Category: Latest Travel News

Montreal, Canada, March 23, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council’s approval of the latest recommendations from its Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART). Key outputs include:

• Recommendations for
  • Temporary liberalization of cargo flights
  • Considering priority vaccination of air crew
  • Increased cooperation among governments to implement CART recommendations and guidance
• Updated or new guidance for
  • Testing certificates
  • COVID-19 risk management including vaccination and its interdependencies
  • Dangerous goods guidelines for the carriage of cargo on passenger aircraft used in freighter operations
• A new mechanism for reporting extended regulatory alleviations

“This is a major piece of work by states and aviation stakeholders under the leadership of ICAO and with the full support of the industry. Of course, these recommendations, guidelines and tools are only meaningful if they are adopted universally. It is crucial that states implement this guidance, particularly as they plan for the restart of international aviation when borders are able to open. As we have said many times, it was easy to shut down aviation with individual decisions. Restarting and maintaining operations to deliver economically and socially vital connectivity can only happen if all parties work together. The CART recommendations are the building blocks for that cooperation,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Urgency to Implement

“One of the most important recommendations from this work is the call for national authorities to ensure that CART delivers results in national decision-making. We all know how important aviation is to the economy. And the harmonized implementation of these guidelines is what will put people back in jobs by getting the industry moving again. As ICAO tracks implementation, it is also critical to track the impact of latest developments in COVID-19 on risk management frameworks, especially as we learn more about the effectiveness of vaccines against transmission,” said de Juniac.

Harmonizing Testing Certificates

The requirements for globally accepted COVID-19 test certificates including the technology framework for securely creating digital versions and the future incorporation of vaccination certificates were agreed. These recommendations are now included in the ICAO Manual on Testing and Cross-Border Risk Management Measures.

From the perspective of preparing for an industry restart, this is one of the most significant outputs of CART. Public opinion also reflects this with a recent IATA poll reporting that 89% of respondents believe that governments must standardize vaccination and testing certificates. It will be a critical element for maximizing the benefit of the IATA Travel Pass and other technologies being developed to manage digital travel credentials.

Vaccination and Travel

CART supported two major policy recommendations related to vaccinations that will be critical to an efficient restart of international flying:

• Prioritizing access to vaccination for aircrews: The CART recommendation follows the guidance provided by the World Health Organization with a framework on what states should take into consideration when deciding vaccination priority groups. Crew vaccination will help enable sufficient “ready-to-fly” aircrew to maintain critical supply chains, especially related to the transportation of vaccines and other medical supplies.
• Traveler vaccination: CART has recommended that travelers should not be vaccinated for international travel.

Regulatory Alleviations

Regulators have had the challenge of maintaining high safety levels with sufficient regulatory alleviations to adjust for the extraordinary situation of an industry that has been largely grounded for a year now. With the support of the industry, ICAO has taken the position to replace existing alleviations with specific actions. It is supporting this with a Targeted Exemptions (TE) system enabling states to post and access a registry of actions taken to maintain the validity of their certificates, licenses, and other approvals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cancun, Mexico, March 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council is delighted to announce “Uniting the World for Recovery” as the key theme for its annual Global Summit, taking place in Cancun, Mexico next month.

WTTC, which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, is all set to host its highly anticipated 20th Global Summit on April 25-27, in the popular Mexican resort town of Cancun.

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

The world is seeing progress with vaccine rollouts, digital passes becoming more normalised and an increased regularity of health and hygiene measures that signal that countries are preparing for the restart of international travel through all the right measures and protocols. Therefore, this is the perfect time for the summit to happen, and it will be the ideal platform to discuss the recovery of the sector which has been devasted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a press conference in Cancun yesterday, Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO and Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, announced that speakers from all corners of the globe will be taking part, including business leaders from Carnival Corporation, Hilton, Marriott, Meliá, Airbnb, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Expedia Group, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Trip.com and Internova among others.

During the press conference, WTTC also announced that Former President of Colombia and 2016 Nobel Peace Prize winner Juan Manuel Santos, will be taking to the stage during the Global Summit.

