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bernard metzger

PATA Recognises Industry Professionals in New Delhi

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PATA Recognises Industry Professionals in New Delhi - TRAVELINDEXNew Delhi, India, October 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has presented awards to two individuals in recognition for their contributions to the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

The following awards were presented on Saturday, October 7 during the PATA Board Dinner and Awards Presentation hosted by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India: PATA Life Membership and PATA Face of the Future Award.

“The PATA Board Dinner taking place after PATA Travel Mart 2023 is the perfect opportunity to recognise industry professionals that have contributed to the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry. This year’s recipients embody the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that is essential to the success of the industry,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “I would like to congratulate the winners for their valuable contributions and also thank them for their continued support to both PATA and the travel and tourism industry.”

The PATA Life Membership was awarded to Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Macao, China. The award is the Association’s highest individual honour and recognises significant leadership and invaluable dedication to PATA.

The 2023 PATA Face of the Future award was presented to Ms Sangeetha Liyanapathirana, Manager – Health, Hygiene and Sustainability at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. This award is presented annually to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry, having exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating a commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission. It is the most prestigious honour for young tourism professional in the Asia Pacific region.

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 includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) 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 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 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.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

World Tourism Day 2023 to Emphasize Investments for a Sustainable Future

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World Tourism Day 2023 to Emphasize Investments for a Sustainable Future - TRAVELINDEX - UNWTORiyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The stage is set for World Tourism Day 2023, with the global sector to come together around them theme of Tourism and Green Investments.

In what is set to be the biggest celebration to date, the official celebrations will be held of 27 September in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At UNWTO’s Member States will mark the occasion in every region through a range of special events and programmes.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies. Its potential is enormous. And so on this World Tourism Day, we celebrate tourism’s ability to drive growth while also highlighting the vital need for investments to ensure such growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

Tourism has never been more important for our economies or for our societies

Tourism and Green Investments

On World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO will place the emphasis on Tourism and Green Investments. The day will focus on the importance of:

  • Investment for People (by investing in education and skills),
  • For Planet (by investing in sustainable infrastructure and accelerating green transformation)
  • For Prosperity (by investing in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship).

In Riyadh, UNWTO will present its Global Tourism Investment Framework and hold a series of high-level panels focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding investment in tourism. The official World Tourism Day celebrations will also see the winners of the inaugural UNWTO Women in Tech Startup Competition for the Middle East announced.

From Riyadh to the World

World Tourism Day is set to be the biggest celebration so far. UNWTO will welcome representatives from more than 100 of its Member States, including more than 50 Ministers of Tourism. Joining them will be high-level representatives from tourism’s private sector, both from the Middle East region and globally.

World Tourism Day

The first World Tourism Day was held in 1980. As the Global Day of Observance for tourism, it offers a chance to celebrate the sector’s vital role in advancing peace and prosperity and UNWTO’s global regions take turns in hosting the official celebrations, always around a timely and relevant theme.

The date of 27 September marks the day the Statutes of the Organization that became UNWTO were signed.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Data Shows Investment Returning to Global Tourism Sector

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New Data Shows Investment Returning to Global Tourism Sector - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, September 18, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Investment in the global tourism cluster has started to bounce back from the lows it touched during the pandemic off the back of the steady recovery of international tourist arrivals, according to a newly released report jointly produced by UNWTO and fDi Intelligence.

The report, which is based on data from fDi Markets, fDi Intelligence’s proprietary database of greenfield FDI projects, as well as international tourism data from UNWTO, provides a broad overview of the ongoing investment cycle in the tourism sector, breaking down investment figures by region, segments and companies. Key findings include:

  • Both FDI project numbers and job creation rates in the tourism cluster grew by 23% from 286 investments in 2021 to 352 in 2022. Job creation in tourism FDI also increased by 23% over the same period, to an estimated 36,400 in 2022.
  • The leading destination region for tourism FDI projects in 2022 was Western Europe with 143 announced investments at a combined estimated value of $2.2bn.
  • The number of announced projects into the Asia-Pacific region increased marginally by 2.4% to 42 projects in 2022.
  • The hotel and tourism sector accounted for almost two-thirds of all projects in the tourism cluster between 2018 and 2022. FDI projects increased by 25% from 2021 to 2022.

