Global Travel News

Paris, France, June 06, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Professor Geoffrey Lipman delivers keynote address to Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe, warning that global sustainability frameworks are failing – urging a generational reset.

Speaking on World Environment Day at a UNESCO seminar hosted by the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce in Europe (CCCE), Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of SUNx Malta and former President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and Assistant Secretary General, UNWTO, delivered a stark warning to the global tourism community: the sustainability frameworks underpinning the sector are failing, and a radical shift in thinking is urgently needed.

Drawing on six decades of experience in sustainable tourism, including senior roles at IATA, UNWTO and WTTC, Professor Lipman told delegates that the three pillars of the global green order are in crisis. SDG targets are forecast to be missed by 80%, the Montreal-Kunming Biodiversity framework faces equivalent gaps in funding and legal architecture, and the existential Paris 1.5°C climate pathway is “dying” as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise year on year.

He called on the sector to rethink hollow declarations and embrace what he termed “Carney-world new realism” – a reference to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call at Davos for a pragmatic reassessment of the post-war international order.

“Our global sustainability model is becoming unsustainable,” Professor Lipman said. “We are re-arranging the policy deckchairs on the Titanic, summit after summit, while falling short on 80% of our own self-declared targets.”

Against this backdrop, SUNx Malta announced two significant programme expansions. The organisation’s flagship ‘Education to Action – A Plan For Our Kids‘ initiative – encompassing a postgraduate Climate Friendly Travel Diploma with over 150 graduates, 40 grassroots CFT Chapters across Small Island and Developing States, and a CFT Registry of more than 1,000 enrolled companies – will be complemented next month by a second foundation, SxBGI (SUNx BestStar Global Institute), established at the Hub for Humanity in The Hague in partnership with BestStar Holding Group, a major multi-sector development platform focussed on practical humanitarian solutions, led by Dr Arthur Eilers.

SxBGI will support climate-focused start-ups, new technologies and community projects, and will anchor a CFT Humanitarian Study Group taking families to visit Climate Friendly Travel destinations across the Global South. The programme will also expand the Dodo4Kids campaign – which uses books, cartoons and games to teach children about climate and environmental threats – following a recent launch in Malta that sent 1,000 books to children in Ukraine with the backing of the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta and the Secretary General of UN Tourism.

Professor Lipman closed with a challenge to his own generation: “Maybe we can recognise the New Reality – but it will be our kids and grandkids who master it. Our job is to start right now and genuinely help them on the path.”

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Dili, Timor-Leste, June 06, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Timor-Leste Tourism Ambassador Programme, a certified training initiative aimed at strengthening customer service, professionalism, and destination knowledge across the tourism and hospitality sectors. The programme supports frontline workers in the public and private sectors to better represent Timor-Leste and deliver quality visitor experiences.

The programme responds to the need for stronger hospitality skills and a wider understanding of tourism’s growing importance to Timor-Leste’s economy. It provides practical training in customer care, communication, professionalism, teamwork, and knowledge of Timor-Leste’s heritage, culture, and attractions.

This one-day training programme commenced on June 1st and 2nd at the Dili Convention Centre, with 59 participants taking part. Additional training sessions are planned from July to September 2026, with around 300 participants targeted for training during the next phase.

The programme was developed by the Ministry of Tourism and is delivered by experienced trainers from Pro-Ema Restaurant School in Dili under the Ministry’s guidance and oversight. Registration for the programme is free of charge, and all direct participation costs, including training materials, are covered by the Ministry.

“The Tourism Service Ambassador Programme forms part of the Ministry of Tourism’s broader training plan to strengthen technical skills and customer service capability across the tourism sector,” commented Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism. “By investing in people who represent Timor-Leste every day, the Ministry aims to elevate service quality, enhance the visitor experience, and support the sustainable growth of tourism as a national priority.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 06, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / As Thailand’s specialty coffee scene and café culture continue to thrive, MILKLAB, Australia’s leading barista-crafted plant-based milk brand, is redefining the coffee experience through a uniquely Thai cultural lens.

In an exclusive lifestyle-led activation, MILKLAB invited media and content creators to experience Bangkok’s evolving café culture aboard a floating coffee journey through the charming canals of Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Thonburi.

