Category: Latest Travel News

Hamedan (Iran) – November 21, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) International Seminar on Harnessing Cultural Tourism through Innovation and Technology and 40th Affiliate Members Plenary Session concluded with a renewed call for community participation in development of cultural tourism using cutting-edge technologies (12-14 November 2018, Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran).

Cultural and heritage attractions are key to tourism development in many countries around the world, and innovation and technology can make these attractions more accessible while preserving their essence, the seminar concluded. It also stressed that innovation and technology should empower, rather than disenfranchise, host populations and communities and can assist them in retaining their authenticity, while cultural heritage development and preservation should be a part of local and national plans for socioeconomic development through tourism and technology.

“Technology and innovation, including ICT, can improve the quality of the tourist experience. It can improve governance, profits and the wellbeing of residents. And it can preserve intangible and tangible heritage resources for the sustainable development of cultural tourism,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili opening the event.

“The world’s diverse range of culture and heritage form the best means and ways to connect peoples of the world – but only if the rights and privileges of both host and guest populations are respected and responded to. And innovation and technology can help”, added Iranian Vice-President Ali Asghar Mounesan, who also heads the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism Organization (ICHTO).

The seminar agreed that informed governance and policies surrounding uptake of new technologies and innovative practices can guide tourism development and open doors for the sector, with conservation and revitalization of cultural heritage one of its main benefits. It also highlighted that for tourism authorities, participation of, and collaboration with, the host community should be a driver for technology-driven change. It was urged that tourism development not only maximize benefits and minimize costs for greater competitiveness, but also respond to the expectations and needs of hosts and guests alike.

The seminar was organized by UNWTO, ICHTO and Alisadr Tourism Company. Alongside it, Hamedan played host to the UNWTO Affiliate Members’ 40th plenary, in which active discussions were held as UNWTO’s Affiliate Members voiced their opinions and suggestions on the Affiliate Members Department’s Programme of Work for 2019.

Contacts:
UNWTO Communications Department
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100
Fax: +34 91 567 8218
Email: comm@unwto.org

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 21, 2018 (travelindex) – After recently launching its two new boutique brands, Best Western Hotels and Resorts today announced its first Aiden Hotel and Sadie Hotel locations. The first-ever Aiden Hotel opened last month in Seoul, South Korea, and the next is set to open in December near Paris, France. The first three Sadie Hotel properties are coming to Tampa, Florida; Fredericksburg, Texas; and New York, New York in 2020.

Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel are designed to creatively use space and technology by giving guests a unique experience. Each hotel will feature local flair with a thoughtful design, addressing the demands of today’s travelers. Sadie Hotel and Aiden Hotel will fill a void in the upscale hotel segment by giving developers the chance to be creative and incorporate local flair into their designs, retrofitting or rebranding an existing hotel with a modern, spirited aesthetic.

The first-ever Aiden Hotel opened this month in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. The 151-unit boutique hotel, pictured on the right, offers travelers not just a place to stay but a fun and adventurous experience. With modern signature seating, a multi-functional public area, convenient mobile check-in, and locally inspired designs, the hotel has a fresh and innovative approach that truly stands out from the competition.

“We’re thrilled with the early interest we’ve seen in both Aiden Hotel and Sadie Hotel brands, and are excited to have our first Aiden Hotel open in a key global market like Seoul, just weeks after launching,” said David Kong, President and Chief Executive Officer at Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “Aiden Hotel is a sophisticated boutique hotel brand that perfectly aligns with the pulse of Seoul, bringing a sense of style and adventure to our guests. As these brands grow, it will become evident how different Aiden Hotel and Sadie Hotel are than any other brands, as they intertwine technology with art, bring innovation and colorful, locally inspired design to each location. Whether a conversion or new build, we set owners up for success with dedicated teams to help these hotels ramp up quickly and efficiently in their market.”

The second Aiden Hotel is set to open in mid-November of this year just north of Paris, France. The 90-room boutique hotel will offer a variety of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a multi-functional space, bar, restaurant, pool, and three meeting rooms for business travelers. Guestrooms will feature local designs with chic and sophisticated décor.

