Category: Latest Travel News

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – June 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Seychelles became an independent republic within the Commonwealth on June 29, 1976. The newly knighted Sir James Mancham became the country’s first President, with Albert René as Prime Minister. The independence negotiations with Great Britain also restored the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches, which had been transferred from Seychelles in November 1965 to form part of the new British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), to Seychelles upon independence.

Air Seychelles confirms the appointment of Charles Johnstone

In our Saint Ange Tourism Report edition #21 of the 28th May, we announced the appointment of US Citizen Charles Johnson as the new Chief Commercial Officer for Air Seychelles. Extract of the article:- “Finally, it has now transpired that following the series of redundancies implemented by the Seychelles National Airline, the post of Chief Commercial Officer, previously occupied by Seychellois, will now be filled effective 1st June by a US Citizen, Charles Johnson from the budget airline, Hong Kong Express. This is reported in aviation tips and yet in Seychelles the news is yet to be made public”.

Today it is official and Air Seychelles has confirmed the appointment. Staff at Air Seychelles and some from the local printed newspapers had been in touch with us ever since the article appeared on the 28th May to see if the appointment of Charles Johnson was true.

Coco de Mer will be exported – Any direct benefit for the Praslinois?

Seychelles will start re-exporting the coco de mer kernel after confirming that the licensed exporters will ‘develop value added ideas’ to the unique Seychelles product. In September 2014 many questioned the idea of making Praslin and the Praslinois benefit from their own national treasure. Do we need to only export the kernel or should we maximise the usage of what is agreed to be exported? After the 2014 Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta, many agreed that Seychelles needed to firstly, plant more of its unique national treasure, and secondly, the kernel of the nut destined for export should be processed here in Seychelles and preferably on Praslin Island itself. The Seychelles News Agency carried a Headline to one of its articles as:- “A taste of the forbidden fruit – Seychelles coco de mer at the centre of Praslin’s first culinary and arts fiesta” .

Everyone wants to protect the unique Coco de Mer of Seychelles and the protection cannot be through exportation. It was suggested in 2014 that a Cooporative to process the coco de mer kernel needed to be set up on Praslin with the accredited exporters and Praslin residents.

The Cooporative should be the only institution licensed to trade in this protected nut and it could develop products that could benefit the tourism industry of Praslin and even export where possible with the numbered official label ‘Seychelles Coco de Mer’. Ice cream could be a product that would be sought after as well as other products such as biscuits, bread etc.

This would provide employment to Praslinois and develop a trade that will keep Praslin visible. The coco de mer powder, flakes and oil that can today be purchased online could also be done in that same Cooporative on Praslin.

The quota of these endangered nuts allocated for export should instead be transferred to the Praslin coco de mer Cooporative. This unique nut is for Seychelles and our islands should be the only ones exploiting it for the benefit of the Seychellois and Seychelles.

Copolia Nature Trail

The Tourism Board of Seychelles and the Ministry responsible for Tourism recently published a walks and trail brochure encouraging visitors to Seychelles to discover more of the islands. But are we ready for such a drive that will see more visitors on our trails and walks?

The Copolia Trail has become more popular in recent years and many letters received complement this great unique selling point of Seychelles, but the letters also speak of the need to develop these attractions to suit what Seychelles says it is… an upmarket tourism destination with a yield from tourism that continues to make this industry the pillar of its economy.

One of the many proposals being aired, is the need for a small welcome centre, where the security officers on duty have a cover over their heads when it rains, and a toilet facility instead of seeing visitors caught reluctantly having to hide behind trees for a needed relief. The welcome centre shed could also have a framed poster of the walk and the various attractions that can be found along the way.

The start of this Copolia Trail also has a spectacular viewing point, which can house adequate parking as well as photo opportunities.

These are but small concerns for a great outing that enhances a Seychelles holiday. The same can be said for the La Misere Road viewing spot and other such points of exceptional beauty where tourists and Seychellois gather to admire the natural beauty of Seychelles.

Appointed to the 13 Member Advisory Board

A thirteen member Advisory Board has been appointed for the non-profit organisation “Helping Needy Welfare Society of India” and I was honoured this month to have been named a member of that Board and appreciate the confidence being placed in me.

Working beyond one’s own border shows the respect and recognition by the world for one’s ability and seriousness.

In August 2014 as the then Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, I was decorated with the Mahatma Gandhi Samma Award at a ceremony at the Le Meriden at Connaught place in New Delhi by Dr Bhishma Narain Singh, a former cabinet Minister of the government of India and Governor of Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu who said as he presented the Mahatma Gandhi Award, that Indo-Seychelles relations have been characterised by close friendship, understanding and cooperation.

Turkish Airline now lands in Comoros via the Seychelles

Turkish Airlines has started flying to Moroni in the Comoros, via the Seychelles effective the 18th June. With no 5th ‘Freedom rights’ issued to Turkish Airline, means that if a Seychellois needed to get to Comoros, he cannot board the two hour or so flight going directly to Comoros, but will instead need to fly to Kenya to connect after a night in Nairobi.

The same for tourists wanting to use Seychelles as a base for a two or three island stop in the Vanilla Islands.

Air Seychelles is not flying to Comoros and we are still protecting what is not existing at the detriment of the Seychelles tourism industry and the interests of the people of Seychelles.

