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The Tampa EDITION Sets a New Standard of Sophisticated Luxury in Tampa and the World

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The Tampa EDITION

Unlike other 24-hour gateway cities, Tampa has always flown very quietly and confidently under the radar. Its understated and simple approach to life resulting in an authenticity and realness that its residents proudly say distinguishes it from all other great cities. But, with a growing reputation as a culinary hotspot, world-class shopping, a collection of great museums, a very progressive nightlife scene, and unparalleled sports teams including recent Stanley Cup and Super Bowl champions, Tampa’s time has come, alongside a paradigm-shifting transformative masterwork that will change the very heartbeat of the city and move its center to a new place.

Cementing the city’s coming of age and its position as a gateway to southern Florida, is the unveiling of Water Street Tampa, an astonishing $3.5 billion urban mixed use development expansion project led by Strategic Property Partners, a partnership between Cascade Investment LLC and Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.

A truly pioneering and visionary venture that has set a standard for the future of cities around the world, Water Street Tampa has not just revitalized the destination, it has cleverly shifted its focal point and transformed the way Tampa lives, works, and breathes.

The arrival of The Tampa EDITION further boosts the city’s rise and cements the EDITION brand’s knack for landing in the right place at the right time. The jewel in the crown of Water Street Tampa, the five-star hotel and residences have been masterminded and created by Ian Schrager, in collaboration with Marriott International.

“Not often have I had the opportunity to work on a project that will completely transform the very center and heartbeat of a great city like Tampa, and make it even greater,” said Ian Schrager, the visionary pioneer of the boutique hotel concept and the EDITION creator. “I call it urban expansion, rather than urban renewal, and it serves as a model for how cities will transform and evolve the future. The scale of it is mind-boggling and we’re very happy to be right here and a part of it.”

Reminiscent of Stockholm and other very livable European and Scandinavian harbor cities that combine the best of a metropolitan city with living by the sea and being close to water, when complete, the Water Street Tampa neighborhood will double the footprint of downtown Tampa. Unfolding over 9 million square feet, the neighborhood is built around wellness, connectivity, walkability, and sustainability, placing its residents in the heart of a balanced urban experience, and offering sparkling waterfront views, publicly accessible green space, first-rate dining and shopping, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, residences, and offices.

Schrager continues: “Water Street Tampa includes new hotels, retail, dining, workplace, and residential offerings at a scale that has the potential to make Tampa a 24-hour international gateway city for all of central and southern Florida, one of the fastest growing states in the country!”

At the heart of this transformative project, The Tampa EDITION sets a new standard as the city’s first five-star experience, revealing an unparalleled level of sophistication, originality, and design alongside the personal, intimate, and individual experience that the EDITION brand is known for.

Designed, concepted, and programmed by ISC Design Studio, in partnership with Morris Adjmi Architects, Nichols Architects, Bonetti Kozerski Architects, and Roman and Williams, the hotel remains firmly rooted in the EDITION brand’s strong sense of refined simplicity and style. Spread over 26 stories, there are 172 rooms and 38 private residences, a rooftop terrace with a pool, expansive spa and wellness facility, fitness center, and seven bars and restaurants including a signature offering from Michelin-starred chef John Fraser.

The hotel seamlessly blends the energy of a major metropolitan city with a warm-weather resort sensibility. “The design is simple and pure. There isn’t anything superfluous or gratuitous, nor a wasted gesture,” says Schrager.

From the outside, The Tampa EDITION is a striking addition to the Water Street Tampa neighborhood, its combination of industrial elements, art deco-inspired curves and lush greenery seamlessly blending into the neighborhood’s organic, wellness-focused ethos. Defined by a vertical tower which houses the residences, with wrap-around balconies that update the traditional idea of a Florida room, an outdoor garden in the sky, the building is anchored by the lower nine floors, which comprises the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces.

Accessible from Channelside Drive, the hotel’s main entrance, with its softly curved bougainvillea-covered canopy, leads to a dynamic open-flow lobby with soaring 20-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that shed natural light onto the elegant interiors anchored by a dramatic white marble sculptural staircase. Here, a mixture of open-pore travertine, walnut wood and a jungle of live greenery comes together in the Lobby Bar to create a warm, natural backdrop for striking features such as a large-scale stainless-steel Anish Kapoor-inspired lilac orb art piece, a custom-designed travertine pool table, and intimately grouped furniture – from Christian Liaigre reading lights to Jean-Michel Frank-style chairs – that sit atop champagne-colored rugs. The Lobby Bar will feature elevated classic cocktails with a Mediterranean twist, along with shareable small plates.

Flanking this space is a scalloped American Black Walnut bar, with cognac leather stools, which then flows into Lilac, the signature fine dining Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef and California native, John Fraser. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, the dining room’s walnut flooring and the warm glow from the pendant globes create an elevated, convivial space focused around an eight-seat Christian Liaigre chef’s counter in sandblasted walnut and a lively open kitchen. Taking its cues from Fraser’s Greek heritage, the cuisine at Lilac highlights locally sourced and seasonal ingredients showcasing unique flavors and techniques through an Eastern Mediterranean lens. Guests receive a prix fixe menu, beginning with hors d’oeuvres to share followed by three courses of their choice. Signature dishes include locally sourced Grouper cooked in a cataplana, Short Rib cooked on a rotisserie, and Herbed Pasta with a soft egg and sherry-braised chanterelle mushrooms. “It is always an honor to collaborate with the EDITION. We share a similar culture and are both keen on offering modern luxury and high quality. Ian Schrager is a genius at providing the stage and setting the spirit and tone. We are grateful to him and the hotel’s ownership for continuously investing in the best. Through great hospitality, architecture, and design, we strive for our guests to feel as if they have arrived at a sanctuary where they never have to leave. We look forward to being a part of Ian’s vision through our food and beverage offerings – with something for everyone during all parts of the day,” says Fraser.

Schrager continues: “John Fraser has created signature restaurants for us at The West Hollywood EDITION and The Times Square EDITION – both of which are amazingly successful. Recognized as one of the best chefs in the world, his health and wellbeing-focused cooking style is appropriate, not just for Florida’s climate, but it also fits into Water Street’s wellness principles. This is a great opportunity to bring a world class, internationally recognized, Michelin star chef to Tampa.”

