Category: Latest Travel News

Madrid, Spain, March 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / More than 100 countries, alongside international organizations and leading business groups have agreed to adopt harmonized standards for assisting tourists caught up in emergency situations. The Committee for the Development of an International Code for the Protection of Tourists has agreed on the text of the first two Chapters of the Code, containing seven key principles for a landmark legal code aimed at restoring confidence in international travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

The importance of harmonization of protocols, balance, coordination, cooperation and accessibility, are among the seven core principles agreed by the Committee tasked with advancing the “Assistance to International Tourists in Emergency Situations” code. Published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it will provide guidance to countries worldwide on how to help tourists affected by emergencies, including but not limited to health emergencies.

We can only restart tourism if we restore trust in travel. People want to feel safe and looked after when they travel.

The Committee also agreed on a set of recommendations relating to providing tourists affected by emergency situations with information, assistance and, if necessary, repatriation. It is expected that this ongoing consultation process will produce an internationally-recognized Code for the Protection of Tourists before the end of the year.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “We can only restart tourism if we restore trust in travel. People want to feel safe and looked after when they travel. And the Code for the Protection of Tourists will provide this, based on the collaboration of the global tourism sector and governments.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Alongside representatives of more than 100 countries, the Committee counts on the participation of the European Commission, and several of UNWTO’s sister UN agencies, including the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and international bodies including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Private sector stakeholders include the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates (IFTTA), The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), the umbrella Association for Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes in Europe HOTREC, Expedia, and Allianz Group.

The results from the deliberations of the Committee will be published on an interim basis as it advances minimum tourism consumer protection standards at the international level to provide guidance to countries for the recovery and the restart of tourism.

London, United Kingdom, March 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Rapid testing on departure at airports is the key to unlocking international travel, says the World Travel & Tourism Council in its submission to the UK government’s Global Travel Taskforce.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, has been at the forefront of global efforts to revive safe travel in the COVID-19 era.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

The global tourism body says while the UK’s world-leading vaccine rollout is to be applauded, the Travel & Tourism sector cannot wait for every member of the public to be vaccinated.

Instead, WTTC has urged the government’s Global Travel Taskforce to focus on a combination of vaccines, testing, digital health passes and health and safety protocols, such mandatory face mask wearing, as the way to unlocking the door to travel.

A study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released today supports the need for rapid testing. Its research shows that rapid antigen tests are, on average, 60% cheaper than PCR tests and that the cost impact of PCR testing will reduce demand by an average of 65%.

This combination of measures would also help save millions of jobs and livelihoods which depend on the sector and accelerate the much-needed economic recovery.

WTTC has also strongly advocated the government shift its risk assessment from entire countries to that of the individual ‘high-risk’ traveller, to more quickly enable the return of safe travelling.

The crucial return of international travel would especially provide a boost to suffering SMEs, which were particularly affected as they make up 80% of all businesses in the sector, predominantly employing women, youths, and many minorities.

The social impact of the virtual collapse of the sector has been an important concern for WTTC which has sought to highlight the plight of all those affected, particularly focusing on issues of mental health and other pressing social issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

WTTC has been working with the UK government to produce a clear roadmap which the whole Travel & Tourism sector can work towards, enabling them to prepare for so they can ramp up operations and ensure they make the most of the peak summer season.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We have no doubt that the government understands the critical importance of providing a clear road map for the struggling Travel & Tourism sector to find its way back to operating fully and, essentially, profitability.

“The UK government should take advantage of its incredible vaccine rollout and enable the resumption of safe international travel through a comprehensive testing programme for non-vaccinated Brits and importantly, in time for the all-important summer season.

“We must allow the Travel & Tourism sector to take full advantage of the peak summer season to enable it to recoup as much as it can from the return of safe international travel.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Press Releases here.

“We have been encouraged that the government is at last listening to the sector and hope that the Global Travel Task Force will clearly and unambiguously lay out exactly what travel will look like in their phased rollout from 17 May.

“It’s vital that the sector, business travellers and holidaymakers all understand what will happen and when so they can clearly plan and prepare for the return of travel.

