Category: Latest Travel News

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have solidified their ongoing partnership by signing an agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in Madrid. The agreement focuses on empowering artists and artisans, particularly women and youth, in rural tourism destinations in Africa. With this new agreement, TUI Care Foundation becomes the first partner to support the pilot phase of the Tourism for Rural Development Small Grants Programme by UN Tourism.

Empowering Rural Artists and Artisans

With this collaboration, UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation will launch ‘Colourful Cultures’ Call for Proposals to empower artists and artisans in rural destinations in Gambia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia.

Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities.

The call will allow non-profit organisations in these countries to develop innovative initiatives that benefit artisanal and artist communities to boost income opportunities, protect intangible cultural heritage, and promote rural tourism.

UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation have been collaborating to promote sustainable development through tourism. In 2023, both organisations launched the Tourism for Development Fund with EUR 10 million to support sustainable development in destinations in Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Empowering Rural Communities Through Tourism

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the agreement, Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism said: “Tourism has the power to transform lives and communities, especially in rural areas. By supporting artists and artisans, we are not only preserving cultural heritage but also creating sustainable income opportunities. This collaboration with TUI Care Foundation exemplifies our commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism for rural development.”

Thomas Ellerbeck, Chairman of the TUI Care Foundation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “By supporting artists and artisans, we are preserving cultural heritage and promoting economic growth and social well-being in some of the world’s most vulnerable tourism destinations. This change-making collaboration with UN Tourism, inspired by our global TUI Colourful Cultures programme, is an important cornerstone of our Foundation’s strategy.”

Driving Sustainable Tourism Development in rural communities in Africa

Tourism serves as a lifeline for many rural communities and has a unique capacity to create new job opportunities, promote territorial cohesion, and protect natural and cultural resources. It also empowers women and youth.

Rural areas face increasing challenges, such as depopulation, aging populations, lower income levels, and gaps in infrastructure, health, and financial services. Despite significant improvements in recent decades, disparities between urban and rural areas persist. This call for proposals aims to:

• Increase the capacity of artists and artisans to engage in the tourism economy and enhance their income
• Increase the visibility of artists and artisans in rural tourism destinations
• Increase the availability of support services for artists and artisans in rural tourism

The call is expected to open for applications in September.

UN Tourism continues to deliver on its Agenda for Africa, bringing the region’s Members together around a focus on investments, multilateral cooperation and education.

The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (22-24 July) welcomed public and private sector leaders from across the region. The Member States met as Africa’s tourism sector experiences strong recovery. During the first quarter of 2024, arrivals were up 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This positions the continent as the second-best performer globally, surpassing all regions except the Middle East.

Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation.

Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated, “Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation. Furthermore, our Members come together in Livingstone as Zambia is celebrates 60 years of peace and independence, an inspiration as we get set to mark World Tourism Day around the theme of ‘tourism and peace’ in September.”

Investing in African tourism 

In the last 10 years alone, Africa has attracted over 160 greenfield projects in tourism, representing a total capital investment of USD 10.7 billion, and the potential to create over 24,000 jobs. Recognizing this positive trend, the Commission Meeting Session featured a special Ministerial-level discussion focused on global tourism investment trends, with a special emphasis on the promising tourism outlook in Zambia. The session offered insights into sustainable development opportunities and strategies to attract and secure tourism investments. Key talking points included sustainable tourism development strategies, enhancing Africa’s global tourism competitiveness and innovation in tourism marketing and branding.

The meeting also saw the launch of a new set of the Investment Guidelines for Zambia. The publication focuses on tourism and inclusive growth in Zambia, which aligns with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, identifying opportunities for global investors.

New tourism Academies planned for Africa  

At the meeting, Memorandums of Understanding were signed for the creation of the Tourism Centre of Excellence in Livingstone, Zambia and the Academy for Culinary Arts in Zimbabwe.  

The Academies will add to the growing network of education centres supported by UN Tourism, helping give workers the skills they need to thrive in the sector and so drive economic growth and social opportunity. Secretary-General Pololikashviki also announced 100 scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy to each of the countries.

Technical support for African Members  

Out of 50 technical cooperation projects worldwide, UN Tourism is currently working on 13 in 10 African countries covering areas such as tourism statistics, digital transformation or skills development. Several technical cooperation projects are currently  being developed in the region, aligning with the five pillars of the Agenda for Africa: branding, connectivity, innovation, education, and investments. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also confirmed that UN Tourism will work with its Members across the region to develop and implement a new communication strategy designed to showcase the uniqueness of African destinations.

