Category: Latest Travel News

Gangneung (Republic of Korea) – June 3, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Chris Bottrill, Director, International and Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada as Chairman of the Association’s Executive Board. He replaces Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing APAC – TripAdvisor, Hong Kong SAR, who was elected Chairman in May 2017 and remains a member of the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chairperson.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the role of Chair of PATA and to work with a team of highly talented and accomplished Executive Board members from throughout the Asia Pacific region. We have just completed our annual summit in the beautiful town of Gangneung in the Republic of Korea, and were reminded by H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Dr. Taleb Rifai, and others just how important tourism can be for fostering peace and prosperity on our planet. We were also reminded of the responsibility we have to tread carefully on the environment, maintain cultural diversity, and embrace the rights of all individuals, which is not a simple task,” said Dr. Bottrill. “PATA is an organisation growing from strength to strength, and we are poised to play an ever-increasing role as a body representing governments, industry, and education in the fastest area of tourism growth on our planet. The task ahead for us is to embrace change, move fast, engage more, align strategically, and lead within the context of global sustainability goals. It is a privilege to play a small part as Chair in this important period of time for our industry and our association.”

As the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Capilano University, current Dean of Fine and Applied Arts, and Director, International, Dr. Bottrill oversees a wide and complex portfolio of university internationalisation, international projects and partnerships, tourism and hospitality, film, animation and design programming. He has taught a wide array of tourism topics including destination development, sustainability, marketing, and entrepreneurship at universities in Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and Austria.

Along with a PhD in tourism network and destination development from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, he has extensive applied industry experience having completed over 50 tourism management and development projects around the globe. These have included new product feasibility analysis, marketing strategies, resource assessments, and multiple stakeholder engagement processes. He has also presented on tourism-related topics ranging from Olympic preparedness to community tourism development at conferences and forums in China, Canada, Russia, Finland, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Cambodia.

Dr. Bottrill’s first experience with PATA was as a conference volunteer in Vancouver in 1995. He joined PATA in 2011 and has participated in a wide array of roles. He has served as the Chair of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Committee and Vice Chair of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee since 2014, and he has also been a Trustee of the PATA Foundation for the past three years. During his tenure as committee Chair and Vice Chair, Dr. Bottrill initiated a revision of both committee terms of reference, rebuilt committee membership, and led the formation of action plans which have seen many initiatives begin and come to fruition. In his role as HCD Chair, he also facilitated highly successful Youth Symposiums in Phnom Penh, Chengdu, and Bangalore, Guam, Sri Lanka, and Macao.

Dr. Bottrill is also the Director of the acclaimed PATA supported Vietnam Community Tourism project aimed at protecting ethnic hill tribe culture through tourism, and last year he led a PATA study on Indigenous Tourism and Human Rights.

During the PATA Annual Summit 2018 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Korea (ROK), PATA also elected a new Executive Board comprising Dato Haji Azizan Noordin, Chief Executive Officer – Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director – Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao, China; Mr. Bill Calderwood, Managing Director – The Ayre Group Consulting, Australia; Mr. Jon Nathan Denight, President & CEO – Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam, USA; Mr. Shahid Hamid, Executive Director- Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, Bangladesh; Mr. Luzi Matzig, Chairman – Asian Trails Ltd. Thailand; Mr. Benjamin Liao, Chairman – Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei; Mr. Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO – Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal; Mr. Mohamed Sallauddin H.j. Mat Sah, General Manager Marketing – Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Malaysia, and Mr. Gerald Perez, Managing Director – Leading Edge, Guam, USA.

On the election of the new Executive Board PATA CEO Mario Hardy said, “Over the past few years we have made great progress to ensure financial stability and recognition as a crucial voice in the responsible development of the travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to working with our new Executive Board in building upon that success and supporting our members in creating a positive impact on not just the industry, but the world.”

Furthermore, Dato Haji Azizan Noordin was elected as the new Vice Chairperson, while Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes was elected Secretary/Treasurer.

Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to oversee its operation and management with 3 strategic thrusts of tourism, investment and community development.

