinary identity.

For this special collaboration, Chef Jib welcomes Chef Daniel Liu, who brings more than two decades of international culinary experience, having led kitchens across major cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Cairo, and Dubai. At The Sukhothai Shanghai, his leadership has guided several restaurants to notable recognition, including the Thai Select One-Star certification awarded by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce for Urban Café’s Thai restaurant, along with multiple accolades for La Scala Italian Restaurant at the Olive Press Restaurant Awards China.

Together, the chefs present a unique culinary journey where Thai heritage meets Shanghai sophistication, celebrating the cultural connection between the two cities through food.

This exclusive evening promises a memorable dining experience in the elegant setting of Celadon, one of Bangkok’s most respected destinations for refined Thai cuisine.

Event Details
Date: 10 April 2026
Celadon at 18:00
Dinner: 4-course menu with wine pairing
Price: THB 2,200++ per person

Reservations are recommended.
Please call 02 344 8888

About The Sukhothai Bangkok
A sanctuary of timeless elegance, The Sukhothai Bangkok is a 210-room luxury hotel and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Recognised with a Two Michelin Keys and the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award, the hotel is renowned for its gracious hospitality and refined sense of place in the heart of the city. Guests enjoy award-winning dining, a tranquil spa, comprehensive wellness facilities, and a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, along with elegant venues for distinctive events and culinary experiences.

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Cape Town, South Africa, March 28, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Cederberg Conservancy is a 182 000-hectare Wilderness located just three hours’ drive from Cape Town.  It has been a proclaimed World Heritage Site since 1973, under the Cape Floristic Region.  One of the 22 farms in the picturesque Cederberg Mountain range is Mount Ceder, a beautiful, family owned and run working olive farm.  It has been a closely guarded secret by locals “in the know” for many years, but they have just launched three brand-new Under Canvas Hideaways on a pristine site along the Grootrivier (meaning large river), which has been designed for both the international market as well as discerning local travellers who prefer an added dash of catered luxury.

The three new Under Canvas Hideaways, which welcomed their first guests on 1^st March 2026, each offer a whopping 70 m² of understated luxury under canvas complete with beautiful ensuite bathrooms, glass fronts and beautiful decks.  Each Hideaway also has its own private wood fired hot tub.  They have been named after iconic constellations, (Orion, Scorpius and Crux) in celebration of this wilderness area’s very low-light pollution at night, where velvet skies provide the perfect canvas for vivid stars, with the Milky Way blazing its trail in all its glory.  A perfect noctourism escape!

These new Hideaways have a very low impact on nature thanks to their elevated, eco-conscious structures, built in keeping with the ethos of this biologically friendly farm, where animals in the olive grove assist with creating a natural micro eco system, drip irrigation protects its water source and energy is harvested from solar panels.

The new Hideaways complement Mount Ceders existing accommodation offering which comprises six villas (which sleep up to 6 or 8 guests) and three mini-villas (which sleep 4) which are all bookable on a self-catered basis. Leeustert (meaning Lion’s Tail) has also been renovated, and the popular 2 sleeper is also available now for bookings.  The larger Villas also have their own wood fired hot tubs for maximum enjoyments of the views. Villa guests can self-cater or dine at the fully licensed Old Millhouse Restaurant.

The Conservancy is the proud custodian of the protected Clanwilliam Cedar tree and offers refuge to the rare Cape Leopard as well as the Sandfish which is the most threatened migratory fish species in South Africa, which has found a haven in the valley’s Groot Rivier and its tributaries. Activities on site include a wide range of half or full day self-guided walks and guided hikes, mountain bike trails, Olive Grove Tours and tastings and sundowner walks.  There is also Junior Ranger Adventures for youngsters where they can enjoy the great outdoors, learning about San and Khoi rock art, making bows and arrows, go pond fishing and enjoy fun scavenger hunts. The Grootrivier, the perennial river that meanders through the property, is safe for swimming and ideal for canoeing. The birding is also superb, and the region is renowned for its wildflowers in season.

