Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 14, 2020 (travelindex) – Are you planning a dream vacation in Asia? You could save up to 33 percent if you book in advance with Best Western Hotels and Resorts!

Under the exclusive Advance Purchase promotion, early birds who book their stay at any participating Best Western Hotels & Resorts property in Asia between seven and 30 days before their check-in date will enjoy a generous discount of 10-33 percent! The money you save could go towards an extra shopping trip, an amazing evening meal or anything else to make your holiday truly unforgettable.

All guests will also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout their stay, and Best Western Rewards® members will be able to earn points or miles on their bookings. Not a member yet? Sign up for free today at www.bestwestern.com/rewards.

With hotels and resorts in many of Asia’s most attractive and exciting destinations, from major mega-cities to beautiful beach resorts, this promotion is perfect for all types of stay, including family vacations, weekend breaks, couples escapes and more!

The Advance Purchase offer is valid for bookings made online via the Best Western Hotels & Resorts website. Simply choose your destination, enter your dates and make your Asian dream vacation a reality. Click here to book!

For more information about Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.BestWesternAsia.com

* Terms and conditions apply

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand within the BWH Hotel GroupSM global network. With 17 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 recent acquisition, WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive brands are also offered. Completing the portfolio is SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, SureStay Collection® and SureStay StudioSM franchises**. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com or www.bestwesterndevelopers.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

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 14, 2020 (travelindex.com) – As his success on the acclaimed television cooking show is revealed to the world, Chef de Cuisine Rick Dingen recreates an iconic winning challenger Chef moment for guests at Anantara Siam’s award-winning steakhouse, Madison.

Throughout January and February 2020, Chef Rick invites diners to experience an innovative five-course dinner, based on his winning secret ingredient challenge, for which the central element was chicken liver. Guests will be treated to the culinary skill for which the Dutch Chef has become renowned in a delectable menu featuring highlights including Chicken Liver Panna Cotta and Glazed Chicken Liver in Balsamic with Black Truffle. In the original challenge, a surprise ingredient for the dessert is introduced just 15 minutes for the deadline. For Chef Rick, that surprise was wonton sheets and in celebration of his success, the meal will conclude with his winning dessert: Crispy Wonton with Citrus, Vanilla and Tarragon.

The celebratory five-course set menu will be served at Madison Steakhouse, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from now until 29 February 2020, priced at THB 1,850++. (Price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax)

For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 2126 8866 Ext.1222 or email madison.asia@anantara.com  Visit our website at www.anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok

 

Herfølge (Denmark) – January 14, 2020 (travelindex.com) –The impact of climate change and potential final year of the Trump administration will be the two most important causes of travel risks in the year ahead according to leading travel risk intelligence company Riskline.

Adam Schrader, Director of Operations, Riskline explains:

“Although predicting what will happen in 2020 is a fool’s errand in an increasingly irrational world, a careful examination of ongoing and emerging trends provides crucial information for businesses planning the year ahead. All of the predicted risks we’ve shared are equally important, but two of them in particular will underpin the most dangerous security threats in 2020: the ongoing effects of climate change and the potential final year of the Trump administration.

“In the case of the former, it will be the mostly unseen, long-term effects that are the greater danger, as droughts or floods destroy land and livelihoods and become the catalysts for new violent conflicts and forced migration. Meanwhile the prospect that 2020 could be the final year of the Trump presidency bodes ill for international peace. Both allies and antagonists of the United States may feel that the level of impunity they have enjoyed in foreign affairs since 2016 may be coming to an end.”

 RISKLINE’S 10 TOP TRAVEL RISKS FOR 2020

1. Climate Change and its impact on travel

Climate change has led to abnormal patterns of torrential rainfall, devastating floods, severe storms, prolonged heat waves and increased temperatures – all leading to growing water scarcity, droughts and dangerous wildfires. With the increased frequency of these natural disasters – for example, Hurricane Dorian which caused massive destruction across the Bahamas in September 2019 – fatalities, business and travel disruptions and power and communication outages are becoming recurrent. Efforts to reverse the damage caused by climate change are insufficient as the United States, the second-largest carbon emitter, plans to withdraw from the landmark Paris Agreement in 2020 if Trump wins another term in office.

