Global Travel News

A Night in Blutopia Gala at Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant

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A Night in Blutopia Gala at Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant - TRAVELINDEXThe Blue Elephant Group recently hosted an unforgettable thank you gala party themed “Blutopia” in honour of visiting suppliers from all over the world and friends at Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Sathorn recently.

Guests were treated to a lavish buffet of iconic Blue Elephant culinary treasures and a sumptuous cheese spread, specially hand-carried from Brussels to Bangkok by none other than Mr. Karl Steppe, Chairman of the Blue Elephant Group.

The evening came alive with contemporary Thai tunes and a spectacular drag queen performance that had the crowd cheering — a heartfelt celebration of gratitude, gastronomy, and glamour.

Pictured from left are: Arisa Chaiyapalakul, Miss Universe Thailand Khon Kaen 2024; Kevin Somany, Vice Managing Director of Blue Spice Co., Ltd.; Thaviseuth Phouthavong, Vice President, Blue Elephant Group; Keohoudone Phetsarath; Sandra Steppe; Karl Steppe, Chairman of Blue Elephant Group; Kim Steppe, CEO of Blue Elephant Group; Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director, Blue Spice Co., Ltd.;  and Kris Steppe.

 

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Luxury Hotel Experiences

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Luxury Hotel Experiences - TRAVELINDEXHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, July 23, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Luxury consumption in China is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by younger, more dynamic consumers and evolving preferences that go beyond traditional notions of wealth display. This shift is particularly evident in the hospitality sector, where luxury hotels now cater to a deeper desire for sensory and emotional experiences. Despite this growing demand, however, research to date has shed little light on how sensory stimulation shapes luxury hotel experiences or how cultural factors influence consumers’ responses to luxury. Working with a co-author, Professor Kam Hung and Professor Cathy Hsu of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) explore the multi-sensory dimensions of luxury consumption. Their findings offer guidance for hoteliers seeking to craft meaningful and memorable experiences for their guests.
Luxury spending is on the rise in China, which is one of the world’s largest luxury markets. Its evolution is marked by a growing appetite for high-end goods amongst the younger generation and diverse consumer segments with dynamic preferences. “Luxury consumption is not static”, say the authors. “Chinese consumers display a growing attention to décor, leisure, and dining experiences, timeless and chic items, as well as experiential luxury and personalised services”.
These trends have profoundly influenced the hospitality industry, given Chinese consumers’ growing interest in luxury travel and hotels’ potential to offer indulgent experiences. “Luxury hotels provide more than high-end facilities to serve guests’ functional needs”, the researchers tell us. “These establishments seek to fulfil visitors’ social, cultural, and emotional needs via sensory stimulation”.
However, we still know too little about how hotel offerings can enable such connections between customers and hotels. To date, the theory most frequently used to study luxury hotel experiences has been that of conspicuous consumption – purchasing high-end goods or services to display one’s wealth, prestige or social status. Yet luxury consumption is increasingly understood as a complex construct with multiple dimensions, such as self-actualisation, transformation, sustainability, escapism, hedonic value and authenticity.
“Among these new dimensions of luxury accommodation”, say the researchers, “all relate to the exclusive moment when one can sense or feel oneself”. It is thus important to examine the multi-sensory modalities of hotel offerings to provide a holistic picture of the luxury hospitality experience and its underlying mechanisms – with important implications for marketers and hoteliers. After all, as the authors note, “customers’ feelings about luxury purchases are vital for deep and enduring person–brand links”.
In addition, the researchers note, “few studies have explored luxury from the cultural perspective”. For example, disparities exist between Chinese and Western luxury consumers, with the former tending to be younger and the latter more individualistic. However, trends are quick to evolve. “As China develops socioeconomically”, warn the researchers, “scholars may need to reconsider the attributes of modern Chinese society rather than relying on presumptions when studying experience consumption”.
Together, these research gaps have created a larger lacuna in understanding. “Chinese individuals’ perceptions of the luxury hospitality experience in connection with hotel offerings that stimulate such experiences remain unexplored, especially from a sensory-stimulating standpoint”, explain the authors. “Hoteliers may not realise how guests view luxury and have experiences with hotel offerings”.
Seeking to fill these gaps and generate actionable insights for hotel practitioners, the researchers adopted an innovative mental imagery perspective to explore Chinese consumers’ sensory experiences in luxury hotels. “What type of sensory stimulation from luxury hotel offerings might define Chinese consumers’ experiences?” they asked. “How do Chinese consumers perceive experiential consumption in luxury hotels?”
