Category: Latest Travel News

Cape Town (South Africa ) – March 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Travel and tourism in Africa is booming, growing 5.6% in 2018 compared to the global average of 3.9% and the broader African economy rate of 3.2%. This places Africa as the second-fastest growing tourism region behind only Asia-Pacific.

Such growth is partly explained by North Africa’s rebound from security crises as well as the development and implementation of policies that promote travel facilitation.

For over 25 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global private sector of Travel & Tourism, has produced the authoritative research on the economic contribution of the sector. Our research also shows that in 2018:

• Travel & Tourism contributed $194.2 billion to the region’s economy, representing 8.5% of the continent’s GDP
• The sector contributed 24.3 million African jobs, or 6.7% of total employment.
• 71% of tourism spending across Africa was leisure-driven and 29% business
• Domestic spending accounted for 56% of the tourism economy versus 44% for international
• International tourism spending comprised 9.6% of the region’s total exports, worth $58.5bn

Ethiopia stands out not only as Africa’s fastest growing travel economy but indeed the world’s, growing by 48.6% last year to be worth $7.4bn. Notably, international Travel & Tourism spending made up a massive 61.0% of exports in the country. This stunning growth can be attributed, in part, to Ethiopia’s improved connectivity as a regional transport hub and to recent visa relaxation policies.

Then, Egypt’s tourism sector has demonstrated considerable resilience, growing by 16.5% last year with international visitor spending accounting for 27.3% of exports. This follows huge safety improvements in the country and in key destinations such as Sharm El-Sheikh, helping to entice international tourists back to the northern coast.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara commented, “In 2018, the World Travel & Tourism Council hosted its first ever Africa Leaders Forum in Stellenbosch, South Africa, recognising the increasing significance and power of this great region’s travel economy.

“We commend the tourism leaders in Africa who are helping to boost connectivity, promote travel facilitation and ensure traveller safety – all of these measures make for supreme growth; the kind of growth that we are now witnessing across the continent and that provides millions of good jobs.”

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 25, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) – Business is elevating Thailand’s fast-growing MICE sector by forming a series of deep partnerships with major MICE players supported by its new marketing plan and trade show strategy.

This year TCEB – Business is looking to deepen partnerships with existing partners and identified new ones at trade shows where it has confirmed attendance, IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World, Spain.

Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB’s Senior Vice President – Business said, “TCEB – Business is using these trade shows as a platform to deepen and create new partnerships with the regional and international business events communities, while developing and growing Thailand’s MICE industry.

“This year the key aim is not just selling destinations and winning business. TCEB’s unique ‘Thailand Redefine Your Business Events’ branding reflects its new role as a thought leader. It also positions TCEB as a co-creator, partner and collaborator for the business events industry,” Mrs. Nichapa added.

One example of this new partnership in action will be at IMEX Frankfurt. TCEB – Business is taking the lead for Asian Association of Conventions and Visitors Bureau (AACVB) and working with AACVB members to develop a model for economic impact assessment of the MICE industry. The objective is to equip Asian CVBs with a common and reliable tool to justify and show the industry’s impact on economic growth. The ultimate goal is to gain enhanced trust from government, policy makers, business community, social and academic entities in the economic importance of MICE industry.

Other objective is to form PCO partnerships where TCEB matches local Thai PCOs with international PCOs to collaborate in organising business events in Thailand. TCEB – Business is now actively looking to work with ICCA targeting overseas PCO who are ICCA members.

TCEB – Business will help identify and attract overseas business events related to 10 key industries highlighted in the Thai government’s “Thailand 4.0” model: Future Automotive, Smart Device, Health Tourism, Biotechnology, Food Processing, Robotics, Aviation and Logistics, Biofuel and Biochemical, Digital, and Integrated Medical Service. Through this initiative TCEB is coordinating with relevant Thai government agencies to host overseas business events, or “co-locate” with local events in the same industry to leverage industrial synergies.
Mr. Sumate Sudasna, President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), said the partnership strategy should help deepen its involvement with TCEB.

“TCEB – Business provides the essential foundation to deepen partnerships that further develop Thailand’s MICE industry. It also encourages Thai MICE operators to improve their products and services so they can cater to the needs of new potential business.
“Part of TICA’s efforts is collating intelligence from members participating in international trade shows to help formulate a marketing strategy. Now we’re seeing the results from TCEB’s ‘deepened partnership’ initiatives that are beneficial for TICA’s members in terms of business planning and strategy,” Mr Sumate concluded.