Located on the outskirts of Bangkok, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market stands out for its authentic local charm and vibrant community spirit, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into Thailand’s traditional riverside way of life.

Thailand’s floating markets have long reflected the country’s historic way of life, where canals once served as the heart of transportation, trade, and community connection. Wooden boats drifting along the waterways, local delicacies, and the relaxed rhythm of canal-side living continue to captivate both international visitors and urban locals alike.

Set against the backdrop of riverside communities and traditional canal-side living, two signature barista-crafted specialty coffees — Honey Oat Lychee and Coconut Pistachio Latte — blended with MILKLAB by Mikael Jasin, 2024 World Barista Champion and MILKLAB Global Brand Ambassador, are served amid a unique convergence of heritage, lifestyle, and modern café culture.

Thailand remains one of MILKLAB’s key strategic markets, particularly Bangkok — a city celebrated for its dynamic blend of culture, creativity, and vibrant café communities. Driven by the rapid growth of specialty coffee, plant-based beverages, and health-conscious lifestyles among younger consumers, the brand continues to invest in experiences that authentically connect with modern café culture while strengthening its ambition to become Thailand’s leading premium plant-based milk brand.

Under the philosophy “Made with Baristas. Made for You.”, MILKLAB is crafted specifically for baristas to elevate the taste and texture of coffee and contemporary beverages. Known for its creamy mouthfeel and superior steaming performance, the brand has become a favorite among baristas and specialty cafés in more than 20 countries worldwide. Its premium range includes almond, oat, soy, macadamia, and coconut milk — all designed to complement and enhance modern coffee experiences.

MILKLAB believes that today’s consumers are seeking far more than just a favorite cup of coffee, Thai tea, or matcha. They are searching for lifestyle spaces — places to work, unwind, connect, community and experience culture. The floating coffee experience embodies this perspective: cafés are no longer simply beverage destinations, but cultural spaces that bring people together while shaping the identity of modern urban lifestyles.

As café culture continues to evolve in Thailand, MILKLAB aims to become part of the country’s broader coffee movement — not only by building brand awareness, but by creating meaningful experiences, fostering communities, and supporting barista networks that connect people through coffee culture.

MILKLAB products are available in Thailand via the Aroma Shop and Coffee 2U LINE Official Accounts, the Coffee 2U application, Gourmet Market, and Villa Market.

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Gyeongju, Korea, June 4, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The strategic partnership between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and TOP25 Restaurants, was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the PATA Annual Summit 2026 in Gyeongju, Korea. Signed by Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of PATA, and Bernard Metzger, Founder and Chairman of TOP25 Restaurants, the agreement was witnessed by the newly elected Chairman of PATA, Mr. Henry Oh, and over 550 travel and tourism professionals at the PATA Annual Summit 2026.

This collaboration represents far more than an agreement between two organisations. It creates a powerful platform for destinations, tourism boards, DMOs, and PATA members to strengthen their positioning as premier gastronomy tourism destinations while leveraging the latest advances in artificial intelligence and destination marketing.

For PATA and its members, the partnership provides access to an innovative, globally scalable platform that identifies, recognises, and promotes restaurant excellence and culinary experiences. As food increasingly influences travel decisions, destinations can use gastronomy as a strategic differentiator to attract higher-value visitors, enhance destination branding, and generate greater international visibility.

Through TOP25 Restaurants’ AI-powered ranking and destination intelligence technology, destinations will be able to showcase their culinary ecosystems more effectively, strengthen their tourism competitiveness, and create new opportunities for local restaurants, chefs, producers, and hospitality stakeholders.

For TOP25 Restaurants, the collaboration with PATA significantly accelerates the expansion of its platform across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. By working closely with one of the world’s most influential travel and tourism associations, TOP25 Restaurants can deploy its groundbreaking AI technology to more destinations faster, helping build comprehensive gastronomy tourism ecosystems that benefit visitors, destinations, and local communities alike.

Together, PATA and TOP25 Restaurants aim to create a new benchmark for gastronomy tourism development by combining PATA’s extensive destination network and industry leadership with TOP25 Restaurants’ advanced AI capabilities, global visibility platforms, and internationally recognised restaurant rankings and awards.

