Global Travel News

Alain St.Ange to Address Ocean Sustainability in ASEAN at Dubai Expo

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Alain St.Ange to Address Ocean Sustainability in ASEAN at Dubai Expo - TRAVELINDEXDubai, United Arab Emirates, December 2, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine will be in Dubai next week to be part of the hi-level forum with the topic ‘Ocean Sustainability in ASEAN’ during the occasion of ‘ASEAN Day’ at Dubai Expo 2020.

Former Minister St.Ange was invited to join the panel and to share his experiences on eco-marine tourism development as an integral part of the blue economy for the conservation and benefit of coastal and island societies.

ASEAN Day will be celebrated at Dubai Expo 2020 will be held on 10th December 2021 from 2.30 to 5.00 pm (Dubai GMT+3)

Former Minister St.Ange is the Executive Director of FORSEAA ‘Forum of Small Medium Economy AFRICA ASEAN’ and will join Indonesian Ministers and a number of high profile experts and speakers.

“Through this high-level forum, the ASEAN Block of Countries are looking forward to share, the common outlook on the use and preservation of the ocean resources towards the sustainable development of tourism, economy & investment and marine conservation for the livelihoods of its coastal societies” said the H.E. Mr Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General ASEAN (Association Of Southeast Asian Nations).

Alain St.Ange who runs Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy spent months in Indonesia earlier this year to be better connected with the tourism development of Indonesia and to explore areas of cooperation with Africa. “I am proud and indeed I am very honoured to have been invited to be a speaker at this special high-level gathering of experts. As I will fly the Seychelles flag, I will also have the unique opportunity of learning from others as I share my own experiences to those present” said Alain St.Ange

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Meliá Chiang Mai Launches Opening Offer as Thailand Reopens

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Chiang Mai, Thailand, December 1, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / As Thailand rolls out the welcome mat to international tourists, Meliá Chiang Mai is celebrating this long-awaited threshold by offering a 50 percent discount on accommodation from when the urban hotel opens its doors for business in February next year.

Thailand has permitted quarantine-free travel to the Kingdom from November 1 this year for fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries deemed low risk under its ‘Test and Go’ program.

As part of its special opening promotion, Meliá Chiang Mai is offering 50 percent off room rates, starting at THB 2,500 nett (USD 75) per night for a lead-in Meliá Room. The offer is available to book from now until 31 December 2021 for stays from February until 31 December 2022. Bookings on melia.com also come with a 20 percent discount on food and drinks.

Towering over the Ping River in the heart of Chiang Mai, Meliá Chiang Mai is near a broad spectrum of tourist attractions, markets, and Buddhist temples and located six kilometres from Chiang Mai International Airport. With a design that pays tribute to Chiang Mai’s charming history and culture with a contemporary flair, the hotel comprises a 22-floor tower fronted by an adjoining seven-floor podium building and is home to 260 contemporary rooms and suites.

Meliá Chiang Mai’s host of facilities include signature restaurant Mai Restaurant & Bar and an executive lounge with panoramic views of Chiang Mai, both on the 21st floor. Mai the Sky Bar, a 360-degree rooftop bar on the 22nd floor, features two bars connected by a glass bridge. Meliá’s YHI Spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully-equipped fitness centre, swimming pool and a poolside bar named Tien Pool Bar, ballroom and four additional meeting spaces are also among facilities for business and leisure travellers alike.

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 Asset World Corporation
Asset World Corporation (AWC) is Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, a member of TCC Group, one of Thailand’s most prominent conglomerates. AWC’s core focus of real estate development and management projects encompass two business groups: Hospitality helping Thailand become the top destination for sustainable tourism with hotels in key locations in Bangkok and popular destinations throughout Thailand serviced by management teams from internationally acclaimed hotel groups such as Marriott, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton; Retail and Commercial Buildings (covering retail, and wholesale facilities with mixed-use properties and office buildings) providing well-balanced and unique offerings a best-in-class customer experience that meet business and modern lifestyles with high-quality and innovative real estate development projects overseen by a qualified and experienced management team to build long-term value for stakeholders.

AWC succeeded in listing the company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in the real estate and construction industry under the property development category on October 10, 2019. AWC’s market capitalization was the highest in the history of the SET (According to Bloomberg Database). AWC recognizes the importance of operating with a focus on sustainability – incorporating the needs of stakeholders, the environment, society, and contributing to ongoing improvements in Thailand’s economy with a purpose of building a better future.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – 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