Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) –Global hospitality is at a crossroads. In the last 20 years, technology has transformed every aspect of the guest journey, from online bookings to in-room services to post-stay feedback. But as technology continues to evolve and advance, what will the hotel industry look like 10 years in the future?

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In the past, digitalization was largely driven by companies, as new solutions were introduced to enhance efficiency and target customers more effectively. In the modern era however, it is customers who are demanding greater connectivity. This is especially true in the hotel industry, which is driven by modern lifestyle trends and the “always-on” mindset of millennial travellers.

In light of these trends, Markland Blaiklock, Centara’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, explains his vision for the future of the hospitality industry in the next decade:

“Ten years from now, I’m sure we will look back and see that the hospitality industry changed much more than predicted, and Asia will continue to be a major catalyst for change. This evolution will be part social and part technological, but the overall goal will be the same: to meet and exceed guests’ expectations,” he commented.

According to Mr. Blaiklock, Centara foresees three significant trends shaping its business, and the entire industry, going forward:

Travel and work life will become inseparable thanks to improved technology and faster connectivity. This trend will occur in all countries, but will be led by China and the rest of Asia, which are currently driving the growth in overseas travel. The launch of Centara’s new “Meetings Redesigned” MICE initiative will help to accommodate this shift, by allowing companies to be more flexible and creative with their event agendas.

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Robotics and artificial intelligence will create hyper-connected hotel experiences. The Internet of Things (IoT) will seamlessly connect every hotel touchpoint, which will be personalized to the unique preferences every guest. In addition, big data insights will enable hotel staff to improve service quality in real time.

Delivering emotional experiences will be the ultimate goal of hotels. As technology takes over, many guests will go in search of authenticity, human interaction and genuine hospitality. The ability to predict and identify human emotions will be key to the success of hotels in the coming decades.

The big question for hoteliers now and in the future will be: how do we successfully integrate technology to improve the guest’s entire journey, whilst also retaining our distinct personality and brand loyalty?

For Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, this balance is at the core of its strategic vision. In the coming years decades, the group will focus delivering warm Thai hospitality in line with the latest social and technological trends to create exceptional customer experiences.

Centara has proven adept at developing new brands that embrace innovation. The most recent example is COSI, which caters for young-minded and tech-savvy travellers with friendly, simple and affordable accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities like smartphone integration, self-service check-in and a 24-hour lifestyle café concept. It is no surprise that this contemporary concept, which made its debut in Koh Samui in 2017, is now a key driving force behind Centara’s expansion strategy. In many ways, COSI represents the future of hospitality. Its combination of connectivity, comfort and convenience enables guests to blend business and leisure travel, a key trend identified by Mr. Blaiklock. Across all of Centara’s six brands however, the group continues to roll out innovative new digital experiences.

Recent initiatives range from revamping the Centara website and mobile app for a seamless online experience, to launching a new central reservation system and revenue management system for global coordination. The new Chinese language, China-hosted website, social media pages and payment solutions are also positioning Centara to compete successfully in the world’s largest travel market.

Technology however, is only one element of a successful strategy. Hotel guests will always be human beings, and the majority of humans visit a destination to experience its charm and culture, not to look at a screen. For Centara, the ability to deliver authentic Thai hospitality is something that can never be replaced by technology. By harnessing big data and personalization tools however, hoteliers can enhance every human interaction. Intuitive and rewarding loyalty programs like CentaraThe1 will play a major part in anticipating and delivering tailored experiences.

So digitalization really is the key; by using smart technology to identify and satisfy guest preferences, the hoteliers of the future will be able to create truly bespoke experiences for every guest.

About
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 68 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families.Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to double its size with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – April 19, 2019 (travelindex.com) –TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, is set to announce plans to open five new properties across the Middle East during 2019 – as it targets 35 properties by 2025.

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The properties, which will see the growth and launch of existing as well as new TIME Hotel brands to key territories throughout the region, will be unveiled during Arabian Travel Market 2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April – 1 May.