WTTC is also delighted to announce a number of key initiatives related to the Travel & Tourism sector will be presented at the Global Summit. The new initiatives will focus on sustainability, the digital agenda, social impact of Travel & Tourism, and women’s empowerment.

The global tourism body will launch its ‘Women Empowerment Declaratory’ at the Global Summit, at which it hopes its 200 private sector Members will join. The women’s initiative is being launched to focus on defining and influencing policies that can help empower women from all walks of life and ensure recovery efforts reach women around the world. The initiative will also work to reduce the gender gap in Travel & Tourism.

The event, which will take place in a hybrid format, allowing those unable to travel to benefit from the content virtually, is taking place at the Moon Palace Convention Centre in the heart of the resort.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO said, “Our Global Summit will be the platform for the global recovery of this important industry. It is time for everyone to work together and move this sector forward. Our event will pave the way to recover millions of Travel & Tourism jobs which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We would like to thank the Government of Quintana Roo, which was one of the first global destinations to receive the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp, for working so hard to ensure the very highest levels of health and hygiene are in place for our Global Summit.”

Carlos Joaquín González, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo said: “The WTTC Global Summit will be an incredible event that will generate investment and promotion, but will also promote social development in the destination, as well as the empowerment of women.

“It will be an honour for Quintana Roo to host so many representatives of the global Travel & Tourism sector, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Cancun.”

• Read all the latest UNWTO News and Announcements here.

The Global Summit will be first major live event in the Travel & Tourism sector and, world-leading hygiene and safety protocols will be in place throughout to ensure the health and safety of every participant, with testing and regular health checks, guided by the very latest medical and scientific advice.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 22, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Loy Pela Voyages, Bangkok’s first private river cruise, is launching a new overnight experience centred on mindfulness and nature. As guests set sail towards Thailand’s enigmatic ancient capital of Ayutthaya seeking to find self-enlightenment amid Chao Phraya’s gorgeous scenery, a team of experienced wellness practitioners will be on hand to gently guide them through a journey of spiritual awakening and rebalancing.

Escape from the world with a two-hour art therapy session with Mai Intarakanchit – an acclaimed artist and teacher. The meditative experience, suitable for all skill levels, is designed to help you achieve mindfulness by harnessing the powers of creativity.

Your mind and soul nurtured, restore energy and balance with cutting-edge treatments and indulgent therapies, while getting sustenance through holistic meals prepared using organic ingredients and healthy cooking methods.

Give your immune system a kick-start with a potent IV drip by VIVID by Verita Health, leaving you radiant and re-energised. Delivering vital hydration and micronutrients that provide a range of benefits such as helping to detoxify the body, improve sleep and promote brain health, IV therapy is administered after a consultation with a medical professional, to ensure your individual concerns are addressed.

Available daily, the two-night/three-day stay on Loy River Song is priced at THB 160,000++ per cabin, with private charter price available on request. The boat departs from Anantara Riverside Pier at 10:00 am.

The package includes:

– Lunch on the 1^st and 2^nd day
– Dinner (one with wine pairings) on the 1^st and 2^nd day
–  Sunset cocktails on the 2^nd day
– Signature Loy Pela spa treatment
– Brunch on the 3^rd day   

For further information and reservations, please call +66 2476 0022

London, United Kingdom, March 20, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said: “The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its Members say the proposal from the European Commission, which would see all EU member states adopt the Digital Green Certificate, is 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 travellers 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.

“We would like to congratulate the European Commission for its incredible efforts in bringing this to life in such a short period of time. The onus is now on member states and the European Parliament to adopt this new initiative, and we urge them to take the necessary steps to implement it as a matter of urgency.

“The proposed Digital Green Certificate, 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.

“In 2019, Travel & Tourism contributed 9.5% to the EU’s overall GDP and supported more than 22m jobs – which shows just how critical the sector will be to powering its economy.”

Koh Samui, Thailand, March 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa, the multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary on the south coast of Koh Samui, has long been a popular destination for in-the-know international travellers who want to re-energise their bodies and minds. Now, following a year of upheaval that has caused borders to close and anxieties to rise, this idyllic island retreat has also become a favourite with the local market.

Multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary in Koh Samui helps companies adapt to the “new normal” with personalised programmes and online courses, enabling teams to de-stress and cope with the upheaval of the global pandemic.

Since Kamalaya first opened its doors in 2005, guests from all walks of life have headed to Samui to seek out its diverse wellness programmes, which range from Detox and Weight Management to Anti-Stress and Burnout Prevention. The unprecedented challenges of 2020 and 2021 have led to fresh interest in this holistic health retreat, not only from the traditional leisure sector, but also from the corporate and MICE markets. As a result, Kamalaya now expects corporate demand – from Thailand and overseas – to account for almost one-third of its business in 2022.

“Companies globally have been suffering from extended lockdowns and work-from-home policies, which have caused a sense of disconnect among their teams. As a result, HR leaders are increasing looking to holistic wellness as a vital management tool. Stress reduction, team dynamics and embracing change are recurring themes that businesses have highlighted to us in the last 12 months. Kamalaya currently offers 17 curated programmes for individuals, teams and groups, either at our sanctuary in Samui or via our innovative online platform, ‘Kamalaya Connect’,” commented Bruce Ryde, General Manager and Brand Strategist, Kamalaya.

“When we began the Kamalaya journey more than 15 years ago, our vision was to enable positive change in the world, one person at a time. Today, this is still our goal. The ability to embrace change has never been more important. I am proud and delighted that, as one of the world’s leading and most awarded wellness brands, we are able to provide tools that help to counteract stress and lead guests towards a healthier and more balanced life. To quote Kamalaya’s ethos, we want to help everybody ‘Feel Life’s Potential’,” said John Stewart, Founder and Chairman, Kamalaya.

Over the years, global corporate leaders, politicians even royalty have chosen Kamalaya to achieve equilibrium in their highly pressurised lives. Kamalaya is now seeing this trend within Thailand, as local executives seek to escape the busy streets and polluted air of Thailand’s major cities. Nestled in 33 rai of lush, tropical gardens, with natural boulders, whispering creeks, nature trails and plenty of open space, Kamalaya provides the perfect setting to soothe one’s body, mind and soul. Within this enchanting environment, Kamalaya’s intuitive wellness culture creates a deeply relaxing, revitalising and rewarding ambience for corporate leaders and their teams.

“We are experiencing increased interest from the leaders of companies, embassies and NGOs asking us to assist with professional team-building and personal mentoring. Inquiries for our wellness incentive programmes have also risen sharply. Given our exposure to corporate leadership, we expect this part of our business mix to exceed 30% in 2022, up from approximately 20% in the pre-pandemic era,” Bruce Ryde added.

The Thai government, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is focused on ensuring that Thailand remains a regional leader in the wellness tourism sector in the coming years, and Kamalaya has been well placed to play an integral part in this mission.

“Across the world, people and companies need to heal from the impacts of the pandemic. At Kamalaya, our guests take the time to assess and gather new skills. It is proven that new resources and new habits strengthen our ability to adapt and become more flexible, resilient and robust in our health. Our 17 programmes enable a very personal approach to each individual’s stay, based on their unique needs. Right now we are running ‘Embracing Change’ programmes for a number of large organisations via Kamalaya Connect, some with up to 200 participants,” revealed Karina Stewart, Founder and Chief Wellness Director, Kamalaya.

Throughout the pandemic, Kamalaya has remained open and continued to care for its in-house guests in a safe, secure and deeply serene setting.

For more information, please visit www.kamalaya.com and connect.kamalaya.com

About Kamalaya Koh Samui
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa is a multi-award-winning wellness sanctuary located on the southern coast of Koh Samui, Thailand. Founded by John and Karina Stewart in 2005, Kamalaya offers a synergistic wellness experience that helps people reconnect to life’s potential and achieve optimal wellbeing. It integrates healing therapies from East and West, a beautiful natural environment, inspired healthy gourmet cuisine and a variety of results-oriented wellness programs ranging from Detoxification to Stress & Burnout, as well as Healthy Lifestyle, Yoga Synergy and Emotional Balance. Kamalaya’s latest wellness program ‘Beauty & Glow’ was launched in November 2020. It is dedicated to give every skin a radiant glow of vitality and support true beauty from the inside out.

