Category: Latest Travel News

Macao (Macao SAR) – February 20, 2019 – (travelindex.com) – The Venetian Macao has been named ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ at DestinAsian magazine 14th Readers’ Choice Awards which was held in Singapore recently. The prestigious annual awards are based on DestinAsian’s reader nominations across 31 categories including best destinations, airlines, airports and hotels in the Asia-Pacific region.

Book your hotel in Macao, Guang Dong Region and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Earn HolidayClick Points and pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

The results were generated by a poll conducted by the magazine in late 2018, with readers casting their votes for their favourite tourism and hospitality brands. The Venetian Macao was crowned ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ with Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central, The St. Regis Macao, Cotai Central and Conrad Macao, Cotai Central also receiving top 10 recognition in the same category.

“Achieving five hotels in the top 10 of the ‘Best Hotel in Macau’ category, including the number one spot, is hugely encouraging for Sands Resorts Macao,” said Mark McWhinnie, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations & Development, Sands China Ltd. “Results based on the experiences of members of the public are highly valued by the hospitality industry, so this makes the result even more meaningful. It validates the hard work and commitment of our team members and further drives us to continue exceeding guest expectation at every level.”

The destinations featured in the awards, including Bangkok, Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong are some of Asia’s most popular tourism hotspots, and Macao’s inclusion alongside such heavyweights is evidence of its growing recognition as a leading regional destination in its own right.

Book your hotel in Macao, Guang Dong Region and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Earn HolidayClick Points and pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Established in 2001, DestinAsian is an award-winning travel magazine covering the Asia-Pacific region, distributed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and the rest of the world.

Sands Resorts Macao offers over 13,000 rooms and suites across seven world-class hotels, including 150 international restaurants, more than 850 duty free shops, luxurious spa facilities and regular concerts and live performances at three theatres and the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena.

Bangkok (Thailand) 4 March – 19 April 2019  (travelindex.com) – Escape the heat of the summer and savour traditional Thai cuisine “Kaow Chae” at Spice Market, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from 4 March – 19 April 2019.

 Delve into a delicious set of Kaow Chae – steamed rice soaked in cool jasmine-scented water, and six tasty typical Thai side dishes “Kapi Song Krueng” – deep-fried shrimp paste balls, “Hua Pak Kard Warn” – sweet dried turnip, “Hom Sod Sai” – deep-fried shallots with shredded pork, “Pla Yie Son” – sweet shredded fish, “Prig Yuak Sod Sai” – steamed green chili stuffed with minced pork wrapped in egg net, and “Moo Foi Warn” – sweet shredded pork, carefully prepared by Thai Chef Warinthorn Sumrithphon.

Experience this Thai summer treat “Kaow Chae” at Spice Market, available daily this summer (except Sunday), between 11.30 am – 2.30 pm, from 4 March – 19 April 2019. Priced at THB 720++ per set (price is subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax).

Pattaya (Thailand) – February 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – South Korean Jenny Shin snatched the lead with a birdie on the last hole during an exciting second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 ladies golf tournament at the Siam Country Club Pattaya Old Course in Chonburi province on Friday.

The 67^th-ranked South Korean had five birdies and one bogey in her round of 68 on Friday to lead the field by one stroke at 11-under par. Three players were tied in second place on 10-under – American Lizette Salas, Australian Minjee Lee and Eun-Hee Ji of South Korea.

Shin said she was feeling the heat and thought she could have played better: “I wasn’t hydrated enough this morning and I could feel it by late afternoon. I thought I could have made a few more putts. I will try to make sure I’m hydrated more tomorrow.”

Salas, 29, said she was happy to be tied in second place and added that she had spent a lot of time in the gym during the off season. “I’m not a rookie anymore, I’m a vet, so it’s time to get serious. I’ve found I can more aggressive with the driving game and things are starting to pay off,” she said.

Thailand’s two superstar women’s golfers, the Jutanugarn sisters, had very different rounds on Friday. The 18th-ranked Moriya came out firing in her second round, carding three birdies in a row on the 6th, 7th and 8th holes, followed by birdies on the 11th, 17th and 18th. However, she stumbled with a bogey on the 9th to finish her first nine with a two-under 34. She shared 9th place on the leaderboard with seven others at the end of the day.

The 13th proved to be an unlucky hole for her and she had a bogey, the only blemish in the second half of her round.

