Global Travel News

Ras Al Khaimah Host to Next International Start-up Innovation Camp and Summit

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Ras Al Khaimah Host to Next International Start-up Innovation Camp and Summit - TRAVELINDEXLucerne, Switzerland, December 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s next International Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit will take place from 18-19 January 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah. The two-day event will include a series of private workshops (Camp) in addition to a public conference (Summit) with a line-up of insightful panel discussions. The aim of the event is to advance innovation for a more sustainable future in the tourism industry. Ras Al Khaimah, the most northerly Emirate, is considered as the fastest growing destination in the Middle East, placing great value on sustainability and innovation by implementing a number of progressive initiatives. For this reason, World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) entered into a strategic partnership with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) three years ago.

The strategic partnership with RAKTDA allows World Tourism Forum Lucerne to bring several of its industry initiatives, such as the Talent Boost, the Think Tank and the Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit to Ras Al Khaimah. “Innovations are a significant driver in the post-pandemic recovery phase. That’s why our initiatives aim to advance innovations in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector and facilitate a cross-industry dialogue”, explains Martin Barth, President and CEO of WTFL.

Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, added: “We are honoured to host the International Start-up Innovation Camp & Summit with World Tourism Forum Lucerne. This event comes at a pivotal time as we focus on becoming a regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025. Our culture of innovation, resilience and being a first mover in many areas makes us the perfect destination to foster the growth of start-ups within the Emirate. We look forward to welcoming innovators and investors who will drive positive change in sustainability across the industry.”

Continuous Start-up Screening
Through its continuous screening of start-ups over the years, WTFL has built up a unique start-up network and holds regular national and international Start-up Innovation Camps. Furthermore, with its Dealflow Tool, WTFL has created a digital platform that makes it even easier to connect young talents with the expertise of industry professionals, investors and CEOs. In the tourism industry, it’s innovative business models, agile thinking and strong partnerships form the foundations of tomorrow’s success stories.

International Industry Network
Twelve start-ups were chosen from over 400 applicants and given the unique opportunity to participate in the two-day Start-up Innovation Camp. In addition to receiving personal coaching sessions, the start-ups also have the opportunity to present their business models to the jury, an audience of international guests and interested investors. The best start-ups from the four categories Destination, Hospitality, Mobility and Transaction will also be awarded a cash prize and invited to join World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s start-up network.

Sign up for free today: Be there in person when the industry’s best start-ups present their business models and watch exciting panels Start-up Innovation Summit at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah on 19th January 2022 from 2pm.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Nok Air Signs Two Strategic Agreements with Sabre

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Nok Air Signs Two Strategic Agreements with Sabre - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, December 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Thai airline Nok Air today announced strategic new long-term agreements with both Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, and its subsidiary company, Radixx, to support the evolution of the carrier’s new business strategy.

Nok Air has selected an extensive suite of products from Sabre and Radixx to expand distribution and revenue generation opportunities. The agreements support the carrier’s repositioning to serve its growing customer base of premium travellers and value-based customer segments. The Sabre and Radixx products will power future business model evolution as Nok Air expands its international operation, develops new airline partnerships and explore further technical capabilities and innovations beyond today.

Radixx will provide a fully integrated passenger service system for Nok Air that spans reservations, inventory, pricing, e-commerce, agency distribution, departure control, load control, loyalty and other related capabilities. In parallel, under a new Sabre distribution deal, Nok Air will distribute its airline content across Sabre’s global travel marketplace, opening the door to new international markets and growing its Thailand home market on the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS).

“We have ambitious business expansion plans, including launching new domestic and international routes, restructuring our fleet and adding new jets as we transition selected segments to a premium service to reflect our quality service,” said Wutthiphum Jurangkool Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Nok Air. “So, it was imperative to us that we chose the right technology partner to support us in all of our goals to streamline our operations, improve efficiencies and open new revenue opportunities and new markets while improving the experience for our travellers.”

The carrier, which operates out of Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, will utilize the following Sabre and Radixx products as Thailand re-opens to vaccinated international travellers:

Radixx Res – Radixx’s core passenger system will enable Nok Air to manage all passenger operations and sales channels in order to expand distribution channels and partnerships.

Radixx Go and Radixx Go Touch – new digital capabilities to evolve Nok Air’s check-in operation at airports, enhance customer service and enable additional ancillary revenue-generation opportunities across airport touchpoints. Radixx Go Touch enables airline employees to transact full airport departure control capabilities from a mobile device, allowing some flexibility from the constraints of physical airport desks and counters.

Radixx ezyCommerce – an integrated e-commerce and mobile solution to power Nok Air’s business-to-consumer for passengers and business-to-business channels for travel agents and corporates.

Radixx Loyalty – new capabilities will enable Nok Air to strengthen the offering of its Nok Air Fan Club, including enhanced online servicing, automation and redemption options for members.

Radixx Insight – valuable business data and analytics to enable better decision-making, while powering the airline’s internal back-office systems.

Sabre’s Global Distribution System – to enable expansion into new global markets, ensuring its fares have the widest possible distribution.

Chris Collins, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Radixx, said: “We’re delighted to further expand our footprint in APAC while opening up access to new global markets and segments for Nok Air as well as providing new digital capabilities for the carrier, creating additional revenue-generation opportunities and, ultimately, enabling Nok to create improved experiences for travelers at all touchpoints.”

“At Sabre, we are laying out our strategic plans to create our own catalysts for growth, so we are thrilled to be able to support Nok Air on its own transformational journey,” added Rakesh Narayanan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific, Travel Solutions Airline Sales, Sabre. “Our new dual-deal alliance with Nok Air, incorporating both PSS and GDS solutions, is the perfect example of how Sabre and Radixx are able to combine synergistic technological offerings to create effective, innovative end-to-end solutions for airlines of all sizes and cost models.”

About Sabre Corporation 
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveller experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

About Nok Air
Nok Air is a Thai-based premium-oriented airline with its main hub at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand. Since starting it’s operation in 2004, Nok Air strong emphasis on domestic routes brings people to explore the “Land of Smiles” through value for money, convenience and state of the art passenger experience. Alongside it’s domestic operation, Nok Air has been growing continuously within Asia through its narrow-body jet and turboprop aircraft. Being a proud Thai-owned carrier, Nok Air, aim to expand its reach beyond current capabilities across the various aspect of aviation.