Paris, France, March 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, lead organisations the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation hosted a panel discussion on “Eliminate.Innovate.Circulate. Strategies from the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative” at ITB Berlin Now, at which they announced 15 new signatories from across accommodation companies, business associations, consultancies, tours operators and NGOs.

Panellists discussed how addressing plastic waste and pollution, building on circular principles, can support a responsible recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and shared strategies and actions that they are implementing to achieve their commitments. The event also showcased how addressing plastic waste and pollution, by building on circular principles, can support a responsible recovery from COVID-19, in line with the Recommendations for the tourism sector to continue taking action on plastic pollution during COVID-19 recovery.

During the event, the Initiative announced 15 new signatories that have set concrete targets on the circular economy of plastics in the tourism sector around the elimination of unnecessary single-use plastics, the introduction of reuse models and work on value chain level to improve the recyclability of plastics and support purchasing of plastics with recycled content.

This brings the total of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative signatories up to 61 companies and organizations (among which are accommodation providers, tour operators, online platforms, suppliers, waste managers and supporting organizations).

Sustainable First, as an early signatory, welcomed all new organizations and companies that joined the movement.

Among the 15 new signatories the Initiative counts the following accommodation companies, business associations, consultancies, tours operators and NGOs from Colombia, Nicaragua, United States, Singapore, Spain, Argentina, India, Togo, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Costa Rica:

– El Rio Hostel
– Golden Frog Colombia SAS
– La Bicicleta Hostal
– Music City Hostel
– Eight Wave Events & Destinations
– LifeXperiences SL
– Wilderness Patagonia – Travel Company
– Young Environmentalists Programme Trust
– Association Togo Welfare
– Azerbaijan Hotel Association
– Chamber of Diving and Water Sports of Egypt
– Esencialmente Destinos
– Fundacion Water Sports Plastic Free
– Global Ecotourism Network
– Greenview

Panellists from Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain Resorts St Lucia, Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas, Iberostar Group and Booking shared practical recommendations to ensure that alternatives to plastic products are not resulting in unintended environmental impacts, to integrate reuse models and circular solutions involving local suppliers, to streamline procurement and minimize waste to cope with limited recycling possibilities and to communicate progress to all stakeholders, including travellers.

During the event, speakers outlined the added value for the tourism stakeholders to join the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative.

Dr. Megan Morikawa, Global Sustainability Office Director at Iberostar highlighted the need to create a strong link between sustainability and recovery of the tourism sector: “We must find a way to make tourism more resilient. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative can help us solve one critical step – working to reduce & eliminate problematic plastics“.

Thomas Loughlin, Sustainable Supply Lead, Booking called the tourism sector to join forces: “We must come together as an industry to end plastic pollution in travel.”

Jeffery Smith, Vice President Sustainability, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas insisted on the need for a collective action to tackle the issue of plastic pollution: “Plastic pollution is painful on tourism destinations. The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative is an excellent forum to move collectively on solutions.”

Carl Hunter, Property Manager, Anse Chastanet & Jade Mountain Resorts St Lucia highlighted the opportunity to jointly collaborate around the introduction of innovative solutions on destination level: “Working together to innovate and resolve the use of all single-use plastics in the hospitality sector, and by extension the communities we serve!”

More specifically, the event highlight four key takeaways for how tourism can tackle plastic pollution:

1. Elimination of unnecessary and problematic plastics:

• It is possible to eliminate without compromising the guest experience.
• It is important to be mindful of the waste infrastructure available when selecting alternatives to plastic products.
• Attention: Polylactic acid (PLA) compostables are not suitable for backyard composting, they require industrial composting facilities.
• To avoid unintended environmental impacts of alternatives to plastic products, it is important to consider the results of life cycle assessments.

2. The integration of reuse models:

• Reuse models can increase safety as they allow hotels to control sanitization procedures (e.g. refillable water bottles, shampoo dispensers).
• Single-use plastics are not sanitization measures in themselves and they need to be sanitized.
• Working with local supply chains allows for the development of take-back programmes that can result in the creation of local jobs (e.g. local fishermen supply fish in reusable coolers).