Mohamed Awadalla, CEO TIME Hotels, said: “Our pipeline of hotels and residences meet the demands of multiple value-driven markets by offering a high-quality experience right across all of our branded properties.

“We currently have 15 properties in operation across the UAE and wider GCC with new additions in Dubai, Sharjah and Saudi Arabia scheduled for this year as well as extending our presence to Egypt – further supporting our strategic business plan to increase our total portfolio to 35 properties across the Middle East by the end of 2025.”

TIME Hotels will debut its TIME Express Hotels brand with the opening of a property in Sharjah, during the third quarter of 2019. The three-star TIME Express Hotel Al Khan will feature 55 keys in total and is located 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport, 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and a 15-minute walk from Al Khan Beach.

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In Dubai, TIME Asma Hotel is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2019. The four-star property, located in Al Barsha, will feature 232 rooms including 12 suites, a gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, four meeting rooms, a business center and two restaurants.

“Plans are in place for two floors of the hotel to be reserved exclusively for female travellers, with dedicated services, including: personalised room service, a female-only check-in counter, dedicated ladies-only guest relations, in-house baby-sitting services, and in-room tablets highlighting all of the services offered for women as well as enhanced bathroom amenities in each room,” said Awadalla.

Meanwhile, TIME Hotels’ international openings in Saudi Arabia and Egypt demonstrate the brand’s strength and popularity in markets outside of the UAE.

TIME Hotels opened its second property in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of April. Featuring 28 deluxe apartments – comprising four one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units – TIME Dammam Residence is located 35 minutes from King Fahad International Airport and just minutes from various shopping and dining destinations in Dammam.

Joining TIME Dammam Residence in the kingdom will be TIME Golden Tower Al Khobar. Scheduled to open August 2019, the 65-key property will be strategically located on Al Khobar Main Street and within close proximity to Al Khobar Waterfront. The property will feature a roof-top garden lounge, a gym and a high-tech business centre.

In Egypt, TIME Nozha Beach Aqua Park Hotel & Resort will open its doors during Q3 2019. The four-star property – located in Ras Sudr, on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast – will feature 52 rooms and four suits as well as five castles, 93 villas, 891 chalets and 136 studios.

Located along a 945 metre stretch of white sand beach, the resort will feature the largest aqua entertainment complex in Ras Sudr, complete with various water slides, wave pools and water sport activities.

Awadalla, said: “This is a very exciting chapter in TIME Hotels’ short history as we open TIME Nozha Aqua Park & Resort, our first beach resort and first property in Egypt. Built with leisure and adventure visitors in mind, this resort is fully-equipped with everything the modern traveller requires for the perfect family getaway.”

These scheduled openings follow the signing of a new management agreement by TIME Hotels Management to operate Dunes Hotel Apartments’ three properties located throughout Dubai.

TIME Hotels took over day-to-day operations of TIME Dunes Hotel Apartment Al Barsha, TIME Dunes Hotel Apartments Al Qusais and TIME Dunes Hotel Apartments Oud Metha following the signing of the agreement on 24^th January 2019.

“It has been a busy year for TIME Hotels with a raft of properties announced with several of them due to come online within the next 12 months. We have been very strategic with our openings, identifying and assessing the demand within the market and implementing the most suitable brand from the TIME portfolio, that best matches that demand and we’re looking forward to bringing more properties into our portfolio,” added Awadalla.

TIME Hotels will be exhibiting on stand HC0620 during this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

Lucerne (Switzerland) – April 18, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019 is going to bridge the silos for three days in early May: academia meets industry, private sector meets public and young entrepreneurs meet established companies to build bridges that are meant to last.

To face the disruptive forces and keep the tourism industry alive, demand in young, educated, modern talents is rapidly increasing.
The Next Generation Leaders are important to bring their skills and knowledge in technology to the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industry in order to keep this industry alive in the future.

