Global Travel News

UNWTO General Assembly Underway in Madrid

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UNWTO General Assembly Underway in Madrid - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism leaders from every global region have arrived in Madrid for the 24th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly. Ministers of Tourism will be joined by representatives of international organizations and from across the private sector for the first truly global tourism meeting to be held since the start of the pandemic, with innovation, education and investments high on the agenda.

In all, more than 1,000 participants, representing 135 countries and including 84 Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism will attend the most important meeting of the United Nations specialized agency for tourism.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Guided by UNWTO, global tourism is facing up to the challenges of today while looking to the opportunities of tomorrow. The UNWTO General Assembly shows the sector’s determination to restart, lead recovery and be a central pillar of sustainable development and climate action.”

Towards an International Code for the Protection of Tourists

The UNWTO General Assembly shows the sector’s determination to restart, lead recovery and be a central pillar of sustainable development and climate action

UNWTO opened the General Assembly with an Induction Session for the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. Launched in response to the drop in consumer confidence caused by the pandemic, the landmark legal code will provide minimum standards and consumer rights for tourists in emergency situations. It was developed in collaboration with 98 Member States and Associate Members as well as 5 non-member States international organizations and leading private sector stakeholders. Once adopted by the UNWTO General Assembly, the Code will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 with the aim of making it a Resolution.

Affiliate Members Meet to Reform and Restart

Held within the framework of the General Assembly, UNWTO’s Affiliate Members met today for their 43rd annual Plenary Session. Made up of businesses and destinations, as well as representatives from civil society and academic, UNWTO counts on more than 500 Affiliates to transform tourism policy into action. In Madrid, participants were given an overview of UNWTO’s crisis response, with the Destination Tracker developed by in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) presented as an example of effective public-private partnerships. At the same time, delegates approved the proposed Reform of the Legal Framework for UNWTO Affiliate Membership, paving the way for more effective collaboration

Executive Council Endorses Key Initiatives

Ahead of the official opening of the General Assembly, UNWTO convened its Executive Council for a 114th session. The Council, which serves as the governing board of UNWTO, met to hear Secretary-General Pololikashvili present his report on the work done since the 113th session, also held in Madrid at the start of the year. The Members of the Executive Council agreed to the iimplementation of the General Programme of Work for 2020-2021 and for 2022-2023. Members also endorsed several key UNWTO initiatives, notably the UNWTO Recommendations on Tourism for Rural Development, the Best Tourism Villages project and the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.

Also meeting in Madrid, the UNWTO Committees on Tourism and Sustainability, on Tourism and Competitiveness and on Tourism Online Education, brought together experts to explore ways to advance the Organization’s Programme of work around key priority areas.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate the Festive Season with Specially Prepared Australian Beef Dishes

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Celebrate the Festive Season with Specially Prepared Australian Beef Dishes - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, December 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The festive season is fast approaching with Christmas and New Year just around the corner, which means it’s time to gather together and feast on delicious food. Meat & Livestock Australia, together with 7 Top Thailand Chefs, have launched “The Great Steak Escape” campaign to offer hungry culinary adventurers the opportunity to indulge in the unforgettable flavours and pure natural goodness of Australian beef at home. It’s a chance to cook up the taste of down under with the help of easy-to-follow secret recipes, prepared by some of the best beef loving Chefs in Thailand. It’s the perfect way to treat your family and friends to mouth-watering and fun festival-style dishes that will leave them all wanting the celebrations to never end.

1. Flat Iron Steak
No matter whether you are throwing a fancy black-tie affair or a small family dinner, Flat Iron Steaks is the recommended beef cut for home cooking from Chef Pam – Pichaya Utharntharm, owner of SMOKED restaurant, it’s quick and easy to prepare and super delicious. Flat Iron Steak, also known as oyster blade steak, is the cut from the shoulder of the cow that takes centre stage in this delicious yet super simple recipe, this cut is extremely tender, well-marbled, and flavorful making it great for grilling. Just add fresh thyme, garlic, pepper, and olive oil. You can enjoy it with your significant other or a group of family and friends, it’s guaranteed to please everyone.

2. Black Pepper Steak with Green Pepper Corn Sauce by Chef Art
Black Pepper Steak with Green Pepper Corn Sauce is a great dish suitable for any casual dining party. Chef Art – Supamongkon Supapipat, the first chef to bring the chef table experience to Thailand, shares his secret green peppercorn sauce to delight beef lovers, he believes that no steak is complete without a delicious green peppercorn sauce. Chef Art uses Australian Beef tenderloin, which is the most tender cut of beef, and it is located within the loin and combines it with his sauce made of shallots, green peppercorns, butter, cognac, beef broth, cornstarch, crushed peppercorns, and heavy cream which all come together to create the yummiest sauce.