“We believe a combination of vaccines, testing, digital health passes and health and safety protocols, including mandatory face mask wearing, will unlock travel.

“Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse waiting to jumpstart the world economic recovery.”

Last week, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s annual Economic Impact Report (EIR) revealed the full crippling impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global Travel & Tourism sector which last year suffered a catastrophic loss of more than US$4bn.

The annual research showed the sector’s contribution to GDP dropped a staggering 49.1%, as the sector struggled to survive in the face of crippling travel restrictions and unnecessary quarantines.

Dallas, Texas, United States,March 30, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / TG SEA Development Pte Ltd, an authorized developer of global entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group, announced today plans to bring the Topgolf experience to Bangkok within the second quarter of 2022.

The first Topgolf entertainment complex in Southeast Asia will open adjacent to the popular Megabangna shopping centre, southeast of downtown Bangkok.

The new Topgolf Megacity venue is projected to employ more than 400 people.  The three-floor entertainment complex covers more than 47,000 square meters (29 rai), which is the size of almost seven football fields, and will include 98 outdoor hitting bays with comfortable seating for up to 600 players at any time. The complex also boasts multiple bars and restaurants, large event rooms, and much more. Guests can enjoy a variety of high-quality food and beverage options: from American classics to Thai cuisine. Top grade, locally sourced ingredients are handpicked by the chef.

Customers can currently enjoy the Topgolf experience in five countries: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates (Dubai).

“Introducing the iconic Topgolf experience to our first destination in Southeast Asia builds on the brand’s momentum as we create unforgettable moments for golfers and non-golfers alike. Over 20 million guests from across the world visit the nearly 70 Topgolf venues every year; from Las Vegas to the Australian Gold Coast, and from Miami to Dubai. We are confident that the social Topgolf experience will soon also be loved by the people of Thailand,” said Andrew Nathan, Managing Director, TG SEA Development Pte Ltd.

Tim Boda, Head of Operations, Topgolf Thailand, added: “Whether you are a golf expert or completely new to the game, we all love a good time out. Families and kids will enjoy the various games, while ball tracing and analytics technology enhance the experience and help players perfect their game. Also, our broad range of meeting options provides companies with a new way to meet, connect and celebrate.”

“It is always exciting to introduce our unique Topgolf experience to new communities, and we’re especially thrilled to partner with TG SEA to bring Topgolf to the people of Thailand,” said Steve Lane, Topgolf Vice President International Strategy and Franchise Management. “This is an important milestone on our global expansion journey and we look forward to future growth across Southeast Asia.”

“We are truly excited to welcome Topgolf to Megacity. Topgolf will most certainly complement the current offerings at Megabangna and strengthen Megacity which reinforces our core identity as the Great Meeting Place that welcomes customers from across the entire Bangkok metropolitan area. Every year, we welcome more than 50 million customers. We see the many opportunities for Topgolf to reach its goals and become an instant crowd favorite at Megacity. We are confident that Topgolf will offer a new fantastic experience to our customers and become a key partner with us in making the Great Meeting Place for everyone,” said Paphitchaya Suwandee, Chief Executive Officer, Megabangna shopping centre and Megacity.

Since its inception, Topgolf’s foundation has been built on innovation, fun and inclusivity. Topgolf is a game for people of all skill levels. Players can score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer they get their ball to the center or ‘bullseye’ and the further the distance, the more points earned. Guests can choose from a wide selection of games to add fun to the experience, including Topgolf classic games, fan-favorite Jewel Jam or the recently introduced and popular Angry Birds game.

As pioneers of the sports-entertainment industry, Topgolf’s track record of creativity and industry leadership has led to the growth of a one-of-a-kind company credited with growing the game of golf through dynamic in-person, virtual and digital experiences. Topgolf announced its partnership with TG SEA earlier this year, which plans to develop additional Topgolf venues throughout Southeast Asia.

