Ensuring Freshness of Seafood at The Dock by Thammachart Seafood

Ensuring Freshness of Seafood at The Dock by Thammachart Seafood

Bangkok (Thailand) – Otober 10, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Founded in 2008 by Julian G. Davies and Yeeran G. Davies, Thammachart Seafood is now the largest operator of seafood counters in Thailand with over 155 outlets and 600 staff members throughout the country. Created due to the high demand in the local retail market for fresh, imported seafood, the owners contributed their background as a seafood producer in the formation of the company.

Julian and Yeeran visit as many aquaculture and wild fisheries as possible to work directly with farm owners, thus streamlining the supply chain and ensuring seafood freshness. “We know exactly how to choose and what to ask because we used to be the producer ourselves,” says Yeeran. There is no middleman in the supply chain for all key products, meaning that farmers are paid a good price for high-quality produce. “As a direct importer of seafood, we are in the position to shorten the supply chain as much as we can, and that’s key in our business,” says Julian.

Integrity within the supply chain is critical for Thammachart Seafood. All products are traceable, clearly labeled according to their true country of origin and stamped with a use-by date. The company follows a first-in-first-out inventory process, ensuring freshness and correct use. Storage temperature is also essential, and is maintained below 5°c at all times. Importing from over 18 countries, the company has no limitations to add new origins.

The Dock Seafood Bar by Thammachart Seafood

From Dock to Dish
In 2013, Thammachart Seafood branched out to the F&B sector, launching its first seafood bar The Dock in Siam Paragon’s Gourmet Market. Inspired by Harrods’ seafood bar in London, The Dock differentiates itself with live and fresh products flown in within 48 hours of catching.

“We pride ourselves as Thailand’s freshest seafood provider. 48 hours from the dock to the dish is our commitment to the customers to show that we are serious about what we are promising, and we make sure that the products are fresh,” says Julian.

The Dock follows a cooking philosophy that focuses on the freshness of the products. Committed to simple seafood preparations that allow the product to shine, sauces are used only to enhance the flavours and never to overpower the dish. “For every dish, we want the product
to come out first, the product must shine. If the customer orders scallop, they must taste the
scallops first before the sauce,” says Yeeran.

Signature Dishes

The Dock Seafood Platter
A sharing platter for those who seek to explore fresh seafood with simple preparations. Served fresh from the live tanks are Cornish Crab, Spencer Gulf King Prawns, and Oysters from all around the world. A Sashimi platter of Tuna, Atlantic Salmon, and King Scallop seamlessly completes The Dock journey.

Tsar of Ō r a King Salm on a l a Minute
The epitome of salmon, some refer to the Ōra King as the wagyu of salmon. Exclusively imported by Thammachart Seafood, the thicker loin cut is used to showcase the exquisite freshness of the fish by smoking it quickly for one minute. As a result, customers can taste the juicy meat in the middle, the smoked belly part, and topped off with the crispy roasted skin.

Red King Crab Au Gratin
An ideal choice for crab lovers, this dish offers the customers a chance to enjoy the whole king crab The Dock’s way. Prepared by removing all the juicy meat from the shell, leaving the legs and claws untouched. The meat is baked with Parmesan and cream, topped with Alaskan salmon roe for supreme flavor, while the leg part is steamed without any flavouring – simply the best of both worlds.

Dover Sole à la Meunière
Cooked with butter and wine, this French dish highlights the freshness of the Dover Sole from Holland. Pan roasted in a meunière of butter and parsley then finished off with a hint of lemon, the simple cooking allows the fish to shine without too much flavouring.