Fraser is also behind the concepts of the hotel’s other food and beverage outlets, including Market at EDITION. Located on the opposite side of the lobby to Lilac, Market at EDITION makes the most of its streetside corner spot, with a private garden oasis perfect for alfresco dining on Water Street that flows seamlessly into the interior of the restaurant. Here, the bright and airy all-day dining space features a scalloped white oak and Calcutta marble coffee and pastry bar, which sits adjacent to a casual, convivial dining space. Market at EDITION’s menu has an Italian trattoria flair, with fresh pizzas emerging from the open hatch behind the zinc bar, alongside light, healthy, casual, and ingredient-driven classics.

Unfolding like a four-act theatrical piece, the hotel comprises a series of spaces and experiences each adding up to a total more than the sum of its individual parts. The second floor – accessed via the sculptural staircase – introduces a variety of dramatic and distinctive spaces that work together or separately. Evoking old Hollywood glamour, Punch Room, is a cozy, muted space accented with rich jewel-toned shades of emerald and sapphire. Handsome walnut wall paneling creates a European gentleman’s club-like feel that is enhanced by Pierre Chareau alabaster wall sconces, a flickering double-sided fireplace, bright-blue George Smith furniture, Rojo Alicante marble tables and a cognac marble bar backed by a softly lit smoky antique mirror. Ideal for a sedate pre-dinner cocktail or a conversational nightcap, the venue’s unique cocktail menu focuses on the West Indies, highlighting aged spirits, spices, teas, and tropical fruits in drinks such as The Black Pearl and The Tampa Punch, alongside elevated bar snacks.

Arts Club combines a trio of spaces that come together in a glamorous offering that has elevated Tampa’s entertainment scene. Start your evening in the Lounge, with a cocktail and some light bites against a seductive backdrop of ebonized wood, black damask velvet sofas, black leather banquettes and – just for fun – a specially commissioned photobooth in black lacquer with a gold interior. From there, the Verde Antico marble bar noir, with its luminescent yellow velvet stools in the bar area, is the perfect precursor before an evening of entertainment in the finale, Arts Club Cabaret. Featuring an organic undulating ceiling of 350 mirrored balls of various sizes and theatrical ruby red velvet drapery, this Radio City Music Hall-inspired space will play host to a roster of entertainers with spectacular effects.

Also on the second floor and the mezzanine level above, is the 250-guest private event space and a series of meeting rooms – including two studios and a boardroom – which all come complete with top technology, including electronically controlled black-out blinds and light filtering window treatments, retractable walls to accommodate events of all sizes, and a thoughtful interior design scheme of white oak and travertine details, resulting in a bright, modern and airy offering.

The design of the wellness facility, also on level two, is just as fresh. The reception area – with its curved white oak and marble-topped desk and gold leaf accent wall behind – is flanked on either side by arches, which lead to an all-white co-ed relaxation area and six treatment rooms. The spa’s concept is inspired by wellness and sustainability and offers a menu of treatments from Biologique Recherche Skinlab facials to the EDITION Signature Massage.

In a first for Tampa, and unlike anything the city has seen before, The Rooftop is the place to see and be seen, and truly has it all. Located on level nine, just below the residences, the area comprises Azure at EDITION – a restaurant overseen by chef John Fraser – and a sprawling pool club with cabanas for day and night, open to hotel guests and residences only, and accessible either via the restaurant, or its own entrance. Here, swathes of travertine create a neutral backdrop for a trimming of lush landscaping including Japanese blueberry trees and bright pops of purple bougainvillea, which sit atop the five poolside cabanas materializing an outdoor garden in the sky. With 81 sun loungers, resident DJs and a bar, the vibe here is decadent and relaxed – the perfect spot to while away a sunny day against Tampa city views.

Open to the public, Azure at EDITION serves a fresh Mediterranean-flecked menu of dishes such as Santorini Tomato Fritters, in an elevated setting anchored by a large white oak and marble racetrack bar and lined with intimate and private banquettes, upholstered in white leather and linen, separated by slatted bleached oak screens.

Finally, sandwiched between the second level and the ninth floor Rooftop, are the 172 guestrooms and suites. Each room is an understated haven with marble bathrooms and a curved American Black Walnut entrance that leads to a light white oak space embellished with photography by the late New York-based fashion and portrait photographer, Rodney Smith, and custom Jean-Michel Frank-inspired furniture alongside the sensuous curves of a white lacquer Cherner Chair. There are five Garden Terrace rooms on the third floor, the one-bedroom Penthouse – with a media room, open-plan living and dining room, pantry and expansive walk-in wardrobe and bathroom – is on a light-filled corner of the eighth floor, while each guestroom either looks out onto the city, or has views of the boat-filled Garrison Channel.

The spotlight is shining brightly on Tampa and, along with its legendary service, The Tampa EDITION is setting a new standard of luxury in a city with an ambitious future. “Tampa is a city that’s really coming into its own,” said Schrager. “It’s got a good quality of life and a great food scene. It’s a city in the sun, but it’s not a vacation-only spot, it’s a real living breathing city and that’s what I think is so special about it.”

The Tampa EDITION will open in preview from September 20, 2022, with a global launch slated for October, 2022.

About EDITION Hotels
EDITION Hotels is an unexpected and refreshing collection of individualized, customized, one-of-a-kind hotels which redefines the codes of traditional luxury. Displaying the best of dining and entertainment, services, and amenities “all under one roof,” each EDITION property is completely unique, reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of its location and of the time.

Conceived in collaboration by Ian Schrager and Marriott International, EDITION combines both the personal and intimate experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise, and scale of Marriott. The authenticity and originality that Ian Schrager brings to this brand coupled with the global reach of Marriott International results in a truly distinct product sets itself apart from anything else currently in the marketplace.

Each hotel, with its individuality, authenticity, originality, and unique ethos, reflects the current spirit and zeitgeist of its location. Although all the hotels look completely different from each other, the brand’s unifying aesthetic is in its approach and attitude to the modern lifestyle rather than its appearance. EDITION is about an attitude and the way it makes you feel rather than the way it looks. Sophisticated public spaces, finishes, design, and details serve the experience, not drive it. For an underserved market of affluent, culturally savvy, and service-savvy guests, the EDITION experience and lifestyle explores the unprecedented intersection and the perfect balance between taste-making design and innovation and consistent, excellent service on a global scale.

