Category: Latest Travel News

Munich (Germany) – October 29, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Metasearch company expands customer services thanks to big data services from Munich. A novel approach forms base for lucrative additional revenue streams. To further enhance customer experience, KAYAK, one of the world’s leading travel search engines, is the first customer worldwide to apply the innovative technology of the German software start-up QUICKET. Primarily, the company from Munich provides KAYAK with information regarding seating and additional offers in over 23,000 aircraft from more than 400 airlines, which are fully integrated into the booking process. In this way, customers of the travel search engine can learn about their legroom, whether WiFi is available on their flight, how far the backrests recline and more.

Self-learning algorithms search the unique database which has been constructed, structured and optimized by the developers for years. On this basis, QUICKET can precisely display the seating configuration of an aircraft used on a specific route. The information is incorporated via the QUICKET application programming interface (API). KAYAK, in turn, can make the information available to customers via their portfolio of brands which includes KAYAK, momondo, Cheapflights, SWOODOO, checkfelix and Mundi. Outside of the classical GDSs, the wide range of accurate information about such a large number of airlines delivered by QUICKET is unique on the market.

“At KAYAK, we understand how important in-flight amenities are when choosing a flight. With QUICKET’s data-driven API, now when you search flights on KAYAK, customers can view the extra services that best match their needs,” says Matthias Keller, Chief Scientist at KAYAK. “We want to help take the guesswork out of what you get when you fly and QUICKET’s data helps us do that in a seamless way.”

Djois Franklin, co-founder and CEO of QUICKET, adds, “Every innovative technology needs open-minded pioneers that grasp opportunities as soon as they appear. We are therefore very happy that KAYAK has recognized and will exploit the potential of our services. In this way, KAYAK can offer the perfect decision-making tool to its customers for the booking of the ideal flight, while at the same time creating the basis for attractive additional revenues in a market environment characterized by increasing competition.”

About QUICKET (www.quicket.io)
QUICKET is a Munich-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, specialized on the supply of reliable data about airline extra services in the travel industry. The company implements technologies from the fields of big data, augmented reality, virtual reality and connected mobility and provides an API that enables QUICKET’s customers to flexibly obtain information for example on seating, WiFi, catering, luggage or priority boarding and present this information to end customers in a user-friendly form via numerous platforms. QUICKET was founded in 2012 by the former Microsoft manager Djois Franklin as well as Fred Finn, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most covered air miles. Employees of their international team have gained work experience for example at Travelport, Intel, IDEO, Mercedes-Benz, Facebook.

About Kayak.com
Our mission at KAYAK is to provide the world’s favorite travel planning tools. We operate a portfolio of brands including KAYAK, momondo, Cheapflights, SWOODOO, checkfelix, Mundi that together process over two billion consumer queries annually. KAYAK operates sites in more than 60 countries and territories and is an independently managed subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: BKNG).

Quicket GmbH
Leopoldstraße 244, D – 80807 Munich, Germany, info@quicket.io

Press:
Claasen Communication GmbH, Hindenburgstraße 2, D – 64665 Alsbach, Germany
Telephone 0049 – (0) 6257 – 6 87 81, Fax 0049 – (0) 6257 – 6 83 82, quicket@claasen.de

Bangkok (Thailand) – October 29, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Ministry of Science and Technology, with support from Mahidol University, N.C.C. International Events Co., Ltd. (NCCIE) the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB,) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA,) has formally announced that Thailand will host the RoboCup 2021in Bangkok in June 2021. The event is expected to firmly establish Thailand as the ASEAN’s robotics & automation leader.

Said Dr. Suvit Maesincee, Minister of Science and Technology: “RoboCup 2021 is a mega event with a direct link to one of Thailand 4.0’s target industries and the Thai government is pleased to support it, as will the Ministry of Science and Technology, TCEB and all other relevant government agencies. I would like to congratulate Mahidol University and N.C.C. International Events for successfully bidding to organize such a big international robot competition. The event will contribute to Thailand’s human-resource development, with Thais expected to bring their innovative robots on par with international standards, while also enabling an exchange of academic knowledge from foreign robotics experts to Thailand, creating opportunities for experience.”