The Dock Seafood Bars & Restaurants
The Dock Seafood Bars are now available 6 stores in the Gourmet Markets at Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Bluport Huahin, The Mall Bangkae and its first standalone restaurant was open at Maze Thonglor. A three-tiered oyster tank alongside a fresh seafood bar and a vibrant open kitchen are what best characterises The Dock. Signature to The Dock is the live oyster tank, imported from Australia to keep 10-15 varieties of oysters from around the world in a state of hibernation to maintain the product quality. The EmQuartier and Thonglor outlets also have a second shellfish tank where the water temperature can be reduced to 7°c to keep cold- water Alaskan King Crabs, Lobsters and Geoducks fresh. Customers can select these live
items from the tank, discuss the cooking method with the chef, and simply pay by weight. Each dish on the menu has a wine pairing suggestion, allowing for a complete dining experience.

Dine at the Thonglor venue and choose either the outdoor table seating, indoor table seating or sit at our signature bar to witness the chef’s preparation of cold dishes. The new Dock Market is another exciting addition to the restaurant’s expanding empire. For aspiring chefs, the long, colorful display with countless varieties of seafood is a dream come true. Peruse the aisles for your favorite ingredients, as well as those you’ve never even seen before, or, if cooking isn’t your thing, simply ask one of the waiting chefs to cook whatever takes your fancy, just as you like it.

Challenging the Travel and Tourism Industry in the Pacific

Challenging the Travel and Tourism Industry in the Pacific

Apia (Samoa) – October 10, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The second Pacific Tourism Insights Conference (PTIC), successfully brought together 157 delegates from 95 organisations and 16 destinations to influence change and share their thoughts and ideas on the future of tourism in the Pacific.

Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in collaboration with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and hosted by Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), the event took place at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows in Apia, Samoa on Wednesday, October 3, 2018.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “This year’s event continues our commitment in providing greater depth into the challenges and issues for the responsible development of the travel and tourism in the Pacific region. The discussions arising from the conference highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors in preserving the unique culture and heritage of the local communities and protecting the environment. In addition, organisations need to better leverage these assets in promoting the beauty of the Pacific.”

The discussions from the event focus on the four key topics of insights, development, expertise and sustainability and their contribution towards achieving the objectives of the Pacific Tourism Strategy 2015-2019, which provides the strategic framework to support the development of tourism in the Pacific.

In her welcome remarks, Papalii Sonja Hunter, Chairwoman of SPTO and CEO of STA, stated, “As you know the Pacific Tourism Insights Conference is a result of the longstanding and valuable partnership between SPTO and PATA. Samoa is inspired to hold this event because we recognise the need to inspire, innovate and empower our Pacific people. Furthermore, we recognise the need for a regional space where Pacific tourism leaders from the public sector and particularly private sector stakeholders could gather, discuss and learn more from the key global issues impacting the future of tourism development for the region.”

The event featured presentations from a dynamic line up of international speakers representing organisations recognised for the success and expertise in innovation and disruptive thinking. Speakers included Andrew Panopoulos, Senior Analyst – Centre for Aviation (CAPA); Chris Adams, General Manager – Miles Partnership (South Pacific); Gina Paladini, Partner – Binumi and Managing Director – Tomahawk Jelena Li, Head – BBC StoryWorks Australia & New Zealand; Jessica Quinlan, Sales Manager – Destination Marketing for Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands – TripAdvisor; Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO – PATA; Dr. Susanne Becken, Director – Griffith Institute for Tourism, and Thu Nguyen, Co-founder & CEO – Christina’s Company Limited, Vietnam. The conference panel sessions were moderated by Phil Mercer, International Correspondent at BBC World News, Australia.

In his closing, SPTO CEO Chris Cocker said, “As a region, we collectively market our destinations to the rest of the world, and it is practical that we acquire the skills and knowledge that our markets utilise. We are fortunate in the regional tourism industry that at one conference we have speakers and resource people who are outstanding thought leaders in their areas of expertise which has ranged from ‘Artificial Intelligence and Tourism’ to ‘Social Media Implications on Destination Marketing’. This conference has been made possible through the valuable partnership we have with PATA and STA who share our vision for an empowered and knowledgeable Pacific people working together to sustainably develop tourism in the region.”

