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Be Loud Be Proud night at WXYZ Bar Aloft Bangkok

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Bangkok, 21 June 2023 – Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 invites all hoteliers, travel industry friends, and Marriott Bonvoy members to celebrate the Pride Night, “Be Loud Be Proud” on Friday, 30 June 2023, at W XYZ Bar, Level 1.

Get ready to unleash your true colors! Turn up the volume on the night with special craft beverages including cocktails, beer, and spirit exclusively at THB 100 net per glass.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience Pride Month at Aloft Bangkok-Sukhumvit11. Come as you are, and let your authentic self-shine through.

For more information, please call 02 207 7000, email BKKALFB@marriott.com or chat via LINE https://lin.ee/ZE9eT (@AloftBangkok)

About Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is an urban gem in a stimulating travel destination. Our hotel features loft-inspired rooms and suites with tech-smart features, free Wi-Fi, platform beds and panoramic views of the Bangkok cityscape. Our prime location on Sukhumvit Road places the excitement of Soi 11 at your doorstep; you can also take advantage of our free hotel shuttle to the Nana BTS Sky Train and MRT subway stations for easy access to celebrated attractions. It’s a breeze to reach us – Come by BTS, drop at Nana BTS station and take exit 3, join our free tuk-tuk shuttle, drive your own car with free parking or take a taxi!

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Swiss Expert Martin Wuethrich as General Manager of Hua Hin Marriott Resort

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Mr. Martin Wuethrich has been appointed as the new General Manager of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, bringing almost 30 years of hospitality experience and expertise to Thailand’s gulf coast.

A Swiss national, Martin grew up in a hospitality family and spent his teenage years working in his parents’ restaurant. Having graduated from the Higher Hotel Management School in Switzerland, he went on to gain valuable experience at the Luxury Resort Ermitage Golf & Spa in Schoenried, Switzerland. Martin always had a passion for travel however, and he made the decision to move to Asia in 1996. Following his first role as F&B Manager with Novotel in Bangkok, he enjoyed his first taste of life in Hua Hin in 1998 when he was appointed Executive Assistant Manager of the Anantara resort.

Since this time, Martin’s career has grown from strength to strength. Returning to Bangkok in 2000, he was appointed Director of Food & Beverage at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, which marked the start of a 23-year spell with Starwood Hotels and Marriott International in four countries: Thailand, Vietnam, India and Malaysia.

Martin’s first posting as General Manager was at Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway in 2010, the first managed Sheraton in India. During this role, he won several awards including “General Manager of Year India” by Hotelier India. In late 2013, he moved back to Bangkok to open Asia’s first Le Méridien golf resort, Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Golf Resort & Spa, where he achieved a #1 ranking on Tripadvisor and was recognized with the multiple awards, including the Divisional Brand Ambassador award for Le Méridien in Asia Pacific. He was also elected to the GM Advisory Board for Le Méridien worldwide.

Martin now returns to Thailand as GM of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin as General Manager of Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa. A highly accomplished and award-winning hotelier who has spent almost three decades in the hotel sector, including 12 years in Thailand and over two decades with Marriott International’s portfolio of brands, Martin is the perfect person to lead this popular beachfront resort. We look forward to embarking on an exciting new era of hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences in Hua Hin,” said Jakob Helgen, Area Vice President, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International.

Martin is joined in Hua Hin by his wife, who is also a hotelier, and two sons. When he is not working, guests might find Martin exercising on the beach, playing football or jogging along the shore.

For more information about Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, please call +66 (0) 32 904 666

 

 

 

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Khiri Travel Wins Twice at International Travel Awards in Dubai

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Khiri Travel has won “Best Sustainable Tourism Company – Thailand” and “Best Destination Management Company – Thailand” at the 2023 International Travel Awards held in Dubai on 17 June.

Award organisers, UAE-based Golden Tree, said: “Khiri Travel has shown itself as a brilliant representative of excellent services in the global tourism industry.”

The annual awards are voted by guests, travellers and travel industry players alike. Over a hundred thousand international travellers and tourism industry professionals vote to select the winners across all categories each year.

Acknowledging the two awards, Willem Niemeijer, CEO and Founder of Khiri Travel, which is celebrating 30 years of DMC operations this year, said: “Two international travel awards in one evening is testament to over three decades of innovation and commitment to responsible tourism.”