2. A collapsing world order: US 2020, Brexit, US-China trade war

The results of the 2015 Brexit referendum in the UK and the 2016 United States (US) presidential election continue to upend long-standing domestic political norms in both countries. The long-term outcome of both events is unclear at present, but a return to the status quo is unlikely in either country – the pro-Brexit and pro-Trump coalitions that won in 2015 and 2016 have mobilised social forces that will remain on the scene for years to come. When the UK leaves the EU, this will lead to major economic changes in the trading bloc and at the same time, EU members will face further economic disruptions from the US-China trade war fallout as, so far, none of President Trump’s Democratic rivals have promised to remove the tariffs imposed by his administration.

3. Islamist Terrorism

Islamist terrorism will remain a risk for travellers in 2020 as former members of the weakened Islamic State (IS) will be looking to carry out reprisal attacks following the death of former IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a US-led raid in Syria in October 2019. Former IS fighters and IS-inspired individuals will look to carry out lone-wolf attacks in any country with large numbers of foreign visitors.

4. Far-right terrorism

Far-right politicians and media organisations will gain further prominence in the Western world in 2020, particularly as United States (US) President Donald Trump intensifies his campaigning for the presidential election in November. Attacks similar to the deadly March 2019 shootings at a mosque and an Islamic centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, and the August 2019 mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, remain possible particularly in the US, as right-wing groups gain more appeal and expand their presence in mainstream American politics.

5. Infectious disease outbreak amid ongoing migration

Large and highly mobile populations, increasing urbanisation, weak government responses and deprived healthcare infrastructure, as well as attacks on healthcare workers in conflict zones, coupled with the effects of climate change are all making outbreaks of diseases like Ebola, cholera, yellow fever and other mosquito-borne diseases more frequent. In 2019, vicious outbreaks of dengue fever were reported in Brazil, the Philippines, Mexico, Nicaragua, Thailand, Malaysia and Colombia. Scientists predict an 80 percent chance of an El Niño weather pattern occurring in 2020, bringing disastrous heavy rainfall and long droughts to countries around the Pacific Ocean and paving the way for mosquito-borne diseases.

6. Internet outages and the increasing cost of business

In 2018 and 2019, internet blackouts aimed at stopping the spread of anti-government protests cost Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Ethiopia, Chad, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Venezuela, billions of dollars in lost economic activity. This tactic will continue to prevail in 2020 as governments prefer to contain, rather than address, discontent expressed online.

7. Anti-systemic protests: democracy and nationalism

In 2019 there was a considerable rise in anti-systemic protests across the world, notably in Latin America, parts of Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. As popular discontent with governments grows in many countries due to economic and social issues, expect these protest movements to grow in volume and frequency in 2020. In addition, nationalist sentiments have also been on the rise across Europe, highlighted by mass protests for independence/self-determination in Catalonia, while the rise of broad anti-corruption fronts has pressured incumbents in places like Serbia, Romania, Hungary and Moldova. Other countries to look out for include the United Kingdom as Brexit looms.

8. MENA Geopolitics: the role of Russia

Since 2015, Russia has stepped up its military and economic engagements in the Middle East, primarily in Syria and Turkey, but also expanding ties with Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, at the expense of the United States (US). Russia will continue to play a spoiler role in the region in 2020.

9. International sporting events

Major sporting events like the Summer Olympics in Japan, the UEFA Euro, the Copa América in Argentina and Colombia and the three cycling Grand Tours are likely to pose risks to travellers in 2020. Potential risks include targeted terrorism due to large crowds and global media interest. Furthermore, disruptions to air travel across Europe are also possible if any of the tournament should coincide with prolonged labour strikes in the air sector.

