Global Travel News

MARGY’S Monte Carlo, Beauty Secrets Shared at Seren Le Moment Aesthetics Haven

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MARGY'S Monte Carlo, Beauty Secrets Shared at Seren Le Moment Aesthetics Haven - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Celia Gratiot (fourth from left), founder of Seren Le Moment, recently hosted an exclusive session at the Seren Le Moment aesthetics haven, a private sanctuary nestled in the tranquil Sukhumvit 49/10 alley. The event featured MARGY’S Monte Carlo, the renowned Swiss haute couture skincare brand, showcasing its luxurious products and demonstrating cutting-edge therapy techniques to a select group of distinguished ladies. Founded in 1995 by Margie Lombard, a highly sought-after facialist in Switzerland, MARGY’S is celebrated for its innovative skincare solutions.

Pictured from left are:  Joy Nicharot; Diana Foo; Uraiwan Pilunthanakul; Celia Gratiot; Anju Shah; Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram; Manee Nimitkul; and Bettina Ygolinsky, Director of Distribution,C G Beauty Co., Ltd.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

STEM Racing Thailand Signs 5 Year Partnership with Grand Richmond Hotel

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STEM Racing Thailand Signs 5 Year Partnership with Grand Richmond Hotel - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, April 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / STEM Racing Thailand (formerly known as Formula 1 in Schools Thailand), led by Bobby Ortiz (5th from left), In-country Coordinator, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel, led by President Laksawan Wongworrakan (6th from left), securing a prestigious five-year partnership to host STEM Racing in Thailand’s premier national and international events.

Under this agreement, the STEM Racing Thailand National Finals will be held annually at the Grand Richmond, alongside the launch of the STEM Racing Intercontinental Finals—a prestigious new global event that sits just below the World Finals in the competition hierarchy. The Intercontinental Finals will bring together top student teams from around the world, offering a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and high-level STEM competition.

“This long-term collaboration marks a major milestone in our commitment to delivering world-class STEM experiences for students in Thailand as well as around the region,” said Bobby Ortiz. “The Grand Richmond is not just a venue – it’s a hub for innovation, excellence, and international unity.”

The partnership will run from 2025 to 2029, positioning the Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel as the official home of STEM Racing Thailand’s flagship competitions.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxor Crowned with AFASU’s Golden Award as First Global Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage

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Luxor Crowned with AFASU's Golden Award as First Global Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage - TRAVELINDEXLuxor, Egypt, April 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Luxor Governorate held a dazzling celebration at the historic Luxor Temple to mark its receipt of the golden award from the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU) as the *first global capital of culture, history, and heritage*.

According to a statement issued by Luxor Governorate, the celebration was attended by senior officials in tourism, culture, and media from Egypt and around the world.

The event was graced by the presence of Khaled Fouda, Presidential Advisor for Local Development and Honorary President of AFASU; Luxor Governor Abdel-Muttalib Amara; Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of AFASU; Hossam Badreldin, Secretary-General of the Union; and Mohamed Othman, AFASU Board Member and Head of Luxor’s Cultural Tourism Marketing Committee.

Luxor Crowned with AFASU's Golden Award as First Global Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage - TRAVELINDEX

Also in attendance were members of parliament representing Luxor Governorate, the city’s mayor, deputy governors, numerous tourism experts, UNESCO representatives, and guests of the 15th International Forum on Sustainability, Development, and Advanced Research in Tourism and Heritage.

This prestigious event, hosted by Luxor, was organized by the Future Egypt Foundation for Heritage, Development, and Innovation, in partnership with the Ministries of Tourism, Antiquities, and Culture, the European Travel Commission (ETC), and under the patronage and support of the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU).

Luxor is renowned as the “world’s greatest open-air museum“, home to the ancient temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor within the modern city. Just across the Nile River lie the monuments, temples, and tombs of the Theban Necropolis on the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Luxor earned the prestigious title of “First Global Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage” from AFASU, unanimously surpassing three other global cities in the competition.

Luxor Crowned with AFASU's Golden Award as First Global Capital of Culture, History, and Heritage - TRAVELINDEX

This recognition highlights Luxor’s global significance as a symbol of human culture and civilization, acknowledging its efforts in heritage preservation, cultural development, and sustainable tourism.

