Global Travel News

AC Hotels by Marriott Debuts in South Korea, Striking a Perfect Balance in the Heart of Seoul

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AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam Lobby
AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam Lobby

AC Hotels by Marriott®, the design-led lifestyle brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam, marking its debut in South Korea. Featuring 274 guestrooms and one-of-a-kind private pool suites, the new hotel sets to deliver an effortless travel experience that strikes the perfect balance between everything you need, and nothing you don’t, in the capital of South Korea.

“We are thrilled to introduce the AC Hotels brand to South Korea with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam,” said Jeff Tomczek, Global Brand Leader of AC Hotels. “Seoul is known for its vibrant design scene, making the design-led AC Hotels brand an ideal fit for the city. The hotel is set to offer a perfectly orchestrated experience based on purposeful design, flexible spaces and carefully crafted experiences, which will empower our guests to be more creative, productive and fulfilled.”

The new hotel is located in the Yeoksam-dong area of Gangnam district, which is home to the corporate headquarters of many multinational companies and upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Guests who seek immersive cultural experiences can explore the city’s historical wonders including UNESCO World Heritage Sites Seonjeongneung and Bongeunsa Temple. Design-conscious travellers should not miss the iconic fashion and shopping hubs Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the Chung-dam district. Travellers can reach the hotel within 60 minutes by car from Incheon International Airport, providing easy access for international and domestic travelers.

AC by Marriott Seoul Gangnam_Premier room.jpg
AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam Premier Room

AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam is set to attract next-gen guests with modern aesthetics and open layouts that offer functional beauty without distractions. Embracing AC Hotels’ focus on harmonious design and tailored style, each room is free of clutter to maximise the sense of openness and remove friction from guests’ travels. Guestrooms offer modern design with sleek furnishings, open closet system, and hardwood floors. The hotel also offers four spacious Premier Pool Rooms and a Premier Pool Suite, featuring private swimming pools and sunbeds on their terraces, with premium amenities that include Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso coffee machines, air purifiers and Korres toiletries.

The brand’s signature offerings include the Spanish-inspired AC Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant, which serves daily buffets with local and international favourites in a modern minimalist setting. The Rooftop bar Kloud features floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, where guests can enjoy crafted cocktails and snacks overlooking spellbinding evening views of the city center and beyond. The signature AC Lounge®, a comfortable and elegant space, allows guests to relax and socialise over artisan coffee, tea and crafted beverage.

Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of AC Fitness, the hotel’s sleek gym equipped with modern cardio equipment and free weights. After a strenuous workout or at the end of the workday, guests can find deep relaxation at the hotel’s sauna. Guests traveling with young children are welcome at the Kids Lounge, an indoor playground operated in collaboration with Kids Skolle, an educational program for infants and toddlers.

The hotel offers 2,346 square feet of flexible function space, accommodating up to 130 people. Fully equipped with advanced audio-visual capabilities, video meetings and live streaming services, the space is perfect for hosting events of any special occasions. The sophisticated event space features floor-to-ceiling windows with natural sunlight, as well as a large LED media wall that allows for the creative use of mixed media during meetings and events. The rooftop terrace is also the perfect venue for intimate social gatherings and on-trend minimalist wedding receptions.

“We are thrilled to be the first AC Hotel to open in South Korea. AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam features the brand’s signature modern European-inspired design. Our purposefully designed public spaces and seamless guest experience thoroughly reflect all lifestyles, not only for leisure travelers but also for business guests. We look forward to providing guests the Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience while they discover the charms and contemporary culture of Seoul,” said Kim Bong-jae, General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam.

For more information or reservations, please visit www.marriott.com/selag

About AC Hotels by Marriott®
AC Hotels includes over 195 hotels in more than 27 countries and territories. At AC Hotels, every moment has been designed, refined, crafted, and considered to create a seamless guest experience. Each AC Hotel features purposefully designed signature spaces that strike the perfect balance of form and function. Most notably, the AC Lounge® invites guests and locals alike to collaborate during the day, or to enjoy signature cocktails and tapas in the evening. The AC Kitchen offers a European-inspired breakfast each morning. All AC guest rooms and public spaces evoke a particular sophistication, featuring sleek furnishings, curated artwork, and intuitive technology. The brand is dedicated to the details that matter most to guests during their travels with a mission to deliver The Perfectly Precise Hotel™ experience. For more information, visit www.ac-hotels.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. AC Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Healing Power of Trust

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The Healing Power of Trust - TRAVELINDEXHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / In today’s globalised world, more and more hotel firms are expanding their business overseas. Yet success in the international arena may not translate into success at home, warn Dr Alice H. Y. Hon and Mr Emmanuel Gamor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With skilled managers from overseas paid 10 times more than local employees, frontline and service-oriented hotel workers are feeling increasingly disillusioned. With service standards falling, how can multinational hotel corporations build harmony between their local and overseas employees? The answer lies in trust, say the researchers, whose study offers timely and important insights for the Chinese hospitality industry.