He added: “While Thailand is Khiri’s biggest destination, we apply the same commitment to discovery and high quality sustainable travel in all the eight Asian destinations where we operate.”

In May, Khiri Travel officially celebrated its 30th anniversary, growing from a start-up in a Bangkok shophouse in 1993, to one of Asia’s leading destination management companies four decades later.

Khiri Travel is now operational in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Earlier this month, Khiri Travel was lauded by readers of Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia as one of the top five tour operators in the region.

Khiri Travel’s charitable arm, Khiri Reach, has also been shortlisted in the Travel Marketing Awards which take place in London on 3 July.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Zentis Osaka Appoints New General Manager

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OSAKA (June 20, 2023) – As Japanese upscale-lifestyle hotel brand, Zentis, forays into the international market for the first time since pandemic restrictions put a damper on its July 2020 debut, seasoned hospitality professional Mikio Akiyama has stepped up as general manager of the brand’s inaugural property, Zentis Osaka.

Akiyama brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including a decade with owning company Palace Hotel Co., Ltd. His arrival at Zentis marks a homecoming for the Kansai native, who began his career at Hyatt Regency Osaka in 1998. The next decade saw him in various sales positions outside of Japan, including four years with Accor in Singapore and Thailand followed by three years with Hyatt in China before returning to Bangkok to work for IHG.

“Akiyama’s global perspective and wealth of experience with international brands throughout Asia will prove invaluable as we introduce Zentis to overseas travelers,” said Daisuke Yoshihara, president of Palace Hotel Co., Ltd.

Akiyama joined the Forbes Five-Star Palace Hotel Tokyo in 2013 as one of its associate directors of global sales, spearheading the team responsible for outreach in Asia and the Middle East and handling the high-profile clientele originating from those markets. Four years later, he transitioned to an associate director of operations role before being promoted to director of rooms, a three-year stint during which he assisted the luxury property with steering its way through the pandemic.

Three years since its launch in the domestic market, the Zentis brand has now flung its doors wide open to international guests as Osaka experiences a renewal in inbound travel from overseas, following Japan’s lifting of all border restrictions at the beginning of May.

As Palace Hotel Tokyo continues to draw acclaim for its full-service embrace of discerning luxury travelers, Zentis is charting its own course with its upscale, select-service lifestyle concept aimed at savvy wanderers seeking comfort and design at accessible price points.

ABOUT ZENTIS OSAKA
Zentis Osaka is the debut property of Palace Hotel Group’s Zentis label, a brand with designs on raising the bar on select-service hospitality. Sixteen stories tall, the contemporary build features interiors by internationally renowned UK design firm Tara Bernerd & Partners and a pedigree that stems from the award-winning Palace Hotel Tokyo – the independent, homegrown brand that has redefined luxury Japanese hospitality.

Subtly edgy, wonderfully Japanese and naturally resplendent, the 212-room hotel pays homage to a city known for its industrious charm with an industrial chic look and laid-back feel. Osaka’s first addition to the bespoke collection of Design Hotels features local design touches, including shigaraki-yaki bedside tables crafted in the kilns of Shiga, shodo-inspired wallpaper installations and contemporary works by a local artist.

The dining concept at UPSTAIRZ – the hotel’s lounge, bar and restaurant – was conceived by a team with a Michelin-star track record and features a menu with Japanese and French influences.

Located where the riverside business area of Dojimahama and the high-end entertainment district of Kita-shinchi meet and set amid lush greenery, Zentis Osaka presents a distinctive urban oasis ideal for savvy, design-conscious travelers.

About Design Hotels™
Since 1993, Design Hotels™ has been crafting a portfolio which today includes 300+ privately owned and operated hotels that reflect the vision of independent hoteliers – or “Originals” – with a passion for culturally-rooted hospitality and cutting-edge design and architecture. From the pioneering boutique hotels of New York, Paris and London to the rising stars of Shanghai, Mexico City and Nairobi, to remote mountaintops, hidden beaches and off-the-beaten-path escapes, each independent hotel in the Design Hotels hand-picked portfolio is a wholly unique creative expression, steeped in the history, culture, and the nature of its environment.