These investments will then pave the way for a skilled workforce that can deliver exceptional growth, drive innovation and, by embracing digital technologies, enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the tourism sector

“Greenfield FDI into the tourism sector is showing signs of life after all but vanishing in the pandemic years. With Covid–19 behind us, the sector has no time to waste in addressing the biggest challenge of our times: climate change and the resulting sustainability imperative,” comments Jacopo Dettoni, the editor of fDi Intelligence.

“To ensure the growth and competitiveness of the sector, significant investments must be made in education and talent by upskilling the professional workforce and implementing vocational and technical programmes. Only in this way can we equip young people — of whom only 50% have completed secondary education — with the knowledge and capabilities they need to thrive in the sector. These investments will then pave the way for a skilled workforce that can deliver exceptional growth, drive innovation and, by embracing digital technologies, enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the tourism sector,” argues Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General.

“As the sector steers its course towards recovery and growth, UNWTO now, more than ever, prioritises innovation, education and strategic investments as the pillars for recalibrating and adapting to these ever-evolving market dynamics. Spearheading a series of initiatives, we equip the professional workforce with new skills through upskilling and vocational workforce programmes, creating quality job opportunities, and raising average wages across the entire tourism value chain,” says Natalia Bayona, executive director of the UNWTO.

The North America and Asia-Pacific regions each contribute three companies to the top 10 investors list for tourism foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2018 and 2022. The rest of the top 10 comprises companies from Europe, with Spain-based Melia, UK-based Intercontinental Hotels Group, France-based Accor and UK-based Selina all featuring.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Returns to San Sebastián

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UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Returns to San Sebastián - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comDonostia-San Sebastian, Spain, September 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will return to Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain (5-7 October) to focus on how tourism can foster rural development, build economic resilience, and preserve cultural heritage.

Held under the theme ‘Gastronomy Tourism: Back to the roots‘, the Forum will put the spotlight on the connections between product, gastronomy and tourism. Over three days, industry professionals, leading experts, and institutional representatives will engage in live debates, keynote speeches, hands-on workshops and live cooking demonstrations with local and international chefs and producers.

Top forum for sector leaders

The event will welcome many of the leading figures of global gastronomy and tourism, such as Qu Dongyu, General Director of FAO; Paolo Di Croce, Director General of Slow Food (Italy); Célia Tunc, Secretary General of Collège Culinaire de France; Fatmata Binta, winner of the BCWP 2022 and who will be appointed on the occasion UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism ; and confirmed speakers from Brazil, Croatia, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Italy, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, Spain and Switzerland.

Furthermore, forum attendees will have the opportunity to choose from five different excursions to experience and savor the local gastronomy: “Rioja Alavesa, excellence in wine tourism”, “Rural flavours of the Basque Country and the Idiazabal territory”, “Urola Kosta: fishing villages, landscapes and dream flavours”, “A sea of mountains, Gorbeialdea and Arratia Valley” and “Bizkaia – Urdaibai coast”.

Underscoring the significance of preserving culinary traditions, this edition will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mediterranean Diet’s inclusion on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Additionally, the side-event “Culinary Plaza” organized by Basque Culinary Center will spotlight culinary specialties from destinations including Azerbaijan, Botswana, Porto (Portugal), Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe. Residents around Donostia-San Sebastián will be able to access the Forum’s venue at Tabakalera.

In addition, within the framework of the Forum, a UNWTO Gastronomy Pitch Challenge will also be held alongside Culinary Action! (the entrepreneurship area of Basque Culinary Center), where selected finalists from UNWTO Startup Competitions will pitch their technology-driven innovative proposals and solutions for gastronomy tourism. In order to welcome and connect participants from around the world, the Forum will be held in a hybrid format.

Advancing sustainability

Building on the Global Roadmap on Food Waste Reduction in Tourism, launched during the previous edition of the Forum, this year’s conversations will advance discussions on reducing food waste, promoting circularity, and combating climate change within gastronomy tourism. Sustainable practices, encompassing the reduction of carbon footprint, the promotion of seasonal and local produce, and the shift to circular economy models, will be showcased.

The Forum has been co-organized by UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center since 2015 with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences between experts in tourism and gastronomy, identify good practices and promote gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Professionals interested in attending the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism can register online now.

The Forum’s has been presented by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the UNWTO; Joxe Mari Aizega, General Director of Basque Culinary Center; Félix De Paz García, Deputy Director General for Tourism Cooperation and Competitiveness of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism; Javier Hurtado, Minister of Tourism, Trade and Consumer Affairs of the Basque Government; and Azahara Domínguez, Deputy of Mobility, Tourism and Territorial Planning, Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa.

