Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Krabi Welcomes Yoga Mentor Gabrielle Mendoza

 900 600 wttc2
By:

Banyan Tree Krabi Welcomes Yoga Mentor Gabrielle Mendoza - TRAVELINDEXKrabi, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Gabrielle Mendoza, a renowned trainer in restorative yoga and the creator of the Uncovering the Oasis Within concept, has been specially invited to hold classes at Banyan Tree Krabi resort in southern Thailand from December 6 – 15, 2024.

During her 10-day residency as visiting practitioner, Gabrielle will be offering a plethora of mindful and holistic practices, including Vinyasa Yoga, meditation and sound healing, as well as her signature classes of restorative yoga, where one maintains deep breaths and maintains asanas (yoga poses) for longer – a technique accredited with alleviating stress, and helping with sleep, flexibility, and overall wellbeing.

Based in Singapore, Gabrielle says that she “crumbled under the stress of the corporate world” and later only reclaimed her lost self through yoga. She says she now follows her dharma to help others manage stress through the means of mindfulness, meditation, and the discipline of yoga.

Her appearance at Banyan Tree Krabi is another step forward in the hotel’s “Wellbeing Sanctuary” programme, which was initiated in 2021 and allows guests an option to combine a leisure vacation with a tailor-made daily itinerary designed to enrich mind, body and soul — from meditation and spa treatments to Thai boxing and nature trails —  complemented with a nutritious diet and personal consultations.

The Wellbeing Sanctuary programme is based on Banyan Tree’s own “8 Pillars” principle (Nourishment; Movement; Mindfulness; Rest; Groundedness; Growth; Connection; and Practice).

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi was recently singled out by the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as one of the seven most luxurious spas in Thailand. MICHELIN also accredited the hotel with 2 Keys in its inaugural hotel listings for Thailand.

Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 25 km west of the town of Krabi, Banyan Tree Krabi has 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven two-bedroom options, one three-bedroom villa, and a majestic seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort backs into a lush forested national park, and each of the 72 rooms faces westward towards uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea.

Facilities at this 5-star hotel include two restaurants and a beach bar, a beach club, a kids’ club, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.

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.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TIA Wellness Resort Offers Mindful Experiences this New Year’s Eve

 900 506 wttc2
By:

TIA Wellness Resort Offers Mindful Experiences this New Year’s Eve - TRAVELINDEXDa Nang, Vietnam, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Reflect, Reconnect, and Rejoice is the mantra at TIA Wellness Resort this New Year’s with activities designed to put guests in a blissful state of mind for 2025, while also celebrating the important day. Across the first day of the year and the last day of 2024, the wellbeing-focused property is running a Reflection & Intention Setting Creative Workshop and a Sunrise Meditation, along with offering a festive 6-course New Year’s Eve dinner and the option to celebrate in-villa with a champagne and strawberries package.

TIA’s Reflection & Intention Setting Creative Workshop is an extension of its daily creativity classes that are an essential part of the resort’s wellbeing toolkit. There will be two one hour-long sessions on New Year’s Eve at 2pm and 3pm that are complimentary to all guests. During the session one of the property’s wellness guides will use art as a tool to help each participant celebrate (or let go of) 2024 and set intentions for the year ahead.

Later that evening, in the recently renovated Dining Room, guests can enjoy a six-course dinner with a fully plant-based option available. Seafood lovers will enjoy course items like the freshly-caught broiled lobster tail, and salmon & caviar vol au vents truffle nest. Each dish has also been creatively re-interpreted for vegans and vegetarians, such as a carrot salmon & vegan caviar vol au vents truffle nest, or the beet filet with peri peri and chimichurri sauce instead of the wagyu filet mignon on the regular New Year’s Eve Feast menu. The highlight of both menus is a decadent dessert buffet. Mellow live music will accompany the meal and the dinner seating will run from 6:30pm – 10:30pm. Plant-based menus start from VND 1,400,000 ++ per-person or VND 2,600,000 ++ with organic wine pairing. The regular menu starts at VND 2,200,000 ++ per person or VND 3,400,000 ++ with organic wine pairing.

For those who want to continue the festivities the resort has three options for when the clock strikes midnight: a private in-villa celebration with Taittinger champagne and fresh strawberries (starting at VND 2,090,000 ++ for a 375 ml bottle), an intimate gathering at the Art Lounge with a glass of sparkling wine at midnight, or a complimentary shuttle from TIA to Da Nang at 10pm and a shuttle back at 1am.

The new year starts early at the property with a sunrise meditation season on the beach in front of the resort running from 6am – 6:30am.