Rates for the Hideaways start from R1,800 (around £75) per person sharing including breakfast, with lunch and dinner available a-la-carte at the restaurant.  Mount Ceder is the sister property to Onguma Nature Reserve in Namibia.

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Shanghai, China, March 28, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / As part of The 25th China Restaurant Chain Summit, taking place from April 6–11, 2026 in Shanghai, Kinnaree by Vanessa Wu presents Thai Tastes: Shanghai Journey.

This program offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into China’s business landscape, with in-depth perspectives on market trends and international business practices.

The Royal Thai Consulate General in Shanghai is a diplomatic mission representing Thailand in eastern China, responsible for promoting Thai-Chinese relations, providing consular assistance to Thai citizens, and handling visa applications and other documentation services.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, approved by China’s Ministry of Commerce, is the sole officially certified chamber dedicated to promoting Sino-Thai economic cooperation. It aims to unite Thai enterprises in China and promote Sino-Thai economic cooperation, currently gathering around 100 prominent members including CP Group and TCP Group.

Marking its 20th anniversary, Kinnaree by Vanessa U recently hosted an elegant, invite-only gathering that felt less like a celebration of longevity and more like a statement of evolution. The evening reflected how Kinnaree has grown from a refined Thai restaurant into a culinary legend, one that bridges heritage and innovation.

At the heart of Kinnaree is founder Vanessa Wu (Wanasnan Kanokpattanangkul), whose background is as much academic as it is culinary. Her work over the past 30+ years has extended far beyond the kitchen, spanning research, education, and international culinary exchange.

She has been particularly active in China and Europe, where she has helped introduce Thai culinary techniques to chefs and hospitality professionals. This cross-cultural engagement has contributed to a growing appreciation of Thai cuisine as both an art form and a form of cultural diplomacy, often described as part of Thailand’s soft power.

About the Kinnaree Academy
Kin Academy, founded by Ms. Vanessa Wu, is a professional institution dedicated to promoting Thai food culture and advancing Thai cuisine as a global lifestyle food. Through training programs, research initiatives, and international collaborations, the academy supports the global expansion of Thai cuisine and helps overseas Thai restaurants maintain authentic Thai taste standards. Kin Academy also inspires Thais to become ambassadors of Thai culinary culture while fostering international partnerships, culinary education, and sustainable supply chains that strengthen the global Thai food ecosystem.

For more information:
Website: www.kinnareebywanessawu.com
Tel: 094 229 8998

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Phuket, Thailand, March 27, 206 / TRAVELINDEX / An Exclusive Beach Club at The Surin Phuket celebrates the Summer 2026 Collection “Catch the Parisian Wave”. Inspired by its Summer 2026 collection “Catch the Parisian Wave”, Longchamp transforms the Pansea beach into a space for creative expression with La Plage Longchamp, an exclusive beach club at The Surin Phuket, from 24 March to 6 April 2026. The destination forms part of the Maison’s global Beach Takeover series, spanning iconic summer locations across the world.

Designed as an immersive seaside experience, La Plage Longchamp celebrates a sunny, free-spirited lifestyle where Parisian elegance meets surf culture. Drawing from the rhythm of the ocean and the spirit of life in motion, the experience invites guests to embrace a more relaxed, instinctive way of living where style flows as naturally as the tide.

Inspired by the colours of a summer sunset — from shrimp pink and lagoon blue to mint green — the collection captures the movement of waves, the warmth of sunlight, and the energy of coastal landscapes. This vibrant palette reflects lightness, spontaneity, and a sense of freedom that defines both Parisian style and surf culture.

At The Surin Phuket, the experience unfolds through a series of thoughtfully curated elements. Striped deck chairs, beach games, and surf-inspired details create a setting that feels both refined and playful. Special-edition surfboards, developed in collaboration with Shapers Club, reinforce this dialogue between craftsmanship and a lifestyle driven by movement and escape. The space also features a dedicated pop-up showcasing key pieces from the Summer 2026 collection, including Le Pliage Du Monde Phuket, a special-edition travel bag created exclusively for Thailand, celebrating the art of travel through a contemporary lens.