Mental imagery afforded a novel lens through which to address these questions. “Examples […] in daily life include daydreaming”, the authors explain. “This ubiquitous mental event enables people to re-experience the past or to envision the future”. It thus has an important part to play in consumer decision-making and behaviour. – a field in which it has been extensively studied. Surprisingly, however, mental imagery has received little attention in the hotel context, even though customers often “encounter” hotels for the first time through their imaginations.
To capture this important construct, the researchers adopted the Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET), which uncovers information that cannot be easily expressed in words (i.e. using visual and sensory images). “This approach is well suited to exploring consumers’ multisensory experiences during luxury hotel stays”, the authors note. Using ZMET, they interviewed 16 participants who had either stayed or engaged in a consumption experience at an upscale hotel within the previous 12 months.
Before the interviews, the participants were asked to choose photos depicting their most memorable luxury experiences at hotels and their reactions to these experiences. During the interviews, they were invited to describe the feelings tied to these images; deconstruct the sensory elements of taste, touch, sound, smell and sight; craft visual stories of their ideal stay; and create mental maps to illustrate the key aspects of their experiences.
Meticulous analysis of the interview data – both verbal and non-verbal – revealed three categories of experiences described by the participants: supportive, personal/social and affective. “Supportive experiences encompassed hotel guests’ direct experiences drawn from sensory interactions amid exclusive services, spectacular views, dining experiences, artistic décor, hotel ambience, large spaces, and facilities”, the researchers report.
These supportive experiences in turn prompted personal/social experiences such as social connections in situations like family gatherings and “me time” while alone. “Affective experiences manifested from personal/social experiences”, the researchers add. “Participants reported feeling comfortable, relaxed, happy, peaceful, healed and prestigious”.
In terms of supportive experiences, exclusive services such as customised complimentary gifts – representing extraordinary service quality rarely found in low-end hotels – made the guests feel happy, healed, respected and more. Exquisite dining experiences were a source of comfort and relaxation, and large spaces also afforded a sense of privacy.
Turning to personal/social experiences, guests felt that the cleanliness of luxury hotels provided a safe environment for their children, while others relied on luxury hotels to provide a comfortable experience for senior family members. Some of the participants valued the opportunity to enjoy “me time” and “temporarily escape from the everyday” while travelling alone.
Feeling relaxed was the most common affective experience among the luxury hotel guests, triggered by spectacular views, ambience and exclusive services. Happiness came second, prompted by the senses of taste and smell, followed by comfort, which was usually connected with smell and touch. Interestingly, feeling prestigious was the least frequently reported affective experience, inconsistent with the “conspicuous consumption” theory of luxury purchasing.
With the rise of luxury consumption in China, this study provides much-needed insights into Chinese consumers’ luxury experiences in hotel settings via mental imagery, accounting for multiple sensory modalities and using both verbal and nonverbal data. The findings provide solid evidence of the interdependence of experience constructs in high-end hotel settings. “Put simply, consumption experiences evolve out of one another”, the researchers tell us.
Together, these findings have important implications for the luxury hotel sector, in China and beyond. “When marketing experiential products”, advise the authors, “practitioners should view consumers as emotional beings to create pleasant experiences”. The top three experience stimulators in this study were exclusive services, facilities and artistic décor, each of which should be prioritised. As exclusive services were the most important trigger of guests’ happiness, luxury hotels should strive to go “above and beyond” to offer an exemplary service.
Kam Hung, Cathy H.C. Hsu and Xiaotao Yang (2024). Constructing a Sensory Model of Chinese Luxury Hotel Experiences from Mental Imagery Perspective. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, Vol. 41, Issue 6, pp. 791–810.
About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024 for the eighth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2023/2024 for seven years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 2 in the world among university-based programmes in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the ninth consecutive year, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.
The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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The Damai Bali Nominated for TOP25 Hotels Bali

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The Damai Bali Nominated for TOP25 Hotels Bali - TRAVELINDEX

The Damai Bali Nominated for TOP25 Hotels Bali - TRAVELINDEXBali, Indonesia, July 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Damai, Bali’s renowned exclusive villa hotel, is proud to announce its nomination for the prestigious TOP25 Hotels – World’s Best Luxury Hotels award in Bali. This coveted recognition highlights The Damai’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, culinary distinction, and its unique offering of secluded luxury on the Island of the Gods.

