Global Travel News

Smart Finder Reveals Business Expansion and New Product

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Smart Finder Reveals Business Expansion and New Product - HOTELWORLDS - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 16,2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Smart Finder, Thailand’s leading one-stop software developer for the hospitality industry reveals its growth figure for Q1 of 2022, which surpassed that of the previous year, creating confidence for the business’s continued growth and further expansion into new verticals and territories. The Company also reveals partial information about its new cloud-based products which will be launched in 2022.

Mr. Soros Raktham, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Finder stated that the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted the business. “Since we developed all solutions only for the tourism and hospitality service industries. Never, throughout the 25-year history of the company, had innovation and diversification been this important. It took vision, courage, and team effort, not just to get through the pandemic, but to come out bigger and better”.

Currently, the company has over 1,000 customers; the majority are Thailand-based hotels. The pandemic saw several of Smart Finders’ clients closing their properties or even dissolving their businesses, while others adjusted their focus to the domestic tourist market.

Before establishing the software development company, Mr. Soros was a hotelier, accountant, and auditor. With over 10 years of “hands-on” experience in the industry, he understands the challenges and burdens (of expenses) of running hotels.

As Mr. Soros believes that “Developing software requires collaboration and sharing of ideas within all the teams, partners and customers alike, to understand their pain points and fulfill the needs of their businesses”.
Hence, Smart Finder essentially acts as a solutions provider for its customers, to facilitate their business’ success.

Smart Finder adopted the “Go together, go further” approach by offering several “survival solutions” to their customers, including offering discounts and flexible payment terms. By doing so, both parties would mutually bear the financial hardship brought on by the pandemic. This approach has cemented the trust leading to better relationships.

In Q4 of 2021, the Company’s turnover fell by 25%. But because of the Company’s efficient cost and expense management, the business could get through the crisis.

In 2019, pre-Covid, Singapore-based SEA GARENA; the region’s biggest startup investment company, invested an undisclosed amount in Smart Finder after considering the potential of the solutions developed by the Thai team.

They made funds available to further develop the company’s three main products for the cloud namely, Property Management System (PMS), Point-of-Sale (POS), and Back-office System (BOS). As well as a range of “self-service products” focusing on a mobile guest application (GSA) and a self-service kiosk. All products are due to be launched later this year and are set to come with fully integrated payment solutions, making it easier, faster, safer, and competitive for customers to use.

The new software will be more customizable and scalable, thus more applicable to a wider range of businesses beyond hotels, such as entertainment complexes, spas, amusement parks, waterparks, and serviced accommodations.

Venues may choose to use our new products either with a cloud server, an on-premise server, or both (hybrid), thus providing a solution for all types of clients, venues with no restrictions on size or location. Also included in the new range of products will be a new mobile application for the employees featuring task management, approvals, etc. adding agility and efficiency while simultaneously managing your teams.

The full cloud suite of products will initially be launched in regional markets. In Q4 of this year, Smart Finder will be rolling out pilot projects in Thailand as well as neighboring countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, with tourism similar to Thailand’s.

Mr. Soros stated that “for the course of business this year, we are determined to deliver our new products with greater efficiency and better features. I am privileged to have an extremely experienced team. Some of which have been with the company for 15-25 years and have a very deep knowledge of our customers’ needs, resulting in developing – not just what they want – but also being able to give them what they need”.

Mr. Soros additionally concluded that “we have set out an ambitious 5-year plan to take our products International. We are establishing a new Global HQ in Singapore and building a team of international experts and partners to help us grow in new markets”.

The new SORASO system is a culmination of 25 years of experience of Smart Finder in Thailand. Therefore, Smart Finder will act as a representative of the Thai technology industry by introducing Advanced Software Solutions to the global markets.