About TCEB
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been the country’s official government agency supporting, promoting and developing global and regional business events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions – MICE) in Thailand since 2004. As a strategic partner and sanctioned liaison, TCEB co-creates successful solutions with companies and organisations to realise MICE events of every scale and type.

About TICA
The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) is a non-profit organisation established in 1984 to help the growth of Thailand as a preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. TICA’s membership consists primarily of key players in the MICE industry, including: hotels; destination management companies (DMCs) and tour operators; professional convention organisers (PCOs); professional exhibition organisers (PEOs); contractors; convention and exhibition centres; advertising agencies; local attractions, entertainment establishments; travel industry suppliers and academic. TICA focuses its efforts and resources in a number of key areas, comprising: incentive-related activities; hosting and co-ordination of familiarisation visits; and planning and undertaking sales promotional trips, and participating in trade shows such as AIME, IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, IT& CMA and IBTM.

Yangon (Myanmar) – March 23, 2019 (travelindex.com) – With highest regards to lift up hospital standard in Myanmar, Ar Yu International Hospital has been established with a Myanmar – Thai collaboration between Ga Mone Pwint Co.,Ltd , a Yangon-based conglomerate with strong reputation in retail, trading, property and real estate, joining hand with Thonburi Healthcare Group PLC., Thailand’s renowned healthcare companies with over 40 years of experiences. Both companies contribute their own expertise to create a USD 100 million project of 200-bed tertiary care hospital, well-equipped with international standard team and equipment to deliver healthcare service to patients in Myanmar.

Our core mission is to deliver comprehensive international-standard health care services to our customers in Myanmar.

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The vision of Ar Yu International Hospital is to retain Myanmar patients who are frequent flyers to foreign countries for medical treatment to stay engaged in Myanmar. To slow down the outpouring current of Myanmar patient seek treatment abroad.

The Thai management team includes Thai CEO and also cover in each main area such as IPD, OPD, Emergency, Lab, Wellness Center, IT, Finance and Pharmacy. Brand new medical equipment, well trained and skillful healthcare staffs while each program is unique in its own area, together they unite a hospital team dedicated to offering the comprehensive, highest quality and international standard health care services.

Rising healthcare demand in Myanmar is tied to improved standards of living and a growing middle class, who are more aware of the need for proper and timely diagnosis for better treatments. A market feasibility study conducted by the Ar Yu joint-venture prior to embarking on the project revealed that Yangon needs a large hospital of 200 beds, accommodating 300-500 outpatients per day, as well as a cancer treatment center.

According to Oxford Business Group, about 90 percent of private hospitals in the country have fewer than 100 beds and are mainly concentrated in the urban areas of Yangon and Mandalay. Phase one of the new hospital aims to address that, with a focus on cardiology (Cath lab) and GI-Endoscopy.

Myanmar doctors and Thai doctors collaboration is our aim to bring better treatment to the patient in Myanmar. Thai doctors will start practicing at Ar Yu in early April this year such as the Wellness Center and Medicine Clinic.

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Hospital Information System (HIS) is a patient-centric platform, which has the functionality to handle various types of patients: in-patients, outpatients, accidents and emergencies, daycare & referred patients.

HIS addresses the entire major functional areas of modern multi-specialty hospitals. The package enables improved patient care, patient safety, and efficiency.

Identifying a patient with a barcoded wristband upon admission is a good first step towards accurate patient processing. Once the wristband is in place, test and medication orders, specimens, medical procedures, and even billing have a reduced potential for error.

Lab partnership between PCT lab from Thailand which provides laboratory services more than 180 hospitals in Thailand. Ar Yu Laboratory can also fulfill the needs and wants of Myanmar people which are detail diagnosis, reliability, and quality of lab services.
Ar Yu has 2 phases at the same location. Now just start Phase (1) for 200 beds building and OPD 300 per day. Phase (2) will be extended at the end of the year 2019. Another 300 OPD per day and capacities will be strengthened.

Oslo (Norway) – March 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – You have enjoyed them, but you might not realize that the orange fish that tantalizes your palates, fulfilled your tummies, and essentially warmed your hearts as you dine at your favorite Japanese restaurants, or the ones that you bought from Thailand’s leading supermarkets and outlets are “Norwegian Salmon”.