Aiden Hotel’s sister brand, Sadie Hotel, will be introduced soon as well, making her debut in New York, New York, Fredericksburg, Texas and Tampa, Florida. The 70-room Sadie hotel in Tampa is slated to open in the spring of 2020. The New York City location will follow shortly after with a stylish and edgy design to fit seamlessly into the heart of the Big Apple. The Fredericksburg, Texas property is located in Texas Hill Country which is home to over 45 wineries and vineyards. All three of these hotels will compete in the upscale segments and offer innovative amenities linking state-of-the-art technology with colorful, local flair.

For more information on Aiden Hotel and Sadie Hotel brands, visit BestWestern.com

About Best Western Hotels and Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,200* hotels in more than 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, 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 nine 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 58 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Best Western-branded hotels were top ranked in J.D. Power’s 2017 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study – ranking first in breakfast (food and beverage category) for midscale; and second in overall guest satisfaction. Over 35 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.
* All Best Western and SureStay-branded hotels are independently owned and operated.
* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Contact information:
Marketing Communications Department
Best Western Hotels and Resorts – Asia
Tel: +66 2 656 1260

Sirimanas Maungrod
Email: sirimanas.maungrod@bestwestern.com

Orapan Sornnuwat
Email: orapan.sornnuwat@bestwestern.com

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – November 20, 2018 (travelindex.com) – People in the tourism and travel are conscious that it is in public / private sector partnership that success will be guaranteed. This is also by working together in the region, on the continent and globally.

Pascal Viroleau, the CEO Vanilla Islands on working visit in Seychelles

This last week Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands was in Seychelles for discussions with the island’s Minister responsible for Tourism, Mr Didier Dogley and his Team. The meeting was primarily to discuss the regional Organisation which should see the Seychelles Minister take over its Presidency in December.

The rotation of President for the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands is enshrined in the documents that established the organisation and ensures that each Member State or Island gets their chance to lead their tourism organisation. The Vanilla Islands has achieved remarkable success since its formation. Today the success in what is called Cruise Tourism for the Indian Ocean stand out with increased in rotations, and with the arrival of new companies to ply in the Indian Ocean.

The support for the Organisation by Reunion Island has helped ensure the success of the Regional Body. President Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of Reunion has been a fervent supporter of working together so much so that he has even opened Reunion Trade Offices in most of the Indian Ocean Islands in a bid to encourage more trade and visits between the sister islands of the Indian Ocean.

Working together for the success of Tourism is important in all its facets. The Continent of Africa knows that tourism is the industry that can help the ordinary small African to be part of the continent’s business performers. African is receiving just over 5% of the world tourism movements and this will remain so unless Africa claims back its industry and works together as one.

New CIP Lounge at Seychelles International Airport

Seychelles International Airport is set to see the opening of a new CIP Lounge as from the 1st. December. “We can today confirm the official opening of our PAYANKE CIP Lounge on the 1st December” said a representative of the new CIP Lounge.

“We are looking forward to greeting our first clients in a 1st Class environment from 6.00am to 23.30hrs from the 1st December” he went on to say. Laura Mauleon has been appointed as the Operation Manager of the Lounge and Sheena Botsoi is the Lounge Manager
Family events bring joy as it rallies the family even closer together. In the past week two family events did us proud and brought us together. My brother Marston’s wedding to Laura Savy, and my daughter Michelle was admitted to the Seychelles Bar.

Congratulations to Marston & Laura St.Ange

Marston St.Ange of Chez Marston Guest House on La Digue was married last week to his long time partner Laura Savy. The wedding ceremony was held right on the beach of the lovely Anse Severe in the presence of the couple’s two daughters Sophie and Lucie and many members of both families and also close friends.

Marston and Laura own and manage the Chez Marston tourism establishment and the adjacent Orchid Small Hotel.

Congratulations to Michelle St.Ange – Ebrahim for being called to the Bar in Seychelles

Michelle St.Ange-Ebrahim has been called to the Seychelles Bar during a ceremony at the Seychelles Supreme Court chaired by the island’s Chief Justice Mathilda Towmey. Michelle was presented by her pupil Master Kieran Shah in the presence of David Esparon, the Deputy Attorney General of Seychelles who was also her pupil master during her years at the Attorney General’s Office.

