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International Tourism to Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024

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Madrid, Spain, January 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Following a strong 2023, international tourism is well on track to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. According to the first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3 billion international arrivals. The unleashing of remaining pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a stronger recovery of Asian markets and destinations, are expected to underpin a full recovery by the end of 2024.

Middle East, Europe and Africa performed strongest in 2023

The latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s performance in 2023, tracking recovery by global region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways include:

  • The Middle East led recovery in relative terms as the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22% above 2019.
  • Europe, the world’s most visited region, reached 94% of 2019 levels, supported by intra-regional demand and travel from the United States.
  • Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors and Americas reached 90%.
  • Asia and the Pacific reached 65% of pre-pandemic levels following the reopening of several markets and destinations. However, performance is mixed, with South Asia already recovering 87% of 2019 levels and North-East Asia around 55%.

Available data shows several destinations, including both large, established destinations as well as small and emerging ones, reporting double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2023 when compared to 2019. Four sub-regions exceeded their 2019 arrival levels: Southern Mediterranean Europe, Caribbean, Central America and North Africa.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024. The rebound is already having a significant impact on economies, jobs, growth and opportunities for communities everywhere. These numbers also recall the critical task of progressing sustainability and inclusion in tourism development”

International tourism hit US$1.4 trillion in 2023

The latest UNWTO data also highlights the economic impact of recovery.

  • International tourism receipts reached USD 1.4 trillion in 2023 according to preliminary estimates, about 93% of the USD 1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
  • Total export revenues from tourism (including passenger transport) are estimated at USD 1.6 trillion in 2023, almost 95% of the USD 1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.
  • Preliminary estimates on the economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP) point to USD 3.3 trillion in 2023, or 3% of global GDP. This indicates a recovery of pre-pandemic TDGDP driven by strong domestic and international tourism.

Several destinations reported strong growth in international tourism receipts during the first ten to twelve months of 2023, exceeding in some cases growth in arrivals. Strong demand for outbound travel was also reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels.

The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. According to the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker, both international air capacity and passenger demand recovered about 90% of pre-pandemic levels through October 2023 (IATA). Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 65% in November, slightly above 62% in November 2022 (based on STR data).

Looking Ahead to 2024

International tourism is expected to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with initial estimates pointing to 2% growth above 2019 levels. This central forecast by UNWTO remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks.

The positive outlook is reflected in the latest UNWTO Tourism Confidence Index survey, with 67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023. Some 28% expect similar performance, while only 6% expect tourism performance in 2024 to be worse than last year. Key considerations include:

  • There is still significant room for recovery across Asia. The reopening of several source markets and destinations will boost recovery in the region and globally.
  • Chinese outbound and inbound tourism is expected to accelerate in 2024, due to visa facilitation and improved air capacity. China is applying visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia for a year to 30 November 2024.
  • Visa and travel facilitation measures will promote travel to and around the Middle East and Africa with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to implement a unified tourist visa, similar to the Schengen visa, and measures to facilitate intra-African travel in Kenya and Rwanda.
  • Europe is expected to drive results again in 2024. In March, Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen area of free movement, and Paris will host the Summer Olympics in July and August.
  • Strong travel from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar, will continue to benefit destinations in the Americas and beyond. As in 2023, robust source markets in Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, will continue to fuel tourism flows and spending around the world.
  • Economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to pose significant challenges to the sustained recovery of international tourism and confidence levels. Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.
  • Against this backdrop, tourists are expected to increasingly seek value for money and travel closer to home. Sustainable practices and adaptability will also play an increasing role in consumer choice.
  • Staff shortages remain a critical issue, as tourism businesses face a shortfall in labor to cope with high demand.
  • The evolution of the Hamas-Israel conflict may disrupt travel in the Middle East and impact traveler confidence. Uncertainty derived from the Russian aggression against Ukraine as well as other mounting geopolitical tensions, continue to weigh on confidence.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Andorra Opens Debate on Sustainability & Wellness in Mountain Destinations

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Encamp, Andorra, January 18, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sustainability and wellness will be two of the key elements of the debates at the 12th edition of the World Congress of Snow and Mountain Tourism, which this year includes, for the first time, the term wellness in its name, becoming the World Congress Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism and thus reflecting new trends.