Hence, a special focus is on the Next Generation Leaders Day, which is an initiative of World Tourism Forum Lucerne for potential industry leaders in the travel, tourism and hospitality. The main goal of the Next Generation Leaders Day is to provide an environment in which the members of the group are inspired, learn from each other, exchange ideas and enable each other to tackle the challenges they face at their workplace and the future challenges in our industry. These young employees with high career potential are now give the chance to accompany their CEOs to the World Tourism Forum Lucerne on 1–3 May in Switzerland and contribute to more sustainable and successful development of our industry. Registration is available here.

The main topic of the Next Generation Leaders Day is digitalization, one of the major disruptive forces in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector. Results and insights of discussions will be presented on the main stage of the Forum and the first acquaintances between the generations can be deepened.

We interviewed Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, to find out the importance of Next Generation Leaders in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and their career opportunities.

World Tourism Forum Lucerne: Why are the Next Generation Leaders important for the future in our industry?

Haitham Mattar: As new industries arise, especially those related to technology and Artificial Intelligence, our industry will become less appealing to the next generation, unless we keep up with the technology trends that have been picked up by other industries. The Next Generation Leaders are important to bring their skills and knowledge in technology to the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industry in order to keep this industry alive in the future.

World Tourism Forum Lucerne: How do you recognize the Next Generation Leader in your company?

Haitham Mattar: Next Generation Leaders usually stand out in a crowd and are recognized through coaching, mentoring, training and promotions to carry on more responsibilities as they prove themselves capable.

World Tourism Forum Lucerne: What kind of skills and competences do they need to have?

Haitham Mattar: Some of the basic skills relate to ownership, decision making and excellent communication skills.

World Tourism Forum Lucerne: The Next Generation Leaders are part of the Millennial generation and thus an important travel target group. Why and how does Ras al Khaimah address them?

Haitham Mattar: This generation seeks adventure, connecting with nature and sustainable tourism. We address them by highlighting the nature-based adventure products and activities the destination has to offer, as well as our sustainable tourism activities and plans.

Register for the World Tourism Forum Lucerne 2019, here

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 17, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Over 20 expert speakers from leading online and supplier brands have been confirmed for the Arrival Asia Pacific in-destination event, which is dedicated to the rapidly changing tours, activities and attractions sector.

The only conference of its kind in Asia Pacific, Arival will take place 24-26 June in Bangkok. The event will address the latest traveller trends, the rapid rise of OTAs, the future of distribution, and local experiences versus traditional tourist attractions, in a sector which is now worth US$170 billion a year, according to Phocuswright.

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Some of the key speakers who have been announced so far include Baidi Li, Regional Director (APAC) TripAdvisor Experiences; Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer, Klook; Joost Timmer, CEO iVenture Card; Blanca Menchaca, Co-founder & CEO, BeMyGuest; Laurent Kuenzle, CEO, Asian Trails; Jeannie Lim, Executive Director, Singapore Tourism Board; Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA; Weiping Liao, Deputy GM, Ctrip; Laura Blackhall, Founder & CEO, Hello! Tours; Lien Nguyen, CEO, I Love Asia Tour and more.

They will address concerns unique to the in-destination travel sector. “How travellers plan for and book experiences is completely different from how they book hotels and air tickets,” says Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival.

“This is the third-largest and fastest growing sector of travel, and it’s high time operators, in what I call the ‘best part of travel’, had a conference where they can learn about the trends and hear real insights that matter to them,” he says.

Arival in Bangkok will feature tactical workshops and sponsored demo labs from leading technology and distribution companies to help operators learn best practice and grow business.

Arival speakers from leading technology and distribution companies, destination management companies, national tourism organizations, and operators of tours, activities and attractions will address over 400 attendees on subjects such as trends in consumer booking, reservation technology, social enterprise and sustainability, and how to deal with OTAs and the massive changes in the types of experiences travellers want.

