Global Travel News

Marriott Signs Agreement with Melco Resorts to Bring Macau’s First W Hotel

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Marriott International, Inc. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Melco Resorts & Entertainment to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Macau. Scheduled to open in December 2022, W Macau – Studio City is expected to become an iconic addition to the world-class leisure destination through its detail-driven, unexpected design, signature Whatever/Whenever® service, and innovative programming.

“Macau’s super-charged energy and unique identity as an entertainment hub, together with its mix of Eastern and Western culture, makes it a natural fit for W Hotels,” said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. “In line with Marriott International’s “Brand + Destination” development strategy, we are excited to work together with Melco Resorts & Entertainment to introduce W Macau – Studio City and bring the brand’s luxury lifestyle to Macau.”

Situated in the heart of Cotai, W Macau – Studio City will serve as the buzzing centerpiece for Studio City Phase 2, a multi-complex development that includes indoor and outdoor water parks, cineplexes and state-of-the-art MICE facilities. W Macau – Studio City expects to feature 557 guestrooms, including 127 suites and wellness facilities, a spa, fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel is also set to include two destination dining venues – one featuring international cuisine with an Asian twist and another with the finest Chinese and Portuguese dishes. Set to be a first in the Greater China region, W Macau – Studio City is slated to feature a W Sound Suite, the brand’s signature, on-site recording studio as well as a WOOBAR where guests can connect. Additionally, the new hotel will offer 1,100 square meters of event and meeting space.

Mr. David Sisk, Chief Operating Officer – Macau Resortsof Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “Melco is thrilled to welcome W Hotels to Studio City and Macau. W Hotels is without a doubt one of the world’s most iconic luxury lifestyle brands, and we expect the hotel to elevate Studio City’s hospitality offerings to a new level. Together we look forward to bringing new experiences to our guests and further strengthen Macau’s proposition as a world-class leisure destination.”

Marriott International currently operates nine properties and residences under the W Hotels brand across Greater China. W Macau – Studio City is anticipated to mark the brand’s tenth property in Greater China.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,900 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.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has disrupted and redefined the hospitality scene for over two decades. Trailblazing its way around the globe, with nearly 60 hotels, W is defying expectations and breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With a mission to fuel guests’ lust for life, W ignites an obsessive desire to soak it in, live it up and hit repeat. The brand’s provocative design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing Living Rooms create an experience that is often copied but never matched. Innovative, inspiring and infectious, the brand’s super-charged energy celebrates guests’ endless appetite to discover what’s new/next in each destination, to see more, feel more, go longer, stay later.

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City (www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (www.cityofdreamsmanila.com), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company is currently developing City of Dreams Mediterranean (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy) in the Republic of Cyprus, which is expected to be the largest and premier integrated destination resort in Europe. The Company is currently operating a temporary casino, the first authorized casino in the Republic of Cyprus, and is licensed to operate four satellite casinos (“Cyprus Casinos”). Upon the opening of City of Dreams Mediterranean, the Company will continue to operate the satellite casinos while operation of the temporary casino will cease.

The Company is strongly supported by its single largest shareholder, Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO and ADB Launch Report on Big Data and Tourism Recovery

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UNWTO and ADB Launch Report on Big Data and Tourism Recovery

Madrid, Spain, December 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO and the Asian Development Bank have launched a joint report on the use of big data for better tourism planning and management. The report features examples from across the Asia and the Pacific region while also showcasing the main trends in the use of big data in tourism at the forefront of technology and innovation. The report also makes clear the the role that big data can play in recovery and the measurement of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism.

Data to empower decision makers

Tourism suffered the greatest crisis on record in 2020. International arrivals plunged by 73% in 2020. This is likely to followed by a 70% and 75% fall on 2019 levels for 2021. As the sector looks to  recover, data and market intelligence are critical to  empower destinations, businesses, and tourism workers to be better prepared in a rapidly changing landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the shift toward digitalization and so further highlighted the need for relevant and reliable data and intelligence to manage tourism.