10. Water shortage

As heat waves increase in intensity and duration, protests over water scarcity are likely to multiply in 2020, particularly in water-stressed nations like India and Pakistan, and in Middle Eastern countries like Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. Violent clashes over increasingly scarce water and land resources can be expected in countries like Mali and Nigeria between farmers and herders, while public discontent is likely to extend to pockets of extreme water scarcity in under-developed regions of Italy and Spain as well as the US states of New Mexico and California.

These travel risks have been compiled by Riskline’s worldwide team of travel risk analysts who monitor and review issues daily.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 13, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Vivin, a local gourmet and fine food product suppliers have opened up their first stand-alone grocery store, “Vivin Grocery” in Ekamai Complex, Bangkok and just in time for Christmas and New Years 2020.

Vivin first began as a pop up store at the Bangkok Farmers Market in 2014 selling only whole foie-gras terrine, a recipe from the Grandmother of Nicolas Vivin, who added his own twist to the equation. Some of those twists were to incorporate local products into the foie gras, such as infusing the Phuket-based rum, Chalong Bay Rum or Strawberries from Chiang Mai.

Nicolas and his business partner and wife, Samantha Proyrungtong, had long believed in the application and promotion of local products as the more sustainable alternatives for finer food, which is now much more widely accepted in Thailand today. In the beginning, they faced many challenges to convince and educate, both local and International persons of the quality and benefit of these artisanal Thai products, together with a handful of artisans pioneering this niche industry.

Fast-forward 6 years onwards and Vivin has greatly extended their range which focuses on local and artisanal products, growing the range from the single foie gras Whole Duck Terrine to a variety of cow and goat Cheeses from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, Jam and Chutneys made from local organic fruits.

Vivin are now providing butchery of local beef and chicken along with producing cold cuts, with their new production company, Extrovert Food. Vivin also stock high quality local seasonings and organic herbs which also compliment the meats.

All these products including imported natural wine and caviar will be available for purchase at their mini Grocery store located at the Ekamai Complex. A complex which is fast becoming a foodies center, with fellow boutique eateries such as Yellow Spoon, The Crib, Délice de Capoue and the new Stage Restaurant.

The new Vivin Grocery will boast a display fridge full of local Thai cheeses and cold cuts in retail sizes, packaged and ready to take away, plus shelves stacked with jars of jams, organic herbs and a variety of local Rums. Products from different artisans and boutique producers will be showcased in the Vivin Grocery, such as Serial Pickler range of pickles and OEL OEA’s Olive Oil, and more artisanal selections to come.

There will also be a freezer for easy grab-and-go local Thai beef and pork for those wanting to fry up a juicy steak, or sizzle a sausage. There will be wine from Thailand, but also from all parts of the world, mostly Austria, Spain, Italy, and France, which are all in the biodynamic, natural wine and organic wine category.

Vivin Grocery is the ideal one-stop-shop the perfect gourmet night in; pick up a bottle or two along with your gourmet goodies or even an “APERO BOX – Gourmet Platter in a Box” to enjoy at home for a dinner party or a delicious self-indulgence.

Customers are also welcome to dine-in at the Vivin Grocery to enjoy a glass of wine at lunch or at aperitif time at our bar. Best of all, we welcome our visitors to try samples of the products before they buy or even to satisfy their curiosity with our informed Vivin Grocery staff to explain specialised products detail. At Vivin we insist on consistent top quality, taste and service, to which Vivin has become renowned for.

Vivin Grocery will also hold special events for wine and gourmet food lovers, inviting artisans and producers for workshop events, to cater for the industry or to the public, so stay tuned!

No time to visit? Vivin sell and deliver their gourmet grocery products online at Vivinmaison.com. It is only at Vivin Grocery, in-store and online that you can find the best prices* (*not including special promotions)

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 9, 2020 (travelindex) – Anyone who keeps up with the trends in beauty and wellness would have heard of PRP or platelet-rich plasma, a treatment known to naturally and effectively rejuvenate the skin. By using the patient’s own blood without any added chemicals, PRP stimulates the growth of healthy cells and collagen without the risk of infection or increased skin damage. Reaching cells below the outer layer of the skin, “it is being used to improve skin tone and texture, smooth fine lines, and even promote hair growth,” said Joshua Zeichner, director of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Decades of studies have shown that PRP can also regenerate damaged tissue, eliminate scarring and stretchmarks, even out skin tone and make the skin appear more youthful.