Arival brings to Asia Pacific its successful in-destination event that has already galvanised the sector with conferences in Las Vegas and Berlin over the last two years.

“Foodie tours, day tour operators, activity and experience providers, attractions, parks, events, ground transportation and destinations, can all develop their business by attending,” says Bruce Rosard, COO of Arival.

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Early bird rates for the Arival in-destination event in Bangkok are available through 30 April.

ABOUT ARIVAL
Arival is the event dedicated to advancing the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. Arival aims to establish tours, attractions and activities – the “best part of travel” – as the most important sector of the global travel and tourism industry. Since its foundation in 2017 by Douglas Quinby, Bruce Rosard and Alex Kremer, Arival has held seminal, industry-defining events in Las Vegas (2017 & 2018) and Berlin (March 2019). The revolution continues in Bangkok (24-26 June 2019), Orlando (28-31 October, 2019) and Berlin (1-3 March, 2020).

Marbella (Spain) – April 16, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Minor Hotels and NH Hotel Group are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to operate the Villa Padierna Palace, a hotel located in Marbella in the south of Spain. The property is owned by the Villa Padierna group and will be managed with immediate effect under a variable lease agreement. Following Minor Hotels’ acquisition of NH Hotel Group in October 2018, this agreement will see the first integration of the two companies’ portfolio of brands, with Villa Padierna to be rebranded to Minor Hotels’ core luxury brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in the coming months.

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Minor Hotels and NH Hotel Group have successfully started to implement key integration strategies, bringing all of their hotel brands under a single corporate umbrella, now with presence in over 50 countries worldwide. Two key integration initiatives include the transfer earlier this year of Minor Hotels’ Portugal and Brazil operations to NH Hotel Group to benefit from scale and geographic expertise and aligning Minor Hotels’ and NH Hotel Group’s brands so that the geographic operating clusters can best capitalise upon brand expansion and rebranding opportunities. The signing of Villa Padierna and upcoming rebranding to Anantara, to be managed by NH Hotel Group under the guidance and brand oversight of Minor Hotels and with the combined leadership and expertise of both companies, is the first milestone in the materialisation of this strategy.

Located in the Costa del Sol’s Golf Valley, the property will be relaunched as Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis Marbella Resort, and will become the first Anantara in NH Hotel Group’s home market of Spain and the second Anantara in Europe, the first being the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal which launched two years ago.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, commented, “We are very happy to debut our luxury Anantara brand in Spain with the upcoming launch of Anantara Villa Padierna, Marbella Benahavís Resort, which at the same time demonstrates our commitment to integrate Minor Hotels and NH portfolio of brands and operational expertise across our joint and expanding geographical footprint.”

Ramón Aragonés, CEO of NH Hotel Group, said, “This agreement marks excellent progress on our integration with Minor Hotels and the first opportunity for NH to offer Europe an ultimate luxury concept which connects travellers with authentic experiences in privileged destinations.”

Surrounded by three golf courses, Villa Padierna is located in the middle of the region’s ‘Golden Triangle’ made up of Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, with its impressive proposition comprising a combination of luxurious rooms, fine art, unique culinary experiences and exclusive areas for relaxation, health and wellness. The property was designed principally by the English architect Ed Gilbert in the style of the mythical Tuscan palazzos and is home to more than 1,200 original works of art.

Guests can enjoy a range of luxurious accommodation options across the resort’s 130 guest rooms, suites and villas. Deluxe Rooms are decorated in neutral tones, including details in travertine marble, with views over the golf course, gardens and swimming pools. Suites offer spacious surroundings and balconies with exclusive views as well as being home to some of the most valuable works of art.

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The Resort also offers the option of staying in one of its extensive Villas, which combine the exclusivity of a private residence with the comfort of a luxury hotel. One is the Obama Villa, renamed after the First Lady, Michelle Obama, chose to spend her holiday in Spain in it during the summer of 2010.