The last four decades of globalisation have seen radical changes in the organisational management and human resource composition of hotel firms in China. To compete in the international service market, firms are increasingly filling key strategic positions with skilled workers from abroad. “In the modern hospitality industry, multinational hotel corporations rely on expatriate managers to succeed”, say the researchers.

To attract, motivate and retain these valuable employees from overseas, it is standard practice to set their wages to the market conditions in their home country. Their salaries can be an astounding 10 times higher than those of local workers, whose pay is calculated according to local labour market conditions. Unsurprisingly, note the authors, this can lead to “perceived injustice among employees,” especially given that compensation goes beyond money—it can represent an employee’s worth, status and power.

The problem of disgruntled local employees is not trivial, and multinational hospitality corporations should not underestimate the extent to which this might threaten their own survival. Local employees who resent their expatriate superiors and the organisation are less satisfied, motivated and committed. They may engage in “deviant behaviours, service sabotage, or antisocial behaviours affecting service quality”, report the researchers. Faced with this problem, multinational hotel companies must find ways to mitigate the negative effects of the compensation gap on local employees’ work-related outcomes.

In multicultural environments with a vast chasm in pay grades between local and overseas employees, it can be challenging to develop and maintain local employees’ trust in their expatriate superiors – and even in the organisation as a whole. Companies must satisfy the salary expectations of highly skilled expatriate managers while addressing any potential bitterness felt by local employees. Successfully fostering trust can reduce the negative outcomes associated with a sense of inequity. High levels of trust “can positively influence several work outcomes, such as job performance, organisational citizenship behaviour, and productiveness”, say the authors.

Referring to well-established theories of the different forms of trust, the researchers surmised that trust in expatriate supervisors and the organisation can be knowledge-driven or emotion-driven. Knowledge-driven “cognitive trust” is based on a track record of competence, reliability and fair treatment, and might allow local employees to see beyond the pay gap. The researchers reasoned that instilling cognitive trust “gives the impression that expatriate managers have the competency, key knowledge, and ability to work at a high level, and so it is right that they receive more compensation than local employees”.

Emotion-driven “affective trust” is born from an interpersonal connectedness, through which local employees feel cared for by their expatriate managers. Affective trust in expatriate managers can be formed via friendly interactions and expressions of personal concern in local employees’ well-being, which “weakens uncertainty and increases psychological safety among employees”, explain the authors. Recognising the potential for these two dimensions of trust to curtail the negative effects resulting from compensation gaps, the researchers set out to define their influence on various work-related outcomes.

To capture real-world experiences and attitudes, the authors approached team members of multinational hotel corporations in Xian, China. They included 286 front-line or low-level local employees and 32 of their expatriate supervisors, who were middle- or upper-level managers. Most of the local employees interviewed had been supervised by an expatriate manager for 1 to 5 years. The expatriate supervisors were primarily from Hong Kong or Taiwan, Europe, and North America, and 68.1% of them had lived in China for at least 6 years.

The local employees completed a comprehensive questionnaire that measured their perceptions of the compensation gap between local and expatriate employees, as well as their cognitive and affective trust in their expatriate superiors, their satisfaction with their expatriate supervisors, general work satisfaction, and commitment to their organisation.

As well as collecting these valuable data from local employees, the authors asked the expatriate supervisors to give scores for the local employees’ altruism, by reporting their willingness to offer help in the workplace. A sample item was “This individual is inclined to help me find solutions to work-related problems”.

The next step was to conduct a thorough statistical analysis of the interview data to measure the precise connections between compensation, work attitudes and trust among local and expatriate employees.

As expected, when the local employees perceived the compensation gap to be larger, they were more dissatisfied with their expatriate supervisors and less willing to help them. They were also less satisfied with their jobs and – most strikingly – less committed to their organisations. This, report the researchers, confirms the previous finding that “the compensation gap is one of the main contributors to counterproductive work outcomes among employees in the hospitality industry”. Interestingly, however, local employees’ resentment was mostly directed towards the organisation, rather than towards their expatriate managers.

“This may cause local employees to leave organizations with a greater perceived unjust compensation gap”, warn the authors, “contributing to high labour turnover in the hospitality industry”. This finding underlines the urgent need for multinational hospitality corporations to generate a sense of fairness that counteracts the negative effects of substantial pay gaps. One possibility is the introduction of non-financial perks for local employees, such as additional training and insurance.

The researchers also found that stronger cognitive trust weakened the negative effect of a wide compensation gap on the local employees’ job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Clearly, multinational hotel corporations need to develop strategies to boost local employees’ faith in the abilities of expatriate managers. “Management must ensure that expatriates maintain high levels of competence, reliability, skills, professionalism, and honesty”, say the authors, “by enforcing checks and balances through staff feedback and evaluation”.