This prestigious nomination elevates The Damai’s brand prestige and boosts its visibility across Bali and Asian luxury travel market. As a nominee The Damai stands out in a competitive landscape, attracting discerning travelers seeking exclusive, romantic, and secluded experiences. This recognition reinforces guest confidence, drives demand from high-end clientele, and motivates the team to maintain exceptional service standards. Moreover, it opens opportunities for strategic partnerships and positions the hotel to advance as a potential winner of the prestigious TOP25 Hotels Bali Awards.

A Sanctuary of Seclusion and Romance

Nestled in the lush hills of northern Bali, The Damai has long been celebrated as a sanctuary for travelers seeking tranquillity away from the island’s bustling crowds. With its collection of private villas, breathtaking views, and personalized service, The Damai has become a favorite among discerning guests and honeymooners looking for an intimate, romantic escape.

Recognition That Elevates Guest Experience

Bali is already recognized as the world’s top trending honeymoon destination for 2025, with its blend of romantic restaurants, adult-only hotels, and a wealth of couples’ activities. The Damai’s nomination for a prestigious luxury hotel award further strengthens this perception, highlighting Bali’s appeal for couples seeking privacy, exclusivity, and memorable experiences.

The nomination for the TOP25 Hotels award enhances The Damai’s appeal to:
– Couples seeking a romantic honeymoon in an idyllic, private setting.
– Travelers desiring a peaceful retreat with world-class amenities and attentive service.
– Gastronomy enthusiasts eager to experience The Damai’s acclaimed culinary offerings, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative menus.

Commitment to Excellence

“We are honored to be recognized among the world’s best luxury hotels,” said Mr. Andres Rubio, General Manager of The Damai. “This nomination is a testament to our team’s dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest. We look forward to welcoming travelers from Bali, across Asia, and around the globe to discover the magic of The Damai.”

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UN Tourism and E1 Series Join Forces to Promote Sustainable Mobility and Tourism Through Sport

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UN Tourism and E1 Series Join Forces to Promote Sustainable Mobility and Tourism Through Sport - TRAVELINDEX

UN Tourism and E1 Series Join Forces to Promote Sustainable Mobility and Tourism Through Sport - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, July 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism, the United Nations agency promoting the development of responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism, and E1 Series, the world’s first and only all-electric race boat championship, have signed an agreement to promote sustainable mobility and tourism through global sport.

The agreement was signed by E1 Series founder and Chairman Alejandro Agag – who has also been appointed a UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Sport – and Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, on E1 Monaco race day.

Both organizations’ signature of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Monaco – regarded as an epicenter of sustainable marine mobility – highlights their mutual dedication to promoting clean marine transport technologies. In turn, this supports sustainable sports tourism development around the world.

E1 races around the world visiting iconic locations from Jeddah and Doha to Dubrovnik, and will soon travel to Lagos in Africa and then onto Miami for the 2025 season finale.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The intersection of sports and tourism offers immense potential for sustainable development, economic growth, and the promotion of cultural exchange. Our agreement with E1 Series is a step forward in realizing this potential.”

Joining the Secretary-General in signing the agreement, E1 founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag, said: “This agreement between E1 and UN Tourism is a pivotal moment for sustainable sports tourism. Following my recent recognition for advancing electric mobility, I’m even more committed to demonstrating how sport can be a powerful catalyst for positive environmental change. By combining E1’s electric marine technology with UN Tourism’s global reach and expertise, we can create memorable experiences for fans while helping advance the protection of our marine environments.”