In Bangkok, one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, dermatological specialists at Dr.TATTOF clinics have successfully combined the use of PRP with revolutionary pico-second laser “PicoWay Resolve” to remove scars and stretch marks more efficiently than ever before. According to American-board certified dermatologist and laser specialist Dr. Nattapong Jirurawong, M.D., patients who were treated with both PRP (branded as “MyCELL“) and PicoWay Resolve experienced significantly less redness and enjoyed faster healing, effectively reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks with fewer treatments. For instance, while completely removing pregnancy stretch marks would take approximately 8 to 12 sessions of PicoWay Resolve, PRP can accelerate the healing process to require only 6 sessions. Patients using PRP together with PicoWay Resolve would not only experience faster, more visible results, but also more youthful skin in the treated area.

A leader in the field of aesthetic laser solutions, Dr.TATTOF is moving forward from being the first provider in Thailand to treat with USFDA-approved PicoWay, to being the first in Southeast Asia to accelerate PicoWay’s outstanding effects with PRP. How does it work? PicoWay Resolve’s high-energy beams target scars and stretch marks, breaking the underlying structures in the skin which cause the imperfections. Meanwhile, the laser’s ultra-short pulses enables a photoacoustic that avoids overheating the skin, preventing further scarring. This process spurs the creation of newer, healthier cells that better fade scars and stretch marks. After PicoWay Resolve, the patient’s blood will be drawn, spun in a centrifuge to extract the PRP, finally injecting it into the targeted area using tiny needles for the patient’s highest comfort. The procedure stimulates the patient’s fibroblasts to produce collagen fibers which accelerates the healing process.

About Dr.TATTOF
Following the footsteps of his father, Thailand’s first US-trained dermatologist, Dr. Nattapong Jirurawong founded Dr.TATTOF to erase unwanted memories and improve confidence by removing scars and tattoos. Being the first medical center in Thailand to treat patients with PicoWay was only the beginning. Today, Dr.TATTOF proudly provides various types of world-class laser solutions with gracious Thai hospitality, bringing happy smiles to every patient

At Dr.TATTOF, patients can expect high attention to detail and un-matched sincerity, leading to the most impressive results. Dr.TATTOF has 4 aesthetic medical centers in central Bangkok and 1 in Pattaya. For more information, visit www.drtattof.com/en, call +66(0)99-614-2424 or send a Facebook message to www.facebook.com/dr.tattof/

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 10, 2020 (travelindex.com) – The 2nd Asia Destination Film Forum 2020 will be hosted in Bangkok on 30 January 2020. The event is co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Itthipol Khunpluem, Thailand’s Minister of Culture, and Dr. Sorajak Kasemsuwan, Secretary General of the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Association. It was first launched at the 2018 Mekong Tourism Forum in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and showcases and recognizes films that promote destinations and sustainability, through the power of visual storytelling.

Numerous films have inspired millions to visit destinations. Especially in recent years, there has been a growing phenomenon that tourists visit destinations featured in movies and user-generated social media video clips. Recent research suggests that movies can have a strong influence on tourist decision making and that films do not only provide short-term tourism revenue but can build long-term prosperity in a destination.

Several countries and destinations quickly understood these advantages and have successfully increased the number of tourists through the magic of films.

The forum consists of sessions held by industry leaders, such as Mr. Nick Ray from Hanuman Films, Mr. Joe Cummings, editor at large of Bangkok 101, Ms. Fah Daengdej Host of The Passion on Nation TV 22, and more, exploring how consumers are inspired by visual storytelling from movies to user-generated videos to visit destinations, how tourism boards can leverage films, how businesses can benefit from visual storytelling, and how it can drive sustainability.

