Category: Latest Travel News

Berlin (Germany) – March 13, 2019 (travelindex.com) – WTA members include national tourism associations, influential tourism enterprises, academic institutes and other institutions from around the world. Messe Berlin, which is among the top ten trade fair and event organizers worldwide, has been officially awarded membership of the WTA World Tourism Alliance. ITB China is an international Messe Berlin spin-off and set to take place from 15 to 17 May in Shanghai for the third time. The partnership will help strengthen the communication between the global and Chinese travel industry. Through deep cooperation and the support and commitment of the WTA sustainable tourism growth from China can be fostered.

“In this multi-layered world the WTA truly plays a unifying role in the drive for global cooperation and development in tourism“, said Dr. Martin Buck, Senior Vice President, Travel & Logistics Messe Berlin. “Its message of integration and cooperative dialogue has convinced us in the same way as leading tourism representatives, destinations and institutions around the world. As the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show we share this vision too”.

TA’s Secretary-General, Mr. Liu Shijun attended multiple events at ITB Berlin and met with David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China and Dr. Martin Buck to talk about possible initiatives and projects. “We are very much honored that Messe Berlin has joined WTA and confident that with its expertise and experience we can build a more competitive and responsible tourism industry for the benefit of all”, said WTA’s Secretary-General, Mr. Liu Shijun

About the World Tourism Alliance
The World Tourism Alliance (WTA) is the first global non-governmental, nonprofit tourism organization. Established in China on 12 September 2017, it is committed to promoting peace, global development and poverty reduction through responsible tourism. Working with travel and tourism industry around the world, it serves to drive global tourism exchanges and cooperation on all levels guided by its vision of a “Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World”. Up until March 2019, it has 182 members in 38 countries and regions, covering all five continents.

About ITB China and the ITB China Conference
ITB China 2019 will take place from Wednesday to Friday, 15 to 17 May, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre in Hall 1. ITB China is a three-day business to business travel trade fair that focuses exclusively on the Chinese travel industry. The ITB China Conference will take place parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading conference organizer TravelDaily.

About ITB Berlin, ITB Asia and ITB India
First launched 53 years ago, ITB Berlin is recognized as the most successful trade show for the global travel industry. Some 10,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries regularly attend this event. Every year in October for the last eleven years Messe Berlin has successfully organized ITB Asia in Singapore. Boasting more than 1,000 exhibitors from 127 countries, ITB Asia in Singapore has established itself as Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Messe Berlin will be organising the inaugural ITB India in 2020. The 3-day business-to-business travel trade show and convention will take place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, India, from 15 to 17 April 2020. The show will bring together industry leaders and buyers from cities across India, and international exhibitors from the MICE, leisure and corporate sectors.

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – March 12, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The world of tourism are all back in their respective countries after a week long program at the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin aimed at positioning their country as the No.1 Tourism Destination. Success will be determined as time goes on, but for now the challenges seen will be analysed and discussed with tourism stakeholders in the four corners of the world. What is clear is that tourism does not, and it will not be consolidate by itself and it requires a dynamic private sector trade working hand – in – hand with its facilitator, the Government.

Tourism Ministers of the Year named at event during ITB 2019

Greece and Jamaica Tourism Ministers are the Tourism Ministers for 2019. This recognition received during the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin comes after both these Tourism Ministers had been recognised for their continued dedication to their industry. The Minister from Greece is today being credited for having propelled her tourism industry to new heights and this is having the needed positive effects for the Greek Economy. The Jamaica Tourism Minister on his part has championed the sustainable tourism vision and spearheaded the creation of “The Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre”.

Connected – Gérard Lefebvre, President & CEO, Cleverdis

Gérard Lefebvre, the President & CEO of Cleverdis is not just a respected partner but he is also a good and sincere friend. Gérard Lefebvre’s group of companies is also responsible for Daily News Publications at most of the biggest and most important Tourism Trade Fairs such as The Daily ITB News Magazine.