The joint UNWTO and ADB report will assist both governments and the private sector as they look to complement official statistics with big data so as to better understand changes in consumer behavior and to enhance recovery with targeted products, segments, and source markets. Big data will also be key to supporting seamless travel through the implementation of safety protocols, biosecurity technologies, and digital health certificates to enable the safe reopening of borders.

The report further addresses some of the key challenges standing in the way of fully realizing the potential of big data and digitalization for better tourism policy. These include ongoing concerns over privacy, skills gaps, data reliability, inadequate governance and infrastructure, the digital divide, accessibility barriers. These challenges make clear the need for comprehensive agenda to pave the way for the effective use of big data to assist tourism recovery and its transformation toward a greener, more resilient sector. Together, UNWTO and ADB will work to ensure tourism policies across the region are aimed at establishing measurement, monitoring, and management systems and frameworks, thereby ensuring harmonized, comparable, and reliable data and indicators.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Skål International Sustainable Awards 2021

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Skål International Sustainable Awards 2021

Malaga, Spain, December 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The announcement of the Sustainable Tourism Awards winners edition has taken place during the virtual Annual General Assembly of Skål International.

The Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards, launched in 2002, are geared towards enhancing the visibility and grant recognition to entities from the Travel and Tourism industry.

Our appreciation goes to Biosphere Tourism and the Responsible Tourism Institute for their continuous cooperation in the frame of these Awards for third consecutive year. This year, they have exceptionally granted two Skål Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Special Awards instead of one.

WINNERS OF THE 2021 SKÅL INTERNATIONAL

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARDS
– COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT PROJECTS: Servicios Ecoturísticos El Jorullo, Mexico.
– COUNTRYSIDE AND BIODIVERSITY: Chai Lai Orchid, Thailand.
– EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND MEDIA: Tourism Industry Aotearoa, New Zealand.
– MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: The Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.
– MARINE AND COASTAL: Six Senses Laamu, The Maldives.
– RURAL ACCOMMODATION: Sardegna Grand Hotel Terme, Italy.
– TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENTS: City Sightseeing, South Africa.
– URBAN ACCOMMODATION: The Grand Hotel, Sri Lanka.

WINNERS OF THE 2021 SKÅL BIOSPHERE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE SPECIAL AWARDS
– The Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa.
– Chai Lai Orchid, Thailand.

The independent jury has been made up by three prominent and distinguished personalities who have acted in representation of internationally recognized entities. They have evaluated the 50 entries received based on leadership criteria in sustainability that encompass tangible, measurable benefits to the environment, enhance business, and the society and communities in which they operate. (View the full participants list here).

Skål International would like to thank all the entities presented to these awards for their participation, as well as give sincere congratulations to all the winners in this edition which is being held in a year of challenges, in which the fight for the restoration of Tourism at a global level must be the priority of all of us who are part of the industry.

About Skål International
Skål International is the world’s largest global network of Tourism Professionals promoting Tourism, Business, and Friendship worldwide since 1934. Its members are Directors and Executives of the Tourism sector who relate to each other to address common interest issues, improve a business network, and promote destinations. For more information about Skål International and membership, please visit skal.org.

About Biosphere Tourism: Biosphere Tourism develops certifications to guarantee compliance with the principles of sustainability and continuous improvement, through a private, voluntary and independent certification system. This certification guarantees an adequate long-term balance between the economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions of a destination, reporting significant benefits for the entity itself, society and the environment. Biosphere Sustainable presents a methodology and digital platform suitable for more than 27 different types of business.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ASMALLWORLD AG to Acquire Stake in Global Hotel Alliance

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ASMALLWORLD AG to Acquire Stake in Global Hotel Alliance

Zurich, Switzerland, December 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / ASMALLWORLD AG will acquire a 10% stake in the parent company of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with over 800 hotels, and will join the company’s Board of Directors. This strategic investment opens up new revenue streams and is expected to significantly expand ASMALLWORLD’s earning potential over the next few years. ASMALLWORLD will support GHA in the delivery of its recently re-launched loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY, which will expand to more than 20 million members in 2022. The loyalty programme’s highest spending elite members will receive complimentary access to the ASMALLWORLD social network which should double the size of the social network by the end of 2022. In addition, ASMALLWORLD will receive the right to recruit independent hotels to join the GHA hotel portfolio under a newly created ASMALLWORLD soft brand.

