global travel news

Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, June 27, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Mekong countries unveiled the final draft Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Strategy 2030 at the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang. The strategy will drive high-quality sustainable tourism development, promote regional cooperation, and accelerate the development of secondary destinations across the GMS.

Jointly developed by the GMS Tourism Working Group—comprising senior tourism officials from Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office with support from the GMS Economic Cooperation Program. The strategy builds on previous regional efforts and draws from extensive consultations with stakeholders from tourism and related sectors. Strategic programs focus on building sustainable destinations, developing human capital, strengthening engagement, and enhancing regional destination marketing. Crosscutting themes such as digital transformation, environmental sustainability, inclusion and empowerment, and private sector development are embedded in all strategic programs.

Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office said “The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 is a practical roadmap with a shared vision for the region. It reflects our collective commitment to addressing common challenges and unlocking the potential of tourism to benefit local communities, businesses, and travelers alike. We are proud to support this journey by fostering collaboration, strategic dialogue, and helping turn vision into action.”

The Mekong Tourism Forum brought together more than 230 delegates from 20 countries and 92 organizations, including government agencies, tourism businesses, development partners, civil society, and media. Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the Forum highlighted the power of cross-border collaboration in shaping the region’s tourism future.

Tourism continues to be a key economic and social driver in the GMS. In 2024, international arrivals surpassed 69 million, signaling strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Intra-GMS travel accounted for about 9.5 million trips in 2023, and according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Mekong visitor economy is projected to reach USD 200 billion annually by 2030.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Established in 2006, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) supports the tourism collaboration framework of the Greater Mekong Subregion, comprising Cambodia, Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in the People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam. With technical support from development partners, MTCO promotes regional initiatives that enhance tourism’s contribution to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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Geneva, Switzerland, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Economic Forum today announces the 2025 cohort of its Technology Pioneers community, a group of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries driving innovation across industries and borders. Now in its 25th year, the programme celebrates its strongest cohort yet, marked by broader geographical representation, greater diversity beyond Silicon Valley and the rise of more ambitious frontier technologies.

Reflecting wider shifts in the innovation landscape, many of the companies spotlighted are using artificial intelligence (AI) to reach greater scale and sophistication with fewer resources. Several are venturing into less explored frontiers – from asteroid mining and flying electric taxis, to leveraging satellite imagery to transform agriculture and harnessing energy from supernova explosions to locate critical minerals beneath the Earth’s surface.

The geography of innovation is also evolving. While the United States remains the top contributor to the community, Europe’s share has surged to 28% – up from 20% last year – reflecting the rise of strong tech ecosystems across the region. China and India are also emerging as major tech innovation hubs.

“There has never been a more exciting time to dive headfirst into tech innovation. But no one gets far alone – you need a community to move your mission forward,” said Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities, World Economic Forum. “As we mark 25 years of the Technology Pioneers programme, this global community continues to connect start-ups to the networks and ecosystems they need to scale.”

This year also marks the 25th Anniversary of the Technology Pioneers programme. Since its inception in 2000, the community has championed early-stage innovation and recognized more than 1,200 companies, many of which have gone on to reshape industries worldwide. Alumni include household names such as Google, PayPal, Dropbox and SoundCloud, underscoring the community’s role as a launchpad for ideas and impact.

The 2025 cohort stands out for its concentration of companies developing breakthrough technologies to address pressing global challenges. These include advanced robotics, customisable space launch services, micro nuclear reactors and more accessible quantum computing applications. These pioneers will contribute cutting-edge insights to Forum initiatives over a two-year engagement programme and will also be invited to participate in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025, taking place on 24-26 June in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China.

The 2025 Technology Pioneers include:

Australia
•    Cauldron – Commercializing advanced continuous fermentation technology to unlock price parity for mainstream bio-manufactured goods.

Brazil
•    Brain4care – Using AI-based technology to enable timely medical interventions for patients with neurological conditions.

Canada
•    Ideon Technologies – Harnessing the energy from supernova explosions in space to image deep beneath the Earth’s surface, transforming how mining companies recover critical minerals.
•    Miru – Developing dynamic electrochromic windows that deliver high functionality, experience and energy efficiency for the automotive, transportation and architectural sectors.

