Global Travel News

UNWTO to Re-Write Tourism History at Official Re-Opening of China

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UNWTO to Re-Write Tourism History at Official Re-Opening of China - TRAVELINDEX - UNTOURISMNEWS.orgHangzhou, China, February 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has heralded the re-opening of China as ‘the final piece in tourism’s recovery’ from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history.

Leading a high-level delegation to the city of Hangzhou to join in the official re-opening, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, warmly welcomed the lifting of travel restrictions as a major boost to economic growth and social opportunity both in Asia and the Pacific and globally. According to UNWTO data, the pandemic cost destinations worldwide a combined US$270 billion in Chinese outbound tourist spending in 2020 and 2021 alone. The re-opening of borders therefore represents “the moment the world has been waiting for”, Mr Pololikashvili noted.

The UNWTO Secretary-General is the first UN Head of Agency to visit China since restrictions were lifted. China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping welcomed UNWTO’s support throughout the pandemic and for joining the official re-opening celebrations. In a bilateral meeting, Minister Hu Heping and Secretary-General Pololikashvili agreed to further deepen their collaboration around positioning tourism on the agenda for international development cooperation and in the key areas of tourism education and tourism for rural development.

According to UNWTO data, China grew to be the biggest tourism source market in the world prior to the pandemic. In 2019, Chinese tourists spent a collective US$255 billion on international travel, while domestic tourism served as a pillar of growth and employment, with more than 6 billion trips that year alone, supporting jobs and businesses across the country.

Tourism for rural development

Reflecting UNWTO’s work to make tourism a driving force of rural development, the high-level delegation was welcomed to Yucun, one of four Chinese destinations to be recognized among the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’. The village was awarded the recognition for its commitment to making tourism a source of local opportunity, in addition to its commitment to eco-friendly tourism and pioneering approach to waste management at the destination-level.

Public and private sectors re-think tourism

UNWTO was welcomed as a partner of the Xianghu Dialogue, organized by the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) in the city of Hangzhou. Held around the theme of “A New Paradigm for a New Tourism”, the event brought together public and private sector leaders to re-think the sector’s future around the key priorities of sustainability, equality and resilience.

Key topics addressed over the two days included promoting collaborative tourism development amongst countries and regions, international cooperation and poverty reduction through tourism, smart connectivity, destination management and planning, and innovation and new business models. The UNWTO delegation met with private sector leaders, including from the Chinese global technology company Alibaba, which is headquartered in Hangzhou.

China as key tourism partner

In the past year, China has established itself as a leading supporter of UNWTO in several core priority areas. These include Nature Positive Tourism, which UNWTO placed on the agenda of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15), for which China served as President.

UNWTO will return to China in September for the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF), to be held in Macau. The tenth edition of the Forum will again provide a platform for governments, business leaders, experts, and academics to advance shared plans for the sustainable development of tourism.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Cathay Pacific Supports Initiatives to Strengthen Hong Kong’s Aviation Hub Status

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Cathay Pacific Supports Initiatives to Strengthen Hong Kong's Aviation Hub Status - TRAVELINDEX - AIRLINEHUB.comHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, February 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Cathay Pacific is encouraged by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s initiatives to continue strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub, as outlined in the Budget Speech given today by Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Paul Chan Mo-po.

Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As the home carrier of Hong Kong for more than 76 years, Cathay Pacific is a key enabler of the city’s economic development through our ability to connect it to the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

“We are actively rebuilding Cathay Pacific for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese Mainland. We are focused on reconnecting – by growing our flight capacity and network of destinations as soon as feasible.

“As stated by the Financial Secretary, the Central People’s Government’s 14th Five-Year Plan affirms and supports Hong Kong’s important role as an international aviation hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and for the country. We will continue to contribute in maintaining and strengthening the Hong Kong hub.”

Cathay Pacific looks forward to the further enhancement of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a regional multi modal transportation hub after the commencement of operations at the SkyPier Terminal in the middle of this year, as well as the completion of the entire Three-Runway System at HKIA by the end of 2024.

Mr Lam said: “The potential of the GBA, which we see as our extended home market, is extremely promising and we welcome efforts to cooperate with our fellow cities in the GBA to develop the aviation sector across the region. The Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) plans to develop a new aviation business park on the Airport Island, as well as exploring the feasibility of building an aviation industrial park in Zhuhai, are positive developments.”