The result is a win-win partnership: destinations gain powerful tools to enhance their culinary tourism positioning, PATA members gain greater visibility and engagement opportunities, and TOP25 Restaurants can scale its innovative technology and impact across a growing number of destinations.

We look forward to working together to help destinations tell their culinary stories, celebrate excellence, and strengthen their position on the global tourism stage.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), the leading gathering of the world’s most adventurous and accomplished travelers, is excited to announce Michelle Cabrera, known online as @michellegoesthere, as a featured speaker for ETF III, scheduled for October 22–25, 2026 in Bangkok.

Michelle is a solo adventure traveler and travel content creator whose unflinching, honest storytelling has resonated with hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram and TikTok. Her journey began not with a bucket list or a plan, but with a one-way ticket to a small village in Nepal — a leap of faith that set off a chain of transformative experiences across countries she never expected to visit. Along the way, she has been injured, stranded, and pushed to her limits, and has kept going anyway. Her brand, Raw Adventure Travel, reflects a philosophy that travel is not curated or comfortable — it is messy, human, and deeply real.

Michelle’s authenticity has struck a powerful chord online. A recent viral post in which she reflects on leaving her former life — describing how she rebuilt herself more than once across unfamiliar borders and found herself through strangers who became family — accumulated 27.4 million views, 3.5 million likes and over 18,300 comments on Instagram alone. The post went viral not because of production polish, but because of raw emotional honesty: “I stopped trying to go back to who I was before.” The response confirmed what her growing community already knew — Michelle speaks to a generation of travelers who want more than highlights; they want truth.

“Michelle represents a new wave of travel storytelling,” said ETF co-founder Ric Gazarian. “She doesn’t sell you a fantasy. She takes you into the chaos, the beauty, and the uncertainty that define real adventure. Her voice is one the ETF community will deeply connect with.”

At ETF III, Michelle will share insights drawn from her life on the road, including:
– Solo travel in off-the-beaten-path destinations
– Building authentic connection across diverse cultures and communities
– Raw, unfiltered storytelling that resonates at scale on social media
– Mental and emotional resilience required for long-term adventure travel
– Leaving a former life behind — and what it takes to not look back

The festival will bring together hundreds of elite travelers — country collectors, adventurers, explorers, and storytellers from around the globe. Among its 20+ speakers, ETF III will spotlight individuals pushing the boundaries of what travel means in a deeply connected world.

“Our vision for ETF is to inspire a community rooted in curiosity, creativity, and purpose,” Gazarian adds. “Michelle’s willingness to be vulnerable, to document the struggle alongside the wonder, is exactly the spirit ETF III is built around.”

ETF III will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions, film screenings, cultural events, and social gatherings, culminating in a gala dinner. Previous editions of the festival have drawn front-page attention from major media outlets including the Wall Street Journal and the Australian Financial Review.

Ticket Information:
Tickets for ETF III are on sale now:
https://extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/
Use code BANGKOK for a special discounted rate.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the success of Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, including its recent Two Michelin Star recognition and Tatler Best New Restaurant 2026 accolade, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is honoured to welcome Chef Anne-Sophie Pic back to the city for a limited engagement from 11 to 14 June 2026.

Recognised as the world’s most Michelin-starred female chef, Chef Pic returns to the dining room overlooking the Chao Phraya River for four days only, presenting a new chapter of the restaurant’s culinary dialogue.

Created exclusively for Bangkok, the experience introduces new dishes and seasonal expressions inspired by the rhythm of the river, the spirit of the city and Chef Pic’s philosophy of ‘Suffusion’ – an approach shaped through aroma, depth and balance.

Chef Pic’s new creations for Bangkok include La Daurade d’Akashi, where cured sea bream is paired with sake ice cream infused with pink peppercorn and jabara citrus, and La Crevette d’Amakusa, featuring lightly grilled prawns with sago pearls and a consommé of tonka and passion marigold. Seafood continues through La Sole de Bretagne, roasted Brittany sole infused with cedar leaves and accompanied by Thai green vegetables, peppercorn and curry leaf beurre blanc. Other highlights include Les Asperges blanches de la Loire, pairing roasted white asparagus with Madras curry and coffee sabayon, and L’Agneau de l’Aveyron, a roasted rack of lamb complemented by rooibos, kororima, masterwort root and chickpea socca with lamb sweetbreads. Together, the dishes continue the conversation between French craftsmanship and the cultural sensibility of Bangkok that has defined Le Normandie since 1958.