Greater China
•    Deep Principle – Integrating advanced AI models and quantum chemistry to accelerate the discovery and development of chemical materials.
•    GS Biomats – Developing furan bio-based material, a renewable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals, for various uses including biomedical applications.
•    HiNa Battery – Producing more sustainable, high-performance, low-cost sodium-ion batteries.
•    KaiOS – Providing affordable internet and access to financial services to unserved populations, primarily in South Asia and Africa.
•    Lightstandard – Making large language model computing faster and more energy-efficient with photonic computing.
•    Noematrix – Focusing on researching and developing embodied intelligence systems and related tools and platforms, which are compatible with diverse hardware.
•    Novlead – Designing a molecular technology platform providing available, accessible and affordable nitric oxide solutions for major clinical needs.
•    Shengshu Technology – Building generative AI infrastructure that develops native multi-modal large models such as images, 3D and video.
•    TRANSTREAMS – Engineering chips and solutions to address the computing power shortages in China during the era of AI-generated content.
•    Turing – Providing cutting-edge computing infrastructure and comprehensive AI solutions to drive the future of intelligent computing.

Colombia
•    Plurall – Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in emerging markets with fast, accessible working capital and digital payment solutions, leveraging AI models for risk assessment, collections and embedded lending.

Denmark
•    Arcadia eFuels – Developing and deploying technology to produce electro-sustainable aviation and diesel fuels using renewable electricity, seawater, and captured CO2.

Egypt
•    Thndr – Offering a digital investment platform with a range of flexible funding methods and educational resources to empower investors.

France
•    Ascendance Flight Technologies – Decarbonizing aviation with a hybrid electric propulsion system and hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
•    Beyond Aero – Building the first electric business aircraft powered by hydrogen propulsion, as a sustainable alternative to traditional business jets.
•    CO2 AI – Helping large and complex organizations measure their environmental impact, identify credible levers and decarbonize at scale through AI.
•    Jimmy – Developing a micro nuclear reactor to provide carbon-free, competitive heat for industrial processes.
•    Nabla – Reducing clinician burnout by automating clinical documentation with AI.
•    Orakl Oncology – Creating a biology and AI-powered simulation platform to revolutionize oncology drug development.
•    Phagos – Deploying a sustainable alternative to antibiotics using bacteriophages and AI
•    Quobly – Making scalable, cost-competitive, large-scale quantum computers.
•    Sweetch Energy – Enabling osmotic power generation by harnessing the salinity gradient between freshwater and seawater.

Germany
•    Accure – Providing predictive battery analytics software to enhance safety, optimize performance and extend the lifetime of battery systems.
•    Black Forest Labs – Building generative deep learning models for media, particularly images and videos
•    eleQtron – Developing quantum computers by leveraging trapped-ion technology.
•    Tozero – Pioneering the delivery of recycled lithium in Europe by sustainably recovering critical materials from battery waste.

India
•    Agnikul – Providing affordable and customizable space launch services.
•    CynLr – Building robots with intuitive vision and enabling manufacturers and logistics providers to build fully automated factories.
•    Dezy – Leveraging AI-powered diagnostic technology to build affordable and accessible dental care.
•    Digantara – Providing crucial operational support to commercial space operators and space surveillance intelligence to global space agencies.
•    Equal – Providing an integrated solution that combines identity verification with consent-driven financial data sharing.
•    Exponent Energy – Making 15-minute rapid charging for electric vehicles affordable and scalable through an innovative battery management system, charging algorithms, thermal management and a charging network.
•    Freight Tiger – Building India’s largest software-enabled freight network to help businesses move goods with full visibility, efficiency and lower costs.
•    GalaxEye – Creating a comprehensive, multi-sensor Earth observation system.
•    SolarSquare – Helping homes switch to solar in India with its full-stack solar panel systems.
•    The ePlane Co. – Developing flying electric taxis designed for intra-city transportation.

Ireland
•    Equal1 – Democratizing quantum computing by leveraging existing semiconductor technologies.

