Category: Latest Travel News

Bali, Indonesia, November 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / A Balinese resort known for its deep connection to Indonesia’s art scene and scenic location amid the rice paddies of Ubud is highlighting two of its most important attributes with the launch of four New Premier One Bedroom Club Pool Villas this January. With a current collection of just twenty villas and suites the addition of a new room category and four villas is a significant expansion for the boutique property.

Overlooking the rice paddies and Mt Agung in the distance, each 250-square-meter abode makes the most of its natural outlook with a 14-meter long private plunge pool that appears to extend into the surrounding landscape.

While many parts of the new villas stay true to the resort’s original Balinese design aesthetic, there are additions not available in the property’s other 20 suites and villas. One new element is an outdoor dining pavilion that features a full complimentary mini-bar (restocked daily) with rattan chairs and a dining table for an alfresco meal or drink.

Families will appreciate a built-in sofa bed, not available in the standard One Bedroom Club Pool Villa, that creates an extra bed for a more comfortable stay. Couples may enjoy the spacious outdoor soaking tub. Digital nomads will benefit from a more spacious working desk with universal plug adapters and a bluetooth sound system.

“With our late founder being one of Indonesia’s most prominent architects and art collectors, we wanted a design that honored our heritage but also looked to the future of how our aesthetic is evolving,” explained Deasy Swandarini, general manager of Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana. “We opted for a more contemporary approach to design elements in the interior and the addition of modern touches and conveniences.”

All furnishings are bespoke and designed by the House of Hadiprana. These include unique hanging and standing lamps, a coffee table, and armchairs. Original artwork adorns the new villa’s walls and a vast collection of local sculptures and paintings can also be found throughout the property. The late Hendra Hadiprana’s art collection still remains at the resort and the grounds are a treasure trove of sculptures and paintings collected over a lifetime and added to by his family since his passing.

Club benefits offered with the Premier One Bedroom Club Pool Villa include:

• Welcome drink
• Butler service
• Evening turndown service
• Daily a la carte breakfast
• In-villa check in and check out service
• Daily seasonal fresh fruits delivered to your villa or suite
• Daily afternoon tea from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Panen Padi Lounge
• Daily sunset cocktails from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Tempayan Restaurant
• Complimentary minibar including alcohol selections (replenished once daily)
• Espresso coffee and tea-making facilities
• Daily laundry service up to six pieces per villa per day (excluding dry cleaning)
• Car service to/from Ubud Centre with private car equipped with Wi-Fi
• High-speed internet connection in accommodation and public areas
• Yoga classes as per hotel schedule
• Access to wellness facilities
• A guided rice paddy trekking along the rice fields and neighboring village
• One time photo session and one complimentary digital photo.

The spacious resort, with 24 villas and suites spread out over six hectares, is available for buyouts for corporate groups, wellness retreats, incentives, and weddings. The property is large enough to offer guests plenty of space but also intimate enough that the entire resort can be booked by one group.

Premier One Bedroom Club Pool Villa rates start from USD 780 per night.

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Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia, November 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Cardamom Tented Camp, set within the pristine wilderness of Cambodia’s Botum Sakor National Park, has enhanced its eco-conscious accommodation offering with the addition of three premium river view tents.

The three new tents, now available, feature larger balconies, offering guests riverside views and a unique opportunity to experience nature up close.

One of the new tents is set 70 metres apart from the others at the end of a 220-metre walkway, providing an exclusive retreat perfect for couples seeking extra privacy. Each tent is perched on an elevated frame, featuring amenities such as fan-cooled double or twin beds, hot water bathrooms, and spacious balconies designed for relaxation, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

“The new riverfront tents offer an unparalleled connection to nature,” says Lodge Manager Allan Michaud. “The serene setting, coupled with opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting right from your balcony, will make these tents a popular option among guests looking for tranquillity and immersion in the wild. Our guests don’t just visit, their stay helps protect this incredible environment.”