Additionally, Members embraced the Secretariat’s emphasis on safety and security recommendations in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa which includes a tourism police initiative in collaboration with The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

With the aim of widening the portfolio and expanding on-the-ground presence of the organization, the establishment of a new Regional Office in Marrakesh is currently under discussion.

Expanding global cooperation 

Looking ahead, UN Tourism will hold a first joint meeting of its Regional Departments for Africa and the Americas (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 3-5 October 2024). Here, Members of both Commissions will meet to discuss South-South cooperation through investments, education, cultural roots, creative industries, and innovation.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 22, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / F1 in Schools Thailand, led by Dr. Chakraphad ‘John’ Pitakthararuay, CEO & President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and Kaew Chakraphad Foundation, the official In-Country Delivery Partner of F1 in Schools, recently staged a press conference to announce the upcoming National Finals to be organised for the first time in Bangkok and in the 8-year history of F1 in Schools Thailand at True Digital Park from 27th – 29th September 2024.

This country-level competition, open to students aged 9 to 19, will field top local teams for the F1 in Schools World Finals 2025. Opening ceremony and a certificate presentation ceremony for approximately 150 F1 in Schools Thailand graduating students have been scheduled for 28th September promptly followed by rounds of competitions until 29th September.

“I’m truly excited about hosting the National Finals right here in Bangkok and I expect our Thai teams to continue earning accolades from the global finals,” said Dr. John. “F1 in Schools Thailand is more than just a competition; it’s a journey of discovery, learning, and growth for our students and especially for members of the teams participating in the F1 in Schools Global Finals.”

“We are committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, empowering them to realise their potential and make a meaningful impact on the world,” added Dr. John.

“About 20 teams or more, with the new teams of students from Chearavanont Uthit 2 School under Trueplookpanya, will be vying at the forthcoming 2024 Bangkok challenge,” said Mr. Robert “Bobby” Ortiz, In-Country Coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand. “Our students are currently going through intensive training and coaching and designing their miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block, supported by our hands-on and immersive approach, covering everything from practical activities to 3D design and manufacturing, ensuring a transformative experience like no other.”

As regards, the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals 2024 which will be hosted for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in November 2024, up to four teams from Thailand have confirmed to participate: Phayu Racing; Intanin Racing; Team Vega; and Agilas Team. Up to now, 22 countries from around the world host Formula One races. Aramco, headquartered in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has been a longstanding supporter of F1 in Schools following the signing of the sponsorship agreement in 2020.

A total of 16 teams from Thailand has, since 2017, participated in the F1 in Schools World Finals and have been recipients of eight major awards including clinching “First Place in Knockout Seeding” by Kinnaree Racing Team in 2023.

In 2023 a total of 367 students from 33 nations competed in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals in Singapore, the biggest event of its kind ever held, and this record-breaking number reflect the ever-increasing global reach of the competition.

There are many success stories of F1 in Schools alumni who have gone on to achieve significant outcomes in their lives including positions in Formula 1 teams like Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team, Mercedes AMG HPP and McLaren Formula 1 Team.

Mr Ortiz added that the F1 in Schools Thailand serves as a bridge between academia and industry, fostering collaboration between educational institutions, corporate partners, and government agencies. Through strategic partnerships such as with Cambridge-based Summatic, for the first time, any learner of any age will be able to access the F1 in Schools Thailand competition and academic programme, anywhere, at any time on any device. Learners will receive quality, personalised learning support through Summatic, and will complete the programme ready to compete on the track and in the exam room.

F1 in Schools as the Official Education Initiative of Formula 1 is a globally recognised STEM learning that inspires young minds, aged as little as five, to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology.

With its roots deeply embedded in Formula 1, the world’s most prestigious motor racing series, the F1 in Schools Thailand offers students a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of high-speed racing while honing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills.

They learn the trade through workshops, mentorship programmes, and networking events to gain insights into the world of motor sport as well as forging connections that may shape their careers. Students can enrol for such workshops and training either face-to-face or online via F1 in Schools Thailand centres of excellence in Bangkok. A popular centre is at Knowledge Exchange Tower on Sathorn.
“Learners not only develop technical skills such as modelling (using CAD/CAM software), aerodynamics, and manufacturing but also cultivate essential soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, “ explained Mr. Bobby.