After finishing her round, Moriya said she’d been making adjustments to her swing, but was happy with her play in general. “I’ve been working with a coach for a while, but it’s just something I’ve been working on and it’s not that easy. I’m really close to getting there, but sometimes it’s going to be a bit off. I just have to be patient.”

She said the subtle changes to her game were taking time but improving her play. “I’m just trying to play it one shot at a time and just keep moving. I mean, everybody can hit a bad shot, but when I hit a bad shot I just close the door and try to move forward.”

Moriya, who had her first win on the tour last season, said she had to keep working on her game and hopefully the good results would come. “I have to keep working on what I have to do and keep patient and just be the best I can.”

When asked if she wanted to take over her younger sister Ariya’s ranking as world number one, Moriya laughed and said she’d be lying if she said she didn’t. “Well, if I said no it’d mean I lied. Of course I want to do my best, but I don’t really focus on what position I want to be, I just focus on what I am on the golf course and do my best.”

Moriya added that it was great to be playing in Thailand. “I have played so many times on this golf course it feels like growing up here, even though now I only play here once a year in this tournament. I always feel a really warm welcome here.”

Asked if it was good to be the leading Thai player, Moriya laughed and gave a diplomatic reply. “Well, a lot of people are still playing, there are still a lot of holes to go and a lot of birdie chances out there.” At the end of play she remained the leading Thai player.

Younger sister Ariya, the No.1 women’s player in the world, started well with a birdie on the 1st, but had a bogey on the 5th and an uncharacteristic double bogey on the 6th. She finished her first nine with a four-over 40.

The top ranked lady player bounced back on her second nine holes with four birdies and no bogies to end the day with a 72 and tied in 19th place. “It was not a very good front nine, but on the back nine I came back pretty good. I’m confident for tomorrow, but I still have a lot of things to work on,” Ariya said after finishing her round. “I need to be more committed.”

Ariya admitted she had not been happy with her game in her past few tournaments. “I got worried and scared after I made a bogey, and then a double bogey, so it was pretty tough for me. I’m nervous and worried because I’ve not played well in the last few tournaments.

“I think we have to understand that we are humans, so we are always going to make mistakes and we are always going to have worries. I do enjoy seeing the kids, who come up to me and say ‘you inspire me’, and that means so much to me.”

The sisters are well placed and within striking distance of the heavily congested field above them going into the third round.

Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras had the third best finish of the eight Thai players in the field and ended her second round tied in 39th place with a one-under par. Pornanong Phatlum was one shot back with an even-par score, followed by amateur Attaya Thitikul on one over.

Also on one over in a tie for 48th place was Thai Thidapa Suwannapura.

Seventy of the best women’s players in the world are battling for total prizemoney of US$1.6 million, with the winner receiving $240,000.

The inaugural Honda LPGA Thailand, conducted in 2006, was played at the Amata Spring Country Club before moving to the Siam Country Club Pattaya’s Old Course in 2007. The tournament was not held in 2008, but returned to the LPGA schedule in 2009, played on Siam Country Club Pattaya’s Plantation Course. The tournament moved back to the Old Course in 2010, and has been held there ever since.

From 2006-09 and from 2011 to present, the tournament has been played as the Honda LPGA Thailand. The Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 is organized by IMG Thailand, with the Honda Automobile (Thailand) Company as the main sponsor. The co-sponsors include Sport Authority of Thailand (SAT), Nation Sports Development Fund, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Betagro Group. Other partners include Siam Daikin Sale Company, EVA Airways Corp., Siam GS Sales Company, AON (Thailand) Limited, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Boon Rawd Brewery Company, Aero Media Group, ECCO Golf, Ricoh Thailand, Under Armour Thailand, Suntory Pepsico Beverage (Thailand) Company, Charn Issara Estate, Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel, ThreeSixtyFive Public Company, Bridgestone Golf, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, NEC, and CNX Golf Company.

 

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 22, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB is encouraging Thai MICE entrepreneurs to make changes to their businesses to prepare for the challenges ahead. With governments worldwide placing increasing importance on the MICE industry as an economic driver, competition in the global market is ramping up. The bureau has thus adopted MICE Intelligence combined with Data Analytics to respond to the changing behaviors of the MICE community with a strategy driven by MICE Intelligence and Innovation that encompasses 16 highlighted projects based on the 3-year MICE business development plan (2019-2021). In addition, the bureau has launched a MICE Intelligence & Resource Center on its website, allowing all target groups – entrepreneurs, businessmen, students and the public – to jointly foster MICE business through the power of data and create sustainable economic growth.

Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President for TCEB’s Strategic Business Development & Innovation, says that taking account of the visions of the 20-year national strategy on security, prosperity and sustainability, a coherent digital strategy will be a crucial mechanism for growth. In line with the government’s policy, TCEB is placing emphasis on 3 key goals, namely revenue generation, innovation-driven development, and equitable distribution of income and prosperity.

In terms of the MICE strategy for this year, TCEB is aiming to boost the quality MICE market and distribute income to the cities. To accomplish this, the bureau is reorganizing its operating structure and has created a new MICE Intelligence & Innovation department. In addition, TCEB has unveiled the 3-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (2019-2021), which is based on a study of the behaviors of MICE travelers and private operators. These operational guidelines have spawned 16 highlighted projects, which will be implemented over the next three years. Through the new department, TCEB will work closely with operators to substantially boost the MICE sector in creating revenue and knowledge.

TCEB has studied the major trends in global MICE business development including the changing behavior of business travelers. The study indicates that business travelers require events offering a full range of services. An optimum outcome will be expected even though they will have little time to engage in the event.

As MICE travelers are important to economic growth, governments around the world are trying to catalyze the MICE industry and boost the number of MICE travelers. In the past, governments mainly supported budgets to develop personnel, venues and win more MICE events. However, financial support on its own cannot meet customer needs and ensure sustainable growth of the MICE business. In addition to financing, many countries are designing strategies to support the industry through other means. Several countries including Thailand are moving from the role of general information provider to offering more insightful information, allowing the operators to come up with concrete business plans through Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence.

For this reason, the TCEB has initiated the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department to promote the adoption of innovations and data for MICE development with particular emphasis on creating innovations based on the real demands of entrepreneurs. The bureau conducted a survey of the expectations of those involved in the MICE business need to deploy innovations and data. It then designed and developed 16 key MICE intelligence and innovation projects that meet the needs of target groups.

The roadmap of the MICE business development driven by MICE Intelligence & Innovation (2019-2021) consists of 6 strategies and 16 key projects:

Strategy 1 is Support and Sponsorship provided for event organizing and suppliers. It features 4 projects: (1) Paperless MICE Lane Request as a fast track to welcome VIPs at the airports; (2) TCEB Online Financial Support Request; (3) TCEB Help Desk Chatbot; and (4) MICE Permit Advisor, which is an advisory service on importing goods for the exhibitions and applying for visas.
Strategy 2 is Developing MICE Supply and encompasses 3 projects: (1) MICE Online Standard Assessment allowing entrepreneurs to apply for MICE standard certificates; (2) MICE Career Portal for job search and guidance; and (3) MICE Digital Learning Platform allowing suppliers to enhance their capacities.
Strategy 3 is Enhancing Attendee Experience through an event application for attendee project to accommodate integrated services for event participants.
Strategy 4 is Organizing Event with Efficiency. This features two projects: (1) A Mobile Application to accommodate the organizers; and (2) Event Traffic Analytics to assess visitors via video.
Strategy 5 is Connecting MICE Supply & Demand and encompasses 5 projects: (1) Event Opportunities Portal which compiles the names and information about events for bidding; (2) MICE Crowd Funding Platform, a fund-raising center to support the organization of the event; (3) MICE Supply Marketplace for visitors’ registration or exhibitors’ bookings; (4) Event Discovery Platform; and (5) e-Commerce Platform, a marketplace for MICE products and services to create business opportunities pre and post events.
Strategy 6 is MICE Intelligence & Resource Center and features the MICE Intelligence & Resource Center project, a comprehensive MICE database available via the website for assistance in creating innovations.

TCEB is also hosting the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Conference 2019 on 22 February 2019 in Bangkok on the concept “Break through the Hype – Uncover the Reality of Customer Insights”. This platform, which has been created by TCEB’s MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department, will introduce the strategies and 16 highlighted projects under the 3-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (2019-2021). Moreover, the bureau encourages suppliers and individuals to raise awareness on harnessing innovations and Big Data to set a plan and strategies for the future MICE development.