The award, presented by AFASU’s Supreme International Committee, serves as an international platform to promote cities with exceptional historical and cultural legacies.

The Afro-Asian Union (AFASU) is an organization dedicated to advancing tourism, culture, technology, and sustainable development. Its roots trace back to the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO), established by African and Asian heads of state through an international treaty at the 1955 Bandung Conference. Today, AFASU comprises members from 92 countries.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Le Méridien Bangkok Unveils Beyond Brunch

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Le Méridien Bangkok Unveils Beyond BrunchBangkok, Thailand, April 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Le Méridien Bangkok invites curious and creative epicureans to unlock a new perspective on Sunday dining with the introduction of “Beyond Brunch” at Latest Recipe – an elevated culinary journey that transforms the traditional brunch into an immersive artistic experience.

Drawing inspiration from Le Méridien’s European heritage and commitment to the discovery of local authenticity, Beyond Brunch orchestrates a dialogue between global techniques and Thailand’s rich culinary landscape. Discerning guests will witness culinary artistry in motion as chefs perform at interactive stations, crafting unlimited à la carte masterpieces that celebrate the intersection of tradition and innovation.

The meticulously curated menu showcases premium ingredients sourced from Thailand’s most distinctive culinary regions – from the northern highlands of Chiang Mai to the coastal bounty of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Signature presentations include delicate foie gras spring rolls, smoked salmon atop crisp brioche, handcrafted signature ravioli, and an interpretation of Northern Khao Soi elevated with Thai curry sauce.

The culinary narrative continues with premium wagyu beef from acclaimed local farms and sustainable Hamachi, each preparation demonstrating Le Méridien’s commitment to responsible sourcing and creative presentation. Sweet finales include artistic chocolate and raspberry mille-feuille that reflect the brand’s contemporary perspective on European classics.

Priced at THB 1,799++ per person, Beyond Brunch is designed as a limited-edition experience, available exclusively to guests who appreciate the intersection of gastronomy, art, and discovery. This selective approach ensures an intimate atmosphere where each plate receives meticulous attention and every guest experiences personalised service.

Beyond Brunch at Latest Recipe is served every Sunday from 12:00 – 15:00 hours.

For reservations and more information:
Tel. 02 232 8888

About Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Méridien Bangkok delivers a stimulating and refined experience in the heart of Thailand’s cultural capital. The hotel serves as a gateway to Bangkok’s rich heritage and contemporary art scene, offering 282 artfully designed guest rooms and suites. With distinctive dining venues, creative event spaces, and Le Méridien Hub – a gathering place that transforms from coffee house by day to vibrant social scene by night – the hotel embodies the brand’s European essence while celebrating Thai innovation.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Samui Launches Speedboat Tours to White Lotus Islands

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Banyan Tree Samui Launches Speedboat Tours to White Lotus Islands - TRAVELINDEXKoh Samui, Thailand, April 24, 2025 & TRAVELINDEX / In the final captivating scene of The White Lotus, the lead characters of the hit HBO series — or should we say “the survivors”, following a cascade of deadly shoot-outs at the ill-fated mythical hotel — are seen departing Koh Samui on a motorboat and sailing into the sunset, and presumably towards some form of redemption; such is the dark humour of this wonderfully popular satirical TV drama.

Set-jetting fans of The White Lotus and visitors to the tropical island of Koh Samui can now recreate this voyage among the lush islands and limestone cliffs of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park courtesy of a luxury hotel, Banyan Tree Samui, and its new speedboat, Sense of the Sea.

The 5-star resort, renowned for its dreamy pool villas and spectacular views, is arranging tours and day trips to the archipelago — famed for its 42 islands, dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, white sandy beaches, and dense tropical forests. The national marine park was chosen by The White Lotus producers as the backdrop for the opening scene and that memorable finale, as well as other sequences from the third series, which was filmed entirely in Thailand and primarily on and around Koh Samui.

Guests at Banyan Tree Samui, which is located in a private bay in the southeastern corner of the island, can now experience an eight-hour excursion (maximum 15 persons, plus three crew members) around Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park in the 12-metre Sense of the Sea, a custom-built 400HP speedboat which has been adapted to cater for luxury day trips, picnics, and celebrations.