TIA Wellness Resort recently landed two coveted spots on the annual Readers’ Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler (USA). The property was recognized as the number ten spa resort globally in the ‘Top 20 Destination Spa Resorts in the World’ category and came in at number 17 in the ‘Best Destination Spas in the US & Around the World’ list.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Travel Mart Returning to Bangkok in 2025

 1068 613 wttc2
By:

PATA Travel Mart Returning to Bangkok in 2025 - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that PATA Travel Mart 2025 will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 26-28, 2025. This announcement, made by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid during the closing of the PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2024, marks the second consecutive year the event will take place in Bangkok.

PATA Travel Mart has long been a key platform for industry stakeholders to gain firsthand insights into the dynamic Asia Pacific market, establish new relationships, and seize emerging opportunities. To be organised at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the event will feature a one-day conference, a two-day business-to-business travel mart, and numerous networking opportunities. Building on the success of past editions, the event will bring together buyers and sellers from across the region and beyond, with thousands of expected business appointments and a broad representation of destinations across six regions.

Reflecting on the success of PATA Travel Mart 2024, which brought together more than 900 buyers and sellers in Bangkok, Noor remarked, “The Asia Pacific region continues to be a global leader in tourism, both as a major destination and a source of outbound travel. Bangkok, with its rich cultural heritage, spirit of resilience, and innovative edge, captures the essence of this vibrant region, making it an ideal setting for stakeholders to convene, collaborate, and celebrate the myriad opportunities and partnerships shaping the future of tourism.”

He added, “PATA Travel Mart 2025 reaffirms the Association’s commitment to driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and promoting partnerships within the Asia Pacific region—advancing the industry’s reach and impact. We are excited to welcome industry professionals worldwide to PTM 2025 to share their unique offerings, explore new partnerships, and contribute to a thriving tourism landscape.”

As one of Asia Pacific’s most established travel trade shows, PATA Travel Mart 2025 is designed to connect global tourism and travel leaders in an environment dedicated to growth, collaboration, and opportunity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, explore new market opportunities, and strengthen relationships that drive the industry forward.

Further details about PATA Travel Mart 2025 will be shared in due course.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as youth members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 31 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 15 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wallapa Traisorat, CEO of AWC, Named Businesswomen of the Year

 915 516 wttc2
By:

Wallapa Traisorat, CEO of AWC, Named Businesswomen of the Year - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC), Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, has been honored with the Businesswomen of the Year 2024 award by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. This prestigious award is recognition of Mrs. Wallapa’s outstanding business achievements and her role as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs, while underscoring the crucial contribution of women in driving Thailand’s economic and social development.

The award was presented during the 42nd National Chamber of Commerce Seminar to honor women with exceptional achievements, organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. The event was presided over by Mr. Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand. Also in attendance was Khunying Natthika Wattanavekin Angubolkul, Advisor to the Award Selection Committee. The ceremony took place on 23 November 2024, at NICE HALL, Nongnooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

Mrs. Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and President of Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited (AWC), said: “I am deeply honored and would like to express my gratitude to the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand for the Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year 2024 award. I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the women entrepreneurs who received this award today. This prestigious recognition serves as an inspiration for all women in business to remain committed to contributing value to industries, society, and the nation, fostering sustainable growth.”

As the founder of AWC, Mrs. Wallapa has exemplified visionary leadership, steering the company through significant milestones. In 2019, she led AWC to its historic listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), achieving largest IPO ever on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the largest IPO globally in the global real estate sector in five years. This milestone marked a proud achievement for AWC, uniting a portfolio of world-class, award-winning projects to promote tourism while contributing to Thailand’s position as a sustainable global tourism destination.

AWC’s commitment to driving industry growth through continuous project development has remained steadfast. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, AWC took every opportunity to care for all stakeholders, including employees, to the fullest extent. Despite the challenging circumstances, the company continued to pursue growth, creating jobs and generating comprehensive value for the economy and society. Under her leadership, AWC’s total asset value increased from over THB 90,000 million in 2019 to more than THB 195,200 million in 2024. AWC remains confident in partnering with government and private sector allies, as well as communities, to achieve strong and sustainable growth.