About PATA
Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as 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 more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 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 the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 21 PATA Student Chapters globally. Their local activities 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 and London. Visit www.PATA.org.

Ras Al Khaimah Fastest Growing UAE Destination to host PATA Summit

Ras Al Khaimah Fastest Growing UAE Destination to host PATA Summit

Ras Al Khaimah (United Arab Emirates) – October 12, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Annual Summit 2020 from May 15-18 in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The announcement was made by PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy during the PATA Board Meeting on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at the Langkawi International Convention Centre in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The four-day event, to be hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), will bring together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged with the Asia Pacific region.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “Ras Al Khaimah has committed to supporting cultural, natural heritage and environmental preservation across the emirate, activities which are aligned with PATA’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. That is why we are honoured to be working with RAKTDA in bringing together our public and private sector members and partners to discuss the challenges and issues facing our industry.”

The Summit embraces a global forum for enhancing the sustainable growth, value and quality of tourism and includes a one-day conference, the PATA Annual General Meeting and the PATA Youth Symposium that allows students and young tourism professionals the opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders.

As part of the event programme, PATA in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will also once again organise the UNWTO/PATA Leaders Debate which brings together senior executives from both the public and private sector to address thought-provoking issues currently affecting the industry.

Commenting on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said, “We look forward to hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2020 in Ras Al Khaimah and introducing the destination to key international industry leaders and delegates from the travel and hospitality sector in the Asia Pacific region. Strengthening the Emirate’s MICE offer by showcasing our world class resorts, beautiful coastline and abundance of cultural and outdoor adventure experiences, will form an integral part of our Destination strategy as we aim to attract three million visitors by 2025.”

With over 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture, Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway from everyday life. Offering magnificent landscapes, breath-taking coastlines and rich, terracotta desert planes, the emirate is an ideal getaway for both leisure and adventure travel as well as for business travellers.

With year-long sunshine and 64 kilometres of white sandy beaches, just 45 minutes from the busy metropolis of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah presents an extensive selection of exclusive outdoor activities from mountain biking and kayaking to desert safaris, fishing and golf. Travellers can also have the unique experience of trekking the tallest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais, and descending via the world’s longest zipline. These experiences dovetail well with the premium accommodation, the eclectic selection of international gourmet experiences and the world class spas.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as 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 more than 800 member organisations, including 95 government, state and city tourism bodies, 20 international airlines and airports, 102 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 the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 35 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 21 PATA Student Chapters globally. Their local activities 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 and London. Visit www.PATA.org.

About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit www.rasalkhaimah.ae

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Contacts:
PATA
Paul Pruangkarn
Director – Communications
+66 (02) 658-2000 | communications@PATA.org | Bangkok, Thailand

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Neda Carrillo
Director of Corporate Communications & Public Relations
971 (0)7 233 8998 | neda@raktda.com

Macao 2018 Strategic Partnership in New Era for a Shared Future

Macao 2018 Strategic Partnership in New Era for a Shared Future

Macau (Macao SAR) – October 10, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Spearheading discussions about global tourism economy in the context of China’s far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Tourism Economy Forum (“GTEF” or “the Forum”) will hold its seventh edition in Macao on 23 and 24 October. Under the theme “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”, GTEF 2018 takes a holistic approach in this edition to examine the impact of strategic tourism collaboration between the European Union (EU) and China in the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (“ECTY 2018”), and the enormous latent opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area waiting to be explored.

A pre-event press conference was held at MGM Cotai on 8th October. It was attended by Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Ip Peng Kin; Director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Vice Chairman of GTEF, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes. Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of GTEF, Pansy Ho, presented the program of GTEF 2018.