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

ASMALLWORLD and GHA are expanding their long-standing collaboration in the form of a strategic partnership. ASMALLWORLD will support GHA with the delivery of its relaunched hotel loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY. As part of the partnership, GHA DISCOVERY will offer its elite tier members (those customers who have earned the highest membership levels), access to the ASMALLWORLD social network free of charge. This will allow GHA DISCOVERY elite members to enjoy all the benefits of the ASMALLWORLD travel and lifestyle network, which is expected to increase customer engagement, ultimately leading to more hotel bookings for the alliance’s hotels. Under the terms of the partnership, both parties are incentivised to grow each other’s revenue base. ASMALLWORLD expects that the new customers from this partnership will double the member base in 2022.

GHA DISCOVERY – a hotel loyalty programme with 20 million customers

When NH Hotel Group is integrated into the alliance in 2022, GHA will be a network of 40 independent hotel chains with over 800 hotels in 100 countries, sharing a common loyalty platform. GHA DISCOVERY’s hotels include internationally renowned luxury brands such as Kempinski, Anantara, Corinthia, Pan Pacific, Capella and Nikki Beach. GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands. When NH Hotels Group merges its NH Rewards loyalty programme into GHA DISCOVERY in mid-2022, then GHA DISCOVERY will have more than 20 million members.

The GHA DISCOVERY programme allows members to collect and spend rewards across the entire GHA hotel network. Based on the number of stays, nights or spend per year, members may also obtain one of multiple status levels, which offer additional hotel benefits such as room upgrades and faster earning of rewards.

Initially, ASMALLWORLD will provide access to its services for GHA DISCOVERY’s elite tier members and support GHA with the delivery of the programme. The companies will also offer additional ASMALLWORLD products and services to the entire GHA DISCOVERY customer base.

ASMALLWORLD to be added as a hotel brand to the GHA DISCOVERY brand portfolio

In addition to the core partnership, the companies will also work together to expand GHA’s hotel portfolio. As part of the agreement, ASMALLWORLD has received the mandate to recruit independent hotels for GHA, and the brand “ASMALLWORLD” will be added to GHA DISCOVERY’s hotel brand portfolio as a soft brand. Going forward, newly-recruited independent hotels can then join GHA’s hotel network under the ASMALLWORLD brand.

Until now, GHA mostly did not offer independent individual hotels a path to join its network as it primarily served hotel chains. The cooperation with ASMALLWORLD closes this gap, and provides an opportunity for independent individual hotels to join the network.

ASMALLWORLD acquires a 10% stake in GHA Holdings

To highlight the strategic aspect of this long-term cooperation, the two companies have entered an agreement under which ASMALLWORLD has committed to acquire a 10% stake in GHA Holdings Limited (“GHA Holdings”), the group holding company of GHA. The purchase price for the stake is USD 3.5 million in cash plus a 3% share of ASMALLWORLD AG. The ASMALLWORLD shares used for payment will be either existing or newly created shares. As the purchase price is being paid partly in shares, GHA will also become a shareholder of ASMALLWORLD AG. The closing of the transaction is scheduled for March 2022.