About Radixx
Founded in 1993, Radixx, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, combines an innovative technology approach with unique partnership models enabling airlines of all sizes and business models to be effective retailers and efficient operators. Radixx caters to LCC and ULCC airlines, including the support of GDS distribution. Radixx offers a world-class Internet Booking Engine, Radixx ezyCommerce™, a cloud-based Passenger Services System, Radixx Res™, and a leading Departure Services Suite, Radixx Go™, uniquely designed to enable airlines to increase their profitability and maximize productivity through expanded distribution services. Since 2016, Radixx has delivered its sixth-generation, micro-services-based passenger services system.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Luxury Collection Debuts in Australia with the Opening of the Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

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The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, marking the debut of The Luxury Collection brand in Australia. The Tasman showcases Hobart, a destination steeped in rich history and Australia’s second oldest city. Located on the island state of Tasmania, Hobart is renowned for its epicurean culture, vibrant art scene, and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Centrally located within the restored heritage area of Parliament Square overlooking Hobart’s historic waterfront, The Tasman is just steps away from the city’s famous Salamanca Markets, the charming St. David’s Park, as well as the historic Sullivan’s Cove. Guests will be invited to immerse themselves under the guidance of Tasmania’s only Clefs d’Or concierge to discover the work of local artisans and unearth the stories behind the island’s celebrated produce with exclusive purveyor visits and epicurean moments within the hotel.

“Hobart is a truly captivating and dynamic city, allowing a seamless fit for The Luxury Collection, known for creating experiences for global explorers in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations,” said Philipp Weghmann, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of The Luxury Collection. “The Tasman will offer our guests a transformative journey, drawing on the incredible history, evocative contemporary culture, and awe-inspiring natural wonders of one of the most intriguing and farthest corners of the globe.”

The Tasman is an elegant heritage reconstruction of former state government offices that brings together three eras of design: Georgian, Art Deco, and Contemporary. The one-of-a-kind design direction of The Tasman was realized by award-winning Australian architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp and acclaimed Australian interior design firm Joseph Pang Design Consultants. The hotel marries contemporary design with the historical legacy of the site, which contains buildings spanning 180 years.

The Tasman offers 152 guest rooms and suites carefully conceived to showcase the captivating architectural narrative of the property. The Heritage Building offers rooms that blend history with modern craftsmanship and design, featuring convict-hewn sandstone details, restored gas fireplaces and marble bathrooms. The St. David’s Park Suite, overlooking the park, is the jewel of the Georgian era building with its restored original fireplace and handcrafted Tasmanian blackwood timber bath. The hotel’s Art Deco rooms date back to 1937 and showcase a modern, pared-back interpretation of this iconic style expressed through thoughtful design details, including Tasmanian native sassafras timber-inlaid ceilings. The striking Pavilion Building overlooks Sullivan’s Cove and the ocean beyond, and it houses the hotel’s contemporary-designer rooms. On the rooftop, The Aurora Suite boasts panoramic views of Hobart’s waterfront and city skyline. The 108 square-meter suite features an island bath as well as an expansive entertainment terrace, perfect for hosting private events.

The Tasman features three distinct epicurean experiences highlighting and celebrating the best of Tasmanian produce and cuisine. At Peppina, the hotel’s signature restaurant, renowned Tasmanian native Chef Massimo Mele combines his passion for championing local producers and quality ingredients with the generosity and warmth of Italian hospitality. Mary Mary is an intimate craft cocktail bar and spirit library with a modernist yet authentic approach, dedicated to the discovery of exceptional local ingredients for pairing with Tasmania’s finest spirits and liquors. The Deco Lounge offers a refined space to enjoy afternoon tea or a light lunch in a residential setting that spills out onto a terrace overlooking Parliament Square.

The Tasman’s historic location and unique character makes it an exceptional venue for meetings and events. The hotel offers 769 square meters of meeting space spread over seven customizable rooms. The Cumulo Room features impressive floor-to-ceiling windows framing an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beautiful St. David’s Park. Parco is an underground warehouse-style events space that is perfect for cocktail parties or trade events for up to 400 people. The hotel also offers complimentary access for all guests to a 24/7 Fitness Center with cardio equipment and free weights.

“We are thrilled to unveil the first The Luxury Collection hotel in Australia with the opening of The Tasman, a hotel that will redefine the destination of Tasmania,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “This marks a new milestone in the growth of The Luxury Collection and further diversifies our growing collection of hotels in the world’s most desirable locations. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience this wonderful city.”
For more information, please visit www.thetasmanhobart.com.

About The Tasman, A Luxury Collection Hotel Hobart
The Tasman in Hobart, Tasmania, marks the debut of The Luxury Collection by Marriott International in Australia. Centrally located at Parliament Square overlooking Hobart’s historic waterfront, The Tasman is an elegant heritage reconstruction of former state government offices that brings together three eras of design: Georgian, Art Deco, and Contemporary. The Tasman offers 152 guest rooms and suites carefully conceived to showcase the captivating architectural narrative of the site and ensures no two stays are the same. A signature restaurant by renowned Tasmanian chef, Massimo Mele, cocktail bar, and spirits library, as well as a refined salon lounge can be found deep within the old sandstone walls. Honouring the riches of its location, The Tasman, connects a pioneering past to a vibrant contemporary culture, where guests are emboldened to explore the epicurean highlights of the city and the wilderness beyond. For more information on The Tasman visit www.thetasmanhobart.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of nearly 120 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 35 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection 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 International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,800 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

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. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. 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

ROUND-UP:Dec. 13-17, 2021

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Canada has advised again against non-essential travel; Canada Jetlines hopes to be airborne in Q2; new hotels and resorts continue to open; and the Jamaica Tourist Board celebrated its top agent specialists at an on-island gala.

NEWS

With the Omicron variant rising, the Canadian government re-imposed its warning against all non-essential international travel. The move comes less than two months after the warning was lifted.

Travel industry experts say Ottawa’s advisory to avoid all non-essential travel could have significant impacts on travel insurance, with some plans specifically excluding coverage as a result. They are warning Canadians to double-check their insurance coverage before leaving the country.

After signing a Definitive Lease Agreement for its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft, Canada Jetlines says it expects the aircraft to be delivered by February, which will put it on track to be airborne in Q2.