The meeting at ITB in Berlin was the opportunity to discuss tourism today as it was an opportunity to renew our friendship. We discussed what lies ahead, and analysed together the avenues of cooperation between us. I remain so proud to be able to count Gérard Lefebvre as one of my dear friends.

Philippe Doki-Thonon of Reunion at the Maitres Cuisiniers de France

The Vanilla Islanders are on the move as we take note that Philippe Doki-Thonon of Reunion is a delegate at the 65th General Assembly of the Masters Cook of France taking place at the City Hall of Paris.

Philippe Doki-Thonon is a well known restaurateur of Reunion with the popular main street restaurant Roland Garros at St. Denis being part of his many businesses. He is also a keen scuba diver and has published his prized underwater photos for all to see.

Top25Restaurants.com, after the great success in the Asia-Pacific region, the world’s first restaurant guide based on AI is coming to Paris, France, Reunion Islands and Vanilla Islands soon. Watch this space!

Celebrating Her Awards making women visible in tourism at ITB Berlin 2019

Award winners from previous years always take part in presenting the outstanding women in tourism with the Celebrating Her Awards by the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT). The award – initiated by men, by the way – is supported by ITB Berlin and CSR Officer Rika Jean-François. Nothing is more effective than learning from one another – that is the motto of the women executives and entrepreneurs in tourism, politics, the media, and NGOs that come together at the Palais am Funkturm on the eve of International Women’s Day.

Women and their qualities shape the business world by mutually supporting each other, working tenaciously to improve working conditions for women and gender equality, exchanging views with one another, and by building and maintaining a close network of contacts. In this case, they each persistently shape their own area of tourism into a sustainable, peace-making, and flourishing industry. “Each one of you is a role model for every one of us,” said US Moderator and Strategic Advisor Anita Mendiratta of CNN’s T.A.S.K. Group.

“This is a very important moment for me,” said Rika Jean- François in her greeting, “it is more important to me than International Women’s Day.” The day does not reflect “the urgency that we women have.” The day is necessary, however, as was summarized by the seminar on improved working conditions for women that took place on the occasion of the UN’s second Global Report on Women in Tourism. The Celebrating Her Award is presented in five categories. This year, Egyptian Minister of Tourism Rania al Mashat was happy to receive the award for Tourism Policy and Leadership, her Greek colleague Elena Kountoura for Tourism Strategy and Resilience, and long-time fighter Mechthild Maurer, CEO of ECPAT Germany, committed to socially responsible tourism, for Child Protection in Tourism. ITB is a member of ECPAT as well. In her words of introduction, Anita Mendiratta spoke about how, for over 25 years, winner Jane Madden, managing partner of FINN Partners, has given a voice to the voiceless and looks where others turn away.

Jane Madden received the Sustainability Award for her dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility. Founder and President Helen Marano of Marano Perspectives was honored by the UNWTO community. The long-time advocate sent her thanks in a video message. Former UNWTO General Secretary Thaleb Rifai accepted the award on her behalf and thanked her for her commitment to forging global alliances that bring tourism forward as a powerful force towards positive development for all.

Alain St.Ange of Seychelles addresses PATWA 2019 conference in Berlin

Alain St.Ange, the former Minister of Tourism. Civil Aviation. Ports and Marine of the Seychelles was part of the invited speakers at the PATWA 2019 conference held at the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin.

St.Ange spoke about Global Tourism – its Trends and Challenges.

The former Seychelles Minister said as he opened his address that tourism was doing well as was being confirmed by the UNWTO and by our respective counties. He saluted Greece for having moved their tourism industry as never done before, and for making sure it helped transform their economy. This he said in the presence of the Tourism Minister of Greece amongst many other tourism Ministers from the Community of Nations.

