Global Travel News

Abuja, Nigeria, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism’s work and vision for the region.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili opened the 68th session with a call to action rooted in partnership and progress. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he noted that “progress is built on partnership and Africa’s story is one of resilience and renewal.” He lauded the region’s rapid recovery in tourism, driven by streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development, and reaffirmed commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth.

Shared Progress Celebrated

In Abuja, UN Tourism’s Member States in Africa were given a thorough overview of the progress made in advancing shared goals since the Regional Commission’s last meeting. Key highlights of this shared progress include:

• The launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Morocco, designed to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
• A strong emphasis on creative industries, music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, visitor engagement, and local livelihoods.
• Advancements in education and youth empowerment, including new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and expansive training and entrepreneurship programmes.

“Tourism can be a ladder and a platform for leadership,” Pololikashvili said, urging further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Key Roles for African Member States in UN Tourism

In Abuja, Africa’s Member States fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions that will guide UN Tourism’s work forward over the coming years:

• Angola; Kenya; Seychelles; Zambia; Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029)
• Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly (2025)
• Zambia will Chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria the Vice-Chairs

Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC). Cabo Verde will then host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027.

Innovation to Shape Africa’s Tourism Future

The week’s discussions underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates stressed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must serve people first, by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards.

On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation shaping Tourism and Creative Industries for local officials. Discussions focused on placing AI tools and innovation to be at the forefront of tourism development across Africa, as well as on supporting education and entrepreneurial skills for growth as well as the importance of public-private partnerships.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Nila is proud to announce the launch of the Char-Grill Platter. Designed with the spirit of sharing in mind, this new offering invites guests to savour a generous selection of flame-grilled favourites, served alongside the restaurant’s signature warm, flaky Malabar paratta.

Rooted in both tradition and innovation, the Char-Grill Platter brings together bold spices, expert grilling techniques, and authentic South Indian hospitality. Perfect for family-style dining, the platter is available in two sizes to suit both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Char-Grill Platter Options:
Regular Platter (Serves 2–4) – THB 900++
Premium Platter (Serves 6–8) – THB 1,590++

* Halal-friendly options available

The Char-Grill Platter is now available at Nila throughout June and July 2025. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying time with loved ones, this new offering promises to elevate the new dining experience.

For reservations, please call +66 2653 9000 ext. 5325 or bit.ly/4kndp2w

NILA
Located on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok. Open daily from 12:00 – 24:00 hrs.
Tel: 02-653-9000

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Videoconferencing (VC) software was widely adopted by organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain communication while business travel was suspended. In the post-pandemic age, will organisations continue to use VC tools, and if so, how will this influence the number of business trips taken? These are the questions asked by Professor Dan Wang and Dr Zhiming Deng of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Working with a US co-author, they conceptualise business travel as a communication problem and conduct a novel empirical study of the factors supporting continued VC use and limiting business travel. Their findings have meaningful implications for business trip planning and decision-making post-COVID-19.

“Business travel is a double-edged sword”, the researchers begin. Whilst it may benefit organisations and even destinations, it can also cause considerable stress for travellers, as well as contributing to pollution and natural resource consumption. “In recent decades”, continue the authors, “the expansion of business scope and the increase of commercial activities in many locations has boosted the frequency of business trips and intensified tensions between work and leisure and between business efficiency and sustainability”.

All of this changed, however, when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic dramatically curtailed business travel and led to the near-ubiquitous adoption of VC software such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams to facilitate remote work. “VC emerged as an alternative to physical business meetings”, the researchers explain, “offering benefits including flexibility, travel time savings, and reduced environmental impact”.

In the wake of the pandemic, there has been extensive discussion of the benefits and disadvantages of business trip reduction (BTR). But has the adoption of VC software really reduced business travel for good? Opinions on this topic are mixed. One perspective is that VC can never fully replace in-person contact, given the complexities of business meetings, employees and the information shared. Yet according to another viewpoint, BTR is inevitable due to growing economic and environmental pressure on companies.

“As a consensus is lacking”, say the researchers, “it is essential to examine the nature of business travel in the post-pandemic age”. To do so, they conceptualised business travel as a decision made at the organisational level. Their aim was to determine how business travel patterns are shaped by VC continuance (VCC) – behavioural patterns that reflect the continued use of VC tools in business communication, together with other organisational factors.