NCCIE, the main organizer, has been largely instrumental in ensuring that the bid for RoboCup 2021 was won by Thailand. The company has successfully organized key events in the Kingdom over many years and has a team of established stalwarts who bring their considerable experience as well as expertise together in making sure that the coordination is smooth and harmonious. Mr. Sakchai Pattarapreechakul, Managing Director of N.C.C. International Events Co., Ltd. elaborated that: “RoboCup 2021 will be another mega event in Thailand thanks to the collaboration between the government, the private sector and a leading educational institute. All of us have leveraged our expertise and our network to ensure that RoboCup 2021 Bangkok, Thailand will be successful. It will also be a forum whereby entrepreneurs and academics in the fields of robotics, automation, industrial robots and service robots can meet.”

Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana, Executive Vice President of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), stated that: “The robotics industry will play a crucial role in driving Thai industries in line with the Thailand 4.0 strategy. Undeniably, the demand for industrial robots has already been growing significantly in the face of labor shortage and intensifying business competitions. The RoboCup 2021 will be a boost to the development of human resources for the robotics field, which supports the ARIPOLIS (the research and innovation hub of automation systems, robotics, and smart systems) in the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovations (EECI.”)

According to Assistant Professor Dr. Jackrit Suthakorn, Dean of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Engineering and the chair of the organizing committee for RoboCup 2021 Bangkok, Thailand: “The founding ambition is to ensure a robot soccer team will be able to beat the World Cup champion by 2050, based on rules set by FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association.) In pursuit of that goal, RoboCup has created several leagues that in turn build collaborative networks for the exchange of academic robotics knowledge among educational and research institutes across the world. The competition now attracts more than 3,000 participants from 45 countries annually to its two main categories: the RoboCup Junior League, which is for contestants aged no more than 19 years and the RoboCup Major League, which is for contestants aged 19 and above.”

The RoboCup Federation has chosen Thailand as the host of RoboCup 2021 because of the country’s potential; the Kingdom hosted the RoboCup Asia-Pacific earlier in December 2017, which saw more than 1,500 contestants from 14 nations across the world. Moreover, Thailand has been a regular participant in the RoboCup competitions, winning several awards from the RoboCup Federation. “RoboCup 2021 also promises to provide guidelines on how to efficiently integrate robotics to manufacturing, tourism, agricultural, service, medical, education and entertainment industries,” added Suthakorn.

Mrs. Supawan Teerarat, Vice President, Strategic and Business Development, TCEB, was of the opinion that mega or world-class events rank among economic drivers that deliver tangible benefits. “With regard to RoboCup 2021, we have worked with Mahidol University and N.C.C. International Events in bidding for the right to organize this mega event in Thailand and we have integrated collaboration from all relevant government agencies in support of the event. The event will be a boost not just for industries related to smart devices, robots, and automation for Thailand 4.0’s new economy goal, but also to the tourism industry, since general tourists as well as experts in the field of robotics and automation are expected to visit,” she stated.

“We are determined to organize more events for robotics and automation in the future. We intend to hold such events on a regular basis so as to make Thais’ robotics abilities internationally recognized and present Thailand as ASEAN’s robotics leader,” concluded NCCIE’s Pattarapreechakul.

For more information, please contact N.C.C. International Events at 0 2229 3353 or email napat.mi@qsncc.com or visit our website at www.nccthailand.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – October 25, 2018 (travelindex) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is strengthening its organization by paying attention 360-degree style, which allows employees and staff to introduce new ideas. This approach will help to foster good governance among to state-owned enterprises.

The TAT 360 activity invites TAT staff and personnel to share new ideas in Corporate Governance (CG), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Innovation through its Facebook Fanpage: TAT CG & CSR. The best of these ideas will be selected to add to the development of the organization in various fields and to enhance Thailand’s tourism marketing communications in the future.

The TAT expects that promoting greater staff participation will improve communication between the various sections of the organization, and thus help it to become a leading state enterprise.

In the future, the TAT plans to introduce more activities aimed at both developing the organization in various areas and also promoting domestic tourism.

See more details at www.tourismthailand.org/tatcgcsr or Facebook Fanpage: TAT CG & CSR.

Macau (Macao SAR) – October 25, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Global Tourism Economy Forum Macao 2018 (GTEF or the Forum) concluded today after a two-day program of fruitful exchanges and discussions, business matching, presentations and exhibition. A closing ceremony was held at MGM Cotai.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, and Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, were among the dignitaries present at the closing ceremony today.