He began his career in the tourism and hospitality industry with the Tourist Development Corporation Malaysia, now known as Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, as a Tourist Officer in 1978. He has since served in various leadership roles including heading the Tourism Malaysia overseas offices in Seoul, Korea (ROK) and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Dato’ Azizan Noordin retired from Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) when he was the Deputy Director General (Promotion). He was responsible for overseeing the operations of the organisation and the promotional efforts all 44 Tourism Malaysia overseas offices. He led Tourism Malaysia sales missions overseas and has been a key speaker at many international tourism seminars and conferences.

After 40 years in the civil service, Dato’ Azizan is still dedicated in servicing the country and public. Through his advancement from rank and file in the past 40 years, he has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge that is indeed beneficial to the tourism industry.

Dato’ Azizan is a graduate of the MARA University Institute of Technology in Malaysia, and holds two Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Oxford Learning Centre of Excellence and Institute of Technology in Australia.

Mr. Peter Semone, President & Founder – Destination Human Capital Ltd, Ireland and Mr. Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO – Asia Tourism Consulting Pte, Ltd, Singapore have been appointed to the Executive Board as non-voting members.

Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, President – Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and PATA Face of the Future 2018, joins the PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer for a one-year term at the invitation of the PATA Chairman.

The new Executive Board members were confirmed at the PATA Board Meeting on May 20, 2018 during the PATA Annual Summit 2018 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Korea (ROK).

About PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association
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

Bangkok (Thailand) – June 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Steeped in legendary seafaring history dating back hundreds of years, the Eastern Caribbean island of St. Kitts & Nevis is the newest exotic destination for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

The resort will be set on the site of a former sugar cane plantation with gentle hills rolling down to a long stretch of sandy beach fronting the Caribbean Sea. All of the projected 70 pool villas and The Retreat will enjoy sea views and an unspoiled environment that gives the glorious feeling of being isolated from civilization; a place where guests can reconnect with themselves, their families and loved ones and nature.

In true Six Senses style, every aspect of the 70 villas all with private plunge pools are true to the Six Senses commitment to the environment, using sustainable and repurposed materials juxtaposed with contemporary comforts.

Overlooking the resort’s nature reserve, Six Senses St. Kitts will feature a menu of Six Senses specialty treatments as well as Caribbean healing traditions and rejuvenation journeys, Six Senses Integrative Wellness, detox, yoga and workshops.

To the south of the resort is Sandy Point Town, the second largest town on the island. Sandy point is the entrance way to Brimstone Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and just one of the many fascinating excursions that await history enthusiasts. Located on the western side of the island, the site for Six Senses St. Kitts is approximately a 30-minute drive along the scenic coast road from the capital Basseterre and the International Airport (SKB). The airport is served by direct flights from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom, with connecting and charter flights from Europe and regional services from several Caribbean nations.

Six Senses St. Kitts is a project by Range Developments, which specializes in developing luxury Caribbean resorts, together with design creativity, management and marketing by Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas. The resort is scheduled to be completed over three years.

“We are delighted that Range Developments is bringing another project and the unique brand of Six Senses to the country,” said Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. “Range Developments is bringing investment, jobs and expertise to the citizens and residents of St. Kitts & Nevis. It is an amazing development for our small country to be the beneficiary of another luxury hotel brand so soon after the official grand opening of the world-renowned Park Hyatt on St. Kitts. This is a remarkable show of confidence by Range Developments in my government, our people and country. I commend Range Developments for the excellent relations we have nurtured, all for the ultimate benefit of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

On announcing the project, Six Senses President Bernhard Bohnenberger said, “We are thrilled to add St. Kitts to the Six Senses portfolio of resorts in incredible settings. And working in partnership with Range Developments, who have exceptional expertise and experience in the Caribbean, Six Senses St. Kitts will be a remarkable resort.” Six Senses St. Kitts will be the 16th hotel of the Six Senses Group which is now present in 11 different countries.

“We are excited to welcome Six Senses to St. Kitts and delighted to announce it from the capital of the fastest growing economy in South East Asia, Bangkok,” said Mohammed Asaria, founder of Range Developments. “Six Senses was recently voted the world’s best hotel brand by Travel +Leisure magazine and we look forward to working together on this exciting project.”