With sessions and case studies, such as by Tom Waller, producer of “The Cave” (Thailand), which re-tells the story of the captivating rescuing of the Wild Boards soccer team and their coach last year and by Ekachai Uekrongtham executive producer of the Netflix series “The Stranded” (Thailand), and case studies by the Singapore Tourism Board, Busan City Tourism Organization, as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the event looks at how current films promote destinations.

Winner of Best Feature Film at the 2019 San Diego International Film Festival “The Steed” (Mongolia), as well as Hanuman Films’ award-winning “The Last Reel” (Cambodia) will screen during the event. In addition, films submitted to the Thailand Film Festival, in collaboration with the Thailand Film Office of the Department of Tourism, and the Mekong Mini Movie Festival, in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will be shown during the Forum. Besides looking at the impact of feature-length movies, the event also includes sessions on the importance of traveler- and blogger-generated visual content and how travel companies can benefit from destinations being film locations.

In the evening, the 2020 Asia Destination Film Awards, as well as the Mekong Mini Movie Festival Awards, will be presented, followed by an authentic Mongolia BBQ Film Festival night with a Mongolian celebrity BBQ chef and traditional cultural performances hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia. Nominations to the Asia Destination Film Awards in the categories Tourism Boards, Travel Industry, User-Generated, Professional Film Makers, and Sustainable Travel, are still open until 17 January 2020 via

Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and founder of the Destination Film Forum and Awards, comments: “Today, video is one of the most powerful mediums when promoting a destination. It has the chance to awaken the wanderlust in the viewer by showing the essence and uniqueness of a place in just a few short moments. However, the power of inspiring people via film goes beyond promoting destinations; it can also drive change and responsible travel behavior, striving to emphasize tourism that is sustainable, responsible, environmentally conscious, and bringing benefits to local communities. In partnership with WWF and Khiri Travel, the Mekong Mini Movie Festival is creating awareness of sustainable tourism and conservation, focusing on the festival’s mascot, the endangered Mekong Dolphin.”

The Asia Destination Film Forum and Awards 2020 will take place on 30 January 2020 at Quaint Bangkok in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Chameleon Strategies. Sponsors include Asset World Corporation, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), HMD Asia, the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia, MIAT Mongolia Airlines, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Its supporting organizations include the Department of Tourism Thailand, ITB Berlin, the National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations Thailand, Skål International Thailand, the Thailand Film Office, Travel Massive, as well as the UNWTO Affiliate Members Department. The producer of the event is UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

A Destination Film Forum networking happy hour with film previews will take place at Spectrum Lounge & Bar on the 29th of January at 17:30 hours in partnership with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and Travel Massive and supported by the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 8, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and The Wine Merchant came together to host exclusive five-course dinner, accompanied by wines from the world-renowned Château Margaux in France.

Executive Chef Jan Van Dyk and his team created an unforgettable culinary experience, pairing each course with exquisite vintages from the Bordeaux vineyard. Delicate seafood canapes were served with Billecart-Salmon Champagne as guests were welcomed by their hosts. Cauliflower carabineros and foie gras with smoked eel were paired with Pavillon Blanc Du Château Margaux 2016 and Pavillon Rouge Du Château Margaux 2010 respectively. Kiwami striploin was served with Jerusalem artichokes and enhanced with Château Margaux 2003 And Château Margaux 2000, the latter of which has been awarded 100 by Parker in the Wine Advocate. The same accolades have been received by the Château Margaux 1996, which accompanied the souffle.

Guests were warmly welcomed by Mr. Serge Cuypers (first left), Hotel Manager and Mr. Aurelien Valance (second left), Deputy Managing Director of Chateau Margaux, who acted as guest speaker at the dinner.

Photo shows from left to right:
1. Mr. Serge Cuypers, Hotel Manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
2. Mr. Aurelien Valance, Deputy Managing Director of Chateau Margaux
3. Mr. Tim Boda, Director of food and beverage, Operational Excellence & Events of Minor Hotels
4. Mr. Jirachai Sethisakko, Director of Beverage and Wine Guru of Minor Hotels

Baku (Azerbaijan) – December 31, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to welcome the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan as its newest government member. The agency is the executive authority carrying out and regulating the state policy in the field of tourism.