“The energy of Bangkok, the rhythm of the river and the warmth of the team at Mandarin Oriental continue to inspire me deeply,” said Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. “Returning to the restaurant feels like continuing a conversation that has only just begun.”

Since unveiling its new chapter in September 2025, Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie has established itself as one of Bangkok’s leading dining destinations, earning international recognition for its interpretation of contemporary French gastronomy while honouring the legacy of Thailand’s first French fine dining restaurant.

With limited seating available throughout the four-day engagement, the experience offers guests the opportunity to encounter one of the world’s most celebrated chefs while discovering the next chapter of Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie.

Opening hours
Wednesday to Sunday
Lunch from 12pm to 3:30pm
Dinner from 6:30pm to 11:30pm

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London, UK, June 04, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Climate Friendly Travel Services (CFTS), part of the SUNx Group, has launched an initiative that now makes it possible for small and medium-sized tourism businesses to take meaningful and affordable action to tackle climate change.

The new initiative will highlight how their breakthrough technology platform now enables businesses to build practical Climate Action Plans (CAPs) starting from as little as €500 – removing two of the biggest barriers faced by the sector: cost and complexity.

While the tourism sector is widely recognised as contributing a significant share of global emissions, adoption of formal Climate Action Plans among smaller businesses remains low. Many want to act but lack the expertise, resources or budget to begin. CFTS aims to change that.

The organisation’s technology platform combines artificial intelligence with innovative satellite monitoring to provide practical, data-driven climate planning. The platform enables businesses and destinations to assess their environmental impact and develop structured climate strategies.

Importantly, the resulting CAPs are aligned with globally recognised benchmarks including the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring businesses can demonstrate credible and measurable progress.

Olly Wheatcroft, Managing Director of Climate Friendly Travel Services, said: “Many businesses genuinely want to reduce their environmental impact but are held back by the perception that climate planning is expensive, complex or only designed for large corporations. Our technology removes those barriers and makes it accessible. In cutting emissions, they also reduce costs, so it’s a win-win.”

“With CFTS, tourism businesses can now create practical Climate Action Plans for under €1,000. That means thousands of businesses in the ecosystem can now take meaningful climate action. The impact of many small and medium-sized players combined will undoubtedly have a big impact.”

The initiative forms part of the wider mission of the SUNx Group, an organisation led by renowned tourism sustainability advocate Geoffrey Lipman, to accelerate climate resilience and responsible growth across the global tourism industry. As a not-for-profit organisation, SUNx reinvests its resources into developing accessible tools, education and partnerships that support the sector’s transition toward climate friendly travel.

Wheatcroft added: “Tourism businesses are both highly exposed to climate change but capable of being a powerful force for positive environmental action. By equipping them with affordable tools and credible frameworks, we can enable the entire sector to move faster towards Paris 1.5 and SDG goals. It’s worth adding that it is what guests expect to see.”

Through the new initiative, CFTS will support businesses in the UK, Europe and globally through industry media, thought leadership, webinars and partnerships with tourism associations, highlighting practical ways businesses can start their climate journey.

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Hanoi, Vietnam, June 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been recognised with three honours in the prestigious Best of Vietnam 2026 awards, including Le Spa du Metropole being named Vietnam’s Best Hotel Spa.

The Metropole was also named one of Vietnam’s Top 20 Hotels, while angelina, its bespoke cocktail bar, whisky lounge and restaurant, was recognised as one of the country’s Top 20 Bars. Tatler is one of the world’s leading fashion and luxury lifestyle publications, and its Vietnam edition is highly influential in the region.

The accolade for Le Spa du Metropole comes as Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, the hotel has introduced Sensations Orientales, an exclusive 90-minute ritual inspired by ancestral Oriental rites and the hotel’s timeless elegance. This treatment blends acupressure and refined modelling movements drawn from Eastern and Western traditions, designed to promote deep relaxation and renewal within Le Spa’s tranquil Indochine setting. Available from June 1 to Dec. 31, the experience also includes a special gift for guests on this occasion.