3. The engagement of suppliers and waste managers:

• There are plastic products “beyond the usual suspects” for which post-consumer recycled plastic content could be increased (e.g. TVs or AC units).
• The empowerment of purchasing teams is key to avoid bringing in redundant products and reducing plastics at the source.
• Reducing waste is essential as in many tourism destinations, there is no segregation or recycling taking place.
• Minimizing plastics and waste contribute to reducing our carbon footprint and protect ecosystems with carbon sequestration potential.

4. Communicating progress to all stakeholders, including travellers:

• Making information on progress tackling plastic pollution is key for other tourism stakeholders to take the first steps.
• Consumers are likely to choose more sustainable accommodations as the pandemic has amped their perception of the importance of a healthy environment.
• The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative is a community of practice where those interested in sustainability can learn, exchange and progress.
• The influence that the tourism sector can play in other sectors, especially in destinations such as islands, should not be underestimated.

Washington D.C., United States, March 19, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC states: “This incredible stimulus package will be welcomed by Travel & Tourism businesses across the U.S., many of whom are struggling to survive. This package promises a much-needed boost while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the sector.

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

The $14 billion allocated to airlines will come as a monumental relief, following almost a year without widespread international travel, which has left many on the brink of collapse.

Our recent economic modeling showed the devasting affect the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector, with 9.2 million jobs impacted and $155 billion lost from the U.S economy due to the collapse of international travel last year. This catastrophic loss to the economy equates to a shortfall of $425 million every day, or nearly $3 billion a week.

WTTC and our 200 Members would like to thank President Biden and Vice President Harris for recognizing the importance of our sector.

These bold steps are needed to reinvigorate the travel sector and will provide a significant boost to the U.S. economy as the country begins to turn the tide against this terrible virus.

We also congratulate the new administration for the significant strides made in its vaccination program, and the deployment of thousands of troops to further ramp up these efforts. We welcome the latest plan to relax restrictions by Independence Day, which will give fresh hope to Americans.

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

However, we believe the key to restarting international travel is through the introduction of a comprehensive testing regime on departure and arrival.

Testing for non-vaccinated travelers, along with mandatory mask wearing and increased health and hygiene protocols, would allow the safe resumption on international travel. It would avoid the risk of transmission, save jobs and help plug the gaping hole in the stricken U.S economy.”

Changi Airport, Singapore, March 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport of the first traveler using the IATA Travel Pass app to manage their travel health credentials.

“The successful implementation of IATA Travel Pass in this trial with Singapore Airlines passengers demonstrates that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials. The significance of this to re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

JoAnn Tan, Acting Senior Vice President, Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said: “Digital health credentials will be essential as borders reopen and travel restrictions get progressively lifted worldwide. The successful implementation of the IATA Travel Pass reflects Singapore Airlines’ goal of using secure digital solutions to verify health credentials, and support a safe and seamless travel experience for our customers.”

Passengers on Singapore Airlines flights from Singapore to London during the trial could use IATA Travel Pass to:

1. Create a secure digital version of their passport on their mobile device
2. Input their flight details to learn of travel restrictions and requirements
3. Receive verified test results and a confirmation that they meet all travel requirements

“Today’s success is a big win for many parties. It gives travelers a one-stop-shop to help them comply with the new rules for travel. It shows that governments can efficiently manage these travel requirements with complete confidence in the identity of the passenger and the veracity of the travel credentials—importantly, avoiding long queues. And it’s a purpose-built means for airlines to manage the new travel requirements without drowning in inefficient and ineffective paper processes,” said de Juniac.

Automated Processing

“Airlines understand that their ground operations will grind to a halt if they have to manage COVID-19 travel requirements—test results or vaccine certifications—with paper documentation. The same is true for border authorities. The UK is ahead of other governments in mapping a way to re-starting international travel at scale. This real-life proof of concept should give all governments confidence that industry has a workable digital solution that will ease the pressure of incorporating health certificate checks into the travel process, including at borders. This trial is an opportunity for us to work with the UK government to demonstrate that the solution works and to share the results with others as we build a robust and efficient system that will help the world get moving again,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Airport, Passenger, Cargo, Security.