Delivering a high-level international platform

Under the theme “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”, the 7th edition of GTEF examined the impact of strategic tourism cooperation between China and the European Union (EU) in the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year, and explored the myriad of opportunities brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development.

Fully delivering a high-level platform for international tourism exchange and cooperation, GTEF 2018 successfully gathered over 2,000 ministerial officials of tourism and related fields, industry leaders, experts, scholars and participants from across the globe in the two-day program, including delegations from the 28 member states of the EU as GTEF 2018 Partner Region, and Guangdong Province as GTEF 2018 Featured Partner Chinese Province, for a series of profound discussions and sharing of insightful perspectives.

An array of memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed between different entities during the Forum to consolidate their partnerships, while about 200 enterprises and organizations from different sectors across different countries and regions including China and member states of the EU engaged in business matching to unfold deeper cooperation and exchange.

Over 120 journalists from international and local media attended and covered the two-day event. Travelindex (this site) was represented by its Founder, Mr. Bernard A. Metzger, guaranteeing the Global Tourism Economy Forum GTEF 2018 will get worldwide attention and visibility. From Korea, the second source market for Macao after China, Mr. JP Sho, Founder of Travel Press, Korea’s No. 1 travel publication.

Building Strategic Partnership for a Shared Future

In his closing remarks, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, highlighted the fruitful harvest of the Forum in this edition.

He stated, “As a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Macao boasts cultural and tourism advantages given by our unique history and governing system. Capitalizing on these strengths, we shoulder the mission to push forward tourism cooperation and cultural exchange on a global scale, and expand the spectrum of national collaboration with other countries and regions.”

He continued, “The Belt and Road Initiative advocated by our President Xi Jinping holds the key to a new horizon of opportunities for global tourism and economic development. At the same time, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is steadily developing into China’s most vibrant region which demonstrates the strongest economic dynamic. Against such backdrop, Macao is a member of the China Maritime Silk Road Tourism Promotion Alliance and the Tourism Federation of Cities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Bay Area. We are dedicated to building extensive connectivity for tourism and economic cooperation between China and EU member states, while fostering fruitful exchange and expanding new possibilities for innovative partnerships, products and services in the making.”

To conclude, he expressed that since the inaugural edition, the Forum has thoroughly embraced the spirit of “collaboration and mutual success, openness and inclusiveness”. In the days ahead, the Forum will pour a greater effort to build new avenues and bridges among countries and regions, and facilitate collaborative partnerships between the public and private sectors in the field of tourism, as all join hands to build “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”.

In her concluding remarks, Vice Chairman and Secretary‐General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, expressed, “The Global Tourism Economy Research Centre created GTEF to bring people together and create opportunities for cooperation through travel and tourism. Seven years later today, GTEF’s intended function as a Virtual Bridge has achieved unprecedented results in this 2018 edition. One of the most crucial factors in strategic partnership is timing. Being able to seize the moment and align with a partner who strives for common goals and shared responsibility is what makes a partnership strategic. The opportune moment is now. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the EU-China Strategic Partnership, 2018 China-EU Tourism Year, the imminent launch of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan.”

She added, “In the last two days, GTEF welcomed over 2,000 participants from 42 countries, including the EU member countries and Guangdong Province. It has held over 200 business matching sessions. GTEF has also elevated its alliances with its strategic partners: UNWTO and GTERC have renewed its collaboration in the joint Asia Tourism Trends research report after five years of success collaboration. WTTC has leveraged GTEF’s influence to hold its half-day Asia Leader Forum before GTEF. GTEF 2018’s Partner Region, the European Union has also selected GTEF to hold its PET Conference. Last but not least, a total of five provincial federations signed Memorandum of Understanding with GTERC for future collaboration. GTEF’s supporting unit, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representing the entire private sector in China, brought a delegation of 270 members and vice chairmen of 14 of its provincial federations to GTEF 2018.”

