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Unveiling the New Face of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

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Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 24, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Anantara Chiang Mai Resort welcomes back travellers from around the world with renovated accommodations and exciting new dining experiences in a prime riverfront setting.

With COVID-19 waning, travel to Thailand now back to normal, and Chiang Mai ready to celebrate life once again, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort recently hosted a glamorous evening reception for Lanna royalty, foreign diplomats, and the city’s leading government officials and business executives on the lawn of its 100-year-old heritage house. Approximately 200 guests were treated to an evening of live music and performances over canapes and drinks.

Formerly the British consulate, and renovated by Asia-based architect Kerry Hill, famous for icons such as The Sukhothai in Bangkok and Aman hotels throughout the region, the heritage house is the heart of the wining and dining experience at the award-winning Anantara Chiang Mai.

The new guest experience begins at the ground-floor Brit Bar, reimagined as the private members’ club of Her Majesty’s secret service. Here, guests are invited to share pre-dinner drinks and conversation in intimate spaces including the classic oak bar, salons decorated with old maps and collectibles, and a secret room hidden away behind a bookshelf and accessible only by those in the know. Gurus are on hand to recommend selections from the wine cellar, whisky and cigar collection, and whimsical cocktail list.

Dinner is then served in the upstairs restaurant, The Service 1921, which today launches a brand-new menu by Executive Chef David Eldridge that showcases the finest seafood and meats, including in-house dry-aged beef, and free-range chicken and pork from Thai artisan farmers. Highlight dishes include beef tartare with bone marrow emulsion, sous-vide egg yolk, Parmesan and Sriracha; a thick-cut 400 g Sloane’s pork chop with smoky mustard and apple glaze; and the classic British dessert, Eton Mess, made with local strawberries, whipped cream, meringue and sorbet.

Also launching today is Chiang Mai’s first champagne rooftop bar, Bubbles, which fronts the Ping River. The drinks menu is entirely original, with the world’s best champagnes by the glass and bottle, as well as innovative bubbly cocktail creations. The bar’s most exclusive table, set at river’s edge and reached by a glass walkway, is ideal for private celebrations such as proposals or anniversaries.

Coming on 1 November is the picturesque Bodhi Terrace, which lies in the shade of the resort’s 200-year-old bodhi trees. The menu will highlight the best of Thai cuisine from north to south, and with its riverfront location, will play host to the city’s most spectacular Loy Krathong celebrations.

Other developments around the resort include work on the private pier, with river cruises soon to be launched, a Thai medical clinic and IV drip bar at Anantara Spa, and renovations of the 84 rooms and suites. Spacious starting at 50 sqm, and with tranquil garden and river views, the accommodations maintain their classic Modern Tropical design, with Zen teak finishing and an emphasis on the breeze and coolness, but with the additions of the latest in luxury amenities.

“At Anantara, we constantly strive to elevate the guest stay, immersing travellers in modern-day local culture with unique and authentic experiences”, says General Manager Khun Pitak Norathepkitti. “I thank all our illustrious guests for joining us in celebrating our latest offerings tonight, and look forward to welcoming back guests from around the world in the near future”.

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort was recently voted one of Thailand’s top resorts at the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2022. The travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious awards drew on the experiences of nearly a quarter of a million voters from around the world.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Independent Resort Inks Deal To Bolster Online Sales

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CAM RANH, Vietnam (October 10, 2022) – As the hotel industry strives to crawl out of the devastation wreaked by the global pandemic, an independent resort has signed up with South East Asia’s largest privately owned independent hotel management company to tap into its online distribution system.

Alma Resort on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula has joined forces with Archipelago International to deploy its “Powered by Archipelago” system that incorporates a suite of services, from booking engines to yield inventory, designed to dramatically increase online revenue.

The Powered by Archipelago distribution system harnesses a host of tools and systems to build awareness about hotels and generate online room sales, including channel manager software, rate shopping software, a rate parity checker and fixer, metasearch integrator, campaign performance analyser, geographic market penetration analyzer, Archipelago’s website, membership programs and more.

Following Alma’s connection to the system, the resort’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler says the “first signs are very promising” with the property directly benefiting from up to 20 bookings a day for an average length of two nights via Powered by Archipelago.

“I can see a very positive change in the number of bookings and in average rates,” said Laubichler-Pichler.

Archipelago International recently moved into the Vietnamese market with the launch of Archipelago Indochina in partnership with Vietnam-based asset management and hospitality consultancy firm Optimum Hospitality.