Mr. Bastien Trelcat, Managing Partner of the leading investment immigration firm Harvey Law Group for South East Asia added “Harvey Law Group is honored to collaborate one more time with Range Developments and the Government of St Kitts & Nevis for the Six Senses project as the exclusive service provider for South East Asia of 100 shares coming with a financing option. St. Kitts boasts the longest established Citizenship by Investment program in the world presenting opportunities to obtain a well recognized passport for you and your family.”

Investing in Six Senses St. Kitts will entitle you and your family to apply for citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis through a government sponsored program:
– A $220,000 USD investment (through a limited partnership structure) in Six Senses St. Kitts is required in order to qualify to apply for citizenship of St. Kitts & Nevis.
– Financing available over 2 years
– Citizenship is for life for the investor, spouse, parents and a number of eligible dependents, and citizenship is passed down through generations. Applicants are not to visit or reside in St. Kitts.
– St. Kitts & Nevis passports are issued within approximately 90 to 120 days of filing an application.
– Citizens are free from personal income, capital gains, gift, wealth and inheritance taxes.
– St. Kitts & Nevis citizens may travel visa-free to more than 139 countries, including the United Kingdom, Schengen European countries and most British Commonwealth countries.
– Citizenship includes full residency status and the right to work in St. Kitts & Nevis.
– Dual citizenship is permitted and open to all nationalities, without any requirement to notify the applicant’s home country.
– St. Kitts & Nevis offers a favorable business development environment where the currency is pegged to the US dollar.
– Exit options provide the ability to realize capital gain and income generation on investment.

Harvey Law Group (HLG) is a leading multinational law firm specializing in corporate law and investment immigration with a worldwide reputation for representing high-profile clients and corporations, with over 19 offices worldwide. As the top immigration consulting law firm, HLG offers most comprehensive residency and citizenship programs available to date.

HLG was awarded for Best Immigration Firm at the 13th annual Macallan ALB Hong Kong Law Awards 2014 and 2017.

For further inquiries on exclusive financing offer or investment immigration program opportunities, please contact:
HLG Managing Partner
Bastien Trelcat
btrelcat@harveylawcorporation.com
Office Director
Ms. Krittiya Keeratiyut
kkeeratiyut@harveylawcorporation.com

Macao (Macao SAR) – May 30, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF or the Forum) kicked off the China roadshow to promote its seventh edition at ITB China at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center on May 16, 17 and 18. As an official partner of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (“ECTY2018”), GTEF sponsored and co-organized the ITB China European Night with one of its prestigious supporting units, European Travel Commission (ETC), to introduce GTEF 2018 and facilitate exchanges between Chinese and European tourism stakeholders.

At the European Night reception held at Mandarin Oriental Shanghai, Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of ITB China, delivered a welcome remark; Mr. Eduardo Santander, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of ETC, shared information about ECTY2018 events that had already taken place and exciting activities that are yet to come; and Mr. Jason Wang, Chief Operating Officer of GTEF, introduced GTEF 2018’s theme and presented the Forum’s business matching offerings. Among the attendees of the reception were Mr. Kristjan Staničić, Managing Director of Croatian National Tourist Board; representatives of Malta Tourism Authority, Turismo de Portugal, Slovenian Tourist Board and Visit Brussels. The reception successfully achieved the objective of familiarizing the Chinese and European tourism stakeholders’ understanding of GTEF’s role as a tourism exchange and cooperation platform.

During the trade fair, Mr. Jason Wang exchanged views with tourism representatives of EU member state, including Mr. Filipe Silva, Board of Director of Turismo de Portugal; Mr. Igor Paule, Chief State Advisor of Ministry of Transport and Construction of Slovakia; Ms. Olga Gončarova, Head of Incoming Tourism Subdivision of Lithuanian State Department of Tourism; Ms. Inguna Zigure, Senior Expert of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia; Ms. Kiti Häkkinen, Manager of Regional Partnerships of Visit Finland; Ms. Monica Wu, Manager of Malta Tourism Authority; Ms. Teresa Chen, Marketing Representative of Catalan Tourist Board; Ms. Liu Jing, B2B Industry Manager of Austrian National Tourist Office; and Ms. Saša Verovšek Musič, Project Manager of Sales and Promotion Department of Slovenian Tourist Board. He also met a number of leading Chinese tourism enterprises and organizations to explore collaboration possibilities.