The first project launched by TCEB, the MICE Intelligence & Resource Center, will dramatically shape MICE innovations and data and is aimed at suppliers as well as the business, educational and public sectors. All will have access to the center, leading to an exchange of knowledge among people in the industry. The TCEB has collaborated with the global leading partners including World Bank, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Frost & Sullivan, business consulting firm involved in market research and analysis, and media intelligence firm, Meltwater Singapore.

Local and international speakers will also be on hand to share knowledge during the event. They include Mr. Gordon Alexander Candelin – Design Director, McKinsey & Company and Mr. Khanet Kijsaereborerug – Business Connect Commercial Consultant, LINE Thailand etc.
The conference is divided into 3 parts. During the first part, each speaker will be allocated a 20-minute slot to address his topic. The second part has two breakout sessions enabling participants to ask for insights, while the final part is a panel discussion with an open Q&A session. The conference has been designed in such a way as to allow participants to truly focus on the contents.

“Previously, Thailand’s MICE industry grew by an average of 5-10% annually. The adoption of innovation and technology as enablers will potentially drive the industry to grow by 20% a year. Meanwhile, technology will also reduce inequality, allowing all parties to access information equally. The technology will also create empowering partnerships allowing individuals the opportunities to create startups or businesses through a MICE platform. Finally, the innovation and technology will create countless business opportunities, exchanges of knowledge and extend the industry, leading to the sustainable strengthening of MICE competitiveness.” Mrs. Supawan concludes.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 21, 2019 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has celebrated the signing of a brand new hotel in Bangkok, which is set to introduce guests to another exciting part of Thailand’s dynamic capital city.

Scheduled to open its doors in 2021, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok will bring Best Western’s timeless values of hospitality to Sathorn Soi 11, a secluded yet centrally-located street just off Sathorn Road, one of the city’s major thoroughfares. Upon opening, this new-build midscale hotel will put guests on the doorstep of the vibrant shopping and entertainment district of Silom and the sleek financial quarter of Sathorn. It is also just a few minutes from the banks of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s “River of Kings.”

Surrounded by many of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers and most spectacular attractions, including Michelin-starred restaurants and dramatic observation decks, this is one of the most enticing areas of the city and a perfect base for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is a short distance from two BTS skytrain stations – Surasak and Chong Nonsi – which put the entire city within easy reach, and Bangkok’s elevated expressways will provide fast transfers to and from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok will feature 119 contemporary rooms and suites, all fully equipped with comfortable beds, working desks, tea and coffee facilities and complete connectivity with free access to the internet throughout the hotel. The hotel’s swimming pool and fitness center will provide plenty of options to unwind, and guests will be able to enjoy daily breakfast and all-day dining at the hotel’s bright café.

Best Western officially signed the new hotel in a ceremony with Wealth Plus Property Company Limited, the property’s owner and developer.

“Sathorn is one of Bangkok’s most exciting up-and-coming districts,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia. “Guests at Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok will be able to access top-rated tourist hotspots, multinational companies and colorful street life. They can also discover the cultural charms of Chinatown or take a boat ride down the Chao Phraya River, which is lined with world-class shopping centers and cultural jewels. Importantly however, Sathorn Soi 11 retains a peaceful and secluded vibe that allows guests to connect with the ‘real’ Bangkok. I am confident that our guests will love this highly convenient location.”

“Whatever type of stay they are seeking, Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok will put guests in the heart of the action. We are delighted to partner with Wealth Plus Property Company Limited on this impressive new project and I look forward to working together in the coming months and years as we bring this hotel to life,” Olivier added.

Tourism in Bangkok is currently riding the crest of a wave. The city welcomed more than 20 million international visitors in 2018, making it the world’s most popular city, according to the Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index. With major urban attractions and infrastructure projects now rising across the city, Bangkok is fast becoming one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Best Western is already one of the leading international hotel groups in Bangkok, with six hotels operating across the city. These properties comprise five of the company’s distinct brands, giving guests a wide choice of world-class hotels for every occasion. The signing of Best Western Click Sathorn 11 Bangkok further strengthens Best Western’s position in this thriving global mega-city.