The group has signed up independent hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Hanoi, and Ha Giang. Under its distribution and revenue management services, Archipelago Indochina connects the hotels to the Powered by Archipelago system, automating their distribution processes and connecting them to more than 3,000 partners. In addition to leveraging longstanding relationships and arrangements with OTAs (online travel agencies), Archipelago Indochina also trains and monitors the hotels’ reservations teams.

About Alma

Situated on Vietnam’s emerging Cam Ranh peninsula fronting Long Beach, Alma resort commands some 30 hectares of inspiring ground. Emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the bold and spacious integrated resort offers 580 oversized suites and pavilions that all afford sweeping vistas of the ocean, including contemporary three bedroom oceanfront pavilions each totalling 224sqm with a living room, four bathrooms and a private pool. Alma features a broad spectrum of restaurants helmed by top chefs, a food court with an array of local and international cuisine, as well as a sports bar, pool bar and beach bar. Other highlights include 12 swimming pools cascading down to the beach, a waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, 70-seat cinema, convention centre, amphitheater, art gallery, science museum, gymnasium and yoga room, 18-hole mini golf course, a youth centre with virtual reality games, a kid’s club, water sports centre and even an ‘Alma Mart’ mini supermarket.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel by Design,” a Design-focused Platform Introducing Untold Stories to At-Home Streaming

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Travel by Design

Marriott Bonvoy® – Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands, award-winning loyalty program, and endless experiences – today announced the launch of Travel by Design, an integrated content platform showcasing never-before-told design stories that inspired some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. Marriott Bonvoy is collaborating with Samsung to create the first-ever exclusive branded destination within Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming service, Samsung TV Plus. Starting November 1, 2022, Samsung TV Plus viewers can simply select a tile on the service home screen to explore the on-demand library to immerse themselves in a curated collection of travel video content.

“We are excited to launch our Travel by Design platform to introduce travelers to the design visionaries behind some of the world’s most remarkable hotels, fusing them closer to destinations and cultures for a more immersive travel experience,” said Annie Granatstein, Vice President, Content Marketing, Marriott International. “We know travelers are rethinking how they want to see the world and we are proud to be able to offer them this one-of-a-kind, at-home experience to fill their bucket lists.”

From a secluded overwater villa in the Maldives, to a reimagined royal palace in Budapest, or a trendy hotspot in downtown Los Angeles, Travel by Design brings tales of design and architecture to life from world-renowned creatives, such as Frank Gehry and Yabu Pushelberg, with articles, films, podcasts, and photography across multiple channels, including digital, editorial, and social platforms.

Travel by Design features a collection of short films showcasing four fascinating stories, where iconic destinations meet design from beloved brands like W Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection Hotels, and more. The transportive visual series will be available on streaming platforms, such as Samsung and Roku as well as YouTube, and featured in hotel rooms globally on Marriott Bonvoy TV.

The Travel by Design podcast hosted by Hamish Kilburn, Editor at Hotel Designs, meets the architects, designers, and visionaries who dive deep into the craft and hear what sparked their concept, how their creative process changes throughout, and what it is like to enjoy the space as a traveler. Six audio episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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.

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
Manager, Global Communications, Portfolio Marketing
Marriott International
Shannon.Bodo@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Marriott International Signs Agreement With Grupo Puntacana and Mac Hotels to Bring W Hotels Brand to the Dominican Republic

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W All-Inclusive Punta Cana Uvero Alto

Marriott International, Inc., today announced the signing of a management agreement with Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels to begin construction on the W All-Inclusive Punta Cana in Uvero Alto, an adults-only, all-inclusive luxury property in the Dominican Republic. This hotel is expected to be the first W Hotels property in the market and one of the first W All-Inclusive resorts globally.

W All-Inclusive Punta Cana Uvero Alto is anticipated to feature 349 guest rooms with balconies and plunge pools, as well as several suites. With immersive and dynamic adult-focused programming, plans for the resort include a spa with 11 treatment rooms, a retail area, three pools with pool bars and eleven food and beverage destinations.

“Punta Cana is the perfect destination for both the W Hotels brand and an all-inclusive luxury resort,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “We look forward to bringing the vision for this fun adult playground to life with Grupo Puntacana and MAC Hotels.”