GTEF 2018 is scheduled to be held at MGM COTAI on October 22 and 24, under the theme “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”. Presenting EU as the Partner Region and Guangdong Province as the Featured Chinese Province, GTEF 2018 will explore how the EU, the second-most popular destination for outbound Chinese tourists outside Asia, and the Greater Bay Area in Guangdong Province, soon-to-be the seventh largest economic bloc in the world, can use their collective effort to create a new catalyst for global economy. GTEF will also offer tourism promotion, investment and cooperation opportunities through bilateral trade meetings, business matching, networking, workshops, exhibitions, etc.

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

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

For enquiries, please contact Mazarine Asia Pacific:
Ms. Esther Chan
Tel: +852 3678 0109
Email: esther.chan@mazarineap.com
Ms. Zita Leung
Tel: +852 3678 0102
Email: zita@occhk.com

Madrid (Spain) – May 30, 2018 (travelindex.com) – UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili took office in January 2018. He presented the Organization’s management vision and priorities at the 108th session of the Executive Council, held on 23-25 May 2018 in San Sebastián, Spain. The management vision emphasizes the need to make tourism smarter, more competitive and more responsible towards the goal of establishing the sector as key for the 2030 Agenda. In line with this, the management proposes five key priorities: innovation and digital transformation; investments and entrepreneurship; education and employment; safe, secure and seamless travel; and social, cultural and environmental sustainability.

Seeking to optimize the efficiency of the Organization Secretary-General Pololikashvili introduced a new leadership structure consisting of a Deputy Secretary-General and two Executive Directors. Each one oversees key structural areas and departments of the Organization for increased efficiency in achieving UNWTO’s goals, including adding value to members, increasing membership and serving the tourism sector as a whole. The management team works towards a comprehensive vision for development of the tourism sector. This includes positioning tourism as a policy priority, establishing thought leadership in knowledge and policy creation, increasing resources and strengthening UNWTO’s capacity through meaningful partnerships.

The Executive Council endorsed the renewed logo of UNWTO, presented by the Secretary-General. The logo is a visual reflection of the management vision and priorities, signalling clear objectives, unity and transparency, as key ingredients to fulfill the mission and vision of UNWTO.

UNWTO is placing focus on its innovation and digital transformation strategy, aimed at positioning the Organization as the leading global agency in the digitalization of tourism. Against this backdrop UNWTO staged a thematic discussion on tourism and the digital transformation with a dynamic exchange of ideas between high-level representatives of Google, Destinia, Amadeus IT Group, Mastercard, Room Mate and FC Barcelona. Moderated by Argentina’s Minister of Tourism Gustavo Santos, an open discussion followed with governments, start-ups, investors, academia and institutions attending.

Quang Binh (Vietnam) – May 31, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has entered yet another exciting destination in Vietnam with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a new upscale beach resort in Dong Hoi, on the country’s stunning north-central coast. Scheduled to open in 2020, Best Western Premier Quang Binh will be an impressive international resort overlooking the East Sea. Dong Hoi, which is set on a 12km-long coastline with white sandy beaches, is the capital of Vietnam’s Quang Binh province. It is also the gateway to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape that houses Son Doong, the world’s largest cave.

This prime beachfront property will feature 501 upscale rooms and suites, all equipped with spacious bathrooms, workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi, and will be supported by Best Western’s famous service standards. Many of the rooms will offer uninterrupted sea views, and guests in the executive rooms and suites will be offered unlimited access to a chic beachfront lounge, with a series of exclusive services and privileges.

Surrounded by a wealth of world-class tourism and leisure facilities, this exciting project will help elevate this emerging region, creating a new upmarket destination for local and international visitors.

“We are excited to bring the Best Western Premier Quang Binh to the beautiful seaside city of Dong Hoi,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The signing of this exceptional hotel marks the latest phase of our brand’s expansion to premier beach destinations in Vietnam, following the signings of upscale resorts in Cam Ranh, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc. Best Western will continue to seek opportunities to bring world-class hospitality to even more parts of Vietnam, further enhancing the country’s blossoming tourism industry.”