Surrounded by lowland mixed forests, the 12 tents at Cardamom Tented Camp circle a natural grassland glade. The camp is a key player in conservation, with profits from its accommodation, riverside restaurant, and eco-activities such as kayaking and guided hikes supporting 18 forest rangers. These rangers patrol the national park, drastically reducing illegal hunting and protecting wildlife such as Asian elephants, silver langurs, and smooth-coated otters.

Guests can engage in the camp’s conservation efforts or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of one of Cambodia’s most remote and untouched environments.

As Michaud puts it, “Cardamom Tented Camp appeals to visitors who want to contribute to a real front-line conservation effort while enjoying the physical and spiritual benefits of being in nature.”

The award-winning camp, accessible only by boat, maintains a five-star rating on TripAdvisor based on 90 reviews. The camp’s motto, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” reflects the ecolodge’s commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of Botum Sakor National Park.

About Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Tented Camp is an ecolodge located in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains in Cambodia. The 12-unit tented camp, with restaurant pavilion, staff dormitory, ecotourism equipment and boat pier, uses solar power to run lodge amenities. The camp has its own waste water filtration process. There is no road access. The camp is accessible only by river boat – or forest hike.

The lodge aims to minimise the human footprint on the natural world and serve as a role model in promoting sustainable ecotourism practices within both the national park and Cambodia as a whole. Located on an 18,000-hectare (180 sq km) concession, the lodge and its surroundings are home to pristine lowland and coastal habitats linking wildlife corridors to the Cardamom Mountains. Eco-friendly trekking and kayaking packages are available for adventure enthusiasts who are keen to be a part of real conservation work.

Cardamom Tented Camp is a three-way initiative between Minor Group, YAANA Ventures and Wildlife Alliance to ensure the land and its biodiversity does not fall into the hands of loggers, poachers and sand dredging operations.

About Cardamom Tented Camp operator YAANA Ventures
YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. YAANA Ventures distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences that are grounded in the cultural richness of Asia. In all its operations, the company strives to champion the 4 C’s: best practice in conservation, community, culture, and commerce. Visit yaana-ventures.com/

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Baku, Azerbaijan, November 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) launched at COP29, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference , to bring together finance, investment, and trade to respond to the urgent need for climate action as the window for impactful action narrows. The initiative aims to strengthen and coordinate the response to climate challenges, fostering economic development and meaningful climate action. Climate finance is the backbone of any effective climate response, making it possible to mobilize resources where they are most needed.

• Unified climate action: Finance, investment, and trade for climate action.
• Global partnership: Led by Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency, with UNCTAD, UNDP, and key international partners.
• Policy coherence: Trade, finance, and climate policies must go together.
• Support for developing nations: To bridge investment gap for countries most affected by climate change.
• UNCTAD’s focus: Transition investments, financial architecture reform, integrating trade and investment for climate action.

The initiative is led by the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan, co-facilitated by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and UN Development Program (UNDP), in collaboration with other United Nations agencies and global partners, like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

“Trade, investment, and finance has to come together,” said UN Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan alongside Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.

Developing countries, despite being on the frontlines of climate impacts, receive minimal climate finance – only 1-2% of foreign direct investment in renewables, for instance, reaches Africa. This investment disparity is a serious barrier to the green transition, as high borrowing costs prevent low-income countries from accessing the capital needed to make impactful climate progress.

“We must have a policy coherence framework that will make these three very important elements, trade, investment and finance, for the future of the global economy to reinforce each other and allow developing countries to thrive and grow appropriately”, Ms. Grynspan said.

Coherence towards climate action

Weak coherence creates bottlenecks and hinders progress towards the scale and speed of transformation when the world is racing to rein in climate change.

Despite calls for sustainable initiatives, “we have trade practices that perpetuate unsustainable patterns – for example, clean energy technologies facing tariffs that are on average twice as high as those on fossil fuels”, said Ms. Grynspan.