3. Fat Beef Fried Rice with Australian Wagyu Striploin Steak
To create a simple dinner for a special family occasion you can’t go wrong with this easy homemade classic combination of Fat Beef Fried Rice with Australian Wagyu Striploin Steak which is the signature dish at Flat Marble restaurant. Chef Aum – Peechaya Sukviboon, Flat Marble’s owner, uses Australian Wagyu striploin which is a well-marbled boneless cut of beef from the hindquarter of the cow, near the tenderloin, this tasty fried rice recipe combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper for seasoning. You can be sure that all your family will be impressed with your homemade dish and will be asking for more.

4. Tenderloin Truffle
This elegant Australian Tenderloin dish is topped with truffle, making it the perfect indulgence for a special occasion or celebration. It may take some time to prepare all the ingredients, but it is well worth waiting for. This cut is naturally tender and buttery, it’s sure to impress your dinner companions and yourself. Chef Eak – Apichit Puangkajorn, the head chef of Sexy Cow Prime Steak & Seafood, has adjusted the recipe for easy home cooking by beef lovers by using just 9 ingredients to make this superb restaurant-quality dish, they are Australian tenderloin, parma ham, black truffle, truffle oil, cream, salt, black pepper, salted butter, fresh sage.

5. Fried Rice Beef Kebab Turkish Style
Australian Beef adds even more flavour to this easy Turkish fried rice dish – a timeless culinary classic. The cooking method brings together an assortment of spices and herbs such as onion, garlic, ground black pepper, salt, oregano, thyme, paprika peppers and olive oil with the tasty Australian tenderloin unleashing a sweet aroma that compliments every flavourful bite. This delicious dish is the highlight of Fat Lamb Mediterranean Halal Restaurant, owned by Chef Yakup, the winner of Iron Chef, it is so easy to prepare and cooks in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy dining experience at home.

6. Sando Australian Rib-Eye
Take your taste buds to Japan and Australia at the same time with the hearty flavours of this nourishing Sando Australian Ribeye from Mad Beef with a shortcut recipe from Chef Cher Attakanwong, the owner of MAD BEEF restaurant. Delicious and filling, this Japanese–inspired sandwich is assembled by cutting the crusts off the bread, spreading Sukiyaki Mayo sauce on the tender juicy ribeye steak, which is cut from the rib section of the cattle with the bones and outer ligaments cut away. This cut has a unique soft texture that is different from other beef cuts, it has deep marbling, lots of flavour, and every bite is deliciously tender.

7. Panang Curry Striploin Beef
If you love Thai food, you must not miss this dish for your New Year celebrations from “Market Café by Khao”, an authentic Thai restaurant in partnership with the Michelin-starred ‘Khao restaurant’ located at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit. Panang Curry Striploin Beef is a red Thai curry that is thick, salty and sweet, with a zesty makrut lime flavour and captivating aromatic chili paste that perfectly compliment the tender and juicy grilled Australian striploin. This dish is a celebration of flavours, making it the perfect meal to mark the end of the year.

Secret Top Chef tip for the perfect grilled steak is to rest the beef after cooking, this will help keep the juices locked in. Resting meat after cooking is essential for tender, juicy results every time, it allows the beef cut to reabsorb and distribute the juices that have been constricted during the cooking process. If you were to cut a beef right off the grill, you’ll notice that the internal juices immediately run out of it, leaving you with a dry and tough final product. So, remember to be like a Top Chef…rest first, then enjoy.

About Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Meat & Livestock Australia Limited (MLA) is the marketing, research and development body for Australia’s red meat and livestock industry. It is a not-for-profit organisation owned by cattle, sheep and goat producers. MLA uses the True Aussie Beef and Lamb brand, to promote Australian red meat in export markets (Internationally), representing Australian beef, veal, lamb, and goat to showcase the value of these products while sharing the True Aussie Beef and Lamb story.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

SUNx Announcing the Winners of Strong Earth Awards

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SUNx Announcing the Winners of Strong Earth Awards - TRAVELINDEXValletta, Malta, December 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / SUNx Malta and Les Roches, together with Earth Charter International recently announced the winners of the inaugural Strong Earth Awards which were presented at the ShiftIn’ Festival at Les Roches and broadcast to a global audience.