Inspired by the distinctive character of the local Spanish cuisine, the Resort offers a premium culinary experience designed to enable guests to comprehend, rediscover and connect with their destination. Underpinned by impeccable standards of quality, the hotel offers a range of gastronomic propositions to suit all tastes and times of the day, including La Veranda, La Loggia, Club del Mar, Hole 55, The Grill Club, Eddy’s Bar and La Pérgola.

In addition to the restaurant and bar offerings, the Resort offers its guests all kinds of exceptional outdoor facilities surrounded by gardens and two swimming pools. Villa Padierna Wellness spa, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, is staffed with an ample team of experienced therapists and offers a broad range of customisable treatments. The wellness facilities are complemented by a fully equipped gym.

Located in the heart of the so-called Golf Valley, Villa Padierna Golf Club offers cutting-edge golf facilities. Golf lovers can choose from three courses in the vicinity of the resort – Flamingos Golf, Alterini Golf and Tramores Golf, in addition to The Tramores Golf Academy by Michael Campbell, Europe’s only golf school specialised in the short game and private classes. The Racquet Club encompasses over 22,000 square metres of sports facilities, including two tennis courts, 11 padel courts and two croquet lawns.

For hosting any corporate or social event on the Costa del Sol, the Resort offers the latest and most efficient technology systems across over 2,000 square metres of event spaces, including eight meeting rooms, five terraces and a Roman amphitheatre with capacity to accommodate 400 people.

Prachinburi (Thailand) – April 18, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts is inviting guests to be among the first to experience Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, the charming lakeside retreat in Thailand’s picturesque Prachinburi province.

This elegant low-rise resort opened earlier this year as Best Western’s first BW Signature Collection property in Asia. Now, guests have the chance to discover this exciting blend of Thai and international hospitality with a special discounted rate.

Guests who book a Superior Room at Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western between now and December 31, 2019, will enjoy an enticing rate, starting from THB 1,499 net per night, including buffet breakfast for two people at the resort’s Thiwaratree restaurant. All guests will also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s extensive recreational facilities throughout their stay.

Nestled in Thailand’s beautiful countryside, just 2 hours outside of Bangkok, Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western has been inspired by the region’s ancient Dvaravati culture. Light, bright and exuding tropical charm, this rural resort is ideal for every occasion, including romantic couples’ retreats and fun-filled family holidays.

Surrounded by lush greenery, reflective lotus ponds and tropical plants, the resort features 199 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and a serene spa, plus a wide range of sports and outdoor activities such as archery, tennis, badminton, cycling and a golf driving range. Guests can also head out and explore the local countryside, which is home to spectacular national parks, forests, waterfalls and ancient ruins.

The Thiwaratree restaurant serves a wide variety of international cuisine, including Thai, Chinese, pan-Asian and Western specialties with views of the pool and waterfall. Alternatively, the Lobby Lounge offers a great place to unwind with refreshing drinks and afternoon tea during the day, or with a cool cocktail after dark.

For more information and to book this special introductory rate at Tawaravadee Resort, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, please visit www.bestwestern.com or call +66 (0) 37 210 444.

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of over 4,500 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide*. Best Western offers 16 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market. Best Western branded hotels include Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, GLō®, AidenSM, SadieSM, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature Collection®. Through recent acquisition, Best Western now also offers WorldHotels® Luxury, WorldHotels Elite and WorldHotels Distinctive brands. Completing its portfolio, Best Western offers SureStay®, SureStay Plus®, and SureStay Collection® franchises**. Now celebrating more than 70 years of hospitality, Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales and marketing support, and award-winning online and mobile booking capabilities. Best Western continues to set industry records regarding awards and accolades, including 66 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2018, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-midscale and midscale hotel brands respectively for two consecutive years, and Fast Company honoring Best Western Hotels & Resorts with a spot in the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality category. Best Western has also won 10 consecutive AAA®/CAA® Lodging Partner of the Year awards, recognizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and great value to AAA/CAA’s nearly 60 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Best Western-branded hotels were top ranked in breakfast (food and beverage category) by J.D. Power’s 2018 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study – ranking first for midscale; and second for upper midscale. Nearly 40 million travelers are members of the brand’s award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can be redeemed at any Best Western-branded hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Google® Street View provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Through its partnership with Google Street View, Best Western is the first major company of its size and scale to launch a virtual reality experience for customers, setting a new industry standard and reinventing how guests view hotels.
* 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 & 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