About Topgolf Entertainment Group
Topgolf Entertainment Group is a technology-enabled global sports and entertainment leader built on a foundation of community, inclusivity and fun. What started as a simple idea to enhance the game of golf has grown into a movement where people from all walks of life connect at the intersection of technology and sports entertainment. Topgolf Entertainment Group’s platforms include Topgolf venues, Toptracer and Topgolf Media.

About Topgolf Venues
Topgolf venues, the first brand experience of Topgolf Entertainment Group, connect people in meaningful ways through technology, food and beverage, and the belief that Topgolf is a place where one can have fun no matter the occasion. These venues feature high-tech gaming, ventilated outdoor hitting bays, a chef-driven menu, hand-crafted cocktails, music, corporate and social event spaces, and more. Topgolf venues entertain more than 20 million guests annually at nearly 70 locations across the U.S. and internationally.

About TG SEA Development Pte Ltd
TG SEA Development, Pte. Ltd., the exclusive developer for Topgolf across Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The company was founded and is led by the principals of Parkview Entertainment & Leisure, JLM Financial Partners (JLM) and Chaucer Global; the same sponsors of SEAL, the exclusive developer and franchisee of Topgolf in Greater China. Tony Hwang of the Hong Kong based developer, Parkview Group, serves as the Chairman of TG SEA.  JLM, led by Larry Meyer, Trey Owen, Jeff Ezell and Andrew Hirsekorn, is an Austin, Texas based private investment firm focused on multi-unit and scalable businesses in the U.S. and Asia with a primary focus on health and wellness, lifestyle/entertainment, and recreation. Chaucer Global, whose founder Joe Canterbury played a key role expanding Starbucks across Asia and the world, invests in and helps consumer and lifestyle brands expand across the U.S. and Asia.

Paris, France, March 29, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization has welcomed Allianz Partners into its global network of Affiliate Members. With a presence in 75 countries, the company will help advance UNWTO’s mission to promote safe, responsible and accessible tourism, with a special focus on travel and mobility protection solutions.

The UNWTO Affiliate Members network brings together key representatives from the private sector, as well as from destination management organizations, NGOs and the civil sector, and academia. Allianz Partners, which joins through its Spanish business unit, becomes one of the few insurance companies in the network. It will join more than 500 fellow Affiliate Members in promoting the exchange of knowledge among key stakeholders with the objective of contributing to the promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

Mr. Ion Vilcu, Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department explains: “UNWTO brings together leaders from various sectors to encourage knowledge sharing and strengthen the cooperation between public and private sectors for the promotion of Tourism. We are delighted to welcome Allianz Partners to our working groups and know that they will continue to contribute to the travel industry through their focus on the protection of tourists and responsible travel solutions”.

Ms. Ida Luka-Lognoné, CEO International Health and Travel at Allianz Partners comments: “We are really proud that our expertise is recognized by this UN institution and to contribute to the work of UNWTO, especially at this critical time for global tourism. At Allianz Partners, we are deeply involved in the transformation and recovery of the travel industry, in close coordination with our business partners. As a world leader in travel insurance, our primary goal is to continue to protect travelers’ safety while enhancing customer confidence with our quality services. Sustainability is an essential issue for the future of travel, and together with other Affiliate Members of the UNWTO, we will increase our efforts towards the common goals of the organization”.

Under UNWTO’s framework to foster synergies among Affiliate Members and Member States and to promote the exchange of knowledge among key stakeholders with the objective of contributing to the promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Allianz Partners and its business units around the world will be able to participate actively in dialogue with other members thanks to its knowledge and innovation-led approach, so as to contribute to sustainable global tourism and with the main objective of re-establishing the travel industry in a post-COVID context.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, automotive and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners’ businesses or sold directly to customers and are available through four commercial brands: Allianz Assistance, Allianz Automotive, Allianz Travel and Allianz Care. Present in 75 countries, our 21,100 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 71 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.

About UNWTO

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. An intergovernmental organization, UNWTO has 159 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members.

Brussels, Belgium, March 27, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / WTTC and the European Travel Commission (ETC) welcome European Commission’s proposal for the EU wide Digital Green Certificate, which will be a major step towards the recovery of Travel & Tourism in the region. The introduction of the new certificate to travel could see Member States welcoming travelers with proof of vaccination, a negative test or a positive antibody test, in time for the busy summer period. This would provide a significant and much needed boost to economies and save millions of jobs and livelihoods.