RE-OPENING/RE-START

Seasonal service to Mont-Tremblant, Que from Porter Airlines started on Friday. The non-stop service from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Mont-Tremblant International Airport, will operate until March 28.

BY THE NUMBERS

Miami International Airport is finally seeing more passengers than it served before the pandemic and set new records for Thanksgiving holiday travel despite growing concerns about the spread of the omicron variant. About 3.9 million passengers passed through security last month, a 6% rise from 3.7 million ticketed passengers in November 2019, airport officials report. And during the entire 12-day Thanksgiving travel period, 1.7 million passengers passed through the airport, 14% more than the same period in 2019. The airport expects record-high passenger volume to continue through December.

AIR

Air Transat has announced the extension of its route between Toronto and Faro, Portugal to the summer of 2022. The route, which was initially offered from Jan. 18 to the end of April, will now be operated until Oct. 25 on a weekly basis, every Tuesday, with its new Airbus A321neoLR aircraft.

Known since December 1948 as McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas’ international airport was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport after an influential former US senator last week. The airport code remains LAS.

Travelport and Cathay Pacific have a renewed and expanded multi-source content distribution agreement that includes a commitment towards advancing New Distribution Capability (NDC) initiatives. Travelport-connected agencies around the world with real-time access to search, sell, and book its Cathay content and inventory. The agreement will also see the content available to agents progressively expanded, to include a larger range of fares as well as ancillaries than had previously been unavailable.

Flair Airlines plans to expand its fleet to 30 aircraft by mid-2023, more than double the current size as it strives for a 50-plane fleet within five years. The ultra-low-cost carrier says it will lease an additional 14 new Boeing 737 Max jetliners in the next year and a half. The new planes would come on top of the dozen currently on hand as well as the four already slated for arrival next year. Edmonton-based Flair whose fleet was down to one plane last April, says it expects to have see 20 aircraft flying to Canadian cities ranging from Victoria to St. John’s, N.L., by next summer.

DEALS

From Jan. 18 to Feb. 13, NYC Winter Outing, presented by NYC & Company and preferred payment partner Mastercard, will offer New York wintertime experiences at an attractive price point across hotels, dining, Broadway, museums, cultural institutions, attractions, performing arts, and tours. The program will bring together NYC & Company’s three signature programs, NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week, and introduce a new program, the first-ever NYC Hotel Week to create ultimate value across the five boroughs. Offers include 22% off hotel stays; 2-for-1 tickets to Broadway shows, attractions, museums, cultural institutions, performing arts and tours; and prix-fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants. Hotel week bookings open Jan. 4, the others, Jan. 11.

TOURS

Preparing to meet the increased demand for open spaces and off-the-beaten-path travel, Costsaver is expanding to two additional destinations with new itineraries in Australia and New Zealand for 2022 and ‘23. Among the options are the nine-day “Cosmopolitan Sydney and Melbourne,” the adventurous “Tropical Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef,” and “The Essence of Southern New Zealand.” The three tours also feature 40 optional experiences to enable clients to personalize their travels.

Fans of the new Matrix movie can take a walk in Neo’s footsteps and into the rabbit hole with a new self-guided tour created by the San Francisco Travel Association (SF Travel) based on filming locations in the city. Portions of the fourth Matrix installment were filmed in early 2020 in San Francisco’s Financial District, Chinatown, North Beach, Russian Hill, and South of Market (SOMA) neighbourhoods. The Matrix Resurrections film locations tour guides visitors through diverse and charming neighbourhoods into downtown and ends on the waterfront. To access a digital map, click .

RESORTS
AMR Collection’s Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa celebrated its grand opening Dec. 7 (photo). Located in the hotel zone on the Cancun strip, the 429-suite beachfront resort offers vibrant, contemporary décor and includes three pool, gourmet dining options, 11 bars and lounges, fitness centre, luxury spa, fire pit plaza for up to 35 people, and a pet playground. Also celebrating its grand opening was Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos on Dec. 15.

Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Club Med Ixtapa, has officially re-opened. The family-friendly all-inclusive resort is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the green mountains of the southern Sierra Madre. Spread across 15 hectares and situated along a 730-m. stretch of white sand beach, the resort offers guests plenty of room to roam and enjoy unlimited refined culinary options, 25-plus land and water activities like pickleball, sailing, and flying trapeze, immersive destination excursions like deep sea fishing, and highly-customized kids’ clubs to keep kids busy while adults enjoy some R&R at the spa.

HOTELS

The Margaritaville Beach House Key West is now open, following an ongoing multi-million investment. Previously the Barbary Beach House Key West, the rebranded and upgraded south Florida resort sits oceanfront along Smathers Beach and offers 186 spacious suites, a lagoon-style pool, and lounging hammocks throughout the grounds. Amenities include poolside entertainment, daily refreshments, a 24-hour fitness centre, kids’ activities, lawn games, and easy access to the beach. The resort is located a mile from Key West International Airport, and provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport, Duval Street, and the Downtown Seaport Harbor.

Choice Hotels’ upscale Cambria brand continues to expand in the US with the opening of the newest location, the Cambria Hotel Louisville Downtown-Whiskey Row. The five-story, 128-room hotel is the second Cambria to open this month, following the Cambria Hotel Nashville Airport. Located at 120 South Floyd St. in the heart of downtown and its vibrant entertainment district, the hotel is close to Waterfront Park, Louisville Slugger Field, and nightlife, restaurants and bars on the famed Whiskey Row, once home to the Kentucky Bourbon industry.

CRUISE

Carnival Cruise Line has reopened Camp Ocean, its supervised children’s program for fully vaccinated children ages 5 to 11, for the first time since its ships have resumed service. Additionally, Circle “C” and Club O2 will continue to be open for vaccinated early teens ages 12 to 14 and for vaccinated teens ages 15 to 17, respectively.