This year’s Forum is organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), with the support of the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Guipuzkoa, the City Council of San Sebastián, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket’s TOP25 Restaurants Awards Winners 2023 Revealed

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Phuket's TOP25 Restaurants Awards Winners 2023 Revealed - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comPhuket, Thailand, September 12, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / TOP25Restaurants.com, the world’s first organization to use artificial intelligence (AI) to curate and recognize the finest dining establishments across the globe, is thrilled to unveil the much-anticipated list of the top 25 restaurants in Phuket for 2023. This year marks the third installment of the prestigious ranking, a testament to our commitment to celebrating culinary excellence in Phuket.

This year’s awards recognize the achievements of Phuket’s best 25 restaurants, chosen and ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index, an objective curation and measuring standard based on artificial intelligence and enhanced by professional discernment.

hom restaurant took the island’s top position for fine dining. hom is helmed by chef Ricardo Nunes, preparing fermentation-inspired cuisine with ingredients sourced from around Phuket. The restaurant in an “ethereal setting” was closely followed by L’Arôme by the Sea, the only French fine dining restaurant on the island where chef Yannick Hollenstein presents his interpretation of contemporary French cuisine. The top two restaurants were closely followed in third place by Jampa, a farm-to-fork concept where dishes change daily. In fourth and fifth positions, Pru located in the award-winning Trisara resort, and Samut serving fine Thai cuisine, focusing on local seafood enhanced with local ingredients.

Nine restaurants were newly awarded and included in the top 25, among them HEH, the first Australian fine dining in Phuket; Semi di Tsubu, the first Itameshi restaurant in Thailand, blending the best of Japanese and Italian cuisine; and Su Va Na, surprising guests with a marine dining experience.

Founded by Bernard Metzger, the visionary behind the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series, Top25Restaurants.com has consistently set the gold standard in the culinary world. Since 2018, our annual list and awards have been powered by the Travelindex-owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index.” This multi-assets index evaluates various facets of dining establishments, including the quality of food, ambience and comfort, value for money, and social indicators such as online presence, social markers, online footprint, media engagement, and review content analysis by AI. The Restaurant Rating Index is recognized as a benchmark for rating quality restaurants, and chefs aspire to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it not only increases their restaurant’s reputation but also attracting discerning diners seeking unparalleled culinary experiences.

While this year’s event marked the first award ceremony for Phuket, we are proud to note that earlier in June 2023, TOP25Restaurants.com hosted the TOP25 Restaurants Bangkok awards ceremony, adding to the rich tapestry of culinary recognition in the region.

The TOP25 Restaurants Phuket Awards 2023 event took place on September 11, 2023, at the luxurious InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket. This gathering marked a significant milestone as it was the first in-person event since the inception of the rankings, further highlighting the resilience and vibrancy of the culinary scene in Phuket.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious trophies to each of the top 25 restaurants Phuket award winners. These elegant trophies featured the restaurant’s name and its 2023 rank and were personally presented by Mr. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office. This added a touch of distinction to the evening, underscoring the significance of this recognition.

THE TOP25 Restaurants Phuket 2023 –
Ranked by the Restaurant Rating Index ( www.phuket.top25restaurants.com )

  1. hom, Fermentation Based
  2. L’Arôme by the Sea, Modern French
  3. JAMPA, Sustainable Cuisine
  4. PRU, Natural Thai
  5. Samut, Modern Thai
  6. Nitan, Innovative Thai
  7. Suay, Northeastern Thai
  8. Black Ginger, Modern Thai
  9. Jaras, Modern Thai
  10. Acqua, Italian Fine Dining
  11. HEH, Contemporary Australian
  12. Tengoku, Japanese
  13. Takieng, Authentic Thai
  14. Ta Khai, Thai Seafood
  15. Saffron, Classic Thai
  16. Age, Classic Grill
  17. Semi di Tsubu, Itameshi
  18. Blue Elephant Phuket, Royal Thai Cuisine
  19. Bon Pan-Asian Tapas, Pan-Asian Tapas
  20. Siam Supper Club, Steakhouse
  21. Akoya, Coastal Tapas
  22. Baan Rim Pa, Royal Thai Cuisine
  23. Talung Thai, Modern Thai
  24. Su Va Na, Marine Dining
  25. Big Fish, Seafood

In addition to Phuket, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurants Guides in the following vibrant dining destinations: Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Delhi. Visit www.TOP25restaurants.com to explore these culinary hubs and discover the best dining experiences each city has to offer.