Ocean Sustainable Development: Time for Action is Long Overdue says Former President Michel

Former President James Michel has called on Ocean Industry leadership from across the globe to support a call for large parts of the high seas which remains unregulated at the moment to be declared fully protected areas to be respected by all countries and ocean users. This he says will ensure that ecosystems and resources of the high seas remain in good shape for the benefit of generations to come.

Mr. Michel made the call in an address to ocean industry leaders at a dinner organised by the World Ocean Council on the first day of the 6th Sustainable Ocean Summit in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The world needs a new breed of innovative entrepreneurs to tap into the vast potentials that the oceans present, who will be profitable but at the same time ensure that their own activities and that of their partners and suppliers are sustainable.

He recommended that maritime transportation technology engineers be pushed to the limit to develop carbon efficient vessels and also explore the possibility of making use of renewable energy sources to power vessels.

Mr. Michel also called for the use of Fish Attracting Devices (FAD) be discontinued or banned as they are indiscriminate of the species and sizes of seafood they attract, and which are eventually caught up in the nets. “The fishing industry can tap into technological advances in satellite and other communications platforms instead which are enabling the development of systematic observations in the deep oceans and even under the ice” he advises.

With regards to plastic pollution he encouraged the business community to support the establishment of waste treatment facilities as well as clean –up operations, especially on islands and coastal areas with the aim of limiting the amount of plastics and waste from making it to the ocean.

In addition he proposed that the United Nations consider the WOC as an official partner of its agencies involved with regulating the oceans so as to create synergies between the UN and all maritime stakeholders.

At small islands states level Mr. Michel proposed some ideas for practical steps that will mark progress. They include a one stop global shop window for good ideas and practical projects that will further the cause of the Blue Economy, encourage small islands to develop centres for excellence for one specific activity (like Seychelles can be the home of progressive Blue Economy management schemes, Samoa for waste management and Cape Verde for tidal energy solutions), bring more women into the maritime workforce and encourage new ideas for sustainable development, an annual award by the UN for the greatest contributions to the sustainable use of our shared ocean and the creation of a focussed business leadership group, concentrating on the Blue Economy in small islands states.

Mr, Michel was addressing the Summit at the invitation of the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the World Ocean Council, Mr. Paul Holthus.

This year’s edition under the theme “Ocean Sustainable Development: Connecting Asia and the World” has attracted a large number of global ocean business industry leaders, inter and non-governmental organisations the science community and academics.

The Seychelles Petroleum Company SEYPEC was also being represented by its Legal and Corporate Officer, Alvine Marie.

The James Michel Foundation was also being represented by the Vice Chair, Professor Denis Hardy and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Antoine Onezime.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 20, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Since 1914, Rolls-Royce has set the standard for luxury that is rare, sovereign and personal.
The marque’s range of motor cars are hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, a place where hundreds of engineers, designers and craftspeople work together to strive for perfection, according to an age-old principle from founder Henry Royce.

Rolls-Royce has long been the choice of rock stars, royalty and other highly successful and discerning individuals – a sign of success and an acknowledgement of quality. The Bespoke team in Goodwood work closely with patrons to fulfil their every request, from refining ideas, meticulously selecting materials, to even creating entirely new designs so as to ensure unsurpassed levels of luxury.

The result is the automotive equivalent of art – and now Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok brings its masterpieces to the latest luxury retail destination in the city with an Exclusive Showcase in ICONSIAM. This Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Exclusive Showcase occupies a 193 square-metre space, accentuated by design elements that convey a combination of modernity and luxury — cornerstones of the Rolls-Royce brand.

In line with the marque’s dedication to artistic endeavour, the showcase is styled like an art gallery, with cars on display as masterpieces. Each month, two different super-luxury cars will be put on display, rotating like art collections in a beautiful gallery. The cars will be placed in open environments without glass partitions, encouraging all to admire its hand-crafted beauty in plain sight.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok invites everyone to visit its Exclusive Showcase at ICONSIAM. Group visits and guided introduction sessions can also be arranged on request.