Developing countries are on the frontlines of the climate crisis but at the back of queue for climate support. The annual sustainable investment gap across the developing world is about $4 trillion , up from 2.5 trillion a decade ago.

That is why, for example, reforming the international financial system is essential to enable private investment to reach where it is most needed. Multilateral development banks and development finance must scale up, share more risk, and crowd in private funds to support developing countries at long-term and affordable costs.

How UN Trade and Development can help

Looking ahead, UN Trade and Development can support countries in attracting climate foreign direct investment and knowledge sharing and capacity building for national climate and sustainable development ambitions.

It will assist countries in developing “green free economic zones” that seamlessly integrate sustainable development principles within free economic zones, while collaborating with the sustainable investment community.

The organization will also work to restore trust in sustainable finance. A recent decline in sustainable fund investments highlights concerns around greenwashing and transparency. UNCTAD will partner with leaders in sustainable finance to ensure that these funds genuinely support the green transition, directing resources to the sectors and regions where they are needed most.

It will continue advocating for structural reforms to the international financial architecture to help ensure that key players – such as multilateral development banks – are fit for purpose and ready to contribute to finance sustainable development.

The organization will also support countries to prepare their updated national climate action plans to better incorporate a trade and investment policy perspective.

About UN Trade and Development
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is dedicated to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through trade and investment. With a diverse membership, it empowers countries to harness trade for prosperity.

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Cartagena de las Indias, Colombia, November 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The heightened importance of boosting investments and innovation was underscored as public and private sector leaders met to shape the future of the global tourism sector.

Further advancing UN Tourism’s leading role in these two key pillars of change, the Global Investment and Innovation Forum welcomed Ministers of Tourism, alongside key players from global finance and business. Alongside UN Tourism, the Forum was supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, ProColombia, Invest in Cartagena and CAF (the Investment Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean). Underscoring the high-level discussions was a recognition of the vital need to increase investment into the sector while at the same time injecting it with new ideas and energy through promoting innovation at every level.

Opening the Forum, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “There is both an urgency and an opportunity to build sustainable and inclusive destinations that support local economies, empower communities, and preserve their invaluable cultural heritage. This Forum makes clear the vital importance of connections: both between public and private sector players and also between countries, to increase and better direct investments into tourism, and to accelerate its digital transformation, with innovation at the heart of everything we do.”

This Forum makes clear the vital importance of connections: both between public and private sector players and also between countries, to increase and better direct investments into tourism, and to accelerate its digital transformation, with innovation at the heart of everything we do

In a show of high-level political support for UN Tourism’s work, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the Forum. President Petro made clear the important role the sector is playing in diversifying the country’s economy while also advancing goals around sustainability. To further advance this potential, he said, “We not only need money, we need innovation and a lot of it. And innovation has to focus on the decarbonization of tourism activities, integrally. Colombia can replace its coal and oil currencies in large part with tourism, and we would move forward.”

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Colombia, Luis Carlos Reyes, said: “This 122nd Session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism was proof that as a country, we have the capacity to work together to carry out events of great magnitude. It has also been a very productive three days, in which we have shown the world our commitment to strengthening community-based, sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism. Tourism can be the central axis for the protection of nature, and we are pleased that the countries that are part of this Council share this purpose.”

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “More investments and greater innovation are essential to take tourism to the next level. They can unlock many new opportunities, for businesses, jobs and building more resilience and inclusivity. Colombia shines as a top example of how investment in tourism really delivers, not least for rural communities, for women, youth and post-conflict societies.”

Partnerships the key

UN Tourism serves as the bridge, connecting governments and destinations with investors of all sizes. In Cartagena, the Forum put the spotlight on such collaboration, with a Leaders’ Dialogue emphasizing the role partnerships can play in driving growth and transforming tourism. Joining Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Tourism of Bahrain, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Zambia,

The Forum also provided a platform for enhanced cooperation between global regions. High-level conversations focused on investment strategies for tourism, including the growing relevance of free zones, financial instruments and reformed governance as a means of increasing levels of foreign direct investment (FDI) into tourism, both in the Americas and globally.