About TOP25 Restaurants International
TOP25Restaurants.com, a division of Travelindex Group, is the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise, dedicated to identifying and celebrating the finest dining establishments around the world. Through the Restaurant Rating Index, a pioneering standard in culinary evaluation, we recognize restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences. Our mission is to promote culinary excellence and provide discerning diners with valuable insights into the world of fine dining.

With a global presence in vibrant city destinations, including Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Delhi, and more, we’re dedicated to promoting culinary excellence and offering discerning diners valuable insights into the realm of fine dining. As we continue to expand our culinary horizons, follow us on Instagram @top25restaurants for the latest updates and discoveries. The annual TOP25 Awards shine a spotlight on the most outstanding restaurants, presenting the ultimate collection of dining venues from around the globe.

Visit us online for more information about TOP25 Restaurants and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter and YouTube.

About Travelindex Group
Travelindex is a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting directly millions of travelers worldwide, providing inspiration and advice for discerning tourists. Travelindex Group is a media partner of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and a Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Preferred Partner.

Visit us online for more information about Travelindex and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter and YouTube.

About the InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket
Inspired by Phuket’s natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s five restaurants and bars offer contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea, and delicacies at Devas’ Lounge. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, six swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and the Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has already garnered international awards such as ‘2019 Readers Choices: The Best Overseas Hotel’ from Travel + Leisure China ‘2019 Best Overseas Hotel’ from Voyage, China, 2022 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and LEED Gold Certification since its official opening in November 2019.

Visit us online for more information about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Thapanee Kiatphaiboon Began Her Role as New TAT Governor

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Thapanee Kiatphaiboon Began Her Role as New TAT Governor - TRAVELINDEX - VISITTHAILAND.netBangkok, Thailand, September 11, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaiboon today began her role as the new Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Having been with the TAT in 1999 after earning a master’s degree in science from the University of Surrey in the UK, Ms. Thapanee has held various positions within the organisation, including Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and most recently Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing.

In her most recent role as TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Ms. Thapanee initiated various tourism initiatives to help drive Thailand’s economy. Among them included the workation in Thailand, faith and religious tourism routes, and solo travels – which helped stimulate 151.45 million domestic trips in 2022 – about 88% of the record year in 2019 – and generated 641.5 billion Baht.

In her role as Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Ms. Thapanee was recognised for her leadership in initiating the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme that enabled hotels and services to meet specific health and safety standards. The programme became a mandatory requirement for hotels seeking to register as quarantine facilities during the period of strict COVID-19 control measures and also received global recognition in alignment with the WTTC SafeTravels protocols.

She also initiated the Special Tourist Visa (STV) scheme to promote the reopening of Thailand, which led to subsequent entry schemes, including Villa Quarantine, Yacht Quarantine and Golf Quarantine, as well as the Phuket Sandbox, which has been recognised internationally as the model for the country’s reopening.

Recognised as a social media and technology savvy individual, Ms. Thapanee has played a key role in utilising technology and social media in the promotion and development of Thailand’s tourism. Some of her outstanding achievements in this area have included the Google Street View project in cooperation with Google Thailand, and the ‘Amazing Thailand’ social media platforms.

As an advocate of Thailand’s tourism, Ms. Thapanee has been instrumental in the development of various special interest tourism products, including health and wellness tourism, yacht and cruise tourism, and community tourism, as well as the “King’s Wisdom for Sustainable Tourism” project, which won the PATA Grand Awards 2018 in the category of Education and Training.

In her earlier years with the TAT, Ms. Thapanee was widely recognised for her contribution towards the promotion and development of intra-regional travel within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Phuket’s TOP25 Restaurants Awards 2023 to be Announced in September

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Phuket's Top 25 Restaurants Awards 2023 to be Announced in September - TRAVELINDEXPhuket, Thailand, August 31, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / On 11th September 2023, Travelindex will announce the winners of its 2023 TOP25 Restaurants Phuket Awards, highlighting the favorite restaurants that illustrate why the Thai island is a favorite dining destination for gourmets and gourmands.

The 2023 Awards Certificate Ceremony event will be held at the prestigious InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket. It’ll also be the first in-person awards in Phuket, as the previous top 25 restaurants in Phuket were revealed by digital announcements only. Expect the announcements to also appear on the Instagram page, Threads, and X feeds.