Thanks to a multi-year agreement with the Panama Tourism Authority, Norwegian Cruise Line will homeport seasonally in Panama starting next spring, the first cruise line to due so. As such, roundtrip voyages will be offered from the Central American country by NCL starting on March 20.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment will open the new seven-hectare Sesame Place San Diego in March. It’s the second Sesame Place location in the country and the first located on the West Coast. Highlighted by the Elmo’s Rockin’ Rockets ride, the park will feature an interactive Sesame Street Neighbourhood complete with the iconic 123 Stoop, where kids can play in a world that plays back through immersive physical and digital character experiences. By summer, guests will be able to splash through 11 water attractions including a one of the largest wave pools in Southern California.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Angella Bennett, Regional Director, Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board (far left) pictured with some of the top-selling Canadian Jamaica Travel Specialists

The Jamaica Tourist Board recently rewarded its top-selling North American Jamaica Travel Specialists, including 20 Canadians, with a three-night, all-inclusive trip to Jamaica, culminating in an awards gala ceremony. Canadian agents were: Amanda Elizabeth Beaver – Glow Travel; Amy Marie Wood – Romantic Planet; Cheryl Jaster-Rhyno – Your Travel Boss; Dawn Ann Fairbanks – Grand Travel; Heather Kearns – Destination Weddings Travel Group; Jen Langlois – Suite Trip Travel TPI; Karen Lippett – Latitudes Plus/Smart Travels; Lois Barbour – Travel Time TPI Inc.; Melissa Jane Britton – Love Voyage; Michelle Lynn Adams – All Ways Travel; Pauline Blacoe – Shine Travel; Ramona L Noor-Ramdeo – Countryside Travel Centre Holidays; Sharon Boissonneault – House of Travel; Sigfie Constantine Salmon – TTAND; Tamara Graae – Ixtapa Travel; Tanja Steinbock – Barrett & Carlysle Travel; Theresa Annmarie Stephenson – TK Travel by Design; Valerie McEneny – Battlefield Travel; Vanessa Elizabeth Martinez – Unforgettable Escapes; and Yvonne Campbell – Yvonne’s Travel and Tours.

EVENTS

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced its next Annual Summit will be held live and in-person from March 22 to 25, 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern most Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. The event will be the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association, which serves government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region, will host its Annual Summit in West Asia.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Urszula Gut of The Travel Agent Next Door was the winner of the grand prize at the recent Europe Travel Xpo. The trip is a Castle & Country Ireland trip for two, sponsored by Tourism Ireland and Royal Irish Tours. The grand prize was awarded in a random draw of participants at Europe Travel Xpo – a virtual event held on Dec. 2.

Five organizations and individuals have been recognized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada for “creativity, diversity and originality found in tourism.” Recipients of the 2021 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented at the recent TIAC congress in Ottawa include Hôtel de Glace, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Que. (Air Canada Business Excellence Award); Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre, Whistler, BC (ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award); Ocean Quest Inc., St. John’s, Nfld. (VIA Rail Canada Sustainable Tourism Award); Sally MacInnis, Ingonish Beach, NS (Tourism HR Canada Appreciation Award); William R. Fatt – posthumously awarded (Canadian Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Destination Toronto).

DESTINATIONS

The 39th annual Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival, is extending its duration to illuminate Niagara Falls for a total of 101 nights, ending Feb. 21. With over 3 million lights and 75-plus spectacular displays providing colourful visuals, Niagara Falls will be transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and across the tourism districts. Visitors to this popular annual festival can walk or drive through the Festival route to explore the self-guided experience.

Fully vaccinated international travellers, nationals and locals arriving by air into St. Kitts and Nevis are no longer required to test upon arrival or quarantine for 24-hours while awaiting test results. Fully vaccinated cruise passengers upon arrival at Port Zante, Charlestown or South Friars are also now allowed to fully integrate (free flow into the Federation). Only vaccinated travellers, 12 and over may visit St. Kitts and Nevis; exemptions apply for citizens and children 11 and under who are accompanying their fully vaccinated parents or guardians. All travellers must submit negative test results from an RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Making Newlyweds’ Dreams Come True

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Making Newlyweds' Dreams Come True - TRAVELINDEXFor many couples, a romantic honeymoon is an important element of the perfect wedding. How do destination marketers and tourism service providers ensure that their offerings live up to honeymooners’ holiday fantasies? In an important recent study, Professor Jin-Soo Lee of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and his co-researchers explored the quality dimensions that contribute to honeymooners’ satisfaction and relationship with the destination, providing useful information and advice for destination marketers seeking to capture this market segment.

Enjoying the perfect vacation is an important part of the romantic fantasy for newlywed couples. A honeymoon is a “once in a lifetime moment”, say the researchers. It is often the first chance for couples to “spend intimate time” in an exclusive and exotic place, where they can begin to create their first shared memories.

A honeymoon is something to fantasise about during the long process of planning the wedding, but the details of this fantasy may differ. Honeymooners look for “a variety of tourist attractions”, write the researchers, such as beautiful scenery, luxury accommodation and spa treatments. Convenient transport and a safe and pleasant environment are also indispensable.

However, turning such fantasies into reality is an expensive business. Honeymooning couples spend three times more than they would on a typical holiday. Unsurprisingly, say the researchers, destinations have “devoted aggressive efforts” to attracting this market segment, which has great potential to boost tourism income for accommodation providers, restaurants, entertainment venues and tour companies. Honeymoon tourists visiting Thailand, for instance, contribute approximately US$1.5 billion in tourism revenue per year.

How can honeymoon destinations stand out in this increasingly competitive market? According to the researchers, destination managers need to understand what “influences the experience and fantasy of honeymooners” before they can “develop strategic plans and design products” that meet their clients’ expectations. The perception of quality is a particularly important element in fulfilling honeymooners’ fantasies. Surprisingly, however, the relationship between quality and fantasy has rarely been the focus of research.

Furthermore, while many studies measure tourists’ satisfaction based on their intention to return, there is a serious problem with this approach. No matter how much tourists like a destination, they may still not choose to return, because there are so many alternatives. “Relational value”, the researchers argue, is a better measure of tourists’ satisfaction with a destination, as it captures supportive behaviour such as recommending the destination to others. Developing relationships with customers is vital, because it helps to build lifelong support and maintain the destination’s success over the long term. The researchers set out to explore “what triggers honeymoon fantasies” and whether fulfilling these fantasies affects a destination’s relational value.

Phuket, a province in southern Thailand, was the perfect setting for the study. Famous for its “beautiful natural resources, exciting tourist activities, and rich local heritage”, note the researchers, Phuket attracts nearly a third of Thailand’s international tourist arrivals, including many newlyweds. In autumn 2017, the researchers collected data from honeymooners arriving at Phuket’s international airport.