EDITION currently operates 14 hotels globally: New York and Times Square New York, London, Miami Beach, West Hollywood, Barcelona, Bodrum, Shanghai, Sanya, China, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Tokyo Toranomon, Reykjavik, and Madrid.

About Ian Schrager Company
After leaving Morgans Hotel Group in 2005, the company he founded and created, Ian Schrager developed his namesake, Ian Schrager Company. This company owns, develops, manages and brands hotels, residential and mixed-use projects. Since then, he has transformed the fabled Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City, created two groundbreaking residential properties, 40 Bond and 50 Gramercy Park North, successfully launched his new brand, PUBLIC Hotels, and is currently working on multiple hotels in New York City and two luxury residential projects; 215 Chrystie and 160 Leroy also in New York City. In addition, Schrager in partnership with Marriott International created EDITION Hotels, a luxury lifestyle brand with properties in London, Miami New York City, Los Angeles, Bodrum, Shanghai, Tokyo, Reykjavik, and Barcelona and more in development around the world.

Schrager’s brand, PUBLIC, is a new genre of hotel offering great value, great service and great style that sets a new industry standard. He has taken the best from the luxury set, the best from the boutique/lifestyle set and the best from select service and created a new breed of hotel where everything has been rethought and every original idea updated. The brand is defined by the unique experience it creates rather than by a business classification or price.

EDITION Hotels, Ian Schrager’s partnership with Marriott International, marks the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. This brand combines the personal, intimate, individualized, and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for with the global reach, operational expertise, and scale of Marriott. This delicate balancing act encompasses not only great design and true innovation but also personal, friendly, modern service and outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage, and entertainment offerings… all “under one roof”.

“Together Marriott and I have a new vision and plan to radically rethink and catapult the boutique/lifestyle category hotel into the present by capturing the spirit of the times,” says Schrager.

Ian Schrager’s groundbreaking concepts have changed the business and set industry standards that continue to be imitated throughout the world.

About Strategic Property Partners
Strategic Property Partners, LLC (“SPP”) is a full-service real estate developer, owner and operator focused on world-class execution, innovation and creating high-quality experiential places. SPP’s first project, Water Street Tampa, is being developed on 56 acres of contiguous land the company owns in downtown Tampa along the waterfront. The phased Water Street Tampa development project commenced vertical construction in 2018 and is revitalizing the downtown Tampa core into an urban, mixed-use waterfront district consisting of approximately nine million square feet of new commercial, residential, hospitality, cultural, entertainment, educational and retail uses, totaling over $3.5 billion in private investment from SPP. The company is owned and capitalized through a partnership between Cascade Investment LLC, and Jeff Vinik. For more information on Water Street Tampa, visit www.waterstreettampa.com.

For More Information
www.editionhotels.com
www.editionhotels.com/tampa
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpaeb-the-tampa-edition

Facebook: @EDITIONhotels
Facebook: @TheTampaEDITION
Instagram: @EDITIONhotels| @EDITIONtampa | @lilactampa

The Tampa EDITION
500 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602

Reservations: +1 (813) 221-6000 | toll free: +1 (866) 576-2372 reservations.tpa@editionhotels.com
Hotel Inquiries: +1 813 221 4600 | info.tpa@editionhotels.com

Films: EDITION Introduces Tampa
The Urban Renaissance
The Wellness Pioneer
The Progressive Scene

Media Contact:
US & International
PURPLE
TheTampaEDITION@purplepr.com

Tampa
Basia Irzyk Public Relations
basiairzyk@gmail.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

22nd World Gourmet Festival Wraps Up with Vital Funds Raised for Charity

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Bangkok, Thailand, September 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / His Serene Highness Prince Ticomporn Yugala representing Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen Suddhanarinatha graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the 22nd World Gourmet Festival on Tuesday, 6th September 2022 at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

Held from 6 – 11 September 2022, the festival raised a substantial amount in support of the Foundation for the Welfare of Rajavithi-Girls’ Home Under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali. THB 600 per dinner ticket sold and proceeds from the auctions, which took place throughout the festival, were donated to the Fund.

The event would not have been possible without the participation of guest chefs, food and wine experts from around the world, as well as the support of key sponsors.

This year, the line-up of guest chefs at the 22nd annual World Gourmet Festival was as follows:

– Peter Gast: Graphite in Amsterdam, Netherlands (1 Michelin star)
– Davide Caranchini: Materia in Como, Italy (1 Michelin star)
– Nicolas Isnard: Auberge de la Charme in Prenois, France (1 Michelin star)
– Amerigo Sesti: J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain in Bangkok, Thailand (1 Michelin star)
– Christian Martena: Clara in Bangkok, Thailand
– Sugio Yamaguchi: Botanique in Paris, France
– Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam: Baan Tepa in Bangkok, Thailand
– Claire Clark: Pretty Sweet in London, the United Kingdom
– Sutakon Suwannachot: Chocolatier Boutique Café in Bangkok, Thailand

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel’s 22nd World Gourmet Festival is sponsored by Citibank N.A. and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

For the updates on the 23rd World Gourmet Festival – Bangkok’s biggest annual food and wine event – please visit www.WorldGourmetFestival.asia.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Travel Tech Asia 2022 Brings Innovators and Decision Makers Together

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ITB ASIA - Travel Tech Asia 2022 Brings Innovators and Decision Makers Together - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, September 14, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Travel Tech Asia 2022 is a three-day conference and trade show aimed at providing the community with a platform for in-depth discussions on how travel tech can change and transform the travel & tourism industry. Organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) and co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia is the most important travel technology marketplace for digital travel leaders and will be held as an in-person event from 19 – 21 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

“Travel technology solutions are more crucial than ever as they help the industry cope with the aftermath of the pandemic. Travel Tech Asia brings CEOs, founders and the world’s experts from leading companies to share latest updates, brand-new ideas and proven case studies on how technologies can offer meaningful connections between travel brands and customers to deliver seamless end to end customer journey”, said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of Travel Tech Asia, ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia.

Travel Tech Asia Conference 2022 gathers the thought leaders in Travel Tech

Travel Tech Asia Conference is the leading stage for digital travel professionals. It will feature a series of talks from leading brands and companies on three main topics: “How technology is changing the way we travel and the need for companies to adapt to the changing trends”, “How the travel industry can leverage on technology to take their business to the next level” and “How emerging technologies, trends and ideas are creating new opportunities in travel”.