“We argue that VCC and BTR are connected indirectly in an inverse relationship”, the researchers say. By enabling organisations to function through remote work, the continued use of VC software is a critical condition for BTR – especially with the richer, higher-quality VC tools that emerged during the pandemic. “The synchronous and ubiquitous features of VC enable professionals to interact face-to-face in real time”, note the researchers.

However, many organisational factors (such as corporate communication protocols) and the external environment (e.g., such as expectations of business partners) inevitably influence the extent to which VC can be used by an organisation and the extent to which it can replace business trips.

To reflect the complexity of the factors influencing VCC and business travel intentions, the authors adopted the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework. “A business organisation’s decisions to adopt and implement innovative IT are influenced by its TOE context”, the researchers explain. This context comprises the organisation’s technical capacity and the available innovations (technology); the organisational characteristics, such as structure and size, that facilitate or constrain innovation adoption (organisation); and the business environment, defined by competition, stakeholders and government regulations (environment).

They hypothesised that decision-makers are more likely to continue using VC in favour of business travel if they regard VC tools as useful and are satisfied with their usage – particularly since the COVID-19 outbreak. Other hypotheses were that VC is preferred by larger firms, more open and experimental firms, and firms facing a less competitive and more environmentally conscious business environment.

To test their hypotheses, the researchers gathered and analysed survey data from firms whose employees were accustomed to taking numerous business trips. These trips were undertaken for myriad purposes, from site visits and supplier meetings to conferences and trade shows. The pandemic had forced the firms to replace many of these face-to-face meetings with VC. “We collected data from firms in Hong Kong and the US”, add the researchers, noting that these two regions experienced different levels of travel constraints and thus mandatory VC during COVID-19.

Statistical analysis of these data, guided by the TOE framework, revealed important patterns in business travel and remote work in the post-pandemic era. “The findings demonstrated that the factors influencing VCC and the BTR intentions of firm decision-makers are multi-dimensional”, the authors report.

In the technology dimension, the perceived usefulness and relative advantages of VC were found to encourage organisational decision-makers to continue using these tools after the pandemic. “Conversely, we found that satisfaction had little effect on VCC”, the researchers say, “perhaps because satisfaction was not essential to convince companies to continue using VC after the pandemic; they used it because of timing and environmental constraints during the pandemic”.

Within the organisational context, top management was the most significant facilitator of VCC – considerably more so than firm size, global scope and openness to innovation. Regarding the business environment, firms facing greater competition were more likely to revert to in-person meetings. “When competition is intense”, say the authors, “business travellers may prefer face-to-face communication because it provides human closeness, which enables deeper social networking or collaboration”.

Meanwhile, neither network size nor the sustainability orientation of the business environment was found to be linked to VCC, as corporations primarily use VC for practical reasons, rather than to protect the environment.

As organisations weigh the benefits of in-person interactions against the cost-effectiveness and convenience of virtual alternatives, the findings of this study have important practical implications. First, they suggest that managers of firms that conduct business travel should closely observe advances in ICT and changes to company travel policy. Decision-makers’ perception of the relative advantage of VC over other communication methods – along with other environmental and organisational factors – helps to foster their BTR intention.

“We suggest that VC will not replace business trips completely”, the researchers add, noting that it is often important to meet clients and seek opportunities face-to-face, especially in highly competitive industries. Moreover, digital communication tools cannot fulfil all of the myriad needs and purposes that drive business travel. “Therefore”, say the authors, “managers of firms conducting business travel should focus on precise market segmentation and provide customised products or experiences”.

The insights gained into the factors underlying BTR also have significant implications for companies. “Our findings reveal that a firm’s top management is a crucial factor influencing BTR decision-making”, the researchers say, “along with the global scope and intensity of competition”. In the wake of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have been forced to re-evaluate their institutional structures. “With the growing importance of ESG commitments”, the researchers conclude, “companies are finding it imperative to implement environmentally oriented policies regarding business travel”.