Cathay Pacific also welcomes AAHK’s relief measures and incentives to support the recovery of air traffic, its efforts to address the industry’s medium-to-long-term manpower resources situation, as well as the enhanced commitment to the training and development of industry professionals via the GBA Youth Aviation Industry Internship Programme and the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund.

Finally, Cathay Pacific will continue to enliven Hong Kong’s image as a world-renowned events capital and welcome visitors to our home city. In addition to supporting the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, the airline has been a longstanding sponsor of mega events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Clockenflap, helping to put Hong Kong on the world stage.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wah Lok Featured in Latest Michelin Guide

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Wah Lok Featured in Latest Michelin Guide - TOP 25 RESTAURANTS BANGKOKBangkok, Thailand, February 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Wah Lok Cantonese restaurant Bangkok is featured in Thailand’s Michelin Guide 2023, retaining our first listing in 2022.

In Singapore throughout the past three decades, one name has remained synonymous with outstanding Chinese food – Wah Lok. The venue, at the equally renowned Carlton Hotel Singapore, is the Lion City’s premier spot for Cantonese delicacies including Hong Kong-style dim sum. It is a claim confirmed by Wah Lok’s numerous awards including 27 consecutive years on Singapore Tatler magazine’s ‘Singapore’s Best Restaurant’ list.

This consecutive Michelin feature is a recognition of the excellence and consistency of the Wah Lok culinary and service team.

That Wah Lok is something different emerges straight away. An inspired design concept evinces the convivial ambiance of a traditional Chinese courtyard and features an entranceway depicting sepia-tinted scenes of old Shanghai. Guests then step into a spacious contemporary main dining room with capacity for nearly 200 diners.

The same subtle blend of traditional and modern further appears in the restaurant’s four private dining rooms. All rooms have city views and can be configured for 10 to 44 guests.

Signature dishes include Braised Boston Lobster with Egg Noodles Ginger and Spring Onion, Sautéed Australian Beef Tenderloin with Garlic and Black Pepper Sauce, Peking Duck and Dim Sum selection.

Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant
Level 2, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Lunch: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNVEILED: Disney shows off 2023 bridal collection, new wedding features

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Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has launched its 2023 collection of bridal gowns and the first-ever collection of Disney Princess-inspired bridesmaid dresses. Also unveiled at Disney Weddings is a new coach at Disneyland, as the company showcases its venues for nuptials around the world coinciding with this year’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

Twenty-one gowns were recently unveiled during a fashion show in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort in California. The 2023 collection includes gowns inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana.

They also feature new and innovative fabrics, including a signature sparkle tulle on a Princess Jasmine-inspired Platinum gown and a laser-cut lace design on soft satin featured on a Rapunzel-inspired style.

A Cinderella-inspired ballgown offers a unique platinum colourway option, while a dreamy vintage look for the Princess Tiana-inspired gown, shimmering with thousands of beads and sequins, captures the spirit of the Jazz Age.

Disney and Allure Bridals launched their first sophisticated bridal line in 2020, offering modern brides stunning, on-trend gowns that capture the style and spirit of beloved Disney Princess characters. Three years and four collections later, Allure Bridals provides various options that designed to transform a bride’s look, like the stunning, detachable overskirts available on a selection of gowns, including one Rapunzel-inspired dress and the Platinum Cinderella dress. Platinum Aurora and Tiana gowns feature detachable sleeves for a chic transitional option from aisle to reception.

With details such as ethereal puff sleeves, and accessories like custom veil options and delicate tulle flowers, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings 2023 Collection has a dresses available in sizes 0 to 30, starting at US$1,799.

Bridesmaids

In an expansion beyond bridalwear, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection will also introduce nine princess-inspired bridesmaid gowns for the first time this Fall. The bridesmaid collection is inspired by the personalities and essence of Disney Princess characters and stories, incorporating subtle design cues meant to complement each Princess-inspired bridal gown, which are available in a range of colours and romantic fabrics like stretch chiffon, stretch satin, and stretch satin jersey fabric in sizes XS to 4X. More details will be revealed in the coming months.

New coach at Disneyland Resort

Meanwhile, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons has also unveiled the design of a new coach (photo) that will join the fleet of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings carriages. The new coach features details inspired by the classic Disney love story, Cinderella, and will arrive at Disneyland Resort this fall. Handcrafted details include a pumpkin canopy and an interior shrouded in delicate vines. The new coach at Disneyland Resort will round out the trio of carriages that include the Cinderella Coach at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disney Fairy Tale Carriage at Disneyland Paris.