Investing in Colombia, “Land of Beauty”

The hosts of the Forum, Colombia, stands out as a leading destination for tourism investments. Between 2018 and 2023, 1 billion US dollars were invested in tourism projects in Colombia. That has made Colombia the second-largest destination for tourism investments in the whole of the Latin American and Caribbean region. Furthermore, this strong level of investment has helped to created more than 4,700 jobs in the sector over the same period.

To better showcase the country’s significant potential on the global stage, UN Tourism officially presented its updated guidelines, “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Colombia”. They provide a comprehensive overview of investment infrastructure and systems in the country, outlining opportunities for growth as well as potential challenges and solutions for overcoming them. UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona said: “Colombia, the “Country of Beauty” is also a land of opportunity for investors. Its tourism sector is one of the strongest in the whole region, with new projects set to create many thousands more jobs and drive further economic growth.”

Also in Cartagena, the “Tourism Investment 2024: Global Greenfield Investment Trends in Tourism” report was launched, a joint collaboration between the FT and UN Tourism, which provides an unrivalled global picture of where the sector is going, including new areas of growth and opportunity for investors.

Innovation for the future of tourism

Alongside the huge importance of investments, the Forum made clear the key role that innovation will play in shaping the future of tourism, including through offering more inclusive and resilient growth. Highlighting the huge pool of talent across the Americas, UN Tourism celebrated the finalists of its Innovation in Green Projects Challenge, organized with CAF. The Challenge attracted ideas from more than 500 young entrepreneurs more than 20 countries from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Of them, more than 180 are based in Colombia. Natoure, from Mexico, which promotes innovation for nature conservation, was named as the winner.

Also looking to the future, a concluding panel on Innovation and Leadership, focused on the part future generations will play in transforming tourism, emphasizing the need to nurture young talent today through education, training and funding and networking opportunities.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Vivaldi Public Relations, Thailand’s leading PR agency and marketing consultancy, has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the PRCA Thailand Awards 2024, held on 12 November. The wins —Consumer Campaign Award for “Jim Thompson – Beyond Silk” and PR Leader of the Year for Chief Operating Officer Pattaranit Imampai — come as the agency celebrates its 20th anniversary, reinforcing two decades of innovation and excellence in Thailand’s PR industry.

Organised by the Thailand chapter of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), the PRCA Thailand Awards celebrate PR excellence across the country. PRCA, the world’s largest professional PR association, represents over 35,000 professionals globally. This year’s awards highlighted Thailand’s top talent, with winners selected by a panel of industry experts.

Joseph Henry, CEO & Co-Founder of Vivaldi Public Relations, attributed the wins to the agency’s dedication and creativity. “Winning the Consumer Campaign Award for ‘Jim Thompson – Beyond Silk’ and having Pattaranit recognised as PR Leader of the Year are monumental achievements. These awards underscore the expertise and passion that every member of Vivaldi brings to our clients. We are constantly pushing boundaries to exceed expectations and drive meaningful engagement.”

The Consumer Campaign Award for “Jim Thompson – Beyond Silk” celebrates Vivaldi’s innovative approach to revitalize one of Thailand’s most iconic brands. The campaign went beyond traditional narratives, reimagining Jim Thompson as a dynamic cultural symbol that appeals to both local and international audiences. Emphasising craftsmanship, heritage, and modern relevance, “Beyond Silk” captivated consumers with a fresh perspective.

Honoured as PR Leader of the Year, Pattaranit Imampai said, “This recognition is a great honour and reflects the achievements of the entire Vivaldi team. We are committed to setting new standards and driving impactful change across various industries. Our focus on innovation, strategic thinking, and results-driven solutions ensures the continued success of our clients.”

With a focus on culture and purpose, Vivaldi Public Relations continues to lead the industry by creating PR and communications campaigns that inspire, connect, and set new benchmarks. These recent recognitions reflect Vivaldi’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to delivering meaningful results that resonate across Thailand and beyond.