F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit organisation established with committed partners to provide an educational experience through the magnetic appeal of Formula 1.

Founded in England 24 years ago, F1 in Schools has a presence in 60 nations around the world, spanning from Australia to China, Singapore, Kuwait, South Africa, the US, and Mexico.

The F1 in Schools is not merely an after-school education, but incorporating global multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered cars made from F1 model block.

“The competition also serves as an integral part of the education process and a platform that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among students,” noted Mr Bobby.

“In order to accommodate the expanding number of students enrolling in our classes, compounded by the growing interest in F1 in Schools and its huge potential social impact in Thailand, we are adding more F1 in Schools Thailand centres of excellence within 2024,” added Mr. Bobby.

In conclusion, F1 in Schools Thailand plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport in the country and beyond, by epitomising the convergence of education, innovation, and motorsport excellence.

About 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. & Kaew Chakraphad Foundation
1 Action Education Co., Ltd., located in Bangkok, Thailand, is a premier education company dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in education. As the Official Program Delivery Partner of F1 in Schools, the company is committed to providing students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in hands-on STEM-based learning experiences that ignite passion and drive future success.
Founded with a mission to transform education through dynamic and interactive programs, 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. leverages cutting-edge educational methodologies and resources to empower students across Thailand. Its role as the exclusive partner of F1 in Schools underscores its dedication to promoting STEM education and preparing students for the challenge of the future.
1 Action Education offers a comprehensive suite of educational programs and services designed to enhance learning and inspire creativity. By integrating real-world applications and collaborative projects, it helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.

About F1 in Schools
F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit social enterprise aiming to promote the learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. The global competition allows students aged 9-19 to participate in a multidisciplinary challenge where they must use professional CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to design, analyse, manufacture, test, and race miniature air powered F1 cars. Many students have gone on to have fruitful careers with F1 teams, founded on their success in F1 in Schools.

Fred Finn, the official Guinness World Record Holder of the Most Travelled Man, takes you on a swashbuckling journey through the very history of commercial flight in his long-awaited autobiography. Sonic Boom.

Finn was born with aviation fuel in his blood, growing up a stone’s through from the historic Lympne Airport in Kent and took his first flight at the age of 13. He holds the Guinness World Record for being the World’s Most Travelled Man and took more flights on Concorde 718 than anyone else; in fact, he even had his own seat on Concorde (seat 9A).

Fred Finn’s story is one of excitement, glamour, royalty and celebrity. He’s landed with the wheels up, flew with a bomb on board and on a plane which was stormed by hijackers.

At a time when flying was the “preserve of the rich and famous”, Fred Finn met them all. As an executive at a major American corporation, Fred crisscrossed the globe signing deals. Throughout his career, he also made an amazing number of personal connections: international cricket stars like Sir Geoffrey Boycott, entrepreneurial giants such as Sir Richard Branson and royalty including Princess Diana and the Duchess of Kent among them.

Sonic Boom tells the story of a dashing, successful businessman travelling the world in the years before budget airlines revolutionised air travel. He has visited nearly every country in the world (and a few that are not there anymore) with a passport that is an inch thick with extra paperwork and the easy storytelling of the natural raconteur.

Fred’s first of more than 1,000 transatlantic flights was in a DC4B from Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire. He recounts “it took 19 hours and four stops before landing into Idlewild, known today as New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport. On the reverse of that, on Concorde I once did America in two hours 55 minutes, non-stop. By contrast, Concorde is not flying anymore yet the DC4’s are!”

Finn’s career also takes in an extensive range of charitable work, including his most recent support for Ukraine, a country he knows well and first visited in 1992.

Sonic Boom has a foreword by Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who Finn met in 1968 he says “Sir Geoffrey Boycott has written a wonderful foreword for me, I met him in 1968 and we’ve been friends ever since. Cricket has been my absolute passion throughout my life, but flying is the main theme of the book“.

Reflecting on a life at 30,000 feet Finn says “I have been so lucky to have been a part of some incredible experiences and it is still on going. I think I am just about to clock up 16 million miles. If you want a bit of trivia, that is 31,000 hours in the air which is one hour for every day of my life.”