Over the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, travel tech innovations have gone from futuristic to familiar, shaping the way people travel throughout their entire journeys. The Tech Leaders’ Panel, titled “The Future is Digital” will bring together experts from across the travel ecosystem to talk about the latest innovations that will impact travellers’ next journeys, as well as strategies for travel brands to up their 4.0 game. Confirmed panellists include Khang Trieu Nguyen, Group Chief Technology Architect at Accor, Terence Eng, CTO at FCM Travel Asia, Bryant Kok, Director, Digital Transformation & Information Technology at Gardens by the Bay, Wong Ming Fai, CTO, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Jane Lim, Vice President, Global Markets at Tripadvisor. The panel will be moderated by Jeff Pan, Venture Builder, McKinsey & Company.

The next frontier in travel will be driven by super apps and the technologies behind the platforms, which will allow travel companies to meet customers’ demand for convenient and connected experiences. Amanda Woo, CEO, airasia Super App explains to the audience how super apps are not just a glimpse into the future in her C-Suite Talk presentation “Reimagining Global Connectivity and How Air Transport Can Successfully Integrate with Super Apps”.

In another C-Suite Talk, titled, “The Importance of Digitilisation in the Travel Industry”, Eric Zhuang, Chief Strategy Officer, DidaTravel, shares insights on how embarking on a digitalisation journey can help travel companies stay relevant in the competitive post COVID-19 world by increasing internal operational efficiencies, addressing labor shortages, connecting with a broader range of business partners, and leveraging data to make better business decisions.

Even major hotel groups must take a fresh look at their distribution strategies. Nicholas van Breda, AVP Global Distribution, Shangri-La Group identifies bespoken distribution strategies for hotels in the session, named, “A Fresh Look at Hotel Distribution Strategies”. Other key speakers include Luis García, CEO, Europamundo, Elia San Martin, Vice President & General Manager, APAC, KAYAK, Brett Henry, President Director, MG Group, Letka Prendergast, Director of Solution Engineering Hospitality – JAPAC, Oracle Hospitality, Ankit Tandon, Global Chief Business Officer and CEO – Southeast Asia & Middle East, OYO, Kim Ong, Regional Director SEA, STR, Tom Kershaw, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Travelport, Brett Ziegler, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, Trip Ninja, Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President, International Markets, Trip.com Group and Praveen Paul, Co-Founder/ COO, Winsar Group. Besides direct bookings, metasearch optimisation and revenue management, they will also talk about the COVID-19 era and what weaknesses in travel distribution the pandemic has exposed.

Key Exhibitors of Travel Tech Asia 2022 underlining the growing importance of travel technology

At Travel Tech Asia providers present their global distribution systems, tour operator databases, reservation systems, travel agency software and calculation programmes. With a strong exhibitor line-up, including 11-Infotech, DidaTravel, Djubo, GIATA, Go Global Travel, Hotelogix, HUB OS Asia, INFOR, InTouch, Juniper, Revinate, SABA Hospitality Technology Solutions, Shiji Singapore, SiteMinder, TBO Holidays, Trip Ninja and Trip.com, the travel tech sector is reporting strong growth again.

In addition to the major players, the show also welcomes other companies as travel tech exhibitors at the show, including Blue Ribbon Bags, Flightroutes24, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Octorate, Online Travel Information Services, Thomalex, TravelLine, Trransfer Technologies, Verteil Technologies, VOISO, Vouch Concierge and WINCLOUD.

Business Matching made easy

Attendees with meeting slots will have access to the Business Matching platform, designed to connect visitors, buyers and exhibitors. The platform allows attendees to pre-schedule meeting appointments and allocate time to attend conferences and networking functions. Business Matching is available until 21 October 2022.

Interested participants may purchase an early bird discounted ticket online on: itb-asia.com/visit-register or reach out to the team.

About ITB Asia
ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. The annual B2B trade show and convention will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, covering not only the leisure market, but also MICE and corporate travel. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including destinations, airlines and airports, hotels and resorts, theme parks and attractions, inbound tour operators, inbound DMCs, cruise lines, spas, venues, other meeting facilities and travel technology companies are expected to attend.

ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing business relationships with the most important players in the region.

About MICE Show Asia
MICE Show Asia is the premier MICE event in Asia where incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. The annual B2B trade show and convention features industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals to up-and-coming MICE innovators from a wide range of disciplines, sectors and all levels of seniority. The show is co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia.

About Travel Tech Asia
Travel Tech Asia is the premier travel technology show in Asia. The trade show is where latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands and innovative start-ups are all at one place to create the new possibilities of travel. From travel tech suppliers, innovative start-ups to leading travel brands who are at the forefront of the industry transformation, Travel Tech Asia welcomes attendees from all levels of seniority across a wide range of disciplines and sectors in the travel industry. The show will be co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Sending Summer Off With a Breeze of New Hotel Openings, Marriott Bonvoy’s Portfolio of Brands Welcomes Fall Travel

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AC Hotel Bethesda Downtown
Junior Suite at Renaissance New York Flushing Hotel at Tangram
Greatroom Lobby at Barranquilla Marriott Hotel

Following a summer of unpredictable travel, Marriott Bonvoy® – Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, award-winning loyalty program, and endless experiences – embraces the changing season as new types of cooler weather travelers unfold. Train travelers, super commuters, and shoulder season spenders will feel at ease this fall with a bevy of new openings around the world.

Travelers Take to The Rails
With airline cancellations and travel troubles owning headlines this summer, jet setters are taking to the rails for upcoming fall travel plans, avoiding airport headaches while still seizing every drop of sunshine. According to Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker, 40% of travelers plan to travel via train within the next three months, which has increased throughout 2022. Non-stress travel stays are a train ride away with these hotel openings in convenient locales.

Opened in late August and just a five-minute drive from the rails, Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection offers an intimate way for guests to experience the natural wonders of South Carolina’s outdoor refuge including Reedy River Falls and its famed Liberty Bridge. With an on-site spa, art gallery, fitness center, and hiking trails that expand across the grounds, travelers will leave feeling rejuvenated and connected to the hotel’s southern charm. Along the Adirondack line, Grand Adirondack Hotel, Lake Placid, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel serves as a “base camp” for adventure seekers looking for world-class hiking, lake, and mountain adventures, downhill and cross-country skiing, and athletic events. A short ride from the train station, this boutique hotel opened in late August 2022 with two new restaurants highlighting thoughtfully-sourced local dishes and cuisine, and features guestrooms with breathtaking views of Mirror Lake. Heading south towards New York City to the new epicenter of Flushing, Queens, Renaissance New York Flushing Hotel at Tangram opened in early August 2022, and gives travelers a fresh perspective on the Big Apple. A 25-minute drive from New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, the hotel features a streamlined aesthetic with vibrant details like hand-drawn wall coverings in the foyer, a rooftop lounge with endless views plus guest rooms with refrigerators, rain showers, and 55” articulating LCD TVs.