In addition, Mrs. Wallapa’s visionary approach, encapsulated in AWC’s motto “Building a Better Future,” focuses on driving growth by creating comprehensive value for all stakeholders across the value chain. This vision is implemented through the 3BETTERs framework: Better Planet for environmental strategies, Better People for community sustainability, and Better Prosperity for governance and equitable economic growth. This framework aims to position Thailand as a leading destination for sustainable global tourism. AWC’s commitment has earned international recognition, including being ranked #1 in the Hotels, Resorts, and Cruise Lines Industry by S&P Global and achieving Top 1% in the Sustainability Yearbook 2024 by S&P Global. In 2023, AWC was also invited to join the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) by S&P Global, further solidifying its reputation for excellence in sustainability.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BWH Hotels Brings Award-Winning Midscale Hospitality to Ho Chi Minh City

 1080 738 wttc2
By:

BWH Hotels Brings Award-Winning Midscale Hospitality to Ho Chi Minh City - TRAVELINDEXHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprised of WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels, has revealed plans to introduce its  Best Western® brand to the heart of Vietnam’s largest metropolis and commercial capital, Ho Chi Minh City.

BWH Hotels has signed an agreement for Best Western Central Home Saigon, a new midscale hotel under construction in a prime location close to the Saigon River in District 13. Situated next to Binh Loi Bridge and Pham Van Dong Boulevard, the hotel is easily accessible from the city and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is less than 5 km away. Travelers will be located just a short distance from District 1, the home of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions, such as Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more, and has world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

Scheduled to open in June 2026, Best Western Central Home Saigon guests will experience complete comfort, convenience, and connectivity in the 126 rooms and suites, all underpinned by warm, authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

This landmark signing comes just weeks after Best Western was honored with a prestigious “Travel Hall of Fame” award in the TTG Travel Awards 2024, having been named as the “Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand” in Asia for more than a decade.

“We are delighted to introduce our award-winning Best Western brand to one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, as known as Saigon. With its prime location just moments from District 1 and excellent transport links to all parts of the city and beyond, this brand-new hotel is set to elevate the midscale sector and attract visitors worldwide. Complementing Caravelle Hotel, a member of WorldHotels™ Elite and legendary downtown five-star hotel, Best Western Central Home Saigon will enable BWH Hotels to cater to all business and leisure travelers in this major metropolis,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

Vietnam is one of BWH Hotels’ key markets, so this signing marks another major milestone in BWH Hotels’ Asian expansion strategy. The company currently operates five hotels and resorts in the country and its portfolio is set to grow exponentially, with multiple new projects in the pipeline set to open their doors in the coming months and years.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Central Thailand Fine Dining Fit for Royalty

 1039 679 wttc2
By:

Central Thailand Fine Dining Fit for Royalty - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Central Thailand, with its bustling cities, serene river valleys, and rich cultural heritage, is the heartland of Thai civilization and a treasure trove for culinary enthusiasts. Fine dining in this region offers a symphony of flavours that not only celebrate traditional Thai heritage and modern innovation but also serve as a direct connection to the rich cultural legacy of the kingdom. These flavours draw from the fertile plains, local markets, and Thailand’s royal cuisine, creating a culinary experience deeply rooted in the country’s cultural significance.

The Flavour Palette: A Harmonious Balance

Central Thai cuisine is renowned for its balanced taste profile, a culinary art that carefully combines sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements in each dish. This balance, often referred to as a ‘flavour palette ‘, is a testament to the culinary artistry of the region. Fine-dining chefs in the region often strive to elevate this balance, creating culinary masterpieces that are more nuanced and layered than the fiery southern dishes or the herbaceous flavours of the north.

Signature ingredients like coconut milk, palm sugar, fresh herbs, and various chilies are combined to produce dishes such as Massaman curry, Tom Yum Goong, and the delicate Green Curry, staples of Central Thai cuisine. Fine dining restaurants infuse these beloved dishes with artisanal techniques, precision, and attention to detail. The complexity of flavours, often understated in everyday meals, is accentuated in high-end establishments, creating a multi-sensory dining experience.

Bangkok: The Pinnacle of Fine Dining

Bangkok, the vibrant capital, has emerged as a global gastronomic hub, drawing food innovators and culinary artists from all corners of the globe. These chefs bring a fresh perspective to traditional Thai dishes, infusing them with international influences and contributing to the city’s diverse culinary landscape.

Sorn, known for showcasing Southern Thai cuisine in an elegant form, and R-HAAN, which offers a unique modern twist on Thai classics, are prime examples of how the city has become a playground for chefs with creative visions. The décor, presentation, and ambiance in these restaurants elevate the entire dining journey, where culinary artistry meets storytelling on a plate.

Traditional Royal Thai cuisine—historically prepared for the country’s aristocracy—has found new expressions in these restaurants. Fine dining venues in Bangkok often reinterpret dishes like Khao Chae (chilled rice with jasmine-scented water) and Miang Kham (betel leaf wraps) with an infusion of international flavours, creative plating, and molecular gastronomy techniques.