Other excursions among the diverse marine ecosystem and azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand include a 6-hour round trip to Koh Phangan, site of the infamous Full Moon Party portrayed in The White Lotus in hedonistic fashion.

Voyagers who prefer more sedate sightseeing might instead opt for the 5 Islands Sunset Cruise or a 4-6 hour boat trip to Koh Taen and Koh Matsum, two small and barely inhabited islands, the latter being dubbed Thailand’s “Bay of Pigs” due to the drift of wild but tourist-friendly pigs that live on the beach.

All speedboat tours can be tailor-made for private groups or special occasions, and include ample time to anchor for swimming, snorkeling, siestas and champagne. The islets are abundant in monkeys and monitor lizards, not to mention coral reefs, and the marine life includes turtles, dugongs, sharks, and numerous species of tropical fish.

Banyan Tree Samui has also announced a series of in-house innovations to celebrate the growing popularity of the island under what has quickly become known as “The White Lotus Effect”.

From the locally-infused welcome amenities guests receive upon arrival at the resort to the on-site Wellbeing Sanctuary programs with yoga, meditation, fitness and healthy cuisine; reminiscences of The White Lotus abound.

Last month, Banyan Tree Spa Samui introduced a “Sense of Lotus” spa package — a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that begins with a White Lotus Polisher, where fine bead powder from lotus seeds gently exfoliates and renews the skin.

Guests can also luxuriate with the latest sundowner, a specially-crafted cocktail aptly named White Lotus, a lip-smacking concoction of vodka, white rum, lychee juice, lime juice, coconut milk and fresh lychee, garnished with dried Damask rose petals.

Each of the 88 villas at Banyan Tree Samui has an infinity pool and the resort is terraced into the hillside offering spectacular vistas. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private beach is flanked by coral reefs.

The resort hosts three restaurants including Saffron which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. Other onsite facilities include an award-winning spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.

ABOUT BANYAN TREE
Banyan Tree offers a Sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. An all-villa concept often with private pools, Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience.

ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans over 70 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Management Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Southeast Asia’s First Circular Beachfront Tasting Menu at JW Marriott Khao Lak

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Southeast Asia’s First Circular Beachfront Tasting Menu at JW Marriott Khao Lak - TRAVELINDEXKhao Lak, Thailand, April 23, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / JW Marriott Khao Lak is proud to introduce Sown & Reborn – a new fully circular refined six-course dining experience comprised entirely of produce from the resort’s 27 acres organic farm, creatively repurposed food leftovers, and sustainably sourced local fish and shellfish.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa Launches Southeast Asia’s First Fully Circular Beachfront Experiential Tasting Menu. The pioneering new farm-to-beachfront dining experience is entirely made with fresh produce from the resort’s own JW Garden, innovatively repurposed ingredients, and sustainably sourced local fish.

The elegant dining experience, created by the resort’s celebrated Cluster Director of Culinary and sustainability champion Silvano Amolini, in collaboration with local Chef de Cuisine Khun Eak, is offered by prior reservation each evening in limited numbers at the resort’s magnificent newly restyled signature beachfront restaurant and lounge Drift Beach Bar & Grill– which is also widely considered to be Khao Lak’s premier dining destination.

With probably the largest resort farm in the Asia Pacific region and a whole host of truly pioneering sustainability initiatives, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has proudly become a leader in environmental best practise in all areas of its operation – but especially the kitchens.

 

“With this new dining experience, we aim to not only offer a beautiful and memorable dining experience here in a perfect spot overlooking an incredible beach, but also to educate diners on the importance of sustainably sourcing ingredients and creative ways to eliminate food waste,” says Cluster Director of Culinary Silvano Amolini, whose distinguished culinary career has also included long periods overseeing the kitchens at Amanpuri and Trisara in Phuket.

“Circular gastronomy is not only good for the environment, but also for the palate – a beautiful dining experience doesn’t have to involve waste or extravagance, it can be created with what you have grown yourself, can locally source or reuse on your own doorstep,” he says.

The Sown & Reborn tasting experience includes an optional pre-dinner tour of the resort’s sprawling JW Garden organic farm, with one of the resort’s chefs who will teach them about the ingredients grown and farmed for their meal, followed by welcome canapes at the kitchen counter at Drift Beach Bar & Grill hosted by one of the resort’s talented chefs for a tutored tasting over some delicious circular and farm-grown appetisers. This can also be complemented by yoga and wellness activities, birdwatching tours and a whole host of JW Garden and other activities which support the resort’s sustainability initiatives.