Super Commuters Return to The Office
The pandemic saw a rise of remote workers craving wide-open spaces in suburbia and beyond. Now, with the return of in-person business travel, long-distance commuters – or “super commuters” – will face lengthier trips to city offices, resulting in an increased preference for overnight stays during the week. Recent social listening research, conducted on behalf of Marriott International, saw a significant year-over-year uptick in searches for “long-distance” and “commute”: +490%, and “overnight,” “commute,” and “hotel”: +85%.

In the center of bustling downtown Calgary, Courtyard by Marriott Calgary Downtown is conveniently located in the heart of the business district. Opened in July 2022, the modern state-of-the-art lobby, contemporary rooms, and Bistro Novelle for all-day dining options provides business travelers with everything they need to survive the IRL transition. Within the U.S., AC Hotel Bethesda Downtown offers modern rooms featuring a clean, minimalist design, furnished with amenities to cater to a diverse set of visitors to the nation’s capital. Opened in August 2022 and located directly across the street from the Bethesda Metro station, guests are a seamless ride away to Washington D.C., the national monuments, as well as an easy commute to the National Institute of Health and Walter Reed Medical Center. In New York City’s burgeoning hub, the August 2022 opening of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad makes for a luxurious option for commuters. Rising 50 stories above the city streets, guests can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Manhattan, while those staying on the Club Level can enjoy access to the signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, where they can relax or work while experiencing dedicated concierge service and a variety of culinary offerings throughout the day.

Shoulder Season Spenders Extend Vacation Season
While September traditionally marks the end of summer, this year, travelers are extending their vacations into shoulder season, opting for a visit with fewer crowds and lower temps for a more authentic experience. According to Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker, 53% of consumers plan to stay in a hotel for leisure travel within the next three months, which hits a two-year high for fall travel.

As the snowbirds flock south for the winter, travelers in search of endless summer can escape the colder months in Colombia. The recent opening of Barranquilla Marriott Hotel in August attracts travelers from winter through spring with great weather during the dry season, fewer crowds, and local cultural attractions such as the Museo Casa Carnaval. The hotel exemplifies Marriott Hotels’ continued evolution, drawing guests in with comfortable spaces and local touches such as a uniquely Colombian design narrative portrayed throughout the new hotel. For another tropical escape, Costa Rica’s green season from May to December brings travelers to the buzzing paradise with a stay at Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, which also opened in August. There, vacationers can discover local treasures such as the Poas Volcano National Park, local coffee plantations, various dining options, and museums before heading further afield on an excursion to the rainforest or coast.

Marriott Bonvoy® members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy® Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy® Boutiques.

For more information on these new openings and Marriott Bonvoy®, enroll in the program for free, or to book directly, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of United States federal securities laws, including statements related to unit and rooms growth; our growth pipeline; expected hotel and other project openings and brand debuts in certain markets; growth and demand trends and expectations for certain product types and in certain markets; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release and undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com. Download the Marriott app. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media Contact
Shannon Bodo
Marriott International
Shannon.Bodo@marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

GLOW Mira Karon Beach in Phuket is Now Open

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Phuket, Thailand, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The GLOW hotel brand is shining a fresh light on the popular tourist destination of Phuket with the grand opening of GLOW Mira Karon Beach this month.

Located a few minute’s walk from the white powder sands of one of Phuket’s longest beaches, the hotel holds a prime position with easy access to the ocean and the area’s lively dining and nightlife scene. The property features two main dining outlets, the all-day restaurant, Chen’s, and the chill Lobby Bar, as well as a Pool Bar, for light bites and drinks.

Chen’s offers guests the choice of indoor or outdoor seating with a private terrace surrounded by tropical foliage. The menu ranges from traditional Thai favorites, such as curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, to western-style comfort food like burgers, pasta, and pizza.

The 154-room hotel has a selection of room types ranging from the 20m2 Standard (King) through to Family Suites, at 42m2, with bunk beds for the children and a plush king-sized bed for adults. All rooms also feature a 49” flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a rain shower and handheld shower in private bathrooms, along with private balconies to drink in the sea view. The contemporary playful design, with pops of bold colors, is inspired by the island’s heritage and the colorful Sino-Portuguese style of Old Phuket town. This vibrant aesthetic can be found throughout the hotel, including in the spacious lobby area.

“With our newest GLOW hotel in Phuket, we wanted to create a fun, contemporary place that also incorporated elements of the island’s rich history,” said Markus Gloor, Director of Operations.
GLOW Mira Karon Beach also features a 24-hour fitness center with a full selection of cardio equipment and weights.

The property is the seventh GLOW hotel to open in Thailand and the latest addition to the Fusion Hotel Group’s growing portfolio. In July the company opened Fusion Original Saigon Centre in Vietnam and the group has plans to open a new GLOW property in Bangkok in December 2022.

Room rates start at THB 999++ per night. 

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Banyan Tree Celebrates Anniversary with Live Well, Travel Well Campaign

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Singapore, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, kicks off this year’s anniversary celebrations with its biggest campaign of the year, and exclusive offerings across its diversified multi-branded portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, and gallery outlets across 23 countries.

From 14 September to 4 October 2022, the inaugural “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign invites travellers to reconnect with the world with 33% savings on stays and spa journeys, as well as indulge in retail therapy with handcrafted gifts and signature spa skincare products.

Known for landscapes of pristine nature and rich history, as well as opening in exciting new bustling metropolises, Banyan Tree Group’s 60 properties offer deep connections to destinations, complemented by contemporary sensibilities and signature standards. The spirit of “living well” is ingrained in each of its distinct brands – from the sanctuary of Banyan Tree, to the sense of adventure at Angsana, the spirit of fun at Cassia, the minimalism of Garrya, the comfort of Homm, and wild luxury at one of our newest brands, Banyan Tree Escape.