Transaction opens up significant new revenue streams for ASMALLWORLD

The enhanced partnership and strategic investment open up multiple new revenue streams for ASMALLWORLD. Most importantly, the company will be rewarded on spend generated by members signing up through the partnership. In addition, ASMALLWORLD will have the opportunity to sell additional products and services to this valuable customer group, once they become part of the ASMALLWORLD social network. GHA and ASMALLWORLD also plan to offer various ASMALLLWORLD products to the more than 20 million non-elite GHA DISCOVERY members which will create additional sales from GHA’s large member base. Together with these new revenue streams, and its stake in the future growth of GHA, this investment is expected to significantly expand ASMALLWORLD’s earning potential over the next few years and further accelerate its profitable growth.

ASMALLWORLD will have a seat on GHA’s Board of Directors

It is anticipated that both companies will be represented on each other’s Boards of Directors. ASMALLWORLD CEO Jan Luescher will become a member of GHA Holdings’ Board of Directors, while GHA CEO Chris Hartley is expected to join ASMALLWORLD’s Board of Directors. This will allow both companies to influence each other’s strategic directions and will help build further operational synergies between the companies. The appointment of Chris Hartley as a member of the Board of Directors is subject to the approval of the shareholders of ASMALLWORLD.

“This strategic alliance between ASMALLWORLD and GHA opens up new opportunities for both companies. GHA can now offer its most valued customers direct access to the ASMALLWORLD network and ASMALLWORLD will be able to offer its core products to members of the GHA DISCOVERY programme, and in particular their highest-spending elite tier members. We will also help GHA to drive incremental sales through these customers. GHA will also offer ASMALLWORLD’s services to the entire GHA DISCOVERY’s 20-million-strong membership base, which will greatly increase our reach and sales potential,” comments Jan Luescher, CEO of ASMALLWORLD.

GHA’s CEO, Chris Hartley, added “our long-standing partnership with ASMALLWORLD has been very successful and has highlighted the close synergies between our customer bases and the attractiveness of the complementary products and services, which bring value to each other’s membership propositions. ASMALLWORLD members who have previously joined GHA DISCOVERY have gone on to become some of our highest-spending customers across our hotels. It feels like a natural next step in this partnership to become shareholders in each other’s businesses; and we will benefit from ASMALLWORLD’s insights and experience in areas such as social networking and events, which are a logical extension to our GHA DISCOVERY programme.”

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

About Global Hotel Alliance (GHA)
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands with GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme leveraging a shared technology platform. Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue, and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. GHA represents a collection of 35 brands with over 500 hotels in 85 countries serving 11 million members. The award-winning GHA DISCOVERY programme generates approximately $2 billion in revenue and more than eight million room nights annually. GHA’s brands currently include Anantara, Araiya, Avani, Campbell Gray, Capella, Corinthia, Discovery Destinations, Divani, Doyle, Elewana, Fauchon, GLO, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno, Marco Polo, Mysk, Niccolo, Nikki Beach, NUO, Oaks, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, PARKROYAL, Patina, The Residence by Cenizaro, Shaza, Sukhothai, Sun International, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy.

About GHA DISCOVERY
Launched in 2010, GHA DISCOVERY is the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands, featuring more than 500 hotels, resorts and palaces across 35 brands. Members enjoy VIP recognition, thoughtful benefits and generous rewards at home or away. Recently the programme has evolved to include an additional tier and flexible paths to upgrade through nights/stays, eligible purchases or number of brands stayed, making it easier and faster for members to reach elite status. Unlike more traditional programmes, GHA DISCOVERY does not ask members to count points towards their next upgrade. Instead, members earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), an exclusive rewards currency. They also enjoy members-only Experiences curated by each hotel and have access to properties close to home, without a stay, through member-only Local Offers.

The ASMALLWORLD Group
ASMALLWORLD is the world’s leading travel & lifestyle community, focusing on experiences: the modern-day definition of luxury. Centred around the ASMALLWORLD social network, the company operates a digital travel & lifestyle ecosystem which enables and inspires members to travel better, experience more and make new connections.

