Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 3, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Aston Martin Bangkok, led by General Manager Mr. Pornseak Pharksuwan, recently unveiled the much anticipated new “beautiful won’t be tamed” Aston Martin Vantage at a lavish cocktail reception and show at House No. 1 on the historical Charoenkrung Road Soi 30. The evening of fun, excitement and entertainment catering to all senses was participated by distinguished guests and sports car aficionados as well as current Aston Martin car owners.

Guests were able to not only check out at close quarters the new Vantage boasting world-renowned design, agile performance and dedicated craftsmanship but also a line-up of other Aston Martin models belonging to guests in attendance such as Rapide, Vanquish and DB11 (the iconic moniker made famous by 007 James Bond epics).

Wined and dined with unlimited flow of cocktails, single malts and super deluxe whisky throughout the evening, the guests also witnessed the rebirth of the iconic British pinnacle of sports car manufacturer via a pictorial presentation of more than 105 years of automotive history. On the fashion side, as a special treat, especially for the gentlemen, Parrish Jones, the first ever to bring a unique 3D body scanning technology to the sartorial world in Thailand, was introduced; and last but not least guests lined up for a visceral ‘drive’ on the sophisticated, arcade-like simulator to experience the high powered 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine of the New Aston Martin Vantage.

The exciting and enchanting event under the new Aston Martin Vantage concept of “Beautiful to Look”, “Beautiful to Drive” and “Beautiful to Own”, could not have been brilliantly staged without the guidance, generosity and charm of Dr. Sanhavut Thamchuanviriya, Managing Director, MGC-ASIA Group, and Mr. Pornsaek Pharksuwan General Manager of Aston Martin Bangkok under Heritage Motor Sales and Service (Thailand), MGC-ASIA Group. The new Aston Martin Vantage will be available for sale at the Motor Expo 2018 end of November 2018.

Contact information:
Krinbourne Kommunications Co., Ltd.
Tel. 02-026-0514; 02-026-0500 ext. 1714
Matavee Tunrungwetjarun
Mobile: 099-446-4255
E-mail: matavee.krinbourne@gmail.com

London (United Kingdom) – November 2, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The 2018 edition of World Travel Market (WTM) will see the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) continue its operational focus on investing in innovation and digital advances for a tourism sector that can deliver opportunities for all. UNWTO will co-host a Ministerial Summit and launch a white paper on the relationship between music and tourism at the UK tourism trade fair on 6-7 November 2018.

Following the official celebration of World Tourism Day 2018 (27 September) in Budapest, Hungary under the theme of ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’, and the ‘Tourism Tech Adventure: Big Data Solutions’ forum held in Manama, Bahrain on 1 November, UNWTO will host this year’s UNWTO/WTM Minister’s Summit on 6 November on the topic ‘Investment in Tourism Technology’.

The Summit will continue the conversation on innovation and digital transformation, a UNWTO priority designed to give tourism its deserved prominence on the digital agenda. It will debut a disruptive new format, involving private sector leaders for the first time. A panel of investors will discuss investment in tourism technology, followed by the ministerial segment that this year will link both public and private sectors to set the agenda for ensuring the sector’s digital transformation enhances its inclusion, sustainability and competitiveness.

Both panels will be moderated by CNN’s foremost international business correspondent Richard Quest, anchor of Quest Means Business, with focus on creating innovative ideas and partnerships that can boost investment. Developing an innovation ecosystem, data-driven decision making, digital destination branding, and the role of government and policy in smart tourism management are among the topics to be addressed.

UNWTO, Procolombia and Sound Diplomacy launch first report dedicated to music and tourism

UNWTO’s presence at WTM will also encompass the launch of a new white paper, produced in partnership with Procolombia and Sound Diplomacy, examining the role of music in tourism development, marketing and experiences, and the economic benefits of music and tourism sector partnerships. The launch of ‘Music is the New Gastronomy’ on 6 November will accompany a panel exploring the value of music tourism in depth.

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

Seoul (Republic of Korea) – Augsut 25, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Urban tourism and its potential for more sustainable and inclusive cities will be the major focus of the 7th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism (16-19 September 2018) in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The Summit aims to set out a vision looking to 2030 for this rapidly-growing tourism segment.