Bintan (Indonesia) – April 17, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Award-winning Ria Bintan Golf Club, Bintan, Indonesia, announces a new and bigger term membership programme under their Elite Golf Plan (EGP). This new EGP membership will be launched and available from 1 May 2019, and is priced at $2,898.00 for one membership year. This exclusive membership programme is open for the first fifty (50) sign-ups only.

Designed by golf legend Gary Player and opened in 1998, the much-loved Ria Bintan Golf Club celebrates 21 years this year, and this refreshed membership programme is just one of the many activities and events the club has planned for this milestone year.

John Yap, General Manager of the club explains: “Ria Bintan has had a loyal following of supporters and members for many years now, golfers who come to golf regularly at the club. They simply love our Ocean Course and signature holes! They join as term members seeing great value in membership, as it affords them access to the course year-round.”

“For our 21^st Anniversary in 2019, we are refreshing and relaunching EGP membership with a stepped-up level of member recognition, services and dedicated communications, as well as exclusive access to new member-only events and programmes. This will bring together like-minded golfers who can get together to enjoy these activities, medals and social golf getaways. Additional goodies and benefits include golf sets, a ton of other privileges as well as same-rate fees for the next renewal,” Yap continued.

Upon signing up from May 1, 2019, new Ria Bintan Elite Golf Plan members will receive and enjoy a full suite of inclusions, benefits and welcome gifts for the following membership year.

Elite Golf Plan Inclusions

• Unlimited Green Fees
• Unlimited use of Driving Range balls
• Four nights’ complimentary stay at Ria Golf Lodge
• Arrival & departure (Bintan) land transfers
• Access to Bintan Executive Lounge upon arrival and departure in Bintan

Elite Golf Plan Benefits

• Special Member-only Golf Buggies
• Member-only access to one buggy and one caddy for golf
• 46% off accommodation at Ria Golf Lodge
• 20% off dining at Tee Off Restaurant
• 25% off merchandise at Pro Shop
• 25% off spa treatments at Asmara Ria Spa
• Special rates for Ria Bintan events
• Regular Members’ Newsletter
• Exclusive Member Events & Activities
• Members’ guests – 38% off for golf rates
• Members’ guests – 38% off accommodation at Ria Golf Lodge
• Members’ guests – 10% off Stay & Play packages

Welcome Gifts Valued at S$1500

• Personalised Membership Card, Cap and Golf Bag Tag
• Callaway or Srixon Golf Set (choice of 4 models including Ladies’ Set)
• Urban Fairways Vouchers
• Dining and Spa Vouchers
• Limited Edition Ria Bintan Golf Umbrella

In addition to the above, members will be accorded priority bookings, preferred tee-off slots and more. There is also a dedicated membership team to attend to their bookings and requests. 

About Ria Bintan Golf Club
Spectacular and stunning, Ria Bintan Golf Club’s Certified Audubon International Classic and Cooperative Sanctuary Ocean and Forest courses designed by golf legend, Gary Player, are a prized jewel among golfers.

Located near the northern coast of Bintan Island with breath-taking views of the South China Sea, the award-winning 18-hole Ocean Course and 9-hole Forest Course, offer a game comparable to none. Guests may also enjoy facilities including a driving range, spa, pro shop and an alfresco restaurant after a round of golf.