This is a reluctance by Seychelles to implement the Open Sky principle under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) which was signed earlier this year. The denial of this link with the Comoros is against the African Union (AU) resolution signed in Addis Ababa in January 2018 which aims to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism and create employment.

Seychelles gets its Assumption Island back

The timing of the announcement by President Danny Faure that he is not forwarding the proposition for the construction of the Indian Military Base of Assumption, came but weeks before the Seychelles Independence Celebrations.

The Seychelles Independence in 1976 was marked with the return of the islands of Aldabra, Farquhar and Desroches, which had been transferred from Seychelles in November 1965 to form part of the new British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).

Today, Seychelles are breathing a sigh of relief realising that the peaceful protest campaigns in Victoria, led by the committee under the chairmanship of Terry Sandapin, was heard by the National Assembly and they in turn said that the Assumption Deal was ‘dead’.

Phuket (Thailand) – June 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – International TV Host and celebrity Emcee (MC) Ms. Able Wanamakok has recently branched out into the coaching world as a public speaking coach.

With over a decade’s experience working as a News Presenter with National Broadcasting Thailand (NBT), hosting national TV shows such as ThailandLarge as well as international television networks such as Fashion One, Able launched ‘Find Your Voice Asia’ in February 2018 with the aim to help others to find their voice and more peace in their lives.

Working locally in Phuket, nationally within Thailand and internationally in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE and other parts of Asia, Able is a seasoned practitioner of public speaking. Her practical and effective guidance allows for her clients to cover a more holistic approach to public speaking, rather than theoretical elements of delivering a good presentation and speech.

Teaching children from the age of 7 all the way up to professionals such as teachers and executives in the corporate world, Able is happy and ready to help you to ‘Find Your Voice’ and to make you a more effective individual and a better leader.

Courses can be done physically in Phuket or online. To learn more about us, please visit www.FindYourVoice.Asia or email FindYourVoiceAsia@gmail.com to book your session.

With over a decade’s experience, Hong Kong-born, US raised Able Wanamakok is a media talent with the ability to work across a wide range of platforms, including TV Hosting, news presenting, MC’ing for any type of functions, script-writing, voice-over work and movies. She has recently launched her branch off from hosting into the life-coaching sector with www.FindYourVoice.Asia.

Contact her for your next event/video project, production or show in Asia, email: Able.FashionOne@gmail.com

Contact:
Able Wanamakok
TV Host/MC/Public Speaking Coach
Tel: 66 (0) 85 889 9930
Able.FashionOne@gmail.com
FindYourVoiceAsia@gmail.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – June 26, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Mrs. Nichapa Yoswee, Vice President of Business of TCEB said that “Meetings and Incentives (MI) sector is a significant contributor to Thailand’s MICE industry, generating approximately 50% of the industry’s total revenue. The recent statistics in the first-half of this fiscal year show that MI sector delivered the highest growth rate. Meeting sector (M) alone welcomed 150,849 business travellers, or 11.81% increased from the same period last year. Incentives sector (I) welcomed 176,005 business travellers representing 21.63% growth.

To elevate the MI sector, TCEB implements strategic plans for the year 2018 and 2019 that focus on building MICE Ecosystem to supporting all related factors, encourage target groups, and integrate works for mutual-benefit in three directions: Firstly, enhancing MI activities in targeted industries under Thailand 4.0 Policy. The idea is aimed at promoting the country’s key industrial sectors through meeting activities; Secondly, increasing meeting activities in MICE Cities and second tier MICE destinations such as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui in Surat Thani. The development of MICE resources in these cities helps to create jobs and raise revenue following the Thai government policy on income distribution and sustainable economic development; and thirdly, strengthening proficiencies of local MICE operators in the area of products and services development as well as marketing and sales capabilities. TCEB is tasked with responsibilities to create business and knowledge platforms for MICE entrepreneurs, stimulates demand and supports the development of supply that reflects the needs of MICE market.”

TIME 2018 is one of the highlight activities organised by TCEB’s Meetings and Incentives Department. The event creates business opportunities, enhance understanding and new perspectives, and updates market insights for MICE entrepreneurs. TCEB aims that TIME will encourage MICE operators and develop their capabilities to create creative marketing plans, response to the needs of customers, develop new marketing opportunities, create uniqueness, and add value to Thailand’s MICE industry. The first and the second editions of TIME focused on China and India markets respectively. For this year’s edition, the event is aimed at enhancing Long Haul markets in three continents which are Europe, North America, and Oceania. Recent statistics from TCEB shows that in the first two quarters of this fiscal year, there were 101,514 business travellers from these Long Haul markets which generated 7, 943 million baht in revenue to the Thai economy. The figures increased by 8.34% when compared to last year. In general, business travellers from Long Haul market tend to spend extra time for leisure after work and make repeat visits. Therefore, Long Haul markets are considered as a high-value market for MICE industry.