His appointment highlights Mr. Agag’s dedication to driving sustainability into motorsport, promoting initiatives that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In particular, UN Tourism and E1 Series will collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the achievement of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Together, both organizations will raise public awareness and promote action in marine conservation, prioritizing the protection and restoration of diverse coastal and marine ecosystems.

Sports Tourism: Growing Relevance

Every year, more than 180 million international tourists travel to attend sport events around the world from global to local tournaments. Sport connects people across borders and cultures, creating shared experiences and lasting legacies.

With an approximate value of $685 billion in 2024, and with a 17.5% annual growth rate, sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors within tourism. The tourism and sports sectors are closely linked via their impact both socially and culturally and their roles in economic diversification and social development.

The collaboration between UN Tourism and E1 Series will contribute to advancing the understanding of sports tourism’s potential.

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Opera Night at Signature Bangkok

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Opera Night at Signature Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Signature Bangkok welcomes world-renowned opera group Fivera for an evening of enchanting music and gastronomy. Signature Bangkok hosts Fivera for an unforgettable evening of operatic performance & Michelin French cuisine.

Experience Chef Thierry’s artistic modern French & Floral cuisine with Fivera’s contemporary opera style.

Opera Night

Enjoy Gastronomy and Opera

5-course Flower Bouquet | THB 4,800++

8-course Flower Bouquet | THB 5,800++

30 July 2025 | 6 – 10 PM

Limited seats available. Book now ✨

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Blissful Sunday Brunch at V Villas Hua Hin

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Blissful Sunday Brunch at V Villas Hua Hin - TRAVELINDEXHua Hin, Thailand, July 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / An extravagant Sunday brunch by Hua Hin Beach, featuring live chef stations, free-flow beverages, and live music by Duo Band.

Blissful Sunday Brunch

at Villazzo | Ocean House, V Villas Hua Hin – MGallery Collection

3 August 2025 | 12.30 – 15.30 hrs.

-Adult-

THB 1,899++ per person (without alcohol)

THB 2,899++ per person (with alcohol, including wines, gin & tonic, and soft drinks)

-Child (6-12 years)-

THB 650++ per person

Book now — your perfect Sunday awaits!

📲 bit.ly/4f0hPdd

📞 023093939

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Charcuterie Wine Glass Toppers Among Sky Bar’s Experiences

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Charcuterie Wine Glass Toppers Among Sky Bar's Experiences - TRAVELINDEXChiang Mai, Thailand, July 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The highest bar in Chiang Mai, Meliá Chiang Mai’s MAI The Sky Bar, has launched a quartet of experiences accompanied with chilled out live acoustics to make weekdays as anticipated as the weekend.

Perched on Meliá Chiang Mai’s 22nd floor, the 360-degree rooftop bar affords sweeping views of the Ping River to the city’s east and famed Doi Suthep Temple on the mountaintop to the west. The remarkable venue features rooftop terraces at varying heights, with a spectacular glass bridge connecting the bar’s highest seating areas.

Dubbed “stylish weekday hangouts above the city skyline, where good drinks, bold vibes and sunset stories come together”, the new “Sky High Evenings: Rooftop Rendezvous at MAI The Sky Bar” weekday promotions are staged Monday to Friday until September 30 this year:

  • “Beer Madness” on every Monday and Tuesday from 6-8pm offers free-flow Chang Draught Beer at THB 699 net per person.
  • “Charcuterie Wine Glass Toppers” are served on Wednesdays from 6pm-midnight. A glass of red or white wine is artfully topped with a charcuterie set replete with saltara thera cheese, chorizo, Catalun and serrano cold cuts, dried prune and apricot, green and black olives, and a red grape for THB 650 net per glass.
  • “Aperol Spritz Lover” every Thursday from 6-8pm is a buy two Classic Aperol Spritzes and get one free affair.
  • “Mystery Drink Nights” on Fridays from 6pm-midnight entail the mixologists crafting a surprise cocktail at the special price of THB 400 net per glass.

Live instrumentalists play chilled acoustic sets from Sunday to Friday from 6.30-8.30pm. On Saturdays, a house DJ spins the decks from 7-9pm.