Smart Finder was founded in 1997 and has steadily grown to become a leader in management software for hotels, restaurants, and tourism in Thailand with above 1,000 business partners in Thailand. The Company won the excellent software award from the ICT Awards in 2015 as the first company in Thailand. This year, Smart Finder’s next chapter will include International expansion by debuting the new company, SORASO, to be registered in Singapore. Smart Finder also aims to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand through an initial public offering by 2027.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IT’S A BIG SHOW: IPW 2022 signals a comeback for tourism

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The essential question at IPW 2022 in Orlando last week was, “when will the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound vaccinated air travellers to the US be eliminated.” Though US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow, and Brand USA President and CEO Chris Thompson, assured media and delegates that everything possible was being done to convince the powers-that-be of the importance of acting quickly, there really was no answer available. However, with typical bureaucratic shortsightedness, and a shocking disregard for their own travel organizations, the US Government announced the removal of Antigen testing the day after IPW ended, thereby missing the opportunity for a major travel and tourism take-away to be given to over 500 domestic and international media and nearly 4,800 attendees from over 60 countries at America’s largest most important travel event of the year.

The hope is, of course, that the removal (and cost) of the pre-departure testing will draw future travel and tourism business to the US and facilitate an industrywide recovery in international inbound travel.

IPW did its part and could certainly viewed as a success. Back again after a pandemic layoff and an abbreviated version in Las Vegas in 2021, the event held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando was not lacking in energy and enthusiasm from attendees.

While masks were not mandatory, a number of people continued to wear them on the convention floor, at meetings and at some events.

Media Marketplace

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FORECAST

US Travel released its updated ,  which projects 65 million international arrivals in 2023 (82% of pre-pandemic levels). The forecast projects that international arrivals and spending will fully recover to 2019 levels by 2025. It also forecast that the US could gain an additional 5.4 million visitors and US $9 billion in spending by the end of 2022 if the pre-departure testing requirement were removed, which it subsequently was.

US Travel’s forecast extends to 2026 and also includes an analysis on where inbound travel should be in terms of growth had the pandemic not occurred.

“This IPW is sending a message that the US is open for business and eager to welcome travellers from around the world,” said Dow. “We are taking a huge step forward here to bring back international travel, restore jobs, and re-establish the bonds that connect our countries and cultures.”

Carnival Cruise Line President and US Travel National Chair Christine Duffy and US Travel Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes also spoke at the US Travel press conference.

IPW also included education opportunities for delegates. IPW Focus, a new program launched in 2021, provided delegates the opportunity to participate in sessions on a number of topics from technology and innovation to research and insights.

Orlando has served as host site for IPW eight times – more than any other US city— check here for past and future locations.

This was Roger Dow’s final IPW after seventeen years at the helm of the US Travel Association and there were many accolades for him. He’s not telling yet, but he’s got plans, so we’ll keep an eye on him and keep you posted. No announcement as to his successor, but we hear the list has been narrowed to three.

We spoke to a lot of people from a lot of places and learned about a great many destinations and lots more. So, stay tuned – over the next little while we will be keeping you updated with interesting interviews and information from IPW.

The 54th annual IPW will take place May 20-24, 2023, in San Antonio, the first time the Texas city will serve as IPW host.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GRENADA PASSES THE SMELL TEST

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Grenada smells good. Whether it’s the nutmeg, cocoa, cinnamon, or any of the other spices native to the island – or perhaps all of them together – the Caribbean island is clearly a special place, right from the first whiff.

Indeed, the so-called “Spice Island” (and its siblings, notably Carriacou), is even looking to patent its unique, fabulous fragrance, reveals Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Petra Roach.

But until then, Canadians will just have to go and sniff in person, she laughed to Travel Industry Today.

Fortunately, that will be a lot easier to accomplish with news last week that Air Canada will resume non-stop flights to the island – located at the southern end of Grenadines chain in the West Indies – beginning this fall.

While Canadians continued to visit in substantial numbers even after the direct service was halted in January (many connecting through nearby Barbados), the interruption definitely “created a dent in our numbers,” says Roach.

To that end the CEO, accompanied by the GTA’s director of sales for Canada, Sekou Stroude, visited suppliers in Toronto earlier this month, culminating in the planned resumption of twice-weekly Air Canada flights (on Sundays and Thursdays) from Toronto Pearson starting Oct. 30.

“The news on the service to Grenada is welcome as the destination is pacing ahead of 2019 numbers and group business is up 37%,” stated Diana Rodriguez, Product Director at Air Canada Vacations.