On this auspicious occasion, distinguished guests and members of the local media are cordially invited to view the Rolls-Royce Cullinan at the new showcase from December 13, 2018 after its presentation at the Bangkok Motor Expo. The new Cullinan is the world’s most luxurious SUV, which promises to redefine luxury travel as Effortless, Everywhere.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will also display the bold and daring Ghost Black Badge for the first time in a public space, along with pinnacle super-luxury limousine Phantom, which was officially unveiled earlier this year.

All these iconic motor cars are ready for reservation by our valued customers, according to Mr. Sunthornpan Dhechatech, General Manager for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bangkok.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 19, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Iconsiam, the spectacular Bht 54-billion, landmark development and iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity on the Chao Phraya River, today, opened the first floating museum in Thailand on the ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ – the symbol of river-borne prosperity, to commemorate King Taksin the Great on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the foundation of Krung Thonburi Sri Mahasamut. The museum showcases the life and legacy of King Taksin the Great in an exhibition using advanced techniques to tell stories and create a spectacular experience for visitors by making them feel like they are going back in time while boarding this ship. The sensational opening of the floating museum ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ has been held with an exciting light and sound show and a Ramakien puppet performance featuring ‘Hanuman Flirting with Varin’ episode, which is significant because it was written by King Taksin the Great himself. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Visanu Krua-ngarm, Deputy Prime Minister. Joining the occasion were managements of Iconsiam, sponsors, and renowned actors namely ‘Aum’ Atichart Chumnanon, ‘James’ Jirayu Tangsrisuk, and ‘Nune’ Woranuch Bhirombahkdi. Conducted in front of the floating museum ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ in the midst of the picturesque view of the Chao Phraya River at River Park ICONSAIM, the ceremony symbolises the ship being about to set off on a voyage once again.

Mr. Narong Chearavanont, Chairman of the Board, The Iconsiam Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., said, “The floating museum ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ was built on the Chao Phraya River for the first time in Thailand by Iconsiam Co., Ltd., operator of Iconsiam – the spectacular landmark development and iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity, in collaboration with The Iconsiam Residences Corporation Ltd., The Iconsiam Super Luxe Residence Corporation Ltd., and the Government Savings Bank. The purpose is to commemorate King Taksin the Great for his rehabilitation of Krung Thonburi and paving the way of making the city a trade route with lasting prosperity. There is an exhibition showing the King’s life and what he did to rehabilitate Krung Thonburi and how he made it a major port city. The floating museum ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ symbolises the prosperity brought by water streams. It takes visitors back to the glorious days of ship trade in the 18th century when Krung Thonburi was a major port in an international trade route, to let Thais and anyone interested learn about a crucial period in Thai history. The exhibition is held from 14 November 2018 – 13 January 2019 at River Park, Iconsiam, by the Chao Phraya River, and there is no price of admission.”

The spectacular ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ was exquisitely modeled after the red head ship, as called by the Teochew people. Inside, visitors are able to observe different areas of the vessel which tell historical stories in an exhibition using advanced interactive techniques to offer a virtual reality experience as if one is thrown back to the time bygone on the real ship. The exhibition area is divided into three zones. Zone 1 – Captain’s Cabin showcases a history and accounts of ship trade, the capital building and relocation, and Krung Thonburi as a port city for commerce. Zone 2 – Crew Cabin demonstrates an atmosphere and life on board. Zone 3 – Civilization Archive contains a biography and initiatives of King Taksin the Great in city rebuilding, a chronology of wars to unify the kingdom, Thonburi-China trade relations and diplomacy, world trade routes, and ‘ship’ as a symbol of prosperity. There are also hands-on activities for visitors to enjoy some on board experiences such as hoisting a cargo crate as if being a crew member of ancient times. Visitors can also change into national outfits of various nationalities through Kinect and take photos with the civilization archive and share them on board. The ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ also has a good view point on the top deck as well as retail and coffee areas for visitors.