Chef Silvano explains how the resort reduces food waste by skillfully repurposing food leftovers such as potato skins, discarded coconuts, watermelon husks, and his special secret umami power: a rich spicy vegetable powder which he makes everyday from vegetable trimmings in the kitchen which are dehydrated, mixed with salt, and turned into a flavourful stock base, then used in soups and sauces.

After this introduction, diners are seated for the 6-course gourmet food tasting experience, which includes refined dishes made with chicken and duck eggs and seasonable vegetables from the JW Garden, cleverly upcycled ingredients which form delicious pastas and sauces, and fish dishes sustainably farmed from a local fishery. This is rounded off with desserts made using Nipa palm sugar from the resort’s own Nipa reforestation programme, which supports the local Moklen minority, or sea gypsies.

An evolving selection of creatively repurposed and refreshing beverages, thoughtfully crafted to complement the dining experience, is also available, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings on offer each evening.

The price for this meaningful gastronomic experience is THB3,500 ++ per person. For the beverage pairing, it will be offered as an optional add-on at THB1,000 ++ per person.

Behind each dish on the menu, there is a unique story of culinary creativity and sustainable intent.

The first course of JW Garden Duck Egg for example, features a beautiful crisp-fried poached duck egg fresh from the JW Garden, on a bed of potato espuma, which is a puree made circularly through the reuse of leftover potatoes, together with morning glory grown on the farm and transformed into an ice cream – creating a totally unexpected and unforgettable flavour combination.

The second course, Umami Power and Prawns is a richly flavourful broth styled after the familiar tom yum soup but using Chef’s signature umami power of powdered dried vegetables of the day for additional flavour and texture.

The third course JW Garden Chicken Egg with smoked egg shells tagliatelle and vegan Bolognese is a remarkable dish on many levels. The pasta is made from crushed smoked eggshells and recycled bread crusts and trimmings and so has a delightful crunch and smokiness to it. Even the fuel used to smoke the egg shells comes from dried coffee bricks made from the resort’s coffee residue. The flavourful vegan Bolognese is built from whatever seasonal vegetables are thriving in the garden at the time.

The fourth course features two types of fish, snapper and grouper, which are both sourced from a farm in Rawai, South Phuket, where the fish are raised with natural, chemical-free practices and fed on insects. This ensures clean, additive-free seafood of exceptional quality. Complementing the snapper are pickled cucumbers and sweet basil, both grown in the JW Garden.

The final two delicate dessert courses feature Nipa Palm sugar which support the resort’s Nipa Palm reforestation programme as well as featuring herbs from the JW Garden.

The Bar at Drift Beach Bar & Grill also features a number of tempting signature cocktails using sustainable or upcycled materials which would be perfect for a relaxing end to the evening.

While the Sown & Reborn menu offers a refined special tasting experience which also highlights the resort’s mission to promote sustainability and end food waste , it is also the concentrated efforts made throughout the usual day-to-day resort operation which are helping JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa make a significant impact on food waste.

In the first 3 months of this year alone, the resort has converted 8.5 tons of food waste to compost for the JW Garden, repurposed 4 tons of waste food within the resort for croutons, circular pasta and homemade jam, made 754 litres of juice from fruit trimmings, produced 253 kgs of circular sourdough bread, 17.5 kgs of circular pasta and reused 912kgs of coffee ground leftovers as fertiliser or fuel bricks.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are over 120 JW Marriott hotels in nearly 40 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®.