About Vivaldi Public Relations
Vivaldi Public Relations is an award-winning PR and Marketing agency based in Thailand. Renowned for its innovative digital strategies and real-time audience engagement, Vivaldi PR connects brands with audiences to drive success and growth. Established as a media-centric PR agency, Vivaldi PR has evolved into a key player at the intersection of all brand media communications, never losing sight of its foundational principles.

We firmly believe that effective communication is greater than the sum of its parts. Therefore, we not only foster a collaborative environment within our team but also extend this team spirit to our partnerships with clients. This unity of purpose consistently yields superior results as we all strive towards a common goal.

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London, United Kingdom, November 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Greenfield investments into the tourism sector continue to rise, with a growing interest in projects related to sustainability and innovation.

The latest fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024 (“Global greenfield investment trends in tourism”), released by the Financial Times in collaboration with UN Tourism and with the support of the Diriyah Gate Company, offers an in-depth look at global greenfield investment trends in tourism, emphasizing recovery from the pandemic and outlining current developments.

According to the report, the tourism sector (international tourist arrivals and receipts) showed strong growth in 2023, with international tourism receipts already +3% up compared with the level of 2019 (a record high for the sector).

More and better-targeted investment will be key to transforming the tourism sector, creating jobs, and driving inclusive and sustainable growth.

Foreign investors announced a total of 1,943 FDI projects in the tourism cluster between 2019 and2023 according to fDi Markets, the greenfield investment monitor of the Financial Times. These projects garnered an estimated $106.7bn in capital investment and created an estimated 259,800 jobs. Even though tourism investments have not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the future of the sector looks positive.

Regional Highlights and Trends

The fDi Tourism Investment Report underscores the regional differences in FDI recovery within the tourism sector:

• Europe: Leading in global tourism FDI projects, Europe attracted 867 projects between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 44.6% of total global investment, highlighting its resilience in a cautious investment climate.
• Asia-Pacific: The number of tourism FDI projects in the region grew by 59.5% between 2022 and 2023, from 42 to 67, with capital investment rising by 125.3%, a positive sign taking into account that the Asia and the Pacific Region has just received 65.4% of the international tourist arrivals registered in 2019.
• Latin America and the Caribbean attracted 221 tourism FDI projects between 2019 and 2023. This resulted in $20.5bn in capital investment and approximately 73,400 jobs. As the region has already surpassed 2019 international tourist arrives levels, this gives a positive investor confidence in the region’s tourism sector’s long term profitability
• Middle East and Africa: Between 2019 and 2023, the Middle East and Africa recorded 314 tourism FDI projects, totalling an estimated $18.1bn in capital investment and creating approximately 40,700 jobs. The number of tourism FDI projects in the region increased by 16.1%between 2022 and 2023, from 62 to 72, with capital investment growing by 12.2%.

Sustainability and Innovation in Focus

The report identifies an increasing focus on sustainable tourism investments, as destinations leverage innovation and technology, including AI and blockchain, to reduce environmental impact while enhancing visitor experiences, and the growing involvement and appetite of sovereign wealth funds, as they believe that the long term future of the tourism sector looks positive and profitable.

A Call for Sustainable Growth

In light of the industry’s complex recovery, the fDi Tourism Investment Report 2024 advocates for quality over quantity in tourism. It suggests that diversification of destinations, implementation of eco-friendly policies, and advancements in sustainable infrastructure are essential for ensuring long-term growth in global tourism.

Jacopo Dettoni, Editor-in-Chief at fDi Intelligence, emphasized the significance of sustainable tourism, noting, “The world we live in has changed, and so must our approach to tourism. Climate change and resource management are reshaping how and where people travel, which calls for a responsible shift toward sustainable investments.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The rise of new technologies and the need for greater sustainability are constantly impacting the tourism sector, presenting both opportunities and challenges that call for innovative approaches. More and better-targeted investment will be key to transforming the tourism sector, creating jobs, and driving inclusive and sustainable growth.”