Global Standards

To gain maximum benefit from IATA Travel Pass and avoid confusion and inconvenience for passengers, the standardization of test or vaccination certifications, and their acceptance by authorities is key. A recent IATA poll of travelers found that 89% agree with the need for global standards and 80% are keen to use a mobile app to manage their travel credentials. Last Friday, ICAO moved the establishment of global standards for testing/vaccination certifications a step closer to reality. Next governments need to provide a digital COVID-19 test/vaccination certificate when people are tested or vaccinated so they have a verifiable document on their mobile device. This will ensure equivalence, mutual recognition, and acceptance of COVID-19 certifications for passengers when they travel around the world.

Phi Phi Island, Thailand, March 18, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / S Hotels & Resorts, the global hospitality company from Singha Estate PCL, is celebrating the successful launch of SAii Resorts in Thailand, after guests gave their seal of approval to this upper-upscale lifestyle brand’s first two locations in the “Land of Smiles”. Since their debuts on 1^st February 2021, SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village have both experienced strong demand, with March and April recording the highest forward bookings since the start of the global pandemic.

SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village have both enjoyed successful starts since launching on 1^st February 2021, introducing homegrown hospitality, exciting new concepts and immersive guest journeys to Thai nationals and expats alike.

SAii derives from the phonetic sounds of the Thai words for “sand” and “pathway”, and these two breath-taking beachfront resorts take experience-seeking guests on a sustainable travel journey in two of Thailand’s most enticing island destinations. Targeted at “InSAiiders”, the brand’s unique term for its millennially-minded clientele, SAii strives to creates meaningful guest journeys, from “Hello” (a warm Thai welcome) to “Hub” (the social heart of the resort), “Sleep” (comforting rooms, suites and villas), “Play” (the resorts’ activities), “Treat” (creative culinary offerings), “Live” (exceptional events) and “SAii For Now” (a heartfelt farewell).

Before they opened, both resorts underwent extensive renovations that brought to life a series of innovative F&B and wellness concepts. Mr. Tomyam focuses on Thai-inspired dishes with live kitchens and alfresco seating, while Miss Olive Oyl is a vibrant Mediterranean-style seafood grill and bar. Lèn Be Well promises a personalised approach to wellbeing, and the M.I.Y Aroma Lab lets guests mix their own organic bathroom amenities. With so many extraordinary elements and picturesque viewpoints at each resort, the opportunities for capturing Insta-friendly moments and memories are almost endless.

SAii’s environmental and sustainable ethos flows through every aspect of the brand’s operations, from energy and waste reduction to recycling, CSR and more. Underpinning this deep commitment are the popular Marine Discovery Centres; innovative and interactive hubs that support a wide range of activities, including coral propagation, breeding and release programmes for native species, eco-excursions for guests, and educational visits by local schools. Currently available at SAii Phi Phi Island Village and SAii Lagoon Maldives, and led by resident marine biologists, these ground-breaking facilities feature indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, video rooms and aquariums, presenting a fascinating window into the underwater world.

Many travellers are now seeking social distancing and fewer physical touchpoints, so SAii’s handheld concierge app enables every inSAiider to enjoy contactless interaction, including in-room requests, room service orders, excursion bookings and the ability to chat with the resort’s team of “SAillanders” 24 hours a day.

The reaction to SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village has been overwhelming. Not only are both resorts leading their competitors in terms of market share, but customer feedback has been almost exclusively positive. For example, TripAdvisor user Lumule, who visited SAii Laguna Phuket in February 2021, called it an “Amazing resort in the perfect location”, while Phuket Girl hailed the “helpful and friendly [staff]” and “lovely beach”. Ben A. was delighted with the resort’s “Great service, excellent food and lots of activities”. “Would definitely recommend to friends and we will be back ourselves,” they added.

SAii Phi Phi Island Village has also been receiving rave reviews. “We fell in love with everything here, from [the] view to [the] service,” said Mickey C, who stayed in February 2021. Meanwhile, Anand Roy called it a “must-stay” destination, and Piyanat T. simply said that SAii Phi Phi Island Village is “The best resort I’ve been to”.