The Summit, the first of its kind in North-East Asia, is designed to encourage new strategic approaches to the challenge of a growing tourism sector and its impact on urban destinations, through sharing of innovative ideas and experiences.

Innovative approaches to competitiveness in urban destinations, technology’s impact on urban tourism, rejuvenation of cities, and increasing inclusion in city development are among the topics to be featured.

BBC support

UNWTO is proud to announce the support of the BBC to the Summit, with the lead presenter of the Travel Show, Rajan Datar, moderating the “High Level Panel: Urban Tourism in 2030” with ministers and mayors from around the world.

This year’s edition will feature B. Joseph Pine II, author of the best-seller ‘The Experience Economy’, who is known for first using the term to describe the major shift in motivation for people to undertake many economic activities, including travel. Other planned speakers include city mayors and representatives of tourism administrations from destinations such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Osaka, San Sebastian, Singapore and Seoul, companies such as MasterCard, Google and Amadeus, and the World Bank.

The Summit also embraces the growing segment of youth travel through the UNWTO Global Youth Summit on Urban Tourism side-event (18 September).

Seoul as a backdrop

Seoul is a world-class urban tourism destination, with tourism sites ranging from full heritage sites, including traditional palaces or markets, to state-of-the-art architecture and museums. Recent urban regeneration projects have seen an oil depot turned into a culture park and increased tourism interest to venues used for 2018 events the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and inter-Korean summit.

Seoul as host destination will feature its fair and inclusive tourism initiative in the conference programme, promoting the importance of building inclusive cities for all.

The Summit is jointly organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Tourism Organisation and the Seoul Tourism Organization.

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

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Honda Automobile Thailand in partnership with IMG, is continuing to host the 13th edition of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 from February 21 to 24, 2019, at the Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course, Chonburi. The aim this year is to further support female golfers pursue their dreams through the inaugural National Qualifiers which will see one Thai female golfer qualify to play in the Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 compete with 70 other competitors from around the world, all vying for a prize purse of US$1.6 million dollars (approximately 53 million baht). The qualifying round is also being held to further boost the standards ofmen’s golf in Thailand, as well as to inspire amateur Thai golfers to be the best in their field.

Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Automobile said, “Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 is being held for the thirteenth consecutive year. This year, the tournament will carry the tagline ‘Dream Big’, a concept that aims to inspire interest in golf and build passion among professionals, enthusiasts and junior players from all backgrounds and at all levels. We want to encourage them to pursue and realize their dreams, and have always believed that anyone can achieve great success if they are determined – this is also an extension of Honda’s corporate slogan ‘The Power of Dreams’. We also aim to continue supporting the sport of golf in Thailand, as well as to raise the standards of golf, continuing to enhance Thailand’s status as a world-class golf destination.

The Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 will feature 70 female golfers, including 58 professionals from the 2019 LPGA Priority List, the winners from the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic 2019 and 2019 ISPS Honda Women’s Australian Open, as well as nine invited players and the winner from the Honda LPGA Thailand National Qualifiers. Last year’s competition once again saw a strong field of top 10 golfers on the 2018 LPGA Priority List descend on the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Additionally, in 2019, a collaboration between Honda and the Sports Authority of Thailand will see a host of special events leading up to the Honda LPGA Thailand, namely ‘The Road to Honda LPGA Thailand’, which aims to further develop golf in Thailand as a whole. This will kick-off with the inaugural National Qualifiers in January 2019 at Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course. The winner will join a handful of her compatriots in playing with elite golfers from around the world at the tournament. The National Qualifiers will be a great platform for Thai female golfers to compete in a professional competition.

Following shortly after, a Young Ambassadors Seminar will be held. The aim of this seminar is to provide students who have an interest in golf and sports management with an in-depth understanding of golf as a business as well as the different areas of hosting an international golf tournament. Further, selected students will stand a chance to have the opportunity of obtaining an internship abroad. The Road to Honda LPGA Thailand will also include a Golf Leaders Conference – a special conference held for industry experts, to equip them with the knowledge and expertise of hosting an international golf event.

