Category: Latest Travel News

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Welcome to Seychelles Richard Quest of CNN Quest’s World of Wonders. Pulling our beautiful islands into the international spotlight CNN Anchor, Mr. Richard Quest is in Seychelles and met STB Chief Executive, Sherin Francis this morning at the airport on his way to Bird Island… We think our sunny weather agrees with him, don’t you ?” with these few lines the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board told the world that the famous Richard Quest of CNN was in Seychelles.

This is the first visit by Richard Quest to Seychelles. He has had many interactions with different Seychellois tourism personalities and interviewed me on the CNN “Quest means Business” when I was the Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) in 2017.

Richard Quest remains a very influential press personality and his visit to Seychelles should bring positives vibes for the country’s tourism industry.

Corona Virus is on the African continent with Egypt reporting its first case – but the Indian Ocean Region is still free of the virus

The Corona Virus is causing a lot of concern for the world of tourism. Some countries are expressing their feelings for all to see whilst others are more quiet on what the effects will be.

Two sides of the possible repercussion is today being analysed. The first is the drop in tourists coming out of affected countries such as China and other tourism source markets such as Italy, South Korea and Japan. These important tourism source markets are facing challenges of their own as planes have dropped flights to China and countries putting in place more strict quarantine regulations for anyone coming from China and train services from Italy being curtailed in some areas. The drop in visitor numbers will be an impact all by itself.

The second cause for concern is the economic impact resulting in trade. An economic program on the news was discussion a year long possible impact directly or indirectly.

Seychelles, the Vanilla Islands and the African Continent have been blessed so far for not having had to face by the virus. With the exception off Egypt the continent has been spared the deadly virus. Let us continue to work to remain Corona Virus Free.

Seychelles undertaking a carrying capacity for its tourism industry

Last week I met with someone who had sadly told her family we have discovered Seychelles but we shall not be coming back. The family are well to do and upmarket in the bracket that best describes them in the breakdown of visitors. It is not that they did not like the Seychelles, but simply found it too expensive. That family stayed put on Mahe and did not even manage to get to Praslin and La Digue. The price comparition between Seychelles and its neighbouring tourism destinations is done often and how Seychelles is perceived when going through Tour Operators Brochures is worth deeper analysis.

Seychelles is fishing in the same pond for tourist and shoud never forget that. The islands have too much at stake to allow it to be but a dream instead of remaining a holiday option.

Seychelles brings in a new landing fee of US Dollars 15 from 1st April
(called a disembarkation levy of US $15 )

Seychelles already has fees attached to airline tickets but are set to add a new one effective 1st April this year. The new Disembarkation Fevy was confirmed in a letter addressed to the CEO of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority by Didier Dogley, the Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine Minister on the 1st February.

The recent aviation conference in Mombasa and the last ROUTES Africa Conference held in Ghana addressed the cost of air travel in Africa which is being hampered by Government Taxes and Levies. The new Seychelles Disembarkation Levy falls exactly in line with the reports submitted and discussed at these meetings. Fuel Taxes, Landing Taxes and Levies are easy mechanisms to raise revenue, but are these really ways that help the economy grow?. These questions when raised can only bring negatives for the Continent of Africa and its individual tourism destinations.

The Seychelles has been pushing for family holidays and these visitors are making use in a lot of instances the homely small Seychellois owned and managed tourism establishments. The new Seychelles disembarkation levy case will see a family of four dish our a further sixty US dollars on a Seychelles package holiday. This will be subject to further markups in TO programs.

The Tourism Board will have to sell this new levy at the coming Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin in March because all packages to Seychelles are not showing this new tax that comes over and above increase in fees to some islands marketed as nature parks and as IATA is confirming that COVID19 (Corona Virus) is impacting passenger demand. Packages to Seychelles has been contracted over a year ago and mid year increases often annoys tourism trade partners and can have negative repercussions.