On the point touching on trends and challenges facing Global Tourism, the Seychelles former Minister spoke with his usual eloquence without any prepared text but relying only on his knowledge as he spoke from his heart capturing the attention of the delegates present.

St.Ange spoke about airlines, security, threats and wars as challenges facing countries way beyond their own borders and outside of their own control.

Others speakers who took to the podium after Alain St.Ange were tourism ministers from Jamaica and Mauritius as well as representatives from India and the CEO of PATWA himself.

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 12, 2019 (travelindex) – Paul Hayward from Bangkok Thailand, a multi-talented business dynamo of investment and acquisitions juggernaut Panthera Group Thailand has recently taken over Whisgars, Bangkok’s premier whisky and cigar lounge chain as part of an expansion that may lead to a future IPO. Whisgars was originally the brainchild of Eddy Guerra and Hillman Lentz from California.

Panthera Group co-founder, Paul Hayward from Bangkok, who already oversees Thailand’s legendary Sugar Clubs in Bangkok and Phuket has impressive plans for Whisgars. An exclusive VIP room will be added for those who are a little more discreet and wish to enjoy their expensive Fuentes Opus X cigars in peace. An opulent Roman courtyard will be built, and there’s talk of a business suite. What better way to impress potential clients than over the finest of cigars and smoothest of cask whiskeys?

ul Hayward from Bangkok Thailand said, “Whisgars will be completely updated. The changes will see Whisgars become something special and iconic. Whisgars is already a high-profile establishment, our plans will make it even more so. We don’t want Whisgars to be a place people pop in and out of or come for late night last drinks. The clientele we want to attract are discerning whiskey drinkers. We want people to arrive when the doors open, spend the night, relax and enjoy their favourite dram in an upscale home away from home”.

Paul Hayward has a definite vision, Whisgars in Bangkok will be the very definition of cosmopolitan, attracting a new and younger crowd. However, the ambience will remain quietly sophisticated, which is just the way the Whisgars old guard like it.

Paul Hayward from Bangkok Thailand has overseen Panthera Group Thailand’s recent spree of acquisitions. As well as Whisgars, Panthera Group Thailand have also purchased popular Bangkok chain Birds Rotisserie that was voted best restaurant by Thailand Tatler.

Paul Hayward from Bangkok Thailand said, “Our recent acquisitions are part of a well-thought out expansion plan that has been in place for a while now. These are exciting times for Panthera Group Thailand and we have many more takeovers in the pipeline. 2019 is already shaping up to be an amazing year for Panthera Group and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead“.

About Panthera Group
Panthera Group is one of the fastest growing, privately owned companies in Thailand, with operations in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui. Paul Hayward from Bangkok Thailand is co-founder of Panthera Group.

The recently rebranded Group was formed over 17 years ago as an amalgamation of various Food & Beverage, nightlife, Hotel, Property, Investment and Management companies.

Since then the company has evolved into a diversified group with dozens of outlets throughout Thailand.

The Panthera Group operates according to a set of established values and beliefs enabling it to achieve and maintain excellence in their relevant business sectors, whilst generating strong consistent returns for their investors and stakeholders.

Jakarta (Indonesia)- March 11,2019    (travelindex.com) –  The Government of Indonesia, in partnership with the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), today announced new measures in the country’s ambitious national plan to reduce marine plastic debris by 70%, reduce solid waste by 30%, and to handle 70% of solid waste by 2025.

The Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry will work with local businesses and stakeholders and global partners to evaluate viable solutions for plastic pollution, develop an investment and action plan to reduce it, prioritize investment opportunities and advance a roadmap for implementation. Hosted by the World Economic Forum, GPAP aims to redesign the global “take-make-dispose” economy as a circular one. The partnership has been designed so that Indonesia’s approach to addressing plastic pollution can act as an example to be adapted and implemented in other countries.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut B. Pandjaitan, whose ministry has been at the forefront of the region’s battle with plastic waste, said that if the plan is achieved, his children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy pristine waters around Indonesia that are rich in biodiversity and free of plastic pollution.