Mr. Ittipol Khunpluem, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Sports, said, “The continuing success of the Honda LPGA Thailand helps elevate Thailand’s reputation for golf and the potential of Thai golfers who compete in world-class professional tournament. It also aligns well with our sport tourism strategy, which is to boost Thailand’s reputation worldwide and attract more high-spending visitors to the country. Each year, we estimate that over 400,000 golf tourists come to Thailand. This group spends two to three times more than others tourists, and generates approximately 4.8 billion baht per year. The good news is that last year the rate of golf tourist arrivals increased from 10% to 12%. The Honda LPGA Thailand 2019 will continue to play an important role in supporting the country’s economy.”

Pattaya has greatly benefitted from the increased attention that has come its way as the tournament’s host city. Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya City, said, “I am very proud that Pattaya has been trusted to be the host venue of the Honda LPGA Thailand for over 10 years. The continuing trust given as the venue of a top-notch golf tournament is obvious proof of our quality and standards, and demonstrates Pattaya’s potential for being a world-class destination for all kinds of sports event, especially golf. The Siam Country Club Pattaya, Old Course, for example, is on Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses list for 2018. Filled with excellent courses, five-star hotels and resorts, fine local restaurants and beautiful tourist attractions, the resort city is fully ready to welcome and impress all visitors throughout the year, on all occasions.”

Ms. Winnie Heng, Vice President & Managing Director, IMG Thailand, said, “The strong partnership between IMG, Honda and the LPGA helps the Honda LPGA Thailand maintain the highest standards. We are so delighted to once again, host this flagship tournament, which is continues to gain in popularity and prestige year-to-year. A payout of US$ 1.6 million (approximately 53 million baht), will be offered this year to the winner. The high stakes and intense competition that comes at a tournament of this kind provides an ideal opportunity to help boost golfing standards in the country. We hope for a strong showing from the home team. This year, MCOT HD, the official broadcaster, will broadcast the competition for all four days. The partnership with MCOT HD will make the tournament more accessible to Thais across the country. Also, this year will feature even more activities on site for spectators to enjoy across the four days,” Ms. Heng added.

Among the many top Thai golfers scheduled to join the tournament are two pros who joined the Honda LPGA Thailand as amateurs and are now very successful on the LPGA tour: Ariya “May” Jutanugarn, who returned to the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Rankings this week, and Moriya “Mo” Jutanugarn, who won the Hugel-JTBC LA Open in last April.

Moriya said, “The Honda LPGA Thailand is like my home. It was the gateway to my golf career and an instrumental step forward into the professional arena for many other Thai women. As a Thai golfer, I feel so proud that the Honda LPGA Thailand gives the opportunity to more Thai golfers to chase their dreams and achieve their goals. Competing with professional golfers is the best way for us to learn and develop our skills. I kindly invite all Thai fans to follow and cheer on all Thai golfers during the tournament in February next year.”

Early Bird tickets at a 25% discount are available now at www.hondalpgathailand.com until December 16. VIP tickets with hospitality upgrades including an access to Clubhouse hospitality are also available on the website for the first year.

London (United Kingdom) – November 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Almost 170 exhibitors are making their debut at this year’s WTM London 2018 – the event where ideas arrive. They include airlines, movie-set tour providers, adventure operators and sports venues, as well as tourist boards, destination marketing companies, tech innovators and car-hire companies.

Among new airlines that are flying in are US-based Air Transat; Indian-based Go Airlines; Middle Eastern carrier Royal Brunei Airlines and Iceland’s national carrier, Icelandair.

Book your hotel in London at the WTM Woirld Travel Market 2018 and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Also over from Iceland is tour company Guide to Iceland, which offers accommodation, packages and tours including Game of Thrones-themed itineraries for fans who want to visit the settings for some of the hit TV show’s most iconic scenes.