About JW Garden
Inspired by our founders – J. Willard Marriott and Alice Marriott’s love for the outdoors, JW Marriott believes that a connection to the natural environment is a necessary part of nourishing one’s soul. From sourcing fresh ingredients to guiding explorations of the landscape, we strive to honor the natural environment, and to bring the outside into each hotel. JW Garden is a signature element of the JW Marriott experience focused on creating sensory connections with the natural world. This rooted approach to enlivening one’s spirit enables our guests to appreciate our practices and feel rejuvenated by all that we harvest. There are elements of the JW Garden that connect to all three of the brand pillars: Be Mindful & Present, Be Nourished, and Be Together.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

How Children Respond to Tourism Ads

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How Children Respond to Tourism AdsHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, April 23, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Advertising can make or break a destination’s reputation. A well-designed advertising campaign that captures travellers’ imagination can transform an overlooked location into a tourism hotspot. Conversely, a poorly executed ad can discourage visitors and damage a destination’s image for good. Thanks to Professor Mimi Li of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-authors, we now know more about one of the most important metrics of advertising effectiveness: emotions. Using cutting-edge electroencephalogram technology, they reveal how children’s emotional responses to tourism ads fluctuate in real time. Their findings will help destination marketers to design more effective and emotionally resonant advertisements.

Advertising plays an essential role in tourism. Well-crafted ads can evoke vivid mental imagery of a destination’s culture, attractions and experiences, creating demand long before the journey begins. Unsurprisingly, therefore, travel organisations invest heavily in mass media advertising.

“These investments have led scholars to consider the effectiveness of advertising messages”, say the authors. An important metric of advertising effectiveness is consumers’ emotional responses, which also stimulate their purchasing behaviour. The domain of tourism is no exception. “The pleasure consumers experience in response to tourism advertisements”, note the researchers, “is positively related to their attitudes toward featured destinations and their intention to visit”.

Yet major gaps remain in our understanding of this crucial barometer of advertising impact. “Significant research on tourism has considered emotions stable and generic”, the authors explain. Yet emotions are far from static; they fluctuate over time in response to experiences. Instead of examining merely their outcomes, “the ultimate evaluation of a subjective feeling, which is normally identified retrospectively after viewing an ad”, we must also consider their temporality.

Indeed, the dynamic and fluid nature of emotional experience has been well demonstrated in other fields, such as music. Unfortunately, however, research on advertising and tourism still lacks insights into how emotions fluctuate in response to stimuli that differ in emotional valence. “Another gap”, say the authors, “is that previous studies have mainly focused on the peak and end moments of an experience but disregarded other moments”. This hampers marketers’ ability to create effective advertising strategies that resonate with viewers at key emotional moments.

To generate actionable insights for destination marketers, the researchers designed an innovative empirical study designed to yield a more nuanced understanding of how customers’ emotions evolve in the process of viewing tourism ads. They employed a neuroscientific approach, specifically electroencephalograpy (EEG), “to investigate individuals’ moment-to-moment emotional fluctuations in response to tourism advertisements with different valences”.

Given children’s growing influence on families’ travel decisions, as well as their unique reactions to marketing stimuli, the authors sampled child participants to shed light on the preferences and needs of this critical yet underexamined demographic. “Advertising has been shown to benefit children”, they note. “Ads can involve entertainment, diversion, purchase-related information, and prosocial messaging that encourages altruistic behaviour”. Thus, investigating children’s responses to advertising has important theoretical and practical implications.

To avoid the potential biases associated with self-reporting one’s emotions, the researchers chose to use implicit measures – inferred from spontaneous behaviour or physiological signals – to measure the children’s emotional experiences in real time. Specifically, they used EEG to directly collect neural electrical signals generated by the children’s central nervous systems in the process of viewing tourism ads. These signals were analysed to determine their real-time physiological and emotional changes.

Sixty-three child volunteers from Fujian province, China watched a series of tourism video ads that differed in emotional tone (valence). The videos were divided into two groups: high and low positive valence. High positive valence was represented by “a Shanghai Disney Resort advertisement including Disney princesses, beautiful castles, pirate boats, gala parties, and fireworks”. An example of low positive valence was a video advertising Chengyu Travel Club, which showed a group of people enjoying a sunset and bonfire in a desert.

To investigate the temporal dynamics of the children’s emotional responses to the ads, the researchers focused on critical moments – also known as “gestalt characteristics” – that represent key milestones on an emotional journey and significantly affect one’s evaluation of that journey. These comprise the beginning (the first impression), the middle, the peak (the most intense moment), the trough (the least intense moment) and the end (the final takeaway).

The experiments were conducted to test a series of hypotheses regarding children’s emotional responses to differently valenced tourism ads, developed based on a rigorous literature review. First, the authors hypothesised that the children would respond differently to high versus low positive valence tourism ads, and that these emotional responses would vary at different moments during the viewing process. Specifically, they posited that ads with more positive valence would elicit stronger emotions at the beginning, middle, peak, trough and end of the experience.