Across the world, Design Hotels member properties anchor a community of travelers united in the pursuit of inspired environments, genuine local culture and transformative, boundary-pushing adventures. An ever-evolving movement forged on purpose, connectedness and curiosity.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Praya Palazzo Marks 100th birthday in Delicious Fashion

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Bangkok, Thailand (June 20, 2023) – PRAYA Palazzo, one of Bangkok’s most characterful riverside hotels, is mining Thailand’s rich culinary heritage as it launches its centenary celebrations this month.

A special dinner set-menu, comprising dishes made from recipes sourced from cookbooks dating back over 100-years, is the centerpiece of a package that has been curated in honor of the auspicious landmark. The package also includes accommodation, daily breakfast, Thai-style afternoon tea, and an accompanying tour of the charismatic neighborhood of Banglamphu which lies opposite Praya Palazzo on the other side of the Chao Phraya River.

“Praya Palazzo is a love letter to the past in a city that is forever looking towards the future,” said Kittisak “Kitt” Pattamasaevi, the CEO of Montara Hospitality Group. “Any birthday is significant, but 100-years is extra special. That’s why we’ve decided to mark the anniversary by highlighting the cuisine, and other aspects like the hotel’s architecture and its location near some of Bangkok’s most historic areas, that make the hotel so unique in the city.”

Praya Palazzo, one of the most attractive historic hotels along the legendary royal river, is known for its reverence for Bangkok’s incredible heritage. Located in a century-old Palladian-style mansion, and accessible only by boat, the hotel was originally the residence of a nobleman who was close with Thailand’s royal family. After lying empty for decades, the property was meticulously restored into a handsome and intimate heritage hotel.

One of the highlights of the property is Praya Dining, its MICHELIN Guide-acclaimed restaurant, which is renowned for being one of the best places in Bangkok to explore Thailand’s storied culinary heritage. Inside, it exudes historic charm to complement its culinary offerings, which unite iconic dishes from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms with the Rattanakosin Kingdom and modern Bangkok.

And the dinner set-menu, which features recipes from the royal court alongside other timeless classics, has been designed to reflect this reverence. Menu highlights include appetizers like latieng (sauteed minced prawn with onions, and peanuts wrapped with a delicate egg net) and a salad of Pla Neu (grilled beef with betel leaves and fresh herb). Mains include moo pad som siew (stir-fried pork with yellow chili paste), and chu chee goong maenam (deep-fried river prawn with red curry sauce.)

“Thai cuisine has achieved global prominence, which is testament to intricate cooking traditions that have been passed down through the generations,” added Kitt. “At Praya Dining we celebrate that heritage and will continue to do so as Praya Palazzo marks its centenary anniversary.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Outrigger Zones In on Ocean Conservation

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From clean-ups to coral planting, OUTRIGGER focuses on ocean health,
this World Ocean Month

This June for World Ocean Month, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has pledged to continue making a difference at its premier beach resorts worldwide. Activities connected to ocean health and conservation will take place at each OUTRIGGER resort throughout the month. Each event will empower, educate and inspire guests and hosts to care for our oceans. A sample of OUTRIGGER’S World Ocean Month activities includes:

THAILAND

  • OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, in association with Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community, will plant 2,000 mangrove trees and collect trash on the shore where the mangrove trees are being planted. Mangrove trees reduce shoreline erosion, protect coastal communities against flooding and are a spawning habitat for a wide variety of marine life.
  • OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort will join Trash Heroes in a community beach cleanup and also join Baan Tai Crab Bank in releasing baby crabs into the ocean. Those participating will be educated on the lifespan of crabs, the importance of habitat and responsible fishing practices.
  • OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort will join Phuket Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community in planting 2,000 mangrove trees in addition to releasing fish and prawns to the sea for the conservation of a sustainable mangrove forest.

MALDIVES

  • OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort will have coral planting, a whale shark and manta excursion, arts and crafts using plastic from the ocean, a school visit to bring awareness to ocean conservation, an evening documentary introduced by the resort’s marine biologist, plus activities and a data identification session on whale sharks and manta rays.

FIJI

  • Castaway Island, Fiji Resort will hold an environmentally themed race in addition to planting coral, making fish houses (a natural habitat for marine life), cleaning up underwater and planting coastal fruiting trees that provide fruit, shade and protection.
  • OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort will have a beach and roadside cleanup, realign and clean coral tables, remove Crown of Thorns starfish, which damage coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral decline, plant coral and make and sink fish houses.