Affective trust also moderated the negative effects of a compensation gap. Local employees who felt more cared for by their expatriate managers reported greater satisfaction and showed more altruistic behaviour. “The management of multinational hotel corporations should encourage expatriates to show a genuinely welcoming, kind, and caring attitude towards the local employees they supervise”, suggest the researchers. “Expatriates should remind subordinates of their roles, celebrate their achievements, and show how much they care about them”. This will help to foster affective trust and mitigate local employees’ sense of injustice.

In the modern hospitality industry, multinational hotel firms rely on expatriate managers to succeed. The findings of this novel study offer profound insights for Chinese hotel firms operating overseas, which must find effective ways to legitimise the pay gap between local workers and their expatriate superiors. This could come in the form of trust-building policies, especially those that capitalise on the distinct effects of cognitive and affective trust. Strategies for instilling cognitive trust can enhance task-related work outcomes, while promoting affective trust can improve personal work outcomes. “Trust should be considered carefully in strategic planning and academic inquiry,” conclude the researchers. This will become ever more important as China’s hospitality firms continue to expand overseas.

Hon, Alice H.Y. and Gamor, Emmanuel (2021). When My Pay is Lower than My Expatriate Colleagues: Where Do the Hospitality Managers Go from Here? International Journal of Hospitality Management, Vol. 95, 102953.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Metropole Hanoi Awarded Five-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide

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Metropole Hanoi Awarded Five-Star Rating by Forbes Travel Guide - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXHanoi, Vietnam, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / For the third consecutive year, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been awarded Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating—the top level of recognition—in the independent rating agency’s assessment of luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.

• Discover Vietnam’s and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Forbes Travel Guide describes the Metropole as “Hanoi’s grande dame” and praises it as “a supremely beautiful hotel, inside and out. Every corner is a compelling photo opportunity, especially in the gleaming historic wing and all-white inner courtyard.”

“Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi draws deeply from a century of stories to weave a rich, nostalgic guest experience in the heart of the Vietnamese capital,” the review says. “For those seeking a taste of Old Hanoi, the Metropole’s creaky central stairs, polished wood furnishings and elegant rooms are an authentic throwback to another era.”

In Vietnam, two hotels earned Five-Star ratings and three received Four-Star ratings for 2022.

Forbes Travel Guide, established in 1958 (then called Mobil Travel Guide), is the oldest travel guide in the United States, and is the creator of the original Five-Star rating system for hotels. The guide’s ratings are among the most highly respected in the hotel industry.

The Five-Star rating is meant to designate “outstanding, often iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities.”

While Metropole’s luxurious accommodation and historic facilities came in for much praise in the 2022 guide, service reigns supreme at Forbes Travel Guide. However beautiful the hotel’s ‘hardware,’ it was its ‘software’ – its warm, personalized and attentive service both in the hotel and in its award-winning restaurants and spa – that secured the Forbes rating.

Metropole Hanoi’s rich history, including its Path of History (and wartime bunker) tour, are also spotlighted in Forbes Travel Guide’s review, while afternoon tea at Le Club Bar, coffee at La Terrasse and cocktails at Bamboo Bar are described as experiences that have evolved into “must-do Hanoi traditions.”

Moreover, Le Spa du Metropole “is a sublime urban retreat… ensconced in what feels more like an elegant residence than a wellness center,” the review adds.

In order to complete their evaluations, inspectors pay their own way and stay anonymously as typical guests for at least two nights. Forbes Travel Guide bills itself as the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality, and says that only 20 percent of all hotels it rates earn a Five-Star rating.

Once again this year, Forbes Travel Guide also recognized Metropole Hanoi with its “Sharecare VERIFIED” badge for completing and maintaining verification on more than 360 global health security standards. Metropole Hanoi was one of three Vietnam hotels to receive this distinction.

The comprehensive assessment covers health and hygiene protocols, cleaning products and procedures, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, management accountability, and health safety communication with guests and employees.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

“Health security verification gives you the peace of mind that each hotel is committed to expert-validated best practices for your safety and comfort,” Forbes Travel Guide says of the Sharecare VERIFIED badge on its website.

For booking or other information, please  call +84 24 3826 6919.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

United Nations World Tourism Organization Members Suspend Russia

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United Nations World Tourism Organization Members Suspend Russia - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Russian Federation has been suspended from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), losing with immediate effect its rights and privileges as part of the United Nations specialized agency.

Meeting for a first extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly, Members debated the suspension of Russia from the Organization, as decided by the UNWTO Executive Council at its emergency meeting last month. The Russian delegation declined to step up and defend its position, and instead announced its withdrawal from UNWTO before the debate took place.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-third majority required. The decision is effective immediately, while voluntary withdrawal is only effective one year after a Member submits an official communication through the appropriate channels.

Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship, and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face consequences, with no exceptions.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO’s Members have sent a clear message: Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship, and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face consequences, with no exceptions. This emergency General Assembly shows that Russia’s actions are indefensible and contrary to the very principles of UNWTO and of international governance.”

Loss of rights and privileges

In total, 99 countries were represented in Madrid. According to Article 3 of the Statutes, all Members commit to developing tourism with a “view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal prospect for, and observance of, human rights”.

Effective immediately, the Russian Federation will not be able to exercise the rights or enjoy the privileges of UNWTO membership. This means it will not be able to receive services from the Organization, including Technical Assistance, nor will the Russian Federation be able to participate in any UNWTO meetings or events, be permitted to put forward any candidates to serve on UNWTO’s statutory bodies, or to vote in elections to UNWTO organs or to propose a candidate to serve as Secretary-General.

Fulfilling Members’ requests

The first emergency session of the General Assembly was convened at the request of six Members and at the instruction of the UNWTO Executive Council. The UNWTO Secretariat then provided a comprehensive report to the General Assembly for Member States to take an informed decision in relation to Russian Federation’s suspension from membership, following the Organization´s Statutes.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Updates here.

The UNWTO Statutes state that any Member State may be suspended if two-thirds of their fellow Members believe them to be persisting in a policy that is contrary to the fundamental aim of the Organization. A majority of two-thirds of Full Members present and voting at the General Assembly is required for a motion for suspension of membership to pass. Suspension is temporary and may be lifted, though only by the General Assembly and following the same procedure.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Celebrates Joy of Gastronomy with Food Festival

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Marriott Bonvoy Celebrates Joy of Gastronomy with Food Festival - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy offers three tiers of culinary promotions throughout May and June 2022, at almost 40 hotels and resorts across Thailand. Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the timeless pleasures of good company and great gastronomy this May and June, with the launch of “Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy”, a nationwide food festival that promises a series of rewarding dining discounts for Marriott Bonvoy members at almost 40 hotels and resorts all across the Kingdom.

Running from 1 May to 30 June 2022, this two-month epicurean extravaganza will showcase the finest cuisine from Marriott’s hotel restaurants. Diners can take advantage of a trio of appetizing promotions: Tier 1 offers diverse culinary experiences for just THB 950, Tier 2 is priced at THB 1,150, and Tier 3 is available for THB 1,450, a fantastic discount of between 20% and 50%! These promotions apply to an amazing array of F&B events and delicious dishes at participating restaurants and bars.

In Koh Samui for example, a Tier 1 promotion is available at Long Talay, the beachside restaurant at Sheraton Samui Resort & Spa, which is offering a Southern Thai Set Menu for two people for just THB 950 – a 25% discount compared to the usual price. Up at Le Méridien Chiang Mai, Favola is offering an Italian Family Set Menu including a salad, antipasti, pasta, pizza and dessert for the Tier 1 price of THB 950.

Alternatively, Tier 2 deals can be discovered at the brand-new Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya, where guests can savor the signature Roasted Pork Ribs at Café 22 for the tempting price of THB 1,150, and at Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where The Pizzeria’s authentic Italian Pizza Stella di Terra can also be enjoyed for THB 1,150.

In Bangkok meanwhile, lovers of Chinese cuisine can head to Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, where the famous Lychee Roasted Peking Duck at Fei Ya can be experienced for the Tier 3 price of THB 1,450, just like the Italian Set Menu at Giorgio’s, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, which includes three sumptuous courses plus a bottle of wine and tea or coffee for two people.

And this is just the start! More hotels and resorts will be rolling out their exclusive offers in the coming weeks, creating a nationwide compendium of culinary promotions and perks. With plenty of affordable options for local residents, dining out in Thailand has never been more rewarding!

For more information about Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy and to book your table in Thailand, please visit restaurants.marriottbonvoy.com/thailand

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy encompasses Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of brands – including the largest collection of luxury properties, award-winning loyalty program, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, online retail shop with 13 branded boutiques, and access to endless experiences – all available through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. Members can earn and redeem points for stays and accelerate the points they earn with co-branded credit cards from JP Morgan Chase and American Express, among others.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Launches Cyber Resilience Report for Global Tourism Sector

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WTTC Launches Cyber Resilience Report for Global Tourism Sector - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, April 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council launched a major new report at its Global Summit in Manila today, to help the sector’s stakeholders understand how cyber resilience is shaping the Travel & Tourism sector and plan for a safer and more robust future.

The report, ‘Codes to resilience’, in joint efforts with Microsoft, draws on comprehensive research and in-depth interviews with cyber security experts in leading Travel & Tourism organisations such as Mastercard, JTB, and Carnival Corporation, among others.