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 4,200 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide*. Best Western offers 13 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Sadie HotelSM, Aiden HotelSM, BW Premier Collection® by Best Western, and BW Signature Collection® by Best Western, as well as its recently launched franchise offerings: SureStay® Hotel by Best Western, SureStay Plus® Hotel by Best Western and SureStay Collection® by Best Western**. 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-mid-price and mid-price 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. Over 37 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 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

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 21, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC and Taiwan’s HiLai Group jointly open “Harbour” at Iconsiam, bringing to Thailand the famous international buffet restaurant that enjoys extraordinary success in China and Taiwan where diners queue up for a month for a table.

The Iconsiam outlet, encompassing 2,000 sqm on the 6th floor, is its No.10 restaurant in the world before it is unveiled in major cities as part of CPF’s strategy to become “Kitchen of the World”.

For Bangkok’s most respected dining guide and the best restaurants visit Top25Restaurants.com by Travelindex and the trusted Restaurant Rating Index.

Mr. Sukhawat Dansermsuk, CPF’s Chief Operating Officer-Food Business and a Co-President, said that CP-HiLai Harbour Restaurant Co., Ltd. was established as a joint venture with HiLai Group with Bt130 million in registered capital.

“Diversifying into a restaurant business is one of CPF’s strategies to become “Kitchen of the World”, to increase access to quality food at all levels. Harbour has enjoyed overwhelming success in Taiwan and China. We believe that we will be warmly welcomed by Thai consumers thanks to the restaurant’s strengths coupled with Thais’ eating-out lifestyle. And that’ll be the beginning of CPF’s success in the restaurant business,” Mr. Sukhawat said.

Mr. Liu Tzu-Ming, chief executive officer of CP HiLai Harbour, said Thailand’s restaurant business shows a bright growth trend as the country is a popular tourist destination for global travelers and shows continued economic growth. This reflects in the opening of Iconsiam, a super luxury shopping complex that was completed with the highest-ever budget and becomes a new tourist landmark of the Chai Phraya River. Meanwhile, CPF is a leader in Thailand’s and global food industry with strengths to support this new business. HiLai Group is thus pleased to become its partner. “CP HiLai Harbour” targets Bt240 million in first-year revenue and plans to introduce new restaurants at major cities in Thailand such as Pattaya and Phuket.

The first Harbour restaurant covers 2,000 sqm on the 6th floor of Iconsiam, being the largest buffet restaurant in Thailand. Ready to serve diners with unique taste and services, the international buffet restaurant can accommodate 450 diners a round or about 1,000 diners per day.

“Harbour” is recognized as Taiwan’s best buffet restaurant. The house has stayed full and it is known among diners that they need to book a table at least a month in advance. A key success factor is the fresh seafood and 200 international food items. Harbour is the destination of best food from the East and the West, including Taiwan, Japan, China, Thailand, India, the West and Asean, aside from top desserts from Europe and Japan. It is the venue that can satisfy the palates of all and a visit to “Harbour” is likened to a memorable global tour for all.

For Bangkok’s most respected dining guide and the best restaurants visit Top25Restaurants.com by Travelindex and the trusted Restaurant Rating Index.

HiLai Group started with a hotel business. The first “Harbour” restaurant was opened on the 43rd flood of Grand HiLai Hotel and the success was phenomenal that the group spun off the hotel catering business and turned it to HiLai Foods Co., Ltd. The 2nd outlet was unveiled in 2011 at Hanshen Arena as Taiwan’s largest 5-star buffet restaurant. Next outlets were opened in Xi-an and Shanghai and witnessed overwhelming recognition among Chinese diners. To date, HiLai Foods operate 9 “Harbour” restaurants: 7 in Taiwan and 2 in China. The Iconsiam outlet is its No.10.

Berlin (Germany) – February 21 2019 (travelindex.com) – The world of medical tourism has long become globalized: according to the latest report by VISA and Oxford Economics, the global medical tourism industry is currently worth around 100 billion dollars. Forecasts for 2025 see growth reaching up to 25 per cent. This industry is a significant economic factor for many countries and regions. From 6 to 10 March the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show will be giving this mega market of the future its own platform for the third time at the Medical Tourism Pavilion in Hall 21b.