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona adds: “This report offers a comprehensive, data-backed perspective on the state of play in greenfield tourism investments, enabling policymakers and industry leaders to make sound, future-oriented decisions for sustainable growth. Investing in people, particularly younger generations, is key as the tourism industry employs more than 50% of the global workforce under the age of 25. As we move forward, our focus on innovation and strategic investments will adapt to the evolving needs of travellers, support community wellbeing, and ensure the sustainability of the sector and our planet.”

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Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, November 21, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024. From Caviahue-Copahue in Argentina to Tra Que Vegetable Village in Viet Nam, discover the 55 new Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism.

Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024.

In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism

“Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of these villages but also highlights the transformative power of tourism. By leveraging their unique assets, these communities can foster economic growth, promote local traditions, and enhance the quality of life for their residents. We celebrate the villages that have embraced tourism as a pathway to empowerment and community well-being, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to a brighter future for all.”

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative was launched in 2021 to advance tourism’s role in rural areas, preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. The Best Tourism Villages (BTV) Network grows every year, and with the announcement of its 75 new members, 254 villages are now part of the largest community of rural destinations in the world.

Uniting Rural Destinations for Sustainable Development

The Best Tourism Villages initiative is part of the UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme. The Programme works to foster development and inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain integration through tourism, and encourage sustainable practices.

As in previous editions, the villages were evaluated under nine key areas:

1. Cultural and Natural Resources
2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources
3. Economic Sustainability
4. Social Sustainability
5. Environmental Sustainability
6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration
7. Governance and Prioritization of Tourism
8. Infrastructure and Connectivity
9. Health, Safety, and Security

The initiative comprises three pillars:

• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: Recognizes outstanding rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets, a commitment to preserving community-based values, and a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Upgrade Programme: Supports villages on their journey to meet recognition criteria, helping them improve in areas identified as weakness during evaluation.
• The Best Tourism Villages Network: A space for exchanging experiences and good practices, learning, and opportunities among its members, and it is open to contributions from experts and public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism as a driver for rural development.

The 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024 are (in alphabetical order):

From Fast Track to Recognition

This year seven villages from the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme have achieved recognition as Best Tourism Villages. Through the Upgrade Programme villages received mentorship to improve their lowest-scored areas of evaluation and were able to apply through a fast-track process and qualify for Best Tourism Village recognition.

These outstanding villages include Capulálpam de Méndez (Mexico), Grand Baie (Mauritius), Kalopanagiotis (Cyprus), Pissouri (Cyprus), Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), and Trevelin (Argentina).

The 20 villages selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme this year are:

The call for submissions for the fifth edition will take place in early 2025, opening a new opportunity for rural destinations to share their inspiring initiatives and get global recognition as rural development champions.

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Hanoi, Vietnam, November 17, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Situated in Vietnam’s north, centre and south Viet Deli’s three HOME restaurants have launched exquisite menus underpinned by fresh, locally grown produce, paying tribute to the country’s rich agricultural traditions.

Nguyen Gia Thien, the executive chef of Viet Deli, the company behind some of Vietnam’s most popular dining establishments, and chef Nguyen Thanh Tung, the executive chef overseeing HOME Hanoi, HOME Hoi An and HOME Saigon, have crafted the a la carte menus, each of which bring together street food, home-cooked favourites and refined dining dishes.

Highlights from HOME Hanoi’s new menu range from the likes of street food favourites ‘Bun Cha’ (grilled pork and noodles) and ‘Pho’ (noodle soup) to home-style classics such as ‘Than Bo Xao Ngong Toi’ (stir-fried beef with garlic bud’) and refined dishes including ‘Ca Chinh Nuong Rieng Me’ (char-grilled Eel fish with local spices).