The awards were launched at the Strong Earth Youth Summit in April for students focussed on a future advancing Climate Friendly Travel – low carbon: SDG linked: Paris 1.5. Seven awards of 500 Euro each, donated by Les Roches, were given for the best 500-word “thought paper” on:

“Why the Earth Charter is even more important now than when it was introduced by Maurice Strong and Michael Gorbachev in 2000”

The winners were selected from students around the world, predominantly from developing countries, and the calibre of entries was extremely high. The competition has been designed to draw attention to the important sustainability messages contained in the Earth Charter, as well as the vision of the late Maurice Strong and its increasing relevance in today’s Climate challenged world.

The seven winners are:
Mbugua Kibe, Clintone Ojina, Osman F. Yong, Daniela Castro, Seyed Samir Rezvani, Ngoni Shereni, Caroline Kimani.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President SUNx Malta said:
“We are delighted to once again be partnering with our friends and colleagues at Les Roches on the ShiftIn’ Festival and to present awards to the winners of the first Strong Earth Awards together with Earth Charter International in Costa Rica. The standard of entries was extremely high, and the winners all articulated the relevance of the Principles of the Earth Charter in the context of today’s existential Climate Crisis. This is an event which we will continue annually to honour the Earth Charter and the vision of Maurice Strong for a better, fairer, more inclusive sustainable world.”

Mirian Vilela, Exec Director, Earth Charter International said:
“I want to express my appreciation for the organizers, as well as the participants of this event and project. I trust the launch of the Strong Earth Awards will spark interest and imagination amongst youth to work collaboratively and apply the principles of the Earth Charter in their journey and efforts to put our world on a sustainable path! The Earth Charter which was first launched in 2000 can serve as an ethical compass for decision making and as an educational instrument that could guide humanity to a more sustainable and a peaceful world.”

Joceline Favre-Bulle, Director of Operations, Les Roches said:
Riding on the wave of COP 26, ShiftIn’ 2021 could not have been timelier! This 3rd edition of ShiftIn’ attracted over 700 global attendees & 27 of the world’s top experts in environmental & sustainability matters! However, without the knowledge, support, guidance, and good humour of the SUNx Malta team, this would not have been possible; we are honoured to be part of such a precious partnership; thank you.

A heartfelt congratulations to the 26 students who took part in the inaugural Strong Earth Awards; well done, all the submissions were exceptional! Moreover, compliments go to the seven prize winners whose papers were recognizably outstanding; it was an honour to read all the papers.

At Les Roches, we are already looking forward to the 2022 edition of both the Strong Earth Awards and ShiftIn; watch this space.

About SUNx Malta
SUNx is an EU based, not-for-profit organisation, established as a legacy for Maurice Strong, climate and sustainability pioneer and partnered with the government of Malta. SUNx Malta created the ‘Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System’ which is designed to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the new Climate Economy. The programme is based on reducing carbon, meeting Sustainable Development Goals, and matching the Paris 1.5C trajectory. It is action and education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their climate ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the travel sector. Its co-founder and President is Professor Geoffrey Lipman.

SUNx Malta is calling for a DASH-2-Zero for the influential Travel & Tourism sector. Pushing for further action faster. Yes, to Net Zero Carbon, but by 2030 and a commitment to NO Greenhouse gases by 2050. DASH means Declare & Act with Support & Hope. SUNx Malta is training 100,000 young Strong Climate Champions across all UN States by 2030. Together with our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG-17) partners we are offering a UNFCCC linked Registry of Accelerated Ambition and support for Climate Friendly companies and communities.

About Les Roches
Three international campuses, more than a hundred nationalities studying with us… when we say “Global Hospitality Education” we really mean it. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate or graduate programs, Les Roches serves up academic rigor with a twist of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our campuses are uniquely compact and caring environments, while our commitment to Swiss-style, hands-on learning and small class sizes means you’ll make the most of every minute of your study time.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

S Hotels and Resorts Celebrates Ground-Breaking of SO/ Maldives

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S Hotels and Resorts Celebrates Ground-Breaking of SO/ Maldives - TRAVELINDEXMale, Maldives, November 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Created in partnership with Accor and Wai Eco World Developer, this exclusive 80-villa beach resort will become the third property at Crossroads Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first and only multi-island integrated lifestyle and leisure complex. S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the flagship hospitality arm of Thailand’s Singha Estate PCL, has celebrated the official launch of SO/ Maldives, with a ground-breaking ceremony for this vibrant new beachfront resort on the third island of Crossroads Maldives, the Indian Ocean’s first fully-integrated leisure and lifestyle destination.