The big question is Seychelles now moving to encouraging travel or are the islands set to discouraging travel in line with their new carrying capacity limits being set?

“These are challenging times for the global air transport industry. Stopping the spread of the virus is the top priority. Airlines are following the guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health authorities to keep passengers safe, the world connected, and the virus contained. The sharp downturn in demand as a result of COVID-19 will have a financial impact on airlines—severe for those particularly exposed to the China market. We estimate that global traffic will be reduced by 4.7% by the virus, which could more than offset the growth we previously forecast and cause the first overall decline in demand since the SARS crisis of 2003. And that scenario would translate into lost passenger revenues of $29.3 billion. Airlines are making difficult decisions to cut capacity and in some cases routes. Lower fuel costs will help offset some of the lost revenue. This will be a very tough year for airlines,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Governments have an important role to play in this current crisis:

Leadership: It is also important for governments to take leadership in shoring up their economies. The Singapore government, for example, is allocating SGD 112 million to provide financial relief to airlines struggling to economically maintain connectivity. “Airlines and governments are in this together. We have a public health emergency, and we must try everything to keep it from becoming an economic crisis. Relief on airport costs will help maintain vital air connectivity. Other governments should take good note and act quickly,” said de Juniac.

Great new initiative launched by The Ocean Project Seychelles

The detrimental impact of balloons on the environment has been well documented. They drift around the world and pollute even the most remote places, killing countless animals who mistake balloons for food.

The Ocean Project Seychelles is calling on all hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, boat charters, event planners, and anyone decorating with balloons to choose to #SeyNoToBalloons and commit to not to using balloons in their decorations.

Businesses that have jumped on board to support this campaign to opt for more eco-friendly alternatives instead of balloons include:
– The Boardwalk Bar & Grill
– Maison Marengo Bar & Restaurant
– Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and Restaurant
– Oscars
– Seyscapes Yacht Charter
– Turquoise Horse Trails
– Anse Soleil Beachcomber
– Gran Kaz
As we congratulate The Oceans Project Seychelles with this task we have to accept and embrace the notion that the best outcome for our vulnerable environment is ours to sculpt, and we already have the necessary tools at our disposal. Let us lead by example, always.

Uganda Tourism & Travel Meeting

At the 5th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo at Uganda’s Speke Resort in Munyonyo. Standing with the chief guest Uganda’s first Deputy PM Hon. Moses Ali and Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of Uganda’s Tourism Board

The 2020 calendar of Africa tourism events kicked off in Kampala, Uganda, as tourism experts gathered for the 5th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE). The former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of the Seychelles, Alain St. Ange, who is the current President of the African Tourism Board led discussions on the topic “Policies In Place To Ease Movement Within Africa.”

Alain St. Ange shared the stage with tourism experts, Mr. Ikechi Uko, publisher of ATQNews and organizer of AKWAABA African Travel Market, and Ms. Pearl Kakooza, Chairperson of Uganda Association of Travel Agents (TUGATA) to analyse accessibility within Africa as far as transport and connectivity is concerned.

Tourism remains a vital industry for the African continent and the surrounding islands, especially the islands on the Indian Ocean. St. Ange led the industry as minister and was founding president of the Vanilla Islands, an affiliation of the island nations of Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros and Mayotte.

Alain St. Ange is a much sought-after speaker at international tourism and aviation conferences where his off the cuff speeches continue to impress.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 27, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The collaboration between Chef Davide and Mia Chefs Top Russell and Michelle Goh is the first in a series of collaborations under the name “Friends of Mia”. Mia’s new collaboration series “Friends of Mia” will kick off on 11 March with the first guest chef being none other than Chef Davide Garavaglia, former Chef de Cuisine of Mirazur, a three Michelin-starred restaurant in southern France and number 1 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019. Davide recently moved to Bangkok for the opening of Côte by Mauro Colagreco located at Capella Bangkok, a new age urban resort that will open along the iconic Chao Phraya river this year.