Book your hotel in Berlin during ITB, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show and around the world in 99 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel and earn HolidayClicks points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

The high demand expressed by international exhibitors at ITB Berlin reflects the global trend of people travelling across borders for medical treatment. The following companies are participating for the first time: Cluster Dalmatia-Health from Croatia; CGH Earth Wellness, an Indian specialist in medical ayurveda applications; Dentexpert, a dental clinic from Romania; Viaggiare & Soidene (Travel & Smile) from Albania; and three other companies from Poland: the online portal MKT Plus, Stomatologia and the Allmedica Clinic. This year, the Association of Historical Spas is also taking part in the show. International companies include the following regular exhibitors: the Health Tourism Industry Conference (HTI), Europe’s largest B2B event for health tourism, and Baki International, Health & Travel Solutions, which specialises in medical tourism to Turkey, both of which are partner organisations of ITB Berlin.

Taking part for the third time, the Dünyagöz Eye Clinic will have information on its health services and also be offering eye examinations directly at the show. On the weekend for the general public, European Medical Spas (ESPA), also a regular exhibitor, will be holding a number of lectures on natural remedies from Lower Saxony and thermal medical treatment methods from France and Bulgaria. For the first time, the European Medical Buyers’ Initiative (EBI) will also be represented at ITB Berlin. This event exclusively targets buyers and agencies who find clinics around the world for their patients. The Medical Tourism Pavilion is being presented by the hair transplant clinics Turkeyana Clinic Istanbul (supporting partner) and Dormo-Med Krakau (premium partner).

For a worldwide reference guide on Medical Tourism, please visit GlobalHealthTourism.com

On Wednesday, 6 March, after the official opening of the Medical Pavilion by Rika Jean-Francois, CSR and medical tourism officer of ITB Berlin, and Thomas Bömkes, managing director, Diversity Tourism, and consultant for ITB Berlin, the Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA) will present the Top 10 World’s best hospitals for medical tourists. Among the selection criteria for contestants are the quality of medical treatment on offer and the wellbeing of the patient. Laszlo Puchko, director of Industry Intelligence, Resources for Leisure Assets, RLA Global, will present the eagerly awaited results of the new ETC/UNWTO report on ‘Exploring Health Tourism – the Executive Summary’.

From Wednesday, 6 March to Friday, 8 March there will be daily panel discussions on a variety of topics as well as product presentations on the Medical Pavilion stage. Among the topics will be the best way for agencies to market all-inclusive health tourism packages and services, the challenges that social and cultural diversity poses for destinations offering medical tourism, and which medical tourism services are of interest to middle-aged travellers. The growth prospects for medical tourism in the EU will also be discussed. Berj K. Apkarian, vice president, Community Medical Center, San Joaquin Valley, California, will hold the keynote speech on the Wednesday of ITB and will explain how clinics can gain more patients by successfully applying weight reduction and dietary treatment methods. The Medical Hotels panel, moderated by Prof. Dr. Kai Illing, Tourism Development Healthcare, will highlight current market developments and the direction that treatment and treatment trends are taking.

On Wednesday, 6 March, from 12.30 to 2 p.m. at the Medical Media Lunch, the media will have an opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and buyers and obtain exclusive information. EVEX Medical Corporation, Georgia’s leading provider of healthcare services in the private sector, is the event partner of the lunch. On Friday, 8 March the ITB Medical Night, which is by special invitation only, will be taking place again. Exhibitors, destination managers, buyers and journalists will be gathering and networking at Hotel Orania in Kreuzberg. This year’s partner is the European Spas Association.

Book your hotel in Berlin during ITB, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show and around the world in 99 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel and earn HolidayClicks points. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention
ITB Berlin 2019 will be taking place from Wednesday, 6 to Sunday, 10 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. ITB Berlin is the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In 2018 a total of 10,000 companies and organisations from 186 countries exhibited their products and services to around 170,000 visitors, including 110.000 trade visitors. Parallel with the show the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest event of its kind, will be held from Wednesday, 6 to Saturday, 9 March 2019. Admission to the ITB Berlin Convention is free for trade visitors and exhibitors. For more information please visit www.itb-berlin.com, www.itb-convention.com and the ITB Social Media Newsroom.

Mamoudzou (Mayotte) – February 20, 2019 (travelindex.com) – In the presence of the French Ambassador in Seychelles, H.E. Lionel Majesté-Larrouy, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles tourism icon was introduced to H.E. Ibrahim Ramadani Soibahadine.

Mayotte Island forms part of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands as does Seychelles. This meeting was the opportunity for the two tourism leaders to discuss tourism cooperation and how Mayotte could take a page from the successes of Seychelles tourism. The President of Mayotte and his delegation were in Seychelles for the Vanilla Island’s Ministerial meeting.