Ahead of the vote on Thursday 25th March 2021 to approve the “Urgent procedure” of the be Digital Green Certificate, we call on the European Parliament political groups to take the necessary steps to agree on such procedure.

The proposed Digital Green Certificate, changing the focus from risk countries to risk passengers therefore eliminating the need for countries quarantines, along with enhanced health and hygiene measures and mandatory mask wearing, will provide the reassurance consumers need to book their trips and ensure the return of safe international travel.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 26, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020 was revealed at the first ever virtual announcement. The list includes seven new entries and one re-entry, from 10 countries. Two of the top fine dining venues in Asia are missing from the list, namely Mezzaluna and Chef’s Table at lebua luxury vertical destination in Bangkok, both restaurants have two Michelin stars.

When Deepak Ohri, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of lebua in Bangkok, received an invitation to be included in the lists at World’s 50 Best Restaurants he declined.

“There are lots of dining awards, and many of them aren’t credible when it comes to fine dining,” he says. Ohri showed us an invitation from The World’s 50 Best and his reply to the group declining to be included.

After some Michelin starred chefs returned their stars and refused to be included in the red guide, Deepak, for his fine dining restaurants at lebua, is the first to have decline inclusion or any other association with World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Ohri does not want to be embroiled in any controversy and joins the voice of Time magazine who published in 2019 an article with the title “Why The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019 List Is More Controversial Than Ever” containing the following statement “…Yet for all its success (World’s 50 Best Restaurants), the ranking has always been plagued by controversy…”.

Some culinary experts questioned as well the latest Asia wide ranking given the current state of closed borders. How did World’s 50 Best Restaurants academy members rank and compare restaurants across all Asian countries? And in this time of uncertainty and anguish, were they able to visit restaurants, inspecting and ranking them? The Michelin guide recruited and trained local inspectors in each country as traveling was not possible.

Deepak Ohri is not like most other hotel executives; he is a visionary taking experiential luxury to a higher level by offering exclusive experiences at lebua. If Ohri is not speaking at Harvard Kennedy School or at IIM Bangalore to deliver keynote addresses he is rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, from Barrack Obama and George Clooney to Tony Blair and David Cameron.

After having faced some criticism in the past, World’s 50 Best Restaurants, in 2019, overhauled its rules to encourage more diversity among the restaurant picks and gender balance among its voting body but is Ohri’s refusal a sign that more changes are needed at World’s 50 Best Restaurants?

Phoenix, Arizona, March 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / WorldHotels announces today the official launch of its newest collection of hotels: WorldHotels Crafted Collection. Created last year, the collection now comes to life with a portfolio of specially curated and immersive independent hotels and resorts across the globe. WorldHotels Crafted Collection is an inclusive collection of hotels that capture the spirit of the destinations they serve.

“We announced this new collection just weeks before the world was ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer of WorldHotels. “Despite the tremendous challenges that our hotels and industry have faced over the last year, Crafted Collection is quickly becoming one of the most authentic, daring and spirited collections of independent hotels around the globe.”

“Crafted is not just another lifestyle brand; it is a new generation of lifestyle hotels made for a new generation of travellers that crave creativity, immersive experiences, great design, and ingenuity,” said Gregory Habeeb, President of WorldHotels, North America. “Each hotel provides seamless, humble and expert service that creates an emotional connection with the guests, reminding guests why they love to travel.”

WorldHotels Crafted Collection is launching with a portfolio of properties in key markets across the globe, notably the first Crafted Collection hotels include:

• ACME Hotel Company in Chicago, Illinois: Named the number #1 hotel in Chicago by Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award, the ACME Hotel Company provides a hip escape just a few blocks from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Combining boutique design with a high-tech vibe, ACME guests can enjoy the hotels’ stylish Berkshire Room, Bunny Slope Après Ski Bar and Hot Tub, Bodega Coffee and West Town Bakery.