Today’s agreement is a result of the diversification and growth strategy of Grupo Punta Cana. The pioneering work of the company has contributed to the development of more than 40,000 hotel rooms in the area. The region generates the equivalent of 6.8% of the Dominican Republic’s GDP in the tourism sector and has become the province with the highest per capita income in the country.

“The signing of W Punta Cana Uvero Alto demonstrates our strong commitment to tourism development in Uvero Alto. This project is set to elevate the hotel supply in the region and generate about 600 new jobs,” stated Frank Elías Rainieri, President and CEO, Grupo Puntacana.

For MAC Hotels, the original developer of this project, the investment represents its third project in the country. MAC has evolved its hospitality strategy in which the company has traditionally been both an owner and the operator for all of its projects until now.

“Today’s signing with Grupo Puntacana and Marriott International allows us to move up to the next stage in our company’s growth and development, and we thank both Marriott and Grupo Puntacana for the confidence they have shown us. We are excited to provide an unparalleled experience for guests coming to the beaches of Punta Cana,” stated Begoña Amengual, CEO, MAC Hotels.

The project is expected to break ground in the coming months with an anticipated opening date in 2025.

About Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About W Hotels Worldwide
Born from the bold, 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels has redefined hospitality for over two decades, breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands. With nearly 60 hotels around the globe, the detail-driven design, iconic Whatever/Whenever service and buzzing, signature Living Rooms create an experience that is often imitated but never matched. Dynamic and invigorating, the brand celebrates each travelers’ desire to uncover the destination through a lens that is distinctly W. For more information on W Hotels, visit www.WHotels.com/TheAngle or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. W Hotels Worldwide is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit www.MarriottBonvoy.Marriott.com.

About MAC Hotels Group
MAC Hotels was created in the 1980’s by Mr. Miguel Amengual Cifre and his wife, Mrs. Begoña Delgado. Today, the family-owned company has been transitioned to its second generation, handled by Begoña, Miguel and Aina Amengual, who each hold different management roles. The group owns and manages its 7 hotels under its brands Pure Salt Luxury Hotels, dedicated to the luxury segment, and MAC Hotels, which is a family-oriented brand. Both brands represent a total of 1,920 hotel rooms, in addition to which the group manages a residential complex luxury apartments known as Pure Salt Residences. One of the key pillars of MAC Hotels has been constant reinvestment in its properties to maintain them up to date, and the high satisfaction of its guests and employees.

About Grupo Puntacana
Grupo Puntacana is a pioneer company in large scale tourist and economic development. With over 52 years of trajectory, it has envisioned and developed a successful real estate community and airport in a paradisaical destination in the Dominican Republic. Through its initiatives in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, Grupo Punta Cana has become a reference for its creation of new jobs while enhancing the local culture and taking care of the environment.

Media Contact
Natalia Castillo
Coordinator, Public Relations
Marriott International
Natalia.Castillo@RitzCarlton.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Best Western Named “Best Midscale Hotel Chain” for Eighth Straight Year

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Bangkok, Thailand, October 22, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Best Western Hotels and Resorts was celebrated as the “Best Midscale Hotel Chain – Asia Pacific” at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying the company’s position as an industry-leading global hospitality brand. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the company has won the award, setting a new milestone for BWH Hotel Group.

“We are delighted and deeply honored to receive the ‘Best Midscale Hotel Chain’ award once again,” said Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and President of WorldHotels, BWH Hotel Group. “The Asia-Pacific region is of critical importance to our brand, and we are committed to expanding our scale across this key region and delivering unparalleled experiences for guests.”

The award ceremony was held in Singapore on October 6th to honor the extraordinary travel suppliers in Asia-Pacific who have distinguished themselves in the last twelve months. These awards aim to celebrate companies, brands and individuals that have gone above and beyond to positively impact the travel industry with outstanding business performance, top-notch innovation and exceptional customer service. The winners were selected based on votes from Travel Weekly Asia’s readership, which includes many of the region’s top travel agents and industry professionals.

“We are extremely grateful to be receiving this prestigious award for the eighth consecutive year,” adds Olivier Berrivin, Vice President of International Operations – APAC, BWH Hotel Group. “It is an acknowledgment of our consistency and long-running success in the region, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

BWH Hotel Group is an award-winning global network of 4,500 hotels located in over 100 countries and territories, offering 18 distinct brands spanning from luxury to economy. The company has celebrated recent expansion of its global portfolio, which is set to grow by roughly 300 hotels in 2022 alone.