Asia Tourism Trends research report explores Greater Bay Area potential

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC) delivered their fifth joint research report on Asia Tourism Trends during the Forum. A collaboration of UNWTO and GTERC, the report enabled delegates to gain an insight into the latest tourism outlook of the Asia-Pacific region, a statistical analysis of Chinese Outbound Tourism to Europe and European Union Outbound Tourism to China, as well as the development potential and opportunities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In this 7th edition, the Forum not only featured its signature discussion panels once again in cooperation with its major collaborative partner UNWTO and supporting units including Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), but also presented new panels in cooperation with other entities including All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), European Tourism Association (ETOA), The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA), The Macau Chinese Enterprise Association, and Greater Bay Area Youth Federation. Several Special Keynotes and a Special Keynote Interview were also featured as new highlights in the programme.

GTEF 2019 presents Brazil and Argentina as Partner Countries and Jiangsu as Featured Partner Chinese Province

Before drawing the curtain on this edition, the Forum unveiled GTEF 2019 Partner Countries and Featured Partner Chinese Province to delegates. GTEF 2019 will feature Brazil and Argentina as Partner Countries. Secretary of Coordination and Tourism Investments of National Tourism Ministry of Argentina, Sebastián Slobayen, and Chief of the Special Advisory for International Relations of the Ministry of Tourism of Brazil, Rafael Luisi, each presented an overview of their countries’ tourism and economic situation. 2019 is the year to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. GTEF is committed to deepening tourism collaboration between China and Latin American countries, building on the achievements in the fourth edition when GTEF featured the Pacific Alliance member countries (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) as Partner Countries and unlocked cooperation opportunities between China and these countries. Furthermore, GTEF 2019 Featured Partner Chinese Province, Jiangsu Province, gave a fascinating presentation about its cultural and tourism strengths as one of China’s most economically competitive provinces. The presentation was delivered by Deputy Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Jiangsu Province, Chen Fen.

The 8th edition of GTEF will be held in Macao in 2019. Based on the experience of the last seven editions, the Forum is poised to innovate on its programme and format, and help delegates to forge wider tourism cooperation across industries, sectors and regions through the international exchange platform.

The Global Tourism Economy Forum is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), initiated and co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and European Travel Commission (ETC).

About Global Tourism Economy Forum
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and European Travel Commission (ETC).

Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 8,000 participants from 83 countries and regions, including delegations from 106 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 437 internationally renowned speakers.

For more information, please contact Mazarine Asia Pacific:
Ms. Anita Yu
Tel: +853 8296 3608
Email: anita.yu@mazarineap.com

Macau (Macao SAR) – October 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The seventh edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF or the Forum) was unveiled today (23 October). A grand welcome dinner was hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government at Wynn Palace tonight to welcome delegates from near and afar, and convey the best wishes to the Forum for a great success to inspire closer tourism cooperation across the globe with innovative insights.

The dinner was attended by over 1,000 Forum delegates. The dignitaries include Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Forum Chairman of GTEF, Ho Hau Wah; Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and Honorary Chairman of GTEF, Gao Yunlong; Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Yao Jian; member of the leadership of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Yu Qun; Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, Xu Ruisheng; Counsellor and Head of Trade Section, European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, Eva Valle Lagares, and 28 representatives of the European Union (EU) delegation, among other guests.

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Executive Chairman of GTEF, Alexis Tam, highlighted in his welcome remarks, “Arriving at our seventh edition, GTEF is still a young but vigorous aspirer setting eyes on the horizon ahead. With a different designated theme each year, we have been engaging in fruitful exchanges to steer the global tourism economy towards a sustainable future. 2018 is celebrated as the EU-China Tourism Year. It is also a pivotal year for our nation to map out the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

He continued, “With the guidance and support of the Chinese Central Government, the Macao Special Administrative Region stands strong to become a world centre for tourism and leisure, uniquely connecting the world as a bridge between the east and west. Last year, Macao successfully joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy. Together with our UNESCO-inscribed Historic Centre of Macao, we want to show the world that our city’s portfolio mirrors not only a rich trove of cultural heritage, but also an innovative and creative future. We strive to contribute as one of China’s windows for fostering international collaboration and concerted development with multilateral success.”

At the dinner, souvenirs were presented to representatives of the European Union (EU) as GTEF 2018 Partner Region and Guangdong Province as GTEF 2018 Featured Partner Chinese Province, as well as GTEF’s collaborative partner, supporting units and sponsors in token of appreciation for their support. International and local guests took the opportunity to connect and build friendships with each other during the dinner.