Filling an important gap in hospitality and tourism studies, the researchers developed the first ever scale to measure quality attributes of honeymoon tourism. Their scale measured seven distinct aspects of honeymoon quality: honeymoon service provider, honeymooner privileges, hospitality of local residents, accessibility, dining experience, and local tour products.

The survey also included a measure of fantasy, with items such as “this honeymoon trip was the fulfilment of all my romantic fantasies”. To measure relational value, tourists answered questions about their willingness to recommend the destination, give feedback, share useful information, and provide suggestions for improvement, and also the degree to which they remained “supportive of a firm despite negative publicity or better deals from competitors”.

Honeymooner privileges such as in-room romantic breakfasts, a complimentary night’s stay and surprise gifts played the biggest part in fulfilling newlyweds’ romantic fantasies. One of the most important tasks for service providers, therefore, is to “design special treatments for honeymooners”. Hotels could offer premium airport passes, champagne breakfasts, or complimentary honeymoon activities such as a couple’s massage or Thai cooking class. Destination managers could “go the extra mile”, the researchers suggest, by hosting a honeymooners’ party at “an iconic venue, such as a private beach, a luxury yacht, or a scenic rooftop restaurant”.

Honeymoon accommodation and local tour products were also found to be important quality dimensions. By “attempting to convey a sense of luxury, embrace symbols of romance, and respect honeymooner privacy” in their accommodation and activity offerings, say the researchers, honeymoon service providers can develop the “pleasurable and intimate fantasies of newlywed couples”. The researchers advise tourism service providers to offer regular staff training in customer service etiquette and service delivery to ensure they meet honeymooners’ high expectations. They also propose the interesting idea of organising “familiarisation trips” during off-peak seasons, during which honeymoon specialists and wedding planners can experience the destination and its unique tourism products for themselves. This would not only make good use of tourism resources in the off-peak season but also help tourism managers and staff to understand the desires of honeymooners from the perspective of “honeymoon elites”.

Good accessibility is also important, because honeymooners spend “considerable time and money on their dream trip” and expect a smooth trip and exceptional service. Although honeymooners might choose an “exotic, remote place” for their romantic getaway, infrequent and unreliable transport hardly contributes to a romantic fantasy vacation. Providing a limousine service would be a welcome option for many honeymooners. However, destinations should also ensure that reliable public transport options are readily available so that couples can easily travel around to “explore romantic experiences”.

An important finding of the study is that fulfilment of honeymooners’ fantasies was strongly associated with the destination’s relational value. When honeymooners’ fantasies are realised, they become emotionally attached to the destination and willing to recommend it to others. They are also likely to provide suggestions for improvement, the researchers find, and they show a “strong resistance to supporting other honeymoon destinations that offer better deals”. In other words, even if couples do not intend to revisit their honeymooner destination, if it fulfils their fantasies, they will become advocates for the destination and contribute to its long-term success.

The study enhances our understanding of the honeymoon tourism market by identifying the specific quality attributes that help to fulfil the fantasy element of this once-in-a-lifetime romantic vacation. Although the researchers acknowledge that the particular quality attributes they identified might not be relevant to other honeymoon settings, such as “winter honeymoon, old world romance honeymoon and theme park honeymoon” experiences, they will certainly be useful for exotic, tropical destinations similar to Phuket. Finally, an important contribution of the study is the development of a novel honeymoon quality measurement scale, which provides a useful set of attributes for honeymoon service providers to focus on when designing and improving their products and services.

Pipatpong Fakfare, Jin-Soo Lee and Kisang Ryu (2020). Examining Honeymoon Tourist Behavior: Multidimensional Quality, Fantasy, and Destination Relational Value. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, Vol. 37, Issue 7, pp. 836-853

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Hotels to Look Out For in 2022

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Hotels to Look Out For in 2022 - TRAVELINDEXFusion Original Saigon Center – The first Fusion Original branded property, Fusion Original Saigon Centre, will welcome guests from Q2/2022. Located in Saigon Centre, alongside the fashionable Takashimaya Shopping Mall, the 146-room property occupies 10 floors in one of the most iconic buildings of the city. Its prime position delivers expansive views over Ho Chi Minh City’s heart, District 1, and as much to look at in the depths of Vietnamese culture.

Inspired by and connected to the local art scene, the hotel has a whimsical, youthful vibe with bold colors and statement pieces throughout. Iconic polyart walls feature prominently in public spaces, as do towering floor-to-ceiling paintings of Vietnamese women in traditional ao dai.

In the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, Miss Thu, the ceiling design is inspired by traditional lotus flowers and lotus leaves, while the restaurant’s textured windows flutter like mandarin hand fans.

The property’s outdoor swimming pool is perched on the sixth floor and embraced by a tropical vertical garden. The Nest lounge cultivates a spa lounge vibe with plush sofa chairs framed by curtains for additional seclusion.

Meliá Chiang Mai
Towering over the Ping River and bustling Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai in Thailand’s mountainous north, Meliá Chiang Mai is the first five-star hotel to open in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic.  Slated to open in February 2022, the 260-key urban hotel’s jewel in the crown is a 360-degree rooftop bar – the highest in the city – on the 22nd floor. Featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge, Mai The Sky Bar offers spectacular views of the River Ping to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish origins and celebrating Spain’s famed gastronomy, the hotel’s dining landscape also features restaurants Mai Restaurant and Bar and Laan Na Kitchen, poolside Tien Pool Bar, and lounges Ruen Kaew and The Level Lounge; the latter a 21st-floor executive lounge with panoramic views of the city. Meliá’s signature YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, ballroom and four other meeting spaces are also among the hotel’s host of facilities for business and leisure travellers alike. Situated on lively Charoen Prathet Road, close to a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets and Buddhist temples, the hotel is six kilometres from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao
Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a 30-suite and 70-villa resort on eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline overlooking the sky-blue Andaman Sea opened its doors this month. Fronting Phuket’s longest stretch of sand, the resort on Mai Khao Beach is close to an array of attractions such as Sirinat National Park, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and Wat Phra Thong temple. Phuket International Airport is a 15-minute drive. The resort’s saltwater swimming pools, private villa pools, a reflection pond with sunken seating areas, water gardens, vertical falls and irrigation mist evoke a restorative atmosphere. The Mediterranean-inspired accommodations comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas and all feature outdoor bathtubs, and open-air showers. The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools. Fifteen “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, daily massage, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, fit ball and yoga mat. The resort explores a diverse culinary landscape from four outlets including chic Gaia Beach Club.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Hotels Across Asia