The collaboration will see Davide work with Chefs Top and Michelle from Mia to serve a special tasting menu with dishes specially created for this event. Diners can expect modern European cuisine with Mediterranean influences by Davide, using mainly local ingredients.

A wine pairing curated for the event by Sommelier Guillaume Celante from wine supplier Vanichwathana will be offered on the night.

“We are extremely excited to kick off Friends of Mia and I couldn’t be more pleased to have Davide be our first guest chef. He is one of the most talented chefs I have ever had the pleasure to work with and his success at Mirazur and his role in the opening of Côte by Mauro Colagreco is testament to that,” commented Chef Top.

The collaboration dinner will take place on 11 March with staggered seating from 6pm. The 8-course set menu is priced at 3650++ baht per person.

A wine pairing will be offered at 1600++ baht per person.

For reservations, please call 02 258 6745 or email reservations@miarestaurantbkk.com

Mia
Open Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 12am (last order 10.30pm)
30 Attha Kawi 1 (Sukhumvit Soi 26)
Tel. +66 (0) 98 862 9659

Berlin (Germany) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Russia is presenting itself as a fascinating destination for culturally interested visitors. The world’s largest country is the Convention & Culture Partner of the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show. ”We are delighted to have secured Russia as the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB. Russia has a very high standing in the international tourism industry. For visitors interested in art and culture its rich cultural heritage in particular is a special highlight“, said David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, at the partnership agreement signing on 5 November 2019 in London, and added: ”Russia has been exhibiting regularly at ITB Berlin since 1994 and will be strongly represented again this year in Hall 3.1. The ITB Berlin Convention will also feature fascinating topics on tourism trends in Russia.“

”The partnership with ITB Berlin 2020 provides us with an important platform to promote Russia and its huge cultural diversity as a tourism destination to a wide international audience“, said Zarina Doguzova, Head of Russian Federal Agency for Tourism.

Russia at the ITB Berlin Convention

As a Convention & Culture Partner, Russia will be represented with several sessions at the ITB Berlin Convention. Zarina Doguzova, will give a welcoming speech at the opening of the world’s largest tourism congress on Wednesday, March 4 in the CityCube Berlin (Room A4/A5) (10.45-10.50 a.m.). Also in the CityCube, a case study session on “Transforming the Global Tourism Industry by Breakthrough Travel Startups” will be held in cooperation with Russia on Thursday, 5 March from 3 to 3.45 pm. Panel guests are Ilya Gusakov, Head of Business Development, MAPS.ME, Nalatia Pukhova, Partner Relations Manager, Travelpayouts by Aviasales, Eugenia Strizhkina, Head of the Infrastructure Project Office, RussPass as well as Egor Yakovlev, Business Development Director, izi.TRAVEL.

On Destination Day, Friday, 6 March, 14.00-14.45 p.m., the panel “Destination Stereotypes: Video Marketing as Effective Tool for Image Creation” is on the agenda. Stereotypical perceptions of tourists are at the center of the discussion. Mila Ilushina, Head of Strategic Projects Department, Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development, Elena Lysenkova, Advisor of the Head, Federal Agency for Tourism Russia, Irina Sergeeva, Head of the Department of International Tourism, Federal Agency for Tourism Russia as well as Vladimir Varnavskii, CEO & Founder, VResorts, discuss the importance of video content as a success factor for building effective communication campaigns.

A nation of superlatives

Russia, with its long history and rich cultural heritage, is a country of superlatives. As part of both Europe and Asia it combines many different influences. Cultures from Western Europe, China and the Orient have produced a unique blend of art, architecture, music and spiritual influences.