Disney wedding venues

Couples marrying with Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can celebrate their wedding ceremonies and receptions in Disney locations around the world. There’s the enchanting Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort, theme park lands and attractions, a stunning beachfront resort in Hawaii, the ships of Disney Cruise Line and more.

“Our goal is to bring fairy tales to life. Immersive and one-of-a-kind venues allow us to tell each couple’s unique love story in an epic and magical way,” says Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons marketing director Korri McFann.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings is showcasing more than 100+ wedding venues at Disney destinations around the globe:

• Walt Disney World Resort – More than 50 unique venues span international settings at EPCOT – from Italian courtyards to a replica of China’s Temple of Heaven, to a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, couples are immersed in vibrant settings like Harambe Village in Africa, the Belvedere Palace Ruins hidden in the jungles of Asia and many more. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, couples can dance the night away on Sunset Boulevard, and at Magic Kingdom Park, they can marry with views of Cinderella Castle.

• Resorts – Numerous resort locations feature beach settings, intimate gazebos, lush lawns and more. Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is a purpose-built wedding venue at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World. Situated on its own private island in Seven Seas Lagoon, the pavilion is accessed via a bridge and features stunning crystal chandeliers, intricate stained-glass windows and a 75-foot aisle with Cinderella Castle as its backdrop. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort boast tropical and waterside settings for couples to celebrate their weddings with a touch of Disney magic.

• Disneyland Resort offers multiple in-park venues, from the Victorian splendor of Main Street, USA to the Fantasyland Courtyard. The resort’s themed hotels offer even more beautiful venues. There’s the rich Arts & Crafts setting of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the whimsical fun of the Disneyland Hotel.

• Disney Cruise Line provides couples the chance to sail the high seas with their families and friends. From Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, to beautiful ship atriums, and international itineraries, event possibilities are endless.

• Disneyland Paris – From castle courtyards to romantic gazebos, Disneyland Paris offers immersive fairy tale settings for couples dreaming of marrying in the city of love.

• Asia parks – Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings also take place at Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Resort – each offering unique backdrops for wedding celebrations.

To learn more about the new bridal and bridesmaid collections, visit www.allurebridals.com. For information on booking a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, or vowel renewal, visit DisneyWeddings.com.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: St. Kitts launches rum certification course

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St. Kitts is launching a distinctive, first-of-its-kind “Rummelier Certification Program” for both rum aficionados and other visitors simply wanting to learn more about the island’s historic spirit, while also getting a taste of Kittitian culture and history.

The St. Kitt’s Tourism Authority initiative enables travellers to become a certified “rummelier” through two classes led by two local rum experts. The program invites travellers to deep-dive into the history of rum and distilling the spirit, gain hands-on experience in creating spiced rum, and learn to master making rum-based cocktails.

“The history of Caribbean rum and its influential impact can be seen throughout St. Kitts,” says Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson. “St. Kitts is home to the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean and is also home to a growing unconventional rum scene. We are excited to incorporate an integral part of our history into expanding innovative tourism opportunities.”

Henderson says the program is great way for travellers to experience St. Kitts in a different way and “take back home a part of our island’s rich history…”

The first part of the tour is at Wingfield Estate, home of the Caribbean’s oldest surviving rum distillery. During this rummelier course, expert Jack Widdowson teaches rum theory and the history of rum production methods.

The recently excavated distillery is found on the 18th-century sugar cane plantation owned by a direct ancestor of Thomas Jefferson. While sipping rum and learning the history, guests will see a preserved aqueduct, chimney, mill house, boiling house, and lime kiln and learn how to label their own rum bottle.

The second course takes place at Spice Mill Restaurant on Cockleshell Bay and is run by rum expert Roger Brisbane. This course showcases spiced rum creation methodology, rum-blending techniques, and cocktail creations utilizing tasting procedures and nuances in different types of rums. Brisbane is an innovator in the rum space with Hibiscus Spirits, which is created by infusing handpicked and locally grown Roselle Hibiscus calyx, known as sorrel, to flavour the rum and create a natural red colour.

Details of each course are as follows, with a certificate earned after completing both courses:

At Wingfield Estate – home of the oldest surviving rum distillery in the Caribbean:

● Introduction of Rum
● History of Rum in St. Kitts
● Rum production methods
● Learning How to Taste + Identify Flavour Profiles
● Tour the estate
● Label your own rum bottle

At Spice Mill – home of Hibiscus Spirits:

● Learn how to create spiced rum
● Methodology of creating classic rum drinks
● Learn nuances of creating rum cocktails
● Rum appreciation methods

“This is just one of many upcoming opportunities where the destination will utilize local partnerships to market the island’s unique attributes,” says Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority. “Furthermore, this program truly sets us apart from other Caribbean destinations while preserving the Kittitian history of rum and its meaning to the culture. We are excited to invite travellers worldwide to spend a day with kindred spirits.”