Highlights of the 2022 “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign will allow guests at Banyan Tree Samui to:

  1. Rediscover the healing power of travel at our Sanctuary for the Senses with savings of 33% on our Best Available Rate.
  2. A signature therapy that celebrates the human touch and use of only natural and native ingredients, the Royal Banyan treatment uses traditional ceramic burners to warm Banyan Herbal Pouches filled with lemongrass, cloves and coriander to apply warm sesame oil to the body. Enjoy 33% savings when you purchase a 150-minute Royal Banyan at an exclusive price of THB 7,035.
  3. Committed to inspire a lifestyle interwoven with wellness, our bath & body collection is specially created to extend that experience of comfort and stillness into your daily life. Enjoy 33% savings on all Bath & Body items available at Banyan Tree Gallery Samui.

The campaign runs between 14 September and 4 October 2022 for stays between 14 September 2022 and 30 September 2023.

Interpreting the spirit of living well and traveling well in each of its brand offerings, this inaugural multi-brand campaign marks the beginning of the Group’s emphasis into driving wellbeing through all its offerings, to both associates and customers, as well as embedding sustainability through its StayforGood program.

About Banyan Tree Group
Banyan Tree Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group”) is one of the world’s leading independent, multi-branded hospitality groups centred on the purpose-driven mission of stewardship and wellbeing while offering exceptional, design-led experiences.

The Group’s diversified portfolio of hotels, resorts, spas, galleries, golf and residences features an ecosystem of 10 global brands, including the award-winning Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa and Laguna, and the highly anticipated new brands of Homm, Garrya, Folio, and two new Banyan Tree brand extensions – Escape and Veya.

Established in 2008, with the goal of advancing people development and management excellence, Banyan Tree Management Academy has nurtured over 8,000 associates across 23 countries. The Group is recognised for its commitment to environmental protection and community development through its Banyan Tree Global Foundation. Operating 59 hotels in 17 countries, it has 47 new properties in the pipeline.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

AMAALA Saudi Arabia’s Ultra-Luxury Tourism Destination Outlines Impressive Progress of Development

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AMAALA Saudi Arabia's Ultra-Luxury Tourism Destination Outlines Impressive Progress of Development - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Red Sea Development Company, the developer behind ultra-luxury tourism destination AMAALA, has announced tangible progress across the development, with over 300 contracts signed to date, worth in excess of SAR 6.62 billion ($1.7bn).

• Discover Saudi Arabia with the comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

More than 98 percent of the total contract value has been awarded to Saudi firms, highlighting the organizations commitment to strengthening the local economy. These include agreements for the design and build of state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities at the destination for future employees. An additional 6.1 billion riyals of contracts is currently out to tender, across 54 proposals.

“Surpassing 300 contract awards underscores the scale of this project and the significant progress being made as we press ahead with activity on the ground to bring our destination to life. At AMAALA, we are working to create a sustainable, purpose- and meaning-driven destination for the discerning traveler, and remain closely aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, as we develop one of the top global tourism destinations of the future. I am delighted to be able to showcase the results achieved by our brilliant team and partners,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of TRSDC.

Spanning over 4,155 square kilometers of pristine terrain and set within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve, the first phase of AMAALA is focused on the Triple Bay masterplan. Eight hotels and upwards of 1,200 hotel keys are set for completion in 2024.

Work is well underway on-site to progress the enabling infrastructure and groundwork required to develop the destination, with more than 2,400 staff already on site and 9.9 million manhours logged to date. This includes the successful completion of 11 km of roads ahead of schedule to better connect the site. The entrance for Triple Bay is under construction and expected to be completed by October 2022.

The first section of the Construction Village, a home to 5,000 construction workers, is now operational. An additional two sections are in progress to provide accommodation for a further 10,000 workers. Secondary infrastructure works are also in progress for the development of the first phase of AMAALA’s world-class accommodation at the Employee Village in Triple Bay, set to accommodate nearly 20,000 employees who will eventually operate the destination.

Construction on the destination’s transport links has also commenced, with the airside infrastructure works for the destination’s new airport progressing on schedule. The fast-track contract for the works was awarded to Rawabi BUTEC in 2020 and includes the development of the airport’s 3,150m runway, taxiways and aprons, alongside additional infrastructure.

Rawabi BUTEC Chairman, Abdulaziz AlTurki, said: “This project is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, and it is an honor for Rawabi BUTEC to contribute to such a unique destination. We look forward to applying our sustainable design and construction know-how to ensure the safe and timely achievement of delivering the new airport, while preserving the exceptional surrounding environment.”

In addition to key infrastructure construction, AMAALA is breaking ground across its tourism offering. Bulk earthwork is in progress, with nearly 50 percent of the total fill quantity completed to date in key super plots. This includes the AMAALA Yacht Club, the Red Sea Marine Life Institute, The Marina and the Wellness Core, as well as three of the first hotels.

In line with TRSDC’s broader commitment to responsible development across its expanding portfolio, AMAALA aims to operate with a zero-carbon footprint. Like The Red Sea, the destination will be powered by renewable energy with no connection to the national grid and send zero waste to landfill.

“From the rich natural capital that surrounds our site to the local communities, AMAALA’s masterplans are deeply grounded in maximizing positive environmental, economic, and cultural impacts. As we transform our regenerative commitments into concrete actions, the destination will undoubtedly be an important steppingstone to redefining tourism in the region and beyond,” Mr. Pagano added.

AMAALA is a core component of the Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy by enabling rapid growth in the tourism sector. Once complete in 2027, it will offer approximately 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels as well as high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.

The project is expected to create upwards of 50,000 new direct, indirect, and induced jobs for Saudis, as well as contribute upwards of 11 billion riyals to the country’s GDP once fully operational.

“Our progress across infrastructure, groundworks, and key assets is testament to our unwavering ambition to champion tourism as a powerful force for good, remaining closely aligned with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative. We are trailblazing regeneration at an unprecedented scale to create better conditions of life across the destination ethos, while catering to global demand for inclusive, non-extractive, and equitable experiences,” concluded Mr. Pagano.

About The Red Sea Development Company
The Red Sea Development Company is a closed joint-stock company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. TRSDC was established to drive the development of The Red Sea Project, a luxury, regenerative tourism destination that will set new standards in sustainable development and position Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.