Also present was Michele Balourd, the Director of European Affairs and of Regional Cooperation. Madame Balourd is also a sitting elected member of the Mayotte Council.

Alain St.Ange discussed different areas of cooperation with Mayotte and the region’s tourism industry.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 20, 2019 (travelindex.com) – With a hive-mind of design talent and visionary concepts the “out-of-the-box” design brand readies to reinvent spaces throughout the region. What do you get when you cross a game-changing property developer with one of the most seminal names in design and a gang of visionary architects, curators, celebrity style icons and interior design sages? YOO already know the answer.

Now the brand, which is just as well known for its show-stopping ensemble as it is its enviably unique property developments and interior designs, is setting up shop in Southeast Asia.

YOO Worldwide recently announced that Bangkok will be the base for its regional HQ and has already confirmed the appointment of key executives – supported by a stable of creative directors – to propel its residential design and hotel franchise business forward.

Central to YOO’s approach is a bold vision to rethink and reimagine spaces through the concept of “Placemaking”, which considers the entire environment, space and community rather than just the box in a residence or hotel. This is also the first time the YOO brand will be available for design of private commissions, houses, bars, restaurants, show apartments, social enterprises and co-working spaces.

The UK-based company was created at the turn of the 21stcentury by radical real estate developer John Hitchcox and international design legend Philippe Starck with a mission to enrich lives through extraordinary living spaces. Focusing on places and spaces, YOO is now the largest pure residential design brand in the world, with 81 projects in 40 countries.

Harnessing the creative flair of contemporary designers like Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Steve Leung and Sussanne Khan, complimented by the young global talents in YOO’s Design Studio, YOO transforms buildings into aspirational and inspirational living spaces, delivering holistic design, branding and operations to developers across seven continents.

The team is now turning its attentions to Southeast Asia, tapping into, amongst other trends, the soaring demand for high-end branded residences. With more than 25 percent of the world’s “under-construction” real developments based in Asia Pacific, it’s been a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’, YOO would expand eastward.

“We see huge opportunities for growth in Asia. We really feel the market is ready for our unique brand of design. We challenge, innovate, disrupt and bend rules – allowing our clients’ projects to stand out, adding greater visibility and value to their developments. We’re about ‘the space’ – inside and out – and this is what drives YOO’s design,” explains James Snelgar, Partner & Head of Business Development, YOO Worldwide.

Driving the company’s regional expansion strategy is Rich Millar, YOO Worldwide’s Vice President of Business Development – Asia Pacific, and Justin Dunne, F&B Concept Curator for YOO Hotels & Resorts. Titans in their respective fields, Millar and Dunne will bring their complimentary brands of creative talent and expertise to YOO’s Southeast Asian office.

YOO’s regional headquarters are in Bangkok where its Asia-partner for hotel operations ONYX Hospitality Group is based. In late 2017, YOO and ONYX launched a duo of distinctive hotel brands, YOO Collection and Yoo2, with the first Yoo2 hotel due to launch in Phuket in 2020.

Khun by Yoo, inspired by Philippe Starck, developed by Sansiri will also transfer later this year – and currently sets the highest per square metre price on Thonglor. Other notable Asia projects include 8 Conlay in Kuala Lumpur and a number of multi award-winning residential and hospitality projects in Hong Kong including Mira Moon.

“We are not entirely new to the region, but we are looking to shake things up a bit and grow through our new presence in the region,” says Snelgar. “Our designers will work with leading development companies to bring their visions to life and we will nurture creative talent in Bangkok to build a new team of designers based here,” he added.

Branded residences are among the hospitality industry’s fastest-growing sectors, and YOO is at its forefront with 13 percent of the world’s total portfolio. Fun, rebellious and innovative, YOO is disrupting traditional hotel and residence brands and attracting Asia’s emerging generation of high-net-worth millennial buyers to its designed “spaces”.

As Asia’s affluent young investors demand greater personalisation, they increasingly want bespoke living spaces to complement their designer clothes, cars and gadgets.

“We don’t believe in residences or hotel rooms,” adds Snelgar. “We believe in spaces.”

About YOO
A truly international company, YOO now operates in 34 countries, 57 cities, with over 80 projects within its portfolio. Through the directional partnering with design icons such as Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Steve Leung, Sussanne Khan and its own designers through YOO Studio, YOO partners with developers to add value, velocity and visibility to their developments. Through such services as interior design, architecture, development, investment, marketing and branding, YOO creates extraordinary and inspiring living spaces, which are unrivalled in the property industry.