The three primary activities at TIME2018 are: 1) Knowledge Exchange, conducted on June 19 under a concept of ‘Element of Thailand’. This knowledge platform focuses on enhancing competitive capabilities and market insights. It helps participants to learn about the target markets including business environment and trends, politics, economics, tourism, policies, regulations, as well as key factors that influence customers’ decision on choosing meeting and incentive destination. 2) Business Exchange, this networking platform is also organised on June 19 in the style of ‘Social Club’. It allows 30 buyers from Long Haul markets to meet with Thai MICE operators in four different settings which reflect Thailand’s meeting destinations. These themed settings are: Beach – the theme demonstrates the ideal creative atmosphere of business meetings in Thailand’s beach resorts; Nature – the themes feature sustainable MICE events; Culture – the themes highlight the uniqueness of Thai culture; and City – the themes demonstrates Thailand’s MICE capabilities in major MICE Cities. And 3) Experience Exchange, this activity is a familiarisation trip organised under the theme ‘Global Exchange for Change’ during June 20-23 in Koh Samui, Surat Thani. It is aimed at showcasing Koh Samui’s capabilities in accommodating small and medium-sized MI groups with numbers of 50-100 delegates. It creates a direct experience and highlights a luxury theme to expand new marketing opportunities for the local operators. During the trip, participants will get a chance experience CSR and Team Building Activities. TCEB expects that this activity will generate more business opportunities for Koh Samui, principally from the premium MI markets. It is estimated that TIME 2018 will create a trade value of 170 million baht.

Mrs. Nichapa added, Besides TIME2018, TCEB is introducing a promotional campaign so-called ‘Meet by Design’ which is specially created to attract MI groups. Promotions include: Meet Now – facilitations and supports will be provided to MI group with a minimum attendance of 50 delegates and a minimum stay in Thailand for three nights, and Meet Smart – 100,000 baht support will be provided to MI group coming from five targeted industries under the Thailand 4.0 Policy. The eligible group must have a minimum attendance of 50 delegates and organise at least two full-day meetings at a venue certified Thailand MICE Venue Standard. Throughout this year, TCEB joins a series of leading exhibitions for Incentive travel and Meetings to promote Thailand MICE industry in Long Haul markets. The bureau creates Thailand Pavilion at the IMEX Frankfurt 2018, IMEX America 2018, and IBTM World 2018 in Spain. Furthermore, sales and marketing missions are conducted in major cities including Paris, Sydney, and Melbourne as well as cities in the midwestern United States namely Dallas, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

International corporations which conducted MI activities in Thailand this year include IT and Communications companies from Australia namely Beyond Trust with 100 delegates, Business Blueprint with 180 delegates, Autodesk Otx APAC with 700 delegates, and Vodaphone which conducted an incentive trip to Samui with 144 delegates. From Europe, Colt Technologies Services brought 160 delegates to Bangkok, and from USA, IBM AP Cloud Fast Start which organised its meeting in Bangkok with 1,100 delegates.

“Altogether, Thailand welcomed 547,623 business travellers generating revenue of 42,854 million baht in the first half of 2018 fiscal year. MI sector made the highest growth rate when compared to other sectors in MICE. There were 150, 849 business travellers from Meeting sector (M) which increased 4.95% over the same period year. This sector generated 14,574 million baht of revenue to the country. Meanwhile, Incentives travel (I) welcomed 176,005 delegates, or 21.63% increased when compared to last year. The sector generated an income of 10,282 million baht which increased 15.67%. With this growth performance, TCEB will continue to focus on integrating intensive marketing strategies to attract the MI markets throughout 2018 and 2019,” said Mrs. Nichapa.

TCEB expects that at the end of 2018 fiscal year, Thailand will welcome 1,327,000 business travellers with 124,000 million baht in revenue to the country. Of these figures, business travellers from MI sectors are expected to reach 569,000 with a growth rate of 7%. In overall, the Long Haul MICE market is expected to grow by 5%.

Phoenix, Arizona (United States) – June 20, 2018 (travelindex) – Launched in Fall 2015, BW Premier Collection by Best Western is one of Best Western Hotels and Resorts’ fastest-growing brands, comprised of an exclusive, carefully curated collection of upscale properties around the world. As part of the “Today’s Best Western” campaign, which launched earlier this year, BW Premier Collection by Best Western is featured in this month’s “Behind the Brands” series.

With 114* hotels and growing, the soft brand can be found welcoming travelers in prime destinations globally, including:

– Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in New Orleans, Louisiana
– Hotel L’Horset Opera, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Paris, France
– Mari Vila Hotel Bucharest, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Bucharest, Romania
– Hotel Syrene, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Capri, Italy
– The Hotel Nagasaki, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Nagasaki, Japan
– Hotel 115 Kew, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Melbourne, Australia
– Georgian Court Hotel, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Vancouver, British Columbia
– Amaranth Suvarnabhumi Airport, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Bangkok, Thailand
– BluPhere Pattaya, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Pattaya, Thailand

Eclectic and unique, BW Premier Collection by Best Western hotels create an atmosphere where creativity, worldliness and individual expression are blended into an experience that is illuminated by the true joy of travel. Each hotel’s original identity is preserved and is unmistakably tied to its locale, giving today’s travelers inspired and authentic experiences in beautiful destinations. In addition to the independent personality custom to each hotel, guests can enjoy the impeccable service and first-rate amenities that the BW Premier Collection by Best Western brand is known for:

– Luxurious guestrooms and suites
– On-site cocktail bars, dining experiences and award-winning breakfast options
– Premier, deluxe bath amenities
– Thoughtful and sophisticated design throughout

BW Premier Collection by Best Western is not only a world class option for travelers, but for independent hoteliers as well. The brand provides unprecedented flexibility, as a soft brand designed to help owners flourish without the often-strict brand guidelines of the industry. Hotels are encouraged to maintain their personalities in order to provide the authentic, local experiences today’s travelers crave. Hotels pay only for the business delivered to them by the brand, and gain access to the brand’s award-winning, $1.8 billion global reservation system and 35 million-member strong loyalty program, as well as near immediate access to Best Western’s revenue management systems, trade show and sales support, marketing programs and more.