Members of the ASMALLWORLD social network connect through its app and website, where they can meet other members, engage in online discussions, receive travel and lifestyle inspiration, and enjoy a wealth of travel privileges. Members also meet in person at over 1’000 global ASMALLWORLD events every year, ranging from casual get-togethers in major cities around the world, access to exclusive launches, shows, galas, soirees, exhibitions, major global sporting events, and larger flagship weekend experiences hosted in iconic destinations such as Saint-Tropez and Gstaad.

Other businesses of the ASMALLWORLD travel & lifestyle ecosystem include:

ASMALLWORLD Collection, a high-end online hotel booking engine focused on the world’s most admired hotels, offering the unique “ASMALLWORLD Preferred Rate” which allows customer to enjoy exclusive travel benefits at no extra cost

ASMALLWORLD Private, a high-end travel agency offering personalised travel curation service

ASW Hospitality, a hotel management company that operates and manages the iconic North Is-land resort in the Seychelles

First Class & More, a subscription-based smart luxury travel service that allows members to enjoy luxury travel at insider prices

The World’s Finest Clubs, the world’s leading nightlife concierge offers its members VIP access to the most exclusive nightlife venues around the world

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PUBS, PATIOS & BARS: World’s best bar 2021

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The results are in and the world’s best bar for 2021 is, well, you’ll have read on to find out – but know that the esteemed establishment bagged best in class on the 13th annual list (sponsored by Perrier) which this year spans 17 countries and features 18 new entries spread across Australia, India, Mexico, Russia, Argentina, Sweden, Spain, China, and the UAE.

Drum roll: For the second consecutive year, the Connaught Bar in London was crowned No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars list, announced earlier this month at a live awards ceremony in the UK capital. Being The World’s Best Bar, it follows that the Connaught was also named Best Bar in Europe.

Located in the prestigious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, the swank venue has catered to a glamorous crowd, including Royals, since opening in 2008.

Judged by 500 industry experts, the the Cubist-inspired bar is celebrated for its “artful, modern drinks with graceful service in an elegant setting,” and is known for its unique Martini trolley, where bartenders give a highly personalised drinks experience to guests.

Says W50BB: “A triumph from the start, Connaught Bar still manages to edge closer to perfection every time its doors open. It is the quintessential London hotel bar, but in its poise, elegance and the leadership of Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani, and Maura Milia, it has a distinct Italian accent. From the welcome on entrance and the backdrop of gleaming David Collins-designed cubist decor, to the intuitive service and cocktails that run a delicate line between classicism and modernism, this is a bar for which excellence has become a bare minimum standard.
“To its apostles, the headline act is the Dry Martini, which arrives via a trolley that becomes a temporary stage for your own personal performance. Thrown between shaker and mixing glass is your choice of gin – try the bar’s own, distilled at the hotel – and bitters from an aroma-daubed flavour card inspired by perfumeries. But from January 2022, do also have a leaf through the new menu, Impressions, which takes inspiration from the encounters that shape our experiences. The Eclipse cocktail stands out – from the white page and the black tables. Inspired by contrast in photography, this gin cocktail is housed in a striking white glass, painted black on the inside so the liquid fades to nothing. Just as the Connaught Bar, it leaves a lasting impression.”

The rest of the top five bars includes fellow London destination Tayēr + Elementary (No. 2), rising star Paradiso in Barcelona (No. 3), Athens favourite The Clumsies (No. 4) and the acclaimed Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires (No. 5).

Other highlights from the list, include:

• French-born cocktail innovator Remy Savage is honoured as Roku Industry Icon
• Thunderbolt, Los Angeles, is named Campari One To Watch
• Re, Sydney, earns Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
• Lab 22, Cardiff, takes the inaugural Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu title
• Hanky Panky, Mexico City, wins the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, debuting at No. 12
• Presidente, Buenos Aires, secures Nikka Highest Climber Award, moving up 29 places
• Insider Bar, Moscow, wins London Essence Best New Opening
• Attaboy, New York, clinches Rémy Martin Legend of The List title

The full list – spoiler alert: there are no Canadian entries – can be viewed HERE.