The researchers also hypothesised that the children’s responses would differ with their gender. “Given that females and males have different emotional perceptions and dynamic characteristics”, they say, “a reasonable conjecture is that gender influences people’s emotional experiences in different moments when they watch different valence videos”. Age was also expected to have an impact, given that older children – who are at a more advanced stage of cognitive development – have been shown to have better emotion perception ability.

The authors subjected the children’s EEG data to time-frequency analysis, with instructive results. “The participants did not maintain a completely constant emotional state throughout an ad”, the researchers report. When watching the low positive valence videos, the children’s emotions shifted from positive to negative within about 10 seconds, and then returned to baseline after remaining negative for a certain period. In contrast, videos with a high positive valence led to a trough in emotions at around 25 seconds.

The findings also revealed a critical moment while viewing advertisements”. Of the five focal moments in the children’s emotional journey (beginning, middle, peak, trough and end), the middle moment was found to be the most important in distinguishing between emotional responses to the high and low positive valence ads. In addition, both gender and age partially moderated the impact of video valence on the children’s emotions at this middle moment.

“This research represents a pioneering attempt to investigate the temporal–dynamic features of children’s emotional responses to ads”, the authors tell us. Its findings not only complement and extend empirical research – especially that on the emotions evoked by advertising and the affective experiences of children at different developmental stages – but also provide meaningful guidance for tourism advertising design in the digital age, when perceptions can change with a single click.

By revealing the key moment in children’s real-time emotional responses to tourism ads, namely the middle moment, this study will help advertisement designers to optimise resources at critical points when designing ads for children – an increasingly important yet still overlooked tourism demographic. The findings regarding gender and age will help marketers to specify the market even further. “For example, when targeting younger (7–12 years old) or male child costumers, a better option is to avoid considerable investment in advertisement design”, the researchers conclude.

Mimi Li, Ningning Xing, and Guyang Lin. (2024). Temporal Variation in Children’s Reactions to Tourism Advertisement. Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 107, 103766.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Travel Promoters Partners with Sirikoi in Kenya

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Travel Promoters Partners with Sirikoi in Kenya - TRAVELINDEXLaikipia, Kenya, April 22, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Promoters is delighted to share its appointment as UK Sales & Marketing representatives for Sirikoi Lodge based in northern Kenya’s iconic Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

This intimate, family-owned lodge sleeps just 18 guests and feels more like staying at your own eco-chic private home than a traditional safari lodge, with one of its key selling points being its enviable location, right on the foothills of Mount Kenya and surrounded by 68,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy – a renowned World Heritage Site. Sirikoi has won numerous awards including, most recently, “Kenya’s Leading Safari Lodge” at the World Travel Awards 2024.

Named after the stream which runs past the lodge, Sirikoi’s accommodation offering comprises just 4 safari tents, Sirikoi Cottage which has 2 ensuite bedrooms, and Sirikoi House which boasts 3 ensuite bedrooms for exclusive use with its own safari vehicle, guide, chef and staff.  All enjoy deck views over the lawn, dotted with beautiful Acacia trees for shade, extending down to a busy natural waterhole and wetlands where wildlife gathers.

All rooms are beautifully decorated to the highest spec, complete with Victorian-style bathtubs, rain showers and cosy fireplaces. The main lodge offers inviting communal areas for sharing your adventures, a curio shop, an expansive dining deck and refreshing infinity pool.

Sustainability is a key focus at Sirikoi, and guest can enjoy “farm-to-plate” produce grown right on the grounds in their organic vegetable garden and orchard, which proudly yields over 80 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs.  Sirikoi is fully solar powered, is Gold Eco Rated by Ecotourism Kenya and is also a proud member of The Long Run, emphasising its form dedication to holistic sustainability and its 4C philosophy encompassing conservation, culture, community and commerce. The lodge supports local communities through education, health initiatives and via employment, whilst also preserving cultural heritage.