“We are pleased with the overwhelming success our soft brand has received from leading independent hoteliers and today’s travelers,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The unmatched benefits of today’s Best Western combined with the exceptional, unique offerings of the hotels themselves, have earned BW Premier Collection by Best Western a prominent spot within our portfolio of brands.”

“As the brand continues to expand, we will remain focused on quality over quantity to ensure we offer only luxury hotels that epitomize the local flavor and personality of desirable destinations around the world,” continued Pohl.

Staying at BW Premier Collection by Best Western hotels is even more rewarding this summer, as Best Western Rewards® members will receive a $20 Best Western Travel Card® after their first stay completed now through September 3, 2018. Go.Get.Rewarded® today, with top-ranked, rich rewards and points that never expire from the world’s premier hotel loyalty program.

For more information on Best Western Hotels & Resorts, please visit BestWestern.com

For more information about the Today’s Best Western campaign, please visit youmustbetrippin.com/featured/todaysbw/

Bangkok (Thailand) – June 20, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that the founding of the Twin Cities World Tourism Association (TCWTA) will take place during PATA Travel Mart 2018 (PTM 2018) in Langkawi, Malaysia from September 12-14.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “PATA assists destinations around the world in the development of a responsible and sustainable tourism industry and it is only through cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships that destinations can achieve such goals. The Twin Cities World Tourism Association’s mission is in line with our activities and PATA Travel Mart is the perfect occasion to launch this initiative.”

Twin cities, also known as sister cities, are collaborations between two cities to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures and to form strategic international business links between them.

The Twin Cities World Tourism Association aims to support and increase tourism and travel between twin cities, support and increase the exchange of ideas and concepts related to tourism and travel between sister cities, and enhance and strengthen relations between twin sisters through tourism and travel.

During PTM 2018, the founding president, Mr. Thomas Binder, Mayor of Gossau-Zurich in Switzerland, will formally announce the foundation of the Twin Cities World Tourism Association (TCWTA) at the Twin Cities World Tourism Forum taking place inside the exhibition hall.

Furthermore, a Board of 14 members will be appointed during this time. The Board will consist of 13 mayors from countries from all over the world while Mr. Hüseyin Baraner, being the only non-mayor member, will be appointed as its General Secretary. This Board will meet once a year in the city of the president to exchange ideas, concepts, and plans. A meeting of the Board will also be held in Zürich or Gossau at a later date in order to sign the charter of the Twin Cities World Tourism Association.

TCWTA also plans to publish a “Twin Cities Almanac” to be presented at ITB Berlin, which will include an editorial note of the president, reports on the tourism and travel activities of twin cities, and interviews with mayors of twin cities on topics like desiderata, plans, projects and the tourism development of twin cities.

The TCWTA President plans to visit a developing country in Africa or Asia once a year in order to research opportunities to take part in projects to further and support tourism and travel in twin cities located in regions without large financial funds.

For more information about PATA Travel Mart 2018, please visit www.PATA.org/ptm or email events@PATA.org.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 98 government, state and city tourism bodies, 19 international airlines and airports, 91 hospitality organisations and 70 educational institutions, as well as over a hundred young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism our 36 Chapters and 20 Student Chapters across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 36 local PATA chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 20 PATA student chapters globally. The chapters and student chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. Their grassroots activism underpins PATA’s membership in Uniting Travel, a coalition of the world’s major Travel & Tourism organisations dedicated to ensuring that the sector speaks with one voice and acts in unison on the major issues and includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, Sydney and London. Visit www.PATA.org.

Contact information:
PATA
Paul Pruangkarn
Director – Communications & Marketing
communications@PATA.org
+66 (02) 658-2000
Bangkok, Thailand

Cairo (Egypt) – June 20, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Positive outlook for Egyptian Tourism in the second half of 2018 to 2019, local tour operator see increasing of foreign visitors for Egypt Western Desert tour and eco-tourism. Renowned for its rich in culture and history dated back 4,000 years of Pharaoh and Pyramids, Egypt country also has a lot more to offer – a paradise on earth and magic of Egypt Western Desert.

According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), the country has received at least 730,000 tourists in February 2018, achieving a 35 percent increase compared to the same month last year.

The positive outlook of Egypt tourism is expected to continue into 2018, according to Loly Gamal, Founder of local “Egypt Western Desert Tours”, who estimated this year visitors will increase by approximately 20-30% for Egypt desert and eco-tourism. “We have seen increasing visitors from UK, Ukraine, Eastern Europe along with new markets from Asia; South Korea, China and Malaysia, since the last quarter of 2017. These foreign tourists, mostly and lately come as a group tour, are looking for more attractions to extend their holidays in Egypt after cultural and historic main sites visit of Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. With beautiful scenery and nature of Egypt Western Desert’s Black Desert, White Desert, Crystal Mountain, Bahariya Oasis, Sand dunes and Siwa Oasis, Egypt has also rich in its nature, adventure and eco-tourism.”

According to the latest Oxford Business Group (OBG)’s, the positive outlook for Egypt’s tourism is backed by the increase in visitors by 54% in 2017 to 8.3 million, while tourism receipts more than doubled to $7.6bn. Group travel jumped 66.5%, indicating resurgent interest from package tour operators, and the January-February period saw a 39% year-over-year increase in the number of tourists from the UK—another traditional source of arrivals.