On the subject of the epic TV series, first-time exhibitor Brit Movie Tours counts its Game of Thrones tour, taking in filming locations around Belfast, as one of its best-sellers. Visitors to the UK and Ireland section of WTM can also find out about Brit Movie Tours’ wide range of other options, including Downton Abbey and London gangster tours,

Lewis Swan, director of Brit Movie Tours, explained: “I launched Brit Movie Tours in 2009 as the premier provider of TV and film location tours in London and the UK. As we approach our 10th year in business we felt it was time to have a presence at the premier meeting place for the travel industry to help take our business to the next level. We look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers to our stand (UKI360).”

New tourist boards and destination representation bodies at WTM London 2018 include the Armenian Tourism Development Foundation, which is keen to showcase itself as a hotspot for adventure lovers; the National Tourism Office of Djibouti, a mostly French- and Arab-speaking country on the Horn of Africa and Costa del Sol Malaga Tourist Board, which is boosting its profile with its first stand-alone exhibition space in addition to maintaining a presence on the main Spain stand.

In the Caribbean section, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, is returning to WTM London after a seven-year absence. The collection of 60 unspoiled islands that ‘pack the best of the Caribbean into one convenient destination’, will be updating partners on its recovery progress following devastating damage incurred by Hurricane Irma just over a year ago.

Ginny Hawksley, managing consultant for BVI Tourist Board in London said: “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the WTM London. We feel it is incredibly important to support our trade partners and be present, as well as let the industry know that we are very much open for business and on the road to a full recovery after Hurricane Irma.

“The UK travel industry and friends of the BVI have shown significant generosity and support to the Hurricane Irma BVI relief efforts, raising funds, volunteering time and donating needed aid supplies. With this is mind the British Virgin Islands Tourism Board feels a great responsibility and duty to ensure presence at this incredibly important industry show.”

New regional representatives include Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau, representing the Japanese island in the East China Sea, which describes itself as ‘the portal between Japan and the tropics’. Also new is Tamilnadu Tourism Department, representing one of India’s 29 states, Tamil Nadu, famed for its Dravidian-style Hindu temples; beautiful sunrises at Kanyakumari, India’s southernmost tip, and its historically important capital Chennai (formerly known as Madras).

Twenty two years after the catastrophic accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in northern Ukraine, tour company CHERNOBYL welcome, which operates packages taking in ‘ultimate experience’ guided tours to the ghost town of Pripyat and surrounding region, is making its debut at WTM London.

New exhibitors from the accommodation sector include the Queen Elizabeth 2 hotel in Dubai, which previously sailed the oceans as the iconic flagship of UK cruise line Cunard.

Book your hotel in London at the WTM Woirld Travel Market 2018 and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Upcoming enhancements to the QE2 hotel, which is now docked permanently at Dubai’s Mina Rashid, include a swimming pool, gym and private beach.

Katie King, director of marketing for the QE2 Dubai said: “This is the first year that the QE2 is operating as a floating hotel docked permanently in Dubai, so attending such high-profile trade show is important for us to introduce the QE2’s new concept in our key markets. Given the QE2’s British heritage and her roots in Scotland, the UK is an essential market for us and is in fact our biggest outside of the United Arab Emirates, so exhibiting at WTM is a key part of our sales and marketing strategy.”

There are over 60 new exhibitors from the fast-moving technology sector all exhibiting in Travel Forward, the event highlighting the future of technology in the travel and hospitality industry, including Travel Ledger, an industry-owned and run B2B billing and settlement platform, built using Ethereum Blockchain technology.

Similar in concept to IATA’s BSP, Travel Ledger highly automates the travel purchasing and payment process along the entire distribution chain and will replace the current and mostly manual billing, reconciliation and settlement process to make it fast, easy and inexpensive to transact non-airline provided travel services electronically.

Travel Ledger CEO Roberto Da Re said: “After the initial development phase we are looking forward to WTM London and Travel Forward where we will be engaging with travel companies globally to raise awareness about the project and encourage companies to get involved with the continuing development effort, in preparation for the platform launch in 2019.”

Another payment method making its debut is consumer-focused Fly Now Pay Later, which describes itself as ‘the hassle-free way to pay for travel’.

Last, but not least, WTM London is welcoming a number of new exhibitors from the world of sport, including Wembley National Stadium and Manchester City FC.

WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press, said: “With 170 new exhibitors -covering premier sporting venues, prime-location accommodation, new and established destinations and attractions, transport providers and technology innovators – this year’s WTM London and Travel Forward boasts the greatest collection so far of diverse travel and tourism organisations from across the globe under one roof at ExCeL in London.

“With new and existing exhibitors all waiting to do business with industry partners,
WTM London 2018 truly is THE event where Ideas Arrive.”

About World Travel Market
World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises six leading B2B events across four continents, generating more than $7bn of industry deals.The events are: WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. About 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating about £3.1 billion of travel industry contracts.

Basel (Switzerland) – October 31, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Baselworld presented its hotel partner programme today. A total of 40 hotels became partners of the world watch and jewellery show: 26 of the participating hotels are “Official Partners” and 14 of them are “Preferred Partners”. The participating hotels provide approximately two thirds of the hotel capacity in Basel and its surrounding area.

“We are very pleased to see that many hoteliers not only embraced but also contributed towards the success of this initiative. They have affirmed Baselworld’s importance, also for Basel as a city, and they want to contribute toward assuring the trade show’s long-term presence in Basel, which benefits both the city and its surrounding areas”, says Michel Loris-Melikoff, Managing Director Baselworld. Felix W. Hauser, President of Basel’s Hotelier Association, confirms: “The hotel partner programme was created in cooperation with Basel’s Hotelier Association. A large percentage of our members view the programme positively.”

The conditions apply for Baselworld 2019 and are retroactive for existing bookings. Accommodation at the listed hotels is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Prices are only guaranteed for bookings made directly with the hotel. All the information regarding the partners and the direct booking link with the most updated information can be found under: www.baselworld.com/hoteltravel/hotels

“Baselworld and the majority of Basel’s hotels have achieved a significant milestone that sustainably reduces lodging costs for the show’s exhibitors and visitors, while simultaneously establishing transparent conditions”, says Michel Loris-Melikoff.

The following hotels are “Preferred Partners” of Baselworld:
Les Trois Rois
Novotel Basel City
Krafft Hotel
Hotel Steigenberger Lörrach
Hotel Basel
Dorint an der Messe
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
Hotel Sorell Merian
Hotel Dreiländerbrücke
Hotel Victoria
Hotel Engel Liestal
GAIA Hotel
Hotel Landgasthof zum Ochsen
Hotel Metropol
Hotel Mühle
Courtyard by Marriot
Royal Hotel – Urban Living
Hotel du Commerce
Hotel Wettstein
Hotel ALFA
Der Teufelhof Basel
Ibis Styles Basel City
Hotel Stücki
Ibis Basel Bahnhof
Steinenschanze Stadthotel
Ibis Budget Basel City
Hotel Schweizerhof
Ibis Budget Pratteln
Bad Bubendorf Designhotel
Consum Residence by Krafft
Hotel Balade
Motel One
Hotel Landgasthof Riehen
Das Breite Hotel
Hotel Bildungszentrum 21
Hotel im Schlosspark
Hotel Maximilian
Hotel Baslertor
Hotel Restaurant Tivoli
Bad Ramsach Quellhotel

Participating hotels will profit from the following benefits from Baselworld:
– Recommendation to the exhibitors and visitors
– All partner hotels are listed on Baselworld’s website, along with information about direct reservations
– All partner hotels will be preferentially contacted by Baselworld for events, caterings, etc., also outside of the show
– Wherever possible, the hotels will receive assistance with services (e.g. shuttle service to and from the hotels)

Book your hotel in Basel, Switzerland and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Michel Loris-Melikoff emphasises that this initiative is ongoing. “If additional hotels would like to join this partnership, they are more than welcome to do so.”

Contact information:
Baselworld
Media Relations
Dr. Christian Jürgens
+41 58 206 22 64
agency@baselworld.com

Guilin (China) – October 29, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the People’s Government of Guilin, China held the 12th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook on 25-27 October 2018. This year’s edition – ‘The Future of Tourism: Road to 2030´, aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Digital advances provide opportunities to tourism in order to enhance inclusiveness, community empowerment and efficient resource management to achieve the SDGs. Yet to do so, we need to better understand where tourism is heading so we can adopt the adequate policies and business strategies.” said UNWTO Executive Director Shanzhong Zhu at the event.

International tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 6% in 2017 to reach a total of 323 million. Rapid economic growth in emerging economy markets, rising air connectivity, more affordable travel and enhanced visa facilitation continue to fuel tourism from within and outside the region. Asian destinations earned USD 390 billion in international tourism receipts in 2017, 29% of the global figure, a share that has steadily increased from 17% in 2000. China, the world´s top spender in international tourism and fourth largest destination, has been one of the main drivers behind this growth.

Dr. Ian Yeoman, travel and tourism futurologist, delivered the keynote speech on the future of tourism, highlighting the importance of societal behaviours towards a sustainable future and the distribution of wealth generated by tourism, as main drivers of change.

Furthermore, topics covered at the Forum included how digital advances and data can be used to support sustainable tourism for development. Presentations were made by Google, TripAdvisor, Vynn Capital, STR, the European Travel Commission as well as research and policymakers from across different countries in Asia and the Pacific. The Forum concluded by emphasising the need for transformation and seize the opportunities brought by innovation and technology to move sustainability to the next level.

The 12th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook drew more than 220 experts from 22 countries, among which representatives from National Tourism Administrations, National Tourism Organizations, tourism businesses and academics. With the longstanding collaboration of the Hong-Kong Polytechnic University, the Forum has become over the last 12 years a reference platform on global and regional tourism trends.

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

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – October 29, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Sunday the 28th October saw the World of Creoles celebrate their International Creole Day. From the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, to the Caribbean and even to New Orleans in Louisiana USA and Cabo Verde it is all proud Creoles who has the right to celebrate their identity and culture.

A question on this historic Creole Day is “Where does the International Creole Day come from?” An article posted by ARCHIPEL MEDIA on SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 October 28th: ​​INTERNATIONAL CREOLE DAY «BANNZIL KREYOL» says it all.

In 1979, an international conference of Creole studies bringing together linguists from around the world took place in Seychelles. Subsequently, in 1981, scientists whose mother tongue was Creole began to ask questions about methods that could promote the Creole language, after a symposium organized by the International Committee of Creole Studies, where the theme of reflection was: “Creole, creoles, continuity and creativity in the Creole world. ” On October 28, 1981, at the third conference, at the Old Port in Saint Lucia, the Creole speakers decided to join together to create a movement that took the name of: BANNZIL KREYOL. And it was decided to hold October 28 because this date had previously been retained by the Dominicans to celebrate a “Creole Day”. In 1982 the Seychelles government organized a Creole week, the same year the movement BANNZIL KREYOL wrote its founding texts in a quarterly bulletin. October 28, 1983 was the first day of BANNZIL KREYOL.

The first “International Creole Day” was celebrated in 1983, in a rather haphazard way. However, from year to year, the implementation of this day has improved and is, in some countries, the occasion of quite significant and interesting events. Since then, the day of October 28 is celebrated in all the countries of the Creole world. Many countries today are celebrating this day for a week, highlighting the highlight of the day on October 28th.
Seychelles is currently in the middle of its Festival Kreol 2018, a celebration that sits annually on the island’s calendar of National Events. Last Saturday it staged its Laserenad (Festival Parade) in Victoria, an event that continues to be the highlight of the Festival.

Next on the calendar of Creole Festivals are the ones of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion

Didier Robert, Regional President of Reunion opens an economic office of Reunion in Seychelles

Reunion Island is the only Indian Ocean Island opening economic offices in Member States of their Vanilla Islands Grouping. President Didier Robert, the Regional President of Reunion must be congratulated for working hard to open doors for the business community of Reunion and in so doing create employment for the Reunionais. This drive by Didier Robert is an example because Reunion products, their know how and also the promotion of Reunion Island as a tourism destination in its own right cannot just happen by itself. It is such endeavours where the island’s presence is seen and remains visible that Reunion can be relevant.