Dan Wang, Juan Luis Nicolau and Zhiming Deng (2024). Videoconferencing Continuance and Business Trip Reduction in the Post-Pandemic Age. Tourism Management, Vol. 101, 104854.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (4th from left), founder of Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant, unveiled an exciting new range of products at Blue Elephant’s spacious and visually immersive booth in Hall 10, Fine Food section, during THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2025, held recently at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

The new product highlights included a groundbreaking collection of innovative Thai Curry Powders, a new packaging format for Blue Elephant Thai Premium Curry Sauces, as well as the launch of the brand’s signature Pad Krapow Sauce and Thai Plum Sauce.

Celebrating 45 years of showcasing Thai cuisine as a form of soft power, Blue Elephant began its journey in 1980 with the opening of its first restaurant in Brussels, Belgium. Since then, the iconic brand has grown into a global ambassador of Thai culinary excellence, with its premium products now proudly exported to over 47 countries – underscoring the worldwide appeal of heritage Thai cuisine.

Pictured from left are:  Kim Steppe, CEO of Blue Elephant Group; Sandra Steppe; Thaviseuth Phouthavong, Vice President, Blue Elephant Group; Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe; Ines Chardonnet, Managing Director, Blue Spice Co., Ltd.;  Kris Steppe; and Kevin Steppe, Vice Managing Director of Blue Spice Co., Ltd.

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London, United Kingdom, June 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) has officially revealed the speaker line-up for Experience Africa 2025 — the UK’s only trade show dedicated exclusively to showcasing the continent’s tourism sector at this scale. Now in its fifth year, the flagship B2B event returns to Bishopsgate, London, from 23–25 June 2025, firmly established as a must-attend for anyone serious about selling or promoting African travel.

Experience Africa 2025 will bring together over 188 top-tier exhibitors and a curated audience of global travel buyers, offering an unparalleled platform to connect, collaborate and learn.

Experience Africa 2025 content programme

This year’s content format has been thoughtfully designed to be collaborative and
immersive, creating an intimate setting that encourages meaningful dialogue and
idea exchange.

The programme is structured around three core themes:

1. Sustainability: As a business enabler and market differentiator
2. Artificial Intelligence: Tools and approaches helping businesses streamline
   and evolve
3. Risk Management: Building resilience into operations, planning, and
   traveller protection

“These three themes – sustainability, AI, and risk management – were chosen very
intentionally,” says Chris Mears, CEO of ATTA® Events. “They represent both the
pressures and the possibilities facing our industry right now. Whether you’re a
DMC, buyer, tour operator, or destination authority, you’re having to rethink how
you make decisions, deliver value, and protect your business.  What we’ve built into this year’s Experience Africa programme is a commitment to relevance. We’re not just talking trends; we’re offering practical, implementable
strategies and tools that delegates can take home and use in their businesses the
very next day. This is about equipping our members and partners with insight that leads to impact, delivers growth of the African tourism industry.”

Key speakers and sessions include:

• Michael Jackson – Opening keynote on sustainability as a transformational
  business strategy
• Fatmata Mida Hamid Carew, Sierra Leone National Tourist Board –
  Destination innovation and repositioning case study
• Pieter Geldenhuys, Itsi – AI in action: a hands-on masterclass for applying
  emerging tech
• Lloyd Figgins, The TRIP Group and Clint Meyers, Redpoint Travel Protection
  – Risk management frameworks for diverse travel markets

The programme is supported by curated networking opportunities and a series of
brand-led pop-up sessions, including activations from Flywire, Headline Destination
South African Tourism, and Uganda Airlines.

ATTA® for Action Awards winners to be announced

Experience Africa 2025 will also proudly host the second annual ATTA® for Action
Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations driving positive change across
the continent. The winners will be announced during a dedicated awards event on
23 June 2025, live at Experience Africa.