Moscow is the hub of politics and business as well as Russia’s cultural center. The towers of the Kremlin with its red stars and the block-shaped architecture of the Stalin era, Red Square, the pulsating heart of Moscow and the scene of historical events, the Bolshoi Theatre, home to one of the world’s most famous ballet companies, are iconic examples of Russian culture. St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum houses one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious art exhibitions. The state-owned museum in the Winter Palace, built by the Tsar family over 250 years ago, which contains three million exhibits displayed in 300 rooms, is one of the largest and most magnificent art collections in the world.

The Trans-Siberian Railway offers a close-up experience of Russia’s many-faceted history, its traditions and legends. The world’s longest railway line is over 9,000 kilometers long, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok on a journey that rolls through and connects Europe with Asia. Onion domes and Buddhist monasteries, deserts and the Taiga – the list of attractions is every bit as long as the Trans-Siberian Railway itself.

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2020 will be taking place from Wednesday, 4 to Sunday, 8 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In 2019 a total of 10,000 companies and organisations from 181 countries exhibited their products and services to around 160,000 visitors, including 113.500 trade visitors. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 4 to Saturday, 7 March 2020. Russia is the official Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2020. The World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is co-host, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), MC Group and Trip.com are Platinum Sponsors and Studiosus is Gold Sponsor. Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free for trade visitors and exhibitors.

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – Februrary 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Alain St.Ange was happy and privileged to have met his friend, Richard Quest, while he was in Seychelles briefly filming a programme ‘Quest World of Wonders’ for the CNN.

“The last time we met was when he was interviewing me on CNN about my campaign for the post of Secretary-General of the UNWTO,” said St.Ange.

Quest and St.Ange spoke about the One Seychelles’ vision for Seychelles and the current status of the tourism industry.

In Seychelles Richard Quest visited the main island of Mahé as well as the islands on Praslin, La Digue and Bird Island.

Madrid (Spain) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – As the current outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) continues to develop, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) are committed to working together in guiding the travel and tourism sectors’ response to COVID-19.

On 30 January 2020, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and issued a set of Temporary Recommendations. WHO did not recommend any travel or trade restriction based on the current information available. WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to rapidly expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and virulence of the virus, and to provide advice to countries and the global community on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.

Cooperation is key

The tourism sector is fully committed to putting people and their well-being first. International cooperation is vital for ensuring the sector can effectively contribute to the containment of COVID-19. UNWTO and WHO are working in close consultation and with other partners to assist States in ensuring that health measures be implemented in ways that minimize unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.

Tourism’s response needs to be measured and consistent, proportionate to the public health threat and based on local risk assessment, involving every part of the tourism value chain – public bodies, private companies and tourists, in line with WHO’s overall guidance and recommendations.

UNWTO and WHO stand ready to work closely with all those communities and countries affected by the current health emergency, to build for a better and more resilient future. Travel restrictions going beyond these may cause unnecessary interference with international traffic, including negative repercussions on the tourism sector.

At this challenging time, UNWTO and WHO join the international community in standing in solidarity with affected countries.

UNWTO Website: www.unwto.org
WHO Website: www.who.int

Padua (Italy) – February 26, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Safilo, a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of eyewear, today announces the introduction of ECONYL regenerated nylon in its eyewear collections, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Aquafil, a recognized global player with over half a century of expertise in creating synthetic fibres.

ECONYL is a regenerated nylon obtained through the regeneration and purification process of plastic waste, such as fishing nets, old carpets, and fabric scraps. ECONYL, obtained through a process of depolymerization and re-polymerisation, performs exactly the same as brand new nylon and it can be recycled, recreated and remoulded again and again, with no loss of quality.

The choice of this material is a tangible sign of Safilo’s further progression in its sustainability strategy and its commitment to bring innovation to a consolidated industry. “Our investment to using recycled materials highlights our continued efforts towards promoting a responsible business,” explains Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “This sustainable material will allow us to make our contribution and create products without using new resources. Our intention is to expand the use of ECONYL as much as possible in order to decrease our carbon footprint.”