Ria Bintan Golf Club has been consistently named the best golf course in Asia and Indonesia by Asian Golf Awards, and has played host to numerous regional events, including the annual Ria Bintan Golf Challenge and recent Ria Bintan Golf Carnival.

San Juan (Puerto Rico) – April 15, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The 2020 WTTC Global Summit will be hosted by the Government of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company and Discover Puerto Rico.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico as the destination for its 2020 Global Summit from 21 – 23 April 2020. WTTC represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism.The location of the 2020 Global Summit, regarded as the most important event in the Travel & Tourism sector worldwide, was announced by Gloria Guevara Manzo, President & CEO of WTTC and Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares at the closing ceremony of the 2019 Global Summit in Seville, Spain, today.

Puerto Rico, which attracts more than three million visitors to its shores each year, will host next year’s WTTC Global Summit at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.

Travel & Tourism is one of the leading sectors stimulating economic growth and employment worldwide. In 2018, the global Travel & Tourism sector grew at 3.9% to contribute a record $8.8 trillion and 319 million jobs in the world economy.

Gloria Guevara Manzo stated that, “We are delighted to bring next year’s Global Summit to the beautiful tropical Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, a welcoming and diverse destination, which not only offers visitors glorious beaches, it is also home to the only tropical rainforest in the US. Our annual Global Summit brings together the most influential figures from the public and private sector to address the challenges and opportunities facing the Travel & Tourism industry and is the most important event in the calendar each year. Hosting the Global Summit in Puerto Rico reflects the commitment and efforts of the government and tourist board to grow both business and leisure travel.”

Additionally, Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares emphasized, “Travel & Tourism in instrumental in Puerto Rico’s economic development plans, and has proven to be the most resilient sector in our economy. More so, we believe that sound public policy that effectively attends to private sector needs can be a catalyst for change. Events like the WTTC Global Summit not only give us an opportunity to showcase the diversity of our destination’s tourism offering, but also facilitate spaces for the public and private sectors to define the future of Travel & Tourism together.”

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) is the Government of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Ministry and  Carla Campos, its Executive Director, stated, “Every destination has a moment in time to claim its place in the global Travel & Tourism scene; Puerto Rico is on the cusp of becoming a next generation tourism destination, and the WTTC Global Summit is the ideal stage to unveil how the public and private sectors are working together to make it happen. Tourism is a force for good and an ideal vehicle to improve people’s quality of lives. We share that vision with WTTC members and are honored to have the opportunity to host Travel & Tourism leaders from around the world in Puerto Rico next year.”

Proving the power of public private partnerships, the US territory has recently enacted a joint management and marketing governance structure between the PRTC and Discover Puerto Rico, a newly created and independent destination marketing organization responsible for marketing Puerto Rico to the Wold. Brad Dean, Chief Executive Officer of Discover Puerto Rico added, “We’re honored to have been chosen as host destination for the upcoming World Travel and Tourism Council 2020 Global Summit. Puerto Rico is a place where rich culture and natural wonders lay the foundation for an immense bounty of one-of-a-kind experiences. We’re thriving as a destination of global importance and hosting this Summit will elevate even further our tourism offering, positively impacting the local economy. We look forward to welcoming the global tourism industry next year to discover all that Puerto Rico offers.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2020 Global Summit will take place at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan from 21-23 April 2020.

Siem Reap (Cambodia) – April 11, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Cambodia is poised to become a genuine twin-centre golf destination as a result of two announcements made during the 8th annual Asia Golf Tourism Convention. The event, held by the global golf tourism organization IAGTO in Siem Reap, the gateway city to Cambodia’s ancient Angkor temples, was attended by 420 IAGTO member delegates from 45 countries.

IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton said: “It was very special to be able to stage this year’s event just a few kilometres from the number one-ranked UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and this was not lost on our members, most of whom were visiting Cambodia for the first time.