“The State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan understands the importance of the tremendous growth and influence of the Asia Pacific region and, through PATA’s various activities, they now enjoy access to our Association’s extensive network of members as well as in-depth research and insights to help them to develop tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Dr. Hardy. “In welcoming Azerbaijan to the PATA family, I encourage our members and industry friends to learn much more about this culturally rich and historic destination.”

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, said, “It is a great honour to be part of such an acclaimed global network as the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The Asia-Pacific region is one of the key markets for us as we are observing a significant increase in the number of tourists coming to Azerbaijan from this region. Certainly, we are eager to support and contribute to this growth by co-operating with public and private entities in the region’s tourism sector, providing trainings for travel industry representatives and engaging in other capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening ties in the sphere of tourism between Azerbaijan and the Asia-Pacific region.”

The agency’s mission is to demonstrate a strategy focused approach to create an environment fostering the development of tourism in Azerbaijan through holistic institutional framework supported by research, bringing together all involved stakeholders (strategic partnerships), innovation and unique tourism experiences. Its vision is to develop Azerbaijan as a world class tourist destination, converting it into the most attractive and successful tourism destination in the region.

Azerbaijan is situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia (or South Caucasus) on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Historically a part of the Great Silk Road and situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical, economic and cultural interests of many nations and civilizations, Azerbaijan has, since ancient times, aroused the interests of great minds, scientists, travellers and historians. Azerbaijan has an amazing historical and cultural heritage with more than 7500 natural, archaeological, architectural, and historical monuments. Cave drawings at Gobustan, Momine-Khatun and Garabaghlar mausoleums, the Palace of Sheki Khans, the Maiden Tower, the castles of Absheron, medieval manuscripts decorated with magnificent miniature paintings, antique rugs, and works of literature, arts and sculpture – all of this is just a small part of the country’s rich and priceless heritage.

As an emerging tourism destination Azerbaijan offers a variety of travel experiences and ever-improving standards of service. Given the growing tourist interest, the number of rooms in local and international hotel chains is constantly increasing, while travellers can also overnight in everything from medieval caravanserais to guesthouses and farmstays.

Besides the many cultural and natural attractions and experiences, new tourism products are being developed such as a wine route, including visits and tastings at wineries and vineyards throughout the country, as well as adventure activities, hiking and sports tourism. Azerbaijan regularly hosts international multi-sport events, including the Azerbaijan Grand Prix which is held every year in Baku, the nation’s capital.

Azerbaijan’s fire worshipping heritage runs deep in the country’s ancient history but also reflects itself in its modern art, culture and even architecture. Dominating the skyline of Baku, the Flame Towers represent contemporary Azerbaijan – a new, ambitious country, developing and progressive, but still loyal to its roots and origins. Another modern architectural gem is the Heydar Aliyev Centre – a cultural hub where visitors can enjoy modern art, learn about Azerbaijani history and culture at permanent and temporary exhibitions and enjoy performances in the fabulous concert hall.

The country is easily accessible with over 40 direct flights across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, and its new visa-on-arrival offering with a simplified new electronic visa procedure adds to the convenience of visiting. Visas can now be obtained within three days. Since the introduction of electronic visas, the number of tourists coming from European countries has also increased dramatically.

Azerbaijan has set its sights on doubling the number of people visiting the country by 2023. To accomplish this it launched the ‘Take Another Look’ campaign in 2018 which invites travellers to come and unravel the nation’s hidden stories and secrets.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, 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 more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over 4,000 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 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 22 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic

Langkawi, Kedah (Malaysia) – January 7, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Umgawa Legendary Adventures has gained much love from Mother Earth! Running an eco-adventure business in an authentic manner has brought diverse cultures and believes under one roof. Cultivating the pillars of sustainability for the future generation. Umgawa™ designs and builds an exclusive adventure experience for everyone, whilst providing travellers a window into the true ethos of Malaysia’s breath-taking wilderness and culture.