Israel
•    Fermata – Providing computer vision solutions for farmers to reduce crop losses and pesticide use.
•    Illumex – Empowering organizations to run governed and reliable AI agents through unified business data language and to democratize data access to every user.
•    LightSolver – Building a photonic supercomputer by harnessing the power of coupled lasers.
•    NanoSynex – Offering a rapid and accurate diagnostic platform for bacterial resistance.
•    ZutaCore – Developing waterless direct-to-chip liquid cooling for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centres.

Italy
•    Arsenale Bioyards – Building new lab-to-production infrastructure enabling fast, low-cost biomanufacturing at an industrial scale.

Japan
•    Sagri – Leveraging satellite data and AI to transform agriculture through land use optimization and sustainability.

Republic of Korea
•    Hylium Industries – Providing safe and innovative liquid hydrogen solutions for carbon-free mobility.
•    NARA Space – Building South Korea’s first microsatellite constellation for methane point source detection.
•    Robocon – Developing robotics and smart factory solutions for the construction and steel industries.

Luxembourg
•    Tokeny Solutions – Building the compliance infrastructure for digital assets in blockchain and fintech.

Mexico
•    Allie – Creating closed-loop optimization systems for manufacturing that autonomously adjust production parameters in real time.

Nigeria
•    Cybervergent – Providing a platform to automate cybersecurity compliance and risk governance.
•    Sabi – Powering the sourcing and distribution of physical goods and critical commodities in Africa.
•    ThriveAgric – Empowering smallholder farmers across Africa by linking them to finance, data-driven best practices, and access to local and global markets.

Saudi Arabia
•    Intelmatix – Making enterprise AI accessible through industry-specific, context-aware AI agents.

Singapore
•   Manus – Automating a wide range of practical tasks for personal and professional use with a general AI agent.
•    Rize – Decarbonizing rice cultivation in Asia through scalable agricultural innovations.

Spain
•    Crisalion Mobility – Offering sustainable air and ground mobility solutions.
•    INBRAIN Neuroelectronics – Developing brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders.

Sweden
•    Graphmatech – Developing advanced materials infused with graphene to make large-scale industries more innovative and resource efficient.
•    Lovable – Using AI to help users create software and web apps without coding expertise.

Switzerland
•    HAYA Therapeutics – Developing RNA-based medicines to treat heart, lung and tissue diseases.
•    Neural Concept – Accelerating product design through 3D generative engineering and AI.

Uganda
•    Numida – Using credit models and digital underwriting to provide loans to micro businesses.

Ukraine
•    Respeecher – Enabling scalable voice cloning across languages and contexts.

United Kingdom
•    CuspAI – Using frontier AI to accelerate the discovery and development of materials with specific functionalities.
•    Obrizum – Offering personalized digital learning services at scale through an AI-powered platform.
•    Oxford Ionics – Building high-performance quantum computers using trapped-ion technology.