The event, which will take place on March 20, 21 and 22, 2024 in Andorra, will feature more than twenty international speakers who will explore new trends in the sector, focusing on the offer of sustainable and wellness experiences.

● For the first time, the World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism includes the term wellness in the name of the event, thus becoming the World Congress of Snow, Mountain and Wellness Tourism.

● The parish of Encamp will host this 12th edition of the Congress.

This edition expects the participation of more than 350 professionals from the tourism sector. Top-level professionals and multiple institutional representatives will debate, for two days, on issues such as sustainability as the development axis of the tourism sector, tourism diversification through the appearance of tourism products that respond to the new demands of future travelers, and technological transformation with a focus on AI applied to the tourism sector.

Organized by the Government of Andorra and the Comú (city council) of Encamp, together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Congress also has the support of the other municipalities of Andorra and of two main sponsors: Andorra Telecom as technological sponsor and Creand as financial sponsor.

Laura Mas Barrionuevo, senior consul of Encamp, the host parish of this edition, highlights the importance of hosting the Congress again at a time when the Comú is working intensely to diversify the economy, promoting investments and actions that help boost the tourism sector. “Encamp wants to be a leader in the modernization of the parish and in generating synergies between the public and private sectors to help achieve sustainable economic development.”

Jordi Torres Falcó, Minister of Tourism and Commerce of Andorra, recalls that mountain destinations must have a new perspective and innovative strategies to diversify and improve the quality and competitiveness of the tourist offer. For this reason, the Congress will propose strategies to find joint solutions that improve tourism quality. Other topics will be discussed, such as the effects and challenges generated by climate change, the global competition and the seasonality in mountain areas.

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, highlights the importance of focusing on sustainability in mountain destinations because of their vulnerability to the impact of climate change, and the need to support the development of an annual tourism that protects natural resources and empowers local communities.

The speakers and program for this edition will be published soon on the Congress website: www.mountainlikers.com

The value of sustainiblity and wellness in the touristic offer of mountain destinations

Changes in the market have demonstrated the importance given by today’s tourists to wellness experiences when choosing a destination. For this reason, the Congress will dedicate one of the four sessions to wellness tourism. The promotion and differentiation of mountain tourism, emerging tourism products and the education and training of professionals in the sector will be the themes discussed in the three other sessions proposed by the Congress.

World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism
The Congress is an initiative of the seven Communes and the Government of Andorra, together with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of creating a forum for permanent debate on the development and sustainability of tourism in mountain areas. It is organized every two years: the first edition was held in 1998 in Escaldes-Engordany and since then, each edition is organized in a different parish.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

TAT Launches Thais Always Care Communication Campaign

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Bangkok, Thailand, KJanuary 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Sending out invitation to the world that Thailand and its people are always ready to welcome tourists with CARE, reflecting the kingdom’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN), officially rolled out the latest “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign to ensure that tourists from around the world enjoy seamless travel experiences and feel safe and welcome in Thailand.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said “The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign is an open communication with Thais and foreign tourists, especially those from China, which has been a key source market for Thailand. We want to share with the world Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise safety standards in the travel and tourism industry, as well as the kingdom’s endless charms as a desirable destination for tourists to come and enjoy memorable, meaningful travel experiences.”

Under the ‘Land of CARE’ concept, the ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors and strengthens the image of Thais as a good host for tourists.

CARE stands for: Compassion – reflecting the generosity of the Thai people; Assistant – referring to Thais as being a good host and are ready to help tourists when in need; Relief – indicating Thailand as a perfect holiday destination where tourists can relax and explore a wealth of enjoyable travel experiences; and Elevate – highlighting Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise tourism and safety standards.