In his welcome remarks, Ip Peng Kin stated, “The Macao Special Administrative Region Government has been promoting and implementing the strategies and recommendations of the Macao Tourism Industry Development Master Plan. Macao actively participates in the tourism development along the national Belt and Road Initiative, gives full play to its own functions and advantages, enhances regional collaboration and integration, promotes the development of multi-destination tourism products, and joins hands in building the Greater Bay Area into a quality tourist destination. By cultivating new growth drivers in tourism economy, Macao strives to extend visitors’ length of stay and attract more high-end travelers. In addition, held for seven years in a row, the Forum has established itself as an international tourism brand of Macao, bridging and enhancing the friendship among fellow participants and representatives, fostering wider tourism cooperation between China and the rest of the world, and creating potential for new growths.”

Expressing her gratitude to the entire Macao community for its continuous support to GTEF, Pansy Ho emphasized that innovative and strategic tourism cooperation is the key to capture the immense possibilities derived from the Country’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. Introducing EU as the Partner Region and Guangdong Province, where the Bay Area is located, as the Featured Partner Province, she remarked, “China is the second largest overseas tourist source market for the EU. A China-EU tourism cooperation is a powerful alliance that can create unlimited opportunities.” She added, “The imminent launch of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Development Plan, and the successive completion of various regional infrastructure such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, mark the beginning of a new chapter in the development of regional integration.”

As an Official Partner of ECTY 2018, GTEF celebrates the special tourism year in its 2018 edition by featuring the EU as the Partner Region, and Guangdong Province as the Featured Partner Province. Under the topic “Strategic Partnership – Building Bridges of Cooperation for Shared Benefits”, ministers and global private-sector CEOs will discuss how the framework of ECTY 2018 has served as a precursor of deepened China-EU cooperation in tourism and an enhancer of extensive and sustainable economic growth on both sides. Signing ceremonies for a series of cooperative agreements will be held on the day of the Forum opening.

The two-day programme will bring a series of innovative and thought-provoking discussions and exchanges. GTEF 2018 will present a new edition of the signature Face to Face, Ministers and Private Sector CEOs session, in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). An array of distinctive panels will also be presented in GTEF 2018, projecting a comprehensive picture of the present and future tourism landscapes for delegates. Day 1 will feature “Festivals – Bridging Traditions and Tourism” and “Gastronomy, Creativity, Tourism” sessions. Highlights of Day 2 are “Greater Bay Area Session Part I –Private Sector Perspective”, “Greater Bay Area Session Part II – Macao Perspective” and “Technology –The Virtual Bridge” sessions, along with three concurrent sessions and workshops such as China Outbound

Tourism, Trade and Business Presentation and PET Conference, among other sessions.

Further, the fifth UNWTO/GTERC Asia Tourism Trends will be launched during the Forum. A joint effort of the World Tourism Organization and the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (GTERC), the report will present tourism trends and outlook of the region, analyze Chinese Outbound Tourism to Europe and European Union Outbound Tourism to China, and examine the development potential of the Greater Bay Area, a new growth area of Asia. Last but not least, networking, investment and cooperation opportunities including business matching, destination presentations and exhibitions will be available for delegates’ benefits.

GTEF 2018 is honored to have ACFIC, PATA, WTCF, UNESCO, The Macau Chinese Enterprise Association, China Daily, UBS and Ivy Alliance Tourism Consulting as supporting partners and sponsors of Forum sessions, among others.

Please stay tuned for more information via www.gte-forum.com and its social media channels.

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 (invited), 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 all enquiries, please contact Occasions PR:
Ms. Chris Yip
Tel: +852 3678 0135/ +852 9427 8323
Email: chris@occhk.com

Bangkok Top in Mastercard 2018 Global Destination Cities Index

Bangkok Top in Mastercard 2018 Global Destination Cities Index

Bangkok (Thailand) – Oct 5, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Bangkok is basking in the limelight of being named this year’s number one city in the world by the Mastercard’s 2018 Global Destination Cities Index, making it the third consecutive year that Thailand’s ‘City of Angels’ has been ranked in the top spot.

With roughly 20 million international overnight visitors, Bangkok retained the top spot again this year. According to the study, the top cities once again underscored the importance of robust infrastructure, both business and leisure attractions plus strong local culture. All are key components highlighted in recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marketing campaigns.