We want to see the next generation in Indonesia having a much better quality of life and health than our generation today,” he said. “Through collaboration and strong teamwork with the World Economic Forum, we can mobilize public, private and community support to safeguard the richness of our marine biodiversity for our children and grandchildren.”

GPAP is working with stakeholders across the plastics ecosystem to co-develop a roadmap of actionable solutions. Successful implementation will depend on the quality of underlying data and analysis.

To support this, Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIC will develop an analytical model for data-driven decision making. A team in Jakarta is collecting local waste management data and building a model that evaluates solutions that can contribute to the 70% reduction target. These solutions include:

• Reducing overpackaging
• Innovating recyclable plastic material
• Substituting materials
• Increasing recycling rates
• Improving waste collection rates.

For each solution, the model will estimate the investment needed, timeline, environmental footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the impact on people’s lives.

In Indonesia, the work of the partnership will be chaired by Minister Luhut. The partnership engages with business, civil society and government organisations from a range of sectors, including: Chandra Asri Petrochemical, Coca-Cola Amatil, the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Dow, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Evoware, Giti Group, the Indonesian Business Council for Sustainable Development (IBCSD), Indorama Synthetics, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur, PepsiCo, Nestlé, The World Bank, and WWF Indonesia.

“Communities, entrepreneurs and government agencies across Indonesia are stepping up in the battle against plastic pollution,” said Dominic Waughray, Head of the Centre for Global Public Goods, Member of the Managing Board, World Economic Forum. “The uniqueness of the Global Plastic Action Partnership is to show to the world that through fast, concerted, science-based multistakeholder action, we can fix these seemingly intractable problems and preserve our natural heritage for future generations.”

Kristin Hughes, newly appointed Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership said, “I am thrilled to be joining this important initiative. Thanks to the leadership of Indonesia’s government and the innovative approach of local industry, other countries will be able to learn from their experiences to turn commitments into actions.”

The effort is the first national partnership of GPAP, a public-private partnership launched last year to translate political and corporate commitment to address plastic pollution into tangible strategies and investible actions plans. These include, for example, the efforts of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance, the Ocean Plastics Charter as well as the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment from the  Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

GPAP is hosted by the World Economic Forum with support from the governments of Canada and the United Kingdom as well as global companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Dow, PepsiCo and Nestlé. It is an initiative of the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) and The Friends of Ocean Action.

Bangkok (Thailand) –  March 11, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel joins millions around the world to raise awareness of global warming for a momentous hour at Aqua Bar on Saturday 30 March 2019.

Earth Hour is a global movement organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Held annually, the event encourages individuals and communities across the planet to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour.

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel marks the occasion by inviting guests to indulge in delectable snacks and drinks by candlelight, as they are serenaded by the gentle sounds of unplugged music. In addition, there will be a chance to observe a pedal-powered washing machine demonstration and discover how it’s possible to wash clothes during a workout.

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel celebrates Earth Hour as part of the worldwide event on Saturday 30 March 2019 from 8.30 pm – 9.30 pm at Aqua Bar.

 

 

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 8, 2019 (travelindex.com) – BHMA Hotels and Resorts, an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group, is pleased to announce the arrival of Jens Reichert as the company’s first Chief Development Officer. An industry veteran with more than 30 years of service, Jens brings the necessary managerial skills to drive the substantial growth BHMA is currently enjoying.

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As the company’s Chief Development Officer, Jens will be tasked with setting up a focused business development team with the ultimate goal of growing the company’s portfolio according to BHMA’s global expansion plans. BHMA’s trinity of brands – X2, X2 Vibe, and Away Resorts – have become household names across the Asia-Pacific region thanks to scalable and sustained growth in tourism markets from Thailand to Australia, but the company continues to seek out new markets.