Sonic Boom is out and can be ordered from www.fredfinn.uk

For more information please contact:
Ben Lord ¦ Finn Associates Limited
Tel: +44 7791 394143 ¦ E-Mail: info@fredfinn.uk

Phuket, Thailand, July 20, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST), Southeast Asia’s biggest sustainability event for the travel and hospitality sectors, will return to spark conversation and drive the green agenda this September, with an impressive line-up of key figures and industry innovators led by Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

Organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, the non-profit organisation of hoteliers focused on creating a bright future for Phuket, PHIST 2024 will run under the theme “One on One: Sustainability from the Top”, as it reveals how senior company executives can successfully build a forward-thinking corporate culture and drive positive change, not only within their own companies, but across the entire industry and beyond.

Headlining this year’s event will be Peng Sum Choe, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, who has guided his company towards integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. This has led to the group achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Multi-Site certification for all eight of its properties in Singapore. He will come together with Jesper Palmqvist, Senior Director – Asia Pacific for hospitality analysts STR, to discuss the critical issue of green leadership.

Also driving the conversation will be Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director of the Phuket Hotels Association, who will reveal the details of the Green Planet School Farm Project – an important initiative that is empowering the next generation of organic producers.

Staged at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Phuket on 2nd September 2024, PHIST is not just another conference; it is a highly immersive and interactive learning event that will feature a series of candid debates and discussions, 18 workshops, career development sessions and networking opportunities that will encourage attendees to confront conventional thinking and create meaningful solutions to a range of environmental and community-focused challenges. Last year’s conference was attended by more than 1,000 people.“I am grateful for the opportunity to address my industry colleagues at PHIST. Sustainability is a crucial issue, particularly for island communities, making this event an important platform for collaboration. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from the innovative solutions and insights of others,” said Peng Sum Choe, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.

“We are thrilled to announce Peng Sum Choe and Jesper Palmqvist as our headline speakers; they will provide the perfect blend of expertise and insight to inspire guests to create sustainable futures for their own businesses,” said Jayne MacDougall, Executive Director, Phuket Hotels Association.

To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, please call +66 (0) 8 9645 2576, email info@phukethotelsassociation.com, or visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 18, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Twenty Two Winning-Entries Announced for the 2024 PATA Gold Awards, Winners To Be Celebrated at PATA Travel Mart 2024. The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 PATA Gold Awards, honouring organisations and individuals for their exceptional achievements and commitment to advancing tourism. Among them, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been selected as the Grand Title Winner in the Marketing category for its “Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign,” which also secured victories in two sub-categories. Similarly, Intrepid DMC Nepal’s “More Intrepid Women for Nepal” campaign has been named the Grand Title winning-entry in the Sustainability and Social Responsibility category.

Since its inception in 1984, the PATA Gold Awards represents the true spirit of innovation, sustainability and the notion of tourism as a force for good. The awards are further distinguished by the voluntary participation of 23 independent expert judges from renowned organisations across the region. This prestigious celebration of excellence is generously sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), marking an impressive 29 consecutive years of collaboration.

“On behalf of PATA, I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Macao Government Tourism Office for our long-standing partnership in powering the PATA Gold Awards 2024,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

He added, “I am extremely delighted to note that we have received a significant number of high-quality submissions, with a 19% increase compared to the previous year. This is a clear sign that the travel and tourism sector is thriving and becoming more competitive than ever. We have witnessed tourism professionals putting more creativity and passion into their work to enhance the tourism economy. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the applicants and judges who have dedicate their time and efforts into making the PATA Gold Awards a possibility.”

Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office said, “This year’s PATA Gold Award winners bring another colorful kaleidoscope of outstanding initiatives in marketing, along with sustainability and social responsibility in the tourism industry, which deserve our admiration. As Macao aims for more diversification in its development as a world center of tourism and leisure, we are honored to collaborate with PATA to help shape a vibrant yet responsible tourism industry across the Asia-Pacific region with the awards.”

This year’s winners across two broad categories, namely Marketing, and Sustainability & Social Responsibility, were selected from over 100 entries submitted by 47 travel and tourism organisations and individuals.

All 20 winners will be celebrated at the upcoming PATA Travel Mart 2024, to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand on August 28. To further honour these outstanding achievements, all 22 winning entries will be featured in the 2024 PATA Gold Awards booklet, to be published in August, and throughout PATA Travel Mart 2024.