Wildlife viewing in Lewa is phenomenal including regular sightings of black and white rhino, leopard, cheetah and lion, with herds of elephant and other game lingering almost daily right in front of the Sirikoi deck.  Morning, evening and night game drives can be enjoyed by guests in their own exclusive, open-sided safari vehicles with their Maasai or Samburu guide and trackers; on foot with a ranger on a bush walk, or simply as an “armchair safari” right from the lodge.

The special ‘Northern Five’ rare and unique endemic species can also be spotted on Lewa – namely the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich.

Extra activities can also be enjoyed at extra cost – from horseback safaris to spending time with the anti-poaching unit, visiting a local school or enjoying helicopter excursions up Mount Kenya.  Guests can also go fly-fishing, or take day excursions to explore the lakes of flamingos, desert and rocky outcrops of the North.

Sirikoi is accessible by road, taking roughly 5-hours’ drive from Nairobi, but we would always recommend flying in for ease and comfort. Sirikoi is just a 20-minute drive from the Lewa airstrip, which is served by both private charters and scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and JOMO Kenyatta International Airport – a 50-minute flight away. Private charter flights are best with Tropic Air Kenya or scheduled flights with Air Kenya or Safarilink.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Reunion 3.0 at Signature Bangkok

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The Reunion 3.0 at Signature BangkokBangkok, 16 April 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The latest edition of THE REUNION—Bangkok’s most epic culinary event— returns! Experience gastronomic innovation, creativity, and excitement with four MICHELIN and rising star Chefs from France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Thailand who bring their ALL to the table at Signature Bangkok. 

Get started with cheese from Les Frères Marchand, France’s oldest and most respected artisanal cheesemakers, exquisite wines, and small plates by Signature Bangkok chefs. 

On nights 2 & 3, join our table for REUNION NIGHT, featuring 8 courses full of artistry, imaginative fusion flavours, and the chefs’ collaborative expertise. 

Chef Thierry Drapeau, Former 2-MICHELIN Star Chef, Head Chef at 1-MICHELIN Star at Signature Bangkok, Thailand. Chef Gary Kirchens, Head Chef at 1-MICHELIN Star at Aurum by Gary Kirchens, Belgium, Chef Syrco Bakker, Former Head Chef at 2-MICHELIN Star at Pure C, Netherlands, and Chef Erwann Guillois, French Champion Bakery 2025, will join forces for a rare culinary performance—infusing their unique styles, heritage, and imagination into every course. Expect a bold symphony of flavors, surprising textures, and refined techniques from chefs who don’t just cook—they create.

22 May 2025 | 6 – 10 PM | Cheese & Wine Night | THB 2,500++

23 & 24 May 2025 |  6 – 10 PM | The Reunion Night | THB 6,800++

Limited seating and tickets available each evening

Advance Reservations Only > sevn.ly/xyBDDQ8H

MEET THE CHEFS:

THIERRY DRAPEAU | FORMER 2 & 1 MICHELIN STAR | Thailand 

Modern French & floral maestro. Pioneer of ‘cuisine of the soil’ philosophy with emphasis on light, expressive flavours. Achieved 2-Michelin stars for 9 consecutive years at Thierry Drapeau Logis de la Chabotterie in France’s Loire Valley.

GARY KIRCHENS | 1 MICHELIN STAR | Belgium

Led 2-Michelin Star Aurum by Gary Kirchens to its first star 2022, retaining the recognition every year until now. Member of Mastercooks of Belgium’s Young Master Initiative, demonstrating his stature in the Belgian gastronomic community.

SYRCO BAKKER | FORMER 2 MICHELIN STAR | Netherlands

Former Head Chef of 2-Michelin Star Pure C in the Netherlands, which he co-founded with 3 Michelin Star Chef Sergio Herman. Winner of Gault & Millau Chef of the Year 2022. Current Founder and Head Chef at Syrco BASÉ in Bali where continues his highly creative, innovative, and sustainable approach. 

ERWANN GUILLOIS | FRENCH CHAMPION BAKERY 2025 | FRANCE
Rising star pastry chef who worked with legendary chefs Alain Ducasse and Thierry Marx. Winner of the qualifying round of Coupe de France de la Boulangerie in Sirha Lyon, and set to compete again in Nantes in October 2025.