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What makes Norway “Country of Origin” for salmon and seafood? Pack your bag and let’s see how a journey of salmon begin in Norway and goes all the way to Thailand.

Best Practice of Salmon Farming
Sustainably Farmed Norwegian salmon delivers a delicate taste and texture that comes from a slow, natural growth process and exceptional regulations to ensure sustainability, quality and safety. Since the 1960s, local farmers along the coast of Norway have carefully bred salmon. The fish live in a ginormous penthouse, or “pens” to prevent overcrowding and ensure enough swimming space as ocean net pens contain maximum 2.5% fish to minimum 97.5% water. These pens provide the time, space and opportunity for the Salmon to fully mature.

Salmon’s life starts from roe, to fry, to smolt, and finally maturity. Ranging from 2.5 to 3 years, farmers spend time pampering their salmon with EU-standard delicacy: the heat-processed and highly nutritional feed pellet that contains 70% sustainable vegetable raw materials and 30% sustainable marine raw material plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

High Nutrition by Norway’s Purest Nature
Along the country’s long coastlines, the pristine waters of Norway are surrounded with snowed-capped mountains which allows for the flow of cold, clear water and temperature that is perfect for salmon farming. Salmon live in the waters from 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. The corpulent salmon are opulent with Omega-3 that helps reduce heart disease risks and improve eye sight, B vitamins that help repair DNA, and vitamin D that promotes healthy skin.

Norway, the Seafood Nation
Around the world, millions of people enjoy seafood originating from the cold clear waters of Norway on a regular basis. Today, Norway is the second largest seafood exporters in the world, providing as high as 37 million meals fetched from Norwegian waters to consumers in over 146 countries each day. Indeed, you might have tasted Norwegian seafood already, without knowing it.

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Ocean harvest has not only been the key activity and sources of income for Norwegians generations over generations, but also their way of life. As Norway has a long coastline, Norwegians have always been a people of the sea. To pay a homage to the sea, Norwegians do not overexploit their natural resources and instead developed technologies for sustainable aquaculture and salmon farming. Combining hard-earned experience and advanced technology, the industry can monitor and promote healthy fish growth and food safety at every step, from pen that can endure up to 50 years of nature condition to the 24/7 VDO surveillance to monitor every single salmon in the pen.

From Norway to Thailand, the Freshness Guaranteed
From salmon terminal in Oslo airport, Norwegian salmon take their first-class seats. It takes as little as 48 hours for fresh Salmon to be air-flown from Norway to Thailand, which ensures the freshest quality and taste before showing off their shiny marbled flesh on a plate before your eyes. According to EU regulation, any seafood consumed raw must be frozen first to ensure that any intestinal parasites remain are eliminated. What makes Norwegian salmon special is that it does not contain any parasites and is exempted from this regulation making it a safe option for sushi and sashimi lovers.

About The Norwegian Seafood Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is a public company owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, and the world’s only national seafood council. NSC works together with the Norwegian fisheries and aquaculture industry to develop markets for Norwegian seafood, representing the country’s seafood exporters and the seafood industry. The trademark “Seafood from Norway” is a symbol of origin for Norwegian seafood caught or raised in the cold clear waters of Norway.

Basel (Switzerland) – March 21, 2019 – (travelindex.com)  – Baselworld 2019 officially opened with a clear signal that it is heading towards a modern future. The ceremonial “Ribbon Cutting” was held this morning in Hall 1.0 to the Alphorn tones of Swiss musician Eliana Burki. The musician is renowned for her unconventional use of the alphorn in the funk, pop and jazz songs, symbolizing Swiss traditions in a contemporary form.

In addition to Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director of Baselworld and Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO ad interim of the MCH Group, Federal President Ueli Maurer, Eva Herzog, Member of the Basel City Government and members of the cantonal governments took part in the symbolic cutting of the blue ribbon in Hall 1.0 on the occasion of the opening ceremony of Baselworld 2019.

After a tour of the show by the delegation and short visits to brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard and Hublot, the representatives of the international watch and jewelry industry and the media were welcomed on the stage of the new “The Show Plaza” event platform in Hall 1.2.