United States
•    Ammobia –Fuelling the world with cost-effective, lower-carbon ammonia production.
•    Archetype AI – Pioneering a new form of Physical AI capable of perceiving, understanding and reasoning about the world through analysing real-time, multimodal sensor data.
•    Arine – Integrating cutting-edge AI, clinical expertise and advanced data analytics to deliver medication-based care interventions at the population level.
•    AstroForge – Making critical minerals more accessible to humanity by mining asteroids.
•    BforeAI – Using behavioural AI to predict and automatically pre-empt malicious campaigns and stop cyberattacks before they occur.
•    Candidly – Developing an AI-powered platform to help borrowers manage and overcome educational loans.
•    Claryo – Helping warehouse operators maximize operational efficiency by leveraging spatial generative AI.
•    Distyl AI – Enabling enterprises to seamlessly integrate AI agents into operations.
•    Emvolon – Converting methane emissions into carbon-negative fuels for hard-to-abate sectors onsite.
•    Exowatt – Delivers solar power on demand by storing energy and converting it into electricity as needed, helping data centres and the grid run on clean energy 24/7.
•    Foundation Alloy – Commercializing solid-state metals technology to make higher performance metals using less energy.
•    HAIQU – Developing a new application execution stack for all modalities of near-term quantum computers.
•    Hertha Metals – Developing technology to decarbonize primary steel production.
•    Hyfe – “Turns food processing waste into chemicals that replace petroleum in everyday goods”.
•    Lumu Technologies – Providing cybersecurity operations capabilities to help businesses control the impact of cybercrime.
•    One Bio – Using biotechnology to add anti-inflammatory plant-based fibres to everyday foods.
•    Oberon Fuels – Developing innovative carbon-neutral fuels for maritime, propane, and hydrogen sectors.
•    Osmo – Combining frontier AI and olfactory science to digitize scent and enhance well-being.
•    Outtake – Securing digital identities by detecting and removing harmful AI-generated content.
•    Parallel Learning – Providing licensed therapy and instruction to students with learning differences through a digital platform.
•    Pavilion – Increasing efficiency in US public procurement with an AI-enabled government marketplace.
•    Reality Defender – Offering multimodal detection of AI-generated media to prevent fraud and disinformation.
•    RoboForce – Building AI-powered robotic systems designed for high-risk or repetitive work, to enhance efficiency, productivity and safety across industries.
•    Rubi Laboratories – Using biocatalysis to transform CO2 into essential materials like cellulose.
•    Shiru – Leveraging AI to identify and develop naturally occurring functional ingredients.
•    Starcloud – Constructing data centres in space to solve the AI energy challenge.
•    Waterplan – Delivering an AI-powered platform to measure, manage and mitigate water risk.
•    Workera – Providing AI-driven workforce skills intelligence and upskilling pathways.
•    Workhelix – Helping companies identify AI transformation opportunities and measure return on investment.

Uruguay
•    Prometeo – Creating a single, borderless banking application programming interface to connect companies with financial institutions across the Americas.

About the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025

The 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place from 24 to 26 June 2025 in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China, under the theme “Entrepreneurship for a New Era.” The meeting will convene over 1,700 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, international organizations, innovation and media to explore entrepreneurial solutions to global challenges.

About the Technology Pioneers

Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneers community marks its 25th anniversary in 2025 as a leading platform for early-stage companies from around the world that are shaping the future through breakthrough technologies and innovations. These companies are selected for their potential to have a significant impact on business and society and are invited to engage with public and private sector leaders through the World Economic Forum’s global platform.

The Technology Pioneers community is part of the Innovator Communities within the Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The Innovator Communities convene the world’s leading global start-ups across different growth stages from early-stage Technology Pioneers to growth-stage Global Innovators and unicorn companies valued at more than $1 billion.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism has agreed to partner with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia and the University of Zagreb on research and innovation in sustainable tourism development and the creation of a Sustainable Tourism Awards.

New agreements signed during an official visit of the UN Tourism Secretary-General to the country include the cooperation with the newly established Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism at the University of Zagreb, which will serve as a knowledge hub for research and policy development, and the organization of a Sustainable Tourism Awards.

Strengthening Tourism Knowledge

The new Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism at the University of Zagreb will address a growing demand from UN Tourism’s Member States for applied, action-oriented research. The Centre is expected to deliver high-impact outputs across six key areas:

• Tourism Governance: supporting multi-level governance systems with robust, data-driven policy frameworks;
• Sustainability and Inclusivity: advancing the social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainability through rigorous research and impact monitoring;
• Knowledge Exchange: acting as a platform for policy-relevant knowledge creation and dissemination;
• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: bridging policy makers, industry and academia for evidence-based decision-making;
• Climate Action in Tourism: promoting low-carbon solutions, renewable energy and circular business models;
• Tourism Law: analyzing and monitoring the application of tourism law in Croatia and beyond, offering guidance and assessments of long-term effectiveness.

In line with the UN Statistical Framework on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism, the Centre will track the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism to guide public and private sector action.

A Vision for Transformation

The Sustainable Tourism Awards, to be launched in Croatia later this year, represent an additional recognition for destinations across the country. The initiative complements Croatia’s broader ambition to transform destinations and the national tourism model, responding proactively to external pressures while staying focused on long-term community benefits. Croatia has undertaken enormous efforts in recent years, including through new legislation, to invest in smart, inclusive and long-term tourism policies that prioritize local well-being, economic resilience and cultural heritage protection.

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Madrid, Spain / Bra, Italy, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / UN Tourism and Slow Food will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development of people and communities.