“Safilo has a long history of creating high-quality eyewear products, and we are happy to partner with such a strong player in the eyewear industry,” said Giulio Bonazzi, Aquafil’s CEO. “It is a completely new sector in which our ECONYL® material is now used, and it is this pioneering spirit that most unites us with a company like Safilo, which, like us, has innovation in its DNA.”

The new TOMMY JEANS eyewear collection, recently launched by Tommy Hilfiger, one of the licensed brands in Safilo’s portfolio, is the first that features styles made of ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Safilo will progressively introduce this material also in its other brands’ collections.

About Safilo Group
Safilo Group is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of sunglasses, optical frames, sports eyewear and related products. Thanks to strong craftsmanship expertise dating back to 1878, Safilo translates its designs into high-quality products according to the Italian tradition. Through an extensive wholly owned network of subsidiaries in 40 countries and more than 50 distribution partners in key markets throughout North and Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and China, Safilo is committed to quality distribution of its products in nearly 100,000 selected points of sale worldwide. Safilo’s portfolio encompasses its own core brands Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Safilo, Privé Revaux, and licensed brands Dior, Dior Homme, Fendi, Banana Republic, BOSS, David Beckham, Elie Saab, Fossil, Givenchy, havaianas, HUGO, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, kate spade new york, Levi’s, Liz Claiborne, Love Moschino, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara., Missoni, M Missoni, Moschino, Pierre Cardin, rag&bone, Rebecca Minkoff, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swatch, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (ISIN code IT0004604762, Bloomberg SFL.IM, Reuters SFLG.MI), in 2018 Safilo recorded preliminary net sales for Euro 939 million.

About Aquafil
Aquafil is a global company that produces polymers and synthetic fibers. Since 2011, as part of an ambitious circularity project, it has implemented a regeneration system where nylon waste, such as fishing nets, old carpets, and scraps are transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon. To date, this product represents more than one-third of the entire Aquafil’s production.

The ECONYL® ingredient is used by hundreds of fashion, carpet and home design brands in their creations. Through its direct presence in 8 countries and 3 continents, Aquafil has been able to activate a virtuous network of partners, along the value chain, which aims to pursue sustainability for each production activity, in the unceasing attempt to decrease the impact of human activities on the environment and the planet.

Ulan Bator (Mongolia) – February 25, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Sabre Corporation announced a new alliance with national carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines. The long-term agreement to implement Sabre’s Market Intelligence Global Demand Data solution will provide robust market insights as the airline moves forward with highly ambitious growth plans.

“We are thrilled to announce our new relationship with Sabre at such a key time for our airline. Our plans to grow our fleet and routes, our passenger numbers and our revenue are directly in line with the exponential growth that the country’s tourism industry is currently witnessing,” said Mr. Battur Davaakhuu, President & CEO, MIAT Mongolian Airlines. “To realize our exciting objectives, we must leverage the most innovative technology platforms, and that’s why we have selected Sabre Global Demand Data. The solution will ensure that we have strong data right at our fingertips, providing accurate and complete market information to make well-informed decisions,” he added.

Mongolia continues to be one of the world’s fastest growing travel destinations.1 The adoption of Sabre’s Global Demand Data solution will connect the national carrier to robust market data while providing advanced data capabilities across numerous commercial planning areas including revenue management and sales. Sabre Global Demand Data is a comprehensive and detailed database of origin and destination traffic for airline markets worldwide, encompassing GDS, government, and industry data sources – calibrated and processed on a regular basis. The solution will allow MIAT to gain insights for intelligently developing new routes and revenue-driving strategies within current markets while also uncovering potential new opportunities.

“MIAT’s expansion plans have the potential to increase revenue for the airline and to have a meaningful impact on the Mongolian travel and tourism industry as a whole,” said Dasha Kuksenko, vice president and regional general manager – North Asia, Sabre Travel Solutions. “We are very proud to support them in their endeavours by providing our Market Intelligence Global Demand Data solution. Sabre’s solution helps airlines identify revenue opportunities as a result of having the crucial, innovative tools necessary to make intelligent, data-driven decisions,” she added.