Seasonality and Sustainability

One of the significant trends shaping fine dining in Central Thailand is the growing focus on sustainability and seasonality. Chefs have begun incorporating locally sourced, organic ingredients, collaborating with nearby farms and markets. This commitment to sustainability not only reduces the carbon footprint but also celebrates the abundance of native ingredients from the Chao Phraya River basin, inspiring a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts.

Nahm, one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurants, pioneered this movement. The restaurant emphasizes using traditional ingredients, such as fermented shrimp paste and wild herbs, in contemporary dishes while adhering to sustainable sourcing methods. Chefs also experiment with indigenous vegetables and rare rice varieties, like Jasmine Rice 105, to heighten the sense of locality in their culinary presentations.

While Bangkok remains the epicentre of fine dining, other parts of Central Thailand offer extraordinary gastronomic experiences. With its riverside ambiance, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is home to restaurants that pair the region’s rich history with exquisite dining. Sala Ayutthaya Eatery and Bar is a prime example, blending contemporary Thai dishes with stunning views of ancient temples, providing a truly immersive experience.

The province of Kanchanaburi, known for its breathtaking landscapes, also has a growing fine dining scene. Here, the fusion of traditional Thai ingredients with international techniques is paired with the natural beauty of the riverfront and surrounding hills, offering a dining experience that connects with nature.

Central Thai fine dining is not just a culinary experience—it’s a reflection of culture, history, and the Thai way of life. The dining experience embodies Thailand’s cultural values of sanook (fun) and nam jai (generosity), with dishes designed for sharing, enjoyment, and rooted in deep hospitality.

At many fine dining establishments, diners can witness culinary performances reminiscent of ancient Thai customs, such as traditional dance and the art of carving fruits and vegetables into delicate floral arrangements. These experiences add cultural depth to the meal, connecting the diner with Thailand’s food and soul.

Fine dining in Central Thailand is a journey that transcends the palate. It explores flavours, heritage, innovation, and sustainability, where the traditional meets the contemporary. Whether in the bustling streets of Bangkok or the tranquil banks of the Chao Phraya River, Central Thailand’s fine dining scene offers a feast for the senses, celebrating the country’s culinary brilliance and reflecting its rich cultural legacy.

Written by Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya (Chat)

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sorn Becomes Thailand’s First Three Michelin Star Restaurant

 1028 639 wttc2
By:

Bangkok, Thailand, November 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand’s culinary community shines brighter than ever, with the announcement of the country’s first recipient of the ultimate accolade of Three Michelin Stars at the Michelin Guide Ceremony Thailand that marks the official release of The Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 edition, and the unveiling of its much-awaited full restaurant selection.

• The 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand showcases a total of 462 dining venues: 1 first-ever Three Michelin Stars, 7 Two Michelin Stars, 28 One Michelin Star, 156 Bib Gourmand, and 270 Michelin Selected.

• The lone addition to the Michelin Green Star list is ‘Baan Tepa’, in recognition of its eco-friendly efforts and community involvement initiatives on sustainable practices.

• Chon Buri makes its debut in the 2025 edition, with 20 entries (5 Bib Gourmand, and 15 Michelin Selected).

The newly released Guide features 462 establishments – with its first-ever Three Michelin Stars (promoted from Two Michelin Stars), 7 Two Michelin Stars (1 promoted from One Michelin Star), 28 One Michelin Star (4 new entries, and 1 promoted from Michelin Selected), 156 Bib Gourmand (20 new entries), and 270 Michelin Selected entries (44 new entries). Among the new additions to the Guide, 20 are from Chon Buri (5 Bib Gourmand, and 15 Michelin Selected entries), the newly covered destination in this eighth local edition.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guides, commented: “With the country’s first-ever ‘Three Michelin Stars’ restaurant, 2025 definitely marks a significant and historic year for Thailand on the international gastronomic map. What’s more, the entire selection celebrates the richness and diversity of Thai cuisine, and highlights Thailand’s gastronomy as an inclusive market that embraces tradition, modernity, and new trends.”

According to Mr. Poullennec, Thailand’s restaurant landscape has seen the continued growth of a new breed of modern Thai restaurants, helmed by young talented Thai chefs – mostly under the age of 35, with international experiences and/or western culinary education – who start up business in their hometown, with a passion to showcase traditional Thai dishes in a modern and sophisticated style, to push contemporary Thai cooking beyond its boundaries.

Moreover, Thailand’s fine-dining scene attracts foreign chefs from all corners of the world, to work, exchange their expertise with local chefs, and train young local teams. The focus on sustainability and local sourcing has also been widely and increasingly seen, with chefs becoming more engaged in sourcing local ingredients and cooperating with small eco-friendly producers. Such momentum inspires local chefs to take the initiative and make their approach with a positive change in the environment.