Constantly striving to preserve the ecosystem and contributing to the economic growth of Langkawi, we aim to provide our partner and guests a true legendary experience – filled with wild rides, endemic animals and authenticity of the local culture. We create an intoxicating and unforgettable aerial canopy voyage and nature experience for visitors of all ages.

Our primary practices are safety, service quality and of course our sensitivity levels to the environment and local communities. These are the main factors that drive our business in making it sustainable. We are eco-friendly, with no nail installations and no contact of metallic parts that are inserted into the trees. All elements are completely built from eco-friendly and sustainable top-quality materials made possible with minimal maintenance. The usage of the highest quality tropical timber that is highly resistant to rot, fungi and mildew and wire ropes that are highly resistant to abrasion, this allows us to cultivate renewable resources and nature can harvest without pollution.

Leveraging on the strength of the natural plant eco-system, by using the art belay system and safety equipment. Guests are able to view the local rainforest ecosystem and sight the native wildlife and indigenous species that surrounds the grounds of Umgawa™.

When our guests arrive, our dedicated rangers will provide insights of how to care for the environment not only at our ground but throughout the journey. Global warming has been taken seriously in the past decade, and we thrive to do our part in promoting an environment friendly legendary adventure.

Environmental practices do not limit to the area of Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfalls) but extends to the entire island of Langkawi. We take great care in educating all visitors regarding the little environmental practices that they can take-away with them.

Umgawa™ Legendary Adventures meets the needs of the present without having to compromise the ability of the future generations to achieve the purpose of preservation. Plants at our medicinal herbs garden enable staffs to be enlightened on the benefits of flora and fauna thus making this knowledge eco-system friendly. Engaging in our definition of corporate social responsibility, as we practice ethical methods of being sustainable.

For enquiries, please contact
Nick Shahin, General Manager
Email : nick@umgawa.com
Website :www.umgawa.com
Seven Wells Waterfalls
07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
M: +6017 331 2892

Bangkok (Thailand) – January 1, 2020 (travelindex.com) – Singapore’s distinguished Carlton hotel at last arrives in Thailand. From early 2020, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit will reveal what visitors to the Lion City have long known: for outstanding accommodation and superb dining it has to be Carlton. Be among the first to experience the brand’s hospitality in Bangkok with special offer available now.

For years there was talk. Of all the many Singaporean brands and products available in Thailand, why not the quintessential Singapore hotel, Carlton? Travelers have known for decades that at Carlton’s two Singapore properties are found not only excellent accommodation but also some of the best dining in all of Southeast Asia. So, the question has always been, will Carlton come to Bangkok?

The answer stands in the heart of Sukhumvit Road between soi 27 and 29 at a striking, curvilinear 34-story building: Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit.

The five-star property comprises 338 spacious rooms and suites, along with superior facilities including swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Among venues to enjoy the Carlton dining experience is famed Wah Lok Cantonese restaurant – a Singapore culinary institution for more than 30 years.

Stay ahead of the curve and book early for a stay in March 2020 at Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit. A special opening offer available now features any room category at 15% off the hotel’s best available rate along with daily breakfast. The offer also includes 20% off at hotel food and beverage outlets (excluding Wah Lok restaurant), one glass of Chandon Brut sparkling wine, and complimentary late check-out. This special offer is valid for bookings made now to 31 March 2020 for stays throughout March 2020.

Avoid the rush – and there will be one, the wait has been long for Carlton in Bangkok. Book now.

About Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
Expanding the Carlton brand from Singapore, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit is scheduled to open first quarter 2020. With a striking and unique building façade and enviable location on Sukhumvit road between Asok and Phrom Phong BTS stations, guests will enjoy easy access to luxury shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife. This upper-upscale property features 338 spacious and well-appointed guestrooms and suites, a range of dining options including the signature Wah Lok Cantonese Restaurant and a rooftop bar. With over 1,200 sqm of meeting and event space, the hotel can cater for boardroom meetings and grand banquets for up to 600 people. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool, kids play area, spa and a fully equipped gym.