Canada has always been a critical market for Grenada, says Roach, ranking in the top 3 and with visitors staying an average of 10 days.

Moreover, she says Canadians are inclined to leave their resorts and explore the island, eat at its restaurants, visit the spice markets, and generally ensure that their presence is felt across the island and in the community.

Grande Anse Beach

Tourism minister Clarice Modeste-Curwen, adds, “Canada is recognized as one of the most important tourism generating markets in the world with 41% of Canadians choosing beach destinations…This market has continued to grow over the years and delivers a great return on investment.”

Roach, who hopes that other Canadian airlines will join Air Canada in returning to Grenada, notes that Canadian visitors to the island tend to skew a little bit older, in the 45-64 range, as well as towards families and couples. But she says the GTA is working to gain a greater presence with millennials, who make up about 20% of visitors.

It shouldn’t be a hard sell, she adds, with a host of soft adventure activities on-island, and off, ranging from hiking and four-wheel drive excursions to water sports and diving, the latter amongst the world’s best, featuring wrecks, real and artificial reefs, and an underwater sculpture park. There are also unique activities like young chef and mixology courses.

Grenada’s beaches – especially renowned 3-km white sand Grand Anse – constantly receive accolades. And the colourful capital, St. Georges, is the island’s dynamic cultural centre.

However, the greatest draw for tiny Grenada – only 33 km long – is the “closeness” visitors feel to nature, believes Roach.

Verdant and green, covered in rainforest and waterfalls, the island “is the quintessence of pure nature,” she says. “Here you can just step back; there’s a simplicity in life that is refreshing. It’s like you breath deeply, and you imperceptibly slow down.”

As such, nature touches almost everything in the islands, from the food, which includes an abundance of uncommonly sweet fruits, like mangoes, papayas, and citrus, to farm and fishing to table.

There is also rum, chocolate, and, of course, the spices.

Naturally, wellness is central theme, from hiking in spectacular natural settings to yoga on the beach.

“Grenada is a place where people want to escape and recalibrate,” Roach enthuses.

Spice Island Beach Resort

As for accommodation, the all-inclusive Royalton Grenada, tends to top the list for Canadians, capturing about 30% of the market; while another 15% opt for Sandals, she says.

Other popular retreats among the “plethora of lodging options” include the 64-suite five-star all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort, and other boutique properties, such as Mount Cinnamon, Coyaba Beach Resort, 437, Silversands, and Laluna.

As for COVID, Grenada recently rescinded its entry protocols making it easier for travellers to reach the destination. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers arriving into Grenada no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests prior to arrival or upon arrival, fill out health declaration forms, or quarantine on arrival.

Additionally, Roach says, the island is “very, very safe!”

In sum, she declares, “Grenada is like the last authentic island in the Caribbean.”

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

FLOODS CLOSE YELLOWSTONE PARK: ‘Unprecedented’ rain washes out roads

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Floodwaters higher than any in more than a century tore through Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas, sweeping away houses, washing out bridges and roads, stranding tourists and residents, and prompting frantic helicopter and raft rescues.

The flooding across parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming from days of rain and a rapidly melting snowpack indefinitely closed one of the nation’s most iconic parks just as a summer tourist season that draws millions of visitors was ramping up.

North of the park, hundreds of people remained isolated Tuesday after the Yellowstone River crested higher than ever recorded in a chocolate brown torrent that washed away anything in its path. While no one has been reported killed or injured, waters were only starting to recede Tuesday and the full extent of the destruction wasn’t yet known.

“It is just the scariest river ever,” Kate Gomez of Santa Fe, New Mexico, said Tuesday. “Anything that falls into that river is gone. The swells are huge and it’s just mud and silt.”

Gomez and her husband were among hundreds of tourists stuck in Gardiner, Montana, a town of about 800 residents at the north entrance to the park. The town was cut off for more than a day until Tuesday afternoon, when crews managed to get part of a washed away two-lane road reopened. Officials warned that driving conditions were still dangerous.
While the flooding can’t directly be attributed to climate change, it came as the Midwest and East Coast sizzle from a heat wave and other parts of the West burn from an early wildfire season amid a persistent drought that has increased the frequency and intensity of fires that are having broader impacts. Smoke from a fire in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, could be seen in Colorado.