As a high-level exchange platform hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, the 7th edition of Global Tourism Economy Forum unfolds a series of thought-provoking discussions and panel sessions under the theme “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”. The Forum will continue tomorrow (24 October) with its Day 2 program, including two Special Keynotes on “Tourism Development in Greater Bay Area” and “Building a Travel Ecosystem and a New Lifestyle”; several discussion panels themed as “Greater Bay Area Session Part I – China Enterprises Perspective” in cooperation with All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC); “Greater Bay Area Session Part II – Macao Perspective” in cooperation with The Macau Chinese Enterprise Association; and “Technology – The Virtual Bridge” in cooperation with Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

There are also an array of concurrent sessions namely Youth Leaders Roundtable Meeting in cooperation with Greater Bay Area Youth Federation, “China Outbound Tourism” in cooperation with Ivy Alliance, “Gastronomy, Creativity, Tourism” in cooperation with UNESCO, Trade and Business Presentation, and PET Conference in cooperation with European Tourism Association (ETOA) and The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA).

About Global Tourism Economy Forum
The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF) is hosted by the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government, in collaboration with World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), co-organized by the China Chamber of Tourism under the authorization of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) and coordinated by Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC). GTEF’s supporting units include the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) and European Travel Commission (ETC).

Since its inception in 2012, GTEF has successfully established itself as an influential high-level cooperation platform to promote sustainable development in the global tourism industry with a focus on China. To date, GTEF had received more than 8,000 participants from 83 countries and regions, including delegations from 106 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 437 internationally renowned speakers.

For enquiries, please contact Mazarine Asia Pacific:
Ms. Anita Yu
Tel: +853 8296 3608
Email: anita.yu@mazarineap.com

Singapore (Singapore) – October 25, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Worldwide Hotels was officially launched in Singapore, marking the consolidation of V Hotel, Hotel Boss, Hotel Mi, Value Hotel, Venue Hotel and Hotel 81 under one group. The launch event at Suntec City Convention Centre was attended by over 300 guests, as well as guest of honour, K Shanmugam, Singapore’s minister for home affairs and minister for law.

In celebration of the occasion, which commemorated the group’s 25th anniversary as well, Worldwide Hotels-Choo Chong Ngen Foundation donated S$2 million (US$1.4 million) to the Institute of Technical Education and S$50,000 to Chong Pang CCC Community Development and Welfare Fund in support of providing assistance to students from lower income families.

The consolidation is said to give Singapore its “largest homegrown tourist class hotel group”. Worldwide Hotels also plans to expand beyond the lion city, from its current overseas portfolio of eight properties.

In Singapore, Worldwide Hotels owns and manages all of its properties here spanning 38 properties and over 6,500 rooms, across the six brands. Beyond its home ground, Worldwide Hotels continues to expand its presence and has acquired properties around the world.

Ms Carolyn Choo, Managing Director of Worldwide Hotels Group says, “The consolidation of our brands under Worldwide Hotels marks a transition for us as we celebrate our 25th year. This sets our intention to expand worldwide, in line with the next phase of the group’s long-term growth. Worldwide Hotels strives to be a significant player in the global hospitality scene.”

With the first hotel established in 1993 by Group Chairman Mr Choo Chong Ngen, Worldwide Hotels has been steadily growing its portfolio and is rapidly expanding overseas with over 8 properties around Asia Pacific. More developments are in the pipeline as the Group continues to grow its footprint at home and beyond.

Worldwide Hotels will be celebrating its launch in conjunction with the group’s 25th anniversary in October 2018.

About Worldwide Hotels Group
Worldwide Hotels is the largest homegrown tourist class hotel group in Singapore. We currently own and manage all of our properties in Singapore. With the first hotel established in 1993, we have grown from one to six hotel brands spanning 38 properties and over 6,500 rooms. Worldwide Hotels offers a full range of hotel experiences, ensuring guests will always find a brand that will suit their needs. Guests can choose from six hotel brands including Hotel 81, Value Hotel, Venue Hotel, V Hotel, Hotel Boss, and Hotel Mi, each with its own distinct personality and concept.