As mentioned above, the PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Titles were presented to two esteemed organisations:

The Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR received the PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Marketing for its “Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign”. The campaign actively engaged all segments of society in the mission of recovery, inviting visitors to explore Hong Kong SAR’s natural beauty, rich heritage, culinary delights, and more through innovative marketing initiatives. By 2023, Hong Kong SAR had successfully achieved 68% of pre-pandemic visitor arrivals through this recovery campaign, contributing to the revitalisation in areas such as hotel occupancy rates, per capita spending, and length of stay.

The PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility was awarded to Intrepid DMC Nepal, for its “More Intrepid Women For Nepal” Initiative. This initiative fosters a workplace culture that not only recognises but actively nurtures the potential of women, ensuring their voices are heard and contributions valued at all organisational levels. By encouraging and facilitating active female participation in all levels of operation from office-based staff to local communities, Intrepid DMC Nepal has increased the number of women-led accommodation providers, supported women-led non-profit organisations, and highlighted success stories to inspire others, among other impactful initiatives.

The full result of the PATA Gold Awards 2024 and list of the distinguished judges is attached herewith.

PATA Gold Awards 2024 Grand Title Winners:

1. PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Marketing
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

2. PATA Gold Award 2024 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility
– Winner: Intrepid DMC Nepal
– Submission: More Intrepid Women For Nepal

PATA Gold Award Winners 2024 – Marketing Category

1. Digital Marketing Campaign
– Winner: Kerala Tourism, Government of Kerala, India
– Submission: Holiday Heist

2. Marketing Campaign (National – Asia)
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

3. Marketing Campaign (National – Pacific)
– Winner: Tahiti Tourisme, French Polynesia
– Submission: The Treasured Test

4. Marketing Campaign (State and city – Global)
– Winner: Jeju Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Nurturing Jeju’s Wellness Tourism Ecosystem

5. Marketing – Carrier
– Winner: SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka
– Submission: Colours of Jaffna

6. Marketing – Hospitality
– Winner: Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Macao, China
– Submission: Studio City Water Park

7. Printed Marketing Campaign
– Winner: Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR
– Submission: Hello Hong Kong Recovery Campaign

8. Travel Video
– Winner: Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia
– Submission: Truly Wondrous, Nature & Rainforest

9. Travel Photograph
– Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand
– Submission: Monk on the raft

10. Business Article
– Winner: TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Singapore
– Submission: Going green

11. Destination Article
– Winner: Anabel Dean, Australia
– Submission: The Simple Bear Necessities of Life

PATA Gold Award Winners 2024 – Sustainability & Social Responsibility

1. Climate Change Initiative
– Winner: Jetwing Hotels Ltd., Sri Lanka
– Submission: SolarPV Installations

2. Community-Based Tourism
– Winner: Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal
– Submission: Tourism Thrives when communities unite (Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project)

3. Corporate and Social Responsibility
– Winner: Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, Thailand
– Submission: From Kitchen to Chicken and Beyond

4. Culture (Joint winners)
– Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand
– Submission: Revitalizing the Unique Performing Arts and Traditional Local Wisdom of the Trai Trung Community through the Establishment of Cultural Community Tourism
– Winner: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand
– Submission: The Diversity of Southern Border

5. Heritage
– Winner: Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand
– Submission: Building on Ancient Inspiration for Inter-generational Heritage of Sangkhalok Wares

6. Human Capital Development Initiative
– Winner: Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China
– Submission: Tourism Human Capital Development

7. Tourism Destination Resilience (Asia Pacific)
– Winner: Korea Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Rising Star! The Sustainable and Informational ‘Stargazing Tourism’ in Jeollanam-do Province, Republic of Korea (ROK)

8. Tourism for All
– Winner: Gangneung City, Korea (ROK)
– Submission: Gangneung Accessible Tourism City Establishment Project

9. Women Empowerment Initiative
– Winner: Destination Asia, Thailand
– Submission: Empowering Marginalized Women in Bali

10. Youth Empowerment Initiative
– Winner: Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macao, China
– Submission: Nurturing Macau’s future leaders and cultivating our Team Members

Panel of Judges:

– Mr. Anthony Hoglund, General Counsel, APAC, Amadeus IT Group, Thailand
– Mr. Bernard Metzger, Founder & Chairman, Travelindex Group, United Kingdom
– Mr. Bharat Nagpal, Director-Sales, Rate Gain Adara Inc., United Kingdom
– Mrs. Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel Research, Euromonitor International, United Kingdom
– Mr. Chad Shiver, VP Destination Marketing, Clicktripz, LLC, United States
– Mr. David Hailstones, Senior Vice President & Chief Operations Officer, Bella Vista Institute of Higher Education Switzerland (BVIS), Switzerland
– Mr. Ed Kastli, Vice President, International Sales, American hotel & Lodging Association (AHLEI), United States
– Elif Balci Fisunoğlu, Deputy General Manager, Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Türkiye
– Emmanuelle Charotte, VP Business Development, ECA2 LIMITED, Hong Kong SAR
– Ms. Hannah Pearson , Regional Director APAC, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), United States
– Mr. Jesper Palmqvist, Area Director Asia PAcific, STR, Singapore
– Ms. Jintana Borin, Head of Market Development, Cloudbeds, United States
– Mr. John Williams, VP Advertising Sales, BBC Studios Singapore, Singapore
– Mr. Jonathan Song, Director of Global Business Development, Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited, Hong Kong SAR
– Prof. Kaye Chon, Dean and Chair Professor, School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR
– Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Spain
– Professor Kumi Kato, PhD, Faculty of Tourism/Graduate School of Tourism, Wakayama University, Japan
– Mr. Randy Durband, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), United States
– Mr. Simon lloyd, Dean – Hospitality Management, Dusit Thani College, Thailand
– Ms. Suyin Lee, Managing Director, Discova Travel, Singapore
– Mr. Taichiro Ishida, Marketing Manager, Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau, Japan
– Ms. Topaz Smith, Project Lead, Travel and Tourism, World Economic Forum (WEF), United States
– Ms. Xin Mok, Community Lead, Aviation, Travel & Tourism, Mastercard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., Singapore

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an official office in Beijing.

Bangkok, Thailand, August 1, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott Bonvoy is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Thailand with a series of mouth-watering mooncake collections at its hotels and resorts, all handcrafted with exquisite ingredients and presented in beautiful gift boxes that reflect the grace and elegance of this meaningful time of year.

The culinary experts at nine hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket have created a selection of classic and contemporary mooncakes that can be enjoyed as a sublime snack or as the perfect present for friends, family and colleagues.

The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok has unveiled its Signature Box with floral and bird patterns, or a Pastel Art Box designed by Arianna Caroli. Guests can discover traditional and signature flavors, including mandarin yuzu with macadamia nuts, and dark chocolate with Chanthaburi durian. Prices start from THB 1,088 for a four-piece of assorted classic.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok is revealing its artistic side this Mid-Autumn Festival with a selection of mouth-watering mooncakes at Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. Paying homage to the beauty and symbolism of traditional Chinese art, this exclusive collection is intended to foster a spirit of cultural connection. A four-piece box is priced at THB 1,388 net.

The St. Regis Bangkok invites you to step into a world of luxury with its “Exquisite Mooncakes” collection. Four exceptional flavors – durian & single egg yolk, lotus seed & single egg yolk, red bean & single egg yolk, and green tea with pistachio – will be presented in an elegantly crafted watch box. The early bird price is THB 1,688 net per box from now until 15 August 2024.

W Bangkok is celebrating the “Year of the Dragon” with a dragon-patterned travel box that contains a choice of traditional baked and “snowskin” mooncakes, with innovative flavors including durian, banoffee, chocolate chili, blueberry orchid tea and more! A box of four is priced at just THB 1,699 net for early bird orders from now until 31 August 2024.

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel is immersing its guests in “REN Mooncakes Radiance” with a choice of fantastic flavors, including durian paste & egg yolk, lotus seed paste & egg yolk, chestnut macadamia, and pandan custard with coconut. Available at Fei Ya restaurant, a box of four assorted is available at THB 888 net for early bird offer from now until 7 September 2024.

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse has collaborated with The Gallery, a local social enterprise, and Thai artists to craft its 2024 mooncake collection. Discover four distinct flavors, each inspired by one of the hotel’s restaurants, and presented in special boxes crafted using traditional Chiang Mai paper. Prices start from THB 1,288 net per box.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will tell the “Story of the Dragon” with its limited edition mooncake boxes. Five elegant giftbox options are available, featuring classic recipes and a trio of signature flavors: raspberry cocoa, green tea & pine nut, and custard & malted chocolate Rocher. Prices start from just THB 1,288 net for a box of four mooncakes.

Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with a delectable selection of mooncakes that embrace natural ingredients, including local durian. Two baked options – durian & melon seed and classic mixed nuts – will be available at Café 22, priced at THB 818 for a box of four.4

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town has unveiled an auspicious red box, adorned with natural motifs including birds and flowers. Four varieties – double egg yolk & sweet white lotus paste, red bean paste & goji berry, pandan lotus paste & melon seed, and green tea paste – have been selected for their health-giving properties. Prices start at THB 1,288 net.