The report shows that whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has propelled the world and the sector into a more digital future, with the opportunities provided by digitalisation, new challenges have emerged, especially in cybercrime.

The inaugural report focuses on three key areas considered critical for the sector: cyber resilience, key issues and six best practices based on the lessons learnt prior to and during the pandemic.

The report goes on to show how digitalisation has become a strong enabler of business within Travel & Tourism, and given the international nature of the sector, it looks at the role of legislation around individual data protection.

According to the report, more than seven out of 10 (72%)SMEs in the UK, the U.S., and Europe, have fallen victim to at least one cyberattack, and with SMEs representing 80% of all Travel & Tourism businesses, mitigating cyber risk must remain a priority for the sector.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Technology and digitalisation play a key role in making the whole travel experience more seamless, from booking a holiday, to checking in for a flight or embarking on a cruise.

“But the impact of cyberattacks carries enormous financial, reputational and regulatory risk.”

This critical report reveals four key issues to address in order to improve cyber protection and enhance resilience: securing identity data, securing business operations, understanding the impact of COVID-19 and managing global legislation.

According to the report, certain actions can help businesses better prepare to repel an attack, while laying the foundation to support long-term cyber resilience. Educating and training all staff, expanding risk security beyond the physical workplace, employing a zero-trust approach to cyber security, and transparency, among others, have been recommended by industry experts as good practices.

Cyber resilience is a crucial element to the future of Travel & Tourism, as cyber systems continue to facilitate and enhance activities between the sector’s stakeholders.

During a panel session at the tourism body’s Global Summit event being held in Manila today, industry leaders heard that cybercrime has cost the global economy U.S.$1 trillion and could reach a staggering U.S. $90 trillion by 2030.

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2019, before the pandemic stopped travel in its tracks, the Travel & Tourism sector generated more than U.S. $9.6 trillion to the global economy.

However, in 2020, the pandemic brought the sector to an almost complete standstill, causing a massive 50% drop, representing a severe loss of nearly U.S. $4.5 trillion.

Digitisation has played and will continue to play a pivotal role in Travel & Tourism’s growth and recovery from COVID-19. It is therefore essential for the sector to integrate cyber security and cyber resilience to continue its recovery from the pandemic while supporting its growth in the future.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Harnessing the Sun, Wind and Rain in Dominica

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Harnessing the Sun, Wind and Rain in Dominica - TOP25ISLANDS.com - TRAVELINDEXRoseau, Dominica, April 27, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Coulibri Ridge invites to discover the breathtaking beauty of Dominica from a sustainable and exceptional point of view. After years of passionate research and meticulous crafting a comfortably luxurious off grid luxury eco-retreat, Coulibri Ridge opened recently.

Conceived with the goal of achieving true sustainability, every aspect of the resort was carefully researched and implemented to minimize impact on the environment, from the off-grid alternative power technologies to the methods of harvesting pure rainwater, filtered on site, collected in large underground cisterns and delivered via energy efficient systems throughout the resort.

The shape and orientation of each building was calculated to achieve the best architectural integration while maximizing the solar production and rain water harvesting capabilities as well as to provide shared resource infrastructure for the resort.

Other salient details include the extensive hand cut stonework, which is the product of stones sourced solely on the property; the implementation of non-chlorine based sanitizing systems for all the pools; the custom design and commissioning of certified recycled teak furniture and kitchen cabinetry in all villas and suites, among others.

Coulibri’s involvement and interest in the immediate, local community and Dominica runs deep. Parrallel to the development of Coulibri Ridge, Coulibri founded two charitable organizations to address some of the issues surrounding sustainable development on the island: The Humane Society of Dominica and REZDM, in response to the devastation of hurricane Maria in 2017.

Coulibri Ridge is an intimate eco-resort with 14 spacious air-conditioned studios and duplex suites, ranging in size from 930 square feet (86 m2) to 1,550 square feet (144 m2). All units have large terraces with exceptional sea views of Martinique to the south and are equipped with custom kitchens and furnishings. Seven duplex suites also have an additional north facing terrace offering views of the Sulphur Spring Valley and of those, four suites have an outdoor shower garden and three have a private pool.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Michelin Guide Thailand Expands to Isan Region

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Michelin Guide Thailand Expands to Isan Region - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 27, 2022 / The Michelin Guide Thailand 2023 will feature Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen as representative cities of the Isan Region. This expansion marks the sixth year of the Guide’s presence in Thailand. The Michelin Guide and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have announced the Michelin Guide Thailand’s expansion of its coverage to Thailand’s Northeastern region – widely known as “Isan” – in its sixth edition, to be released at the end of 2022. With 20 provinces in this largest region of Thailand, four provincial cities – namely Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen – are selected to represent the region’s distinctive and flavorful cuisine, as well as its remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

Northeastern Thai or “Isan” cuisine has an interesting background with cultural influences from ancient eras – including the Sukhothai Kingdom and Khmer empire – as well as from neighboring countries i.e. Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. The region has fields and forests on plateaus and mountains suitable for livestock farming. In addition, it is a significant area for quality rice cultivation – including the world-famous Jasmine rice and glutinous rice. Although Isan food does not contain any seafood ingredients due to its landlocked geographical location, the region has many rivers – notably, the Mekong River, where freshwater fish are in abundance.