The project is being developed over 28,000 km2 of pristine lands and waters along Saudi Arabia’s west coast and includes a vast archipelago of more than 90 pristine islands. The destination also features sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons, dormant volcanoes, and ancient cultural and heritage sites. It is designed to include hotels, residential properties, leisure, commercial and entertainment amenities, as well as supporting infrastructure that emphasizes renewable energy and water conservation and re-use, as well as a circular waste management system to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Activity for the first phase of development is well underway and is on track to be completed by the end of 2023. The project has surpassed significant milestones, with over 1000 contracts signed to date, worth in excess SAR 25 bn
($6.6bn).

The 100-hectare Landscape Nursery, which will provide more than 25 million plants for The Red Sea Project and AMAALA, is now fully operational. There are more than 20,000 workers currently on-site and 90km of new roads are now complete. The Construction Village and the Waste Management Centre are both fully operational and development is progressing well at the Coastal Village, which will be home to around 14,000 people who will eventually work at the destination.

• Discover Saudi Arabia with the comprehensive travel guide on Saudi Arabia, visit TourismSaudiArabia.com

About AMAALA
Set in the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Natural Reserve along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast and spanning 4,155 sq. km, the year-round destination features a pristine landscape and diverse natural ecosystems, coupled with a unique and intriguing heritage and local culture.

Designed to evolve and elevate the very best in travel, AMAALA is an ultra-luxury destination and the first global integrated family wellness destination, set to curate transformative personal journeys inspired by arts, wellness, and the purity of the Red Sea. State-of-the-art facilities and an attractive year-long events calendar will ensure AMAALA is a distinctive wellness destination worldwide.

Phase One of Triple Bay is well underway and set to be complete in 2024. It will consist of eight resorts offering upwards of 1,300 hotel keys. Over 300 contracts have been awarded to date worth in excess of 6.6 billion riyals.

Once complete, AMAALA will be home to more than 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, and approximately 900 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, alongside high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of AMAALA, which will be powered by 100% renewable energy for which the resulting saving in CO2 emissions to the atmosphere is equivalent to nearly half a million tons each year. The destination will operate with a zero-carbon footprint once fully operational. A Public Investment Fund company and a key contributor to Vision 2030, AMAALA will establish new standards in luxury and wellness.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tom Aikens to Launch Restaurant in the Edition Hotel Toranomon Tokyo

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Tom Aikens to Launch Restaurant in the Edition Hotel Toranomon Tokyo - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXTokyo, Japan, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / On the 1st October, Tom Aikens will open The Jade Room + Garden Terrace at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. This new offering for The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is a testament to the innovative, world-renowned dining experiences the EDITION brand is known for.

Set on the 31st floor adjacent to the lobby, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace is the hotel’s signature restaurant, offering fresh and innovative food to be appreciated by locals and travelers alike. Celebrating the versatility and expressiveness ingrained in Japanese culture and cuisine, Tom Aikens’ menu pushes these boundaries further to deliver a fusion of contemporary Japanese and Western influenced dishes prepared using diverse yet refined cooking techniques, all enjoyed against an astonishing backdrop of the Tokyo Tower and city skyline.

“I am thrilled to be opening my first venture in Japan this October, a country whose cuisine and traditions I greatly admire. I have designed two different menus for the indoor Jade Room and outdoor Garden Terrace that center on seasonality, inspired by mother nature. The result is an experimental fusion of Japanese and Western dishes that I can’t wait to share with the city.” – Chef Tom Aikens

Jade Room
Seated within the serene surroundings of the restaurant, guests can enjoy dishes created by Tom Aikens – both a la carte and as part of a 4 or 6-course tasting menu – with seasonally changing plates including:

Squid consommé, yuzu, chicken, confit lemon
Fire roasted charred celeriac carpaccio, truffle
Mackerel, dashi, sesame, daikon, furikake
Piglet belly, squid, pineapple, and vanilla

The restaurant offers an exciting menu of cocktails and wines that champions new tastes and unexpected flavors. The seasonal cocktail menu focuses on collaborations with local botanical distilleries, to create bottled cocktails unique to The Jade Room + Garden Terrace.

Upon entering The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, guests will be welcomed through an entrance graced with photography by Masao Yamamoto and met with a lively and atmospheric space. The venue features flooring and walls of rich walnut paneling, circular banquettes, elegant counter seating with jewel green stools and custom commissioned paintings by artist John Jackson. The space is finished with six distinguished bamboo oak trees and 200 potted plants, transporting diners into an enchanted garden within the metropolis of the Toranomon district.

The Jade Room also features two private dining rooms, seating 8 and 14 respectively, where guests can enjoy tailored and carefully curated menus for their taste and predilection. Each room enveloped in hand crafted Japanese Washi paper, the rooms give a foremost panoramic view of the city center through layers of shimmering sheer drapery and the lush greenery of the exterior terrace.

Garden Terrace
Just a step out of The Jade Room, is Garden Terrace, sitting 460ft above ground overlooking the city. Open throughout the summer season, Garden Terrace has seasonally changing greenery, creating a serene and inviting space where guests are sheltered from the busy pace of city life. Garden Terrace offers a menu of cocktails, alongside sharing small plates that include:

Lobster roll, sudachi spiced mayo, nori, fried cabbage
House made ricotta, pickled beets, schezwan cucumber
Scallops marinated with passionfruit and vanilla
Hand-chopped beef tartare, maple egg yolk, onion crumble

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Global Agritourism Sector Reconvened for New Beginning

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Global Agritourism Sector Reconvened for New Beginning - TRAVELINDEXBurlington, Vermont, United States, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Workshop on Agritourism wrapped up with the objectives well attained. Participants surpassed expectations garnishing invaluable knowledge, ideas, and friendships, while a global agritourism community solidified, and the new directions for many delegates identified.

Following the first World Agritourism Congress in Bolzano, Italy in 2018, this second edition was held in partnership between Eurac Research* and the University of Vermont Extension in Burlington, Vermont, the U.S. It was a milestone for the agritourism sector, in the context of the historic timing – when outdoor activities have gained popularity amid the pandemic; when the global tourism industry is fighting to recover; and when the United Nations SDGs are calling for urgent action. At a crucial time, agritourism, a relatively quiet sector, is now unleashing its mammoth potential to join forces in combating the aggregated challenges.