“We are pleased to welcome Jens to the BHMA family and I am sure his expertise will help maintain our momentum across the markets where we currently operate and in new markets internationally. An experienced deal closer, Jens brings a wealth of experience having worked in the luxury hospitality where he established an international network with design houses, developers and consultants. As we continue to bring new properties online, Jens and his team will ensure that our property channel continues to grow,” said Peter Lucas, CEO, BHMA Hotels and Resorts.

Having spent the last decade focusing on hotel development domestic and internationally Jens is fully up to speed on the fast-paced hospitality industry. Over the past few years, Jens has been instrumental in signing more than 50 hotel contracts and possesses extensive knowledge of contract negotiations in various jurisdictions. A solution-orientated executive, Jens track record at the forefront of business will be of great importance to BHMA’s global expansion goals.

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“I am thrilled to be joining BHMA Hotels and Resorts and I look forward to working in a dynamic environment where my skills can contribute to the company’s expansion plans. I have kept an eye on the developments of BHMA’s distinct and aspirational brands X2, X2 Vibe, and Away Resorts. I’m passionate about giving my utmost for the success and enjoyment of our guests, hotel owners, and partners,” said Jens Reichert, Chief Development Officer, BHMA Hotels and Resorts.

Jens will commence work on 11th March 2019 with a multi-cultural business development team.

Ulaan Baatar (Mongolia) – March 7, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Mongolia, is about the launch a new interactive planning tool for travelers, was introduced for the first time at ITB Berlin, the largest tourism fair in the world.

While Mongolia generates strong visions for most travelers with iconic names such as Genghis Khan or the Gobi Desert, most tourists have yet to grasp the hidden and great wonders found in the country’s vast and rustic space.

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To make Mongolia better known while at the same time providing a precise tool for travellers wishing to plan a journey to what appears as one of the world’s tourism ‘last frontiers’, The Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia introduced a new interactive web platform which will soon be available to the public.

The core purpose of the innovative platform is to produce visitor ‘journeys’ by anticipating and leveraging on the wishes of the platform’s visitors. Information on thematic travel, a customized portal for first-time travelers, itineraries, and regional journeys are among some of the roadmaps offered within the Mongolia platform.

Each story and experience highlighted on the platform will link to sub-content branches, providing potential travelers with a fully interactive experience. Interactive portals are available through a dynamic landing page which will direct web visitors through a ‘journey’ based on their status, needs, and interests.

“The platform is developed to help enthuse tourists from around the world to discover and explore Mongolia’s culture, history, attractions and experiences through inspiring storytelling. Not only does it showcase Mongolia at the heart of Northeast Asia, but by profiling a multitude of experiences also shows how we can collaborate with our local businesses and communities to provide the best and most inclusive information possible to travelers,” explained Mongolia Minister of Environment and Tourism H.E. Namsrai Tserenbat.

The Mongolia platform’s visitors will then be able to click on various texts and pictures, shaping a unique itinerary through featured experiences, aggregated social media content, stories, and main centers of interest. Particular emphasis has been put on the ‘First-Time Traveller’ roadmap, which is found on the platform’s landing page. Within, images containing little-known facts about the country will appear one after another.

Dedicated theme pages will include information on festivals, family activities, bird watching, nature, adventure, history and culture, gastronomy, community-based tourism, and Buddhist tourism.

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Another section will guide visitors through the county’s regions. In addition, the platform will also provide essential information for interested travelers, such as visa information, travel information, inner-country transportation, climate, currency, language, and more.

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – March 6, 2019 (travelindex.com) – This week the world of tourism will be travelling to Berlin in Germany for the ITB Tourism Trade Fair. This is one of the biggest tourism trade fairs in the world and countries who want a bigger share of the discerning travellers will all be trying to impressing tour operators and the press as they all showcase their new developments and attractions.

I will also be in Berlin this week for private meetings and for addressing a conference in my capacity as a tourism consultant.