Challenges as a driving force for change
Michel Loris-Melikoff introduced himself to the audience as an industry novice with many years of experience in event planning and implementation. During his many trips over the past nine months, he noted that this sector was very special and that the show had global significance. But also that “our industry is undergoing a radical upheaval due to digitalization. This is a fact that presents us with completely new challenges.” The motivation for the new Baselworld team is to fundamentally transform the show. “The major changes in the watch and jewelry industry are affecting producers, retailers, the media and trade fair operators alike. Therefore, we can only tackle and master them together,” is his credo. The initial changes have already been implemented at Baselworld 2019. These included: modern communication strategies, strengthening the jewelry sector, expanding the gastronomic offerings at the show and coordinating the dates of Baselworld and SIHH from next year. As indicated at yesterday’s press conference, Mr. Melikoff reiterated that this was only the beginning of the comprehensive transformation that the show will undergo from 2020 onwards.

Linking the digital world with the realm of experience
Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard took the opportunity to thank those present for their encouragement and trust “especially during the past months fraught with challenges.” He emphasized that Baselworld was an eminently important component of the MCH Group and that everything possible would be undertaken to prepare the show for the challenges of the future. This is primarily about combining digital communication with real experiences and encounters. He promised that Baselworld would be transformed from a classic sales and distribution platform into a future-oriented experience event. “We listened carefully to the exhibitors and worked with them to develop a vision and concept for Baselworld 2020 and beyond.”

Trade fairs – meeting places, also in the future
In her speech, Eva Herzog, Councillor and Chairwoman of the Finance Department of Basel-City, recalled outstanding social achievements in which mechanical watches have always played an important role as time witnesses and timekeepers – from the Apollo 11 moon landing to the first ascent of Mount Everest to the crossing of the English Channel. She also emphasized the importance of getting to grips with the challenges of the digital age and reconciling them with the personal exchange. In this respect, she is optimistic about the future of Baselworld.

Federal President Ueli Maurer concluded the event at the Show Plaza with a passionate speech on the fundamental value of trade fairs for society. He explained that every civilization had begun with trade fairs and markets where opinions and ideas were exchanged as well as knowledge and goods. “Basel has been such a marketplace for centuries that it stands for growth and further development,” said Maurer. Because this exchange cannot be reduced to the screen of a smartphone, he is convinced that Baselworld, with its long fair tradition, would continue to play an important role in the future.

 

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 20, 2019 (travelindex) – Experience new journeys in Thailand with this activity—Open the Gate, Open to the New Shades. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has organized a popular activity, inviting foreign travelers to have fun learning to speak the Surin dialect and performing the “Kan-Treum”—Surin’s local dance.

Let’s see what happens when the door is opened by foreign travellers. Discover laughter, joy, and the unexpected shades of Thailand here! Open to the New Shades.

 

If the video “Open the Gate, Open to the New Shades” does not open, please click here.

Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR) – March 18, 2019 (travelindex.com) – While many observers bemoan the lack of female representation in the restaurant industry, one Hong Kong hospitality group is leading the charge and embracing the change. First and foremost, Black Sheep Restaurants is about the people in our team and the family we have created,” explains Syed Asim Hussain, co-founder of Black Sheep Restaurants. “If you look after your people, give them opportunities to grow and support them wherever possible, they will do the right thing for your guests.”

Discover the Top Restaurants for Fine Dining in Bangkok only at Top25Restaurants.com/Hong-Kong

Together with his partner, chef-trained Christopher Mark, the pair founded Black Sheep Restaurants with the intention of creating a dynamic community and telling compelling stories through food. “Community is our cornerstone and we are dedicated to ensuring our family flourishes. In less than seven years, we have grown our team to over 1,000 team members and half of them are women. While other restaurant groups struggle to achieve gender equality, or are reluctant to promote female chefs to senior positions, women are a driving creative force in our restaurants and leaders in their respective fields.”

Gisela Alesbrook
“My recipes have been passed down the generations from my mother and grandmothers.”
At the Wes Anderson-styled Hotal Colombo, Chef Gisela recreates the humble cuisine of her childhood in Sri Lanka, paying homage to her family’s treasured recipes and her native country’s vibrant street food culture. Of Dutch Burgher and Indian by heritage, Chef Gisela prides herself as being one of Black Sheep Restaurants’ very first hires.

Despite dabbling in a range of interests, from banking to lingerie design, Chef Gisela is happiest in the kitchen. In Hong Kong, she is excited to showcase her native culture and its underrepresented cuisine. Her dishes come with all the staple spices, colours and flavours you would expect in a local Sri Lankan eatery, presented with added finesse.