Both resorts are currently showing TripAdvisor bubble ratings of 4.5 out of 5, and the reviews clearly show how visitors are embracing the “SAiisational” experiences. Part of the reason behind SAii’s success is how well it has resonated with the local market. As a homegrown brand, SAii has many brand elements that feel authentically Thai, such as its fun, friendly and free-spirited vibe. During the current international travel restrictions, S Hotels & Resorts has targeted the Thai and expat markets; 90% of guests at SAii Phi Phi Island Village are Thai nationals, while the local expat community has accounted for 70% of bookings at SAii Laguna Phuket.

The two sister resorts are now working on cross-selling opportunities, to maximise the benefits of these two important sectors. An attractive new website and booking engine has helped to drive more direct reservations, and next-generation revenue management, channel management and business intelligence solutions are optimising the performance of both resorts.

SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Phi Phi Island Village are following in the footsteps of SAii Lagoon Maldives, which opened in 2019 at CROSSROADS Maldives, Singha Estate’s ground-breaking integrated resort in the Indian Ocean. This idyllic retreat has already achieved TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020, while its restaurant, Miss Olive Oyl, and Lèn Be Well spa were honoured in the 2020 World Luxury Restaurant Awards and World Luxury Spa Awards respectively. These outlets are now available at the SAii resorts in Thailand.

“We are thrilled with the response to our first two SAii resorts in Thailand. Thai residents, including expats, have really taken this homegrown brand to their hearts, and we cannot thank our customers enough for their support. This acclaim, along with the popularity of SAii Lagoon Maldives, gives us great confidence in the future. We hope that international borders will fully reopen soon, and that more international travellers will be able to experience the warm and gracious Thai hospitality that SAii specialises in. We are also seeking opportunities to expand into new and highly desirable destinations worldwide,” said Dirk De Cuyper, CEO, S Hotels & Resorts.

The launch of Thailand’s first two SAii resorts will kickstart an exciting era of expansion for S Hotels & Resorts, driven by the roll-out of SAii and its sister brand nābor (“neighbour”), an alternative collection of locally-inspired “luxury-midscale” hotels and resorts. The group currently operates 39 hotels and resorts on three continents, totalling more than 4,600 keys, but it is aiming to double this portfolio by 2025.

About S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited
S Hotels and Resorts Public Company Limited, the hospitality arm of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a fast-growing, Thai-inspired company with an extensive international portfolio and world-class standards. Specialising in the management and investment of high-quality hotels and resorts in desirable destinations across the globe, S Hotels & Resorts has created a collection of its own distinctive lifestyle brands, whilst also partnering with the hospitality industry’s leading names. The company aims to set new standards for leisure and lifestyle through diversified business platforms and to enhance value for all its stakeholders based upon a philosophy of sustainable development and delivering benefits to local communities.

Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to share that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has won a UN-Habitat award for its Klong Ong Ang renovation project, the Thai capital’s latest walking street launched in November 2020.

Bangkok Governor, Pol. General Aswin Kwanmuang, announced on his personal Facebook page (@aswinkwanmuang) that the Klong Ong Ang renovation project was awarded the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards from UN-Habitat Fukuoka, making Thailand one of six countries that were chosen for the landscape improvement project.

Governor Aswin also invited all to visit the Klong Ong Ang Walking Street, which takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 16.00-22.00 Hrs. As well as lots of food and goods, the walking street features charming street art along both sides of the canal, from Damrong Sathit Bridge to Saphan Han Bridge plus live music, other performances and kayaking activities.

Hosted by the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, in cooperation with the Fukuoka Asian Urban Research Centre, Asian Habitat Society, and Asia Townscape Design Society, the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards are designed to honour cities, regions, projects, etc. that have played a significant role as models in landscape construction for the purpose of materialising a living environment that is happy and fulfilling to the people of Asia.

“Landscape is a visible form of environment where the people’s daily lives evolve around and consist of various natural, visible, conceptual elements; such as, mountains, rivers, greenery, urban space, buildings, local culture and the activities of the people who live in and around them,” according to the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards: Call for Applications document.

Five other countries that also received the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards were Japan, South Korea, China, Nepal and Malaysia.