This important milestone was marked with an event attended by senior representatives from S Hotels & Resorts. Set to be opened in 2023, this exciting new project is being created by S Hotels & Resorts, Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD), the leading business and real estate conglomerate in Myanmar, in partnership with Accor, whose luxurious and rebellious SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand will be introduced to the Maldives for the very first time.

SO/ Maldives will offer a unique collection of beachfront and over-water villas crafted by renowned designers, as well as an audacious array of dining and entertainment offerings. Nestled on its own island overlooking the azure Emboodhoo Lagoon, the resort is set to become a hotspot for adventurous and free-spirited socialisers who can easily jet in from regional centres for a weekend or longer, thanks to its convenient location close to Malé’s Velana International Airport.

The private island of SO/ Maldives will become a playground for those seeking unconventional yet stylish spaces to eat, drink, work or kick back and relax. The speciality restaurant will serve up Levantine cuisine exuding the aromatic fragrances and flavours of an Arabian night, with panoramic views across the ocean from its location above the arrival pavilion. Over at the poolside, guests will discover an art deco-inspired beach club with serious Miami South Beach vibes and an innovative plant-based menu. The vivid colour scheme is set to make it one of the coolest places to hang out in the archipelago, and is sure to impress those attending the brand’s pool parties – a popular event at SO/ addresses across the world.

The resort has ousted the traditional all-day buffet concept and will introduce a central cooking suite with various culinary theatre concepts. A chef’s table will be discreetly tucked away for those seeking an exclusive dining experience, while outdoor areas will be blessed with warm and fresh Maldivian air. The pan-Asian design will feature neutral terracotta palettes, elevated with accents of polished brass and rattan. Unforgettable events can be brought to life at the oceanfront wedding venue and meeting spaces.

The globe-trotting guests at SO/ Maldives will also be able to take advantage of the world-class facilities at Crossroads Maldives. The Marina @ Crossroads is an 800-metre beach walk lined with cool cafés, refined restaurants, a chilled-out beach club, upmarket boutiques, a spa, the Marine Discovery Centre and a 30-berth yacht marina. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from the international airport, this breath-taking integrated resort has redefined tourism and hospitality in the Maldives since it launched in 2019.

“This is a momentous day as we officially launch SO/ Maldives, the latest jewel in the Maldivian tourism crown. With SO/ Hotels & Resorts, Accor has created one of the hotel industry’s most expressive and individual luxury brands, catering to style-conscious travellers in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. This makes it a great fit for Crossroads Maldives, our game-changing multi-island leisure complex. SO/ Maldives will complement our two other five-star resorts and further raise the standard of hospitality in this idyllic archipelago,” said Dirk De Cuyper, Chief Executive Officer, S Hotels & Resorts.

“It gives us great pleasure to join hands with S Hotels & Resorts and Accor as we break ground on such a prestigious project. Crossroads Maldives is one of the most significant developments in the history of the country – and the entire Indian Ocean region – so we are honoured to have been tasked with the wonderful transformation of its third island. SO/ Maldives will attract trend-setters from all around the world and I look forward to bringing this remarkable resort to life in the coming months,” added Zaw Win Maung, Managing Director, WEWD.

Chadi Farhat, Brand Chief Operating Officer at Ennismore said: “We are delighted to see development kick-off for the audacious SO/ Maldives, a resort which will be the place to see and be seen for travellers that live vibrant lives and are seeking something truly avant-garde on their journeys around the world. We look forward to seeing this high-energy resort come to life and working alongside S Hotels & Resorts and WEWD.”

SO/ Maldives will become the third accommodation option at Crossroads Maldives, joining SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, both of which were recently named as the “Best Luxury Beachfront Resorts” in the Maldives at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC and Trip Group Report Reveals Shift in Traveler Behaviors

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WTTC and Trip Group Report Reveals Shift in Traveler Behaviors - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, November 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / International spending expected to rise 94% in 2022. Travelers headed to secondary destinations and booking ‘the great outdoors’ in 2021. Eight out of 10 travelers will choose sustainable travel. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip Group have launched ‘Trending in Travel’, a new report that shows the latest trends traveler behavior and future booking patterns in the wake of COVID-19.

WTTC, representing the global Travel & Tourism sector, joined forces with leading global travel service provider, Trip.com Group, and its major consumer brands Trip, Ctrip and Skyscanner, to analyse consumer trends shaping the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector.