Rick Thoman, a climate specialist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said a warming environment makes extreme weather events more likely “than they would have been without the warming that human activity has caused.”

“Will Yellowstone have a repeat of this in five or even 50 years? Maybe not, but somewhere will have something equivalent or even more extreme,” he said. “It was just this time last year we were talking about the heat dome over the Pacific Northwest. These extreme heat events are becoming more common. It’s not the same place every year. It isn’t going to be the same place every year.”

The towns of Cooke City and Silvergate, just east of the park, were also isolated by floodwaters.

Heavy rain on top of melting mountain snow pushed the Yellowstone, Stillwater and Clarks Fork rivers to record levels Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials in Yellowstone and in several southern Montana counties were assessing damage from the storms, which also triggered mudslides and rockslides. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte declared a statewide disaster.

In Livingston, low-lying neighborhoods were evacuated and the city’s hospital was evacuated as a precaution after its driveway flooded.

It was unclear how many visitors to the region remained stranded or have been forced to leave Yellowstone, or how many people who live outside the park were rescued and evacuated.

Some of the worst damage happened in the northern part of the park and Yellowstone’s gateway communities in southern Montana. National Park Service photos of northern Yellowstone showed a mudslide, washed out bridges and roads undercut by churning floodwaters of the Gardner and Lamar rivers.

Officials in Park County, which includes Gardiner and Cooke City, said extensive flooding throughout the county had made drinking water unsafe in many areas.

The Montana National Guard said Monday it sent two helicopters to southern Montana to help with the evacuations.

In south-central Montana, flooding on the Stillwater River stranded 68 people at a campground. Stillwater County Emergency Services agencies and crews with the Stillwater Mine rescued people Monday from the Woodbine Campground by raft. Some roads in the area are closed because of flooding and residents have been evacuated.

“We will be assessing the loss of homes and structures when the waters recede,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Cory Mottice, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings, Montana, said rain is not in the immediate forecast, and cooler temperatures will lessen the snowmelt in coming days.

“This is flooding that we’ve just never seen in our lifetimes before,” Mottice said.

The Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs crested at 13.88 feet (4.2 meters) Monday, higher than the previous record of 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) set in 1918, according the the National Weather Service.

Floodwaters inundated a street in Red Lodge, a Montana town of 2,100 that’s a popular jumping-off point for a scenic, winding route into the Yellowstone high country. Twenty-five miles (40 kilometers) to the northeast, in Joliet, Kristan Apodaca wiped away tears as she stood across the street from a washed-out bridge, The Billings Gazette reported.

The log cabin that belonged to her grandmother, who died in March, flooded, as did the park where Apodaca’s husband proposed.

“I am sixth-generation. This is our home,” she said. “That bridge I literally drove yesterday. My mom drove it at 3 a.m. before it was washed out.”

On Monday, Yellowstone officials evacuated the northern part of the park, where roads may remain impassable for a substantial length of time, park Superintendent Cam Sholly said in a statement.

But the flooding affected the rest of the park, too, with park officials warning of yet higher flooding and potential problems with water supplies and wastewater systems at developed areas.

The rains hit just as area hotels have filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than 4 million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesn’t abate until fall and June is typically one of Yellowstone’s busiest months.

Yellowstone got 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) of rain Saturday, Sunday and into Monday. The Beartooth Mountains northeast of Yellowstone got as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters), according to the National Weather Service.

 

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Rolls Out Refreshed Mobile App for Android Users, Offering a More Intuitive and Personalized Experience Ahead of Summer Travel Season

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Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, has released a redesigned, more intuitive version of its Android mobile app, just in time for the anticipated busy summer travel season.

With 85% of the U.S. adult population planning to take a trip this summer[1], the roll-out of the newest features on the Marriott Bonvoy app now makes travel more seamless for both Android and iOS users. Featuring new travel shopping options based on inspiring destinations and access to more of Marriott’s unrivaled travel offerings, guests will now be able to browse and book 65,000+ premium and luxury vacation rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International alongside Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 brands and 8,000+ hotels, as well as destination tours and activities to enjoy on their trip. The app will offer members the best available rate, as well as personalized recommendations and offers to maximize their points earned when traveling or from everyday spend.