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New Year's Eve Celebrations at Hotels Across Asia - TRAVELINDEXMeliá Koh Samui – On the final evening of 2021, Meliá Koh Samui will host a gala dinner buffet under the stars before ringing in 2022 with live music, a DJ spinning tunes and a riot of colour as fireworks light up the skies. The buffet, to be held on Choeng Mon Beach, on the resort’s sun deck and around its two-level infinity pool from 7.30pm – 10.30pm, will be complemented by live entertainment and fire dancing.  The buffet’s selection of Mediterranean and local Thai cuisine will include a ‘Spanish Corner’ offering paella and tapas and ‘Charcoal Grill Station’ with tiger prawns, fish of the day in banana leaf, grilled rock lobster and grilled local squid.  In addition to the Raw Bar’s fresh seafood and an ‘Artisan Pasta Station’, other highlights include a whole roast pig, Beher Jamón Ibérico “Pata Negra”, Australian lamb shoulder and baked salmon. After the gala dinner, priced from THB 2,990++ (USD 91++) per person and THB 1,495++ (USD 46++) per child, guests will descend on the beach for the countdown party. To contact Meliá Koh Samui or to make a reservation, please call +66 77 938 899

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
On New Year’s Eve, the Metropole Hanoi is offering two buffet seatings at Le Club (the first seating is at 6pm, the second at 8:45pm), along with a gala dinner at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu and a set dinner at angelina. Metropole Hanoi offers two memorable venues for the midnight countdown: angelina and Bamboo Bar near the courtyard swimming pool will both welcome revellers from 11pm onward (table reservations required). On the first day of 2022, Metropole will host a New Year brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu, a special New Year Tour du Monde buffet dinner at Le Club, and New Year set dinners at both angelina and the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu. The hotel will also offer an extravagant Sunday brunch at the Festive Wonderland by Le Beaulieu on Jan. 2. For all meals, vegetarian and children’s menus are available upon request. While Le Beaulieu (high-end French restaurant) is under renovation, the Le Beaulieu menus will be served in the Spices Garden venue overlooking the gardens with unique Festive Wonderland décor. For more information, contact the hotel’s Festive reservation desk at +84 24 3826 6919 ext. 8215

Azerai Resorts
The holiday celebrations at Azerai Resorts’ three properties in Vietnam—Azerai La Residence, Hue in the former imperial capital, Azerai Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, and Azerai Ke Ga Bay on the beautiful southeastern coastline—roll on through New Year’s, with memorable dinners on Dec. 31 created specially for the occasion by the resorts’ award-winning chefs. As midnight draws near, guests can enjoy party music along with a glass of sparkling wine to raise in toast as the world ushers in 2022. A special dinner at Azerai La Residence, Hue will be held in Le Parfum restaurant (VND 490,000 per person) and a New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise with cocktails and canapes will be hosted aboard the hotel’s stylish boat on the Perfume River (VND 500,000 per person). Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s New Year’s Eve Dinner will include a Western set menu, live music and more (VND 2.5 million per person). Azerai Can Tho will kick off celebrations at the Lounge Bar before moving to a memorable dinner at The Café (VND 2.5 million per person). The New Year is sure to get off to an auspicious start with traditional dragon dances, special brunches and more.

Banyan Tree Samui
On New Year’s Eve, all guests and staff will gather for the hotel’s time-honoured “Light Up the Night” event, a gala dinner followed by a Countdown Party by the beach (16,500 THB nett per guest), which will feature performances, live music, a fire show, a lucky draw and fireworks at midnight – an evening not to be missed. Those fortunate enough to be staying at this award-winning resort for both Xmas and New Year will undoubtedly want to book the Festive Package, a culinary journey of delicious dishes with both Western and Thai menus. The Festive Package (19,900 THB each) includes Christmas Dinner, the New Year’s Gala, and an additional Destination Dining experience of the guest’s choice.

Banyan Tree Krabi
Welcome 2022 in style at Banyan Tree Krabi with an evening of live entertainment, cocktails, a sumptuous buffet dinner, and fireworks. Step back into the 1980s with a Retro New Years Eve Gala Dinner, which will feature a glamorous buffet dinner (THB 15,000 per person). And at midnight, toast in the New Year with dancing under the palm trees and a spectacular fireworks display on the hotel’s exclusive beach, capping off an unforgettable night.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Phnom Penh’s premier venue is hosting a parade of events this New Year, with something to suit everyone’s personal taste. The hotel’s new restaurant, Le Phnom 1929, will be throwing a festive brasserie-style buffet featuring seafood towers, cheeses, charcuterie, foie gras and cold cuts on Dec 31 from 7pm till midnight. The resident DJ will offer a glass of Champagne for countdown in the Elephant Bar Garden (US$98++ per person including free-flow wines; plus $30 for unlimited GH Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge). Meanwhile, next door at Restaurant Le Royal, a New Year’s Eve Champagne Gala Dinner will include a sensational five-course dinner with caviar, scallops, and premium cuts of beef (US$138++ per person, plus $58++ for Champagne pairing). And finally, a Cuban Party will be in full swing at the iconic Elephant Bar from 9pm till 2am, featuring BBQ and live stations in the garden. The Havana Nice Band will make sure Countdown is memorable (US$80++ including signature wines, beers and Cuban cocktail). You can also reserve a New Year’s Day Recovery Breakfast or Set Dinner for Jan 1.

For inquiries and reservations T +855 23 981 888

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Michelin Guide Thailand 2022 with 6 New One Michelin Star Restaurants

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Michelin Guide Thailand 2022 with 6 New One Michelin Star Restaurants - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - SAVELBERG - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / In the official launch event of The Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Phang-Nga 2022, Michelin announced awardees of the coveted Michelin Star, the Michelin Green Star, the Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, and the Michelin Guide Service Award. Featured in this fifth local edition are 361 dining establishments – with 6 two Michelin Star (all retained their status), 26 one Michelin Star, 133 Bib Gourmand, and other 196 selected entries. New additions to the Michelin Guide consist of 6 (all located in Bangkok) in the one Michelin Star, and 33 in the Bib Gourmand lists, together with another 51 in the Guide’s official selection.