The recognition is also followed by the launch of an enhanced wellness menu in June, featuring sleep-promoted treatments, refreshed signature and facial offerings, and the addition of 75-minute sessions alongside the existing 60-minute and 90-minute durations.

Nestled in the hotel’s tranquil garden courtyard, Le Spa du Metropole is an intimate 400-square-metre sanctuary overlooking the lush swimming pool and gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from Hanoi’s vibrant energy.

“From the moment guests step into the spa, they are gently immersed in a setting where French elegance, Vietnamese symbolism and the spirit of Indochina unfold in every detail. Subtle scents, soothing soundscapes and attentive care invite guests into a world of complete relaxation,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Drawing on the Metropole’s rich cultural heritage, the spa’s treatments blend ancient Eastern beauty rituals and contemporary Western techniques for a holistic approach to wellbeing. Le Spa du Metropole partners with the top skincare houses Sothys and Anne Semonin, delivering refined, personalised experiences tailored to each guest’s needs.

Earlier this year, the Metropole was once again named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” for sixth consecutive year on the prestigious list.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI
A prominent fixture in the heart of Hanoi since 1901, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has a long tradition as a luxury venue for prestigious events and a popular rendezvous for business and leisure travelers such as playwrights, ambassadors, royalty and heads of state. Blending colonial heritage with neo-classical luxury and a dash of modernity, the hotel is the first Sofitel Legend in the world and the recipient of numerous international awards for its fine service and enchanting ambiance. This legendary landmark has contributed to the richness of local heritage.

The hotel includes 358 rooms that are divided into two wings – the Heritage Wing, dating back to 1901, and the neo-classical Opera Wing. There are three legendary suites that are named after famous residents and visitors to the hotel (Graham Greene, Charlie Chaplin, Somerset Maugham).

With six exquisite restaurants and bars, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi offers a diverse array of culinary experiences: Le Club Bar treats guests to its signature Metropole brasserie and iconic high tea; Le Beaulieu presents contemporary French fine-dining at its finest; Spice Garden offers elevated Vietnamese cuisine; meanwhile, angelina – Hanoi’s bespoke bar-lounge-restaurant delivers a world-class beverage experience alongside imaginative comfort food; La Terrasse brings Parisian-inspired al fresco dining to the sidewalks of Hanoi; and the Bamboo Bar invites guests to unwind in a serene Indochine setting by the pool.

Guests can indulge in luxurious facilities featuring lush gardens, a tranquil heated outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, and full-service meeting rooms. Rejuvenating treatments await at the enchanting Le Spa du Metropole, while curated treasures can be found at the hotel’s luxury gift shop, La Boutique, and its gourmet deli and patisserie, L’Epicerie.

ABOUT SOFITEL LEGEND
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury, with a French zest. Alongside its 120 elegant and unique properties, the brand inaugurated in 2009 a collection of emblematic hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner: unrivalled luxury addresses with a legendary heritage and highly personalised service. Each stay is timeless, offering sumptuous surroundings, renowned restaurants and modern comforts for an inspiring luxury experience. Noble, rare and soulful, Sofitel Legend hotels captivate with their architectural beauty, breathtaking views and mesmerizing ambience.

Sofitel Legend now comprises 5 hotels, each more magnificent than the last, set within beautiful and culturally-rich destinations around the world: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an.

Sofitel Legend is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

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London, United Kingdom, June 1, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / American Express today announces a partnership with ALL Accor, Accor’s booking platform and loyalty programme, in the UK, enabling eligible UK Cardmembers to transfer Membership Rewards® points to the ALL Accor loyalty programme.

The partnership enhances the travel experience for eligible UK American Express® Cardmembers – offering discounts when planning and booking stays, as well as on-property recognition and rewards – across Accor’s portfolio of more than 5,700 hotels across 45 brands worldwide, including Raffles, Pullman, Sofitel, Hoxton and ibis1.

For every 300 Membership Rewards points transferred, Cardmembers will receive 100 ALL Accor Reward points, which can be redeemed for stays, dining and experiences across Accor’s global network. For instance, Reward points can be used by ALL Accor members to pay for all or part of their stays or Food and Beverage experiences, tickets to live events and more. For example,10,000 points is the equivalent to €200 redemption value in Accor hotels.