Mongolia has set a goal of attracting one million foreign tourists and earning one billion US dollars from tourism during 2020, according to a previous announcement by the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism. This latest agreement with Sabre will ensure that MIAT is well-positioned to play a crucial role in this ambitious tourism drive. It follows the launch of MIAT flights in 2019 linking Mongolia to the key Chinese markets of Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as the announcement of plans for further long-haul routes, including a drive to develop a US route.

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is the leading technology provider to the global travel industry. Sabre’s software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotel properties to manage critical operations, including passenger and guest reservations, revenue management, flight, network and crew management. Sabre also operates a leading global travel marketplace, which processes more than US$120 billion of global travel spend annually by connecting travel buyers and suppliers. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

About MIAT Mongolian Airlines
MIAT Mongolian Airlines (MIAT), the national flag-carrier of Mongolia, was founded in 1956 and is operating 11 scheduled international destinations (includes Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Beijing, Guangzhou, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Moscow, Berlin and Frankfurt) out of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The core business activities comprise of passenger and cargo air transportation, engineering and maintenance services, air charter and ground handling services. Its fleet of six aircraft includes four Boeing 737-800 and two Boeing 767-300ER planes. MIAT is proud to become the first carrier in Mongolia to be awarded with 3-star rating by SKYTRAX and with highest 7-star safety ranking from AirlineRatings.com. MIAT has consistently passed all regulations and requirements from the Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority as well as from ICAO.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 24, 2020 (travelindex.com) – A platonic relationship which spanned over 14 years, Chef Justamas “Som” Theantae and Chef Monthep “Thep” Kamolsilp’s friendship has lasted the test of time. It began with meetings at culinary training school in Bangkok, through to working at 5-star hotels in Thailand, and even travelling the world together by luxury cruise where they cooked alongside some of the greatest chefs of multiple-starred Michelin restaurants, for wealthy cruise-faring diners.

After going their separate ways socially and professionally to focus on developing their skills, since 2018 (TAAN) and 2019 (Karmakamet Conveyance) the chefs have been at the helm and in charge of their own fine restaurants in Bangkok, and by serendipity reconnected somewhere in between. The chef buddies thought it would be the most opportune time to cook together again, for a first-time collaboration featuring the both of them, and that’s how ‘Friendship’ – A Reunion of Tastes was born.

The menu will be inspired by their journey, from their first meeting, throughout their shared experiences to where they are at in their lives now. Little may people be aware that French cuisine was at the core of their training and work-life and where they particularly excelled before adopting Asian flavours into their restaurant menu concepts. This collaborative menu will reflect their respective French cuisine skills, whilst incorporating locally grown produce with dishes that highlight French and Asian techniques.

Some of the dishes you will find on the special menu are the Oyster of poached oyster, burnt stingy beans, green chili and nut with brown butter veloute. A collaborative dish between the chefs will be the Chestnut in the form of a chestnut soup with onion duck ball and shallot mousse. A classic French dish but with a distinct Asian twist will bring forth the Frog legs with deep-fried coated cricket, smoked frog’s legs, parsley ginger and a water bug emulsion. The Eel with hot oil tea-tare sauce, marinated eel, lotus stems, avocado and lotus root will be another coming together of French technique melding with the flavours of the the East, and lastly a fine example of flavourful friendship, the Pigeon of grilled corn marinated pigeon with okra Mexican kale puree, pickled clam and pink pepper jus.