• Discover gastronomy destination Thailand and the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides, revealed: “Due to lockdowns and dine-in restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries, the restaurant business has been on its all-time lows. Nevertheless, Thailand sees the opening of new restaurants with interesting cuisine types – such as street-food-inspired stalls and authentic Thai food from ancient recipes. Local produce and ingredients have been incorporated in the menu, as diners are increasingly concerned about living healthy lifestyles and food sources. This not only ensures optimum freshness that elevates the cuisine, but also encourages sustainability in the agriculture and restaurant industries that help boost up the local economy.”

“This year’s Michelin Guide celebrates Ayutthaya as the latest city introduced into the guide – yet the oldest and with the richest heritage among all. In addition, this former capital city of Thailand boasts historical charm and retains among the greatest history in Thai cuisine. We are thus convinced that our local and international readers will enjoy exploring this extended coverage of Thailand’s culinary scene,” added Mr.Poullennec.

Six New Entrants Joining the one Michelin Star List, While the two Michelin Star Listing Remains the Same

In the 2022 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, two Michelin Star listing remains the same with 6 entries – namely, Chef’s Table, Le Normandie, Mezzaluna, R-Haan, Sorn, and Sühring. However, the one Michelin Star selection welcomes 6 new entrants, all located in Bangkok, namely: Aksorn, a Thai restaurant offering flavorsome dishes inspired by chef’s collected Thai cookbooks from the 1940s to the 1970s, with highlights including the coconut cupcakes with salted pork, and the fermented bean curd relish with minced pork and prawns;

Côte by Mauro Colagreco, a French contemporary restaurant with contemporary Riviera-inspired cuisine that serves lunch set menus, à la carte dishes, plus a special nine-course “Carte Blanche” dinner – an Omakase experience where every course is a surprise;

Gaa, an innovative restaurant offering an exquisite variety of Indian dishes transformed with modern techniques and presentation, plus a street-food-inspired tasting menu with a delightful balance of flavors, textures and aromas; IGNIV, a European contemporary restaurant serving up modern European cuisine – including its signature chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce – through a unique shared meal experience; Savelberg (new by relocation), a French contemporary restaurant offering à la carte and fixed menus that boast sophisticated modern French fare made from fine international ingredients; Yu Ting Yuan, a Chinese restaurant offering refined Cantonese dishes that emphasize nuance of flavor and strike the right balance of oil – with highlights including delectable Peking Duck and succulent Dim Sum.

Another 51 Eateries Included for the First Time in This Year’s Michelin Guide Selection
Apart from dining establishments awarded with the Michelin Star, the Bib Gourmand, and the Michelin Green Star; the official selection of the 2022 Michelin Guide Thailand edition also recognizes an additional 196 eateries that provide good meals, capably prepared with fresh ingredients and good cooking. Out of this number, 91 are located in Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces, 16 in Ayutthaya, 37 in Chiang Mai, and 52 in Phuket & Phang-Nga.

It is notable that 51 are first-time entrants (15 in Bangkok, 16 in Ayutthaya, 5 in Chiang Mai, and 15 in Phuket & Phang-Nga). Among them are Baan Suriyasai [Bangkok], a restaurant offering time-tested dishes drawn from royal recipes and bygone family favourites – including the savory 5-spice stew with boiled eggs; and the stir-fried crispy pork belly, fish flakes, and dried shrimp with seasoned paste; Phak Wan Noodles [Ayutthaya], the first and only restaurant in Ayutthaya where every dish is cooked using local greens called “Pak Wan” (Melientha), providing unique and pleasantly different flavors and aromas; Yangzi Jiang [Chiang Mai], a Chinese restaurant in a contemporary Lanna house, offering fresh, clean, and expertly cooked food – including the signature steamed scallop dumplings with black truffles; Juumpo [Phang-Nga], a restaurant offering many unique local “Baba” (Chinese-Thai) recipes – such as the Baba-style coconut milk soup with shrimps and Thai herbs, the chilli dip with shrimp, and the fried fish with sweet and sour sauce.

PRU Retains Its Michelin Green Star: The One and Only in Thailand
For the second year in a row, PRU – the one Michelin Star restaurant in Phuket – retains the Michelin Green Star for its sustainable gastronomy practices. As part of the restaurant’s initiatives, ‘Pru Jampa’ – PRU’s own farm that supplies vegetables, herbs and flowers – is where PRU puts the idea of permaculture into practice, while pursuing sustainability and supporting artisan producers. With seasonal, 100% locally sourced ingredients that determine its menu cycles, the restaurant offers a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitment, and stands as a source of inspiration both for foodies and the restaurant industry as a whole.

Michelin Guide Thailand 2022 Young Chef Award:
Ms. Garima Arora from Gaa
An Indian native, Garima was born on 9 November 1986 and is the first Indian woman to win one Michelin Star in November 2018. Her cuisine is focused on applying traditional Indian cooking techniques onto locally sourced ingredients. An alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu school in France, Chef Garima has worked alongside many world-renowned chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay, René Redzepi, and Gaggan Anand.

• Discover gastronomy destination Thailand and the World’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

Michelin Guide Thailand 2022 Service Award:
Mr. Thibaud Charlemarty from Côte by Mauro Colagreco
According to the Michelin Guide inspector, the whole service team under the direction of Mr. Charlemarty is professional and very well-trained. All service sequences were perfectly executed without any flaws. Staff are very approachable and polite. Information of each dish, including inspirations and cooking method, were clearly explained. All elements (excellent food, service, and atmosphere) encourage another visit.