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

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

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

2426 What’s Your Surname? My Café at My Beach Resort Phuket

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2426 What’s Your Surname? My Café at My Beach Resort Phuket - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, December 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / My Café at My Beach Resort Phuket will take all gastronomes to a flashback of the past into an era when surnames were still new in Siam or Thailand in the current day. At that time, Thailand’s many delicious dishes still did not have prominent names and still relied on the Western culture and influence. Our locally made food was collectively called “Thai Food” from the development of the word “Eat Like Thai.”

Discover the origins of the name of dishes under the concept of “2426 What’s Your Surname?” a beautiful journey led by Chef Tai Nutchtakamol Songkhramsee, our guest chef, the owner of Tanya’s restaurant, and a figure widely recognised as the hidden jewel in Hua-Hin’s restaurant industry.

For centuries, inhabitants of Thailand did not have surnames, and all went by similar first names. 2426 BE was the first time when postal communications were introduced in Thailand and required people to be distinguished by the given and surnames, which were usually the given names of their parents. Therefore, when the postman went out to deliver mail, a question that was frequently asked was “What’s your surname?” in order to ensure that mail was delivered to its correct recipients. Comparably, Thai dishes during that era did not have names to refer to. Recipes were not recorded making it difficult to recreate dishes, and it was during this similar period that the first Thai cookbook ever recorded, the “Mae Krua Hua Pa” cookbook, appeared. This cookbook and other cookbooks during the same era had become the inspiration of our dining event along with the integration of Chef Tai’s family recipes passed down through generations, making this meal exceptional.

This dining experience at 2426 What’s Your Surname? will make you feel as if you were dining at a friend’s place, and they were telling you stories about each dish you are enjoying. Hors’ d’oeuvres will begin with Macaroni cooked with pineapple curry and dressed in horseshoe crab eggs, followed by a combination of old meets new – Steamed curried fish served in jelly form. The next dish as part of our hors d’oeuvre is a bite of Mun Luem Gluen, mashed potatoes topped with garlic and pepper shrimp. For appetizers, Kanom Jeen Poon or Thai fermented rice vermicelli dressed in grilled scallops and crab meat will be served followed by a soup, Tom Plong Talay, a traditional Thai tamarind seafood soup with grilled giant tiger prawn, squid and salmon. For the main course, guests will be served Khao Sao Nam and Mussamun Som Za, or rice in seasoned soup served with orange infused massaman curry with a choice of meat. The dining experience ends with a dessert called Kanom Chang Ma, or traditional Thai sweet rice noodles in coconut cream. Come and join us for a wonderful evening of delicious food and memorable moments.

Our delightful food journey presented in a 5-course meal is THB 2,500++ (excluding beverages). Experience 2426 What’s Your Surname? from 23 December 2021 until 16 January 2022. For reservations, please call 076 305 066

About My Beach Resort Phuket
My Beach Resort Phuket is a five-star resort located on Phuket’s tranquil east coast overlooking the pristine Panwa Beach. The resort has been recommended by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years from 2019-2021, commending the resort for its rooms with magnificent panoramic sunset view. The resort offers elegant guest rooms designed in muted earth tones, a restaurant offering authentic Southern dishes, a bar with panoramic sea views, boutique meeting rooms, fitness room, and many more activities for guests to enjoy by the beach.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Global Tourism Plastics Initiative Releases First Progress Report

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Global Tourism Plastics Initiative Releases First Progress Report - UNWTO - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, December 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has welcomed a further 21 signatories, taking the total number past 110. The new signatories have been announced alongside the launch of a first annual report, which makes clear the significant progress made in tackling plastics pollution in tourism over the past year.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Accor, Club Med, Hong-Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Iberostar, Melco, Six Senses have all reported continuous efforts to implement their commitments to tackle plastic pollution. Together, they have eliminated over 108 million plastic items and packaging in 2020, totaling around 804 metric tons.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In just one year, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has made a real impact. Together, signatories have cut their use of plastic by 800 metric tons, equivalent to 27 large shipping containers full of plastic. I congratulate all those businesses and destinations for their commitment and welcome the 21 newest signatories to the Initiative – a clear sign that tourism is working hard to become more sustainable, even in times of crisis.”