“We were able to create six days of unique experiences for all delegates, buyers and sellers alike, including tours of Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples as well as three days of golf alongside the business sessions. Most importantly, we were able to shine a light on a relatively undiscovered golf destination that has enormous potential. Siem Reap is a really cosy golf destination, with all three 18-hole courses – Angkor Golf Resort, Phokeethra Country Club and Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club – located within a 20-30 minute drive of the centre of town.”

“Two announcements made at AGTC will see Cambodia transform into a genuine two-centre golf destination,” Walton continued. “The country’s capital, Phnom Penh, a short hop from Siem Reap, will soon have four courses suitable for international golf travellers. Under new ownership since November last year, the Royal Cambodia Golf Club is embarking on major renovations to its clubhouse and golf course which will enable it to join ranks with Garden City and Grand Phnom Penh golf clubs. The jewel in the crown will be the brand new Vattanac Golf Resort, a 36-hole Nick Faldo design, of which 18 holes are already complete and which will be open to the customers of IAGTO golf tour operators from 1 October this year.”

At the Welcome Reception, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Dr Thong Khon, told delegates: “Siem Reap is reliant on its magnificent heritage to attract visitors, but now golf travel provides another pillar to the destination’s tourism product and is another reason for golfers from around the world to visit Cambodia and enjoy our heritage, culture, gastronomy and lifestyle via these magnificent fairways.”

AGTC 2019 took place at the Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Centre, located 6km from Angkor Wat and only a 15-minute ride by tuk tuk to the bustling heart of Siem Reap. Cambodia offers incredible value for money, a laid-back attitude, convenience, comfort, tranquillity and nightlife along with a variety of great golf experiences, said Peter Walton.
He added: “Siem Reap undoubtedly stands out as a unique golf destination, and if there was ever such a thing I would probably describe it as one of the most enjoyable ‘boutique golf destinations in Asia’!”

About the Asia Golf Tourism Convention
AGTC is an annual meeting place for IAGTO members, focused on golf tourism development within the Asia, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Gulf States regions. 420 IAGTO members participated from 45 countries including 162 golf tour operators from 34 countries. Golf destinations represented included Cambodia and the ASEAN countries of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam; China & Japan; India & Sri Lanka; Mauritius; Australia & New Zealand; Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Oman; Russia, Azerbaijan & Turkey. AGTC 2020 will take place in the week beginning Sunday 29 March at a venue to be announced later this year.

Seville (Spain) – April 10, 2019 (travelindex.com) – H.E. Gustavo Santos, Minister of Tourism, Government of Argentina, has been awarded a World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Champion Award at the 2019 Global Summit in Seville, Spain, for his global leadership in the field of travel facilitation.

The annual WTTC Global Champion Awards recognise outstanding public officials or countries who, through their leadership, have made a difference through pioneering public policies and initiatives that have increased the competitiveness of the sector within their respective countries.

The WTTC Global Champion Award for Visa Facilitation recognises the country which has taken the greatest strides to facilitate travel for international visitors.

Argentina now accepts visitors from 75 countries which have a visa to enter the Schengen area or the United States of America and can enter the country without an Argentine visa. This has been part of wide-ranging package of reforms implemented by the Government, under President Macri, to promote Travel & Tourism and help increase international travellers and drive investment.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC commented, “For many years, our sector has worked tirelessly to make it easier for people to cross international borders as we have long recognised that Travel & Tourism drives economic growth, job creation and social development. Under the leadership of Minister Santos, Argentina has prioritised visa facilitation as the route to increase international visitors.

“Argentina has done an outstanding job, creating a Foundation to to transform Travel & Tourism for the country.”

“The work we have done generated the incorporation of 75 new nationalities that can now enter Argentina in an easier way. This is an additional measure, among others, to the air opening thanks to which 9 new airlines are flying today and another 20 increased their frequencies and destinations. So we seek to facilitate and encourage receptive tourism so that more and more travelers can reach our country,” said H.E. Gustavo Santos.