The Mastercard Index predicted a strong annual growth for tourism arrivals of 9.6 percent in 2018 for Bangkok. It also noted the impressive fact that visitors stay in Bangkok for 4.7 nights on average with daily spending of over US$173 per day (5,563 Baht), amounting to US$16.36 billion in total in 2017. This placed the Thai capital in the 5th place of the Top Cities by Dollars Spent.

BANGKOK
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It’s Almost Too Late, Geoffrey Lipman to World Health Tourism Congress

It’s Almost Too Late, Geoffrey Lipman to World Health Tourism Congress

Madeira (Portugal) – October 5, 2018 (travelindex.com) – In a strong keynote address to Tourism Experts, Doctors and Students gathered on the Portuguese Island of Madeira, Professor Geoffrey Lipman Co-Founder of SUNx – the Strong Universal Network said that the industry is running out of time to craft a meaningful response to the existential challenge of Climate Change.

He said that “Health Tourism – nature and medically linked – may well be in a sweet-spot of tourism growth, at more than 10% a year… but without a climate resilience strategy it will be equally vulnerable to the ravages of extreme weather and the consequences in terms of floods, fires, droughts and climate refugees”.

Lipman pointed to the heat patterns in the Northern hemisphere, the droughts in Australia, the typhoons in Japan and Philippines– as well as last year’s devastating Caribbean Hurricanes and this years’ US floods and forest fires.

He noted that “in the past decade more than 20 million climate refugees had already emerged – this is the tip of a humanly tragic and politically disruptive iceberg”. It will only worsen as we head towards 3o – which is where we will be in 2050 if we don’t make radical behavioural changes. As a leading sector Tourism must be in the forefront of those changes.

Lipman profiled the SUNx network to galvanise tourism destinations and to link the enormous body of research being done at Universities around the world, as well as the data and analytics from committed organizations inside and outside the Travel and Tourism sector.

SUNx has developed a framework for Climate Resilience and Innovation Centres in every country by 2030 – supporting Paris Climate Accord targets and linked to SDG 13. They will be pop up SUN Arks, cloud connected and filled with young bright climate champions, talking to each other about “Smart Impact-Travel” solutions. He defined these as “Travel & Tourism planning that’s measured to manage: green to grow: 2050 proof to innovate. Not so much detailed, definition-based programs but more a direction for change that every travel product needs to reflect, and every travel company or community needs to embrace.”

He also outlined SUNx lifetime learning approach with a Dodo cartoon series for kids, online University courses, a universal portal, focusing the most useful climate data analytics, and Strong Legacy Scholarships for graduates. The first of these will launch in 2019 in collaboration with t-Forum and the IRiSS the Italian Services Research Centre. This is complemented by an annual Climate SmART Award for Museums, as the ultimate learning centres.

Finally, he discussed the partnership project with TraNeXus, designed to bring Blockchain solutions to provide carbon accounts for travellers, which he believes will be needed as the Paris Climate Accords bite in the next decade and we will all have to deliver low carbon lifestyles.

SUNx will reach out to Communities and Corporations to help develop its Climate Resilience and Innovation System and build open links with likeminded Travel & Tourism organizations
Quoting Maurice Strong he said “the planet will survive as it has done for billions of years. It’s the people we have to worry about” He concluded with the Club of Rome’s call for action “Come On – It’s almost too late. …. but we can fix the problem if we act together, now.

Professor Geoffrey Lipman is co-founder of SUNx.

The Strong Universal Network SUNx, is a program of the EU based, not for profit Green Growth and Travelism Institute, and a legacy to the late Maurice Strong – Sustainable Development Pioneer.

Its goal is to promote Climate Resilient, Impact-Travel with good & bad effects measured and managed coherently: with Green Growth at the core and, 2050-proof in line with the Paris Accords and the W.E.F. 4th Industrial Revolution.