WTTC’s latest projections show strong growth in international spending for 2022 and beyond, projected to overtake domestic spending in 2022, as more destinations ease restrictions and vaccination rates continue to rise.

Following a 69.4% decline (2020), global international spending on travel is set to rise by 9.3% in 2021, and significantly by 93.8% in 2022.

The report also reveals how severe and confusing travel restrictions around the world drove a significant rise in domestic tourism, with a surge in domestic hotel bookings of more than 200% on Trip’s platform this year compared to 2019.

Since the start of the pandemic, mobility restrictions have hindered international travel and, although domestic travel will provide a much-needed boost to the sector, WTTC says the return of international travel is critical to rebooting the global economy.

The report focuses on booking trends, consumer considerations, and consumer profiles. It also features examples of markets whose resilience has provided a platform for the recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector.

The report shows how COVID-19 has changed the way people travel; younger travellers are the first to return to travel; increased demand for longer stays; the importance of fee-free cancellations and the demand for high levels of health and safety checks.

To avoid travel restrictions, travelers are seeking secondary destinations, away from traditional holiday spots, as their destination of choice. This preference positively impacts local communities and livelihoods. According to Trip’s hotel booking data, Abu Dhabi (UAE) Chiang Mai (Thailand), Doha (Qatar), Florence (Italy), and Frankfurt (Germany) were the most popular secondary destinations in their respective countries in 2021.

The report goes on to show that, according to Ctrip data, bookings for ‘the great outdoors’ will predominate in the short and medium term. In China – one of the world’s largest travel markets – nature-related attraction bookings have increased by 265% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.

The pause in travel has also heightened consumers’ eagerness to travel more sustainably with more than eight out of 10 (83%) global travelers saying they would make sustainable travel a priority in the future.

Reinforcing this long-term trend, since its launch in 2019, the report shows 68 million travellers have opted to book a “Greener Choice” labelled flight on Skyscanner, a comparatively lower-carbon flight choice.

According to the report, 70% of travelers in many major countries such as the U.S., Spain, the UK, Canada, and Japan plan to spend more on travel in 2022 than they have in the last five years, including 2019 – one of the best years on record for Travel & Tourism.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is clear people are really looking forward to traveling again. Consumers are curious, they are looking at new destinations, ‘the great outdoors’ and travel that benefits the places and people they visit. As travel and tourism represents over 10% of global GDP this is good news for jobs and economies. The impact in some countries has been devastating for local communities and this report shows that business is returning in earnest.”

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip Group, said: “Travelers around the world have shown their eagerness to travel, whether limited to domestic travel or able to cross borders, we see a huge amount of pent-up demand steadily being released.

“To better evolve with the recovery we must understand travelers, and as an industry adapt to emerging trends.”

Latest WTTC research shows the global recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector is picking up pace with the sector’s contribution to global GDP projected to rise by 30.7% in 2021 and 31.7% in 2022.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel with Old-World Glamour

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Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel with Old-World Glamour - TRAVELINDEXBudapest, Hungary, November 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Hotels welcomes the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel to the brand’s growing European portfolio. Located in the heart of the Hungarian capital, Anantara New York Palace is an architectural ode to Europe’s Belle Epoque era and showcases old-world glamour and contemporary luxury.

• Discover Budapest and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at Top25Hotels.com

Discover the city’s most Instagrammable spots in an old convertible VW Samba, cruise along the Danube on a cosy traditional boat or mingle at one of the most beautiful cafés in the world, the New York Café, host to the city’s poets and artists for over a century and the perfect spot to enjoy a 24-carat-gold coffee and cake.

A glamorous new lobby, stylish guest rooms and the addition of the White Salon, a glitzy new restaurant serving quintessential Hungarian cuisine, will all be revealed in Spring 2022 upon completion of a renovation. A new Anantara Spa will also be launched next year, with treatments touching on the healing philosophies of Anantara’s Thai roots and with elements inspired by the thermal bath heritage of Budapest.

• Discover Budapest and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels at Top25Hotels.com

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phetchaburi Honoured with UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Status

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Phetchaburi Honoured with UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Status - TRAVELINDEXPhetchaburi, Thailand, November 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to report that Phetchaburi Province has been accepted as Thailand’s latest member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Gastronomy.