• Hotel Bijou in San Francisco, California: Awarded the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award for Top 15 Hotels in San Francisco, Hotel Bijou offers stunning and unique design and luxurious hospitality in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. Guests can indulge in a range of unique experiences including a private shopping experience with a curated list of local designers.

• La Casa del Zorro in Borrego Springs, California: This stunning luxury boutique forty-two-acre resort sits on the edge of California’s largest state park awaits your visit. Guests can indulge in luxury resort amenities like tennis, golf, spa treatments, including casitas with private pools.

• Warwick Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Legendary since 1928, this historic 4-diamond hotel has hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope and Sidney Poitier. The hotel’s classic 1920’s design has been reimagined for the 21st century with indulgent amenities including an onsite spa and salon. Guests can also enjoy the Aussie-inspired Bluestone Lane Café offering premium coffee, healthy breakfast items, and delectable lunches; the Rittenhouse Grill upscale fine dining restaurant; and critically acclaimed Spice Finch, which offers international cuisine.

• The Vault Hotel in Helsingborg, Sweden: Built on an authentic bank vault from the beginning of the last century, the Vault Hotel is steeped in great design. The Vault Hotel offers a magnificent Atrium bar and restaurant, 56 stylish guest rooms, and a Venti Trattoria with Rebellious wine café.

• Hotel Haarhuis in Arnhem, Netherlands: With its recent renovations, the 100-year old Hotel Haarhuis offers travelers the perfect combination of rich history and modern service. Guests can grab a coffee at the onsite HOEK Coffee and Pastry, or visit the hotel’s restaurant, Perron 5, which offers incredible culinary journeys with fresh and pure homemade ingredients. A truly unique travel experience.

• ODSweet Duomo in Milan, Italy: The fun 4-star ODSweet Duomo was created by the owner of one of Italy’s most prominent chains of sweet and savory products. The hotel’s design and amenities deliver an immersive experience that touches all five senses. Located just steps from Milan’s city Cathedral, ODSweet Duomo offers a stunning view overlooking Piazza Duomo at Sweet, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Owners and operators of WorldHotels Crafted Collection hotels will enjoy the perfect balance of creative freedom and a trusted alliance and partnership. Every hotel is provided with access to unparalleled systems and support through WorldHotels and its parent organization, BWH Hotel GroupSM. Hotels joining WorldHotels Crafted Collection also enjoy a rapid ramp-up with near immediate access to our robust digital presence, premier partnerships, favorable commercial terms, and an industry-leading global sales team.

A special “Crafted” integration process ensures each hotel’s individual story is brought to life through sales, marketing, public relations and social media. Additionally, hotels gain access to a global audience of loyal travelers through the industry-leading loyalty program, WorldHotels RewardsSM. The third largest hotel loyalty program in the world, WorldHotels Rewards delivers with more than 43 million rewards customers worldwide and offers customized programs for business travelers and meeting planners.

With the launch of Crafted Collection, WorldHotels will continue its focus on driving superior revenue to its hoteliers, expanding its portfolio of offerings in premier global destinations and providing exceptional travel experiences to its guests.

About WorldHotels Collection
Newly relaunched, the WorldHotels™ Collection delivers proven soft brand solutions for a curated global offering the finest of independent hotels and resorts. Founded by hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, only WorldHotels curates the best independent properties around the globe, each reflective of the locale by offering intuitive service, and a refined sense of character. WorldHotels’ proprietary ‘Start With Why’ philosophy helps each hotel identify their unique set of assets that distinguish and elevate their guest experience and revenue generation performance from the competition. Geared to both business and leisure travellers, the WorldHotels Collection is classified into four tiers allowing guests to select the offering that meets their needs: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted Collection.

For reservations or information, visit www.worldhotels.com

London, United Kingdom, March 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Fred Finn has joined Luxury Cruise & More as Global Brand Ambassador. Fred W Finn is a Guinness World Record Holder, with the honour bestowed upon him in 1983 when Guinness World Records confirmed he had flown 15,000,000 miles.