Best Western Celebrates Opening of New Hotel in Tokyo’s Akihabara

Best Western Celebrates Opening of New Hotel in Tokyo’s Akihabara

Tokyo (Japan) – October 3, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the opening of its latest hotel in one of Tokyo’s trendiest downtown districts, Akihabara, with an exciting new contest! Two lucky Best Western Rewards members will win a two-night stay, including breakfast for two people at the brand new Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akihabara.

Located in the heart of Akihabara, which is famous for its lively, colorful streets and shops specializing in consumer electronics, manga and anime, the hotel located less than 400 meters from Suehirocho Station and Naka-Okachimachi Station on the Tokyo Metro, and just 60 minutes from Haneda Airport or 70 minutes from Narita Airport, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking a convenient, contemporary and affordable place to stay in the heart of action.

The 80 modern rooms are equipped with cutting-edge facilities such as international power sockets and free Wi-Fi, keeping all guests fully-connected throughout their stay. Guests can start their day with buffet breakfast or enjoy “grab n’ go” snacks and drinks at hotel’s vending machine. A laundry service is also available.

For the chance to WIN a fantastic two-night stay at Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akihabara, enter the contest by visit www.facebook.com/BestWesternAsia and simply tell us what are three things your will do in Akihabara! This contest is open from October 5, 2018 until 4pm (GMT+7) on October 20, 2018. Winner will be announced on October 22, 2018.

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

S Hotels Resorts Pioneers Original Island Vacation Experiences at SAii Lagoon Maldives

S Hotels Resorts Pioneers Original Island Vacation Experiences at SAii Lagoon Maldives

Male (Maldives) – Oct 3, 2018 (travelindex.com) – SAii Lagoon Maldives will open as part of Curio Collection by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 14 market-leading brands in 2019. Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of more than 55 hotels and resorts around the world, offers travelers unexpected and authentic experiences at more than 55 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts around the world. SAii Lagoon Maldives will be managed by S Hotels & Resorts under a franchise agreement between Hilton and Singha Estate Public Company Limited.

Set to open in 2019, the 198-room resort will be located in Emboodhoo Lagoon – an enchanting natural wonder surrounded by white sands and cerulean seas. The resort will be 15 minutes by boat from Velena International Airport and offer easy access to CROSSROADS, the first and largest integrated tourist destination in the Maldives. SAii Lagoon Maldives offers modern travelers a private sanctuary enhanced by creative art and design, artisanal cuisine, a soundtrack of curated music and heart-made hospitality.

“We are delighted to announce details of the first Curio Collection by Hilton resort in the Maldives, as it truly embodies the spirit and incredible travel destination of this one-of-a-kind island paradise,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “Whether it’s enjoying panoramic sea views and private beach access at Café del Mar beach club or strolling to the nearby marina for an afternoon visiting local attractions, we are confident future guests will enjoy excellent hospitality and unique experiences customized to their travel preferences when staying at SAii Lagoon Maldives or any of our hotels around the world.”

The modern resort will feature spacious deluxe rooms, beach villas and overwater villas with inspired tropical designs created by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, who has conceptualized some of the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts and spas.

All accommodations feature custom-made furnishings, outdoor decks and a host of playful inclusions, such as handcrafted puzzles and ‘creature comfort’ pillows, complemented by comfortable social spaces, quality restaurants and access to the globally-renowned beach club brand, Café del Mar.

Additional hotel features and amenities include:

Hub
The Hub is a unique gathering and social space that offers countless opportunities for guests to kick back and get creative. Guests can pick out their own treats from the Snack Box, which offers a complimentary collection of healthy, family-friendly refreshments, while an inspiring Aroma Lab will allow guests to create their very own bathroom amenities – selecting a base product, such as shampoo, shower gel or body lotion, and pairing it with one of the Lab’s many scents.