All hoteliers that have recently joined BWH Hotel Group benefit from the brand’s reputation for providing superior guest service, and gain access to the award-winning Best Western Rewards® and WorldHotels RewardsSM programs, which boasts nearly 51 million members worldwide.

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternasia.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel Group® global network. With 17 brands and approximately 4,500 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature Collection®. Through the acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio are SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection®, and SureStay Studio® franchises**.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
**All Best Western, WorldHotels and SureStay branded hotels are independently owned and operated.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Accor to Open Grand Mercure Phu Quoc with Meyland

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Accor to Open Grand Mercure Phu Quoc with Meyland - TRAVELINDEXPhu Quoc, Vietnam, October 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor further expands its portfolio in Southeast Asia with the signing of Grand Mercure Hotel in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. In partnership with Meyland, the premium hotel will feature 200 keys, offering extensive leisure and convention facilities with a bold and multi-sensory design for an immersive guest experience.

Grand Mercure Phu Quoc will enjoy a strategic location on Vietnam’s largest island, 11km from Phu Quoc International Airport, which is connected to key cities across Southeast Asia. The resort will offer three restaurants, meeting and event facilities, a wellness centre that features fitness amenities, a spa and a swimming pool. The property will join Accor’s eight properties in Phu Quoc, affirming the group’s position as the leading hotel operator on the island.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in Phu Quoc with the launch of a Grand Mercure resort. Our co-operation with Meyland represents a promising future for Vietnam with major corporations foreseeing continued growth of the hospitality sector and choosing to expand their operations to include hospitality. We are proud to be the first hotel management partner of Meyland and we are confident that the Grand Mercure brand will add substantial value to their hospitality portfolio,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts tempts travellers with a charming and inviting hotel experience that appeals to their imagination and insatiable sense of discovery. With its debut in Asia Pacific nearly 20 years ago, the Grand Mercure network consists of more than 55 hotels that embrace cultural tradition, locally influenced cuisine and inspired artistic expression.

Accor is the leading international hotel operator in Vietnam, with 40 hotels currently operating and 50 additional projects in the pipeline.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The 16th Thailand Retail, Food and Hospitality Services Opens in Bangkok

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The 16th Thailand Retail, Food and Hospitality Services Opens in Bangkok - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, October 20, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services 2022 trade show opened today in Bangkok. In its 16th edition, TRAFS serves as the most effective face to face platform between sellers and buyers, to meet new potentials, to launch new products and services to serve the increasing demands of flourishing food service and hospitality businesses in Thailand and ASEAN region.

The 4-day tradeshow is packed with many unique activities for the professionals to upskill their knowledge, i.e. professional seminars, workshops (food, coffee and bakery), live theater by industry experts, as well as one on one business matching.

The show organized by Kavin Intertrade is unique as it combines three international trade show under one roof, “One-stop-shop: food service, hotel, retail and franchise solutions.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and graced by the following dignitaries:
– Mr. Mohamed Hafiz Md Shariff, Trade Commissioner, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Matrade,
– Mr. Max Chang Director, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taitra
– Dato Mike Loh Ming Choon, President, Founder & CEO, ASEAN Retail-Chains and Franchise Federation, Malaysia
– Mr. Michele Tomea, Secretary General of TICC, Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC)
– Mr. Ha Jeongwon Main Project Manager, The Korea Rice Foodstuffs Association
– Mr. Meechai Amornpathanakul, Chairman of the Barista Association of Thailand
– Mr. Li Feng Chief Representative, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
– Mr. Joo Yong Lee, Managing Director, aT Korea agro trade center Bangkok
– Mr. Thongpoon Duangchompoo, Secretary, Food and Beverage Management Association, Thailand
– Chef Thongliam Pookthong, President The Chef Association Thailand

The first show is the 16th Thailand Retail, Food & Hospitality Services (TRAFS) – Thailand’s Number 1 show of equipment and raw materials for restaurants, cafes, F&B, and food services. The show is an excellent platform for hoteliers, restaurant managers, café owners, and those in food services to purchase or source new equipment and raw material, both food and drinks, from more than 100 Thais & international exhibitors, with more than 7,000 items worldwide.

With the support from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), together with hotel and food industry associations, the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, and leading food schools, the organizer has crafted many unique activities that are free to join so the visitors can get the most out of their visits, such as food and bakery demonstration workshops, barista intensive classes, and food and hotel industry seminars.