Lisette Magampon
“The most important class is technique. A great chef is first a great technician, and that only comes through endless repetition.”
Chef Lisette oversees Osteria Marzia, Black Sheep Restaurants’ coastal Italian restaurant. After a five-year stint at the renowned Gramercy Tavern in New York, Chef Lisette’s passion for Italian culinary began when she bought a one-way ticket to Italy determined to learn about its regional cuisines. After travelling the breadth of the country, she returned to New York to work as Sous Chef at Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria, a restaurant focused on the cuisine of Italy’s Umbria region.

One of the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry like F&B is that female chefs have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. She credits Philippe Bertineau, of Alain Ducasse’s acclaimed Midtown restaurant Benoit, and Jonathan Waxman, who pioneered Californian cuisine, for helping to shape her early career.

Discover the Top Restaurants for Fine Dining in Bangkok only at Top25Restaurants.com/Hong-Kong

Safia Osman
“For any skill, take your time to learn, study and stay in a place long enough to understand. To learn pastry, make it better and prettier than yesterday.”

As the pastry connoisseur who helms The Bakery, Black Sheep Restaurants’ central pastry kitchen, Chef Safia grew up with cereal and pie, the latter becoming a distinguishing part of her culinary repertoire.

Dedicated to creating sweet delicacies, she names honey as her go-to ingredient for its ability to bring classic sweetness to desserts and enhance savoury dishes with a layer of complexity. Born to Somali-American parents, she developed her sweet tooth from an early age. One of her earliest memories is discovering a local breakfast snack, Injera, comprising a layer of stacked sweet crepes with honey.

With over 20 years of experience, Chef Safia has worked alongside such celebrated pastry chefs as Claudia Fleming, winner of the coveted James Beard Award. After leaving the US, she worked in Dubai before arriving in Hong Kong in 2016.

Angie Ford
“Being able to be creative through food is extremely freeing.”
For Chef Angie, cooking presents endless learning opportunities. The Executive Chef of Buenos Aires Polo Club, Black Sheep Restaurants’ Argentinian steakhouse, Angie started her culinary career helping out in the family kitchen at the age of 11. She grew up learning the different roles in a restaurant, from serving and bartending to managing before finally beginning her apprenticeship when she was 18. She is continuing a family tradition as her three sisters are currently pastry chefs.

A vocal advocate of ethically-raised meat, her menus at Buenos Aires Polo Club demonstrate her expertise and ability to prepare various cuts of steak from one specifically-reared breed, the Aberdeen Black Angus. Chef Angie competed in Iron Chef Canada, which she recalls as “a super stressful hour but also extremely rewarding”. Her advice for surviving in the pressure-cooker world of restaurants: “Be a positive force in the kitchen, and do not lose your cool.”

Yen Chan
“Nobody is born as a chef, and it does not happen overnight. If you want to succeed, you need the right attitude.”
For La Vache Tsim Sha Tsui’s Yen Chan, her hobby became a passion and eventually her career. After studying Culinary Arts and Design in Canada, she worked front of house for five years before taking up the challenge to venture into the kitchen. Aside from overcoming a language barrier, she had to familiarise herself with the frantic pace of working in a large-scale line kitchen.

With the goal of one day opening her own restaurant, she was inspired by a visit to a fifth-generation sushi bar in Tokyo, where the resident chef produced a handmade piece of sushi every two seconds. “Watching that level of expertise is inspiring. It reminds you of the level of dedication required to hone your craft.”

Charrinn (Noom) Singdaechakarn
“Be a chef who never stops learning, and love what you do.”
Head Chef of Soul Food Thai, Chef Noom has been mastering the cuisine of her homeland since she was 24. While studying in Sydney, she took on a part-time job working in the kitchen of a Thai restaurant. Her passion for cooking began as a child. Living in a garden house, her mother would grow fresh ingredients to incorporate into their meals. Her appreciation for authentic ingredients extends to Soul Food Thai where everything is made from scratch. Originally from Issan, the Northeastern province of Thailand, her go-to dish is noodle soup. Although it looks deceptively simple, it requires lots of ingredients and patience to prepare and perfect.

For Chef Noom, the most challenging part of Thai cuisine is mastering the knife skills. Her mentor, Chef Chaiwat, helped develop these skills by having her “julienne the kaffir lime leaf into hair-like strands”.