Treat
The spread of creative in-house dining options at SAii Lagoon Maldives extends from an eclectic daily breakfast at Café del Mar, to gourmet coffees, specialty teas and meals on-the-go at the casual resort café, bean/Co. For a more substantial meal, guests have a choice of stylish and uniquely distinctive themed eateries serving a combination of healthy fare, Mediterranean classics, fresh seafood and Thai-inspired creations.

The Marina at Crossroads Maldives
The first and largest integrated tourist destination in the Maldives is an easy stroll across a footbridge from SAii Lagoon Maldives and will offer an extensive array of attractions for visitors, including a 30-berth marina, retail and dining outlets, Maldives Discovery Centre, a marine life protection centre, an event hall and a junior beach club.

“SAii Lagoon Maldives will take visitors on a refreshing journey during their stay,” said Dirk De Cuyper, chief hospitality officer, S Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Singha Estate Public Company Limited. “The resort will offer an engaging array of well-thought-out vacation experiences that immerse guests in the stunning new island location and encourage them to explore and help preserve the colorful natural environment while learning about the local culture.”

About S Hotels & Resorts
S Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Singha Estate Public Company Limited, is a new era Thai-inspired personalized hospitality brand that caters to upscale travelers with an independent spirit. The group offers guests a portfolio of 39 properties in 5 countries with a total of 4,647 keys and provides guests with the opportunity to experience the best destinations from a unique perspective while enjoying world class facilities and tailored services. S Hotels & Resorts’ properties are located in attractive, unspoiled locales to provide an exclusive playground built around nature, culture, wellness and adventure, with a generous helping of creature comforts and fine cuisine. Each property boasts its own distinctive, destination sensitive designs and unique signatures while also providing consistency thanks to a well-defined brand philosophy and a service culture that focuses on exceptional guest experiences backed up by Thai-inspired hospitality and global quality standards.

Book your luxury resort in the Maldives and around the world at best rates available. Pay at the hotel. Book now at HotelWorlds.com and Earn HolidayClicks Points for every dollar spend!

Special Night of Superb World-Class Fusion Feast by Legendary Chef Akira Back

Special Night of Superb World-Class Fusion Feast by Legendary Chef Akira Back

Bangkok (Thailand) – October 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Come and feast on great tasting cuisine by legendary Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back who has designed a special menu inspired by his happy childhood memories and life journey. Food lovers will enjoy a long culinary journey to explore and savor Akira’s East-meets-West cuisine that’s cooked using top-quality ingredients. A special night of fine dining is set in an impressive atmosphere at Akira Back Restaurant & Bar, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park – the posh, prestigious Marquis-branded hotel that’s Bangkok’s biggest – presents great tasting specially prepared cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back. The chef has received widespread international acclaim for his East-meets-West brand of cuisine that is distinctive and unlike any other. Born in South Korea but raised in the United States, Chef Akira has created a new style of food that’s a fusion of fresh and elegant Japanese and Korean cuisines and fun American food. His cuisine reflects his happy childhood memories and his life journey through the passage of time.

In addition, Chef Akira Back owns Akira Back Restaurant & Bar, his first and only restaurant in Thailand, which is located on the 37th floor of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The restaurant presents contemporary cuisine in the style of Chef Akira that is both exciting and colorful. The restaurant is made up of a main dining area, a sushi bar, Omakase Bar and four private dining rooms offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape through floor-to-ceiling transparent glass window panes. The four private rooms altogether have a seating capacity of 100.

For an impressive night on September 19, 2018, Chef Akira Back made a special appearance at the restaurant to stage a Chef’s Table and present a repertoire of his amazing dishes that are current bestsellers at Akira Back Restaurants & Bars the world over. These included Tuna & Eringi Pizza, which is one of his signature dishes. Presented in Chef Akira’s personal style, the crispy crust – topped with umami aioli, fresh tuna sashimi, micro shiso and white truffle oil – redefines the traditional concept of pizza.