“Vietnam has over 3,400 km of coastline, much of which is only just opening up to tourism. With its dramatic landscapes and pristine seafront, Quang Binh is one of the country’s most spectacular provinces and looks set to become a highly desirable destination,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia.

“Best Western Premier Quang Binh is the latest in a series of major upscale properties for Best Western in Vietnam, which we have identified as a priority market. I am delighted with the quality of these projects, and the fact that we are now bringing international hospitality to exciting new parts of the country. The future is bright for Best Western in Vietnam,” Olivier added.

Developed by FLC Quang Binh One Member Co. Ltd., Best Western Premier Quang Binh will feature two wings dramatically connected by a glass sky bridge, overlooking tropical lagoon pools, expansive sundecks, palm trees and the golden beach.

Facilities will include a bright restaurant, outdoor infinity pools, a serene spa, children’s playground and a modern gym. A business center and meeting rooms will also be available for special events and corporate gatherings, and executive guests will be offered access to the resort’s Beach Club – an exclusive club lounge where guests can relax in style, gazing out over the turquoise sea.

Best Western Premier Quang Binh will form part of a major new development by FLC, which also includes a golf course, premium retail complex, restaurants, bars and a marina. This upscale beachfront complex is set to transform Dong Hoi into a premium tourism destination.

Nestled on the coast in north-central Vietnam, approximately 150km north of Hue, Dong Hoi is the gateway to one of the country’s most intriguing and alluring regions. Guests can head out and explore the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, discover the dramatic sand dunes of Quang Phu Cat Hill, or simply lie back and relax on a series of stunning sandy beaches.

The area is accessible via Dong Hoi Airport, which offers regular direct connections to and from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, plus seasonal services to other Vietnamese cities. In August last year, Jetstar Pacific launched Dong Hoi’s first international route, connecting the coastal city with Chiang Mai, Thailand. This service now runs twice a week (Mondays and Fridays).

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,200* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers 11 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature CollectionSM 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 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. 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 32 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 hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® 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

Mumbai (India) – May 27, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), the leading hospitality company in South Asia has won the Gallup Great Workplace Award for the seventh time, making its way to the top spot among some of the world’s leading organizations across industries. The award reiterates how IHCL has carved a niche for itself as a workplace with progressive policies aimed at better empowering and enabling its employees.

Dr. PV Murthy, Executive Vice President and Global Head, Human Resources at The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said, “Customer centricity is at the core of everything that we do. At IHCL, we firmly believe that an engaged workforce is the first step toward building guest delight. The GALLUP Great Workplace Award 2018 is a wonderful recognition of the continuous efforts in place to make IHCL a dynamic and motivating workplace.”

The Gallup Great Workplace Award recognizes organizations for their extraordinary ability to create engaging workplace cultures while demonstrating high levels of involvement and success for business outcomes. A panel of Gallup workplace experts evaluates applicants and assesses them against criteria such as strategy and leadership; accountability and performance; communication and knowledge management; development and ongoing learning. The top organizations selected by the most comprehensive workplace study ever conducted gain entry into an elite group of companies that have received the Gallup Great Workplace Award.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries, bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel – the Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 165 hotels including 20 under development globally across 4 continents, 12 countries and in over 80 locations.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is amongst South Asia’s largest Indian hospitality company by market capitalization. It is primarily listed on the BSE and NSE.

Port Louis (Mauritius) – May 28, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Mauritius Prime Minister Hon Pravind Jugnauth yesterday the 24th of May welcomed Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and now head of the Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy at his Port Louis City Centre Prime Ministers Offices.

The Mauritius PM and Mr St.Ange had met briefly the day before at the official opening of the International Conference on Digitalisation and Sustainable Tourism that was taking place in Mauritius and agreed to meet more formally in Port Louis.

The Prime Minister and Mr St.Ange had met in Seychelles a few years ago and was one invited to be on the VIP stage for the official opening of the first edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in 2011.

The Port Louis Meeting was the opportunity to discuss tourism and the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands among other matters.

Alain St.Ange said after the meeting that he was very happy with the discussions and thanked the Mauritius prime Minister Jugnauth for his welcome and friendship.