On this occasion, Longchamp welcomed over 27 guests from 11 countries across Asia — including China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand — from 24 to 26 March 2026. Guests were invited to fully immerse themselves in the La Plage Longchamp experience, from beachside moments to a curated boat journey to a nearby island, embracing the rhythm of coastal living and the effortless energy of surf culture.

Thai talents Mintira Pipithayakorn (@mintira.q), Yammatira Tantiprasut (@yammatira), Thitiya Jirapornsilp (@bbaiporuary), and Kirana Pipithayakorn (@kiranaa.q) embody the spirit of the Summer 2026 collection through looks that reflect movement, vibrancy, and contemporary Parisian style, set against an energetic seaside backdrop.

La Plage Longchamp
The Surin Phuket
24 March – 6 April 2026
An Exclusive Beach Club at The Surin Phuket
Celebrating the Summer 2026 Collection “Catch the Parisian Wave”

Inspired by its Summer 2026 collection “Catch the Parisian Wave”, Longchamp transforms the Pansea beach into a space for creative expression with La Plage Longchamp, an exclusive beach club at The Surin Phuket, from 24 March to 6 April 2026. The destination forms part of the Maison’s global Beach Takeover series, spanning iconic summer locations across the world.

Designed as an immersive seaside experience, La Plage Longchamp celebrates a sunny, free-spirited lifestyle where Parisian elegance meets surf culture. Drawing from the rhythm of the ocean and the spirit of life in motion, the experience invites guests to embrace a more relaxed, instinctive way of living where style flows as naturally as the tide.

Inspired by the colours of a summer sunset — from shrimp pink and lagoon blue to mint green — the collection captures the movement of waves, the warmth of sunlight, and the energy of coastal landscapes. This vibrant palette reflects lightness, spontaneity, and a sense of freedom that defines both Parisian style and surf culture.

At The Surin Phuket, the experience unfolds through a series of thoughtfully curated elements. Striped deck chairs, beach games, and surf-inspired details create a setting that feels both refined and playful. Special-edition surfboards, developed in collaboration with Shapers Club, reinforce this dialogue between craftsmanship and a lifestyle driven by movement and escape. The space also features a dedicated pop-up showcasing key pieces from the Summer 2026 collection, including Le Pliage Du Monde Phuket, a special-edition travel bag created exclusively for Thailand, celebrating the art of travel through a contemporary lens.

On this occasion, Longchamp welcomed over 27 guests from 11 countries across Asia — including China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand — from 24 to 26 March 2026. Guests were invited to fully immerse themselves in the La Plage Longchamp experience, from beachside moments to a curated boat journey to a nearby island, embracing the rhythm of coastal living and the effortless energy of surf culture.

Thai talents Mintira Pipithayakorn (@mintira.q), Yammatira Tantiprasut (@yammatira), Thitiya Jirapornsilp (@bbaiporuary), and Kirana Pipithayakorn (@kiranaa.q) embody the spirit of the Summer 2026 collection through looks that reflect movement, vibrancy, and contemporary Parisian style, set against an energetic seaside backdrop.

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Davos, Switzerland, March 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Every January for one week, the Swiss ski town of Davos becomes something far larger than its 10,800 residents. In 2026, it hosted more than 3,000 attendees from 130 countries—heads of state, billionaires, CEOs, celebrities… For over half a century, Davos has carried the weight of the World Economic Forum (WEF), the world’s most influential annual gathering.

Yet somehow it feels an improbable setting: the winding roads climbing up are single lane, the trains run on a narrow gauge of 1,000 millimeters, and some older hotel rooms are as small as 12 square meters. Why Davos?