Michelin Guide Inspectors also found a noticeable number of simple restaurants and small eateries that have passed down recipes from generation to generation, ensuring their authenticity and originality. These types of dining establishments affirm Thailand as a country with exceptionally good food at reasonable prices.

‘Sorn’ made history by receiving Thailand’s first-ever Three Michelin Stars
Sorn – a restaurant with a focus on the art of Southern Thai cuisine that blends tradition with modernity, and refinement with evolution; its perfectly paced menu offering an array of exhilarating flavors, all of which are in perfect harmony –becomes iconic, being the first and only restaurant in Thailand to hold the highest level of Three Michelin Stars.

First making its appearance in The 2019 Michelin Guide Thailand on the One Michelin Star list, Sorn was promoted to Two Michelin Stars in the following year and has maintained this prestigious recognition for five consecutive years. Its being awarded the much-coveted Three Michelin Stars in the 2025 edition is a true mark of excellence, quality, and consistency. Rather than being a detour on the way to a destination, Sorn has now become the destination itself.

‘Côte by Mauro Colagreco’ – the only addition to the Two Michelin Stars list
In The 2025 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, being promoted from the One Michelin Star status to join Baan Tepa, Chef’s Table, Gaa, Mezzaluna, R-Haan, and Sühring on the Two Michelin Stars list is Côte by Mauro Colagreco – a restaurant that brings the essence of Riviera-inspired cuisine to Bangkok, embracing Mediterranean, French and Italian influences, through its seasonal menus based on the finest produce available that day, highlighting dishes that are skillfully crafted and presented using modern techniques.

5 new entries awarded One Michelin Star
Of the 5 new One Michelin Star entries, 4 are newcomers making it into the Guide for the first time, and the other one is promoted from Michelin Selected.

The 4 newcomers awarded One Michelin Star are: AKKEE, a restaurant where bold, regional dishes of classic Thai recipes traditionally prepared in a no-frills kitchen to bring a rustic edge and distinct flavors, are served in an immersive, dimly lit setting; AVANT, a restaurant helmed by a Singaporean chef who combines traditional and modern techniques with meticulous attention to detail; GOAT, a restaurant that cleverly brings together elements of Thai, Chinese, and Western cuisines in a Thai seasonal concept, using herbs grown onsite and ingredients sourced from all over Thailand; and Aulis, a restaurant with a “Chef’s Table” concept, offering the multi-course tasting menu that presents native ingredients, many sourced from Thailand and local grower collaborations. It is noteworthy that among the newcomers, two are located outside of Bangkok: AKKEE in Nonthaburi, and Aulis in Phang-Nga.

The only One Michelin Star laureate promoted from the Michelin Selected category is Coda, a restaurant that celebrates the essence of regional Thai cuisine while incorporating modern techniques to forge a fresh identity, offering a concise, expertly seasoned tasting menu, rife with delicate yet richly layered flavors.

‘Baan Tepa’ – The only addition to the Michelin Green Star list
Joining PRU, Haoma and Jampa in holding of the Michelin Green Star highlighting their commitment to sustainability, is Baan Tepa – a Thai contemporary restaurant. The chef and the team have not only worked hard to be eco-friendly – such as growing herbs and edible flowers in their own garden, sourcing ingredients from eco-friendly producers, composting food waste into fertilizer, and creating zero-waste meals and drinks; but also conducted various community involvement initiatives on sustainable practices. Their dedication to the environment remains strong even in tough times, thus deserving a prestigious recognition for their green efforts.

With this newly-awarded restaurant, The Michelin Guide Thailand selection has a total of 4 Michelin Green Starred establishments.

Four Michelin Guide Special Awards
With its Special Awards, The Michelin Guide shines a light on talented professionals in Michelin-recommended restaurants who raise the gastronomic experience to a higher level. In doing so, they demonstrate how varied and exciting the hospitality industry is to work in.

2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award
The Michelin Guide Young Chef Award recognizes a young chef, who has proven over the past 12 months to have a unique personality and/or an identity in culinary creations. This year, the Young Chef Award, presented by Blancpain, is given to Mr. Sittikorn (Ou) Chantop, the owner-chef of AKKEE. With a passion for traditional Thai cuisine, Mr. Chantop is also bold in utilizing rare ingredients in the menu and clever in menu design. His talent is evidently seen, showcasing true originality with a modern touch. The Michelin Guide Inspectors are pleased to see him bringing traditional Thai recipes into the 21st.