The launch on Android follows the improved app experience that launched on Apple’s iOS operating system in 2021. As the centerpiece of the company’s mobile-first mindset, the Marriott Bonvoy app enables members to customize their experience through features such as contactless check-in and check-out, and the ability to request services and amenities via chat and mobile requests.

“We’ve had a great reception to our refreshed Marriott Bonvoy mobile app from iOS users, so we’re excited to be able to offer Android users the chance to enjoy the new features now too,” said Sarah Searls, Senior Vice President Digital, Marriott International. “The enhanced app simplifies the travel planning process, allows for the most frictionless experience before and during your stay and gets smarter the more you interact with it. Not only can guests more easily browse and book the industry’s largest range of hotels, home rentals and experiences, but through tailored offers, they can earn and redeem points to make their stays more rewarding.”

What’s new on the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app for Android:

  • New Shopping and Booking Options: On the app, guests and members can now book Free Night Award as well as Suite Night Award redemptions, premium and luxury home rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities, enhanced family booking options for All-Inclusive resorts, and much more. By booking direct via the app, guests continue to be guaranteed the lowest rate available. While members enjoy the most personalized experience, non-members can also now search and book within the app.
  • Updated Searching & Booking with New, Dynamic Map: Users can search and book accommodations by hotel brand, destination, price, or points needed for a free night’s stay.
  • More Customization During the Stay: Improvements and additions to mobile requests and mobile key enable members to choose their level of interaction with hotel staff. Mobile Key, available at over 5,500 properties, is now accessible on the home screen once checked in. Mobile Requests now contains more one-touch-buttons so users can order a crib, shoeshine, and dry cleaning, as well as bath towels, pillows and bath products directly from the app. Mobile Requests also allows users to chat with hotel staff from 48 hours before check-in and during their stay.
  • Making it Easier for Members to Earn Points: Members can see relevant promotions on the home screen and their account page, giving them easy access to promotions for stays, on select Uber rides or Uber Eats, airline partners, and other ways to earn points every day between stays.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Rebuilt from the ground up, this faster-performing app boasts an improved interface that intuitively guides guests through the entire booking and in-stay journey.

Other highlights include an updated Marriott Bonvoy account profile page highlighting personalized promotions, on-property benefits to take advantage of during stays and full account activity; as well as Fingerprint Unlock that automatically engages after the first login.

The app is available in seven languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, with more to come.

For more information about Marriott Bonvoy or to join as a member for free, visit: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty.mi

[1] USTA: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/85-of-americans-are-planning-summer-travel-with-personal-cars-as-top-pick-for-transportation-according-to-new-survey-from-oaaa–the-harris-poll-301500009.html

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as 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. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Homes & Villas by Marriott International Lands in Australia and New Zealand

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Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Marriott Bonvoy’s curated and growing collection of premium and luxury whole home rentals around the world, today announced its launch in Australia and New Zealand – marking the platform’s entrance into Asia Pacific. The expansion into these new markets adds over 350 premium and luxury homes to the platform in prime leisure destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Orange in Australia, and Auckland and Queenstown in New Zealand – just to name a few.

With Australia’s interstate and international borders now open, and with New Zealand’s borders soon to follow, Homes & Villas by Marriott International is well-positioned to meet the increasing demands from both domestic and overseas travelers for larger groups stays to experience the joy of reconnecting over travel, together. These unique homes provide members of Marriott’s award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, with more options when they travel as a complement to Marriott Bonvoy’s existing offering of 29 hotels across 13 different brands in Australia and New Zealand. Several of the homes feature balconies, pools, gourmet kitchens and large entertaining areas that make them the ideal place for gatherings.

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Sydney, Australia

Homes & Villas by Marriott International was launched in May 2019 to provide Marriott Bonvoy members with more options when they travel, backed by Marriott International’s 90+ years of expertise in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. Every home listed on the platform is professionally-managed and selected to ensure it meets the high product and service standards that guests expect of Marriott International in design, cleanliness, safety, reliability and high-end amenities. It is also the only home rental platform to participate in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, allowing its 164 million+ members to earn and redeem points for all stays.