Reunion Island has inaugurated its regional antenna office of Seychelles, in Victoria. This is the fourth antenna office in the Indian Ocean which ensures a presence of Reunion in the countries of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). The Réunion Region office is located in an office on the third floor of the Espace Building in Ile du Port. Its role remains to facilitate the links between the Reunionais companies and the Seychellois actors, either in the public or private sector. The inauguration of the Seychelles office took place in the presence of Mr Vincent Meriton, Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, President Didier Robert, Regional President of the Réunion, and Mr Lionel Majesté-Larrouy, Ambassador of France to Seychelles. Also present were Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Barry Faure, ministers and members of the diplomatic corps. The installation of this antenna Réunion Region in Seychelles is within the framework of a program of European territorial cooperation – INTERREG V Indian Ocean. Among the objectives, the antenna will host Reunionais companies on a prospecting mission and who wish to set up or form partnerships in Seychelles. With the opening of its antenna in Seychelles, the community now covers the entire Indian Ocean Commission, because similar antennas were established in Madagascar, in Mauritius and in the Comoros.

Seychelles will prioritise local tourism players to stimulate growth?

Seychellois businesses in the field of tourism have been urging the Government of the Seychelles to efficiently identify and harness the tourism resources of the islands to create sustainable development for Seychelles. This call is not new, but recently the tourism industry players have been meeting leaders to put their case on the need to consolidate tourism, the industry that remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy. Meetings with VP Meriton by some, and with Heads of Government Authorities by others and even going as far as having recourse to the Judiciary by a company are all taking place with the aim of stimulating growth in the Seychelles Tourism Industry instead of stifling the industry that Seychelles and the Seychellois people so depend on. The 5-Room limit set for La Digue some years ago is being questioned as it is seen as an “economic strangulation” of establishments. The vertical integration regulation is seen as the blow now referred to as the “coup de grace” Seychellois entrepreneurs did not need over and above continuing rising costs in operation, shortage of staff and the bureaucracy that it entails to recruit foreign workers (one establishment citing up to a three months waiting period), and the waiting time for necessary authorisations for new developments even when the Authorities in Seychelles know that they should be on their knees to push for more local investments and also FDIs (Foreign Direct Investments).

Seychellois entrepreneurs in tourism such as Joe Albert and his son Guillaume, Kathy Mason and her son Alan, Mary Geers, Guy Savy of Bird Island, Gilbert Frichot and his partner Corola among others seem to have made the decision to task themselves with the commitment to continue to work for Seychelles to help prioritise the development of tourism in all its facets. In Seychelles today abandoned and untapped tourist sites, properties and facilities are not improving the different villages’ economy and help Seychellois build a future for themselves and grow the country’s economy. Other serious investments and investors in the Seychelles such as the Raffles Seychelles of Praslin, H-Hotel of Beau Vallon Mahe, Club Liberte Casino at Four Seasons Seychelles and Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resorts and Spa among others are seen as examples of marrying foreign participation in an industry that is the pillar of a country’s economy. They are working hard and are being innovative and pro-active, but know that Seychelles has but one tourism industry and it is together (private & public sector) that the islands will make the difference in the competitive world of tourism.

I was recently speaking within an interview on “improving facilities, opening tourism opportunities & relooking at the word facilitator when the island’s government is involved to ensure a better tourism management approach” and can say that I appreciate the seriousness of the situation on hand in Seychelles.

The tourism industry players ought never to be quite happy with the obstacles, with the lack of understanding by the facilitators, with limited infrastructure and below accepted level of services coming with today’s over the top rates, fees and licenses. The tourism industry players and their staff need to sit together to propose bold making and sound policy framework which will continue to make tourism THE essential component of the Seychelles development agenda.

Advocating a solid vibrant policy framework to reenergise the sector as mandated by the people who are always the first to feel the effects of any downward trend in the island’s tourism industry. It is this that is now needed by Seychelles for the development, management, regulation and marketing of sustainable tourism and tourism related services and for connected services.

Praslin and La Digue Islands has a need to seek to mobilise revenue collected by the state on their island’s Parks and Gardens to implement their development agenda. It is important they find innovative methods to be part of and to then fully exploit their island treasured resources to assist development of their island by their island. The same can be said for other business groups and associations. in the different parts of the main islands of Mahe.