“Iconsiam, the spectacular Bht 54-billion, landmark development and iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity on the Chao Phraya River, was created out of a resolution to glorify precious stories of pride from every dimension of Thainess in the nation by presenting them in exciting ways. It shows our full appreciation for the historical value, the background and the holistic value of the land on which this mega city project is built. So, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Krung Thonburi Sri Mahasamut in 2017, Iconsiam together with The Iconsiam Residences Corporation Ltd., The Iconsiam Super Luxe Residence Corporation Ltd., and the Government Savings Bank would like to take this auspicious opportunity to lead the way in commemorating King Taksin the Great. The floating museum ‘Sri Mahasamut Ship’ is one of the ways to glorify the value and significance of Krung Thonburi as part of our resolution to put together the best that Thailand has to offer and the best of the world as we encourage Thais to take pride in Thainess and to help maintain its beauty for the next generations to come while also making visitors from around the world fall in love and be impressed with Thailand,” said Mr. Chearavanont.

Iconsiam is a spectacular global landmark that is located in Bangkok on a 55-rai riverside site with a 400 metre river frontage and a gross floor area (GFA) of over 750,000 square metres. It includes two of the world’s most glamorous retail complexes as well as two luxury waterfront residential condominium buildings of 70 and 52 floors, one of which carries the Mandarin Oriental Residences brand.

Iconsiam is being developed by three of Thailand’s most successful businesses, including Siam Piwat, the owner and operator of prestige retail developments such as Siam Center, Siam Paragon, and Siam Discovery; Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), the owner and developer of luxury quality residential and mixed-use projects; and multi-national conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group.

For further information
Siam Piwat: Sireetorn Niyomsen – tel: 02-610-8230
Bangkok Public Relations: Pathara Kwantientong – tel: 02-664-9500

Stockholm (Sweden) – November 12, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Speaking at the TBLI Nordic Conference, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, co-founder of SUNx (Strong Universal Network – a legacy to Maurice Strong) said that Travel & Tourism has enormous investment potential in the transformation to the New Climate Economy.

He underscored the global scale, scope and impact of the sector, as well its capacity to help deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, because travel is hardwired into human DNA.

He focused on the existential reality of climate change as the pivotal challenge for humanity and stressed the critical importance of urgent action across the sector, to transform the complex mobility and hospitality infrastructure, its service delivery and its lengthy supply chains. He identified the Paris Accords and SDG-13 as our lifeline framework.

Lipman said that the full impact will only be felt by future generations, whether travellers, suppliers or communities, and he outlined SUNx “Plan for our Kids”, to create a change movement of 100,000 Strong Climate Champions by 2030. They will be advocates for Climate Friendly Travel ~ measured to manage: green to grow: 2050 proof to innovate. They will be supported by Maurice Strong Legacy Scholarships and the SUNx Lifetime Learning Program. They will be enabled by a growing network of SDG-17 partnerships and referenced agreements with IRISS and t-Forum for Tourism Innovation for Resilience Scholarships in Naples Italy, and with CBCGDF to extend the system in China and Belt and Road Countries.

He appealed to the Impact Investment Community, as well as the Travel & Tourism industry to get behind the program, through CSR driven commitment to a progressive, but urgent transformation plan that takes advantage of market and regulatory systems, within finite planetary boundaries.

Maurice Strong spearheaded the Stockholm Conference in 1972: the creation of UNEP; the Brundtland Commission and finally the Rio Earth Summit of 1992 – all of which spawned Agenda 21, UNFCCC: IPCC & the MDG’s and SDGs.

SUNx Scholarship packages cost just €5000 and give lifetime learning to 21 graduate students writing papers on Climate Friendly Travel. The best gets a €3000 award and the next 20 get free access to the SUNx Climate Portal. Where we aggregate best data: best practice: best transformation from across the sector and around the world. And link UN leadership on climate with industry action – inside and outside the sector. With 2 scholarships a year for every UN State, by 2030 we will have 100,000 advocates for Climate Friendly Travel. And a constant flow of new smart, climate conscious managers and leaders in our industry.

Contact information:
Geoffrey Lipman
glipman@thesunprogram.com
+32495250789
Olly Wheatcroft
olly@thesunprogram.com
+447765132408

New York City, New York (United States) – November 12, 2018 (travelindex.com) – TopTicket, via our ticket network, provides a resale ticket marketplace. Ticket resell prices and details are set by sellers and may differ from face value. TopTicket ticket network acts as an intermediary between buyers and ticket sellers to facilitate the purchase and sale of event tickets, and TopTickets is not directly involved in the actual ticket listing or sale transaction between the buyers and ticket sellers.