“Private home rental offerings are tremendously popular right now as travelers look for ways to re-connect with loved ones, as well as to continue to balance remote work, school, and leisure. We are thrilled to be bringing Homes & Villas by Marriott International to Australia and New Zealand, providing our guests with a curated selection of the best premium and luxury homes in the market. These homes provide the space and amenities expected from a luxury experience and the backing of a trusted travel company”, said Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President, Homes & Villas by Marriott International.

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New South Wales, Australia

Marriott International works meticulously with selected professional property management groups to craft the ultimate experience – from beachside villas to city penthouses. Making travel even easier, Homes & Villas also offers pet-friendly accommodation enabling guests to enjoy a getaway with their furry companion by their side. Every stay is managed by a specialist property manager and offers 24/7 support for any customer assistance needed during the getaway.

From luxurious countryside houses in vineyards, sprawling houses and magnificent lakeview villas, as well as buzzing city apartments and penthouses, guests will have access to a range of different options in the unique collection of private homes in Australia and New Zealand.

Marriott Bonvoy members who book any of Homes & Villas by Marriott International’s 65,000+ private home rentals worldwide for 5+nights between 13 June 2022 and 22 June 2022, and complete their stay with check-out on or before December 31, 2022, will earn 2X points, plus a Free Night Award valid for a future stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

For more information, please visit Homes & Villas by Marriott.

About Homes & Villas by Marriott International

Launched in May 2019, Homes & Villas by Marriott International is a curated and growing collection of 65,000+ premium and luxury whole home rentals located in 700+ prime destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America. Leveraging Marriott International’s decades of delivering exceptional hospitality experience, each home is professionally managed and meets the company’s design, cleanliness, safety and amenity standards. It is also the only home rental offering to participate in the award-winning travel program Marriott Bonvoy, enabling members to earn and redeem points for all stays. Connect with @HomesandVillasbyMarriott on Instagram and Facebook.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SureStay Hotel Collection by Best Western Arrives in Bangkok

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SureStay Hotel Collection by Best Western Arrives in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEX - HOTELWORLDS.comBangkok, Thailand, June 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts has reaffirmed its position as one of Thailand’s leading international hotel groups with the opening of Seekers Finders Rama IV, SureStay Collection by Best Western, in downtown Bangkok. This becomes the first-ever SureStay Collection hotel in Thailand as Best Western continues to expand its guest offerings in this important market.

A new midscale hotel for independent-minded travelers, Seekers Finders Rama IV, SureStay Collection by Best Western is perfectly positioned in the heart of the Thai capital, surrounded by major attractions. The 81 rooms are ideal for short and extended stays, with comfortable bedding, sofa beds, rain showers, working desks, microwaves, refrigerators and sinks, in addition to LCD TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can also unwind in style at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and bar.

Just a short walk from Khlong Toei MRT subway station, this hotel provides an excellent base from which to explore the city, including Bangkok’s famous temples, shopping malls, restaurants and top international hospitals such as MedPark. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre is also within easy reach.

This new hotel will join the global network of Best Western Rewards®, the group’s award-winning guest loyalty program, which offers exclusive member-only benefits at approximately 4,500 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide.

The launch of Seekers Finders Rama IV, SureStay Collection by Best Western confirms Best Western’s position as one of the leading hotel operators in Bangkok and reflects the company’s long-term confidence in this dynamic destination. The group now offers its customers a choice of six properties in the Thai capital, covering five distinct brands: Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, SureStay Plus® and SureStay Collection. The BWH Hotel Group® regional head office for Asia is also located in Bangkok.

“I am delighted to announce the opening of this exceptional hotel. Prior to the global pandemic, Bangkok was the most popular city on the planet, attracting more than 22 million¹ business and leisure travelers from all around the world. As life and travel starts to return to normal, Best Western will be ready to welcome all visitors back to the Thai capital. The opening of Seekers Finders Rama IV, SureStay Collection by Best Western, and the introduction of yet another of our industry-leading brands to Thailand, underscores our enduring confidence in the future of the kingdom’s tourism industry,” said Erwann Mahe, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, BWH Hotel Group.