Mooncakes are an inseparable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated all across East Asia on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. These tasty treats can be enjoyed as a delightful daytime snack with loved ones, accompanied by a pot of tea, or presented to friends, family, colleagues or business partners as an auspicious gift.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.

Valletta, Malta, July 31, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / Together with Malta’s Institute for Tourism Studies, SUNx Malta, is delighted to offer 50 Scholarships once again for our 2024 online graduate Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel which starts on September 30, 2024. Majority of the scholarship is allocated to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and a few to other developing countries around the world.

We would like to seek your support to help find a top class scholarship candidate from your country who would be awarded free entry into our 2 year online Climate Friendly Travel Diploma programme and help bring the benefits to you.
We’re prioritising applications from these countries:
Americas: Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis.
EMEA: Cape Verde, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritius, Namibia, Israel, Palestine, Tunisia and Yemen.
Asia Pacific: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Singapore, Tonga and Tuvalu.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/sunxdiploma2024
Deadline: 15th August, 2024

At SUN x Malta, Our core mission is to advance Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) in every UN country, starting, where Climate Change is most threatening and where Tourism is most needed – in the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Climate Friendly Travel Diploma is a world first and trains students to support Travel & Tourism companies and communities in becoming sustainable and climate resilient; as well as in transforming to achieve Zero GHG emissions by 2050.

In year one, students will receive 300 hours of in-depth teaching about the Climate Crisis and Sustainability as they relate to Climate Friendly Travel – Paris 1.5, SDG linked and nature positive. Interactive lectures will be given by 25 of the leading tourism academics in the world. Students will review carefully curated top journal and online source material, to bolster knowledge of Transport, Hospitality and Travel Services exposure and response to the existential Climate Crisis. In year two students will undertake an internship with SUN x Malta, as a Climate Friendly Travel Chapter leader, where they will apply their learning from first year to help build a climate resilient tourism community. They will be involved in recruiting Strong Climate Champions in their communities and assisting tourism companies to sign on to our free Climate Friendly Travel Registry. They will also be encouraging travellers to be a member of our Climate Friendly Travel Club and enjoy special travel benefits.

The ideal candidate will be a graduate, with a firm grounding in Travel & Tourism. They must be able to commit to two years of online engagement and be ready to work with us to help build Climate Friendly Travel community in your country. The application deadline is AUG 15, 2024.

You can reach out to Pratishtha (pratishtha@thesunprogram.com) who would respond to all your queries you may have on the program.

Houston, Texas, United States, July 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / At the AIAA ASCEND conference in Las Vegas, SpaceFund co-founder Meagan Crawford presented new research that shows the space industry is weakly correlated to eight tested market indices and alternative investment asset classes. This lack of correlation, coupled with the industry’s consistent growth could offer valuable diversification and hedging opportunities for investors.

“As is often the case with new industries, space is not particularly well understood by the markets, or by the institutional investors that drive those markets,” said Meagan Crawford, co-founder of SpaceFund and primary author of the research study. “The purpose of this paper is to add to the growing body of research on space as an investment strategy, allowing institutional investors to consider space assets such as public stocks, private equity, and real estate as viable options for their portfolios.”

Correlation, or the measurement of how two data sets move in relation to each other, is frequently used by asset allocators to help protect their portfolios against Black Swan events and market downturns. However, until now, there has not been any publicly available data on how space relates to other investment opportunities, making it very difficult for investors to assess the viability of space assets as a part of their portfolios. In this study, the space industry was compared to major market indices (S&P 1200, MSCI) and alternative investment asset classes (Global Oil Index, Crude Oil price per Barrel, REIT Index, Hedge Fund Index, Price of Bitcoin in USD, and Gold Return on Investment) and correlation was measured between two space industry data sets and each of these investment opportunities.

“As a former pension fund LP, this research study is exactly the type of content and academic support that is needed to get approvals for a new investment thesis,” said SpaceFund advisor and Former Trustee and Chair, Investment Committee at the US$20B SFERS, E. David Ellington. “The triumvirate of the institutions’ board, staff, and consultants need this data to make intelligent investment decisions.”