2025 Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award
The Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award is given to individuals and teams, for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with
a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene. This year’s award, presented by UOB, is bestowed to Mr. Dimitrios Moudios, the co-owner chef of Ōre. Opened in early 2024, Ōre offers an exclusively minimalist ambiance and an unforgettable dining experience through its 30-course creative menu that are incorporated with fermented and rare ingredients, executed by various cooking techniques, and results in unique flavors.

2025 Michelin Guide Service Award
The Michelin Guide Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented professionals who dramatically enhance the customer experience. This year’s Michelin Guide Service Award, presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is given to Mrs. Yupa (Ying) Sukkasem, the restaurant manager at Baan Tepa. With 6 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, she provides professional yet thoughtful service. Her engagement and her team’s service brought Michelin Guide Inspectors memorable and pleasant nights.

2025 Michelin Guide Sommelier Award
The Michelin Guide Sommelier Award recognizes the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers in the industry. This year’s Sommelier Award is bestowed to Mr. Thansith Wasinonth from Côte by Mauro Colagreco. Engaging in this domain for 4 years in Capella Bangkok, Mr. Wasinonth shows his passion and profession in wine service. His confident yet humble approach to wine recommendation ensures diners an enjoyable gastronomic journey with wine.

The Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 at a Glance:

1 Three Michelin Star (promoted from Two Michelin Star)

7 Two Michelin Star (1 promoted from One Michelin Star)

28 One Michelin Star (4 new, 1 promoted from Michelin Selected)
4 Michelin Green Star (1 new)

156 Bib Gourmand (20 new)
270 Michelin Selected (44 new)

About Michelin
Michelin is developing world-leading manufacturing of composites and experiences that transform our everyday lives. A pioneer in the science of materials for over 130 years, Michelin relies on unique expertise to make a significant contribution to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Thanks to its unequalled mastery of polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating in order to produce high quality tires and critical components for demanding sectors such as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Record Set at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok

 1080 720 wttc2
By:

World Record Set at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Fewer people have traveled to every country in the world than have ventured into Outer Space. The Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok marked a historic milestone, bringing together 250 avid travelers. Among them, an unprecedented 31 individuals who had accomplished the remarkable feat of visiting all 193 UN-recognized countries. This gathering set a new world record as the largest documented assembly of travelers who have completed this extraordinary quest.

This group was joined by Harry Mitsidis and Slawek Mutari, two of the four known individuals who have been to every country in the world TWICE.  Other 193ers who attended the Extraordinary Travel Festival included (from left to right in the photo); David Langan (Ireland), Jim Loudin (USA), Luisa Yu (USA),  Randy “The Sultan” Williams, (USA & Slowjamastan), Thomas Casswell (Sweden), Anders Larsson (Sweden), Christer Danielsson (Sweden), Jian Kang (China/Sweden), Chris Sutherland (New Zealand), Boris Kester (Netherlands), Stefan Krasowski (USA), Slawek Mutari (Poland/Kenya), Bengt Hildebrand (Sweden), Konstantin Liorek (Ukraine), Matt McCaughey (USA), Charles Veley (USA), Per Besson (USA), Evelthon Vassiliou (Cyprus), Christian Fleischer (USA), Hayley Kennedy (UK), Harry Mitsidis (UK/Greece), Lucy Shoe (USA), David Yang (USA), Flavio Ferrari Zumbini (Italy), Phillips Connor (Singapore), and Damian Stack (Ireland).

Also attending the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok (but missing in the photo) was Thor “Once Upon A Saga” Pedersen (Denmark), Maurizio Giuliano (Italy), Joel Oleson (USA), and Joao Paulo Peixoto (Portugal).

In addition to their extensive travel experiences, the participants of ETF brought diverse backgrounds to the event. Over 55% had visited more than 100 countries, showcasing their extraordinary dedication to exploration. Representing six continents and spanning ages from 22 to 80, this group highlighted the universal and timeless appeal of global travel.

Award-winning travel photographer, podcaster, blogger, and filmmaker Ric Gazarian praised the Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF) and its host city, Bangkok, Thailand, as a resounding success. From November 15 to 17, 2024, Bangkok hosted the second ETF, bringing together the world’s most passionate and accomplished travelers for three days of sharing experiences, insights, and strategies. The event celebrated the spirit of adventure and exploration, featuring speakers and attendees, 31 of them who have visited all 193 sovereign countries—a feat achieved by fewer than 400 people worldwide.

“This travel festival offers the opportunity to connect and promote your destination or brand to the world’s most accomplished and expert travelers from around the globe,” Gazarian added.  Tourism boards, consumer travel brands and tour providers wishing to make connections or facilitate bookings with this extraordinary group of travelers are also welcome to inquire about sponsorship opportunities.