Surrounded by glass balustrades that give way to vistas of Chiang Mai at sunset and by night, the bar is characterised by ambient lighting and contemporary Lanna décor.

Drawing on Meliá’s Spanish roots, the bar menu plates up a variety of tapas and pinchos, grazing boards and desserts. Local sustainable and organic farming underscore a variety of dishes.

In addition to cold cuts, the menu features mixed grill skewers, croquetas, fresh summer rolls comprising vegetables in fresh spring roll wrap and sweet tamarind dip, and salmon tiradito with mango passion fruit dressing, avocado mousse and pickled onion. Rich chocolate mud cake with berry compote and biscotti, and a jar of tiramisu with creamy sweetened milk and lady fingers are among the dessert options.

The dishes are designed to be accompanied by the bar’s vast array of spirits, cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers, coffees, signature tea concoctions, smoothies and shakes, fresh juices, and soft drinks.

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, The Meliá Collection, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá, and Falcon’s Resorts by Meliá, plus a wide portfolio of affiliated hotels under the “Affiliated by Meliá” network. 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, according to the last S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (Silver Class). 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.

About Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Asset World Corp Public Company Limited is a holding company under TCC Group operating leading integrated lifestyle property development in Thailand. The company has two main businesses consisting of the Hospitality business managed by top hotel executives of world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale and Commercial properties whose projects include 1) Retail and Wholesale including lifestyle travel destinations, community shopping malls, community markets, and wholesale business real estate. Popular real estate projects consist of ASIATIQUE the Riverfront Destination, Gateway at Bangsue, AEC Trade Center – Pantip Wholesale Destination, and Tawanna Bangkapi and 2) Commercial buildings including the famous Empire Tower and Athenee Tower located in Bangkok’s central business district.

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Voted Among World’s Top Hotels

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Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Voted Among World’s Top Hotels - TRAVELINDEXSiem Reap, Cambodia, July 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted one of the world’s top hotels in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Awards, which are considered among the most coveted distinctions in international hospitality.

The luxury hotel situated on the doorstep of famed archeological sites in Cambodia was praised by the New York-based magazine’s editors as ‘an exquisite stay’, offering ‘coveted experiences’ including ‘a private, candlelit dinner within one of the UNESCO Heritage-protected temples’.

“Travel + Leisure is one of the world’s leading authorities on global travel, and their readership is among the savviest on the planet. To be recognised by these readers as one of the world’s top hotels is both a tremendous honour and further encouragement to us as stewards of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s incredible 93-year-old legacy,” General Manager Joseph Colina said.

Travel + Leisure’s reader-voted World’s Best Awards in 2025 features properties in 33 countries across five continents.

Earlier this year, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor landed on the magazine’s list of the World’s ‘500 Best Hotels’, earning the distinction for a fourth consecutive year.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat. The hotel features an authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style with beautifully refined rooms, suites and villas blending old-world charm with Cambodian influences and contemporary detail.

The hotel has unveiled a ‘Curated Journeys’ menu offering singular excursions, including a ‘Bespoke Temple Dinner’ served by candlelight at the temple complex of Angkor; a ‘Lost Civilisations of Angkor by Vespa’ tour, where the ancient world meets the here-and-now; and the ‘Siem Reap Art Tour’, which offers an inside look at the city’s bustling art scene; among others. The hotel’s on-site ‘Resort Programme’ showcases heritage and traditions at the hotel.

Nearly all of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished in a meticulous renovation project in 2019. One of the hotel’s most distinguished attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

ABOUT RAFFLES
Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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Enjoy Up to 35% Off Your Asian Escape with Best Western Rewards

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Enjoy Up to 35% Off Your Asian Escape with Best Western Rewards - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Whoosh – the first half of 2025 has already flown by! But there’s still time to pack your bags and take a well-deserved vacation. BWH Hotels and Best Western Rewards are making it even easier to create your ultimate Asian adventure with our enticing “Mid-Season Savvy Sale”!

For seven days only, you can enjoy up to 35% off the room rate at participating BWH hotels & resorts across Asia. So, whether you’re seeking a fun-filled family retreat, a romantic couple’s getaway, or even a relaxing solo escape to help you rest and recalibrate, BWH and BWR® are your perfect partners.