According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, Michelin inspectors have been impressed with the flavorful and distinctive Isan cuisine, as it employs simple cooking methods yet delivers subtle and complex flavour profiles – such as boiling, grilling, steaming, slow-cooking, and – above all – the food preservation technique, which is considered a highlight of the cuisine, as it showcases local wisdom in keeping fish and seasonal vegetables for longer shelf life as food ingredients. Fermented fish [Pla Ra], made of local fish fermented in salt and rice, is the most famous and major preserved ingredient that has been used in many dishes and sauces, and has been registered as a heritage of national cultural wisdom since 2012.

“Apart from unique food and interesting culinary background, there are many Isan-born chefs with food knowledge and cooking experience from working in world-famous restaurants abroad, and have now opened their own restaurants in their homeland. They play a significant role in elevating Isan food to the next level – using local ingredients combined with their superior cooking skills, setting a new standard for more high-quality local food. This is a great sign that the Northeastern region of Thailand will soon be an interesting tourist destination for local gastronomy, contributing to a good economy among local communities and markets,” said Mr.Poullennec.

Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, has regarded the existence of The Michelin Guide Thailand during the past 5 years as a valuable contribution to TAT’s mission to promote Thailand as an international gastronomic destination. The increasing number of Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand-awarded, and selected dining establishments featured in each edition of the Michelin Guide Thailand – partially as a result of the Michelin Guide’s further exploration of new territories across the country’s different regions, and partially as a result of local restaurants striving to improve quality and service to live up to prestigious Michelin Guide standards – help drive awareness and set new trends for gastro-tourism among local and international travelers on a broader spectrum.

Comparing the Michelin Guide Thailand 2018 edition to the latest 2022 edition, the number of overall selected eateries is up from 126 to 361. Out of this, the number of Michelin-starred eateries has increased from 17 to 32, and Bib Gourmand-awarded from 35 to 133. The coverage has expanded from “Bangkok” in the 2018 edition, to now include “Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang-Nga” in the 2022 edition.

“Thailand’s Northeastern region has a vast potential – in terms of culinary culture and history, diverse tourist attractions, as well as charming local lifestyle. Apart from delicious and authentic Northeastern Thai or ‘Isan’ cuisine, people of all ages can enjoy visiting attractions like Khao Yai National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – that situated mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Pha Taem National Park in Ubon Ratchathani, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in Udon Thani, Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum in Khon Kaen. Moreover, the Northeastern region has a lot of outstanding local food and handicraft products, with more than 34 registered Geographical Indication (GI) items, to look out for when shopping for souvenirs. With the launch of the upcoming 2023 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, we hope that not only will the entire world be aware of the vibrant culinary scene of the Northeastern region of Thailand, but also boost tourism and the local economy at the same time,” said Mr.Supasorn.

About Michelin
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 177 countries, has 124,760 employees and operates 68 tire production facilities which together produced around 173 million tires in 2021.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World’s Largest Truffle Tasting Event with Chefs from Eight Countries

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World's Largest Truffle Tasting with Chefs from Eight Countries - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXSoria, Spain, April 26, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The World’s largest truffle tasting event was held in Soria earlier this year. An international jury evaluate the teams. A special prize called “Pequetrufa” was be awarded by a children’s jury. The contest had parallel activities open to all audiences. The objective was to position at an international level, the truffle in Castilla y León, a leading community in myco-tourism.

The acting Minister of Education, Rocío Lucas, accompanied by the president of the Soria Provincial Council, Benito Serrano, and the Councilor for Tourism of the capital of Soria, Yolanda Santos, presented the III International Contest “Cooking with Truffles”, which was be held in Soria.

The international competition, organized by the Government of Castilla Y Leon with the collaboration of the City Council and the Provincial Council of Soria, has as its objective the dissemination of a mycological product such as the truffle, one of the most emblematic of haute cuisine, appreciated by chefs all over the world and especially in the province of Soria, with the largest truffle farm in the world, with more than 600 hectares of mycorrhizal oaks.

Rocío Lucas has presented this new edition, framed in the International Gastronomy Festival of Castilla y León, which alternates every two years with the International Contest “Cooking with Truffles” and the International Congress of Mycological Cuisine “Soria Gastronómica”, which will be held in autumn of the next year. The Minister highlighted “the important effort made by the Board in the organization of both events, which are helping the international positioning of mycotourism in Soria and Castilla y León as a great reference, while at the same time betting on its repercussion at the tourist level, through the promotion of gastronomic products in which Castilla y León maintains an important leadership”.