Located at 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street in a grand, four-story French villa, down a quaint lane that gives way to a private courtyard strung with lanterns, HOME Hanoi’s meticulously maintained villa’s interior is defined by brickwork, timber beams and Vietnamese art.

HOME Hoi An’s new menu brims with local specialties like ‘Cao Lau’ (traditional Hoi An noodles with char-siu pork), ‘Mi Quang’ (traditional Hoi An noodles with prawn and char-siu chicken) and ‘Thit Nong Heo Chien Mam’ (caramelized pork jowl with mam sauce) and refined options such as ‘Cua Sot Ot Hoi An’ (stir-fried crab with Faifoo chili sauce).

At 14 La Hoi Street in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam’s central coast, HOME Hoi An is near many of the town’s famed attractions including its street markets and Thu Bon River. In a villa bathed in a distinctive golden-hue, like most of the Ancient Town, the restaurant’s 19^th century-themed interior is adorned with lanterns, vintage photography of Hoi An and more.

‘Hau Nuong Trung Muoi’ (grilled oyster with salted egg), ‘Tom Su Sot Ot So Diep Kho’ (steamed prawn with lotus leaf and hot rock salt), ‘Heo Quay Kho Nuoc Dua’ (glazed pork belly in coconut juice), and ‘Tom Hum Nha Trang Nuong Tieu Xanh’ (grilled Nha Trang lobster with green peppercorn) are among specialties served on HOME Saigon’s new menu.

Nestled in an alley at 216/4 Dien Bien Phu in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 3, HOME Saigon calls an historic French colonial villa home. Once the abode of South Vietnam’s vice president, the storied building’s preserved architecture and tasteful décor are rounded off by a green, shaded courtyard.

“As we welcome diners into our friendly, family homes, offering authentic local dishes to be shared between family and friends, each dish on each of our three new menus embraces the daily bounty of Vietnam’s fertile landscape,” Viet Deli country general manager Nguyen Quoc Hoa said. “From fresh herbs and vegetables from nearby markets and our partnerships with local farmers to sustainably sourced seafood and meats, our new menus have a deep connection to our lands. Every bite at HOME celebrates Vietnam’s rich agricultural traditions and supports local farmers and communities.”

HOME Hanoi and HOME Hoi An are open daily from 11am-2pm for lunch and 5-10pm for dinner. HOME Saigon is open from 11am-10pm. The HOME restaurants have been recognised in the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing them in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. Since Viet Deli, headquartered in Hanoi, began in 2015, it has launched a diverse mix of successful restaurants in Vietnam.

For more information or to make a reservation call HOME Hanoi on +84 889 038 822, HOME Hoi An on +84 2439 588 666 or HOME Saigon on +84 857 275 999.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Michelin-starred French fine-dining destination Blue by Alain Ducasse marks its fifth anniversary with an exceptional culinary event destined to be unforgettable. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the iconic restaurant will host an exclusive four-hand collaboration, bringing together Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, Executive Chef of Blue by Alain Ducasse, and the visionary Chef Joris Rousseau, the mastermind behind Feuille in Hong Kong.

The event promises a celebration of culinary artistry, uniting Chef Wilfrid’s passion for pairing premium French and local ingredients with Chef Rousseau’s dedication to seasonality and sustainable cuisine. Diners can expect a symphony of flavours that reflects the chefs’ unique approaches, capturing the essence of contemporary French cuisine — all within the elegant setting of Blue by Alain Ducasse. Their curated menu priced at 7,500 Baht ++ will be available for lunch and dinner on the day.

Located in Central, Hong Kong, Feuille under Paris-born Chef Joris Rousseau has received one Michelin star and a Michelin Green star for its French fare that takes inspiration from nature. Chef Joris Rousseau honed his skills in Michelin-starred establishments across France, influenced by celebrated chefs like Guy Martin and Yannick Alléno. At Feuille, Chef Joris combines his love of nature with refined French techniques, offering diners sustainable, flavourful dishes crafted with locally sourced organic ingredients. His multi-course tasting menu is inspired by nature and the life cycle of plants, with dishes taking the root-to-shoot approach. Highlights include cumin-egg-sweet corn, pumpkin-spiny lobster-saffron and mushroom-pigeon-blackcurrant.