Seychelles enters a new era

Seychelles has entered a new era with the recent passing of former President Albert Rene this week. His death followed so closely to the passing of founding President, James Mancham.

Both these political personalities shaped, in their own ways, the political landscape of the islands as well as the Seychelles we see today.

President Albert Rene, the Seychelles’ second, and long serving President, passed away in Seychelles Hospital at the age of 83 during in the early hours of the 27th February 2019.

During the Seychelles Independence in 1976, Albert Rene was Prime Minister in the coalition government of President James Mancham. In 1977, he staged a Coup D’Etat and became President. He retained his presidency of the islands until 2004, where he handed power to his Vice President, James Michel.

In the early 1980s, President Rene took over the responsibility of the island’s tourism portfolio in a bid to relaunch the Seychelles tourism industry. He recruited John Enright and Eamonn Keane through the Irish Tourism Board. John Enright became the CEO of the Tourism Board and Eamonn Keane was attached to the Ministry of Finance with the aim of facilitating anything tourism related.

I had already been recruited in the Ministry of Tourism by Minister Mathew Servina, the then Minister of Tourism a couple of years before the arrival of John Enright and Eamonn Keane, and worked closely with the consultants who came up with the new launch strategy for Seychelles, inclusive of the new very successful logo “Unique By A Thousand Miles”. At that time, Seychelles had branded itself as one of the world’s “Best Kept Secrets.” The concern soon surfaced that perhaps our secret was too well kept, prompting the relaunch by John Enright of the Irish Tourism Board, who was called upon to relaunch our ailing tourism industry. Mr. Enright brought in an effective group of consultants and launched the successful “Seychelles, Unique By A Thousand Miles” tag line. I joined John Enright as his Executive Assistant and worked by his side for many years. This was in 1981 after the Seychelles Tourist Board was established, with John Enright as director and when at 27-year-old I became his assistant.

John Enright, with the support of the Head of State, moved to increase the visibility of the islands, accompanied by a large private sector trade delegation, he organised a European promotional tour in 1982. He also used the Seychelles Culture and the island’s Folkloric Troupe in the promotion of the islands.

President Rene survived many attempted Coups and political challenges during his lengthy political career, and has taken to the grave many secrets from his term of office.

Albert Rene will receive a State Funeral on Thursday 7th March 2019.

I’d like to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to his family, friends and supporters. The political landscape of Seychelles is set to change with the passing of the stalwart of the ruling party, but today we take the time to reflect upon a man who dedicated his life to doing what he believed was right. Whether we agree or not with his methods and views, today we think about those who have lost a loved one. The history books will document the rest.

Air Seychelles moving Seychellois up the Management ladder

Jean Weeling, the Chairman of Air Seychelles was happy to introduce the National Airline’s new Seychellois Members of their Management Team during the Tourism Industry’s Social Evening at La Plaine St. Andre.

The Air Seychelles Chairman was standing with two Seychellois recruits:- Sheryl Barra, Head of Corporate Affairs & Cosette Moustache, Head of Legal and Company Secretary as he explained the drive by the Airline to have more and more Seychellois in Senior Positions.

This news remained part of the best kept secrets. Seychellois as a whole wanted to hear how we are faring as a people in the restructuring of our National Airline. I take this opportunity to the two young ladies Sheryl Barra and Cosette Moustache for their appointment and wish them success at Air Seychelles.

Air Seychelles to go daily to Johannesburg

Air Seychelles has earlier today confirmed that the airline will operate daily flights between Seychelles and the commercial capital of South Africa’s and the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg as from 03rd of June 2019.

The additional frequency will be operated on Mondays by the airlines two class Airbus A320 aircraft featuring 16 business and 120 economy class seats will boost the available capacity on that route to 1,904 seats per week.