Mariana Gavela Llopis, Vice President, Membership Rewards and Cashback Products and Marketing at American Express UK, said: “We know that travel is one of the most popular ways our Cardmembers use their Membership Rewards points. By transferring Membership Rewards points to ALL Accor, they can now access stays, dining and experiences and elevate their trips across Accor’s global portfolio. “We’re excited about this partnership which amplifies the value of two trusted global brands and enhances the range of travel options available to Cardmembers – helping them get even more from their points.”

Julie White, Chief Commercial Officer for Europe & North Africa, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor, added: “This partnership marks another important step in keeping our programme relevant and compelling for our loyal members. By combining our brands and experiences with the strength of American Express reach, we are creating even more personalised journeys and unlocking richer ways for guests to engage with ALL Accor, from hotel stays and dining to exclusive events, all within one connected ecosystem.”

Cardmembers can link their Membership Rewards Account and their ALL Accor Account via the UK Membership Rewards website. Terms and conditions apply.2

About Membership Rewards
Membership Rewards points can be earned across eligible American Express® Consumer, Business and Corporate Platinum and Gold Cards, as well as the Rewards Credit Card. In addition to transferring points to hotel and airline partners, Cardmembers can use them on almost anything they buy on their Card, from online shopping to reducing their Card balance.

1 American Express Membership Rewards® Programme terms and conditions apply. Once you have transferred Membership Rewards points to the ALL Accor loyalty programme, they cannot be transferred back to your Membership Rewards Account and will become subject to the terms and conditions of the ALL Accor program.

2 In order to transfer Membership Rewards points to the ALL Accor loyalty programme, Cardholders must:

1) Join ALL Accor loyalty programme if they have not already signed up

2) Link their Membership Rewards Account and their ALL Accor Account on the UK Membership Rewards website. They will need to provide their ALL Accor Account number, First Name & Last Name to initiate the linking. This is a one-time step, once the account is successfully linked the Cardmember will not need to complete this step again

3) Once account is linked, the Cardmember can transfer points to ALL Accor on the UK Membership Rewards website. 1 ALL Accor Reward point for every 3 Membership Rewards points. A minimum of 300 points is required to transfer.

The processing times for linking accounts & transferring points should be immediate but can take up to 24 hours for full completion in some instances. UK Amex Cardmembers also have the option to link and transfer points to ALL Accor through Amex customer service team and can do so by calling the number on the back of their Card.

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Mahé, Seychelles, June 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Office of the President has announced the appointment of Vesna Rakić as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), effective 15 May 2026.

The reinstatement of the Seychelles Tourism Board marks a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the governance, international promotion, and long-term strategic development of Seychelles’ tourism sector. The Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026, which was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday 24 March 2026, provides the organisation with a renewed legal mandate to market and position Seychelles as a premier, sustainable tourism destination while supporting the continued growth, resilience, and competitiveness of the industry.

Ms. Rakić brings more than 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, with a distinguished career spanning destination marketing, tourism product development, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and tourism systems strengthening in Seychelles.

She holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) from London South Bank University and has held several senior leadership positions across the tourism sector. Her previous roles include Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays, and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, where she oversaw key portfolio entities including Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.

Widely respected within the industry, Ms. Rakić is also a founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association and has played an active role in supporting tourism innovation, improving market access, and strengthening collaboration across the tourism value chain.

In her new role, Ms. Rakić will lead efforts to further strengthen Seychelles’ international positioning in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape while ensuring the sector continues to deliver sustainable economic value and preserve the country’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.

The Seychelles Tourism Board was dissolved in 2021 following a government restructuring announced by Wavel Ramkalawan. The Seychelles Tourism Board Act was repealed in June 2021, and STB’s functions, staff, assets, and liabilities were transferred to the Department of Tourism to improve operational efficiency by combining tourism policy and marketing under one government structure. Former STB CEO Sherin Francis subsequently became Principal Secretary for Tourism.

In 2026, the government moved to re-establish the Seychelles Tourism Board through the proposed Seychelles Tourism Board Bill, 2026. The re-established Seychelles Tourism Board will continue to spearhead the global marketing and promotion of Seychelles while supporting tourism product diversification, enhancing visitor experiences, and building strong partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

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