MAUI

  • Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger and Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado by Outrigger will participate in beach cleanups and OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa will care for its adopted highway.

KAUAI

  • Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger will engage host children in a colouring contest voted on by hosts, guests and others for fun prizes.

HAWAII ISLAND

  • OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Fairway Villas Waikoloa by Outrigger and Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger will partner with Kahalu‘u Beach for a clean-up and to support the “Reef Teach” team who will educate on cauliflower coral spawning at Kahalu‘u Bay.

“As a global toes-in-the-sand brand, OUTRIGGER has a front-row seat to our ocean and we have a responsibility for its care now and for future generations,” said Monica Salter, VP of Global Communications and Social Responsibility. “We aim to inspire action for the good of our planet this World Ocean Month and beyond.”

OUTRIGGER’s Hawaii resorts are now Green Seal certified and are founding members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Responsible Stay initiative. They are also part of Global Hotel Alliance’s new Green Collection.

Since the founding of its global OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative in 2014, the company has preserved, protected and planted approximately 100 football fields of coral reef and was the first Hawaii hospitality brand to champion reef-safe sunscreen and provide it for guests.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

RETAIL ROUND-UP: TDC, TLN and TRAVELSAVERS

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In our latest retail round-up, Transat agents sailed with Scenic, Crystal made waves with Travel Leaders Network, and TRAVELSAVERS Canada talks technology.

TRANSAT DISTRIBUTION CANADA

A group of Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) agents and owners recently had the chance to discover Scenic Group’s luxury fleet as part of an exclusive familiarization trip (banner photo). The TDC team went from river to ocean as they sailed on the “Gems of the Danube” itinerary and were first the exclusive Canadian agency to experience Scenic Eclipse II.

Juna Ueda, GM Sales for Scenic Group Canada, hosted the group, which set out on the Scenic Amber from Nuremberg, Germany, calling in destinations such as Regensberg, Passau, Linz, Melk and Durnstein. Additionally, participants (and companions) visited Salzburg and Cesky Krumlov, biking along the river and experiencing a private concert by the Vienna Imperial Orchestra at Palais Liechtenstein, before landing in Budapest.

After the cruise, the group flew to Malaga, Spain, for the naming ceremony of Scenic Eclipse, an ice-strengthened expedition mega-yacht that can accommodate 228 guests and 176 crew.

Sandra Wesson, Director of Product and Industry Relations for TDC, group’s experience as exceptional, stating “This was truly an exceptional experience for our team. Experiencing both Scenic’s river and ocean products in one trip provided them with the invaluable knowledge to effectively promote these luxury ships… Each participant now has a solid plan to sell Scenic and eagerly looks forward to sharing their experiences with their clients”.

Brenda Dutton, owner of Huntsville Travel, called the FAM “a trip of a lifetime,” adding that Scenic would be “an easy sell to my clients.”

The FAM trip is one of 11 trips offered by TDC to its members in 2023.

Scenic Amber

TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK

Crystal has announced that it will be a preferred supplier to Travel Leaders Network (TLN), the largest North American consortia specializing in luxury and experiential travel. TLN has also served as a key strategic sales distribution partner for the A&K Travel Group for several years.

“Crystal will provide TLN’s portfolio of travel advisors with exceptional experiences at sea that will delight their clients and create lifelong memories while sailing,” says the cruise line.

“Crystal is delighted to work with Travel Leaders Network and its community of passionate and dedicated travel professionals,” said

“Our collaboration presents a tremendous opportunity to re-engage with travel sellers throughout their vast network as well as introduce the Crystal brand to travel professionals whose clientele seek extraordinary experiences both at sea and onshore,” said Crystal VP of Sales & Trade Partnerships for Brandon Townsley.

Crystal Serenity’s inaugural sailing will depart July 31 from Marseille for a Mediterranean cruise, and Crystal Symphony will depart on Sept. 1, 2023, from Athens.

TRAVELSAVERS

Citing rising demand for online research and bookings by consumers, TRAVELSAVERS CANADA says it has enhanced its tools to provide its agencies with improved mobile-responsive technologies that customers can easily use from any device.

The consortia’s consumer website solution for agencies, OnlineXpress, works alongside Softvoyage Package Plus features, serving as a lead-generating e-commerce platform and as a one-stop shop for advisors to manage the overflow of booking demand. Working in tandem or separately, customers can explore destinations, packages and dates and share insights with advisors to create a personalized travel experience.