“I am truly delighted to be part of the Luxury Cruise & More family. Your decision to appoint me as your global ambassador is very much appreciated and important to me as I like to be involved with forward thinking people. I am looking forward to our future challenges, opportunities, and successes together.”

Fred Finn also holds the record for the greatest number of flights as a passenger on Concorde, having made 718 crossings, even making the flight across the Atlantic three times in a single day. “I first flew on Concorde on 26 May 1976 on her first flight from Washington to London and I was on the last flight from New York to London on 24 October 2003. I had a 27-year love affair with Concorde, it was the most amazing, beautiful aircraft in the world — ever. It was a piece of art in the sky.” Fred always sat in seat 9A, as he quickly realised it was “where they started to serve the food and drink.”

Fred also helped Sir Richard Branson start-up Virgin Atlantic and has flown extensively with that airline. Fred said “I had lunch with Richard on his houseboat for three and a half hours and he asked me to work on his new airline, Virgin Atlantic. I suggested Upper Class, said they should get a limousine to put passengers on the plane and take them home and give them a first-class rail ticket. I told him to put a masseuse on board too”

Fred Finn has visited 139 countries, many of them more than once, and has a particular fondness for Kenya, which he has visited 600 times, and for the country of Georgia.
Fred will be hosting special cruises and private events exclusively for clients and guests of Luxury Cruise & More.

Since March 2017, Mr. Fred Finn is also a Brand Ambassador of the Travelindex Group.

Mumbai, India, March 24, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and ITB India have announced Saudi as the Official Partner Country of ITB India 2021.

The inaugural ITB India Virtual Event, being held on 7 – 9 April 2021, is an annual B2B trade show and conference specifically curated to build a bridge to the Indian and South Asian travel market.

STA is responsible for raising awareness of Saudi, the authentic home of Arabia, as a destination. The organization is focused on developing partnerships with travel trade partners around the world, to expand the reach of Saudi’s tourism offer and to drive conversion in key source markets.

“The Saudi Tourism Authority is building a global community dedicated to driving awareness of Saudi as a unique tourism destination offering authentic Arabian experiences to cultural explorers from around the world,” said Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of STA.

“The destination’s wealth of heritage sites, its dynamic urban centers and the warm hospitality of the Saudi people make it a compelling destination for travelers seeking the new, unexpected stories that make a journey truly memorable.”

As the Official Partner Country of ITB India, Saudi Tourism Authority will showcase an array of current tourism offerings and destination highlights as well as the exciting new developments on the horizon. Tourism is a strategic industry for the future of Saudi Arabian and the country is the world’s largest investor in sustainable tourism infrastructure and offerings. Projects such as the Red Sea and Amaala are setting new global standards in the development and management of tourism in harmony with the natural world. And new sites like AlUla and Diriyah are offering visitors a hitherto unexplored insight into the rich cultural history of Arabia.

“Saudi offers Indian travelers a unique experience, grounded in Saudi hospitality and redolent of Arabian mystery,” said Fahd Hamidaddin. “Our partnership with ITB India is an important part of our long-term objective to engage, inspire, invite and delight Indian travelers to Saudi.”

ITB India attendees will have an opportunity to visit Saudi Tourism Authority’s digital exhibition booth and arrange one-on-one meetings with STA representatives to learn more about the destination.

About ITB India 2021 Virtual Event
ITB India 2021 Virtual Event will take place digitally from 7 to 9 April 2021. It will be hosted on ITB Community, in Asia (ITB Community). In its first year, ITB India will be organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore). The 3-day business-to-business travel trade show and convention will focus on the Indian travel market including MICE, corporate, leisure and travel technology sectors. Exhibitors from every sector of the industry, including travel agencies and operators, NTOs, business travel and MICE, travel technology, accommodation, and transport companies are all expected to attend.

About Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi Arabia’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the Kingdom’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate ranges from developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, through to hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s tourism brand locally and overseas.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / More than 400 tourism leaders and industry gurus gathered in Bangkok today – in a safe and socially-distanced format – for the 10^th annual edition of the Thailand Tourism Forum 2021 (TTF), Thailand’s premier travel, tourism and hospitality powwow.