Worldwide Hotels continues to expand its presence and with the recent acquisition of 8 hotels in Asia Pacific, we are rapidly expanding our international footprint. Our vision is to be the leading Singapore hotel group worldwide.

Book your hotel in Singapore and around the world in 55 countries at best rates available. Earn HolidayClick Points and pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com!

Macau (Macao SAR) – October 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Sam Smith performed two powerfully soulful, yet incredibly uplifting concerts in Macau inside the MGM Theater of MGM Cotai on Friday and Saturday nights. His blend of heartbreaking ballads and upbeat songs resonated with concert-goers who enjoyed an up-close and personal experience with Smith inside Asia’s first dynamic theater. His moving performance surpassed all expectations with The Thrill of it All.

Smith sang his hugely popular hits: “I’m Not the Only One”; “Too Good at Goodbyes”; “Lay Me Down”; his Grammy Award-winning song, “Stay With Me”; an acoustic version of “Latch”; the James Bond Spectre theme song “Writing’s on the Wall”; “Restart” and “I Sing Because I’m Happy”. He also performed a number of recent, uplifting songs such as “Omen” and “Promises” which were very well-received.

“We were thrilled to have Sam Smith to choose to perform in our new MGM Theater at MGM Cotai,” Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited said. “He has masterfully delivered two powerful performances that were so emotional and uplifting, he moved everyone in the theater.”

Smith came to Macau as part of The Thrill of it All tour to nine cities all across Asia. Since the release of The Thrill of it All in November last year, it hit the top of the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. The album’s lead single, Too Good at Goodbyes, reached number one in the UK and Australia, and became Smith’s sixth UK number one single.

In October 2012, Smith catapulted to fame when he was featured on Disclosure’s single, “Latch”. Two years later, he released his debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour, featuring “Stay with Me” which went on to become an international sensation, reaching number one in the UK and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2015, Smith garnered many prestigious accolades, winning four Grammy Awards; a Golden Globe Award and an Academy award for the Spectre theme song, “Writing’s on the Wall”; two accolades from the 2015 Brit Awards and three award wins from the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.

MGM Theater is Asia’s first dynamic theater designed by Scéno Plus, a leading performing arts and entertainment design firm. It is immersive, flexible and its agility allows the hosting of concerts, shows, corporate events and more. MGM Theater seats up to 2,000 people in more than 10 spectacular configurations. It is also the world’s first theater to feature a GALA revolving seating system in a 360-degree format surrounding stage. At a flick of a switch, this innovative seating system can be customized for the needs of any event, and within minutes, the theater can be transformed from an intimate dinner setting into a full-blown concert hall.

About MGM Cotai
MGM Cotai is the latest addition to the MGM portfolio in China. Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, it offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience. MGM COTAI also offers Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in the resort. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM Cotai is the largest property and the first mega-size complex project in Macau to achieve the China Green Building Design Label Three-Star Certification.

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!

Ha Long Bay (Vietnam) – October 24, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts announced today the signing of an impressive new upscale hotel overlooking Ha Long Bay, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam. Developed by Doji Land Real Estate Investment Company Limited, the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a spectacular new 31-story project that is currently rising in the heart of Ha Long City’s hotel district. It will feature more than 1,000 spacious guestrooms, outstanding business and leisure facilities and panoramic views of the bay. The hotel is scheduled to open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2020.

“Best Western is excited to announce the signing of the Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, as this hotel reflects our brand’s commitment to bringing world-class hospitality to Asia’s most attractive destinations,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to providing travelers visiting the historically-rich and captivating coast of Ha Long Bay with the elevated style and luxurious amenities that are signatures of our Best Western Premier® brand.”

Upon opening, this exceptional hotel will feature 1,008 residential-style rooms with a minimum size of 35 square meters and a choice of one or two bedrooms. Each unit will feature contemporary décor, a private balcony and modern technology, including complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests will be able to unwind with a full range of facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, business center, executive lounge and retail outlets, all supported by Best Western’s impressive service standards. A diverse collection of dining and entertainment options will feature a bright all-day restaurant, a chic specialty restaurant, a coffee shop, beer bar, cigar lounge and wine bar.

“Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long is a fantastic new hotel that provides international accommodation in an unsurpassed location, in the heart of one of the world’s most desirable destinations. As a globally recognized World Heritage site and one of the ‘New7Wonders of Nature,’ Ha Long Bay is the jewel in Vietnam’s tourism crown. Our wonderful new waterfront hotel will perfectly showcase this breathtaking landscape,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

“This landmark signing is a wonderful example of how Best Western’s portfolio is evolving in Asia Pacific. As a fully managed property, Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long will benefit from our company’s 70-plus years of hospitality expertise and extensive global support network. Sleek, stylish and spacious, this landmark hotel will combine seamless stays with stunning views. We look forward to working with Doji Land to bring their vision to life, and to welcoming our first guests to Ha Long Bay in 2020,” Olivier added.

Nestled in Quang Ninh province, northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay features approximately 2,000 islets and limestone karsts, jutting out from the water in a variety of dramatic shapes and sizes. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor adventure and recreation, including boat tours, cave exploration and kayaking.

Quang Ninh welcomed 7.5 million visitors in the first half of 2018, including 2.5 million international travelers, which marked a 14 percent year-on-year increase. This number is likely to rise significantly in future as Ha Long Bay becomes more accessible than ever before. The recent opening of a new highway has slashed the traveling time from Hanoi down to just two hours, and the new Van Don International Airport is slated to start operating in late 2018, just 50km from Ha Long City.

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long marks the latest phase of Best Western’s Vietnamese expansion strategy, following the recent signings of hotels and resorts in Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc and Quang Binh.

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 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

Macao (Macao SAR) – October 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in partnership with the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), presented its Asia Tourism Trends Report today at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macao (China). The report shows Asia and the Pacific outperforming all world regions in growth in international arrivals since 2005.

UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends – 2018, shows that international tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 6% in 2017 to reach 323 million, around a quarter of the world’s total. Of all world regions, Asia and the Pacific, the second-most visited after Europe, has grown the fastest in international tourist arrivals since 2005. Arrivals increased an average of 6% per year, above the world average of 4%.

Rapid economic growth in a region with over half the world’s population, coupled with rising air connectivity, travel facilitation and large infrastructure projects, have boosted international travel in the region. This has had a large impact on Asian destinations’ tourism earnings, which have steadily increased from 17% of the world total in 2000 to 29% in 2017. This is equivalent to US$ 390 billion in tourism receipts.

Asia and the Pacific plays a vital role as a source market as well, fuelling much growth in both regional and long-haul destinations. The region produced 335 million international travellers spending US$ 502 billion in 2017, 37% of the world total. Around 80% of these visits were concentrated in Asia destinations. Outside the region, 56% of the long-haul trips were to Europe.

EU-China Tourism Year

To celebrate the EU-China Tourism Year 2018, the report looks at international tourism between China, the largest economy in Asia, and the block of 28 European Union (EU) countries.

It finds that 5.7 million Chinese tourists travelled to Europe in 2016, of which 3.5 million went to the EU. In reverse, 5.5 million Europeans travelled to China in 2016, 3.1 million of whom from EU countries.

China’s Greater Bay Area – a major outbound area

The last chapter of ‘UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends – 2018’ provides an insight into the Greater Bay Area of China, a project to create a large socio-economic zone and tourism area comprising the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province. According to the report, the Greater Bay Area is China’s fastest-growing tourism region and the Pearl River Delta home to several cities with high tourism development including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Foshan.

Useful link:
UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends – 2018 Edition

Macao (Macao SAR) – October 24, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) convened its Asia Leaders Forum in Macao, SAR, in which 150 CEOs, government representatives and regional leaders assembled to discuss critical issues facing the region’s travel sector. The agenda was packed with all the big issues: sustainable tourism, airport biometrics, emerging traveller trends, and even a bridge.

Here are the highlights:

1. By 2020, Macau will be the richest place on Earth
A historical overview of Macau’s tourism sector was provided by Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macau Government Tourism Office. Once a merchant port, Macau was never truly competitive in the manufacturing sector and so turned to tourism as an alternative path to development. Once gaming was liberalised in 2004, tourism began to boom and now nearly half of all jobs in Macau are in the sector. Hotel rooms have also grown exponentially from 9,500 in 1999 to 39,000 last year. All of this growth and prosperity means that by 2020, Macau is expected to overtake Qatar as the richest place on Earth.