TAT initially unveiled the campaign in December 2023 during the high-profile press conference, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, that highlighted the commitment from 12 public agencies to work together to facilitate the anticipated millions of travellers on the move in the festive season.

BureauColonel Somchai Theerapatrpaisan, Deputy Commander of General Staff Division, Tourist Police Bureau, said “The Tourist Police is set to step up the safety and security measures in a full effort by implementing technology to assist foreign tourists. This includes using a Tourist Police mobile truck to communicate with tourists and live broadcast the situation to the bureau of the Thai Tourist Police. Also, the ‘POLICE I LERT U’ application which offers several languages such as English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, German, and Arab helps connect foreign tourists with the 24-hour emergency centre 1155. This also serves as a coordinating centre for international organisations and embassies to provide immediate assistance to international tourists.”

Mr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Executive Vice President, Marketing at CPN, said “CPN is poised to become a comprehensive Tourist Hub. Therefore, we have strengthened the safety measures covering the entire department store by installing CCTV cameras and implementing a strict inspection of visitors and vehicles as well as bag checking at the entrance. Also, security guards have consistently been trained to tackle the emergency and unprecedented incidents.”

Mr. Worachat Luxkanalode, Country Head of Grab Thailand, said “Safety is our top priority to us. Grab has continuously developed technology to enhance confidence as well as all steps of passengers’ experiences such as implementing a strict partner driver selection system, using an AI-Powered Facial Authentication, arranging online training for driving safely, employing real-time trip monitoring featuring GPS to track vehicle, and providing a safety centre feature to share a real-time location and provide assistance in case of emergency. We hope that these features will strengthen the traveller’s confidence and shape the impressive experience of travelling in Thailand.”

The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign will involve bringing the leading international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and soft powers as well as reinforce Thailand’s image as a safe destination. The targeted audiences are local and foreign tourists including Chinese travellers. This campaign is expected to garner 100 million impressions.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics for a Sustainable 2024

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London, United Kingdom, January 8, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics is set to end if first year on a high with more than 1,300 hotels verified, across more than 30 countries from around the world.

The Hotel Sustainability Basics is an independent global sustainability verification programme, overseen by internationally recognised verifiers, Green Key and SGS.

The aim is for hotels around the world, regardless of their size, to follow a 12 step programme to reduce carbon emissions, protect and promote nature, and ensure local communities benefit from the hotel.

It is achievable for all hotels to implement as a bare minimum, and crucially, they serve as a stepping-stone to more complex sustainability schemes.

In its first year, Hotel Sustainability Basics has been endorsed by destinations around the world such as the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, Abu Dhabi, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.

The ‘Basics’ has also been adopted by a number of major hotel brands around the world such as Jin Jiang, the world’s second biggest hotel group with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotel Group, and Radisson Hotel Group.

Other major brands which have signed up Hotel Sustainability Basics include adventure travel specialist Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds, Biosphere, and Abercrombie & Kent.

Together, this underscores a global commitment to sustainable Travel & Tourism from across the hospitality industry, and the global tourism body expects thousands more hotels from all four corners of the globe will adopt Hotel Sustainability Basics next year.

Significantly, the recently announced partnership between WTTC, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has cemented a clear pathway in the hospitality sustainability journey.

This collaboration will establish a structured framework from the Basics towards advanced global standards for hotel sustainability.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “Basics is a global programme to support hotels to cut emissions, support local communities and protect nature. Launched last year, it is the only independent scheme that gives hotels a helping hand to look at their environmental impact. The take up of Basics is going from strength to strength with whole countries committed to make real, lasting change.

“As we look to the future, our focus remains on strengthening these efforts, ensuring that every step we take brings us closer to a unified vision of sustainability in hospitality. Hotel Sustainability Basics has gone from strength to strength in its first year and we’re expecting thousands more properties to adopt the initiative throughout 2024.”