In a new Memorandum of Understanding signed on the occasion of Sustainable Gastronomy Day, both organizations commit to strengthening the gastronomy tourism value chain, enhancing the linkages between food producers, tourism service providers, destinations, communities, and tourists. They will focus particularly on the development of value-added, innovative tourism experiences linked to local products, sustainable food systems, inclusivity, and rural development.

Areas of collaboration will include research on trends in gastronomy tourism; identifying and sharing of case studies and best practices; training and skills development; as well as the creation of networks in gastronomy tourism, enhancing relationships between food producers and tourism stakeholders.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says, “UN Tourism recognizes the vital role responsible, inclusive tourism can play in supporting communities everywhere. The work of Slow Food is fully aligned with UN Tourism values and we trust this partnership will play an important role in advancing the development of a sustainable gastronomy tourism that leaves no one behind, for the benefit of communities and destinations.”

Slow Food Director General Paolo Di Croce added: “Tourism can be a powerful force for strengthening sustainable local food systems. Our Slow Food Travel program is a sustainable culinary tourism initiative designed to create immersive travel experiences that support rural communities and celebrate local gastronomic heritage. In line with our values, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with farmers and producers around the world, while discovering and tasting the rich, often overlooked biodiversity of food.”

This partnership marks an important step towards enhancing the relationship between two industries with significant potential to join forces for sustainable regional and local development, strengthening local food systems, safeguarding culinary heritage, empowering women, youth and local communities, and promoting the consumption of healthy foods.

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Málaga, Spain, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / We are thrilled to share with you that the 2025 Sustainable Tourism Awards has received an exceptional response, with 106 entries from 30 countries across the globe. This overwhelming participation marks a new milestone and reflects Skål International’s growing commitment to sustainability in tourism and promoting responsible and innovative tourism practices.

This year’s edition features eight newly renovated award categories, and the quality and diversity of submissions are truly inspiring. Our esteemed panel of judges is now carefully reviewing each entry to identify the most impactful and forward-thinking initiatives.

We are especially proud to highlight the incredible work of all our entrants. Their dedication to sustainability deserves recognition, and we are committed to giving them the visibility they deserve.

As part of this, we are sharing the full list of participants, along with their logos, to showcase the global momentum behind sustainable tourism. See participants list on our website.

We are also honored to count on the support of prestigious partners, which amplifies the reach and impact of these awards:

• UN Tourism provides Skål International with global platforms to promote the STA program and its winners, showcasing exemplary “best practices” for other institutions, companies, and countries to emulate in fostering a sustainable future.
• Biosphere Tourism and Responsible Tourism Institute. They will also award each winner with the “Skål International – Biosphere Sustainable Special Award” consisting of a one-year free subscription to the Biosphere Sustainable platform, where the winner will be able to create their own personalized Sustainability Plan for continuous improvement and recognition of the efforts of their companies or organisations.
• Sustainable Travel International joins Skål International in the close cooperation in these awards program. It is a pleasure to count on this prestigious entity to make the objective of these awards a reality and to bring them closer to the international tourism community.

The winners will be announced on 26 September 2025 during the Opening Ceremony of the 84th Skål International World Congress to be held in Cusco, Peru.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Vertigo TOO invites guests to experience the vibrant flavours of Morocco with an exclusive dining event led by guest Chef Mohamed Bellote from Angsana Heritage Collection, Marrakech Riads. A true master of Moroccan cuisine, Chef Mohamed brings with him a treasure trove of ancestral recipes, showcasing the essence and diversity of North Africa’s celebrated culinary heritage.

Born into an Amazigh lineage and rooted in Morocco’s culinary traditions, Chef Mohamed has passionately dedicated his career to preserving and elevating the vibrant flavours and ancient cooking techniques of his homeland. Acclaimed across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Chef Mohamed is celebrated as an ambassador of Moroccan cuisine. Often praised for his “golden hands”, his culinary artistry expertly and seamlessly weaves authenticity with refined presentation, crafting dishes that embody the spirit and soul of Morocco.

Experience the best of Moroccan cuisine through a 5-course sharing set menu that honours traditional recipes with a modern twist. The exclusive menu highlights Chef Mohamed’s creative flair and commitment to authenticity, featuring iconic dishes and innovative interpretations.