The Rummelier Certification Program costs US$150 p.p. For info and to book, click HERE.

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:

PREVIOUS ARTICLES: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

LISTENING IN: Depeche Mode never lets us down

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Who’d’ve thought Depeche Mode would be all the rage in 2023, close to 40 years after the band’s 1980s heyday? But the British electro-pop giants have exploded on streaming services after their 1987 classic “Never Let Me Down Again” was used in an episode of the latest greatest TV show “The Last of Us.”

At the same time, and not coincidentally, Dave Gahan and Co. have a new album coming (March 24) with the band’s first music since the untimely death of founding member Andy Fletcher last May, and corresponding tour (including Canadian dates in Toronto on April 7, Quebec April 9, and Montreal April 12, and again in Toronto Nov. 5).

So, who are we to fight fate? Here’s the aforementioned 1987 song “Never Let Me Down Again,” never a No. 1, but one of the band’s most enduring hits.

The song, it should be noted, has also taken on a life of its own for its amazing, enthusiastic arm waving histrionics near the end – by both band and audience – which accompanies live performances, like this one in Barcelona.

Lyrics

I’m taking a ride with my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
He knows where he’s taking me
Taking me where I want to be
I’m taking a ride with my best friend

We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground

I’m taking a ride with my best friend
I hope he never lets me down again
Promises me I’m as safe as houses
As long as I remember who’s wearing the trousers
I hope he never lets me down again

We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground

We’re flying high
We’re watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down on the ground

Never let me down
Never let me down
Never let me down
Never let me down
Never let me down (See the stars, they’re shining bright)
Never let me down (Everything’s alright tonight)
Never let me down (See the stars, they’re shining bright)
Never let me down (Everything’s alright tonight)
Never let me down (See the stars, they’re shining bright)
Never let me down (Everything’s alright tonight)
Never let me down (See the stars, they’re shining bright)
Never let me down (Everything’s alright tonight)

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

One Year On, Tourism Stands Firm in Support Of Ukraine

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One Year On, Tourism Stands Firm in Support Of Ukraine - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, February 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / This week, we mark a sad anniversary. It has been one year since the Russian Federation chose to invade Ukraine, in a clear breach of the Charter of the United Nations and of international law.

The invasion has exacted a terrible price. Millions have been forced to flee their homes – right now around 6 million people, 65 per cent of them women and girls, are internally displaced. And the number of casualties keeps growing by the day, including civilian victims as homes and even hospitals are deliberately targeted. The invasion has also created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe not seen in Europe since World War II. And it has undermined the sense of security and trust we depend on to get the world moving again after the impacts of the pandemic.

From the very start, UNWTO has led tourism’s response to the crisis. Our Members moved swiftly to suspend Russia from our Organization. At the same time, stakeholders from across the sector rallied in support of the Ukrainian people. As many as 8 million of them have sought refuge across Europe and UNWTO commends tourism actors who provided them with means of transport, accommodation and other practical assistance. We also thank the countries hosting refugees until returning is safe.

With no end in sight for the war, our solidarity must hold firm. This unwanted anniversary offers a moment to take stock and reflect. The past year has shown us the remarkable strength of a people determined to hold onto their freedom and sovereignty. It has also shown us the importance of standing together, both as an international community and as a major economic sector, and staying true to our shared values whatever the cost.

With each passing day, the united front that much of the global community has adopted since the invasion is also under attack, especially as countries everywhere continue to feel the economic fallout of the conflict and its social cost. That’s why UNWTO will continue to amplify tourism’s calls for peace and urge an immediate end to all hostilities. We will also be there when the war ends, as it surely will. Then, tourism’s unique power, proven time and again, to build trust back, promote dialogue and understanding across borders, and provide opportunities, will be vital to help the people of Ukraine re-build the country they have already given so much to protect.

Zurab Pololikashvili
Secretary-General

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Dusit Hotels Announces Debut in Japan with Asai Kyoto Shijo

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Dusit Hotels Announces Debut in Japan with Asai Kyoto Shijo - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXTokyo, Japan, February 24, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Dusit International officially marked the debut of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in Japan with an exclusive preview of its upcoming properties – ASAI Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto – which are set to open in June and September, respectively, bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the country for the first time.