About TAAN:
TAAN presents fine-casual Thai dining that honours the country’s food artisans and their unique ingredients. It prides itself on working closely with independent local farmers, whose high-quality, seasonal ingredients provide the inspiration for the ever-changing menu. On the menu, familiar flavor profiles meet with unexpected combinations and timeless techniques for dishes that are new but proudly Thai. Believing that behind every ingredient there is an important story to be told, TAAN’s goal is to connect Thailand’s tireless food artisans with an adventurous new generation of diners. TAAN’s ingredient-driven menu highlights familiar Thai flavours, inspired by local ingredients and prepared using timeless cooking techniques, but brought into the present day through unexpected combinations and creative presentation.

Chef Monthep Kamolsilp – Modern Thai Cuisine
TAAN Executive Chef Monthep Kamolsilp discovered his passion for cooking at 18 years old while enrolled to study Hospitality Management at Silpakorn University, Bangkok. Filled with curiosity from spending 12 hours a day in the demonstration kitchen, Monthep soon picked up an after-school job as a cook’s helper. Monthep’s previous experience at high-profile hotel restaurants like Le Normandie at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, La Terrasse at Domaine de Divonne in France and The Eugenia Bangkok is reflected in his French cooking techniques and vast knowledge about imported ingredients.

However, a visit to one small village in Chiang Rai where the hill-tribe took every measure to work in harmony with the natural environment put Monthep on the path to inspiration. From this trip, the idea for TAAN was born, and in the process Monthep rekindled his underlying interest in sustainability, which once won him second prize in Vatel University’s World Sustainability Hotel Concept Competition in Lyon, France, in 2009.

Led by Monthep, TAAN’s kitchen team is dedicated to seeking out unique ingredients from sustainable sources across Thailand. Rebellious yet respectful of tradition, the team’s philosophy is that Thai food is always evolving.

Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae – New Asian Cuisine
Some trips in life are about destinations. Others are about learning along the way. The journey of Chef Jutamas “Som” Theantae, familiarly known as Som, is as much about discovering the world as it is about learning about herself and sharing her generosity with others.

But before the dream of having a restaurant could become a reality, Chef Som decided to travel the world. She went to India, as much for the challenge of living without the creature comforts of home as for her art studies. She spent six years there and graduated with a diploma in lithography. Afterwards, Chef Som moved to San Francisco, where she further turned her attention to her passion for food, beginning at the very bottom of the restaurant business. “I started scrubbing grills”. She worked her way up through some of the city’s most critically acclaimed restaurants, learning about local produce, classical technique and the importance of creativity as she went. After San Francisco, she found herself back in Thailand, honing her skills in hotels and restaurants, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Samui.

The dream with her childhood friend became a reality when Karmakamet Diner opened in 2013. Today with Karmakamet Conveyance, Chef Som completes that dream, creating a space that crystallizes who she is as a chef and as a woman. Karmakamet takes the diner on a journey of flavours that opens the diners’ eyes and palate, transporting them to new experiences. “If you compare it with art it’s like an oil painting. You put layers after layers. And that’s the taste you have in your mouth.”

It’s that honesty and desire to share that drives Chef Som today. Her journey of happiness and heartbreak, discovery and pleasure of the senses is one that she conveys to you today, through her dazzling menu at Karmakamet Conveyance.

Friendship – A Reunion of Tastes
20th March at Karmakamet Conveyance
10 courses menu 3,500 THB ++ / person
Wine by the glass and bottles available
Booking times: 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:00pm

For further information Tel: +66 2-004-3997
Reservation: contact@karmakametconveyance.com

Victoria, Mahé (Seychelles) – February 24, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Seychelles marine scientist, Ameer Ebrahim, recently published his research in the Journal of Fish Biology, a prestigious global research database. This publication follows four years in the field, where Ebrahim targeted herbivorous fish species, such as parrot-fish and rabbit-fish, and examined what role these species may have on coral reef resilience.

His research considered specifically the movement patterns of the shoemaker spine-foot (Siganus sutor), known locally as ‘kordoyen blan’. This species is of vital commercial importance throughout the Western Indian Ocean region. In Seychelles they comprise of the bulk of the annual artisanal catch, and is steadily becoming over fished.