The culinary journey begins with the Marrakchi Harira, a spiced, bold and aromatic herbal broth traditionally enjoyed to break the fast during Ramadan. Infused with North African herbs and spices, it is served with aged Smen butter and sweet Medjool dates for a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. The classic Moroccan Homemade Mixed Salad showcases a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables—carrots, eggplants, zucchinis, tomatoes, and pumpkins—delicately seasoned with traditional herbs and spices to highlight their natural flavours. Savour the Free-Range Chicken Pastilla, a quintessential Moroccan pie filled with tender chicken, toasted almonds, gum Arabic, and fragrant pure saffron, all encased in delicate pastry baked to golden, crisp perfection. The Authentic Moroccan Couscous offers a choice of tender veal, fresh seafood, or seasonal vegetables, accompanied by spiced broth and classic garnishes that embody the heart of Moroccan cuisine.

For a sweet and savoury harmony, the Veal Tagine with Dried Fruits features slow-cooked veal enriched with apricots, prunes, saffron, and toasted almonds. The Fish Tagine, with hake infused in a traditional chermoula marinade, saffron, and mixed vegetables, delivers layers of delicate, fragrant flavours. To complete the feast, the Milk Pastilla—also known as Jawhara—presents crisp layers of thin pastry combined with light milk cream and a hint of orange blossom. Fresh Oranges with Cinnamon dressed in aromatic anise juice provide a refreshing note, while the Ghriba and Fekkas, classic Moroccan cookies and biscuits, served with Mint Tea, offer a fitting close to this unforgettable culinary experience.

Join us at Vertigo TOO from 14 to 25 July 2025 for an exclusive opportunity to savour the culinary treasures of Morocco, expertly crafted by Chef Mohamed Bellote. Experience a specially curated 5-course Moroccan sharing menu, available at an attractive price of THB 1,999 net per person.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 24, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Siam, Bangkok proudly announces the first wave of celebrated chefs for the 25th Annual World Gourmet Festival, set to take place from 22–28 September 2025. To mark this milestone year, the festival gathers an extraordinary roster of global culinary talent for a week of unforgettable dining — with tickets now officially on sale.

This milestone year becomes even more significant as, in perfect timing, three of the six announced restaurants have just been named among the Top 100 in the World by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 — one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.

Eric Vildgaard’s Jordnær (#56), Dave Pynt’s Burnt Ends (#93), and Vaughan Mabee’s Amisfield (#99) all made their debut on this coveted list in 2025 — a monumental recognition that guarantees months-long waitlists and international acclaim. Now, Bangkok diners have the unprecedented opportunity to experience all three within a single week.

FEATURED CHEFS

ERIC VILDGAARD
Jordnær, Denmark (Thailand debut)
3 Michelin stars | #56 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025|#3 Best Chef Awards 2024 | 97.50 points La Liste | Les Grandes Tables du Monde
One of Europe’s most celebrated culinary figures, Eric Vildgaard is a phenomenon. The self-taught visionary behind Copenhagen’s Jordnær has redefined Nordic fine dining with a style that is deeply emotional, technically flawless, and intensely personal. His restaurant is widely considered one of the most romantic and refined dining destinations on the planet, earning global acclaim and a place on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Every dish tells a story — of resilience, transformation, and the power of love — shared with his partner Tina, who co-runs the restaurant. This is gastronomy at its most human: generous, precise, and transcendent.
Gourmet Discoveries: Chef Eric Vildgaard and Chef Vaughan Mabee
Date: Tuesday 23rd September 2025
THB 18,500 net per person including wine pairing

VAUGHAN MABEE
Amisfield, New Zealand (Thailand debut)
#99 World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025| Best Chef Awards 2024 – 3 Knives | Best Dining Experience in the World
A trailblazing figure in New Zealand’s culinary renaissance, Vaughan Mabee is known for crafting edible stories of the wild. As Executive Chef of Amisfield in Queenstown, Mabee merges deep respect for terroir with theatrical presentation — from dishes hidden in river stones to references to Maori legend. He fishes, hunts, and forages his own ingredients, creating menus that feel alive with the spirit of Aotearoa. Recently named one of the most creative chefs of his generation, his Bangkok debut is nothing short of historic.
Gourmet Encounters: Chef Vaughan Mabee
Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
THB 14,000 net per person including wine pairing