We are eager to share the 2023 Award Winners in Phuket, said Bernard Metzger, founder of the TOP25 Restaurants Guide series. Phuket’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food being served on the island. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments and can’t wait to reveal some new discoveries.”

On the day, we’ll find out who the TOP25 Restaurants in Phuket, as well as who the Chefs behind this fabulous recognition. The list of the award winners, as well as all nominated and recognized restaurants, will then be available online.

Since 2018, the annual list and awards are AI-powered and based on the Travelindex-owned and patented “Restaurant Rating Index“. The multi-tier rating combines the power of crowd wisdom (social media and review sites) with artificial intelligence (AI) behavioral algorithms enhanced with guidance and expertise from on-the-ground experts, making it a true and objective curation and measuring standard.

The Restaurant Rating Index is a recognized benchmark for rating quality restaurants, and chefs strive to be listed in the TOP25 Restaurants because it increases the restaurant’s reputation and draws in more customers. The restaurants listed always provide an unforgettable dining experience.

To view all Phuket Restaurants Nominees, please go to the Phuket website here

About TOP25 Restaurants by Travelindex
Travelindex is a content-driven ecosystem for the travel and tourism sectors. The media group operates an open and free digital platform, connecting millions of travelers worldwide and providing inspiration and advice for discerning tourists. The TOP25 Restaurants guides leverage the world’s first independent rating system based on artificial intelligence combined with human expertise to curate a premium selection of restaurants and dining choices, wherever you are. We bring together the best of all cuisines, with every establishment chosen first and foremost for the quality of food and service. The annual TOP25 Awards showcase the most outstanding restaurants and the ultimate collection of dining venues. In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Delhi. www.top25restaurants.com

About the InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket
Inspired by Phuket’s natural landscape, InterContinental® Phuket Resort is a luxury beachfront hideaway featuring 221 elegantly appointed rooms and villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort’s five restaurants and bars offer contemporary Thai fine-dining at Jaras, international gourmet fare at Pinto, poolside favorites and craft cocktails at Pine Beach Bar, Japanese cuisine inspired by the ancient techniques and presentation of Osaka’s cooking masters at Tengoku, and organic coffee, tea, and delicacies at Devas’ Lounge. Resort facilities include Club InterContinental® Lounge, Sati Spa & Wellness®, six swimming pools with breath-taking views, a well-equipped Fitness Centre, tennis court, and the Planet Trekkers Kids Club for multi-generational recreation. Located on the secluded part of Kamala Beach, just a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, the InterContinental Phuket Resort has already garnered international awards such as ‘2019 Readers Choices: The Best Overseas Hotel’ from Travel + Leisure China ‘2019 Best Overseas Hotel’ from Voyage, China, 2022 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, and LEED Gold Certification since its official opening in November 2019. Visit us online for more information about InterContinental Phuket Resort and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Leaders Place African Focus on Global Challenges

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Tourism Leaders Place African Focus on Global Challenges - TRAVELINDEX - TOURISMAFRICA.orgPort Louis, Mauritius, August 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Conference on Rethinking Africa: Rethinking Tourism for Africa: Addressing global challenges; Promoting investment and partnerships brought expert African perspectives to global challenges, highlighting the need of investments towards a greener tourism sector and access to finance within the sector and the need to further strengthen public-private collaboration at every level.

Tourism Ministers set out visions

  • Reflecting the heightened relevance of tourism as a solution to a range of global challenges and pillar of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Conference was structured around two thematic sessions with a ministerial panel on Addressing global challenges followed by a second one focusing on “Promoting Investment and Partnerships in Tourism for Economic Development. His Excellency Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing, and Land Use Planning and Minister of Tourism for the Republic of Mauritius, and Vice-Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council joined Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union who delivered the  keynote address .
  • A special Ministerial Panel Session focusing on global challenges featured contributions from the Ministers of Tourism of DR Congo Didier Mazenga Mukanzu, Minister of Tourism of Ghana Hon. Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Kenya Peninah Malonza, and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage of Zambia Rhodney Sikumba, as well as Ms Lisa Singh, the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles and Prof Nazia M Habib, Head, Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Cambridge.

Advancing investments and partnerships

In line with UNWTO’s priorities for the sector, the second session put the focus on the importance of building strategic relations and partnerships as well as the vital need for more and better-targeted investments in tourism, building tourism intelligence particularly in projects with the potential to deliver greater sustainability, resilience and inclusivity. UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona opened the session with an overview of the tourism investment climate followed by presentations  by Mr. Kevin Ramkaloan CEO Business Mauritius and messages from Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, Secretary General of The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Leila Farah Mokaddenm, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank.

Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism Philda Kereng, and Hon. Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Côte d´Ivoire, also contributed their unique, expert insights into rethinking tourism investments and partnerships. They were joined by Ms. Amanda Serumaga – Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Michaella Rugwizangoga, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board and Mr. Mamadu Serifo Jaquite, Mamadu Serifo Jaquite, Commissioner in charge of the Department of Human Development of the West African Monetary and Economic Union

The Mauritius Declaration

The conference culminated with the presentation of the Mauritius Declaration by the host country and UNWTO. The program of actions proposed in the Mauritius Declaration, aims to promote sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystems through multi-sectoral partnerships, ethical practices, investment promotion, nature-based solutions, decarbonization, coordination of public health, policy alignment and data-driven decision-making. This program includes a range of measures, including:

  • Encourage partnership and tourism ethics;
  • The promotion of investment, innovation and accessibility to financing;
  • Public health coordination and crisis management;
  • The integration of internal and regional tourism;
  • The encouragement of responsible and solidarity tourism;
  • The implementation of blue tourism;
  • Partnerships between public, private and community actors and models of  governance; And
  • Pan-African Fund for Sustainable Tourism;

To enable this programme to be carried out under the best possible conditions, the Declaration also calls for the support, in accordance with their respective mandates, of the Member States of the UNWTO, the African Union Commission, the regional economic communities organizations, regional aviation institutions, banking institutions, the African Development Bank, international aid partners, donor communities and financial institutions.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Calls for Urgent Action on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

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WTTC Calls for Urgent Action on Sustainable Aviation Fuel - TRAVELINDEX - AIRLINEHUB.comAbu Dhabi, UAE, June 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today called on governments around the world to “get serious” on incentivizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and set ambitious targets to produce adequate quantities.

Without meaningful quantities of SAF, the global tourism body says the aviation sector cannot decarbonise on a scale that will allow it to reach Net Zero by 2050, as committed to by the industry and supported by ICAO Member States.

The aviation industry expects to reach net zero carbon emissions by

• Delivering the maximum reduction in emissions at source, through the use of SAF and innovative new propulsion technologies like hydrogen and electric
• Deploying modern fuel-efficient aircraft fleets
• Operational efficiency improvements (in air navigation, for example), and
• Out-of-sector solutions like offsetting or carbon capture.

SAF is expected to deliver the majority of greenhouse gas abatements needed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Unfortunately, SAF production rates are insufficient to meet demand and prices remain high, despite the recent exponential increase in production.

The time for action is now. Without SAF, governments will struggle to meet their climate goals as set by the Paris Climate Agreement and their commitments to economic growth, which is heavily reliant on aviation for tourism, trade, and connectivity.

To address this urgent issue, WTTC calls on governments to

• Provide strong incentives to encourage investment in SAF production, including tax credits, grants or other financial incentives
• Work with the sector to set ambitious SAF production targets
• Coordinate their actions through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the specialised UN agency for aviation, to ensure global uniformity in SAF regulations, sustainability standards, procedures, and organisation.

An example of a successful incentive programme is in the United States. The recent Inflation Reduction Act which, through the Tax Blender Credit, created tax incentives for SAF production that are already bearing fruit.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “It is time for governments to take bold action and prioritise the production of sustainable aviation fuel. We are calling on all governments to act now.

“The demand for SAF has never been higher, airlines all over the world want to use SAF and have used every molecule ever made. However, current SAF production only meets 0.1% to 0.15% of requirement, despite a 200% increase in production in 2022 vs 2021. This leaves a massive gap that can only be filled through rapid and sustained investment.

“At today’s prices, SAF is on average three to five times more expensive than traditional fossil fuels. Governments must address this cost disparity by providing financial support and incentives to make SAF more accessible and affordable. Without those targets and without those incentives, the sector cannot decarbonise.

“The G7 leaders have an opportunity this week to deliver critical leadership on this issue by following-up on the commitment of their Climate, Energy and Environment ministers to accelerate efforts to decarbonize the aviation industry, including through the promotion of SAF. Turning the words of a communique into concrete policies to scale up SAF production would give aviation’s decarbonization a critical boost.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently launched a new policy aimed at accelerating SAF production, SAF Deployment. The policy calls for governments to take a leading role in facilitating the scale-up of SAF production. It also underscores the need for policies which are harmonized across countries and industries to provide a level playing field for the global civil aviation industry, while being technology and feedstock agnostic.