“The intention is to help up skills professionals in the industries, thus boosting the industry standard and creating new jobs,” said the Managing Director.

The second show is “ASEAN Retail” – established in 2016, internationally focused; ASEAN Retail is Thailand’s only “Total Retail Platform Solution.” The show is well-positioned as the best show for the retail industry in response to vibrant retail market demand in Thailand, dubbed “Shopping Paradise” in ASEAN. The four-day exhibition is packed with innovations and ideas supporting the retail industry’s high demand.

“In its 7th edition, exhibitors from Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and China, will showcase their retail products in full array from the latest technology to serve the booming e-commerce, and shop fittings such as receipt printer, UV printing, transaction monitoring, and regulatory reporting software, artificial intelligence cloud platform, touchscreen displays, POS-CRM & loyalty program, e-money services, power socket, digital technologies for eCommerce businesses and consulting services, etc.”, said Mr. Kavin.

The third show is the 18th Thailand Franchise & Business Opportunities (TFBO) – Thailand’s most significant international franchise trade show. It is well-recognized as the “Most Effective Platform” between franchise brand owners and investors from Thailand, ASEAN, and the global markets. Investors will meet with almost 150 popular franchise brands from Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the U.S.A., India, etc., covering ten franchise categories from food to drinks, bakery, delivery service, car care, beauty, retail shop, laundromat, vending machines, etc.

“The show offers a great experience exploring new business and investment opportunities. In addition, the four-day exhibition is packed with exciting activities such as business matching and seminars led by industry gurus”. Mr. Kavin mentioned.

Kavin Kittiboonya, Managing Director of Kavin Intertrade Co, Ltd said, “Established in 1999, the company has experienced unprecedented growth and success, acclamations from industry leaders, government agencies, and local and international associations. We are proud to be part of the exhibition industry that generated Bt53 billion and created more than 43,000 jobs yearly.

With over two decades of experience, Kavin Intertrade has managed more than 150 trade shows and owns a portfolio of 10 premium, industry-specific trade, and consumer events.

Based in the heart of Bangkok, the company employs 26 highly experienced and dedicated staff. “The team takes great care of each step from preparation, conceptualization, execution, promotion, and facilitation. Our approach to business is unique, emphasizing local roots and global reach. Our intention is to create energetic, educational, and invigorating environments to achieve business goals of providing a business platform between sellers and buyers,” said the MD.

Other companies’ s own trade shows are:
– Thailand Coffee Tea & Drinks and Thailand Bakery & Ice Cream (16th edition)
The longest international B2B2C show for the rapidly growing coffee, tea, bakery, and confectionery industries in Thailand and ASEAN.

– Khon Kaen Coffee Bakery Ice-cream & Franchise (KICE)
KICE is the largest coffee, bakery, ice cream, and franchise event in the Northeastern region. The B2B2C show is packed with exciting activities throughout the 3-day event, such as workshops, seminars, and business matching.

– Pub and Bar Asia
The only trade show dedicated to the boutique and independent restaurant, pub & bar community in Southeast Asia. The trade show is the go-to platform for hospitality professionals to launch new products, reinforce new contacts with existing customers and explore new opportunities. Back with a robust database of importers/ distributors/ users in Thailand and ASEAN countries to ensure success.

– ASEAN Cold Pharma Chain and ASEAN Logistics & Warehouse
ASEAN Cold Pharma Chain and ASEAN Logistics & Warehouse is a “complete” platform for four key clusters, namely Cold Chain, Cold Pharma Chain, Logistics and Warehouse, to line manufacturers, distributors, service providers, and direct users in the four clusters to meet together.

Some show Managements include;

– Bangkok International Gift Fair & Bangkok International Houseware Fair (BIG + BIH) 2014 & 2015 (Turnkey Contract)
Project Owner: Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand (DITP)

The company organized, promoted, and executed the big annual international trade fair for DITP on a turnkey contract. The fair serves as the most reputable fair for gifts, and home decor industries are internationally recognized as one of Asia’s most prominent and aesthetic events.

– TEA Webinar Series 2021: Potentials and Outlook of Thailand’s Exhibition (Turnkey Contract)
Project Owner: Thai Exhibition Association (TEA)
The company organized and executed three webinar series for the Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA)*, which served as an online platform to connect Thai exhibition organizers and related parties and share their best practices, experiences, and visions with participants.

The topics covered international market trends and perspectives, Thailand’s opportunities during Covid-19, and Thailand’s economic recovery.