The III International Competition “Cooking with Truffles” reinforces, in the words of the Minister, “the commitment to the gastronomy of Castilla y León, as well as the determined support for all professionals in the sector, with a defined strategy based on specialized tourism products of quality that are also sustainable with the environment”. In this sense, it must be remembered that the annual economic impact of myco-tourism in Castilla y León is estimated at around 33 million euros, with more than 250,000 myco-tourists per year at harvest time in the community, according to the latest data published by the Fundación Cesefor.

International competition
The III International Competition “Cooking with Truffles” took place in Soria with different promotional activities open to the public, with the culinary competition at the Palacio de la Audiencia, with the participation of eight teams of top-level chefs from Italy, Ecuador, Thailand, USA, Mexico, Slovenia, France and Spain.

The representative of the Spanish team was be the Soria chef Juan Carlos Benito, trained at the Soria School of Hospitality, currently responsible for ‘Grumer Catering’ and winner, on several occasions, of the first prize at the Abejar Truffle Fair. Giuseppe D’Errico, with two Michelin stars, participated from Italy; Representing Ecuador was be Alejandro Chamorro, who has entered the list of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America; Anthony Burd of Tony’s restaurant in Bangkok represented Thailand. From the USA, the Top Chef Masters competitor, chef Debbie Gold, participated; Eduardo Morali has been runner-up in Top Chef Mexico; Jure Dretnik, chef de cuisine at the two-Michelin-star restaurant Hiša Franko, represented Slovenia; Lastly, Nicolás Pailhes represented France, where he runs a restaurant in Richerenches, capital of the black truffle.

In addition, enhancing the marked international character of the event, a professional jury has been selected, with personalities of great relevance in world gastronomy such as Clare Reichenbach, Chief Executive Officer of the renowned James Beard Foundation, which bestows the most important culinary awards in the United States; Colombian chef Leonor Espinosa with her restaurant LEO, distinguished among the best restaurants in the world; or the Galician and one of the most influential chefs in Spain, Lucía Freitas, with a Michelin star. Also part of the jury are television chef Javier Peña; the chef from La Mancha Fran Martinez, with two Michelin stars and the champion of the previous edition of Cooking with Truffle and runner-up of Top Chef Spain, Antonio Arrabal.

The winning team of the Competition received the title of “World Truffle Cooking Champion” and an cash prize of 4,000 euros. In addition, the second place received a prize of 2,000 euros and the third place got 1,000 euros. As a novelty, the ‘Pequetrufa’ award has been established, and was awarded by the children’s jury to the best chef, receiving a prize of 1,000 euros.

Soria’s restaurants was invigorated as well as the province’s hotel professionals, creating possibilities for future exchanges, as well as enriching relationships between chefs. The participating restaurants were: La Galiana, La Taberna del Kiosco, Mesón Castellano, El Trashumante, La Lobita, La Chistera, El Baluarte and the Parador de Soria. This activity is carried out in collaboration with the Association of Hospitality and Tourism Entrepreneurs of Soria, ASHOTUR.

Truffle Technical Conference The Aula Magna Tirso de Molina, a Technical Conference was aimed at professionals in the kitchen, the press and the general public, to promote the responsible use of the black truffle in restaurants and at a private level. Within the Conference, quality control was carried out on the black truffle that were used in the International Competition “Cooking with Truffles” and that were provided by the Association of Black Truffle Collectors and Growers of Soria, ATRUSORIA and the Association Forest of Soria, ASFOSO.

Through this Technical Conference, the organization of the International Competition “Cooking with Truffles” has established a rigorous quality control, carried out by independent professionals, so that all the contestants had homogeneous specimens of truffles and in perfect conditions, taking care of aspects such as the roundness, maturity or weight of the product.

Promotion of ‘Trufi-Tourism‘ With the aim of involving all citizens, different activities have been scheduled around the truffle, such as two “Truffle Trails”, consisting of an informative talk on the truffle ecosystem and a practical outing to a truffle plantation. The objective is to be able to visit a truffle farm with the help of an expert, where there will be a truffle hunting demonstration.

In addition, together with the truffle growers’ associations: ATRUSORIA and ASFOSO, a ‘Truffle Market’ was be organized in the Palacio de la Audiencia, to promote and market the product, aimed both at the final consumer and at the professionals of the sector who attended participated in a commercial meeting with the truffle growers at the end of the Technical Day of truffle selection.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Expect the Unexpected: W Hotels Unveils W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

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W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. Situated on the highly sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline, the 31-story hotel boasts striking glass architecture with unobstructed views of the sun-soaked Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s iconic landmarks.