The findings of this research suggest that space is weakly correlated to every investment sector tested, making space assets a viable consideration for institutional investors who are looking for opportunities to hedge against unforeseen risks. Additionally, the paper found that during the period tested (2005-2022), the space industry was the only tested sector that did not have a single year of negative growth, making space assets a viable consideration for institutional investors who are looking to diversify their portfolios into high-growth opportunities.

Phuket, Thailand, July 30, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / L’Arôme By The Sea is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Chef, Adrien Delcourt. Adrien is a distinguished chef trained under the Robuchon system and a trusted protégé of Frederic Anton, with extensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. His impressive resume includes prestigious establishments such as Le Pré Catelan (three stars) in Paris, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (two stars), Le Jules Verne (one star) atop the Eiffel Tower, and L’Orangerie at Four Seasons George V (one star).

He served as the Executive Chef of the iconic Le Jules Verne, the fine-dining gem atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. In 2019, Adrien earned his first Michelin star, and Le Jules Verne was awarded two stars this year.

Throughout his career, Adrien has honed his culinary skills under the mentorship of renowned chefs like Frederic Anton, Axel Menes, and David Bizet, developing a unique cooking style. He is a dynamic and experienced Chef de Cuisine with over a decade of experience in starred restaurant and hotel kitchens.

With a proven track record of managing kitchens and creating innovative, delightful dishes, Adrien specializes in developing seasonal menus and leading culinary teams in fast-paced environments.

Joining him is Manon Anton, our new restaurant manager at L’Arôme By The Sea. Together, Adrien and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and culinary excellence at L’Arôme By The Sea.

New Menu
Chef Delcourt and his team are delighted to debut the new “Vue Sur La Mer” menu on July 25th. The menu is a discovery of the exceptional cuisine from Adrien, which pays homage to the mentors throughout his career and celebrates the best seasonal produce which the sea has to offer. Diners are welcomed with a fresh infusion of hibiscus which not only opens but also refreshes the palates for what lies ahead.

The menu celebrates the beauty of the ocean with the net cast wide to select items such as: Japanese Sea-Urchin, Norwegian black Cod, Kaviari’s Oscietra Caviar however there is not only imported products as local rock fish forms the base of one gelee. Although there is a focus on seafood, diners are treated to a roasted pigeon, for the main, coming from Klong Pai farm in Thailand, those less adventurous may opt to change for a Japanese Wagyu beef.

The signature dish of Adrien’s menu is Langoustine Foie Gras, which shows a complex pairing between land and sea with a poached Atlantic Langoustine being served inside of a roti shell and pair with a delightfully creamy foie-gras jus. This dish shows off the key elements of Adrien’s culinary pillars: technique, savoir-faire and delicate balance.

Situated on the idyllic coastlines near Patong, L’Arôme By The Sea offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines breathtaking ocean views with exquisite culinary creations. As the jewel of Phuket, our restaurant is the perfect escape for those
seeking a blend of gourmet cuisine, serene ambiance, and impeccable service. L’Arôme By The Sea specializes in delivering contemporary French dishes crafted from premium ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic dinner under the stars or hosting a special event by the water’s edge, our oceanfront setting provides a backdrop like no other.

Experience the best of Phuket’s dining scene at L’Arôme By The Sea, where every meal is a journey of flavors and every moment is a cherished memory. Join us for an unforgettable culinary adventure, where the rhythm of the waves complements the symphony of tastes on your plate.

About France Larome Group
Since its inception in Paris in 2014, France Larome Group has focused on operating forward-thinking, modern-style restaurants in the world’s most vibrant destinations, currently spanning France, China, Thailand, and Japan. Our flagship brand, L’Arôme, enjoys a reputation that extends to several cities in China. Notably, the Parisian branch Madame Fan and L’Arôme By The Sea in Phuket, Thailand, have both been featured in the Michelin Guide.

Recently completed projects in 2024 include the Chinese fine dining restaurant Madame Fan in Paris and Bistro Des Lettres in the Latin Quarter. Upcoming projects include Bon Pan Asian Tapas in the old town of Phuket, Bistro L’Arôme in Fukuoka, Bistro Des Symphonies in Paris, and Maison L’Arôme, which will offer a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea in Phuket, incorporating several concepts.

We are committed to using the highest quality ingredients from the best sources, meticulously telling the story of a specific time, place, culture, or cuisine. Whether it’s our high-end French fine dining or our bistro brands, we strive to deliver extraordinary and unique dining experiences.