“All visitors who experienced Egypt western desert have been impressed with stunning view of Sahara desert, golden sand dunes, campfire at night, local Egyptian and Bedouin food, swimming in hot spring, fun sand boarding etc. In the White desert, we can see fossil of seashell that prove the area was once be sea and watery area. With these amazing nature and different scenery of each area, plus professional desert tour service, we have welcomed several of repeated visitors,” said Loly.

About Egypt Western Desert Tours
With 21 years of experience, we come from one of the oldest Bedouin families who support us with all the secrets of the ancient and historical Western Desert. We are the best team and with the professional equipment and supplies in order to clients feel comfortable. The cars are all 4X4 and the drivers are professionals! So, QUALITY is the word that describes our tours and we will always do our best to continuing be the FIRST ONE in this field.

Bangkok (Thailand) – June 15, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Ltd. (FIT®), the organizer of the Asia Fitness Conference (AFC), announced today that the “Asia Fitness Conference 2018 (AFC 2018)” is expected to attract over 1,500 fitness professionals, enthusiasts, facility owners and managers, nutrition and other related professionals in the region to experience 3 days of cutting-edge education, networking and motivation. AFC, ‘Asia’s best fitness conference’, is to be held from 5-7 October 2018, at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok.

Suzanne Hosley, Managing Director of Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Limited and the founder of AFC, said, “2018 will mark the 10th Anniversary of AFC, the largest and best regarded fitness conference in Asia. We continue to be committed to raising the bar by improving standards in the Asian fitness industry. Given this year’s theme of “Fuel Your Passion: Know More, Achieve More”, we are looking at fitness from a number of angles. There will be over 60 internationally recognized presenters who will share and lead 196 sessions in addition to 15 pre- and post- conference sessions. The largest fitness conference in all of Asia will offer full streams of education in sport conditioning, nutrition and weight management, personal training, Yoga, Pilates and Gyrokinesis, dance, injury prevention and rehabilitation, personal and business development and new equipment trends.”

During the 3 days of the conference, all participants will have chance to join and meet with renowned international presenters including, but not limited to Beth Shaw, an author and visionary as well as the founder and CEO of YogaFit Inc, the largest yoga fitness educational system in the world; Jenn Hall, a former professional dancer, who has performed with superstars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z,; Tony Stone, who has trained dancers for famous celebrities and superstars Britney Spears, INSYNC, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Brown. Awards and nominations include Best Choreographer, Best International Instructor/Presenter, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Best International

Presenter/Choreographer; Steve Cotter, one of Men’s Health Magazine’s “100 Fittest Men Of All-time”, who promotes body-mind fitness around the world through martial arts, qigong, mobility, flexibility and IKFF Kettlebell courses; and Ken Weichert (SGT Ken®), an award-winning international speaker and six-time US Army Soldier of the Year.

AFC 2018 will host a number of competitions during the 3-day Conference, including the AFC Personal Trainer of the Year, AFC Fitness Idol 2018, CWL Olympic Lifting, IPF Power Lifting, IKFF Kettlebell and the AFC 2018 Fit Games. Participants will have a chance to challenge themselves against the best, “fast-track” their careers and win excellent prizes.

“Fitness and sports are two of the fastest growing industries in Asia today. To add value as advisors to clients, fitness professionals must stay current with the latest science and application, training tools and techniques. They need to apply best practices to ensure clients’ health, fitness and performance. They need objective information, experienced advice and internationally recognized service standards to turn to. With innovative education and training and 9 years of successful events, we expect this year’s event and it’s co-located Asia Fitness Expo will bring over 4,000 visitors to Thailand which will help boost Thailand’s reputation as a leading fitness destination,” said Suzanne.

Asia Fitness Conference 2018 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (SAT) and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). For registration and more information about the event, please visit www.asiafitconference.com, call +662 650 9242 or email:afc@fitthai.com

About FIT
FIT is Southeast Asia’s first education and training center dedicated to developing world-class fitness professionals. We also raise awareness among fitness enthusiasts about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through learning opportunities focusing on safe and effective fitness programs, mind-body, health and nutritional issues.

Fitness Innovations (Thailand) Ltd. (FIT) is committed to enriching quality of life and wellness of society, improving fitness and enhancing athletic performance through safe and effective exercise. We do so by enhancing the competencies of fitness professionals through our education, training and networking opportunities.

FIT now has fitness training and certification centres in: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and India, and has host sites in Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar and China.

Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR) – June 15, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairman of Mazarine Asia Pacific, Founder and Chairman of Occasions PR & Marketing Ltd (Occasions), has been bestowed the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur by the French President for her contribution in promoting French-Chinese trade, tourism, arts and cultural cooperation and exchange.

With a Hong Kong-Macau background, Ms. Ho is a passionate art and culture lover who embraces diversity and excellence. Aiming to forge links and bring unity between cities and nations, and build empathy and understanding among people, she aligns her business endeavors with her beliefs, and leverages her forward-thinking acumen to identify cross-discipline synergies. Over the years, Ms. Ho is an avid patron of art and cultural initiatives. Apart from her generous involvement in organizing Le French May, she brought prominent French art exhibitions like Biennial of the Lions, Edgar Degas: Figures in Motion and A Golden Way of Life – Très’Ors to Macau to make French art and culture more accessible to the Hong Kong and Macau communities. Since her appointment as Ambassador of the Louvre in China in 2012, Ms. Ho has been tireless in championing French art and culture. Ms. Ho is also dedicated to advocating French-Chinese trade and tourism. She founded the France Macau Chamber of Commerce in 2008 to network businesses across Macau, Hong Kong and France.