Simply follow these steps to create your mid-season Asian vacation:

  • Pick your dream destination: blissful beach, stylish city, heritage haven – you choose!
  • Book your stay from July 17 to 23, 2025, for stays through until October 31, 2025*.
  • Enjoy up to 20% off the hotel’s best available rate!
  • Want to boost your savings up to 35%? Simply add your BWR membership number! Not a member yet? Sign up for free for the full discount!

So, don’t miss the chance to create even more memories in 2025! BWH and BWR put Asia at your fingertips. Life’s a Trip, so make yours truly unforgettable.

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Major Hotel Group Commits to Cage-Free Eggs Across Southeast Asia

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Major Hotel Group Commits to Cage-Free Eggs Across Southeast Asia - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, July 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Hotels across Asia are increasingly stepping up to meet global animal welfare standards, and ONYX Hospitality Group is the latest to join this growing movement. After dialogue with Sinergia Animal, an international animal protection NGO working in the Global South, ONYX Hospitality Group has committed to transitioning to cage-free eggs across its properties in Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

This commitment applies to the group’s flagship brands—Amari, Oriental Residence, and OZO—and marks a significant shift for Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry. The transition will begin in Thailand in 2025, with ONYX Hospitality Group aiming to achieve 50% cage-free sourcing by 2026 and reach 100% by 2027 across all committed markets.

“We see ONYX Hospitality Group’s announcement as a milestone for Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector. Cage-free is no longer a distant goal—it’s the baseline of what animal welfare should look like moving forward,” said Saneekan Rosamontri, Managing Director at Sinergia Animal Thailand.

Hens in battery cage systems are typically confined to spaces smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, unable to fully stretch their wings, walk, or express natural behaviors. These extreme confinement conditions cause severe physical and psychological suffering to millions of animals each year.

In a statement released on their social media platforms, ONYX Hospitality Group emphasized the importance of aligning ingredient sourcing with their values.

“We believe every ingredient tells a story,” the company stated. “That’s why we’re making a bold move, transitioning to cage-free eggs across all our properties.”

Commitment Driven by Ethical Hospitality Vision

According to Sukamal Mondal, Vice President of Operations and Sustainability at ONYX Hospitality Group, the decision reflects the company’s broader sustainability vision.

“At ONYX Hospitality Group, our commitment to Sustainability Crafted Hospitality means aligning luxury experiences with ethical, responsible practices,” he said. “Our transition to cage-free eggs is driven by a deep sense of responsibility — to advance animal welfare, meet the expectations of conscious travelers, and ensure that our sourcing practices support more humane and sustainable food systems. Cage-free eggs are more than an ingredient; they represent a step toward a compassionate future where hospitality choices create a positive impact.”

ONYX Hospitality Group hopes this step will catalyze broader change across the hospitality sector.

“Our cage-free commitment is more than an internal milestone — it’s a message to the broader hospitality sector that ethical sourcing and animal welfare can, and should, be part of standard operations,” Mondal added.

“We also see collaboration—not competition—as key to accelerating impact,” he continued. “By openly sharing our journey, the challenges we face, and the solutions we find, we hope to build momentum and contribute to a more compassionate, sustainable food system for all.”

A Broader Movement Toward Animal Welfare

Sinergia Animal has been working to raise public awareness about the cruelty of battery cages in Thailand since 2019.  The organization combines public education with corporate engagement and uses tools like the Asia Cage-Free Tracker to promote transparency and ensure companies deliver on their promises.

The cage-free movement is gaining strong momentum across Asia, with over 300 corporate commitments in the region, according to data from Chicken Watch, a global monitoring platform. With major food manufacturers, restaurant chains, and now hospitality leaders pledging to eliminate battery cages, ethical sourcing is no longer a niche—it’s fast becoming the new industry standard.

“The cage-free movement is no longer just an option—it’s a global shift,” said Saneekan. “We invite all food and hospitality companies in Thailand and across the region to join us. Together, we can build a food system that’s not only kinder to animals but also more aligned with the values of today’s consumers.”

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