• Prepare for the Visit Thailand Year 2022 and Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

Phetchaburi is the fifth province in Thailand to have earned the UCCN title, after Phuket was named a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015, Chiang Mai a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts in 2017, Bangkok a Creative City of Design in 2019 and Sukhothai a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts in 2019.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The addition of Phetchaburi to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Creative City of Gastronomy is much welcomed and could not have come at a better time, with Gastronomy featuring as a key element of the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ new tourism marketing campaign.”

Located around 160 km south of Bangkok, Phetchaburi is known for the production of high quality sea salt and key limes, palm sugar, rose apples, pineapples and bananas among other items, giving it the nickname ‘City of Three Tastes’ – for salty, sweet and sour. The farm-to-fork practice is also in use in the province, where farmers deliver fresh produce and seafood direct to food outlets and manufacturers as well as local households.

Phetchaburi is synonymous with a number of local dishes having gained particular popularity and for its production of certain food products. Local recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, cuisine from the royal courts of Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin, and Chinese and Mon cuisine have combined into dishes unique to Phetchaburi.

Among the well-known dishes that reflect Phetchaburi’s cultural roots are Kaeng Kua Hua Tan (toddy palm curry), Khanom Cheen Thotman (fermented rice-flour noodles with fried fish cake), Khao Chae (rice soaked in water accompanied by a variety of side dishes) and Kuaitiao Nam Daeng (red-soup noodles).

Tourists visiting Phetchaburi can combine the delectable cuisine on offer with exploration of the various attractions. These include Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park or as it’s also known locally Khao Wang (meaning ‘hill with palace’) with its palace and temple buildings on a hill overlooking the city; the temples Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Wat Kamphaeng Laeng, Wat Yai Suwannaram; and picturesque beaches the most famous being Cha-am.

Last but not least, Kaeng Krachan National Park which covers part of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Ratchaburi provinces, at 464,000 hectares is the largest national park in Thailand, and is known for its wildlife watching, hiking and ‘sea of mist’ views during the cooler months of November to February. It is also home to Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

• Prepare for the Visit Thailand Year 2022 and Visit Thailand – Be Happy, at VisitThailand.net

The UCCN was launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. There are seven categories of membership in the network – Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music – which currently numbers around 250 cities worldwide. These cities work together toward a common objective – placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and Council of Europe to Promote Cultural Routes

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UNWTO and Council of Europe to Promote Cultural Routes - TRAVELINDEXBrussels, Belgium, November 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Council of Europe will work together to develop the opportunities tourism offers to local communities and to enhance the tourist experience along the European region’s Cultural Routes.

The joint actions will be aimed at recognizing the added value that cultural routes offer for sustainable tourism development, cultural heritage safeguarding and intercultural dialogue. The collaboration will also further highlight the routes’ potential for advancing social, economic and cultural development, benefitting both Europe and its partner countries by strengthening cultural and historical ties.

All along the Cultural Routes, tourism has the power to support jobs and create other development opportunities for communities

International Year of Creative Economy 2021

The two organizations will be collaborating first in the sphere of creative tourism, to showcase good practices in line with the International Year of Creative Economy 2021, and further promote destinations encompassed by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (EPA) of the Council of Europe.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “All along the Cultural Routes, tourism has the power to support jobs and create other development opportunities for communities. It is also a chance to protect and promote cultural heritage and to celebrate creativity.”

Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić adds: “The Cultural Routes programme plays an important role in the promotion of Europe’s rich cultural heritage, in addition to being an effective tool for fostering intercultural dialogue and transnational co-operation.

We are delighted that the UN’s World Tourism Organisation will contribute its expertise to the Cultural Routes programme on the basis of this Memorandum of Understanding.”

Enhancing accessibility

The partnership will also see UNWTO and the Council of Europe harness their individual expertise and technical capabilities to further develop Cultural Routes, through research, training and policymaking. Special attention will be paid to the mapping of Cultural Routes and to promoting greater accessibility for persons with disabilities and specific access requirements.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor Introduces New Portfolio of Unique Luxury Hotels

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Accor Introduces New Portfolio of Unique Luxury Hotels - TOP25HOTELS.com - TRAVELINDEXGuiyang, China, November 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Guiyang Art Center Hotel, Emblems Collection, in the heart of China’s Guizhou province, will be the brand’s first hotel. Accor, a world leading hospitality group featuring one of the industry’s most diverse and fully integrated hospitality ecosystems, is delighted to introduce Emblems Collection, a unique global portfolio of boutique hotels and luxurious resorts. Emblems Collection is launching with a magnificent flagship hotel – Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection in China’s Guizhou province, slated to open in December 2022. The luxury brand is expected to grow to 60 properties around the world by 2030.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels in Guiyang and China at Top25Hotels.com

“Emblems Collection adds a fresh and exciting new dimension to Accor’s luxury offerings. A key focus of our growth and development strategy is to add aggressively across our strongest lines and leading business accelerators, which includes luxury as well as collection brands, while ensuring all 40+ brands in our global network continue to grow, evolve and flourish,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor. “The hotels we will feature in Emblems Collection are those sought out by travelers who appreciate high-end, boutique-style experiences, as well as by hoteliers who cherish the independent brands they’ve built while desiring the benefits that come with a global partner.”