At TopTicket we have thousands of sellers offering 7,500,000 tickets every day, including fans with extra tickets to sell and licensed ticket brokers. Our purpose is simple: provide a huge selection of quality seats to events, even when they are sold out elsewhere. We have a dedicated team of professionals working hard to make sure that you have the most up-to-date information about ongoing and upcoming live events and access to the largest ticket exchange on the web.

In addition to real time access to inventory, we pride ourselves on customer service and cutting edge security so you can shop safely.

For more information, please visit www.topticket.us

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Michelin released the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang-Nga 2019, the second edition of the Michelin Guide in Thailand, and the first to cover new territories outside Bangkok: Phuket, Phang-Nga, and Bangkok’s surrounding provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Prakan). In this latest edition, 217 dining and 67 lodging establishments are featured – with a total of four two star restaurants, of which one is a new addition; and 23 one star establishments, of which 10 are new additions.

Speaking about the 2019 selection, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides, said: “This year’s selection highlights the diversity of culinary experiences, both within and outside of Bangkok. We have also seen the blooming trend of the degustation menu, whereby chefs carefully design a complete experience for diners.”

In the 2019 edition, all of the two-star restaurants from the previous selection – Gaggan, Le Normandie, and Mezzaluna – retain their awards. The only addition, moving from one star to two, is Sühring, where chef brothers, Mathias and Thomas Sühring, offer unique and contemporary European dishes using their very own style of modern German cooking.

Of the 23 one-star establishments in this latest edition, Le Du and Gaa are the only two restaurants that progress from the ‘Plate’ – a designation given to restaurants for a good meal with fresh ingredients and capable preparation – to earn one star, while eight are new entries. Among these new entries, five are located in Central Bangkok: Canvas, a restaurant where art meets food and every dish looks like a masterpiece, driven by premium local produce and a variety of techniques; Methavalai Sorndaeng, where the food has kept loyal customers coming back for more than 60 years, with its blast of flavours and refined complexity; R-Haan, a restaurant offering authentic Thai dishes, both regional and Royal Thai cuisine, using ingredients from all over the country; Saawan, where a set 10-course authentic Thai cuisine menu is the only option, using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients to craft creative and well-executed dishes that provide a truly special journey through Thai flavours, culture and art; and Sorn, a restaurant with a focus on long lost recipes and the art of Southern Thai cuisine, using ingredients sustainably sourced from a trusted network of farmers and fishermen, as well as refined and sophisticated cooking techniques.

While the other two one-star restaurants are located within Bangkok’s vicinity: Ruean Panya (in Samut Sakhon province), a family-run restaurant recognised as a hidden gem with an amazing combination of food and art, where the owner chef’s attention to detail and the complexity of flavours make every dish worth the wait; and Suan Thip (in Nonthaburi province), a restaurant amidst a lush garden of trees and small ponds, where its refined cuisine is inspired by royal recipes. There is one restaurant in Phuket awarded one star: PRU, a sophisticated restaurant, tucked inside a luxury resort, offering delicate and neatly presented dishes created using many ingredients sourced from its own 96 hectare organic farm – even the butter is made in-house with milk sourced from Krabi.

In addition, three restaurants previously with one star – namely Elements, Nahm, and Saneh Jaan – have retained their awards, despite having new chefs at the helm.

The complete selection of the Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket and Phang-Nga 2019 will be available in a bilingual digital edition (Thai and English) on the website and a print version, available at leading bookstores for 650 Baht.

The 2019 selection at a glance:
• 4 two-star restaurants (1 new)
• 23 one-star restaurants (10 new)
• 72 Bib Gourmand restaurants (42 new)

About Michelin
Michelin, the leading tire company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably; designing and distributing the most suitable tires, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve the mobility industry. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 171 countries, has more than 114,000 employees and operates 70 production facilities in 17 countries which together produced around 190 million tires in 2017.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Anantara Siam Bangkok welcomes diners to celebrate American Thanksgiving in indulgent style with a five-course feast at Madison Steakhouse. Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, since English settlers arrived in north America, Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday-a time to give thanks and gather together with loved ones. Now popular with Americans around the world, Thanksgiving feasts are increasingly enjoyed beyond the USA and on 22 November 2018, Anantara Siam invites diners to come together and give thanks here in Bangkok.