Leveraging more than 70 years of experience in operating award-winning hotels and resorts in key destinations worldwide, Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ milestone entries in Japan promise to bring unique stay and dining experiences inspired the four key pillars of Dusit Graciousness, including Service (personalised and gracious), Well-Being (delivering wellness experiences beyond the spa), Locality (uniquely linking guests with the local community), and Sustainability (social, environmental, and environmental).

Operating under Dusit’s flagship Dusit Thani brand, Dusit Thani Kyoto will offer a luxurious stay experience in the city’s Hanganji Monzen-machi district, only 850 meters from Kyoto Station and close to Nishi Honganji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and other major attractions.

Designed to be an urban sanctuary where Japanese tradition and gracious Thai hospitality are intrinsically interwoven and interpreted through a modern lens, the beautiful property takes its inspiration from the rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture of the ancient capitals of Kyoto, Japan, and Ayutthaya, Thailand. The idyllic combination of traditional elegance and contemporary comfort creates an inspiring environment for domestic and international travellers alike.

Alongside 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms set over four floors, the luxury hotel features large event spaces, a fitness centre, and a signature Devarana Wellness centre offering a unique fusion of ancient Thai massage therapies and traditional Japanese rituals, as well as personalised wellness treatments, activities, and journeys to meet the aspirational health needs of guests.

Dining and imbibing are also major highlights of Dusit Thani Kyoto. The hotel has everything in place to become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts, with diverse options including a speciality Teppanyaki restaurant, a chic social club, a lavish tea shop, and, most notably, exquisite dining experiences crafted by award-winning chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones from Thailand.

Known for their authentic Thai cuisine crafted from seasonal and sustainable ingredients, Bo and Dylan earned global recognition at the TOP 25 Restaurants Guide series at their former restaurant, Bo.Ian, in Bangkok.

Their latest concept, Ayatana, at Dusit Thani Kyoto, translates their passion for ethical sourcing, innovative culinary flair, and a love for Thai cuisine into a multi-sensory, one-of-a-kind fine dining experience where authentic Thai flavours meet the finest Japanese traditions for memorable moments to savour. To complement this multi-sensory culinary voyage, a unique desert atelier, Kati, also designed by the couple, will feature Thai desserts presented in an exciting new way.

More excitement can be found across town at ASAI Kyoto Shijo, which will open ahead of Dusit Thani Kyoto in June.

Operating under Dusit’s distinctive lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, which promises to uniquely link millennial-minded travellers with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the new 114-key hotel is located in Shijo-Karasuma, near the famous Nishiki Market in the city’s renowned Downtown area.

Offering thoughtfully compact rooms that focus on the essentials – such as superior quality beds and powerful showers – the hotel is designed to foster meaningful interactions while celebrating the community’s artistic and cultural heritage, with some unique Thai touches.

Alongside a large communal hub serving as a comfortable venue for work, rest, and play, the hotel will offer a cosy dining room inspired by the rich street-food culture of Bangkok. Guests will find a scrumptious selection of authentic Thai curries and flavoursome grilled and fried snacks paired with original cocktail creations and premium Japanese whisky, sake, and beer. A signature dessert selection featuring favourites like mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream with a variety of toppings will further transport diners’ senses to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Regular collaborations with local restaurateurs and artisans, and sustainable sourcing of produce, will further set the distinctive lifestyle hotel apart.

“We are delighted to debut our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality in the historic city of Kyoto and pay homage to the cherished bond between Thailand and Japan through our dynamic hotel offerings,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “With a deep reverence for the best that both Japan and Thailand have to offer – from culinary arts to music and design – our goal is to not only provide luxury and lifestyle accommodation, but also to contribute to the local community in a meaningful and sustainable way – just as we have done at the luxury chalet rentals we manage under Elite Havens in Niseko.

“Dedicated to providing a comprehensive, 360-degree experience that goes above and beyond satisfying our guests and customers to deliver sustained value to all stakeholders, we will fully leverage the full range of Dusit’s interconnected businesses, including Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, and Property Development. This approach will strengthen our presence and set a solid foundation for future growth in Japan. We are already exploring options to expand our hotel portfolio in vibrant cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo, and we will be seeking opportunities to introduce our other business units in adjacent industries too.

“Our journey in the hotel segment begins in June with the opening of the lifestyle oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo, followed by the grand opening of the luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto in September, and we eagerly await this exciting new chapter for our hotel business.”