The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), an initiative proposed by Ms. Ho, was inaugurated in 2012 as an annual tourism event. Showcasing France as a Partner Country of GTEF 2016, she successfully fostered French-Chinese public-private tourism cooperation and exchange, creating tourism promotion, investment and cooperation opportunities for tourism stakeholders.

Previously bestowed the honor of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Merite in April 2009 in recognition of her commitment to diversity as a younger generation, Ms. Ho expressed her feeling about the latest honour, “To me, the significance of this award is much more than to honor a particular individual, but to salute the concept of service for common benefit…. This is a decoration the French President grants to me for acknowledging the humble role I play in my lifelong advocacy of French art and culture, and promotion of cultural exchange and economic development between France and China, Hong Kong and Macao.”

Describing the influence of French art and culture on her, Ms. Ho said, “Little did I know then that my childhood visits would evolve into a lifelong journey of promoting French art and culture, spanning my career path, different businesses and industry sectors, different regions, and for a multitude of good reasons….My experience with art and culture has been a journey of awakening, inspired by French art and culture as manifested in its arts and architecture, literature, cuisine and wine, fashion and style.”

Ms. Ho shared her final thoughts on receiving the honour, “Connecting people and nations, and promoting common development and peace, are enormous tasks that require individual and collaborative efforts. But, to me, there is no greater joy than being able to provide service for common benefit through the sharing of art and culture.”

The Order of the Légion d’Honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France.

About Mazarine Asia Pacific
A Sino-Franco joint venture established in 2014 between Mazarine Group Worldwide founded by Paul-Emmanuel Reiffers and Trimaran PR Asia co-founded by Pansy Ho and Michelle Cheng, Mazarine Asia Pacific is an integrated brand, creative and communications agency focused on helping corporate and consumer companies reach their communications and business objectives. Working with a wide range of companies, from private to public sector, global household names to independent entrepreneurs, Mazarine Asia Pacific delivers impactful campaigns by a team of talents admired for its professionalism, integrity and uncompromising commitment to creativity.

About Occasions PR
Founded in 1987 by Pansy Ho, Occasions PR is one of the first public relations agencies established in Hong Kong specializing in luxury lifestyle and consumer PR. For nearly 3 decades, Occasions PR has led the way, creating thousands of “must-attend” events, headline news, fondest memories and long-celebrated milestones for the Hong Kong social scenes and luxury retail world. Leveraging on its exclusive database of the movers and shakers in town and its personal relationships with the social elites who appreciate and understand luxury lifestyle, Occasions PR creates highly impactful campaigns that puts its luxury brand clients and products on the “most-wanted” goods.

For enquiries, please contact:
Mazarine Asia Pacific
Esther Chan
Director, Corporate Communications
Email: esther.chan@mazarineap.com
T: 3678 0109 or M: 9863 2950
Occasions PR & Marketing Ltd
Elaine Chang
Account Associate
Email: elaine@occhk.com
T:2523 3325 or M: 6438 6322

Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) – June 15, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Hosted by the Thailand Ministry of Tourism & Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Provincial Government of Nakhon Phanom, in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), this year, from June 26-29, Nakhon Phanom will be the host of the 2018 Mekong Tourism Forum. Situated at the Mekong River, bordering to Lao PDR, the city in North-eastern Thailand boosts Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese cultural influence, important Buddhist sites, as well as modern infrastructure and convenient road and air connectivity.

H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Royal Kingdom of Thailand said:” We have chosen Nakhon Phanom as the host province for MTF 2018 because we at the Ministry feel that Nakhon Phanom is the centre and hub of tourism in the GMS countries.”

This year’s theme is following the MTF 2017 theme of “Prosper with Purpose”, and the MTF
2016 theme of “Creating Authentic Experiences”. Travelers today are seeking a more transformative and soul-enriching experience. Tourism can be an important catalyst in changing people’s lives for the better through mutual understanding and acting more responsibly. The theme of “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” will start with a keynote by Jeremy Smith, editor of Travindy and author of the recent book “Transforming Travel”.

Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) said:” Tourism can be an important catalyst in changing people’s lives for the better through mutual understanding. Transformative Travel can also drive change in the way we behave in combatting serious issues, such as over-tourism, inclusive growth, and plastic pollution, amongst others.”

The seminar on Buddhist Tourism will explore the power of transformative travel. As one of the fastest growing tourism segments in Asia, Buddhist Tourism not only draws international tourists into the GMS, but also boots domestic travel and contributes significantly to the local economies. Nakhon Phanom, this year’s host of the Mekong Tourism Forum and an important center of Buddhism in northeastern Thailand is the perfect destination to focus on Buddhist Tourism.

H.E. Mr. Pongpanu Svetrundra, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports said: “Thailand is ready to be a leader in Buddhist Tourism in ASEAN and South Asia, and we are looking to propose the creation of the ASEAN-South Asia Buddhist Tourism Story Book project, in collaboration with member countries.”