The award categories include:

• ATTA® Purpose and People Award – honours an organisation that
  integrates heritage tourism with an inclusive, people-first company culture.
• ATTA® Earth Keeper’s Award – recognises a tourism provider actively
  restoring natural habitats while promoting respectful wildlife experiences.
• ATTA® Eco Innovation Award – celebrates the use of sustainable
  technologies that reduce environmental impact and support long-term
  ecological goals.
• ATTA® Zero Waste Trailblazer Award – acknowledges businesses that
  rethink food systems and hospitality operations to minimise waste and
  improve resource use.
• ATTA® Community Upliftment Award – highlights a tourism initiative that
  strengthens community wellbeing through deep local involvement and
  shared opportunity.
• ATTA® Marine Impact Award – recognises an organisation committed to
  protecting marine ecosystems while supporting livelihoods along Africa’s
  coasts.
• ATTA® Collaborative Impact Award – is given to partners who align around
  a common purpose and create lasting impact through shared action.
• ATTA® Traveller Education and Awareness Award – honours efforts that
  help visitors become more thoughtful travellers by encouraging greater
  awareness and responsibility.
• ATTA® Media Voice for Action Award, sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines –
  celebrates a media voice that brings attention to ethical travel through
  compelling and purposeful storytelling.
• ATTA® Emerging Changemaker Award – recognises an early-stage
  initiative already showing strong potential for meaningful impact within
  African tourism.

“Experience Africa is a catalyst for progress,” concludes Mears. “At a time when the
travel industry must be agile, innovative and deeply connected to its communities
and environment, this event provides the insights, relationships and tools to power
that evolution. For anyone working in African tourism today, there’s no better
place to be.”

For media accreditation, imagery, interview access or comments from speakers or
award winners, please contact Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO ATTA® Memberships
kgomotso@atta.travel | +44 20 7937 4408

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 18, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Bangkok introduces a captivating new chapter in its signature river journey with the unveiling of a striking hand-painted design on the exterior of Saffron Cruise. Adorning the hull is a majestic depiction inspired by the Siamese fighting fish—Thailand’s national aquatic animal—brought to life through the brushstrokes with masterful craftsmanship, transforming the vessel into a floating tribute to Thai artistry and cultural pride.

A Symbol of Strength and Spirit

Known locally as Pla Kad, the Siamese fighting fish holds deep symbolic meaning in Thai culture. Revered for its elegant movements, vibrant colours, and fierce independence, the fish has long been celebrated in Thai folklore, literature, and royal iconography. Once kept in the ancient courts as prized ornamental creatures and even used in traditional games, the fish embodies a balance of beauty and strength—values that mirror the essence of Thai identity.

By featuring this iconic creature along the Chao Phraya River, Saffron Cruise honours centuries of Thai tradition while inviting guests to appreciate the cultural narrative in an immersive, contemporary experience. The large-scale artwork flows fluidly across the vessel’s side, creating a sense of motion and storytelling as the cruise glides past historic riverside landmarks.

A Cultural Voyage, Reinvented

Saffron Cruise continues to offer guests a refined journey through Thai flavours and sights. Aboard the two-storey vessel, diners are treated to an expertly crafted four-course Thai dinner in the elegant indoor saloon, while the Moon Deck provides a sophisticated open-air bar experience under the stars. As the cruise passes iconic sites such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, the new artwork serves as a visual overture—setting the tone for an evening rooted in cultural appreciation and sensory delight.

Art on Water

With this artistic transformation, Banyan Tree Bangkok deepens its commitment to promoting Thai heritage through design, cuisine, and experience. The hand-painted image of the iconic fish’s elegant tail becomes more than decoration; it is a story told across water, a symbol of Thai soul and expression, and a tribute to the country’s enduring relationship with its riverways.

The Saffron Cruise departs daily at 7:00pm from ICONSIAM Pier No.2.
The 4-course Thai set dinner priced at THB3,300 per person.
Private charters are available for bespoke celebrations and cultural experiences.

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Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, June 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / KTS Garden Conference Hall becomes culinary epicenter as global chefs gather for prestigious three-day event. The vibrant capital of Malaysian Borneo officially welcomed culinary excellence from around the world today as the World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition & Seminar 2025 opened its doors at KTS Garden Conference Hall. The three-day event, running from June 17-19, marks the largest live cooking competition ever held in Kuching.

The opening ceremony brought together distinguished guests including Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister for Tourism, Events and City Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero, symbolizing the international bridge between Malaysian and Spanish culinary traditions. Valladolid was also represented by Mr. Juan Manuel Guimerans Rubio, CEO of Valladolid Tourism, Mr. Rodrigo Criado del Rey Saez, Manager for Gastronomic and Wine Tourism at Valladolid Tourism, and Mr. Angel Moreton, Director of World Tapas Competition and CEO of e-Spain. Ms Sim Ling Ling, Organizing Chair and President of the Sarawak International Technical & Vocational Education Association, welcomed all guests, local and international, before the Deputy Premier delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of food played by food in the local culture.