“This industry-leading technology emphasizes the indisputable advantages of working with a seasoned travel agency as opposed to exclusively dealing with online travel agencies,” says Christine Vincent, Business Technology Manager, TRAVELSAVERS North America.

“As the industry continues to evolve digitally, virtually all consumers shop online before seeking agent advice,” observes says TRAVELSAVERS CANADA Sr. VP and GM Jane Clementino, adding the organization is committed to offering advisors the newest market-leading tools and resources to help serve and support to their customers.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BWH Hotels Invites Rewards Members to Give The Gift of Travel

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BESTWESTRNHOTELS-BWH Hotels Invites Rewards Members to Give The Gift of Travel-TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, June 20, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Members of the award-winning Best Western Rewards® program are encouraged to gift points to friends and family for milestone trips around the world. With a season filled with celebratory milestones, BWH Hotels’ award-winning loyalty program – Best Western Rewards (BWR®) – is excited to announce its new “Gift of Travel” program. With the Gift of Travel program, BWR loyalty members can provide travel experiences to their loved ones at any BWH Hotels (BWH) property around the globe by gifting rewards points to other BWR members for momentous trips.

These gifts will allow their loved ones to embark on amazing journeys, whether it be a cross-country road trip or a celebratory adventure. BWR members can extend the “Gift of Travel” in one of two ways:

• Gifting a Free Night: BWR members can gift a one-night stay to immediate family members through the “Gift a Free Night” option in their BWR account.

• Redeeming a Best Western Gift Card: BWR members can redeem their points for a Best Western Gift Card and gift that to friends and family. Members can access this option in the redemption section of their BWR account.

“The Gift of Travel program allows globetrotters of all ages to celebrate life’s most cherished moments through travel. By allowing our valued BWR members to use their points – which never expire – towards free nights or gift cards for loved ones, it has never been easier to gift experiences that will undoubtedly last a lifetime,” said Larry Cuculic, President and CEO, BWH. “By choosing one of our hotels around the world for their travels, our loyal guests will enjoy the exceptional hospitality they have come to know and love.”

BWH properties deliver exceptional experiences and exceed guest expectations with every stay and are located in some of the world’s most notable locations. Whether it’s experiencing popular amusement parks to celebrate a graduation, visiting world-class wineries to honor an anniversary, or finding respite on famed beaches during a honeymoon, the Gift of Travel program allows guests to enjoy amazing journeys almost anywhere in the world. Below are curated suggestions for unique accommodations at popular attractions around the globe designed to inspire vacationers to travel.

Best City Getaways to Celebrate a Milestone Birthday
• New York, New York
o Best Western Plus Soho Hotel
• Sydney, Australia
o Aiden by Best Western @ Darling Harbour
• Bangkok, Thailand
o Vib Best Western Sanam Pao

Best Hotels Near World Renowned Wineries for Anniversary Travel
• Alsace, France
o Best Western Hotel & Spa Le Schoenenbourg
• Ochsenfurt, Germany
o Best Western Hotel Polisina
• Penn Yan, New York
o Best Western Plus Vineyard Inn & Suites
• Auckland, New Zealand
o Best Western Newmarket Inn & Suites
• Cape Town, South Africa
o Best Western Cape Suites Hotel

Best Romantic Beachside Getaways for Honeymooners
• Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France
o Ilot du Golf, BW Premier Collection
• Zakynthos Island, Greece
o Zante Park Resort & Spa, BW Premier Collection
• West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
o Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point
• Lahaina, Hawaii
o Best Western Pioneer Inn

Hotels Near Amusement Parks for Graduation Trips
• Disneyland Paris
o Best Western Hotel Grand Parc (Chanteloup En Brie, France)
• Disneyland / Disney’s California Adventure
o Hotel Lulu, Best Western Premier Collection (Anaheim, CA)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom / Magic Kingdom
o SureStay Plus by Best Western Orlando Lake Buena Vista (Orlando, FL)
• Disneyland Tokyo
o Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akasaka (Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo)

In addition to the Gift of Travel, this summer BWR members who stay two nights (two one-night stays or one two-night stay) at any BWH property in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean, will earn a $50 Best Western gift card; members can take advantage of this promotion twice to earn up to $100 in gift cards during the length of the promotion. The promotion runs from May 22, 2023, to September 4, 2023. For more information on BWR or to sign up, please visit bestwestern.com/rewardsrush1.