Thailand has now lifted all travel restrictions for international visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as the country returns to normal following the global pandemic.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bangkok’s Newest Dining Den with Latin American Roots, Guilty

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Bangkok's Newest Dining Den with Latin American Roots, Guilty - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Right in the heart of Bangkok’s elegant Ratchadamri district, Anantara Siam is proud to welcome hedonists and pleasure-seekers to its newest upscale hangout. GUILTY awaits with Peruvian-inspired culinary delights and tantalising mixology.

A familiar figure on the Bangkok culinary scene, Chef Carlos Rodriguez brings his extensive experience to a creative menu. Having honed his culinary skills at El Mariachi, Mejico, Gaggan, Penthouse Bar + Grill and Makan, Chef Rodriguez takes diners on a gastronomic adventure through modern Latin American cuisine at GUILTY. Peruvian flavours get a Nikkei twist in dishes like ceviche in leche de tigre and the tuna acevichado roll. A selection of corn tortilla tacos nod to Mexico and the robust barbacoa menu includes a Brasilian wagyu and cuts served with Peruvian rubs or chimichurri sauces. The dessert menu is a sweet symphony starring orange and lime churros and a sinful tres leches cake.

Master mixologists craft cocktails to complement the Latin American theme at GUILTY. Signature sips include Manteca y Dulce—a combination of pisco and dulce de leche, and Cactus Scape No.1—with tequila, pineapple, agave and adobo spices. For the adventurous, the selection of party shots includes cannabis, palm leaf and coffee with coconut.

The interior space combines bold geometry with earthy green and amber tones to create a distinctive aesthetic inspired by the works of Richard Artschwager and the pop art movement. Guests are greeted by an oversized resin cast feature light that hovers over the central space as an abstract art piece, and masterpieces from local creators including Melanies Greis, Nakrob Moonmanus, Kitikong Tilokwattanotai and Phannapast “Yoon” Taychamaythakool adorn the space to welcome patrons and hotel guests alike.

The party starts at GUILTY, where there’s no shame in a good time. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch between 12 noon and 2.30pm and for dinner between 6.00pm and 12 midnight. For more information, contact +66 2 126 8866 or email: guilty.asia@anantara.com.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bogotá Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories

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Bogotá Joins UNWTO Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories - VISITCOLOMBIA.org - TRAVELINDEXBogota, Colombia, June 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has welcomed Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory into its International Network of Sustainable Observatories (INSTO).

Bogota’s Tourism Observatory has longstanding and extensive monitoring experience and has been further strengthened by the City Council as an instrument of public management and mechanism to consolidate, systematize, analyze and research information of the tourism sector. Becoming a member of INSTO will help Bogotá in managing tourism development in a responsible and sustainable manner and allow it to better deal with post-pandemic recovery.

We are very pleased to welcome Bogotá into the Network as the latest member

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The INSTO network is a platform where we welcome Observatories that are committed to basing the sustainable development of tourism on evidence, participatory approaches and transparency. We are very pleased to welcome Bogotá into the Network as the latest member.”

Inclusive future for Bogotá´s tourism

Bogotá is home to a wide variety of tourist resources and attractions and has an infrastructure that allows for the development of different high-quality tourism products. As the most popular Colombian destination in terms of tourist numbers, arrivals in 2021 reached almost 6 million, with growth of 49.8% in relation to 2020, contributing US$5.795 billion corresponding to 2.4% of the total GDP of the city, which meant an annual increase of 38.2% between 2020 and 2021. Within the Sustainable Tourism Policy of Colombia 2022, the vision of strengthening the reputation and recognition of Colombia as a sustainable tourism destination is clearly outlined.

The Vice Minister of Tourism Ricardo Galindo Bueno assured that “for the Vice Ministry of Tourism it is great news that the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory is part of the UNWTO INSTO network, because a tool of these characteristics and qualities, allows public policies of the sector in the district to continue to be nourished by objective measurements that improve decision making”.