A Meeting of Culinary Worlds
This unprecedented event transforms Kuching into a melting pot of global flavors, bringing together over 1,000 visitors including chefs, food experts, and international brands from 16 countries. The competition showcases the art of tapas – small, flavorful Spanish dishes – while incorporating Asian culinary influences and local Sarawakian ingredients.

“The event gathers chefs, food experts, and international brands to Kuching, transforming the city into a melting pot of global flavours,” explained organizing chairwoman Sim Ling Ling, who also serves as president of the Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association.

Star-Studded Judging Panel
The competition features an impressive panel of nine judges, headlined by Kuching’s own Michelin-starred chef Michelle Goh. Chef Goh made history as the youngest Malaysian woman to achieve this distinction when Mia Restaurant Bangkok, where she is the co-founder, received its Michelin star.

Joining her are fellow Sarawakian culinary legends: Chef Goh Ah Seng, renowned champion of Cantonese cuisine, and Chef Abang Abdul Rahman, president of the Kuching Chefs Association and advocate for sustainable Malaysian gastronomy.

Beyond Competition: Innovation and Sustainability
The event extends far beyond traditional competition formats, introducing the first-ever “Barista Art Challenge” alongside the tapas competitions. Attendees can witness live cooking demonstrations featuring Sarawak’s prized seafood, explore curated pavilions from over 20 new exhibitors, and participate in food sustainability seminars led by industry experts.

These sustainability-focused discussions aim to encourage dialogue and innovation in eco-conscious cooking, reflecting the growing global emphasis on responsible culinary practices.

Cultural and Economic Impact
The competition represents more than a culinary showcase – it positions Kuching as an emerging destination for international food events while celebrating the unique fusion of Spanish tapas tradition with Asian flavors and local Sarawakian ingredients. The presence of Spanish dignitaries underscores the event’s role in fostering international cultural and economic relationships through gastronomy.

As the competition unfolds over the next two days, participating chefs will compete for prestigious titles while contributing to a broader celebration of culinary creativity, sustainability, and cross-cultural exchange in the heart of Borneo.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Boutique Hotel Series: The Summit 2025, held at the iconic Sukhothai Bangkok, lived up to its promise of delivering vision, insight, and inspiration from the best and brightest minds in boutique hospitality. But among the panels, presentations, and powerhouse personalities, one voice emerged as the soul of the summit: Leanne Reddie.

Chief Commercial Officer at Chedi Hospitality, Reddie stepped in at the last minute for Jason Friedman during the highly anticipated session, “The Soul of Luxury: Boutique Hotels Re-defining Unforgettable Experiences in the Luxury Market” Rising to the moment, she delivered an unforgettable talk that blended authenticity with authority.

“The essence of boutique hospitality is not about design or detail,” Reddie began, “It’s about recognition—about creating a space where people feel understood, valued, and, most importantly, seen.”

She shared a formative memory of her first luxury boutique stay at The Chedi in Ubud, Bali.
“Every touchpoint was intentional.”

“While the big brands may reward you with points and status, boutique hotels reward you with something else entirely—a human connection.”

“Boutique hotels are not in the business of beds. We are in the business of belonging.”

A Masterclass in Modern Hospitality Strategy

Later in the day, Reddie joined the panel “No Room for Return? Winning Boutique Hotel Strategies for a One-Stay World,” moderated by co-founder Julie Ockerby. There, she offered a structured lens on the seismic shifts impacting boutique hotel operations and marketing.

“We’re in a more dynamic space—experience-first storytelling, hyper-personalisation, and digital agility are defining success. Yet many boutique brands still operate in a hybrid state: new expectations, old infrastructure.”

“We’re not evolved until data, storytelling, and UX sit at the heart of every brand touchpoint.”

Looking ahead, she offered this forecast:
“True integration of AI into CRM and content creation. Moving beyond vanity metrics to measure long-term brand engagement. And in luxury, silence and restraint may become the ultimate expression.”