For questions, please visit www.extraordinarytravelfest.com

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

How Smartphones Shape Travel Decisions on the Go

 1080 720 wttc2
By:
How Smartphones Shape Travel Decisions on the Go - TRAVELINDEXHong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, November 29, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Smartphones are playing an increasingly important role in travellers’ in-destination decision-making. This trend is delineated in an important recent study led by Dr Dan Wang of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Adopting the powerful theoretical lens of “sociomateriality”, the researchers offer insights into the ways in which tourists interact with their Internet-enabled devices while making travel decisions – such as where to visit and what to buy – in real time. Their findings point to rich opportunities for tourism businesses to influence tourists’ spending decisions in the age of the smartphone.
Technology is influencing not only where and how often we travel, but also how we behave when we reach our destination. In particular, the rise of smartphones has ushered in an era of unprecedentedly dynamic and impulsive decision-making by tourists. It seems that the fixed holiday itinerary is becoming a thing of the past. “People increasingly postpone their decisions until after arrival”, say the authors, “as more contextual information and ubiquitous Internet access via smartphones improve decisions”.
For researchers, the travel context provides a wealth of opportunities to study technology-mediated decision-making. Although a holiday destination itself is usually pre-planned and fixed, and we may have a rough idea of the sites we most want to visit, we are free to make many choices “on the go”. Even when visitors do arrive with a schedule in mind, they often depart from it. This leads to “substantial disparities between travel plans and actual behaviours related to various travel components”, as the researchers put it. With a smartphone full of apps, it has never been easier to be spontaneous on vacation.
The information technology revolution in holidaymaking has certainly not gone unnoticed by academics. The hospitality and tourism industry needs to keep pace with these changes and understand how the ubiquity of mobile Internet is reshaping visitors’ behavioural choices. However, despite the burgeoning research interest in the impact of smartphones and apps on tourism, many studies have only been quantitative. “Experiential accounts of in-destination decision-making by tourists remain quite limited”, the authors note. Exactly how and why holidaymakers choose their activities in the mobile Internet era is thus ripe for investigation.
Holidaying is often a social activity, and group travellers’ decisions are collaborative. Smartphone technology has not only revolutionised how individuals access information but also influenced the workings of a typical social group. The literature is rich in technical studies that focus on how people employ smartphones to complete specific tasks. “In these studies”, warn the researchers, “smartphones and apps have been perceived only as tools”. Wang’s team saw the need for more research into how such devices affect the relational dynamics of tourist groups.
To fill this gap, the researchers drew on a concept from the information studies literature. “The increasingly recognized sociomateriality approach”, they explain, “has been developed to frame research questions regarding technology through a sociotechnical lens and analyse technology in tourism and hospitality contexts”. Developed as a more sophisticated alternative to a simple technological perspective, the sociomateriality view of technology enables researchers to explore how the social and material worlds influence and even constitute each other.
As powerful, pocket-sized computers that mediate our social and professional activities in numerous ways, smartphones have certainly become a constitutive part of our lives. While access to mobile data in foreign locations was once hard to come by, today it is routine to use apps to explore our environment wherever we are. Thus, to push the field forward, Wang’s study “shifted the focus to the sociomateriality of smartphones in travel, which consists of the entanglements of smartphone functions with social actions during a trip”.
To explore actual tourists’ smartphone use for decision-making, the researchers performed a real-world experimental study. This involved making contact with a set of participants who were holidaying in groups of two to five in a far-flung set of locations in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. All of the informants were regular smartphone users, and throughout their holidays they remained in close contact with the research team, who sent messages roughly every 4 hours to discuss their experiences, particularly their travel decisions.
To ensure that the information obtained from the participants was not only rich and accurate but also relevant to sociomateriality, the team designed their research as a process-tracking study. Using questions designed to “capture the sociomateriality of smartphones in tourist group decision-making and its performativity during trips”, they explored in depth the patterns of group behaviour as the groups used their devices for information searching, wayfinding, making payments, communication and more. This led to a deep contextual understanding of the participants’ smartphone-informed choices.
From 97 scenarios of group decision-making involving smartphones, the researchers identified “three patterns of group decision-making and four features of smartphone sociomateriality related to decisions regarding activities, meals, and shopping in travel”. The “three patterns” pertained to the participants’ social dynamics as they planned their itineraries. The “four features”, namely knowledgeability, thriftiness, referenceability, and negotiability, referred to the categories of information that the participants acquired from their smartphones to drive the dynamic decision-making process.
The first group decision-making pattern was defined as “Dominance of the Active Smartphone User”. This pattern involved the searching and filtering of information by a single smartphone user. The rest of the group then accepted the dominant user’s suggestions, instead of using their own devices to provide alternative information. For example, one group’s decision to visit some top attractions in Prague was dominated by a single member using their smartphone to search for information (the knowledgeability feature). In another case, tourists in Cambodia opted for a show after one discovered they could buy cheaper tickets online (thriftiness).
“Complexity from Multiple Active Smartphone Users” characterised the second pattern. Here, two or more group members were involved in decision-making, and there was more negotiation and discussion. This pattern mostly occurred when there was little time pressure. “Smartphones tended to shape this type of group decision-making through knowledgeability and negotiability”, the researchers explain. Group members each searched for information, and more persuasive cases were generally accepted. In Thailand, for example, multiple group members used their devices to search for restaurants, and the group opted for places with good reviews across different sets of search results.
The third pattern was “Decapsulated Decision-Making”, whereby smartphones were used to open up group decision-making beyond the group itself. That is, travellers used their devices to obtain real-time advice from other social contacts who were not part of the holiday – thus “decapsulating” the decision. Two visitors to Las Vegas, for example, were influenced in their shopping decisions by the mother of one participant, who chatted with them as they shopped.
Wang and team’s findings go beyond the technical details of usage and elucidate the social aspects of tourists’ deployment of smartphones. The finding that “the relationship between smartphones and tourists was more profound than the adoption of some mobile apps for navigation, information search, reservation payments, and other functions” opens up the possibility of smartphones having their own “technology agency”. Meanwhile, the researchers recommend that tourism businesses pay greater attention to contextual and location-based marketing in the age of abundant data and on-the-go decision-making.
Wang, Dan, Tussyadiah, Iis, and Zhang, Elaine. (2023). Shaping In-Destination Group Decision-Making: The Sociomateriality of Smartphones. Journal of Travel Research, Vol. 63, No. 3, 625-641.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Laguna Invitational 2024 Showcases a Festival of Golf