It is time to challenge stakeholders in the tourism industry especially, and their district business committees to look to work more together to accomplish more to greatly help raise their island visibility and make the islands more relevant as tourism destinations. In so doing see the reflection of the contribution of their sector to national development will be better recognised.

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of over 160 hotels and resorts in 23 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, announced today that it has taken a stake in the Global Hotel Alliance, (GHA).

Minor Hotels have been longstanding members of the GHA since 2007, first entering with the Anantara brand. As the GHA will enter its 15th year in 2019, Minor Hotels took the opportunity to support the alliance which is currently investing in new CRM and shared technology to build on the success of the DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

Following this shareholder announcement, Dillip Rajakarier, Minor Hotels CEO will now join the GHA Board of Directors. The investment is worth a total of $3.2million, representing a 10% share of the Global Hotel Alliance.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor, commented: “Since joining the GHA in 2007, we have grown and developed our own brands and continue to acquire new ones, and membership of GHA fits well with our multi-brand strategy. GHA has consistently demonstrated the value of global customer reach and a strong CRM and loyalty programme for our hotels, and so we are delighted to be able to take our place as a shareholder in the business, with the opportunity to help guide its growth over the coming years.”

The 13 million DISCOVERY members will produce US$1.7 billion in room revenues in 2018, of which around US$125 million is from customers moving between our member brands. We plan to double those numbers in the next few years, as independent brands look to collaborate with each other to share the common challenge of competing with the ever-consolidating major brands and third party distribution providers.

About Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor currently with more than 160 hotels in operation. Minor Hotels passionately explores new possibilities in hospitality with a diverse portfolio of properties designed intelligently to appeal to different kinds of travellers, serving new passions as well as personal needs. Through our Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, M Collection, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Marriott and Minor International properties, Minor Hotels operates in 23 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America. In October 2018, Minor Hotel completed a tender offer which resulted in the acquisition of 94.1% of NH Hotel Group.

Book your Minor hotels in Bangkok and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

About Global Hotel Alliance
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, bringing together 33 brands with over 550 hotels in 77 countries. GHA uses a shared technology platform to drive incremental revenues and create cost savings for its member brands. GHA’s award-winning loyalty programme, DISCOVERY, provides 13 million members exclusive opportunities to immerse themselves in local culture wherever they travel. GHA’s hotel brands currently include: Alila, Anantara, Atura, AVANI, Corinthia, Discovery Destinations, Doyle, Elewana, GLO, Grace, JA Resorts, Kempinski, Leela, Lungarno, Marco Polo, Meritage, Meydan, Mysk, Niccolo, NUO, Oaks, Omni, Outrigger, Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL, QT, The Residence by Cenizaro, Rydges, Shaza, Thon, Tivoli, Ultratravel Collection and Viceroy.

Book your Global Hotel Alliance hotels in Bangkok and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Bangkok (Thailand) – November 1, 2018 – SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 recently held a rooftop party in Bangkok to celebrate its first anniversary. The hotel opened in October 2017 to become Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ first SureStay hotel in Asia.

The high-flying event gathered Best Western’s executive team and key industry partners to the hotel’s stunning rooftop, overlooking the Bangkok skyline. Guests, including leading travel agencies, corporate partners and members of the media, were able to enjoy drinks, snacks and networking in a stylish and social ambience, whilst soaking up panoramic views from the impressive top-floor pool deck and bar.

“SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 has become hugely popular with visitors to Bangkok since it opened its doors late last year. This is a fantastic new hotel that delivers world-class accommodation and amenities at an exceptionally reasonable price point. Our anniversary party was the perfect way to say ‘thank you’ to all our partners for contributing to the hotel’s success,” commented Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

SureStay Hotel Group® was first introduced by Best Western in late 2016, opening up new opportunities in the large yet relatively untapped premium economy and lower-midscale sectors. SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sukhumvit 2 elevates this unique concept with 85 contemporary rooms and a series of premium facilities, including the spectacular rooftop pool and bar.

Best Western will open two more SureStay hotels in Asia in the coming years, including the 108-room SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Shin Osaka and 68-room SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane.

About Best Western Hotels & 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 11 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®, 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