On experiential travel, she made it simple:
“Every moment is shareable content—especially for designed hotels like ours.”
“What resonates is authentic, imperfect, personal storytelling.”

She warned that with AI redefining discovery, “hotels not optimising their content risk becoming invisible.”

On loyalty:
“Luxury travellers today are promiscuous by design—they chase uniqueness, not points.”“It’s about depth of connection.”

At Chedi, she explained, loyalty isn’t transactional.
“We’ve shifted from loyalty programmes to loyalty moments—those unexpected touches that lead to lifetime affinity, even if not repeat business.”“Encouraging social loyalty, where a guest becomes an advocate, not necessarily a repeat customer.”

“Monetise the emotional equity of the stay—through branded retail, residences, or digital experiences.”
“Drive post-stay storytelling. Encourage UGC. Build lifetime value through influence. One guest may refer five more.”

So how do you stand out in a saturated market?

“Say less, but mean more.”
“Focus on story over spectacle. Instead of drone shots, ask: What does the hotel feel like in winter?”
“Ensure every post answers: Why does this place matter?”

And to hoteliers hoping for quick wins without digital investment?

“Respectfully—you can’t shortcut trust.”
“Fix the foundation: a fast, mobile-optimised, SEO-friendly site with real-time availability and compelling imagery.”“Build a narrative: one authentic story, shared across web, social, and PR.”
“Amplify strategically: invest in smart paid media, preferably retargeting to warm leads and brand-aligned lookalikes.”

When asked where she would invest—design, digital, or destination branding—Reddie didn’t blink:
“Digital.” Adding, “Design is essential—and at Chedi, we obsess over it. Destination matters—but it’s often out of your hands. Digital is the multiplier. It’s how your hotel gets discovered, remembered, and booked. A beautifully designed hotel in a perfect location doesn’t exist—if no one finds it online.”

Reddie’s sessions—equal parts heartfelt and high-impact—earned praise across the summit for their clarity and candor. Her combination of strategic foresight and storytelling turned heads and shaped conversations long after the last panel closed.

As co-founder Betsy Sweat reflected, “A mere seven months ago, this was just a concept. Today, it’s a movement.” The inaugural Summit welcomed 130 visionary minds who shared, challenged, and reshaped what boutique hospitality means—together.

“To those who partnered, advised, spoke, pitched, or simply showed up: you are our creative trendsetters and fearless innovators,” Sweat continued. “Oh, what an experience… and it’s only just begun.”

The Boutique Hotel Series Summit 2025 brought together the best and brightest minds in hospitality. With its intimate setting, powerhouse speakers, and actionable insights, the inaugural summit was a masterclass in boutique brilliance.

The Boutique Hotel Series now sets its sights on Tokyo, Hong Kong, and a return to Bangkok in 2026—with more summits, events, and masterclasses to come. The conversation isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting interesting.

by Scott Michael Smith, Ph.D.-TRM

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Phuket, Thailand, June 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2025 Presented by Supersports wrapped up its 19th edition in spectacular fashion, drawing over 7,000 runners from 71 countries to one of Asia’s most scenic and challenging race destinations. Against the backdrop of lush landscapes, coastal roads, and the warm hospitality of local supporters, athletes of all ages and levels embraced the challenge in Thailand’s premier destination marathon.

Returning champion Apichai Phujit, a Phuket native, retained his Full Marathon title with a time of 2:51:48, once again proving his dominance on home turf. On the women’s side, Mayumi Watanabe of Japan delivered a strong performance, crossing the finish line in 3:27:05. Other standout winners included B. Mungai Kirogoi of Kenya, who won the men’s Half Marathon in 1:18:30, and Chiaki Morikawa, a respected Japanese running icon, who claimed victory in the women’s Half Marathon in 1:23:46.

Celebrating its 19th year, the race was held on 14–15 June 2025 under the theme “Run Sunset & Run Sunrise”—offering participants a unique two-day running experience. The excitement began Saturday evening with family-friendly events, including a 2km Kids Run, a 5km Fun Run, and a 10km Mini Marathon. On Sunday morning, serious contenders took to the streets at dawn for the Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and Marathon Relay, pushing their limits on one of the region’s most picturesque courses.