Ebrahim, under the supervision of Dr. Jude Bijoux, another Seychellois Marine Scientist, carried out an extensive study using highly specialized methodology, namely acoustic telemetry technology, around Denis island. The team surgically implemented internal tags into several rabbit-fish and monitored their movements for just over six months.

The data revealed integral links between networked habitats, which should assist the relevant authorities in their efforts to effectively manage marine protected areas. Ebrahim expressed his desire that Government considers incorporating sea-grass meadows, which are currently overlooked, into management discussions.

He has another paper that is currently under international review, and hopefully will be published within the next few months. He is adding to the modest body of research available on our marine environment.

Ebrahim has expressed his gratitude to Denis Private Island for their hospitality and support, and to the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) for facilitating his research.

It is hoped that the SFA, which has decades worth of unpublished accumulated data from countless sponsored research initiatives, will soon begin to publish and share their findings with the public as well.

Paper LINK:

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 24, 2020 (travelindex) – This March, Best Western Hotels and Resorts will be rewarding visitors at Thai Teaw Thai #54, Thailand’s biggest travel fair, with a series of exclusive deals in desirable destinations all across the Kingdom. Best Western Hotels and Resorts promises exclusive offers across Thailand at Thai Teaw Thai #54

Guests attending this four-day show can discover a wide range of exciting promotions at the company’s popular Thai hotels and resorts, including discounted stays and packages (starting from just THB 1,200 per room per night), food & beverage vouchers (starting from THB 200) and even a wonderful wedding package in Bangkok!

And that’s not all! Visitors who register at Best Western Hotels & Resorts booth will receive a special benefit at Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya, the soon-to-open upscale hotel on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, and True customers will enjoy amazing offers at Thai Teaw Thai.

These enticing promotions will be available at ten of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ properties in Thailand:

– Best Western Plus Nexen Pattaya
– Best Western Premier Bayphere Pattaya
– Best Western Plus The Beachfront, Phuket
– Best Western Patong Beach, Phuket
– SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2, Bangkok
– Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, Bangkok
– Vīb Best Western Sanam Pao Bangkok
– Best Western Premier Sukhumvit, Bangkok
– Best Western Plus @20 Sukhumvit, Bangkok
– Tawaravedee Resort BW Signature Collection by Best Western, Prachinburi

So whether you’re planning a stylish city sojourn, a blissful beachfront break or a relaxing upcountry retreat, Best Western has an offer just for you. Brides and grooms can also start planning their perfect wedding day at Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel!

Thai Teaw Thai #54 will be hosted at BITEC Bangna from March 5 to 8, 2020. Attendees can take advantage of these promotions simply by visiting Best Western’s booths, A03 – A04.

Visit our booth at BITEC Bangna from March 5 to 8, 2020

For more information, please email asiasales@bestwestern.com or call +66 (0) 2656 1260. Alternatively, to learn more about Best Western Hotels & Resorts in Asia, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels and Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel GroupSM global network. With 18 brands and approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. Brands include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, Aiden®, Sadie®, BW Premier Collection® and BW Signature Collection®. Through acquisition, WorldHotelsTM Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive and WorldHotels Crafted collections are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay StudioSM franchises**. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com, www.bestwesterndevelopers.com, www.worldhotels.com and www.surestay.com.

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

Contact information:
Sirimanas Maungrod (Cake) | Senior Regional Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com

Phanintorn Tangtrongjit (Dream) | Assistant Marketing Communications Manager | Asia
Email: phanintorn.tangtrongjit@bestwestern.com

Best Western Hotels and Resorts
BWI (Thailand) Co., Ltd. | Unit 5A-2 | 5th Floor Gaysorn Place Office Building
999 Ploenchit Road Lumpini Phatumwan | Bangkok | 10330 | Thailand
Phone: +662.656.1260 | Fax +662.656.1252| www.bestwesternasia.com