– World Tea and Coffee Expo (Turnkey Contract)
Project Owner: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) – TCEB

The World Tea and Coffee Expo: The 2nd Tea and Coffee International Symposium is the largest tea and coffee event in northern Thailand, under the theme of “From Local to Global.” The exposition brought together 50 exhibitors, both Thais and international. In addition, trade buyers and visitors will meet the leading manufacturers, distributors, importers, and suppliers covering the whole supply chain.

The event was divided into four essential parts; symposium, trade show, business matching, and familiarization trip to promote tea and coffee as incentive routes, to pave the way for Northern Thailand as a global hub for coffee and tea production, trade, investment, and tourism.

Thailand has a strong position to be the exhibition hub of ASEAN; with its strategic location in the heartland of Southeast Asia and ASEAN, Thailand offers exhibitors a strong advantage for tapping wider markets beyond the country.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

ITB Asia Returns as Asia’s Largest Travel Trade Show

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ITB Asia returns as Asia’s Largest Travel Trade Show - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, October 20, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show’, now in its 15th year, gracefully opened today at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, the 3-in-1 show will run as an in-person event until Friday, 21 October 2022.

Reflecting renewed confidence in MICE events, ITB Asia 2022 has attracted over 80 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). Under the anchor theme, “Go Big & Go Forward: Travel Industry on the Road to Recovery and Growth”, travel leaders who are at the top of their respective industries will share insights on key trends and how to stay competitive and quickly maximise growth potential.

Commenting on this year’s in-person event, Dr Martin Buck, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin GmbH, said: “With the industry in Asia optimistic again, we are delighted to bring international travel professionals back to Singapore for meaningful business, networking and learning through face-to-face interactions. It remains crucial for us to offer a balanced mix of geographic markets and sectors such as MICE, leisure, corporate travel and travel tech to ensure a high-quality buyer-seller experience, thus maintaining ITB Asia’s position as the leading business platform in the APAC region”.
As a global stage, the 3-in1- show presents a strong participation from NTO and RTO

Over the course of the next three days, the strong exhibition and attendee participation continues to facilitate business appointments for attendees around the world to engage with key clients and partners. The show welcomes participation from over 80 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) including Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Business Events Perth, Busan Tourism Organization, Coahoma County Tourism Mississippi, Czech Tourism Authority, Department of Tourism and Creative Economy of Jakarta, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Gangwon Tourism Organization, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, Istanbul Airport, Japan National Tourism Organization, Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jeonbuk Culture and Tourism Foundation, Karnataka Tourism, Kerala Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Malta Tourism Authority, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lao PDR, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Penang Global Tourism, , Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Saudi Tourism Authority, Saxony Tourism Germany, Seoul Tourism Organization, Silk Road Samarkand Tourist Complex, Singapore Tourism Board, Taipei City Government, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Fiji, Tourism Ireland, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Tourism Seychelles, Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ulsan Tourism Organization, Vanuatu Tourism, Visit Almaty, visitBerlin, Visit Brussels, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Guam, Visit Iceland, Visit Jordan, Visit Levi, Visit Maldives, Visit Monaco, Visit Rovaniemi, Visit Sarajevo, Visit Turku Archipelago and Zagreb Tourist Board.

The organisers are delighted to count on strong partners in the revival Asia’s leading travel tradeshow. Marina Bay Sands is the Official Partner Hotel, Saudi Tourism Authority is the Official Partner Country and Berlin Brandenburg Airport is the Official Partner Airport of this year’s in-person show.

ITB Asia 2022 has assembled a top-notch conference programme

The 100+ session themed agenda, led by over 180 leading industry speakers and innovators will have over 3950 minutes of high-powered content across three conference tracks: Knowledge Theatre, MICE Show Asia & Travel Tech Asia. This year’s conference programme has been specifically curated to support the travel industry and will discuss topics critical to the future of MICE, corporate travel, leisure travel and travel technology.

As part of the Day 1-keynote line up (19 October), Michael Dykes, Vice President, Marketing Management (APAC), Expedia Group will provide insights on what will disrupt and change the way we travel and do business in his keynote, titled, “Travel in Action, Digitally”. Named, “Rebuilding Confidence: How COVID-19 Fostered a More Resilient Future for Travel”, Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (Excluding Greater China), Marriott International will deliver a keynote speech on the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic that paved the way for remarkable moments of resilience, new business models, and ingenuity across travel sectors.