JANICE WONG
Singapore
Asia’s and The World’s 50 Best Pastry Chefs | Pastry Chef of the Year | Pastry Innovation Award – La Liste
Janice Wong is Asia’s undisputed dessert visionary, blending art, flavour, and innovation in every creation. The Singaporean pastry chef, artist, and entrepreneur is best known for 2am:dessertbar and her groundbreaking edible art installations. Twice named Asia’s Best Pastry Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Wong continues to push boundaries through her brands Janice Wong Singapore and Pure Imagination, championing creativity, sustainability, and chocolate made from bean to bar.
Iconic Afternoon Tea: Chef Janice Wong
Date: Thursday 25th-Saturday 27thSeptember 2025
THB 1,800 net per person

DAVE PYNT
Burnt Ends, Singapore
1 Michelin star | #93 World’s 50 Best Restuarants 2025| #38 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 | Chef’s Choice Award | Best Chef Awards – 2 Knives
A master of fire and finesse, Dave Pynt has built one of Asia’s most celebrated restaurants around a custom wood-fired oven. At Burnt Ends, his signature dishes — from bone marrow buns to smoked king crab — blur the line between primal and polished.
Gourmet Encounter: Chef Dave Pynt
Date: Thursday 25thSeptember 2025
THB 14,000 net per person including wine pairing

SANTIAGO FERNANDEZ
MAZ, Tokyo (Thailand debut)
2 Michelin stars | #43 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 | Best Chef Awards 2024 – 1 Knife | Gault & Millau Japan Innovation Award
A rising force in modern Latin American gastronomy, Santiago Fernandez leads MAZ, the Tokyo outpost of Lima’s legendary Central. Under the mentorship of Virgilio Martínez, Santiago has developed his own voice — one that explores Peru’s landscapes through the lens of Japanese precision. His tasting menu is a journey through altitude, culture, and nature — from Amazonian roots to Andean herbs, plated with poetic elegance.
Gourmet Encounter: Chef Santiago Fernandez
Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
THB 14,000 net per person including wine pairing

PACO MÉNDEZ
COME, Barcelona (Thailand debut)
1 Michelin star | 1 Sol Repsol Guide | Best Chef Awards 2024 – 3 Knives | The Best Chef Creativity Award
Paco Méndez isn’t just cooking Mexican food — he’s rewriting it. Trained under Ferran Adrià, he brings Michelin-star precision to the soulful, complex flavours of his heritage. At his Barcelona restaurant Come, he turns tacos into fine art, moles into modern masterpieces. Every dish balances nostalgia with innovation.
Gourmet Icon: Chef Paco Mendez
Date: Tuesday 23rd September 2025
THB 12,000 net per person including wine pairing

Seats are extremely limited, with 15% early bird pricing available from today, limited to six seats per event per guest. Full menus and wine pairings will be announced in due course.

Throughout the week, the festival will also feature chef’s table dinners, interactive masterclasses, exclusive wine pairings, pastry pop-ups, and spirited after-dark events — all hosted within Anantara Siam’s most iconic spaces. For the first time in its history, the festival will also offer curated experiences across every price point, ensuring food lovers from all walks of life can join the celebration — whether indulging in a world-class pâtissier’s creation or exploring a rare wine pairing.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) proudly presents an epic symphonic concert, “Music from Marvel Studios,” conducted by renowned Thai conductor Vanich Potavanich. The performance will take place over two nights, on June 26 and 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Main Hall.

This electrifying concert brings to life the iconic music from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), offering audiences a thrilling opportunity to experience beloved superhero themes performed live by a full orchestra. From the triumphant brass of The Avengers to the haunting rhythms of Black Panther and the cosmic energy of Guardians of the Galaxy, this concert captures the emotional and heroic journey of the Marvel characters as never before.

Each piece has been carefully selected to reflect the spirit and emotion of its cinematic counterpart, from heroic melodies to poignant moments. These memorable scores, crafted by some of the world’s most acclaimed film composers, have become cultural landmarks, helping define the global success of the Marvel franchise.