The Experience Mekong Collection, featuring over 150 responsible and sustainable small businesses in the GMS, will showcase innovative case studies from each of the GMS countries. Small travel operators, giving back to local communities, promoting gender equality, and alleviating poverty is a key mandate of the Mekong Tourism Collaboration between the six member countries. The Experience Mekong Collection brings this mandate alive, and acts as a capacity building platform to educate other businesses how to adopt responsible and sustainable business practices. In addition to the six Experience Mekong Collection Showcases, presented in partnership with Mahidol University International College, some of the Experience Mekong Collection members will exhibit their services in the Mekong Marketplace.

With MTF 2018, we don’t just want to attach a theme to the annual forum, but we want to live it. Senior travel executives from Ctrip.com, AirBnB, Air Asia, and Inle Heritage Myanmar will relate “Transformative Travel” to their respective industry sectors in inspiring 15-minute mini keynotes, before this year’s “Mekong Opportunities & Threats” session will focus on the relevant Plastic Pollution issue and invite anybody to join the discussion how the travel and tourism industry can reduce single-use plastic in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Single-use plastic is one of the biggest issues we face in today’s world, and the travel and tourism industry can do its part to help solve the problem.

The 2018 Mekong Tourism Forum tries to do its small part to raise awareness of the issue and make the event plastic free. For the second year in a row, MTF 2018 has designed a limited- edition refillable water bottle, as part of the MTF 2018 Plastic Free Kit.

Finally, eight thematic strategy workshops on topics such as food tourism, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and more, will be conducted in eight ethnic community villages around Nakhon Phanom. By visiting and engaging with the local communities, the delegates will be able to interact with the local people, while the local people will be able to interact with visitors from all over the world. As such, MTF 2018 embraces the theme “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” by experimenting with a new conference theme of hosting the actual sessions together with the local communities in their ethnic villages, and have the local people participate and be part of the experience.

Two integrated programs enrich the overall MTF 2018 experience:

The inaugural “Mekong Mini Movie Festival” will kick-off with a half-day Film Destination Marketing Conference, discussing the power of destination promotion via film, video, and visual storytelling, including keynotes by Rob Holmes of award-winning GLP Films to a case study of Hangover 2 at the Lebua Hotel in Bangkok. Following, delegates will be asked to judge some of the most inspiring films of the ongoing Mekong Mini Movie campaign. The Mekong Minis Awards Ceremony will announce the first set of winners of the Mekong Mini Movie Festival, and in partnership with WWF will raise awareness of the endangered Mekong Dolphins, the mascot of the Mekong Mini Movie Festival.

For the second year, the Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) program will showcase some of the most innovative travel startups, with the potential to disrupt traditional practices, and provide solutions to key issues the industry is facing. Besides the half-day MIST Travel Innovation Conference, one of the highlights will be presentations by the best startups coming out of the recent 2018 MIST semi-finals.

The Mekong Marketplace will showcase responsible travel operators from the Experience Mekong Collection, as well as feature the Blogger Matchup Lounge, as well as the MIST Startup Lounge. Organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the annual Mekong Tourism Forum gives stakeholders in the region, both public and private, a platform for joint discussions on the promotion and marketing of travel and tourism to and within the GMS countries – Cambodia, China’s Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

MTF was most recently held in Thailand in 2012 in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Last year, the Forum was held in June in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

More information about the 2018 MTF can be accessed at www.MekongTourismForum.org, and registration is free for travel and tourism professionals

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office:
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), located in Bangkok, was set up with funding from the governments of the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries – Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The MTCO, which operates on annual financial contributions from each GMS country, acts as the secretariat for the GMS Tourism Working Group, comprising of senior officials of the six GMS countries’ National Tourism Organizations, to coordinate and facilitate sustainable tourism development of the GMS in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and promotion of the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination, in collaboration with the public and private sectors. The MTCO manages its award-winning MekongTourism.org digital platform as a one-stop platform to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the region, as well as the annual Mekong Tourism Forum, whose hosting is rotated among GMS countries.

For further information please contact:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Executive Director
Mr. Jens Thraenhart
(jens@mekongtourism.org)
Media Coordinator
Mr. Luc Citrinot
(lcitrinot@gmail.com)

Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) – June 15, 2018 (travelindex.com) – For the first time, Destination Mekong is hosting the 1st Asia Film Destination Conference, as part of the Mekong Mini Movie Festival, co-located with the 2018 Mekong Tourism Forum on June 26th in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.

Emceed by famed storyteller and early Lonely Planet Book author Joe Cummings, and chaired by H.E. Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, the conference explores the power of movie productions and user-generated videos and how they can be integrated into destination marketing.

In light of recent events, the first edition of the Asia Film Destination Conference is dedicated to Mr. Anthony Bourdain, a visionary storyteller who in many ways was a trailblazer in how we create travel content today, video in particular. His work with the CNN brought remote spots of the globe into peoples’ homes and inspired many to travel and explore the world with a new sense of curiosity.

Today, tourists are more experienced and are looking for new destinations and new experiences. Numerous films have inspired millions to visit destinations. Especially in recent years, there has been a growing phenomenon that tourists visit destinations featured in films and user-generated social media clips.

Recent research suggests that movies can have a strong influence on tourist decision-making and that films do not only provide short-term tourism revenue but can build long-term prosperity in a destination. Several countries and destinations quickly understood these advantages and have successfully increased the number of tourists through the magic of films.

Rob Holmes, CEO of award-winning destination film production company GLP Films will kick-off the conference with an overview of the power of film to tell the story of a destination.