Charles Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Seychelles said: “Johannesburg is a key market for Air Seychelles and expanding our frequency from six per week to daily services to the provincial capital of Gauteng further shows our commitment to offer our guests greater choice and more flexibility when planning their travel. Besides catering to the strong growing demand, strengthening air access between the two capital cities will in addition support the growth of trade including commerce which is vital for the airline’s cargo business as well as for the development of each countries respective economies and tourism industries. This great news will also be beneficial for guests travelling from Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth including Cape Town, with our codeshare partner South African Airways or from Gaborone, Francistown and Maun with interline partner Air Botswana because as from June they will now have more flexibility and better access to our connections to the Seychelles and beyond.”

The new Monday service starting as from 03rd of June 2019 to Johannesburg is already on sale and travellers are invited to book their tickets via airseychelles.com, visit the airlines’ sales offices located in both Mahe and Praslin or contact the Air Seychelles Call Centre on 439 10 00.

The new schedule for the flights between Seychelles and Johannesburg is effective as from 3 June 2019.

Bangkok (Thailand) – March 6, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is celebrating 3rd anniversary and as part of the celebrations, the hotel is offering the 2-night stays special promotion package in all rooms and suites. The 2-night package starts from 6,333 Baht net which offers room and one time 60 minutes Indian head or Thai massage at Well Spa or one time Cocktail for 2 guests at the Twist Bar & Bistro. As an additional benefits, guests will also receive free breakfast buffet and minibar for 2 guests. The hotel guests can enjoy the discount for stay until October 31, 2019 and available to book now until October 31, 2019.

Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is located in the heart of the city and within walking distance to BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit. It is comprised of 235 rooms and suites, with five room types including Superior, Superior Corner, Deluxe, Executive and Executive Suite. The two latter room types are equipped with an exercise bike, yoga, Pilates and resistance exercise set. The hotel has Classic Twist design with art décor touch in the interior.

Price/ 2-Night Package
• Superior room 6,333 Baht net
• Deluxe room 7,333 Baht net
• Executive room 8,333 Baht net
• Executive suite room 9,333 Baht net
Spend 2 nights or more with special rate for extended stay. To book the 2-night offer, find more information on www.wellhotelbangkok.com

The surprise benefits on April only!

All guests staying in April receive Well Gift set (one gift per room per stay)

Recharge the spa treatment @ Well Spa (1-30 April 2019)

Buy any 60-minute spa treatment and get a 30-minute Well Classic Partial Massage for 333 Baht net (regular price 900 Baht). The package rate can be used in one time treatment. This promotion is available every day throughout April 2019 from 10 AM to 10 PM. Advance reservations are recommended at 02 127 5995

Eat Well Café and The Twisted Bar & Bistro

Experience a creative food therapy and the mixture of Thai and international dishes menu at Eat Well Café and The Twisted Bar & Bistro which located on the ground floor of the hotel. Spend the first dish with normal price, get a special price for the second dish only 3 Baht. The signature dishes which have been picked up from the chef’s experience including Spring rolls with deep fried vegetable, Somtam with grilled chicken, Stir fried chicken with cashew nuts, Padthai with mushroom and brown rice vermicelli, Calamari, Caesar Salad, Well Club sandwich, Vegetable Lasagna, Penne and Italian sausage, Mushroom Risotto, etc. The promotion is available now. To make reservations, call 02 127 5995 ext.4945

Spread the words to your family and friends, and make sure you book your holiday before the offers end.

About Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is managed by Well Hotels & Resorts, a Thailand-based hotel management company. Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is a lifestyle wellness destination that is not only aiming to deliver urban lifestyle experience and relationship with the nearby neighborhood but also being dedicated to well-balanced combination of comfort and style as well as friendly and warm welcome service.