This year also honored inspirational older runners, such as Anont Kullapattanasopon, 72, who finished the Full Marathon, and Bhasker Desai, 73, of India, who led his Half Marathon age group.

The race course, weaving through the serene beauty of Laguna Phuket and its surrounding community, offered runners a visual journey through rubber plantations, peaceful beaches, local temples, and village life. The event met international standards with excellent water stations, medical support, security, and enthusiastic crowds cheering along the way—solidifying its reputation as one of Asia’s most breathtaking coastal marathons.

Beyond the finish line, runners and visitors alike enjoyed a world-class retreat at Laguna Phuket—Southeast Asia’s largest integrated beachfront resort, spanning over 1,000 acres. The destination boasts a collection of internationally acclaimed hotels including Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani, SAii, Cassia, and Homm Suite Laguna. The resort also features a championship golf course, award-winning spas, a variety of global cuisines, a state-of-the-art convention center, beachfront event spaces, and its signature Lagoon Shuttle service that makes exploring the area seamless and stress-free.

“We are honored to welcome runners from around the world to Laguna Phuket,” said Mr. Paul Wilson, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket. “This marathon is more than a race—it is a platform for sustainable wellness tourism, and we’re proud to be part of the growing global movement toward healthier lifestyles.”

“This year marks another significant milestone for the running community in Asia,” added Mr. Roman Floesser, CEO of Laguna Phuket Marathon. “What makes this race special is its spirit of inclusivity. From first-timers and kids to elite athletes and senior runners, everyone shares the course with joy and inspiration. We’re deeply grateful to our partners and participants, and we’re already planning an even more spectacular celebration next year.”

The Laguna Phuket Marathon 2026 Presented by Supersports will mark the 20th anniversary of the race. Runners from around the world are invited to be part of this historic milestone in Southeast Asia’s most beloved destination marathon.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 16, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and B.Grimm, presented a monumental event for classical music enthusiasts. Lang Lang’s debut piano recital in Bangkok on May 31, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre was sold out and received with rousing applause. This performance marked the first time the world-renowned pianist graced a Thai stage, captivating a full-house audience with his masterful artistry. The concert hall was filled not only with devoted classical music fans but also with an impressive number of Thai pianists across generations—from young music students to university-level musicians and professional performers. It was, undeniably, a rare and inspiring night for Thailand’s piano community.

Lang Lang, celebrated for his expressive style and technical precision, delivered a program that showcased both his versatility and deep emotional connection to the music. The recital featured a thoughtfully curated selection of works by iconic composers. Before the interval, the program included Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane, known for its elegance, and Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, a dramatic and emotionally charged composition that reflects Schumann’s complex inner world.

After the break, Lang Lang performed a selection of Frédéric Chopin’s Mazurkas and Polonaise—pieces that highlight Chopin’s Polish heritage and romantic expressiveness.

The evening was not only a display of virtuosic technique but also a deeply moving experience that resonated with the audience. The thunderous applause echoed through the hall, with waves of clapping and cheers rolling like a storm after each piece. As a fitting conclusion to the night, Lang Lang offered not one, but three encore pieces—an exceptional gesture that thrilled concertgoers. The encores included Schumann’s No.12 “Chopin” from Carnaval, a lyrical interpretation of the Chinese folk tune Jasmine Flower (arranged by Schindler), and de Falla’s fiery and exhilarating Ritual Fire Dance. Each piece was met with admiration, with many in the audience commenting on the beauty and intimacy of the encores.

Following the performance, a long queue of attendees formed for a rare opportunity to meet the maestro in person during a photo session. Guests waiting in line were treated to a thoughtful reception with refreshments, making the entire experience even more memorable and warm.

Lang Lang’s recital in Bangkok was more than just a concert—it was a landmark cultural moment. As one of the most influential classical pianists of our time, his presence in Thailand represents a significant milestone in the country’s growing appreciation of classical music. The event delighted long-time fans—some of whom had travelled internationally to attend—and introduced younger generations to the beauty and depth of classical piano.

For those fortunate enough to be in the audience, it was an unforgettable experience. One can only hope that Lang Lang’s return to the Thai stage is not far off. With the door now open, there are many exciting possibilities for future collaborations between the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and this global icon.

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