“Local and international tastemakers with a passion for music and design will experience Dubai’s bold spirit through the W lens at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi,” said Tolga S Lacin, Area General Manager. “Through the hotel’s immersive art, social happenings, thoughtfully curated music, visionary dining concepts and its legendary Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, guests can expect modern luxury delivered in a completely unique, surprising way.”

A Storied Design Journey

Dubai’s historical, cultural and social fabric is woven throughout the design of the hotel with surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the artfully designed porte-cochère that leads to a stylish Welcome Desk featuring bold colors and textures inspired by the romanticism of a snake charmer – a nod to the Middle East’s history of mystique and its mix of poets, storytellers, and performers who brought the energy of the region to life. Inside, the W Lounge – the brand’s take on the hotel lobby – pays homage to famed, Middle Eastern gold souks, with rich, warm hues and gold accents to create a lively, modern-day bazaar. Guests can connect over imaginative cocktails and savory bites infused with local flavors, complemented by live music and nightly DJ sets.

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi features 318 rooms including 27 suites – all sea-facing with a private balcony – where guests can take in Dubai’s vibrant sunsets over the Arabian Gulf, Palm Jumeirah Island and iconic landmarks such as the Ain Dubai. The chic design blends accents of traditional Middle Eastern elements in a bright, inviting space with thoughtful touches. Vibrantly hued interiors and custom furnishings featuring layers of highly textured fabrics with modern lustre honor the destination and its trade route heritage. Separate living, vanity and sleeping spaces, as well as the brand’s signature Mix Bar, are welcomed luxuries.

For the most elevated experience, the Extreme WOW Suite – W’s twist on a Presidential Suite – perched on the 30th floor is a 3,000 square-foot contemporary space featuring two bedrooms, a lounge, dining area and a balcony with sweeping views of the city below.

Something for Every Appetite

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s dining and nightlife options will captivate travellers and locals who gather in search of local and globally inspired flavors, or a tucked-away cocktail lounge. Located on the second floor, Ginger Moon is W Dubai – Mina Seyahi’s urban all-day club experience offering innovative lunch, sunset and dinner menus. Airy and light, this seamless indoor-outdoor space opens to an expansive terrace leading to an infinity pool that highlights panoramic views from the Mina Seyahi Bay. The W brand’s signature take on the poolside scene – WET Deck – offers guests a fresh space to soak up the sun poolside or under the refreshing shade of a cabana while enjoying cocktails, bites and eclectic music.

Opening June 2022, ATTIKO is a sleek, high-energy rooftop lounge set to become the latest hotspot in the city. An upscale venue boasting enviable views, ATTIKO will be the place to be from sundowners to late-night gatherings with a mix of live music or DJs playing the latest high-octane tracks. ATTIKO will serve imaginative cuisine featuring a curated selection of modern and classic Pan-Asian dishes and an extensive menu of international beer, wine and signature handcrafted cocktails.

Set to open in 2023, Malakite beach club and pool will be ideally situated on the private beach, accessible only to residents and hotels guests, offering a two-in-one concept in over 86,000 square feet of space, set around a 50-meter-long pool and private beach. Sun-seekers can expect surprise performances throughout the day and, as the sun sets, the action will move into the nearly 13,000 square-foot indoor arena for a spectacle of talented artists that will redefine the entertainment experience for Dubai residents and travelers alike.

BAR-B Spa Balances Mind and Body

Cocktails, socializing and being pampered are at the heart of the BAR-B spa. Featuring four treatment rooms, a beauty bar and relaxation areas, BAR-B offers stand out facials and full-body therapies. The fitness center – 1REBEL/FIT – will mark the UAE debut of UK-born 1Rebel – the ultimate sports-luxe fitness experience – in 2023 with a 27,000 square-foot, dual-story studio in the hotel.

Connect at W

For intimate gatherings, meetings or larger occasions for up to 120 people, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will set the scene for reconnecting at energizing events. Three distinct Studio spaces are fully outfitted and have an abundance of natural light. The Studios also feature a pre-function space with an outdoor terrace.

Guests can enjoy the advantages of Marriott Bonvoy’s award-winning loyalty program where members enjoy exclusive benefits including complimentary Wi-Fi, member-only rates and contactless experience with the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app. Members can achieve Elite status recognition and earn points toward complimentary nights at the more than 7,800 properties around the world and the more than 30,000 premium home rentals with every qualifying stay.

For more information and to book, please visit www.w-dubai-mina-seyahi.com.

For high-resolution images, please click here.
Credit: Marriott International, Inc.

Media Contacts
Georgie Noble, Director, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott Internationa
lGeorgie.Noble@marriott.com

Lauren Singleton, PR Manager, Consumer PR, EMEA
Marriott International
Lauren.J.Singleton@marriott.com

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each traveler’s desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit whotels.com/theangle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News