The hotel is comprised of 235 rooms and suites with 143 Superior Rooms, 7 Superior Corner Rooms, 75 Deluxe Rooms, 6 Executive Rooms and 4 Executive Suites. All rooms and suites are featured with mini-bars, personal electronic safety box, 46-inch smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout and LAN cable in room. Each of the Executive Room and Executive Suite is fitted with a private exercise bike, Well Fit Box providing yoga and stretching exercise equipment and electronic weight scale to accommodate health loving travelers. A Microwave and printer are available in Executive Suite.

Contact information:
Ms. Cheunpiti Inna (Waan)| Marketing Communications Manager
T. 02 127 5995 | Email: marcom@WellHotelBangkok.com

Ms. Supa-arpha Itthikaiwan (Mandy) | Director of Marketing
Email: dom@WellHotelBangkok.com

Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
10 Sukhumvit 20, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
T. +66 2127 5995 | F. +66 2127 5998

Shanghai (China) – March 6, 2019 -(travelindex.com) – Renowned for its vast “Gin Library”, Urban Lounge has recently expanded its collection and launched a special tasting menu and happy hour specials to unite gin lovers and urbanites in Shanghai.

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With junipers as the main ingredient, there is no limit to the hundreds of ingredients that make gin unique, a variety of flavours deem the spirit a popular choice amongst mixologists and connoisseurs. From classic cocktails to creative concoctions, URBAN Lounge serves over 120 types of gin, and transforms each one into innovative, artisanal creations to satisfy the preferences of every guests.

New additions to the gin library include Normindia gin from France, using apples as the main ingredient during distillation to offer a sweet taste and fruity fragrance. Distillerie De Paris – Gin Tonik is produced in the first legal distillery in Paris. Distilled with quinine, the main ingredient in tonic water, this gin matches perfectly with soda water for a dry, zesty tasting experience. Malfy Gin Rosa is ideal for the hotter months of the year, with notes of Sicilian grapefruit and rhubard from the Salerno coast, Southern Italy.

The brand-new “Gin Degustation” menu offers four types of gin from the vast collection, paired with tonic water and any choice of garnishes, for a journey to discover four distinct tasting experiences. Signatures from the “Gin Libations” collection include Gimlet (peddlers, honeysuckle tonic cordial, pomelo) and D(rye) Martini (Kyro Napue rye, house blend rye vermouth, lemon oil), all fragrant and rich in a unique blend of flavours. On Fridays to Sundays, guests who order Gin Degustation will receive house-made juniper cakes paired with the gins.

URBAN Lounge also presents a buy-one-get-one-free offer on all gin drinks during happy hour, daily from 5 to 8pm, ideal for casual business meetings and gatherings.

Live jazz performances take place on Tuesdays to Saturdays during the evening, setting the perfect atmosphere for stylish outings.

About The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts
The Sukhothai hotel logo consists of 22 diamond droplets forming the Chedi design that was inspired by Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam. Each drop of diamond, polished to an identical marquise shape and seemingly finding its own position within the whole represents the individuals of the qualified hotel associates who, guided by intuition yet precise in every detail, anticipate our guests’ needs and cater to them exceptionally. Each property within the brand portfolio remains distinct and uniquely designed while maintaining the essential quality that is the hallmark of the brand.

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About The Sukhothai Shanghai
Strategically located in the business and tourist hotspot of West Nanjing Road and Shimen Yi Road, The Sukhothai Shanghai is a contemporary design hotel that forms an integral part of the HKRI Taikoo Hui mixed-use complex, which also includes Grade-A office towers and a premium shopping mall. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the hotel features 170 well-appointed guest rooms and 31 suites ranging from 44 to 172 square metres, and five inspiring lifestyle dining venues serving authentic modern cuisines and artisanal beverages, a state-of-the-art fitness studio complete with a 25-metre heated indoor pool, and a spa specialising in revitalising wellness programmes. Crafted for exquisite social and corporate events, conferences and exhibitions of all scales, the Grand Shanghai Ballroom along with six multi-purpose function rooms occupy a spacious area of 450 square metres, conveniently accessible from the main driveway and grand terrazzo staircase.