A rare identity evolved over 100 years

Becoming the WEF’s hub was not accidental. The Alpine town entered the broader public imagination through literature. In 1924, Thomas Mann published The Magic Mountain, the novel that transformed Davos from a tuberculosis sanatorium into an “idea incubator.” Mann’s protagonist, Hans Castorp, arrived in Davos for a three-week visit, but stayed for seven years, drawn into a world where illness, philosophy, and time itself seemed suspended.

Mann, who later won the Nobel Prize, described Davos’s fog and thin air as a kind of high-mountain consciousness—a place where thoughts sharpened and the world’s fate debated. It was a space that stimulates intellectual, cultural, and spiritual capital.

WEF’s founder, Klaus Schwab, a German business scholar, believed that “environment matters.” He chose Davos precisely because mountains in Swiss and German culture symbolize retreat, clarity, and perspective. The municipality’s scale—small and casual enough for chance encounters, enclosed enough for security—reinforces the Forum’s belief that dialogue requires both openness and containment.

Five decades later, the book’s metaphor remains uncannily resonant: the sanatorium debates echo in the WEF’s agenda sessions; the mountain solitude has become a stage for global cooperation and disagreement.

Walking through the streets of Davos during WEF week, one feels the interplay between global urgency and alpine calm. Mornings begin early: newspaper vendors hand out special editions of the Financial Times and other titles; boots click on the pavement as delegates move between venues; helicopters thrum near and far; and the mountains remain still. Together, they form the peculiar atmosphere that has long made Davos the inevitable home for Schwab’s vision.

The second focal battlegrounds—“Houses”

If the Congress Centre is the brain of the WEF, the Promenade is its marketplace. This main street undergoes a feverish metamorphosis, when roughly 150 storefronts are “colonized” to become identity “Houses”, transforming the Promenade into a corridor of national pavilions, corporate showcases and NGO hubs. Inside the Houses real partnerships are formed and capital moved.

The economics are eye-watering: Local shopkeepers vacate their premises and leave Davos behind—the rent, it is said, approaches a year’s income.

The new “House owners” then turn these structures into workspaces of every kind. During the week, these Houses become dense, fast-moving hubs—arguably the Forum’s most active marketplace for projects and deals.

Many Houses are restricted to internal activities and invitees. Inside, warm air mixes with the aroma of espresso and national treats, alongside intense networking. A young investment banker from Zurich, energetic and stylishly dressed, whispered to me, “I only need to find one prince.” He commutes more than six hours daily by train between Zurich and Davos, “treasure-hunting.”

Outside the “AI House”, a long queue seemed permanent—people hoped to hear from tech prophets. At the South African House, I joined two ministerial roundtables on tourism and investment. The Indonesian House displayed bold figures: “Nickel, World No. 1; Cobalt, World No. 3; Solar, 3,294 gigawatts (99.79% undeveloped)…” Nearby, at the CNBC pavilion, the American financial broadcaster hosted Matt Damon alongside agenda-setting CEOs and influencers.

I visited four Indian Houses—undoubtedly the most kinetic. Indian public and private sectors joined forces in a frenzy of investment promotion. In the “WeLead Lounge,” former minister Smriti Irani pitched a $100 million fund to support 100,000 Indian women entrepreneurs, backed by the Gates Foundation. In just 48 hours, it raised $2 million.

This is the “House Economy” in its purest form: capital flows in motion while WEF’s formal plenary sessions unfold a kilometer away.

Hosting WEF: order and friction

Behind this marketplace of ideas lies a machinery of order—and friction.

Order in the Alps is expensive. The Swiss Army’s WEF security mandate includes an annual federal budget of 32 million Swiss francs, with up to 5,000 soldiers to be deployed to the canton of Graubünden through 2027. Airspace is restricted, surveillance heightened, and the town’s narrow streets are threaded with checkpoints separating public areas from the core security zone.

For local authorities, WEF hinges on a massive logistical undertaking. Beyond venues, this involves a meticulous choreography of street stalls, transport, fire prevention, power, water, waste disposal, and outdoor food stands’ infrastructure. There is no room for error.