Gourmands should not miss this rare opportunity to experience a culinary collaboration between two of Asia’s most celebrated chefs, and toast five years of culinary innovation and excellence at Blue by Alain Ducasse. Spaces are limited, and reservations are highly recommended.

Reserve your table today by calling +66(0)6-5731-2346 or emailing reservations@blue-alainducasse.com

About Blue by Alain Ducasse
Blue by Alain Ducasse is a one-Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant by world-renowned Chef Alain Ducasse, helmed by Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet. Located within the ICONLUXE zone of ICONSIAM, it offers an immersive experience where guests savour meticulously crafted dishes featuring top-quality ingredients and panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River.

About Feuille
Feuille, a brainchild of ZS Hospitality, celebrates the refined traditions of French cuisine with a focus on seasonality. Under Consultant Chef David Toutain and Executive Chef Joris Rousseau, the restaurant offers a nature-inspired tasting menu showcasing the finest sustainably sourced ingredients.

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Bangkok, Thailand, November 19, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Santiaga, the culinary destination celebrating the vibrant flavors of Mexico, is thrilled to introduce its new tasting menu, “Mexican Chili Voyage“. This immersive dining experience takes guests on a fiery journey through the diverse and flavorful regions of Mexico, showcasing a selection of traditional and innovative dishes that highlight the bold and complex flavors of chili peppers.

The “Mexican Chili Voyage” features a curated selection of exquisite dishes, including two distinct types of mole: the delicate and savory Mole Rosa, often hailed as the “queen of mole,” and the hearty and comforting broth-based Mole de Olla. In addition to these mole masterpieces, the menu also includes the vibrant and flavorful Octopus Chintexle, a Oaxacan-inspired dish featuring tender octopus marinated in a fiery pasilla Oaxaqueño chile paste, imported straight from Oaxaca. And not to be missed is the classic Mexican dish, Chili Relleno, elevated with manteca-poached Kuruma prawns, rich queso crema, and a decadent shrimp butter sauce.

“We are excited to introduce our new tasting menu, ‘A Mexican Chili Voyage,’” said Chef Mauricio, Executive Chef at Santiaga. “This menu is a celebration of Mexican cuisine, highlighting the diversity of flavors, textures, and techniques that make it so special.”

To complement the exceptional dining experience, Santiaga’s team has also carefully curated a selection of alcoholic beverages, featuring both classic and innovative wines and cocktails such as Rosetta “a pink mole cocktail” , to perfectly pair with each dish.

About Santiaga
Santiaga is a vibrant Mexican restaurant that brings the authentic flavors and spirit of Mexico to Bangkok. With a focus on bold Mexican flavors, our menu features a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality using both local and imported Mexican ingredients. From succulent grilled meats, traditional style barbacoa to vibrant vegetarian and vegan options, our dishes are bursting with flavor and spice. To accommodate your preferred dining style, Santiaga offers two distinct dining experiences: the Omakase Bar and the Dining Room.

The Omakase Bar
For an intimate and immersive culinary adventure, the Omakase Bar is the perfect choice. Here, guests can indulge in a multi-course tasting menu curated by our talented Chef Mauricio. Each course is a masterpiece, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional Mexican cooking techniques. The Omakase experience is a journey through the flavors of Mexico, from classic dishes to innovative creations.

The Dining Room
The Dining Room offers a more relaxed and social dining experience. With a focus on sharing and community, the menu features a diverse selection of traditional and contemporary Mexican dishes. Guests can savor everything from classic tacos and enchiladas to innovative ceviches and tlayudas. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere, combined with exceptional service, makes the Dining Room the ideal place for a memorable meal with friends and family.

Santiaga Mexican Cuisine
Above Billy’s Smokehouse
888/23-24 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand

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