About Black Sheep Restaurants
Niche, thought-provoking and story-driven, Black Sheep Restaurants is a Hong Kong-based hospitality group founded in 2012 by Syed Asim Hussain and Christopher Mark. Together they share decades of experience in hospitality and business development, along with a zest for travel and discovering dining subcultures.

Black Sheep Restaurants curates distinct dining experiences that tell a story about a particular time, place, culture or cuisine while celebrating the bounty of premium ingredients available both locally and from abroad. Always pushing boundaries, the group continues to expand rapidly within Hong Kong and beyond.

In December 2018, Syed Asim Hussain became the world’s youngest restaurateur to hold two Michelin stars when BELON and New Punjab Club were honoured with one Michelin star each. New Punjab Club is the world’s first Punjabi restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.

Angeles City (Philippines) – March 15, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has celebrated the opening of its latest hotel in the Philippines: Best Western Hotel Metro Clark in downtown Angeles City. This impressive new-build hotel welcomed its first guests on March 15, 2019, introducing a new era of international midscale hospitality to this popular destination. Integrated into the Saver’s Mall and surrounded by major attractions, including the PAGCOR casino, Best Western Hotel Metro Clark is perfectly suited to all types of traveler.

Guests are welcomed with a large and inviting lobby, featuring lounge seating and direct access to the mall. This sense of space and connectivity continues throughout the 85 guest rooms and suites. The rooms blend contemporary comfort with cutting-edge facilities, including glass-enclosed bathrooms with refreshing rain showers, large TVs with international channels, working desks with integrated power outlets, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can cool off in the dramatic outdoor infinity pool, which overlooks the city, or workout in the fitness center. The hotel’s bright restaurant features large floor-to-ceiling windows and serves daily breakfast and an all-day à la carte menu, including local, Asian and international dishes. Business services are also available.

Best Western Hotel Metro Clark was developed by J.A.D. Saver’s Development Company, Inc., a leading Filipino real estate group.

“Angeles City is an exciting destination that is attracting a growing number of domestic and international travelers,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia. “Best Western Hotel Metro Clark will cater for this rising demand by providing world-class midscale accommodation and superb facilities in a perfect downtown location, directly adjoining the Saver’s Mall on the main MacArthur Highway.”

“As a Special Economic Zone, the entire Clark Freeport area is experiencing a development boom, with exciting theme parks, shopping malls and attractions designed to suit all ages. This status is also attracting significant business investment. Best Western’s modern midscale concept and warm Filipino service will ensure all guests stay in comfort and style, at a very reasonable price point,” Olivier added.

With Clark International Airport less than 10km away, Angeles City is now directly connected to many of the world’s most dynamic cities, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and even Dubai. Manila is also less than two hours’ drive from the hotel.

Visitors to Angeles City have many world-class family attractions to choose from, such as Aqua Planet, Zoocobia and Dinosaurs Island, which features a 7-D “Super Screen” cinema. Shoppers also have a wealth of retail opportunities including the Saver’s Mall, SM City Clark and a series of duty-free centers, while golfers can tee-off on a choice of world-class courses, including the 36-hole Mimosa Golf & Country Club and spectacular Clark Sun Valley Country Club. Clark International Speedway offers adrenaline-fueled fun, while more relaxing activities can be enjoyed at the area’s spas and hot springs.

Best Western is already one of the leading international hotel groups in the Philippines, with hotels operating in a variety of vibrant business and leisure destinations, including Manila, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa, Subic Bay and San Fernando.

About Best Western Hotels & 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

Seoul (Korea, South) – March 15, 2019 (travelindex.com) – As an honorary ambassador of Seoul, global boyband BTS will be featured on the Discover Seoul Pass. The pass is made by Seoul City and Seoul Tourism Organization. Pre-orders for the limited edition start March 15th.

The Discover Seoul Pass has become a must-have for tourists by offering exclusive benefits to the most popular attractions in Seoul. With a variety of landmarks covered, you can select your favorite attractions and plan your unique trip.

The Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition includes a photo postcard with all the members of BTS and an English tourist map. This edition can also be used for the Discover Seoul Pass free admission and discount attractions. Tmoney is not supported.

The Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition is a limited edition. It is possible to purchase the pass online and collect it in Korea, or purchase it directly at the Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center.