The morning keynotes conclude with a Keynote Fireside Chat on “Looking Toward 2025: Where Travel Will Be” featuring the keynote speakers Michael Dykes and Rajeev Menon who take a look ahead in three years’ time or even further. Together with moderator Monica Pitrelli, Editor at CNBC Travel, the two industry leaders will figure out what challenges will come next, what innovations will take place, and how the industry can adapt and evolve in a fast-changing world.

Tomorrow (20 October), attendees can look forward to hearing a panel discussion on Meaningful Tourism as the new paradigm for the post-pandemic development of global tourism. Titled, “Beyond Sustainability – Meaningful Tourism as the “New Normal” Offering Benefits for All Stakeholders” the session welcomes Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, CEO, Meaningful Tourism Center as Chairman and Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin and three winners of the Meaningful Tourism Award 2022, as expert speakers, exploring best practice examples of Meaningful Tourism that can provide quality, benefits and satisfaction for all industry players. The names of the 18 winners of Meaningful Tourism Awards 2022 will also be announced at this session.

Travel Tech Asia Partners with Singapore Venture & Private Capital Association (SVCA)

Since its launch in 2019, Travel Tech Asia has been a must-attend event for all Travel Tech industry professionals. The face-to-face exhibition and conference offer both B2B appointments and thought-provoking conference programme for travel tech decision-makers and suppliers.

Travel Tech Asia partners with the Singapore Venture & Private Capital Association (SVCA) to co-organise a panel discussion session featuring executives from its member venture capital firms to discuss the investable opportunities in the “TravelTech” space in Southeast Asia. Titled “VC Opportunities in TravelTech in Post-Pandemic SEA”, the panel discussion will be led by moderator Sang Han, Partner, Cento Ventures, and hear first-hand sharing from Tiang Lim Foo, Co-Founder and Partner, Forge Ventures, Murli Ravi, Co-Founder, Tin Men Capital and Joe Zhang, Principal, TNB Aura, on what venture capitalists in the region are looking to explore to broaden the industry’s understanding of the venture capital perspective.

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 speakers include Khang Nguyen Trieu, 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 at Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Jane Lim, Vice President, Global Markets at Tripadvisor. The panel will be moderated by Jeff Pan, Venture Builder at McKinsey & Company.

MICE Leaders to Reconnect and Schedule Meetings at MICE Show Asia

With a strong international participation and long-standing support from speakers and partners from world renowned MICE associations and leading MICE companies, MICE Show Asia 2022 will bring together industry suppliers, meetings & events professionals and emerging MICE innovators to connect and build the future of MICE.

The MICE Leaders’ Panel, titled “Return to a World Transformed: Revitalising MICE for a New Era”, will feature a discussion where professionals, buyers and sellers of travel and meetings services explore how different players in the MICE ecosystem can work together to deliver a better bottom line and future for the industry. The panel will be moderated by Richard Ireland, President, Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). Confirmed panellists include Patricia Cheong, Managing Director Asia, International Conference Services (ICS), Waikin Wong, Regional Director Asia Pacific, ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association, Wee Min Ong, Vice President of Conventions & Exhibitions, Marina Bay Sands, Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Arnold T. Gonzales, Head, MICE Department, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.

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

Marriott International to Acquire City Express Brand to Fuel Growth in Affordable Midscale Segment

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City Express Hotels

Mario LopeZ Ramirez

Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: HCITY) to acquire the highly regarded City Express brand portfolio, marking Marriott’s entry into the affordable midscale segment with its 31st brand.

The portfolio is currently comprised of 152 hotels, including 17,356 rooms across 75 cities in Mexico and three additional countries in Latin America. Upon closing of the transaction, the brand and hotel portfolio will become part of Marriott’s franchise system. Marriott will also acquire the franchise rights to five under-construction projects in the pipeline, representing an additional 676 rooms. Marriott expects to update the brand name with its signature “by Marriott” endorsement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Marriott will pay $100 million for Hoteles City’s brand portfolio (City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior, and City Centro), associated trademarks, domains and related intellectual property, the City Premios loyalty program, and other assets and liabilities related to the brand. Stabilized franchise fees are anticipated to be approximately $10 million for the existing portfolio.