Jeju Domi is a sashimi dish that Chef Akira ate as a child. Back then he didn’t want to try sashimi, so his father gave him a snapper with chojang sauce. This simple dish has been given special treatment with orange-infused tobiko rolled inside the snapper. Another sashimi dish, Salmon Tiradito, blends the style of Peruvian ceviche with a twist of charred mango, yuzu lemon and cilantro oil.

One of Chef Akira’s most famous dishes, AB Tacos, reflects his American heritage. This modern twist on the classic Tex-Mex dish features tacos stuffed with Korean-style wagyu beef bulgogi and topped with roasted tomato ponzu. Meanwhile, Jidori Chicken is his version of teriyaki chicken, cooked sous-vide and served with velvety potato purée.

The special evening also showcased several inventive seafood dishes including Scallop in a Half Shell, sea scallops and their roe cooked under a charcoal robata grill and served with kimchi, bacon and a kochujang butter sauce; Una-Q, kabayaki-style unagi eel with seared foie gras and balsamic soy; King Crab Legs served with Chef Akira’s “Dynamite Sauce” and pickled shimeji; Pan-Seared Halibut; and Butter Poached Lobster with nori butter.

This was followed by Chef Akira’s mouth-watering 48 Hrs Wagyu Short Ribs – an elevated version of his mother’s short rib stew, which sees prime ribs slow-cooked for two days in a traditional Korean kalbi jjim marinade, and served with a sensational sauce made from the cooking process.

This exquisite tasting menu concluded with Chef Akira’s signature Sujeongwa AB Eggs and Chocolate Bonbons, that left a lasting impression on diners.

Akira Back restaurant at the Marriott Marquis Hotel Bangkok is highly rated in the Top25Restaurants in Bangkok by Travelindex and the trusted Restaurant Rating Index.

Akira Back Restaurant & Bar of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is open Sunday for lunch from 12.00-14.30, and daily for dinner from 18.00-23.00. For more information and reservations, please call 02 059 5999 or email restaurant-reservations.bkkqp@marriotthotels.com .

About Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
The largest hotel in Bangkok and the first Marriott Marquis hotel in Asia Pacific, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is a new landmark in heart of the Thai capital. The resort offers extensive facilities, including more than 1,388 rooms and suites, over 5,000m² of function space across 37 venues, two swimming pools, the Quan Spa and a collection of restaurants and bars. Centrally located on Sukhumvit Road, in Bangkok’s vibrant business and entertainment district, the hotel is the perfect choice for all travelers to this pulsating city.

Contact information:
Variya Lulitanond (Note)
Cluster Director of MarCom & PR
+66 (0) 81 644 9606
variya.l@marriott.com

Nuttinee Payungwong (Tik)
Assistant PR Manager
+66 (0) 89 145 5422
nuttinee.p@marriott.com

Travelers Relax for Less at Best Western Patong Beach Phuket

Travelers Relax for Less at Best Western Patong Beach Phuket

Phuket (Thailand) – October 2, 2018 (travelindex) – Stay, play and relax in Patong Beach! Best Western Patong Beach has unveiled a series of amazing deals this autumn, starting from just THB 1,299 per night.

Promotion Details:
Stay Period: Now – 31 October 2018
Room rate: THB 1,299 per night including breakfast for two persons

Stay Period: 1 November – 23 December 2018
Room rate: THB 1,999 per night including breakfast for two persons

These offers are now open for new reservations made by 31 October 2018.

Best Western Patong Beach is perfect for guests seeking a stylish tropical retreat, located in the heart of the action. This cool and contemporary hotel reflects the lively spirit of Phuket, just a short walk from Patong Beach, Jungceylon mall and the colorful nightlife of Bangla Road. With its 136 modern rooms and suites, free wireless internet, upbeat restaurant and stunning rooftop pool and bar, overlooking the Andaman Sea, this is the ideal base for a vibrant break on Phuket’s world-famous west coast.

For reservations or more information, please call 076-360-200 or email reservation@bestwesternpatongbeach.com, quoting the promotion code “BWMEDIA”.

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