Hosted at Conrad Hotel Bangkok on Monday 22^nd March 2021, and organised by C9 Hotelworks hospitality consulting group, this year’s TTF took place amid the biggest crisis tourism has ever faced: the COVID-19 global pandemic. Against this unprecedented upheaval, many of Thailand’s leading hotel operators and other key players came together under the #ThaiTourismUnited banner, creating a single unified voice to drive the Kingdom’s recovery.

Despite the challenges faced by hoteliers and tourism providers in Thailand this year, registrations for TTF 2021 were full in three hours for the in-person event during which guests were presented with a content-packed agenda featuring some of industry’s most respected figures, including owners, presidents and chief executives.

The event kicked off with a “Thai Hotel Leaders’ Roundtable” discussion which saw the CEOs of Thailand’s biggest hotel groups discuss ways to revive the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The top-level debate included Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts; Stephan Vanden Auweele, Chief Hospitality Group Officer of Asset World Corporation; Bill Heinecke, CEO of Minor International; Dirk De Cuyper, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts; Marisa Sukosol, President of the Thai Hotels Association; and Salanroj Sutaschuto, Director of the Central and Eastern Regional Office of the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, kickstarted TTF 2021 in his own inimitable style, with an opening address entitled “Lost in Thailand, The Ultimate Survival Story.” Attendees were then able to choose from a series of quick-fire “Bang Bang” forums and discussions, including an economic assessment of Thailand’s tourism sector; an overview of the Kingdom’s beleaguered aviation industry; an insight into innovation and disruption within the hotel sector, and many more.

One of the most eagerly-anticipated sessions saw Jesper Palmqvist, STR’s Area Director for Asia Pacific, reveal the latest hotel performance data and analysis for Thailand, including forecasts for the future.

Mr. Palmqvist said: “After a particularly challenging January 2021, Thailand’s hotels at least end the first quarter with similar patterns as seen by the end of 2020. There are early signs of reservations in June but also some for November-December. In light of Thailand’s dependency on international arrivals… the STR forecast for Bangkok has been downgraded for the full year of 2021. We do foresee 2022 as a bigger comeback year on many fronts across the country.”

Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and organiser of TTF 2021, commented: “COVID-19 has impacted almost every country on Earth, and while Thailand has enjoyed considerable success in controlling the spread of infections, the pandemic’s impact on tourism has been cataclysmic. International visitors previously accounted for more than 70% of tourism spending in Thailand*, so this year’s border closures have left a huge hole in the economy. But the recovery starts here; TTF 2021 is a unique opportunity for the Kingdom’s travel, tourism and hospitality industry to unite, unify and usher in a bright future.”

TTF 2021 was hosted in compliance with all necessary health and safety regulations. The host venue, Conrad Hotel Bangkok, is Thailand Safety & Health Administration (SHA) certified and all attendees were required to follow SHA guidelines, including temperature checks upon arrival, the wearing of face masks, and social distancing.

Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF)
TTF 2021 was led off by Minor Founder Bill Heinecke, followed by transaction update (JLL), Thailand Hotel performance & outlook (STR), technologies driving change in the tourism industry (Hilton), size and outlook of Thailand’s tourism business (SCB Securities) and others including rethinking F&B and attracting human capital. TTF is the largest tourism event in Thailand with 1,200 delegates last year. It is organized each year by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) and hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks (Bill Barnett). IHG had been the principal sponsor of the event for the last 9 years and Hilton recently took on this lead position and the event will be at the newly renovated Conrad Hotel Bangkok. Supporting sponsors include C9 Hotelworks, STR, JLL, Horwath, QUO, Delivering Asia Communications and TCEB. TTF is an impactful and fast paced event and attracts the tourism business leaders, investors, banks, OTAs, hotel operators, airlines, medical providers and consultants primarily from Thailand. With the lingering COVID 19 cloud and an unclear outlook for international arrivals, we are estimating 350-400 persons for 2021 to allow for safe distancing and compliance with SHA government guidelines.