As the largest hospitality company in the world, Marriott has a proven track record of growing regional brands by utilizing its global development engine as well as its extensive programs and revenue systems, such as the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty platform and innovative digital travel programs including Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. The transaction is expected to make Marriott the largest hotel company in the Caribbean and Latin America (“CALA”), increasing its presence in the region by 45 percent, to 486 properties across 37 countries. Given the high-growth nature of the affordable midscale segment, the company sees a meaningful opportunity to further expand the City Express by Marriott brand in the CALA region, as well as in other locations.

“This transaction with Hoteles City Express is a strategic win for Marriott and our customers, associates and owners and franchisees,” said Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “We’re excited to enter a new lodging category – the popular affordable midscale segment where we see significant potential. With City Express by Marriott, we will be providing our customers with more choice through a new, approachable, moderate-priced offering, increasing opportunity for owners and franchisees as well as associates.”

Hoteles City Express is a Mexico-based company founded in 2002 by Luis Barrios. The company’s brand portfolio provides customers a range of mid-scale properties that include urban, suburban, and extended stay offerings in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile. With exceptional brand recognition among Latin American travelers, the brand has been awarded the prestigious designation of “Marca Notoria” in Mexico for its hospitality sector leadership and brand recognition.

“When we started thinking about City Express, we were convinced that a modern, efficient, and affordable brand would be very attractive to the local traveler. After our first 20 years, we are very excited and honored to work alongside Marriott, a company we’ve always admired, to take the brand to the next level,” said Luis Barrios, CEO of Hoteles City. “After having the opportunity to work with the Marriott team, we confirmed that we share common cultural values and a similar approach to hospitality.”

“Our goal is to be everywhere our guests want us to be, with the right property in the right location and at the right price point,” said Brian King, President, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “This transaction with Hoteles City Express will expand our ability to do exactly that – initially in CALA, with opportunity around the world. We can’t wait to welcome City Express’s customers and continue the tradition of high-quality hotels and authentic hospitality established by Luis Barrios and his team.”

The closing of the transaction is subject to various customary conditions, including the approval by COFECE. Marriott expects the transaction could close between the end of 2022 and the first half of 2023.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to the company’s expectations regarding closing the transaction; the resulting impact on the size of the company’s brand and hotel portfolio and entry into a new market segment; future growth opportunities, plans and expectations; anticipated franchise fees; the benefits of the transaction; the company’s expectations regarding the “by Marriott” brand endorsement; and similar statements concerning possible future events or 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 receipt of necessary consents and approvals and other risk factors that we identify in our 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 statements as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contacts
Melissa Froehlich-Flood
Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Communications & Public Policy
Marriott International
Melissa.Froehlich-Flood@Marriott.com

Kerstin Sachl
Vice President, Communications & Public relations
Marriott International CALA
Kerstin.Sachl@Marriott.com

Read original article at Marriott Hotels

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Wins Placement on Prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Awards

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia, October 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic 90-year-old luxury hotel in the Cambodian capital, was named one of the Top 10 hotels in Southeast Asia by readers of the US-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

The 175-room landmark heritage property was also ranked the No. 1 hotel in Cambodia in the annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which, now in their 35th year, are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

“Our remarkable history, world-class service and timeless elegance are truly extraordinary, and this recognition—being voted the top hotel in Cambodia by some of the world’s most discerning travelers—offers further testament to that sentiment,” said Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s General Manager Dennis de Groot.

Designed in the 1920s by French architect Ernest Hébrard, the hotel is an imposing statement of Khmer, Art Deco and French Colonial styles and includes four suites dedicated to previous guests Jacqueline Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Andre Malraux and Somerset Maugham.

Hotel Le Royal originally opened its doors with just 55 rooms in 1929. It was taken over by Raffles in the 1990s at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk, and relaunched as Raffles Hotel Le Royal in 1997 after a sensitive extension and refurbishment. To protect this treasure of Cambodian heritage, local artisans were commissioned to recreate painted ceilings, decorative beaten copper crests and outdoor sculptures.

Each of the rooms and suites at Raffles Hotel Le Royal underwent a full refurbishment as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project in 2019. Returning guests found lighter and brighter interiors, accentuated by spotlights, in addition to Segafredo coffee machines and Simmons pillow-top mattresses among the new features that add modern appeal. Traditionalists appreciate that the heart and soul of the vintage luxury hotel has been thoughtfully maintained, with polished hardwood floors, whirring ceiling fans, and old brass rotary telephones.

A witness to much of Cambodia’s modern history, Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrated its 90th anniversary in November 2019.

For more information or to make a booking, call +855 23 981 888.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News