Satu Rouhiainen, Sustainability Manager, British Airways Holidays said: “Working closely together with our industry and value chain partners is paramount to British Airways Holidays. We are delighted to be supporting the Hotel Sustainability Basics, offering our hotel partners a fair and industry recognised criteria to start their sustainability journey.

“Not only does it give us visibility of the hotels’ progress, but it also provides our customers a way to search for hotels that are committed to progressing in sustainability.”

WTTC is committed to leading the charge in sustainable Travel & Tourism. Continuously fostering collaborations and setting new sustainability, the global tourism body global is committed to ensuring a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for the Travel & Tourism sector.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Wynn Invites Impressive Line-Up of Guest Chefs to Macau

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Wynn Invites Impressive Line-Up of Guest Chefs to Macau - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comMacau, Macao SAR, January 5, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Wynn is starting the New Year by inviting an incredible line-up of five culinary artists for the “Celebrity Chef Pop-Up Kitchen at Wynn Macau” and Four-hand Collaboration dinners in January. 2020 MasterChef UK Finalist Sandy Tang will be the first to proudly present her own culinary heritage of Macau with British flair; Executive Head Chef Nilas Corneliussen of Villa Frantzén will showcase his native Nordic dishes with a Thai twist; and Head Chef Wang Xiaofeng of Guan Yan Liu Jin in Hangzhou will craft delicacies from his hometown of Chaoshan. Two resident chefs at Wynn Palace and Wynn Macau will also partner with two guest chefs to host Four-hand Collaboration dinners. Executive Chef Helder Sequeira Amaral of the Forbes Five- Star SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace will partner with Chef-owner Eric Räty of the 2-MICHELIN- star Arbor, while Executive Chef Hironori Maeda of the 2-MICHELIN-star Mizumi at Wynn Macau will work with Executive Chef Mitsuru Konishi of the MICHELIN-starred ZEST by Konishi. These high quality, monthly dining events at Wynn aim to bring exceptional culinary talent to Macau, continue raising the bar in gastronomy and promote Macau as a “Creative City of Gastronomy”.

At the age of 24, Chef Sandy Tang entered the 2020 MasterChef UK competition just to see how far she could go, and she made it all the way to the finals! Originally from Macau, she moved to the UK when she was just 13 and grew up surrounded by a unique fusion of cultures. Having spent half her life in Asia and half in the UK, she embraces the ideas and techniques of both East and West when working in the kitchen, producing innovative fusion concepts that are still grounded in tradition. From January 4 to 6, Chef Tang will create a variety of special delicacies at Wynn Macau including: Salted Cod and Scallop served with Tomato Consommé Granita and Grouper Broth, a Lotus Pastry filled with Hawthorn Berries Paste served with 24 Herbs Ice Cream and Crumble, and much more.

Originally from Sweden, Executive Head Chef Nilas Corneliussen of Villa Frantzén in Bangkok has always been fascinated by Thailand. He initially pursued Thai boxing before discovering his true

calling in culinary. He worked his way up from all sections of Stockholm’s trattoria to the MICHELIN- starred Esperanto, while simultaneously winning silver for the Swedish team in the Bocuse d’Or finals, not just once, but twice! Geeky about Thai cooking and fluent in Thai, Chef Nilas seamlessly blends the Frantzén Nordics, pan-Asian influences and Siam flavors, and elevates them to an entirely new level. From January 12 to 14, he will showcase his creative culinary talents at Wynn Macau through these innovative dishes: Oyster 63.4C with gooseberries and Kavring bread; Scallop and caviar; Cured Norwegian salmon and beer poached king crab and more.