Elevated favourites, perfectly paired
Chef Nico Merten has designed a five-course menu of traditional Thanksgiving favourites with an indulgent twist, to delight diners. Smoked pumpkin soup will be served with beef cheeks; Boston lobster will be slow poached to perfection; and of course, the centrepiece of any Thanksgiving dinner, a magnificent turkey will be cooked sous vide and served with foie gras roulade and all the trimmings.

The perfect reason to give thanks
Diners are invited to join the festivities on Thursday 22 November 2018, from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm. The five-course set menu is priced at THB 2,500 ++ per person for food only or enjoy your meal with a delectable wine pairing for THB 3,500++ per person.
(Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax)

Alternatively, Roasted Turkey with Traditional Condiments is also on offer at Mocha & Muffins. Take home a full-roasted whole natural turkey with all the trimmings, such as Brussel sprouts with crispy pancetta, for only THB 9,900+. This dinner will feed between 8 – 10 people for a private celebration at home. (72 hours advance reservation is recommended)

For more information or to make a reservation, please call +66 (0) 2 126 8866 Ext. 1222

Shanghai (China) – November 18, 2018 (travelindex) – On November 17, 2018 Gansu Tourism Promotion Event hit Shanghai, which theme is “Meet Silk Road Food & Ruyi Gansu”. On that occasion, department head of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and Huo Yulong, Vice Head and Leading Party Member of Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism appeared and delivered speeches. Besides, 160-odd persons including foreign travel buyer representatives, foreign student representatives, travel buyer representatives and peasant representatives from the Yangtze Delta region, tourist department and enterprise heads from the province’s cities and prefectures, domestic and overseas media reporters attended the event.

Mr Huo stated in the speech that Gansu had held “A Harvest of Crops, A Happy Tour in Gansu” press conference in October, gaining widespread acclaim among the different walks of life and especially the media thanks to various preference policies enacted for billions of domestic peas-ants, myriads of tourists from China and abroad. So, we held this event to attract many more tourists.

As Mr Huo said, Gansu has countless natural and cultural sights. It is a cradle of Chinese civilization indeed. And there is no lack of Mother Nature’s artworks. Even local ethnic charms are breathtaking. In brief, Gansu is a must-see destination! If you want to experience history, come to the province. If you want to delve into nature, come to the province. If you want to unwind and loosen up, come to the province. Everyone is welcome to Gansu! It will greet you all with open arms! Gorgeous sights, tasty foods, … none of them will let you down!

“Gansu along the Silk Road, Gorgeous Things in Your Hand” tourist film focused on gourmet tours, culture trips, photography safaris, folk custom trips, winter-to-spring investigation tours, frontier sightseeings among other routes. In addition, the peasant representatives from the Yangtze Delta region and the European student representatives received Silk Road Self-Driving Passport and A Preference Manual for Travelling of Overseas Students separately. Iconic shows like Dunhuang music dance One Thousand Buddhas with Golden Halos, Qingyang shadow play Mak-ing Havoc in Heaven, Su’nan’s Yugur song and dance, Gannan Tibetan singing-playing unraveled the province’s indigenous culture and ethnic customs. Besides, the venue featured Interactive Sce-nario Zone and especially Zhengninglu Snack & Food Street in miniature, giving everyone a chance to relish local foods. Taste testing, PPT presentation, on-site dish making, exhibition and other means provided a panorama of the unique ingredients of diverse and delicious dishes and the profound culture at large. Lanzhou Beef Noodle, succulent Boiled Lamb, sweet Lily and Rice Por-ridge, assorted Tunuan Hot Pot and other gourmet foods stimulated every gourmet’ palate and made them feel the province’s culinary vibe.

The aim of this event is to make Gansu better-known as a tourist brand, a land of inviting sights, abundant crops and culinary delights. Those culinary delights is regarded as the central focus of the event. In this way, the province will cooperate better with various partners and its economy will grow without end.