About Signature Bangkok
Signature Bangkok is a 1-Michelin Star restaurant, located on the 11th floor of VIE Hotel Bangkok – MGallery Collection, a 5-star luxury establishment in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district. Chef Thierry Drapeau, the restaurant’s Head Chef, aims to make French and Michelin dining accessible, aligning with Thai culinary culture. The kitchen, resembling a theatre stage, invites guests to interact with the culinary team, fostering an immersive experience with panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline.

Conveniently located 50m from BTS Ratchathewi, Signature Bangkok provides on-site parking with EV charging stations. Dinner service is available Tuesday to Sunday from 18:00 to 22:30, limited to 20 guests per evening.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tamarind Phuket Restaurant, Chef Nok and Her Passion

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Tamarind Phuket Restaurant, Chef Nok and Her PassionPhuket, Thailand, April 21, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Tamarind Restaurant, nestled in the serene beauty of Makham Bay at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, proudly highlights the culinary artistry of Chef Nok, a Phuket native bringing a modern twist to Southern Thai cuisine.

Led by Chef Nok’s creative vision, Tamarind Restaurant redefines Thai dining by blending traditional Southern Thai recipes with Western flavors and French cooking techniques, creating a menu that is both innovative and unforgettable. From the fiery zest of Tom Yum Goong to the indulgent delight of Rock Lobster Ravioli, each dish tells a story of tradition balanced with bold experimentation. “Chef Nok’s unique culinary style embodies the spirit of Tamarind Restaurant, offering a dining experience where tradition meets innovation,” said Mr. Vincent Delsol, General Manager.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion. Chef Nok’s passion for cooking was ignited at a young age, inspired by her mother’s Southern Thai dishes that garnered praise from everyone who tasted them. Over the years, she honed her craft by learning from hotel experiences, including an executive chef from Germany at Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, and developed a distinctive style that intertwines local flavors with global techniques. Her creations range from classic Thai delights like Yam Som-O with Grilled Scallops to modern interpretations such as Thai-inspired Rock Lobster Paella, reflecting her dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine while honoring its roots.

Elevate Your Dining Experience. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in bold flavors, fragrant herbs, and seasonal ingredients that celebrate Thailand’s culinary heritage while offering a global perspective. Whether you are a Phuket local or an adventurous foodie visiting the island, Tamarind Restaurant promises an extraordinary dining experience that appeals to both the heart and the palate.

Recently renovated in July 2024, Tamarind Restaurant has transformed from an authentic Thai cuisine establishment to a hub of innovative Thai culinary artistry. This remarkable reinvention, guided by a commitment to excellence, has earned Tamarind widespread acclaim. Once relatively unknown, the restaurant has now risen to prominence, securing a position among the Top 10 ranked of restaurants in Phuket on TripAdvisor while proudly claiming the title of the No. 1 restaurant in Cape Panwa. The fusion of tradition and creativity ensures an unforgettable dining experience, making Tamarind a true gem in Phuket’s culinary scene.

ABOUT PULLMAN PHUKET PANWA BEACH RESORT
Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort is located 45-minute drives from Phuket International Airport (HKT) and overlooks the magnificent Bays of southern Phuket. The premium resort blends premium hospitality with contemporary Thai design to deliver a beachside paradise for global travelers seeking a tropical island retreat amidst tranquil nature. Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort offers a choice of 211 spacious contemporary rooms, including suites and 29 villas with private pools. The resort has been a popular choice among travelers seeking a premium resort experience in close proximity to Phuket Town, shopping malls and tourist attractions. An unmissable dining experience crafted exclusively for your stay, Tamarind Restaurant is a signature dining venue serving innovative Thai cuisine. It has been recognized as a Top 10 restaurants in Phuket and the No. 1 restaurant in Cape Panwa on TripAdvisor ranked by Travelers.

ABOUT PULLMAN
Pullman Hotels & Resorts sets a new tempo in global travel and living, delivering an inspiring, energizing and enriching experience to new entrepreneurs. Pullman welcomes guests with the space they need to focus, work and play. Forward-thinking, hyper-connected and with a passion for art and fitness, Pullman retains the adventurous spirit and open-minded ambition that drove it to become a pioneering travel brand over 150 years ago. Today Pullman features more than 157 properties in vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations around the world including flagship properties such as Pullman Paris Bercy, Pullman Suzhou Zhonghui in Greater China and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Pullman is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News