Portuguese native Chef Helder Sequeira Amaral has worked for many renowned restaurants in his home of Portugal and many other countries before moving to Macau more than a decade ago. Chef Helder has successfully attained the Forbes Five-Star award for SW Steakhouse at Wynn Palace, where he will join Chef-owner Eric Räty from the 2-MICHELIN-star Arbor, in a four-hand dinner collaboration from January 18 to 20. Chef Eric honed his skills in culinary while in Europe working for the 2-MICHELIN-star Chez Dominique and the 3-MICHELIN-star Restaurant Aqua at The Ritz- Carlton, Wolfsburg. Craving for new challenges, he headed to Hong Kong. Now, as chef-owner at Arbor, Chef Eric uses his extraordinary talent to create refined Nordic-Japanese cuisine. During their time together in Macau, Chef Helder and Chef Eric will combine their culinary skills to prepare American classic steaks and Nordic-Japanese dishes such as: Bresse Chicken Ravioli, Japanese Wagyu Cross Breed B3, and more at SW Steakhouse.

Originally from Chaoshan, Head Chef Wang Xiaofeng is now at the helm of Guan Yan Liu Jin. Throughout his culinary career, he has worked alongside and trained under many famous chefs, gaining a deep understanding and true appreciation for the authentic flavors of Chaozhou cuisine. At Guan Yan Liu Jin, he selects just the right Chaozhou ingredients and prepares them with the traditional and extremely meticulous cooking techniques of Chaoshan. He prepares each one of his dishes with such perfection, his refined delicacies at Guan Yan Liu Jin have garnered a mention in the inaugural edition of The MICHELIN Guide Hangzhou in 2023. During his time at Wynn Macau from January 19 to 21, he will introduce the gastronomy of his hometown, by capturing the original flavors, colors, and aromas of Chaoshan cuisine.

For dining reservations and enquiries at Wynn Macau, please call: (853) 8986 3663.

About Wynn Macau
Wynn Macau is a luxury hotel and casino resort in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China with two iconic towers featuring a total of 1,010 spacious rooms and suites, approximately 294,000 square feet of casino space, over 64,300 square feet of retail space, 14 food and beverage outlets, two spas, a salon and a pool. The resort proudly boasts three distinct entertainment experiences, including Macau’s only choreographed Performance Lake, blending lofty plumes of water, gracefully choreographed music from Broadway tunes to renowned Chinese songs, powerful LED lights and fire effects.

Wynn Macau is operated by international resort developer Wynn Resort s , recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Wynn Macau continues to hold the distinct honor of being the only resort in the world with 8 Forbes Five-Star Awards for seven consecutive years. Wynn Macau opened on September 6, 2006 and its second tower – Encore opened on April 21, 2010.

About Wynn Palace
Wynn Palace is the second luxury integrated resort from international resort developer Wynn Resorts in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, following the launch of Wynn Macau. Located in the Cotai area, it features a 28-storey hotel with 1,706 exquisitely furnished rooms, suites and villas, versatile meeting facilities, approximately 107,000 square feet of renowned luxury retail, 14 food and beverage outlets, Macau’s largest spa, a salon, a pool and approximately 468,000 square feet of casino space. The resort also features a variety of entertainment experiences, including the dazzling 8-acre Performance Lake that mesmerizes guests with a choreographed display of water, music and light, the unique SkyCab, spectacular, large-scale floral displays and an extensive collection of art works by some of the world’s leading artists.

Wynn Resorts is the recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. Wynn Palace is the first and only resort in the world with more than one thousand rooms to receive Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards. Wynn Palace opened on August 22, 2016.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Jim Thompson Farm Welcomes Guests to Embrace Essence of Isan Culture

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Jim Thompson Farm Welcomes Guests to Embrace Essence of Isan Culture – TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News and Updates


















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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO in Brazil to Begin Work on First Regional Office for Americas

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 3, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has continued to scale up its support for its Members across the Americas, with plans for a first Regional Office for the region advanced during an official visit to Brazil.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led the UNWTO delegation to Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia (13-17 December), recognizing Brazil’s strong support and commitment to tourism for development. In Brazil, Secretary-General Pololikashvili enjoyed bilateral meetings with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and with the country’s Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino.

First UNWTO Office for the Americas

At the 25th UNWTO General Assembly (Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 16-20 October), Member States voted to establish a first Regional Office for the Americas in Rio de Janeiro. The office will further enhance UNWTO’s global presence on the ground, adding to a Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a Regional Office in Nara, Japan, and its headquarters in Madrid, Spain.