With the creation of Emblems Collection, Accor is broadening its footprint in the collection brands space and will look to replicate the success it has achieved with another of the Group’s brands – MGallery Hotel Collection, a storied portfolio that now counts more than 100 boutique hotels worldwide. With a similar free-spirited approach, yet focused on the luxury segment, Emblems Collection will feature unique hotels that are ‘emblematic’ of their designers, demographics or destinations. Appealing to the stylish and the smart set, signature elements of the brand’s hotels will include luxurious surroundings, Instagram-worthy pools, and vibrant public spaces. Hotels and resorts joining the Emblems Collection will fall into three categories:

– Emblems Collection Heritage – hotels that are landmarks of a destination – the buildings that contribute to the character of a city, place or nation; properties that celebrate the hallmarks of history and classic cultural traditions.

– Emblems Collection Retreat – resort properties along blissful beaches, bucolic countrysides or nestled in the mountains, offering sumptuous spa and wellness experiences with holistic care and enrichment through rituals, serenity and wellbeing.

– Emblems Collection Signature – design-led hotels that embody an aesthetic universe, an ode to the style and signature of the designers or original residents who contributed to the hotel’s unique legacy.

Designed for independent hoteliers
The Emblems Collection brand is designed with the needs of independent and boutique hotel owners in mind. For those seeking to upgrade their property’s luxury status and give their global profile a boost, the hotel brand standards of the collection are flexible, light, and easy to attain, with opportunities to sign franchise agreements – the only Accor luxury brand to offer this option. The new brand will encourage its hotels to retain their unique identities, which is important to hoteliers who have invested in creating a certain style for their hotel and/or market. Moreover, Emblems Collection provides direct ROI and the opportunity to maximize revenue with immediate access to the power of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platform.

“For owners and developers who have created unique luxury hotels, or are looking to develop a new upmarket offering, we offer a collection brand that can boost their property’s status and profile with limited investment in marketing and branding, along with an easy transition process,” said Agnes Roquefort, Chief Development Officer, Accor. “With Emblems Collection, a hotelier can optimize their costs and operations right away by leveraging Accor’s powerful global distribution and supply networks, while expanding their audience reach from the moment they join. We look forward to working collaboratively with more hoteliers and development partners to bring more hotels around the world to this outstanding collection.”

First Stop: China
Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection is the inaugural flagship of the new hotel portfolio, residing in the city’s famous Guiyang Art Centre. Originally built as an opulent private residence, this crown jewel of the capital city attracts visitors with its lush landscaping, sprawling grounds, and serene wellness ambience.

Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection
The city of Guiyang is well-known for its lovely warm climate, being centrally located in the province of Guizhou, and enjoys an enviable location along the north bank of the Nanming River. Often referred to as the ‘capital of summer resorts in China’, Guiyang is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, a leading tourism hotspot, and a popular destination for luxury travelers, both domestically and from afar.

• Discover the World’s Best Luxury Hotels in Guiyang and China at Top25Hotels.com

“As one of the most important hospitality markets in the world, China is the perfect location for Accor to launch our newest luxury brand, and we are honored to work with our trusted partner, HLC Group on this landmark project. HLC is a respected business leader in Guizhou province and recognized as one of China’s top private enterprises; we are delighted to partner with them to bring our shared vision of the new Emblems Collection hotel in Guiyang to life,” said Gary Rosen, CEO, Greater China, Accor. “This grand and enigmatic property has long captured the attention of residents and visitors to Guiyang. Emblems Collection will bring a fresh, modern expression of luxury living to this iconic landmark, setting the high standards of hospitality and style that we expect for this brand as it expands to other markets worldwide.”