2. In Asia, 120,000 people relocate to the city everyday
Glenn Maguire, Principal Asia-Pacific Economist, Visa, enlightened the Forum on emerging trends in Asia. He reports that everyday in Asia, 11,000 people are added to the labour force; 1,000 industrial robots added to productive capacity; 120,000 people move from rural areas to live in cities; 372,000 people access the internet for the very first time; and 353,000 join a new social network.

3. Visible trends are stimulating travel patterns, including Game of Thrones
We are increasingly influenced by trends when we select our next holiday destination. Glenn Maguire announced that the next big travel destination, according to forecasts, is Girona, Catalonia, featured in HBO epic Game of Thrones as the fantastical and fictional city of King’s Landing. As a result of this feature, Girona has experienced high levels of growth as a travel destination, attracted high volumes of tourist arrivals, and had these growth rates sustained across four consecutive quarters.

4. Chinese cities dominate in new WTTC Cities Report
WTTC’s Cities Report 2018 was launched at the Forum, analysing the economic impact of Travel & Tourism on 72 cities worldwide. Of particular note, the Report showcases the dominance of Chinese cities in the sector. Four of the five fastest growing cities over the past ten years are located in China: Chongqing, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. In fact, Shanghai is ranked as the largest city by volume in 2017, and by 2027 is expected to be double the size of Paris in terms of sector contribution to GDP.

5. Millennials target ‘daring’ destinations
It was revealed that as younger people continue to spend more of their money on experiences rather than goods, travel habits have become increasingly spontaneous, meaning more last-minute short-haul trips. Further, James Riley, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, shared that millennials are generally not targeting luxury brands when they travel, instead opting for ‘more daring’ destinations and set-ups. Anita Mediratta, Founder & President, CACHET Consulting, added that millennial isn’t a demographic but a mindset that tourists of all ages can adopt, meaning that millennial travel trends are not necessarily confined to younger generations.

6. World’s largest sea crossing opens in Macau
Hosted on the eve of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge’s opening, the Asia Leaders Forum became a platform on which to discuss the bridge’s completion and opportunities. James Tong, Director of Public Affairs, John Swire & Sons, detailed the decade-long journey of making the case for a bridge and then constructing it. The Bridge is now the world’s largest sea crossing stretching 39km (55 miles). Tong described it not only as ‘an important piece of infrastructure’ but also a ‘commercial and social initiative’ that will connect 100 million people in the Greater Bay Area and enrich the region.

7. Could airport technology spell the end of passports?
Biometrics has become a huge topic of discussion in Travel & Tourism, with airports, governments, travel and tech companies across the globe investing in new methods of processing passengers. Jane Sun, CEO, Ctrip, presented a framework for how the traveller journey could be streamlined so that formal documentation is no longer needed for passengers to get from A to B.

8. Sustainability means more standard-setting for Travel & Tourism companies
WTTC’s Buenos Aires Declaration, now with 107 CEO signatories, commits the Travel & Tourism sector to ending illegal wildlife trade. One of those signatories, Hamish Keith, CEO, Exo Travel, advocated that the sector go beyond this Declaration to cut illegal wildlife trade out of supply chains and engage in more standard-setting so that sustainability is at the centre of everything each travel company and authority does.

9. Ctrip sets out global standards for traveller safety
Jane Sun, CEO, Ctrip, outlined a plethora of ways that travel companies can assist their customers during crises, ensuring that they are prepared for and can manage emergencies. Sun detailed how important translation services, emergency transfers, and medical provisions are to tourists in crises. Companies also play a role in reissuing misplaced documents and recovering lost items.

About World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the body which represents the Travel & Tourism private sector globally. Members consist of CEOs of the world’s Travel & Tourism companies, destinations, and industry organisations engaging with Travel & Tourism. WTTC has a history of 25 years of research to quantify the economic impact of T&T in 185 countries. Travel & Tourism is a key driver for investment and economic growth globally. The sector contributes US$8.3 trillion or 10.4% of global GDP, and accounts for 313 million jobs or one in ten of all jobs on the planet. For over 25 years, WTTC has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world’s leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses, who bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making and raise awareness of the importance of the sector. WTTC’s annual Global Summit brings together over 800 delegates to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry, while its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the industry’s power to be a positive force in sustainability.

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