About Best Western Rewards® (BWR®):
BWR is the award-winning loyalty program for Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, a vibrant hospitality company with 19 distinct brand offerings in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. With hotels across every segment from economy to luxury, it is easy to earn BWR points through hotel stays or everyday purchases with the BWR co-branded credit card. With points that never expire, BWR’s more than 50 million members have access to exclusive rates, rich rewards and incentives. Rewards earned through BWR can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards or charitable donations that make a long-lasting impact for the benefit of those in need. BWR’s Pay with Points program provides added flexibility, allowing BWR members to use earned points to lower the cost of their hotel stay. Regardless of destination or travel purpose, BWR has the exclusive perks to thank and reward its most valued guests.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Asia and Pacific Unite in Support of Code for Protection of Tourists

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Asia and Pacific Unite in Support of Code for Protection of Tourists - TRAVELINDEXPhnom Penh, Cambodia, June 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Cambodia, the Maldives and Indonesia have become the newest signatories to UNWTO’s International Code for the Protection of Tourists. At the same time, UNWTO’s Member States across the Asia and Pacific region have adopted the Phnom Penh Declaration on the Code, promoting its dissemination and implementation across the region as a fundamental tool to ensure clear, transparent and efficient frameworks to protect tourists as consumers to foster confidence in travel.

A landmark for tourists’ protection

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists is the first ever legal instrument designed to create internationally recognized standards for the protection of tourists at the international level.

  • The Code was created by UNWTO with the active participation of more than 100 countries, international organizations, tourism experts and private sector stakeholders.
  • It was formally adopted at the 24th UNWTO General Assembly (December 2021). Member States were invited to apply it at the national level.
  • The Code provides greater legal clarity to States through a common and harmonized framework on how to assist tourists in emergency situations and help them develop laws, regulations and policies for the protection of tourists as consumers.

People want to feel safe and protected when they travel and UNWTO has led the way in creating the first legal tool that will help restore trust in travel

New Signatories

Member States of both UNWTO and the United Nations are encouraged to adhere to the Code:

  • Cambodia, the Maldives and Indonesia are the latest national-level signatories. They join Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Moldova, Myanmar, Paraguay, Portugal and Uruguay.

“People want to feel safe and protected when they travel and UNWTO has led the way in creating the first legal tool that will help restore trust in travel,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The number of countries joining this initiative to incorporate it into national legislations keeps growing and we are proud to welcome Cambodia, the Maldives and Indonesia as the newest signatories.”

Sharing Best Practices

Within the framework of the 35th Joint Meeting of the Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia (Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 15-17 June), a conference on the International Code provided a platform for regional tourism leaders to share insights, best practices and lessons learnt on how this legal tool supports tourism recovery and trust after the severe crisis caused by the pandemic. The Conference

  • Counted on unprecedented high-level participation of delegations from Asia and the Pacific countries, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Ministers of Tourism from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives and the Philippines and Vice Ministers of Tourism of China and Iran
  • Benefitted from the participation of Uruguay as “Champion of the Code” and a leader in the assistance to tourists in emergency situations. .
  • Offered expert insights on how the Code closes existing gaps in legal frameworks and contributes to greater international harmonization.
  • Underscored the need to promote closer public-private links to better coordinate responsibilities when assisting tourists and protecting consumer rights.

Phnom Penh Declaration

The “Phnom Penh Declaration on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists” was adopted by the Member States of the Asia and the Pacific region before the conference and officially launched under the high patronage of the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia. The Declaration:

  • Reaffirms the commitment of the Asia and the Pacific region to strengthen cooperation to improve the assistance available to international tourists in emergency situations.
  • Underlines the need to promote closer linkages between governments, tourism service providers and other tourism stakeholders for a better protection of tourists as consumers.

The Declaration reflects Cambodia’s commitment to assist tourists in emergency situations, as shown in February 2020 when rescuing more than 1,000 passengers stranded at sea on the MS Westerdam cruise ship.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Bali and Beyond Travel Fair Announces New Theme for 2024

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Bali and Beyond Travel Fair Announces New Theme for 2024 - TRAVELINDEX - VISITBALI.orgNusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, June 19, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 9th Bali and Beyond Travel Fair 2023 has just completed successfully with a press conference attended by the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, accompanied by the vice Governor of Bali, tourism stakeholders, private sectors, associations, exhibitors, buyers and sellers on Saturday, 17th June 2023 at Bali International Convention Center (BICC) Nusa Dua, Bali.