Take the Houses as an example. To manage their rapid growth, the municipality introduced new regulations to streamline approvals, construction, and logistics. This framework allows the Houses ecosystem to scale while remaining aligned with the Forum’s broader operations and Davos’ governance structure.

Yet the friction is real. One resident grumbled about his daily trek across town because his bus route was suspended. An 11-year-old boy, clutching free Qatari Regag bread from a street stall, replied to me, “No, I don’t like WEF—all the fun places are closed.” Then he broke into an apple-cheeked grin, waving the bread in both hands: “But I like these! One week a year? I think I can do it.”

This is the Davos compromise. A week of distortion—sandwiches soar to $20, and hotel packages start at $20,000. A middle-aged Swiss couple told me they had always been skeptical, believing the government spent too much on WEF. They came to see it for themselves and were pleasantly surprised by the global showcases. I said to them, “Think of the billions of media impressions Davos gets for free. It’s the kind of tourism promotion any country would want, don’t you think?” They paused, then nodded.

And then there was M.B., a Swiss lady I met at the train station who worked at one of the Promenade Houses. On my last night, she invited me to her home for a homemade Swiss dinner. We talked for five hours; she played the piano, and I sang. After a week of intense agendas, she was the quiet counterpoint, reminding me of the fundamental reasons why humans come together in the first place.

Public opinion carries significant weight. The Davos municipal website explicitly stated that the local administration’s chief objective is to “meet the needs of permanent residents and guests alike, while accounting for various commercial interests.” It is a concise summary of the delicate balancing act between commerce, community, and visitors. Regarding WEF, the website notes: “Until 2024, the municipality of Davos contributed 1.125 million Swiss francs (per year, noted by author) to the security costs. This funding falls under the authority of the voting population, which is why residents can express their views on the WEF in public referendums.”

The numbers back the sentiment. A study by the University of St. Gallen found that in 2023, WEF generated 69 million Swiss francs in direct and indirect income for Davos, and 181 million francs for Switzerland as a whole, added 11.6 million francs to the Swiss tax coffers.

Davos: from sanatorium to global symbol

As the geopolitical sensitivities intensify, coupled with scale that tests Davos’ capacity, WEF leadership has considered rotating or relocating locations. The Forum already convenes globally—from China’s “Summer Davos”, first edition in 2007, to Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative—the so‑called “Davos in the Desert” launched in 2017.

Still, something about this quiet valley remains magnetic. Its geography fosters proximity; its governance enforces order; its literary past invites reflection. Davos did not merely host the Forum—it shaped its temperament. The Forum, in turn, carries traces of Davos—an altitude-induced clarity.

For visitors, Davos offers more than policy debates. The “Thomas Mann Way” leads to the sanatorium that inspired The Magic Mountain. The railway line south crosses a 120‑year‑old UNESCO‑listed bridge, a marvel of engineering that still operates with efficiency. The mountains, the bridge, the sanatorium—all remain remarkably unchanged, as if time moves at a different cadence here.

Yet the region is far from static. In 1934, the world’s first ski lift went into operation here, and Davos-Klosters has since grown into one of the Alps’ most hospitality‑dense corridors, with more than 80 hotels and over 140 restaurants. Mountain huts serve rösti and hot chocolate to summer hikers and winter skiers, while boutique chalets offer quieter luxury.  “Mountain Hotels” add thousands of beds for athletes, families, and weekend wanderers. It is where high‑altitude culture meets high‑altitude comfort—an unlikely pairing that has become Davos’s enduring charm.

The Davos tourism department is publicly funded with 53 employees. The office is located directly adjacent to the Congress Centre. It promotes the region in partnership with the neighboring town of Klosters. Unlike the public-private hybrid tourism promotion entity, this office has financial stability and can provide service continuity year after year.

The Alps will remain. The trains will return. And at altitude, thinking never feels quite the same.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex. She is an international travel journalist and analyst whose work spans destinations, global tourism trends, and cross cultural storytelling. She reports in both English and Chinese.

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