Agriculture is the world’s largest business. Evolved from agriculture, agritourism in turn braces the agricultural sector. Together, agriculture and agritourism directly impact six of the 17 United Nations SDG goals: Decent Work and Economy Growth (Goal 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (11), Responsible Consumption and Production (12), Life below Water (14), Life on Land (15) and Partnership to Achieve the Goal (17).

The hybrid Burlington conference attracted more than 500 participants from 57 countries, and over 350 from 35 countries attended in person. 26 international sponsors supported the mission. It represented agritourism players well, including farmers, tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, educators/researchers, NGOs, government agencies, etc. A large young researcher contingent with different nationalities presented their impressive research findings, indicating the promising future for this agritourism element.

The conference showcased over 150 speakers, interactive workshops, and poster presentations. Topics covered included agritourism entrepreneurship, marketing insights, research discoveries, sustainability/diversity/inclusivity issues, and many more. The conference offered various farm-based study tours. The conference meals featured Vermont fare with maple pork sausage, Vermont cheddar cheese, apple cider, etc., all presented by proud Vermont farmers and farm-to-table restaurants. The local tourism promotional organization, Hello Burlington, provided enthusiastic support to the event and needed delegates.

Equally fruitful was the networking in and off the sessions. Foodies, strategic thinkers, those super-jazzed for farm-stay, tour operators scouting for country-bound products, and people of all interests actively mingled on the conference App or in other forms.

Vermont’s agricultural landscape served as a beautiful backdrop for the conference. State officials joined to extend their support. “The delegates from more than 50 countries set the stage for more growth both in our region and other parts of the world. From Vermont we are committed to the growth of agritourism with the support of the government agencies,” said Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of Agriculture, Food & Markets of Vermont, while addressing the audience. Heather Pelham, Commissioner, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing also spoke. “Agritourism experiences can offer a chance for regeneration on many levels for our guests as well as for our communities and the land around us. We have an economic interest in working together,” said Pelham. Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy shared an encouraging message, and Senator Bernie Sanders wrote an appreciation letter, both delivered by their spokesmen.

The closing event organically evolved into a heartfelt sharing session. Attendees signed a pledge to strengthen the sector’s collaboration. Maple syrup, chocolates, cheese, and more Vermont gifts were happily shared. Some 20 delegates shared their thoughts on stage, in tears or with a song, along with sleepless virtual attendees globally. Their spoken words and passion amplified who they were – and who they are: They are visionaries, action-takers, change makers, and survivors. Agritourism will continue with momentum to drive concrete results, because of these leaders and doers.

“I went into the conference with high expectations — and it was even better than I could have possibly imagined,” elated conference chair Lisa Chase, Professor and Director of the Vermont Tourism Research Center at the University of Vermont Extension. “We spent three days together sharing and learning about agritourism and immersed in farm experiences in Vermont. A delegate from Africa said this was life-changing and would have a profound impact on his community back home. I know he represents many of the participants who traveled to Burlington, Vermont, from far and near,” says Chase.

Post-conference work has already begun. Based on a conference survey, the international network will develop supporting programming accordingly. The process will repeat in six months, to enable the network to stay the course and maintain focus/relevance. The next agritourism congress will be held in Bolzano in 2024. Watch it – the powerful action word: Agritourism.

* Eurac Research of Italy is a private entity of 30 years with 600 staff members and 48 million euros in budget.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex on travel, agritourism, adventure travel, destinations, travel industry issues, etc.

Haybina is an international travel industry journalist and reports in both Chinese and English. Linkedin

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

From Kobe to Bangkok at La Scala David Tamburini and Eugenio Cannoni

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From Kobe to Bangkok at La Scala David Tamburini and Eugenio Cannoni - TOP25RESTAURANTS.com - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, September 13, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / La Scala Restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, a triumph of innovative interior design paired with inspired Italian cuisine, led by Eugenio Cannoni an Italian Chef extended an invitation to a former Italian chef David Tamburini for an exclusive four hands collaboration event.

Michelin-starred and former Chef de Cuisine of La Scala, David Tamburini will be in Bangkok from Kobe, Japan, for a highly anticipated four-hands collaboration with La Scala’s Chef de Cuisine Eugenio Cannoni with a carefully crafted limited-time-only menu from Friday 30 September 2022 to Sunday 2 October 2022.

Friday 30 September 2022 (Dinner only)
Saturday 1 October 2022 (Lunch and Dinner)
Sunday 2 October 2022 (Lunch and Dinner)

Set Lunch (4 Courses)
Food Only, THB 3,100++ Per Person
Wine Pairing, THB 1,900++ Per Person
Set Dinner (6 Courses)
Food Only, THB 4,300++ Per Person
Wine Pairing, THB 2,200++ Per Person

For reservations, please call 02 344 8888 or email to promotions@sukhothai.com

About La Scala
La Scala, an award-winning Italian restaurant is highly coveted for classic and progressive Italian cuisine combined with fine Italian and European wines. Its beautiful poolside setting is a bold statement in contemporary décor subtly infused with The Sukhothai’s cultural heritage, and showcases an open kitchen, private room and a bar with a wine cellar.

• Discover La Scala at the Bangkok’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants at Top25Restaurants.com

About Eugenio
Eugenio Cannoni is from the northern Italian region of Piedmont. His career began in the family restaurant, but with a strong desire to enhance his knowledge he enrolled at one of Italy’s best cooking schools, Alma di Gualtiero Marchesi. From there begun a path of research and enrichment by touring different kitchens in Europe and around the world, also dedicating himself to collaborations and as a consultant on various TV shows in Italy and abroad. His latest appointment was Chef De Cuisine at Castello di Casalborgone in Turin.

• Learn more about Chef Eugenio Cannoni at Chef’s Talk by TOP25Restaurants.com

About David Tamburini
David Tamburini is a twice-awarded Michelin star chef, who is currently the Chef de Cuisine at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe Hotel’s Italian restaurant Level 36. Chef David spent a few years in Hong Kong as the Executive Chef at Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar, before moving to Bangkok as Chef de Cuisine at The Sukhothai Bangkok’s award-winning Italian restaurant. Originally from Tuscany but trained in Sicily, David studied the different components and traditional recipes of southern Italy and expressed his desire to give them a more contemporary flavour, whilst developing a personal cooking style based upon the respective ingredients, techniques and his own renowned creations.

• Learn more about Chef David Tamburini at Chef’s Talk by TOP25Restaurants.com

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News