Signatories report plastics progress

In just one year, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has made a real impact

deSter, a member of gategroup and the leading supplier to the aviation, hospitality and foodservice industries has also reported progress, for instance by discontinuing the launch of new products with non-recyclable materials; working on fiber-based technologies and closed loop recycling pilots with customers; and developing new designs.

“We are delighted to have joined the Global Tourism Plastic Initiative through our Bye Bye Plastics program: Club Med has already removed on a global scale disposable plastic items such as cups, straws, cutlery, plates as well as individual plastic packaging from shower gel, shampoo and lotion and from other in-room accessories. We are now aiming to remove single use plastic accessories from our rooms and festive events as well as reducing by up to 50% the use of plastic water bottles in 2024 (compared to 2019),” said Florian Duprat, Sustainability manager at Club Med.

“We are pleased to have been able to formalize our goals and progress in the global commitment of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative report. It gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to developing more sustainable solutions. And, more importantly, by being part of a coordinated action plan with other signatories, we can be sure that we are moving the needle to stop plastic pollution,” said Philippe De Naeyer, Director Sustainability at deSter.

The full report is available online and is also linked to the annual report of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, providing its Tourism chapter (see page 12). A broader reporting mechanism which would allow additional stakeholders that are signatories (e.g. SMEs) to report progress on the implementation of their commitments will also soon be made available.

More sector-wide commitment

Since the last announcement of signatories in July 2021, the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative has officially welcomed 21 new signatories bringing the total of organizations that have committed to implement circular economy of plastics in the tourism sector to 113.

Among the 21 new signatories, the Initiative welcomes 4 accommodation companies (Alila Villas Uluwatu, JJ’s Hostel Mirissa, Phaea Resorts, Sudima Hotels), 7 tour operators (Adventuretects LLC, Europamundo, Evaneos, Secret Scotland Tours, SEE Turtles, Travel.Bhutan, Turama Pacific Travel Group), 9 supporting organizations (arcenciel, Blue Community, Clewat Ltd, The Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO, Jaya House River Park Siem Reap, Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, Natufagus Consulting, Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA), Worldwide Association of Diving Instructors) and 1 destination (Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB)). These signatories have set concrete targets around the elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics, the introduction of reuse models and work on value chain level to improve recyclability.

A common goal for tourism

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative was endorsed by the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization at its 114th meeting held on 1st December 2021 during the UNWTO General Assembly in Madrid, encouraging Member States to take part in the fight against plastic pollution.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Hotels Celebrates Best Midscale Hotel Chain Awards

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Best Western Hotels Celebrates Best Midscale Hotel Chain Awards - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, December 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts was again recognized for its long-standing reputation as an industry-leading global hotel chain at the recent Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards, when it was named as the “Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific”.

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

This marks the seventh consecutive year that Best Western has achieved this prestigious award, setting a new milestone for the group which now operates an extensive collection of more than 60 hotels and resorts in nine countries and territories, all across this dynamic region.

“For Best Western to be honored as Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific’ for the seventh consecutive year is an accomplishment that demonstrates our commitment to global quality assurance,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “We are proud to be a brand known and trusted for our spirit of caring, compassion and high ideals of service, but in these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, these principles are even more important to our hoteliers and guests. To achieve this award even in the midst of these challenges, and for the seventh time, emphasizes that our guests understand and appreciate that we truly care about delivering a superior travel experience.”