The IATA paper draws attention to the need for policies to address both near-term and longer-term SAF deployment and provide the necessary certainty for producers and investors to allocate existing biofuel refinery capacity to SAF as well as to develop new infrastructure.

WTTC in partnership with ICF is today launching a white paper, demystifying the impact and benefits of SAF for tourism destinations around the world. The white paper, ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuels: The Implications & Opportunities for Tourism Destinations’, sets out three critical actions destinations are advised to undertake to address the challenge and embrace the opportunities of SAF.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BDMS Wellness Brings World Class Wellness to Anantara Riverside Bangkok

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BDMS Wellness Brings World Class Wellness to Anantara Riverside Bangkok - VISITTHAILAND.net - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 28, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort announces the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat in a forward-looking initiative that is set to strengthen Thailand’s position as a wellness tourism leader.

Located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river amidst 11 acres of lush tropical gardens, Anantara Riverside offers urban serenity twinned with authentic discoveries, and a preventative healthcare centre that offers a wide range of wellness, aesthetic, and health screenings. Here guests feel connected to nature when receiving counselling and medical services from a team of BDMS Wellness Clinic professionals.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside is part of the award-winning Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) network – Thailand’s largest operator of private hospitals with over 50 facilities in Thailand and Cambodia – and the first outpost of the BDMS Wellness Clinic.

The Retreat’s tenet is a strong believe that prevention is better than cure and a commitment to helping guests reach their health goals; adopt a healthier lifestyle; and achieve their optimal wellbeing. It offers comprehensive wellness screenings utilising advanced science and technology that allow physicians to accurately predict future health issues and help disease while enhancing mental and physical performance and quality of life.

The BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offers signature wellness check-up packages that are comprehensive wellness assessment programs aimed at the early detection and prevention of diseases. The programs also analyse signs of biological and bio-chemical ageing processes to improve health and help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle; slow the ageing process; and increase longevity. Rates for the signature wellness check-up packages start from Thai Baht 10,800++.

Other specialty check-up treatments include weight management; immunity; food intolerance; comprehensive genetic analysis; telomere length measurement; NK cell activity diagnostics and treatment; cancer screening; and intravenous fluids treatments.

Guests can also choose from a range of aesthetic services in facial and body treatments that use the latest technologies under the close supervision of specialised dermatologists.

Multiday check-ups and treatments at BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat offer luxurious accommodation at Anantara Riverside and incorporate treatments at the renowned Anantara Spa that draw from healing practices of East and West. The Retreat’s nutritionists and the resort’s award-winning culinary team have designed wellness cuisine menus that can be personalised according to guests’ dietary requirements and tastes to assist the body in restoring health; strength; balance; and enhancing longevity.

The three-night Detox Package promotes the immune system; prevents cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and age-related degenerative diseases; and increases the production of collagen for the body and skin with antioxidants. Supplementary healing treatments and supervised activities include a detox intravenous drip; a green tea detox body wrap; a Himalayan thermal therapy treatment; a nutrition consultation; and daily yoga sessions and Thai herbal steam treatments. Rates start from Thai Baht 46,260++ for two people sharing a room and include accommodation for three nights and daily wellness breakfast and lunch.

Other wellness accommodation packages focus on anti-aging and wellness check-ups.

Commenting on the opening of the BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Mr William Heinecke, Chairman of Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas’ parent company Minor Hotels, said that the Covid-19 pandemic brought the topic of health to the top of mind for individuals, companies, and whole countries – a trend that has yet to show signs of slowing.

“When international travel resumed, it was at our resorts that we saw the biggest bounce-back, as travellers sought nature-integrated environments to heal and rebalance. With more consumers becoming interested in preventive wellness, Minor Hotels, being the country’s largest hotel operator, is in a perfect position to offer full-circle wellness services thanks to our partnership with BDMS Wellness Clinic – a recognised leader in preventive and personalised medicine”, Heinecke said.

About Anantara
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning hotel and properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Portugal, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and South America. The brand’s premier vacation ownership programme, Anantara Vacation Club, extends the opportunity to own a share in the Anantara experience with a portfolio of 8 luxurious Club Resorts as well as travel privileges at partner resorts and hotels worldwide.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News