 900 599 wttc2
By:

Laguna Invitational 2024 Showcases a Festival of Golf - TRAVELINDEXLang Co, Vietnam, November 28, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Asia’s premier golf courses, proved its mettle as a stage for the big occasion once again with its successful hosting of the Laguna Invitational 2024.

The tournament, held on November 17, brought together over 130 top golfers from across Vietnam, as well as distinguished guests and visitors staying at the luxurious Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co resorts, and the Laguna Parkside Lang Co villas.

In an atmosphere filled with camaraderie and spirited competition, participants demonstrated their skill and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Ha Ngoc Hoang Loc was the overall star of the show, claiming the coveted ‘Best Gross’ title with an impressive score of 76. He capped his triumph under the cover of darkness by concluding the event by driving a ceremonial “light” ball up the 18th fairway to the astonishment of spectators.

Other notable highlights included outstanding performances across multiple divisions and a series of engaging mini-games and challenges which were met with enthusiasm.  Players vied for the coveted “Hole-in-One” prize, which would have seen the first player to accomplish this remarkable feat drive home in a Mercedes C200 Avantgarde, valued at VND 1.6 billion.

Players also competed for other technical awards such as “Nearest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive,” along with various other prizes recognizing exceptional performance throughout the day.

Also notable were the stunning light dance performers and the perfect autumn weather.

The tournament culminated in a celebratory awards ceremony at Laguna Golf Lang Co, where the winners were honoured with prestigious trophies and exclusive prizes provided by the event’s organizers and sponsors.

Winners included Nguyen Van Choi (Division A), Nguyen Minh Qui (Division B), Nguyen Ba Quang (Division C), Benrico Smit (Division D), and Pham Thị Hoi (Women’s Division).

The Laguna Invitational is more than a tournament; it is a celebration of the passion and spirit of the golf community in Vietnam.

“We’re thrilled with the success of the Laguna Invitational 2024. It was one of our best golf events to date,” said Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Lang Co. “It’s a testament to the passion and talent within Vietnam’s golfing community. The energy, sportsmanship, and camaraderie on display were incredible, and we’re proud to host such a prestigious event on our world-class course.”

Designed by legendary golfer Sir Nick Faldo, Laguna Golf Lang Co continues solidifying its position as a leading host of prestigious international golf events, providing unforgettable experiences for players and spectators alike.

This year’s event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including Mercedes, Vietnam Airlines, Jebsen & Jessen, BAI Capital, VietinBank Danang, and other valued partners. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Laguna Invitational 2024.

The golf course is part of Asia’s most far-reaching integrated resorts, one that also encompasses award-winning hotels Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co. 2024 is a milestone year as the resort ownership company, Singapore-headquartered Banyan Group, marks its 30th anniversary at the pinnacle of Asia’s hospitality industry.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News