The award ceremony was held as a hybrid event on December 8th, as a platform to honor the extraordinary travel suppliers in Asia Pacific who have distinguished themselves in the last twelve months. A total of 19 awards in three categories were presented to outstanding organizations that have successfully created exceptional customer experiences, delivered unparalleled service, demonstrated a spirit of innovation and achieved overall excellence in 2021. The winners were selected based on votes from Travel Weekly Asia’s readership, which includes many of the region’s top travel agents and industry professionals.

“To have been named as the ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific’ once again this year is a great honor, and the fact that it was voted for by industry experts and Travel Weekly readers makes it even more special. Throughout the challenges of the last 12 months, Best Western has remained true to our core values. I am delighted that our hard work has been recognized by our esteemed industry partners,” said Erwann Mahe, Managing Director of International Operations – Asia, Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

“This year’s award ceremony celebrated strength and resilience. I would like to dedicate this award to the teams at every Best Western hotel and resort throughout Asia for their enduring commitment to excellence. We will continue to create outstanding guest experiences all around the region in 2022 and beyond,” Erwann added.

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

Celebrating 75 years of hospitality, Best Western Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning global network of 4,700 hotels located in over 100 countries and territories, covering 18 distinct brands. The company strives to provide world-class accommodation and services for all types of traveler in every destination.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

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

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Calls on EU Governments to Avoid Severe Travel Restriction

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WTTC Calls on EU Governments to Avoid Severe Travel Restriction - TRAVELINDEXBrussels, Belgium, December 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, joined other EU Travel & Tourism stakeholders in urging EU governments against reintroducing damaging and ineffective travel restrictions.

“Putting travel bans in place is illogical. Fully vaccinated travellers should be able to move around freely.

“The World Health Organisation says closing borders does not work. Omicron is already well established throughout Europe. This is an act of political one-upmanship decided by people whose livelihoods do not depend on Travel & Tourism.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury Hotel Brand Aman to Operate a Luxury Yacht

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Luxury Hotel Brand Aman to Operate a Luxury Yacht - TOP25 Yachts - TRAVELINDEXBaar, Switzerland, December 21, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Luxury hospitality company Aman is designing its first yacht, a 50-suite vessel scheduled to enter service in 2025. The 600-foot yacht is being developed through a joint venture between Aman and Cruise Saudi, an entity owned by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partners are calling the endeavor “Project Sama.”

Aman is partnering with Sinot on the yacht’s architecture and design, which will feature Aman’s Eastern heritage and design philosophy. Aman said it will take charge of the yacht’s operations and management, “ensuring that guests enjoy the Aman way of life onboard, in every sense.”

All 50 suites will have a private balcony. Aman plans an array of dining options, including an informal all-day restaurant, international dining options and a club and lounge.

The Aman Spa will feature a Japanese garden. Plans also call for two helipads and a “Beach Club” that will give guests direct access to the water at the stern of the yacht.

Aman CEO Vladimir Doronin said the yacht project “marks an exciting moment in Aman’s growth and evolution, as we not only continue to diversify our geographical portfolio on land, but also at sea.”

Doronin added that the Aman yacht will “provide transformative experiences within the revered Aman setting and service, unlike any other yacht experience.”

About Aman
Aman operates 33 luxury resorts, hotels and private residences in 20 countries. Meticulously designed to frame their natural settings, Aman destinations are renowned for space and privacy. Each welcomes guests as if to the home of a close friend, instilling a sense of peace and belonging amid some of the most diverse natural and historical landscapes. It is an approach that has changed little since 1988 when the first retreat was built on Phuket’s west coast. It was named Amanpuri, meaning ‘place of peace’, and Aman was born. Today, Aman embraces 33 resorts, hotels, and private residences in 20 countries. Aman continues to seek out transformative experiences and awe-inspiring locations around the world with a further eight coming soon, taking the brand to 41 resorts in 22 countries.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News