Key figures of the 2022 selection at a glance:

6 two Michelin Star entries
26 one Michelin Star entries (6 new)
1 Michelin Green Star entry
133 Bib Gourmand entries (33 new, 6 promoted)

6 restaurants with two Michelin Stars
– Chef’s Table
– Le Normandie
– Mezzaluna
– R-Haan
– Sorn
– Sühring

26 restaurants with one Michelin Star (6 new)
– 80/20
– Aksorn (New)
– Blue by Alain Ducasse
– Cadence by Dan Bark
– Canvas
– Côte by Mauro Colagreco (New)
– Chim by Siam Wisdom
– Elements
– Gaa (New – Relocated)
– Ginza Sushi Ichi
– IGNIV (New)
– J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain
– Jay Fai
– Khao (Ekkamai)
– Le Du
– Methavalai Sorndaeng
– Nahm
– Paste
– PRU
– Saawaan
– Saneh Jaan
– Savelberg (New – Relocated)
– Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin
– Suan Thip
– Sushi Masato
– Yu Ting Yuan (New)

1 Michelin Green Star restaurant
– PRU

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Economic Forum Helps Colombia Transition to Data-Driven Economy

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World Economic Forum Helps Colombia Transition to Data-Driven Economy - TRAVELINDEXBogota, Colombia, December 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a multistakeholder community have developed a technology and governance framework for trustworthy and commercially sustainable public-private data exchanges in Colombia. This new public-private resource will give individuals greater control over how their data is used and serve as a means for responsible value creation.

The multistakeholder community comprises more than 150 business leaders, academics and policy-makers in 60 organizations from 25 countries. It was led by PwC Colombia, the Colombian government and the World Economic Forum’s Data for Common Purpose Initiative (DCPI).

Benefits of Data-Driven Economy

The group put together a framework that supports Colombia’s national digitization strategy as part of a broader effort to transition from a traditional to a data-driven economy as data exchanges will play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition. Creating a governance structure that makes them sustainable both technologically and ethically is essential.

With rising energy costs, disrupted supply chains and rising concern for the environment, the urgency and necessity to act on data-driven insights grows. Officials and private sector experts will focus their initial efforts to address the net-zero transition within the Colombian energy sector and apply utility-based, data-insight models to the energy sector. The insights and best practices will be applied in other sectors over time.

Toolkit for Meaningful Trust

One of the main challenges in implementing a sustainable, equitable and accountable data strategy for Colombia is strengthening trust in the use of data. According to the recent Fall 2021 Visa, Inc. Consumer Empowerment Study of the connected population in Colombia, only 9% of connected Colombians feel entirely in control of their data, and 89% want at least the option of more control over how their data is used. In response, with Visa International as a co-creator, a new toolkit was designed to strengthen trust via new consent mechanisms.

The DCPI aims to build meaningful trust with citizens by highlighting the importance of individuals’ consent to use personal data within public-private data exchanges. By providing a clear roadmap for policy-makers to co-design these collaborative exchanges, the underlying data economics can be addressed in the early design phase to ensure sustainable commercial value is created over time.

With the erosion of trust throughout the digital ecosystem – putting control back into the hands of the individuals has become a global priority. Clear, consistent and granular consent mechanisms are foundational for driving meaningful change in data-driven insights and the decisions that come from them. The mutual exchange of strategic digital assets and insights, such as carbon emissions and energy usage indicators combined with an underlying framework for strengthening and maintaining trust, is central to creating a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem.

In the first half of 2022, a toolkit will be published on strengthening trust through individual consent experience. The focus is on enhancing the consent of individuals in terms of how data is internally governed within an exchange, the commercial interactions with the user and the underlying technology architecture. The toolkit is being piloted by C4IR Colombia and the City of Medellín as they examine several models for public-private data exchanges in 2022.

Expert Quotes

Sheila Warren, Deputy Head of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network, World Economic Forum, said: “The core focus of the Data for Common Purpose Initiative is centered on unlocking the sustainable value of data while protecting individual privacy rights. This new report marks another milestone of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Network to deliver real-world impact in accelerating the responsible transition to a data-driven economy.”

Víctor Manuel Muñoz Rodríguez, Director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency, Colombia, said: “The unfolding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has highlighted the need to collect and process data in a strategic and innovative manner. The development of tools or models, such as data marketplaces and data trusts among others, are beginning to show their potential to promote economic and social objectives for the common good. Aware of this new reality, Colombia’s public policy instruments have established the development of a governance model that aims to facilitate the effective use and exchange of data through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as providing the necessary framework to ethically and responsibly implement it.”

José Antonio Vargas Lleras, President World Energy Council Colombia, said: “Digitalization is a major player in the energy transition. Indeed, tools such as mobile applications, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain have become major transformers of our sector. Digitalization is allowing us to further optimize energy consumption in terms of efficiency. In addition, it allows the incorporation of new technologies such as hydrogen and therefore contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and mitigate the carbon footprint. In short, digitalization is at the heart of the humanization and sustainability of global energy systems.”

Felipe Bernal Guarín, PwC Strategy Consulting Manager, World Energy Council Colombia and the Forum’s DCPI community member, said: “Data-energy-trust was the pivotal triad discussed at COP26 as key enablers to attain the universal ambition of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC and achieving net-zero economies in 2050. What do they have in common? Where do they meet? And how can we leverage their sweet spot amidst cross-border data exchange initiatives? Not only for climate change action and energy transition but also for the threads that globally bind us.”

Erez Zaionce, Director, C4IR Colombia, said: “In 2022, in alliance with Colombian national government entities, C4IR.CO will participate in implementing a pilot project in data exchange within the framework of the National Data Infrastructure Plan of Colombia, as part of the strategy of reactivation, repowering, and sustainable and inclusive growth of Colombia.”

Silvia Constain, Head of Government Engagement for Visa Latin America and the Caribbean, said: “At Visa, we are committed to working to empower all individuals and raising overall consumer confidence in the digital ecosystem. One way we hope to materialize this commitment is by championing approaches to ecosystem design, consumer choice and consent management experiences that support transparency, consistency and empowerment for individuals. Through our work with DCPI and pilots like in Colombia, we are testing and improving approaches to build trust through consent management in a repeatable fashion and provide a roadmap for other nations or organizations to follow.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC on Latest Measures Introduced by French Government

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WTTC on Latest Measures Introduced by French Government - TRAVELINDEXParis, France, December 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “This is an ineffective, knee-jerk reaction by the French government. Banning travel to France will not stop COVID variants that are already in France. As South African scientists said these decisions are based on hysteria not logic.

“This decision will destroy long planned family reunions and it has long term implications for a Travel & Tourism sector that was just beginning to recover.

“Governments should be focusing on individuals allowing people who are fully vaccinated to travel freely. Banning whole countries has been proved to not work.

“We know this drastic measure will do nothing to stop the new virus strain but will be a major blow to the Travel & Tourism sector – which is the last thing it needs right now. We should be focusing on stopping community transmission, by enforcing on mask wearing and implementing enhanced health and safety measures.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News