In the Greater Mekong Subregion, there have been various films that have put destinations in the region on the map, starting from the Tomb Raider movies with Angelina Jolie in Cambodia, The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio in Thailand, Rambo in Myanmar, Kong in Viet Nam to the hit Chinese comedy film “Lost in Thailand”. Lost in Thailand in particular, has resulted in large numbers of Chinese tourists flocking to Thailand.

Deepak Ohri, CEO of Lebua Hotels & Resorts will present a case study of “Hangover 2”, which was filmed at the Bangkok property and put the hotel in movie theatres worldwide.

Ms. Sirinart Theenanondh, Chief of Film Business Promotion, Thailand Department of Tourism will explain how countries like Thailand compete for movie productions, while Ms. Titiporn Manenate, Director International Advertising, Tourism Authority of Thailand will demonstrate how Thailand has used film and video to attract visitors to visit Thailand.

Mr. Gopinath Parayil, CEO & Founder of The Blue Yonder from India shows how his award winning films have introduced community-based tourism projects in his country, while Lao based film maker Mr. Cyril Eberle. who directed films like “A day in a Buddhist Temple” as well as upcoming documentary “A little Land of Mines” how visual storytelling can make a positive impact and can create positive change.

Video Bloggers also have the power to influence consumers on where and how to experience a destination, especially in a world where user-generated content receives increased trust from consumers. Video blogger Art Thomya shows how brands can work with travel bloggers and what kind of content can promote destinations.

The innovative Mekong Mini Movie campaign is another testament to how film can promote destinations. After four months, people have shared and tagged over 300 mini movies of 60 seconds or less with #Mekong Moments and #Minis on their own social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. These films, inspiring people all over the world with shared experiences to visit the member countries of the Mekong Region have so far already reached over 6 million people worldwide. The annual Mekong Mini Movie Festival has assembled a high-profile advisory board from travel CEOs to award-winning film makers, which can be viewed at: www.MekongMinis.com/Advisors

Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and Chair of
Destination Mekong, the initiator of the Mekong Mini Movie Festival and the 1st Asia Film Destination Conference comments: “Today, video is one of the most powerful mediums when 4 promoting a destination. It has the chance to awaken wanderlust in the viewer by showing the essence and uniqueness of a place in a just a few short moments. But the power of inspiring people via film goes beyond promoting destinations, it can also drive change. In partnership with WWF and Khiri Travel, the Mekong Mini Movie Festival is creating awareness of sustainable tourism and conservation, focusing on the festival’s mascot, the endangered Mekong Dolphin.”

The annual campaign that continues until the end of the year is giving out the first set of country and category prizes right after the Film Destination Conference. The Mekong Mini Movie Festival Award Ceremony is chaired by H.E. Weerasak Kowsarut, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand. Uniquely, one of the prizes is the Industry Choice Award which allows Mekong Tourism Forum delegates to vote for their favourite Mekong Mini Movie during the Screening. Other prizes include the Editors Choice Awards, judged by an expert jury and the respective Tourism Ministries of the Mekong member countries, the luxury category prize is sponsored by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.

Winners will receive the specially designed Dolphin Trophy created by Thai designer Thanwin Kamyeam in addition to once-in-a-lifetime trips in the region worth up to USD 16,000 each.

Submissions to the next set of prizes will close in October 2018. The final prizes of the 2018 Mekong Mini Movie Campaign will be announced at the 2019 ASEAN Tourism Forum in Halong Bay, VietNam on January 15th.

For more information about the Mekong Minis and participation, please visit www.mekongminis.com .

The 1st Asia Film Destination Conference is supported by marketing solutions provider Sojern, and more information is available at
destination-marketing-seminar/.
Registration is free at

About the Mekong Minis:
The Mekong Minis is a unique film festival that celebrates the many faces and experiences of the Greater Mekong Subregion and promotes the region as a single tourist destination. It is an annual regional tourism marketing campaign with its first instance in 2018, supported by all Tourism Ministries and the private sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The festival is targeted to attract amateur and professional movie-makers and create a large amount of content for the region with promotions and screenings internationally. The Mekong Minis campaign is powered by Mekong Moments.

Complete rules and criteria to enter the Mekong Mini Movie Festival competition can be found at www.mekongtourism.org/mekongminimovie.

About Destination Mekong:
Destination Mekong was created in 2017 to promote the Mekong region, comprising of Cambodia, PR China (Provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as a single tourism destination to stimulate responsible and sustainable development and investment, and drive inclusive growth. Endorsed by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and aligned with the mandate of the regional collaborative tourism framework of the six member governments of the Greater Mekong Subregion, Destination Mekong executes targeted projects and initiatives via public-private partnership investment structures, including Mekong Moments and Mekong Trends, led by UNWTO Affiliate Member Chameleon Strategies.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office:
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), located in Bangkok, was set up with funding from the governments of the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries – Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The MTCO, which operates on annual financial contributions from each GMS country, acts as the secretariat for the GMS Tourism Working Group, comprising of senior officials of the six GMS countries’ National Tourism Organizations, to coordinate and facilitate sustainable tourism development of the GMS in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and promotion of the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination, in collaboration with the public and private sectors. The MTCO manages its award-winning Mekong Tourism.org digital platform as a one-stop platform to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the region, as well as the annual Mekong Tourism Forum, whose hosting is rotated among GMS countries.