The program will feature orchestral suites and themes from: The Avengers and Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Captain America, X-Men, and More. Marvel movies have been at the forefront of popular culture over the past two decades, changing expectations in film and how audiences would typically interact with storylines, characters, and even current social issues. From an original comic book company in the 1930s to a now global entertainment force comes one of the most successful movie franchises ever: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel films have created a commercially unparalleled history. “Avengers: Endgame”, in 2019, smashed box-office records.

Conductor Vanich Potavanich, a familiar name in the Thai classical music scene, will lead the RBSO through this powerful and dynamic program. Known for his versatility and creative programming, Maestro Vanich brings both precision and passion to the podium.

This concert is ideal for audiences of all ages — whether you’re a longtime Marvel fan or someone who simply loves orchestral music, “Music from Marvel Studios” promises an evening of high-impact entertainment, nostalgia, and musical artistry.

Tickets are available now via ThaiTicketMajor.
www.thaiticketmajor.com/concert/rbso-2025-marvel-movie-music.html

Venue: Thailand Cultural Centre, Main Hall
Dates: Thursday & Friday, June 26–27, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Performed by: Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Vanich Potavanich

Don’t miss this cinematic concert experience where heroes rise, emotions soar, and the power of music brings the Marvel Universe to life.

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Abuja, Nigeria, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) brought together tourism leaders, government officials, and creative-sector stakeholders to chart a future where tourism drives lasting, inclusive development across the region. The event brought together more than 300 delegates, including 18 Ministers of Tourism, reflecting the high-level support for UN Tourism’s work and vision for the region.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili opened the 68th session with a call to action rooted in partnership and progress. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he noted that “progress is built on partnership and Africa’s story is one of resilience and renewal.” He lauded the region’s rapid recovery in tourism, driven by streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development, and reaffirmed commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth.

Shared Progress Celebrated

In Abuja, UN Tourism’s Member States in Africa were given a thorough overview of the progress made in advancing shared goals since the Regional Commission’s last meeting. Key highlights of this shared progress include:

• The launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Morocco, designed to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
• A strong emphasis on creative industries, music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, visitor engagement, and local livelihoods.
• Advancements in education and youth empowerment, including new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and expansive training and entrepreneurship programmes.

“Tourism can be a ladder and a platform for leadership,” Pololikashvili said, urging further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities.

Key Roles for African Member States in UN Tourism

In Abuja, Africa’s Member States fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions that will guide UN Tourism’s work forward over the coming years:

• Angola; Kenya; Seychelles; Zambia; Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029)
• Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly (2025)
• Zambia will Chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria the Vice-Chairs

Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC). Cabo Verde will then host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027.

Innovation to Shape Africa’s Tourism Future

The week’s discussions underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates stressed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must serve people first, by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards.

On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation shaping Tourism and Creative Industries for local officials. Discussions focused on placing AI tools and innovation to be at the forefront of tourism development across Africa, as well as on supporting education and entrepreneurial skills for growth as well as the importance of public-private partnerships.

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Bangkok, Thailand, June 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Nila is proud to announce the launch of the Char-Grill Platter. Designed with the spirit of sharing in mind, this new offering invites guests to savour a generous selection of flame-grilled favourites, served alongside the restaurant’s signature warm, flaky Malabar paratta.

Rooted in both tradition and innovation, the Char-Grill Platter brings together bold spices, expert grilling techniques, and authentic South Indian hospitality. Perfect for family-style dining, the platter is available in two sizes to suit both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Char-Grill Platter Options:
Regular Platter (Serves 2–4) – THB 900++
Premium Platter (Serves 6–8) – THB 1,590++

* Halal-friendly options available

The Char-Grill Platter is now available at Nila throughout June and July 2025. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying time with loved ones, this new offering promises to elevate the new dining experience.

For reservations, please call +66 2653 9000 ext. 5325 or bit.ly/4kndp2w

NILA
Located on the 4th floor of Amari Bangkok. Open daily from 12:00 – 24:00 hrs.
Tel: 02-653-9000

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