For the last few days, during the Travex, BBTF received the positive responds from government officials, stakeholders buyers and sellers as well as exhibitors who expressed their appreciation for BBTF 2023. This brought confident to the committee to stay committed continuing the legacy of BBTF as the Indonesia’s leading international travel fair as an annual event. “We are hoping for support that brought bigger all buyers and sellers together in 2024 to build partnership, good business and making a positive impact to Bali and beyond Indonesia.” Prof. Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, the Vice Governor of Bali commented to encourage all stakeholders to collaborate.

“BBTF is proud to take part in the growth of tourism in Indonesia with continuous trust and full support from Bali Government, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Stakeholders together to bring the potential of Indonesia from Bali and at the end contribute an increasing of foreign earnings.” the Head Committee of BBTF 2023 stated.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno encourages BBTF as a platform to promote quality and sustainable tourism, aiming to grow as the largest travel trade event in the region. He announced also the good news that Indonesia is chosen as part of the executive to design the world tourism by UNWTO. Indonesia will focus on 4.4 million employments and sustainable tourism.

This year the Minister highlighted the significant growth with the participation of BBTF and expected to enhance the MICE sector and creative economy-based tourism and can contribute to achieving Indonesia’s tourist arrival targets for 2024.

Next year the ministry are optimistic to get more top buyers worldwide that represent the full spectrum of tourism at all levels including Tour operators, Travel agencies, Event and Tourism companies, Public institutions & organizations, Domestic and foreign MICE, and Corporates to meet diversity of sellers from Travel and Tourism in Indonesia; Travel Bureau, Tourist attractions, Hotels and Restaurants, Health & Wellness industries, Marine Tourism, Tourism Villages and corporate travel representatives as well as regional’s new destinations. “We hope to see more participations, and we encourage provinces all over Indonesia, regencies and associations to take opportunity to be part of BBTF 2024.” The Minister added.

“For that reasons Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) will return for the 10th year in June 13 – 15, 2024 with the theme of ‘Exploring & Experiencing Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty’, expecting a qualified market place for global buyers to meet national and international sellers in Bali,” I Putu Winastra, the Head Committee of BBTF 2023 and Chairman of ASITA Bali chapter announced the theme for 2024 that outlined Indonesia as a whole.

“Inspired by the 10. Ten is a symbol of success and achievement associated with good luck and prosperity especially in the business sector. So, we choose the color of Gold for next year theme that also represent Wisdom, Royalty, Victory, and Devotion for success. Let’s face the challenges together. Being resilience and optimistic for the future of Tourism Indonesia.” Putu Winastra added.

BBTF committees extend their gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Wonderful Indonesia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bali, Bali the Island of God, Bali Tourism Board, and DPD ASITA Bali, as well as the event sponsors; Marriott International, BICC, Westin, Qatar Airways, Hatten Wine, Tri Jeevawasa Kusuma, Akasa Kintamani Coffee, BIMC Siloam, UHA, Biznet, AVB, Eco Bike Coffee, and Proteam, Local crew, Politeknik Pariwisata Bali, Darmawan & Associates (D&A).

BBTF Official Hotel partners: the Apurva Kempinski Bali, Sol by Melia Benoa Bali, Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali, Infinity8 Bali, Bali Tropic Resort & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort, Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran, The Ritz – Carlton Bali, The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua, Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort, Vouk Hotel & Suites Nusa Dua.

Post tours to all buyers to various destinations supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Buleleng Tourism Office, The Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra Provincial Government, Plaga Eco Park, KBA Tur, D’Umah Bali, BSM Tour. And in addition to all our media partners such as TTG Asia, Bali.com, Travelindex Media, Guo Ji Ri Bao, and all international, national, and local media that support and strengthen the positioning of BBTF as Indonesia’s leading International Travel Fair.

For more information about BBTF 2023, please visit the website https://www.bbtf.co.id/

See you at BBTF 2024 – “Exploring & Experiencing the Sense of Indonesia’s Beauty”.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News