YOO recently launched YOO Hotels and Resorts: a full-circle design, branding and operations offering for developers, in two ground-breaking visions: the unabated luxury of YOO Collection, and the affordable luxury of YOO2. YOO Hotels creates design-led experiences where objectives are based on meeting the desires for convenience, customised service and personal satisfaction to create unique hotel experiences.

Bangkok (Thailand) – February 19, 2019 (travelindex.com) – Russian Standard, Russia’s Number One Premium vodka, held their grand launch in Bangkok to kick off a series of showcase events in eight cities spanning five Southeast Asian countries. The Southeast Asia tour is being organized by Brand Connect, Asia’s fastest-growing beverage distribution & brand building agency.

‘Vodka as it Should Be’, the ultimate Russian experience, was held at The House on Sathorn, a century-old national heritage site & previously home to the Russian Embassy in Thailand. Notable features of this Russian inspired evening included live culinary performances by Alexey Tyutin of Caviar House, & Chef Fatih Tutak of the House on Sathorn. Entertainment was headlined by a special performance by renowned pianist and opera singer, Mr Ivan Sharapov. The event also welcomes an honorary guest H.E. Mr. Evgeny Y. Tomikhin, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand.

Tatiana Petrakova, Global Brand Ambassador for Russian Standard and originally from Saint Petersburg in Russia, represented Russian Standard at the event. She is known for having educated over 15,000 people globally on the history and technical details of Russian vodka.

Speaking from Bangkok, Tatiana commented “We are proud to bring Russian Standard to Asia, and thank you for the incredibly warm reception we have received from the people of Thailand. We hope everyone we have met leaves with a lasting memory of a truly Russian experience celebrating Vodka as it Should Be”.

“Brand Connect are committed to partnering with the world’s most progressive spirits brands. We have seen strong demand in Asia for an authentic Russian Vodka and are delighted to be bringing Russian Standard to some of the world’s most dynamic markets” said Justin Frizelle, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brand Connect Holdings.

Consistently ranked one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the world, Russian Standard Vodka is both the number-one premium vodka in Russia and the number-one Russian vodka brand globally. Their flagship brand, Russian Standard Vodka, holds the largest share of the Russian premium vodka market and is exported to over 80 countries around the world.

Russian Standard Vodka, produced only in Saint Petersburg, was inspired by the works of Russia’s most famous scientist, Dmitri Mendeleev, inventor of the Periodic Table. Mendeleev’s philosophy on equilibrium and natural order led to the identification of the perfect balance between water and alcohol, which underpinned the original Russian Empire Standard set by Tsar Alexander III in 1894. Russian Standard is a 100% authentic Russian vodka made from water of glacial origin and the finest Russian winter wheat. The ultra-clean taste of the vodka and quality liquid is the result of continued investment into technology and innovation at their state of the art distillery in Saint Petersburg.

About Brand Connect
Brand Connect Group Holdings, a subsidiary of Singapore’s Duty-Free International Limited (“DFI”, SGX:5SO), was created to service one hundred percent of the distribution & brand building needs of global alcohol beverage brand owners across Southeast Asia. Founded in 2014, Brand Connect provides direct importation and brand management services in all Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar.

Brand Connect’s current portfolio has more than 30 international brands including: Proximo (Jose Cuervo), Russian Standard, Heaven Hill, Zamora, Fever Tree, Four Pillars Gin, Fratelli Branca, Michter’s American Whiskeys, Ocho Tequila, G’Vine Gin, Diplomatico Rum, Giffard Liqueurs and Syrups, Massenez, Flor De Cana Rum, Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch, Nusa Cana Rum, Abelha Cachaça, the Bitter Truth and more…

About Russian Standard
Roust is the largest integrated spirits producer and distributor in Central and Eastern Europe and the second-largest vodka producer by volume in the world, with over 30 million 9l cases sold annually in more than 80 markets. Roust owns production facilities and distribution centres across Poland, Hungary, Russia and Italy. Roust’s extensive portfolio includes flagship vodka brands Russian Standard, Green Mark, Talka, Parliament and Zhuravli, as well as the legendary Polish vodka Żubrówka. For further information contact Jenna Packer at jenna.packer@roust.com