The UNWTO Regional Office for the Americas will help guide tourism development not only in Brazil but across the whole region

  • Secretary-General Pololikashvili joined Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino and other high-level delegates to visit the location and oversee the first plans for the Regional Office.
  • Building on the plans set out at the General Assembly, UNWTO and the Government of Brazil hosted a special ceremony to celebration the official agreement for the Regional Office.
  • The start of the project has been heralded as a major opportunity to enhance Brazil’s status as a tourism leader for the Americas as well as one of the leading global destinations.
  • The Regional Office for the Americas will focus on strengthening the promotion of investments. One of the first key outputs will be guidelines aimed at boosting green investments, recognizing the importance of biodiversity for tourism in the Americas. The Rio office will also develop a strategy around technical training for youth, allowing them to gain the professional skills they need to grow the sector throughout the region.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The UNWTO Regional Office for the Americas will help guide tourism development not only in Brazil but across the whole region. Rio de Janeiro will be a true hub of leadership and ideas, with a focus on growing and targeting investments into the sector and harnessing tourism’s power for sustainable and inclusive growth.”

UNWTO talks tourism with President Lula

Reflecting the recognition of UNWTO’s mission at the very highest political level in Brazil, Secretary-General Pololikashvili was warmly welcomed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Their bilateral talks focused on shared priorities, including growing investments in tourism in both Brazil and across the region, and making the sector a driver of growth and opportunity.

In bilateral talks with Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino, UNWTO emphasized the enormous potential of tourism in the Americas…

Celebrating Tourism Excellence in Brazil

During the official visit, the UNWTO delegation joined in celebrations of the best tourism talent and leaders in Brazil. The National Tourism Awards ceremony (Brasilia, 16 December) recognized individuals and initiatives transforming the sector. UNWTO also joined the official opening of National Hall of Tourism.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Blue Elephant Collaborates with Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel

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Blue Elephant Collaborates with Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 29, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Merry and Sustainable Festive Season Hampers until 6 January 2024. Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, led by Mr. Christophe Geoffroy (3rd from left), General Manager, in collaboration with Blue Elephant Group’s Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (4th from left), launched ‘Merry & Sustainable Festive Season Hampers’ featuring the hotel’s finest cakes and cookies together with selected, premium Blue Elephant products as well as healthy drink items by Doi Kham at the hotel recently. Festive hampers are on sale at the hotel from now until 6 January 2024.

Pictured from left are: Ms. Teerawan Sansabai, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Marketing Communications Manager, Mr. Pierre Swennen, Mr. Christophe Geoffroy, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s General Manager, Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, Mr. Andreas Hameder Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Executive Chef, Mr. Cedric Besler, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Resident Manager and Ms. Wanida Kitjao Executive Secretary to Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe.

About Blue Elephant
The story of Blue Elephant began as a result of the great passion for Thai food of Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founding chef and director of the Blue Elephant Group. Blue Elephant opened its first restaurant in Brussels, Belgium in 1980 with Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, her husband Karl Steppe, who has always been passionate about Thai culture and Thai cuisine, and their good friends and partners Chai Wayno & Somboon

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Completes Gastronomy Tourism Project for Ubud

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UNWTO Completes Gastronomy Tourism Project for Ubud - VISITBALI.orgUbud, Bali, Indonesia, December 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has concluded the Gastronomy Tourism Project, designed to make Ubud, Indonesia, a global hub of sustainable gastronomy tourism. Within the framework of Indonesia’s annual Tourism National Coordinative Meeting, the project’s final report was presented to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, and to the Gianyar Regional Government.

The UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project in Ubud was developed with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy with the aim of growing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage and boost the local economy, create jobs and drive sustainable and inclusive development. Launched in 2018, it was put on hold during the pandemic, returning at the start of this year. The project was divided into three phases:

  • Phase 1: Analysis and diagnosis: inventory and evaluation of gastronomy resources, analysis of demand indicators, market study, online positioning and influencers in gastronomy tourism
  • Phase 2: Technical design: conformation of the development of the Gastronomy Tourism experience in Ubud, including governance, communication and positioning models
  • Phase 3: Development of the business plan: definition of indicators for measuring the impact and the outcomes of the project, design and format of the gastronomy experiences, business model and a communication plan for key source markets

As part of the project final visit, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will host a workshop for local stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in Ubud to discuss the outcomes of the project. The workshop will welcome participants from regional and local Destination Management Organizations, as well as representatives of gastronomy-related businesses and academia, to discuss an action plan and the way forward to turn Ubud into a global hub of sustainable and authentic community-based gastronomic experiences. The workshop will also focus on the next steps, such as the creation of a Gastronomy Tourism Club to support a structured governance model.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Asiatique Ancient Tea House Transports Guests Through the Rich History of Tea

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Asiatique Ancient Tea House Transports Guests Through the Rich History of Tea - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, December 21, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is excited to announce the launch of Asiatique Ancient Tea House, an elegant Dim-Sum Restaurant and stylish cocktail lounge located at Asiatique The Riverfront. This vibrant waterside destination, situated along the picturesque banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, promises a unique blend of Chinese Dim Sum, a curated selection of global teas, and innovative cocktails inspired by the world of tea.

Situated in a 111-year-old heritage house, first built in 1912 as part of the East Asiatic Company’s warehouse which is Thailand’s first trading pier,” Asiatique Ancient Tea House invites local residents and international visitors to step into a world of colonial grandeur and classical grace. The menu has been crafted distinctively by Pagoda Chinese Restaurant, the award-winning restaurant at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park hotel. The concept is based on the story of Emperor Shen Nong, who first discovered tea 4,000 years ago. Along with silk, porcelain and spices, tea became one of the most popular products traded between Siam and China.

The original century-old building has been fully restored and refurbished with a designed concept that showcases a “Celestial Hint from Heaven” with a modern classic Chinese style scheme. Wall prints, porcelain collections, art installations, the Horseshoe Arch and an extended balcony enhance the overall ambiance.

Asiatique Ancient Tea House unfolds as a living museum for tea enthusiasts, offering a journey through the art and history of tea. The three stories of “Tea Discovery and Tea Culture” are embodied in distinct spaces: Hint of Heaven, a glasshouse surrounded by greenery; 1890’s Blend Gallery, an exhibit of fine tea selections; and The Blooming on the second floor, symbolizing the flourishing era of tea culture. The colonial characteristics of the original historic building have been preserved and accentuated.

Transitioning seamlessly from a refined daytime venue offering an array of premium dim-sum to a sophisticated after dinner lounge, Asiatique Ancient Tea House boasts a global tea collection that includes Silk Dark Tea and Thida Green Tea from organic farms in Chiang Dao, Thailand, Bai Mu Dan White Tea from China, Sencha Green Tea from Japan, Darjeeling First Flush Dark Tea from India, and Rooibos Tisane from South Africa. Accompanied by delectable dim sum, yum cha, crispy pork belly, roasted barbecued pork, and more, the daytime offerings set the stage for an evening menu featuring playful mocktails, fine whiskies, tea-infused gins, and three signature cocktails inspired by green, white, and brown Chinese teas.

Asiatique Ancient Tea House becomes Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s fourth culinary and social venue at Asiatique The Riverfront, joining Sirimahannop, the reimagined Thai tall ship, The Crystal Grill House, an elegant glasshouse restaurant, and The Siam Tea Room, the highly authentic Thai restaurant and café. All four are easily accessible by road and river, including shuttle boat services from the pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS skytrain station.

Operating daily from 12:00 to 00:00 hrs, Asiatique Ancient Tea House invites guests to indulge in the art of tea and the delights of Dim Sum. For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2 059 5999.

About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queens Park Hotel
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The hotel offers extensive facilities, including 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across more than 30 venues, two swimming pools, 24-hour fitness center, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News