– Offline purchase is possible from March 20th at 10:00 from the Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center, located behind KEB Hana Bank main office. The pass is exclusive for foreigners. Passport or alien registration card must be presented to purchase.
– Offline purchase is possible between 10:00 and 18:00 from March 20th until April 10th. Available until stocks last.
– Purchase is limited to ten passes per person. Passes are sold on first-come-first-served basis and only cash is accepted. All customers have to sign the terms and conditions for resale, refund, and exchange policy.
– A list of international sellers can be found on the Discover Seoul Pass website and Visit Seoul website.
– Passes for online orders can be collected from designated collection points starting March 20th at 10:00. The collection points are at Incheon Airport T1/T2, Gimpo Airport, and Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center.

The Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition is available for online orders.

Annex 1. Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition – Summary

Name: Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition
Operated by: Seoul Tourism Organization
Type: 24 hour pass
Price: 39,900 KRW

What’s included:
Free admission to 35 major attractions in Seoul
Discounts to 29 attractions, including performances, duty free stores, and more
Countdown for 24 hours starts after visiting first free admission attraction
After synchronizing the pass with the mobile application, the mobile application shows the remaining attractions and time*Tmoney is not supported. Refund is allowed on the same day if unused and unopened.

Package:
– Discover Seoul Pass BTS Edition
– Exclusive Discover Seoul Pass BTS photo postcard
– English tourist map
– Online Purchase and collectionOffline purchase and collection of online purchase starts March 20th at 10:00.

Information on international online sellers
Discover Seoul Pass website (www.discoverseoulpass.com)
Visit Seoul website (www.visitseoul.net)

Pickup location for online purchase
Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, International Taxi booth (near gate 5, 24h)
Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, International Taxi booth (first floor, near gate 3, 07:00-20:00)
Gimpo International Airport, International Taxi booth (near gate 1, 10:00-23:00)
Offline purchase
Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center 66, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Behind KEB Hana Bank Main Office)Hours: 10:00-18:00

Rockville, Connecticut (United States) – March 14, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Capitol Hotel is the latest property to join the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International, Inc., a portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic hotels and resorts that reflect their surrounding community.

Located in the heart of downtown Hartford at 440 Asylum Street, the recently renovated Capitol Hotel offers leisure and business travelers alike chic accommodations, unobstructed views of Connecticut’s State Capitol building – after which the hotel is named – and convenient access to several nearby attractions, including the Connecticut Science Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Mark Twain House & Museum, and the Bushnell Performing Arts Center, as well as local colleges: Trinity College and St. Joseph College.

The Capitol Hotel is well positioned for business travelers visiting Hartford, which has been nicknamed the “Insurance Capital of the World.” The hotel is convenient to several corporate headquarters, such as Aetna, The Hartford Financial Services Group, and The Phoenix Companies, as well as the city’s Amtrak station and Bradley International Airport.

Other amenities of The Capitol Hotel include:
– A state-of-the-art fitness center
– Meeting and event spaces
– Onsite parking
– Complimentary breakfast

“As one of the nation’s oldest cities, and today one of the area’s leading economies, the city of Hartford marries modernity with rich tradition—which the Capitol Hotel captures perfectly,” said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. “We’re pleased to expand the Ascend Hotel Collection’s offerings in high barrier-to-entry markets like Hartford and look forward to advancing the brand’s growth in even more popular destinations around the globe.”

The Ascend Hotel Collection currently has more than 250 properties open and nearly 60 hotels in the pipeline worldwide. This year, the brand expects to open several hotels in major U.S. markets, including Brooklyn, N.Y.; Philadelphia; Long Island City, N.Y.; and Napa, Calif.

As a member of the Ascend Hotel Collection, guests of The Capitol Hotel can participate in the award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty rewards program, rated a top hotel loyalty program by both USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. Members can earn and redeem points towards free nights, airline miles, and more while staying at any of Choice’s participating branded hotels.

Ascend Hotel Collection: Let the Destination Reach You.
The Ascend Hotel Collection® global portfolio of unique, boutique, and historic independent hotels and resorts is part of Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest leading hotel companies. Recognized as the hotel industry’s first “soft brand” concept, the Ascend Hotel Collection has more than 250 properties open and operating worldwide, including in France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Australia, Canada, Ecuador, and the Caribbean region. Membership with the Ascend Hotel Collection enables distinctive, independent properties to gain a global presence while maintaining their local charm.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 7,000 hotels, representing nearly 570,000 rooms, in over 40 countries and territories as of December 31, 2018, the Choice® family of hotel brands provides business and leisure travelers with a range of high-quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday rewards to exceptional experiences.