Director of the District Institute of Tourism (IDT), Karol Fajardo Mariño explained: “The adhesion of the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory to the UNWTO INSTO Network will allow us to share with other tourist destinations experiences and development and measurement strategies based on exemplary sustainability, in an effort to respond to the needs of quality tourism information demanded by the sector.”

The Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory will monitor 11 key areas for tourism sustainability: tourism seasonality, employment, economic benefits of the destination, energy management, water management, wastewater management, solid waste management, climate action, accessibility, local satisfaction and governance, which will facilitate decision-making and the processes of formulating public policies and strengthening the sustainable development of our city.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Traveloka Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council

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Traveloka Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council - HOTELWORLDS.com - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, June 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Traveloka announced that it officially joins the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s global network as a member. This membership is a part of Traveloka’s strategic effort in preserving the environment, which underlines the company’s commitment in realizing sustainable tourism, by participating in and contributing to the efforts to advance sustainability in various sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Traveloka started its humble beginnings as a one-stop travel tech solution platform catering to the needs of Indonesians, and has since evolved to be Southeast Asia’s lifestyle superapp, bringing its services to six other markets in the region. This includes transport booking services such as flight tickets, buses, trains, car rental, and airport transfer, as well as access to a large accommodation inventory across the region, not limited to hotels, apartments, guest houses, homestays, resorts and villas, making Traveloka an all-encompassing platform with the widest selection of accommodation and packages.

With a strong local customer base in Southeast Asia, the Traveloka superapp has been downloaded more than 100 million times and boasts more than 40 million monthly active users as of January 2022. As a technology company with a strong presence in the tourism sector, Traveloka realizes the importance in educating stakeholders in the industry, including its partners and users, on the significance of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. One of its most recent initiatives includes lending assistance to the Indonesian government’s plans to develop domestic tourism sustainably by planting 40,000 seedlings along the shoreline of Buleleng Regency, North Bali.

As a member of the GSTC, Traveloka plans to support the GSTC mission to promote sustainable tourism standards in the hospitality sector in Southeast Asia.

“With borders reopened and restrictions eased, tourism will resume its role as a key economic driver after a hiatus for two years. The traveler of 2022 will be much more refined, caring more about sustainability, local communities, people and brands that align with their own personal principles; and it is important that businesses prioritize sustainable tourism with the commitment to preserve nature and utilize natural resources responsibly,” said Alfan Hendro, Chief Operating Officer at Traveloka. “Traveloka will continue to play a strategic role in supporting the environmental agenda anywhere we operate, and we hope that our membership with the GSTC will help open up more doors for us to initiate sustainable tourism in the region.”
GSTC Welcomes Traveloka

“As travel within Asia is rebounding, both businesses and governments push for greater adoption of the GSTC criteria by hotels and other types of accommodations,” says Roi Ariel, General Manager of GSTC. “We welcome Traveloka to utilize the GSTC framework, which can bring about a positive impact in the region.”

“GSTC is very pleased to welcome Traveloka into our network of businesses and policy-makers striving to make sustainability an integral part of the tourism industry,” says Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer of GSTC. “We applaud their plans to seek more and better ways to inform travelers of sustainable product options.”

About Traveloka
Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s lifestyle superapp, provides users access to discover and purchase a wide range of travel, local services, and financial services products. Traveloka’s comprehensive product portfolio includes transport booking services such as flight tickets, buses, trains, car rental, airport transfer, as well as access to the largest accommodation inventory in Southeast Asia, including hotels, apartments, guest houses, homestays, resorts, and villas, making Traveloka a booking platform with the widest selection of accommodation and packages.

Traveloka is also a key player in the local services category (currently specific to certain markets), offering reservations for a wide range of local attractions, activities, wellness and beauty clinics, culinary directories as well as food delivery. Traveloka also offers financing, payment, and insurance products to help Southeast Asian consumers fulfill their lifestyle aspirations. Traveloka provides 24/7 customer service in local languages as well as more than 40 different local payment methods. Traveloka lifestyle superapp has been downloaded more than 100 million times, making it the most popular travel and lifestyle booking application in the Southeast Asian region.

About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes). Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News