With 64 extraordinary suites and two magnificent ballrooms, guests will love the new Emblems Collection hotel, with its exciting mix of atmosphere, grandeur, style and innovation. Whether enjoying the serenity of the swimming pool, spa and fitness area, or the social buzz of one of the sophisticated hotel’s stylish bars, lounges and restaurants, the Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection is certain to become one of the most popular hotels of the capital city of Guizhou province.

With a plan to grow the collection to 60 properties by 2030, Accor is actively seeking new properties to be part of Emblems Collection in targeted destinations across the globe. Paris and Prague are two key cities where luxury heritage hotels might be candidates for Emblems Collection Heritage or Emblems Collection Signature. Other target cities for potential growth include London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Marrakech, Cairo, Amman, Doha, Moscow, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney, Montréal, New York, Havana, Cartagena, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Santiago, among others. For the Emblems Collection Retreat, short-listed destinations include Tuscany, Mykonos, Bodrum, Algarve, Bali, Australia’s Gold Coast and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Announces Magdalena Martorell as GM

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Meliá Phuket Mai Khao Announces Magdalena Martorell as GM - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, November 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Magdalena Martorell, a seasoned professional with two decades of hospitality experience in Europe and Asia has taken charge of the new Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a 30-suite and 70-villa resort due to open in December.

The Spanish-born general manager comes to Meliá Phuket Mai Khao after successfully opening Meliá Shanghai Parkside in China and SOL by Meliá Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Martorell has worked with Meliá Hotels International for the entirety of her hospitality career, beginning 20 years ago when she was selected to join the leading Spanish hotel group’s internal development program.

She steadily rose through the ranks, working as the operations manager at Tryp Rey Pelayo at Gijón in the north of Spain before becoming the resident manager at Meliá Barcelona. She then became the general manager at Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto before moving to Asia in 2012 to be the hotel manager at Meliá Bali & The Garden Villas.

At its debut in December, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao will unveil a host of facilities including Mediterranean-inspired accommodations, four dining outlets, a five-treatment-room spa, three swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, kids’ club, ballroom and two multi-function rooms. Of the 70 villas with private plunge pools, 15 “wellness villas” feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, fit ball, yoga mat and more.

“Magdalena has grown with our hotel group to become an exceptional general manager and her rich experience and vast knowledge of our brand place her in excellent stead to launch Meliá Phuket Mai Khao,” said Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International.

“As Thailand reopens to the world and embarks on a new chapter, my team and I are excited about Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s debut and what it brings to this beautiful island, including a prime focus on our guests’ inner wellbeing amid a restorative atmosphere and terrific Asian and Mediterranean gastronomy,” Martorell added.

About Meliá Hotels & Resorts
Meliá Hotels & Resorts is the best-known international brand in the portfolio of the Meliá Hotels International company; it has more than 100 city and resort hotels in the main leisure and business destinations of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The brand offers exemplary meetings and events facilities in all important business cities as well as in exotic locations, catering to the ever-expanding conference and incentive travel market. As part of its innovation philosophy and new positioning, Meliá Hotels & Resorts has reinvented itself to cater to every aspect of the guests’ wellbeing. Unique experiences are created for guests and are defined by relaxation, quality time and personalised services. For a balanced lifestyle, Meliá Hotels & Resorts instinctively understands the guests’ needs and lifestyle expectations, which is an integral part of its redefined identity.

About Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 380 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) throughout more than 40 countries, under the brands Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Paradisus by Meliá, ME by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and TRYP by Wyndham. The Group is one of the leading companies in resort hotels worldwide, while also leveraging its experience to consolidate the growing segment of the leisure-inspired urban market. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to become the most sustainable hotel company in Spain and Europe in 2020, according to the SAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). It also has ranked seventh in the Wall Street Journal’s list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world (and the leading travel company) and is the only Spanish travel company included in the list of “Europe’s Climate Leaders 2021” by Financial Times. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 Spanish stock market index and it is the Spanish hotel leader in Corporate Reputation (Merco Ranking).

About Phuket Villa Group
Founded in 1989 in Phuket (Thailand), Phuket Villa Corporation, together with its affiliates, has constructed over 7,000 houses and condominium units all over Phuket and Bangkok. As one of the first developers in Phuket to include a wide range of lifestyle facilities within its developments, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, the Group offers detached homes, townhouses and commercial buildings, catering to the growing local real estate market. In addition, the Group also has two hotels under its banner, offering more than 300 rooms to tourists and business travellers, mirroring Phuket’s steady growth as a premier tourist destination of Thailand. Over the years, Phuket Villa Corporation continues to re-invent itself to cater to an increasingly diverse customer base in a more competitive landscape.

 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News