Dusit’s property portfolio currently spans 16 countries and comprises 48 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts (six distinct brands) and more than 300 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

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 seven brands (Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Dusit Suites, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 16 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.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Secretary-General Participates in China’s Official Tourism Re-Opening

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UNWTO Secretary-General Participates in China's Official Tourism Re-Opening - TRAVELINDEXHangzhou, China, February 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Secretary-General of UNWTO is leading a high-level delegation to Hangzhou, China to be part of the country’s official re-opening to tourism.

  • The Secretary-General of UNWTO is leading a high-level delegation to Hangzhou, China to be part of the country’s official re-opening to tourism.
  • Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will be the first United Nations Head of Agency as well  as the first global tourism leader to visit  China since it lifted its travel restrictions after more than 1,000 days closed to international visitors.

Why China Matters

      • The re-opening of China represents the ‘missing piece’ in global tourism’s recovery from the worst crisis in its history.
      • Because of the pandemic, the world lost almost $US3 trillion in tourism revenues between 2020 and 2022.
      • The absence of China was particularly costly. Before the pandemic, it was the world’s biggest tourism source market: In 2019 Chinese tourists took 166 million international trips, and spent US$270 billion, much of it in destinations in developing economies.
      • The lifting of travel restrictions in China will be felt in every global region. UNWTO data shows that Asia  and the Pacific has been the slowest to recover from crisis, reaching just 23% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022. The return of Chinese tourists will accelerate this recovery.
      • The re-opening of Chinese domestic tourism is also a landmark moment. In 2019, Chinese residents took 6 billion domestic trips, making tourism a key driver of employment and economic growth, including for rural communities.
      • The impact of China’s re-opening will be felt far outside the tourism sector itself. Due  to tourism’s ability to cut across economic sectors, it is anticipated that it will boost economies at the global, national and grassroots level.  UNWTO also welcomes the associated benefits it will bring, including social empowerment and opportunity, restoring trust in travel and boosting consumer confidence.

    Highlights

    • UNWTO will join public and private sector leaders, including China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Luo  Shuang, to officially mark the occasion.
    • UNWTO will also join the World Tourism Alliance for the Xianghu Dialogue to advance tourism is a driver of rural development in China and worldwide and to unite the sector around key priorities of jobs, investments and sustainability.
    • The UNWTO delegation will be joined by media and tourism leaders to visit Yu Cun, a UNWTO Best Tourism Village and example of effective tourism for  rural development.
    • In China, UNWTO will also join preparations for the 10th edition of the Global Tourism Economy Forum. UNWTO will join its partner the World Tourism Alliance for the Forum in Macau in September to advance shared plans for a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive sector.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Host International Champagne Sabrage Ritual

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Raffles Hotels in Cambodia Host International Champagne Sabrage Ritual - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comPhnom Penh, Cambodia, February 23, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The worldwide organization dedicated to the noble art of Champagne sabrage will host two exclusive events in Cambodia next month with 5-star Raffles hotels, including at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and, for the first time ever, at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

Confrérie du Sabre d’Or is internationally renowned among Champagne aficionados for the ritual, which involves severing the top of the bottle with a sword. Champagne sabrage dates to the era of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who is said to have cherished a drink of Champagne from bottles newly opened with a military saber after every winning battle.

Raffles is the only establishment in Cambodia where one can experience the official ceremony and has scheduled two exclusive events in March.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s Restaurant Le Royal on Friday, March 17 will serve a special four-course French menu with Champagne pairing priced at $145++ per person. Each guest is invited to saber a bottle of Champagne and officially join the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or. This will mark the second time the ceremony has been held at the hotel; the first occurred in 2019.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor on Sunday, March 19 will host the ceremony for the first time ever, with a luxurious brunch at Café d’Angkor including live music. The event is priced from $55++ per person or $95++ with free flow Champagne.

Established more than 200 years ago by stylish young French military officers, the traditional sabrage ceremony will be conducted by the Grand Master of La Confrérie du Sabre d’Or in the historic Raffles properties.

The master holds a bottle of Champagne by the heel, then slides his or her sword up and down the neck of the bottle to warm it. Then, in a single smooth movement, the master accelerates his or her arm forward, sliding the saber firmly along the neck of the bottle and—hopefully—decapitating the ring, or top neck of the bottle, and sending a gush of Champagne all over the floor and sometimes fellow guests.

For more information on this special event at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please call +855 23 981 888 or email dining.leroyal@raffles.com. For Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, please call +855 63 963 888 or email dining.grandhotel@raffles.com.

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News