Alain St.Ange
t: + 248 2 515 615
e: alain@saintange.com.au | saintangeseychelles@gmail.com

Basel (Switzerland) – May 28, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The longstanding Managing Director of Baselworld, Sylvie Ritter, has decided to step down from her position at the MCH Group. Michel Loris-Melikoff, who has until now held the position of Director of MCH Beaulieu Lausanne SA, will succeed her.

Sylvie Ritter, Managing Director of Baselworld, has decided to hand over the management of the World Watch and Jewellery Show. “After 26 years with the MCH Group – 15 of which were as Managing Director of Baselworld – it’s time for me to start something new and take on new challenges”, says Sylvie Ritter in explaining her decision.

She led and guided Baselworld with passion and expertise and made it the industry’s flagship event. The members of the “Comité Consultatif” very much regret Sylvie Ritter’s departure and would like to thank her for her strategic positioning of the show in a manner commensurate with the market and for the always excellent organisation of Baselworld in operational terms. “Sylvie Ritter has made her mark on Baselworld for decades and has been the most important personal contact for the exhibitors at Baselworld,” says François Thiébaud, President of the Swiss Exhibitors’ Committee. Eric Bertrand, President of the Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee also stresses that “we have always appreciated her exceptional commitment and her excellent knowledge of the industry.”

The departure of Sylvie Ritter is also greatly regretted within the MCH Group. “She has shaped and directed Baselworld with great passion and professionalism,” says CEO René Kamm. “We very much regret her departure and I would like to thank her on behalf of the entire MCH Group for her extraordinary commitment during her many years of activity within our company.”

Michel Loris-Melikoff, who joined the MCH Group three years ago as Director of MCH Beaulieu Lausanne SA, will be the new Managing Director of Baselworld. The transfer of management will take place on 1 July 2018. “We are pleased to have found a very competent successor in Michel Loris-Melikoff,” says René Kamm.

Michel Loris-Melikoff is a 53-year-old lawyer who started his career in private banking, before switching to entering the event industry 20 years ago. After six years as President of the Zurich Street Parade, he took over the management of an event agency that drew up and implemented concepts for national and international events staged by international sports associations, public entities and private companies. He then took over as Managing Director of the “St. Jakobshalle” in Basel, before joining the MCH Group.

In his function within the MCH Group, he has been able to achieve significant progresses in Lausanne. The MCH Group and the Fondation de Beaulieu recently decided to adjust their future collaboration. The smooth handover of the running of Beaulieu Lausanne to the Fondation de Beaulieu is assured.

Announcement of numerous innovations regarding Baselworld 2019

“We will be expanding the Baselworld team and further developing the event to continue along the path of quality enhancement and to meet the challenges of the future”, explains Michel Loris-Melikoff. “We will also be setting new accents so as to position Baselworld as the leading marketing and communication platform for the industry. We are tackling this task with a large number of new ideas and with valuable inputs from exhibitors, visitors and the media.”

Hence Loris-Melikoff has announced an initiative especially for the jewellery segment. New concepts are also being worked out for the watch and precious stone sectors, which are to be presented shortly. Further innovations are being introduced in the fields of catering, hospitality and events so as to meet the requirements of exhibitors and visitors to an even better extent.

It is already clear that Baselworld 2019 will be open an entire day for the media representatives. The exhibition newspaper, “Baselworld Daily News”, will be coming back in printed form and with a new concept. In parallel, the digital information and communication offerings launched in 2018 will be intensified and supplemented by new services for exhibitors, visitors and the media.

Baselworld
Media Relations
Christian Jürgens
+41 58 206 22 64

Bangkok (Thailand) – May 25, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts has launched its new Summer Promotion, offering a Best Western Travel Card to its loyal guests all across Asia. Under this appealing offer, members of the company’s award-winning loyalty program, Best Western Rewards, will receive a Best Western Travel Card worth US$20 after their first eligible stay at any Best Western hotel in Asia between May 21 and September 3, 2018*.

Best Western Travel Cards are accepted at more than 4,200 Best Western properties in over 100* countries and territories worldwide.

The Summer Promotion is only valid for Best Western Rewards members, but non-members who sign-up to the program before they book will also receive the Travel Card. Only one Best Western Travel Card will be offered per member during the promotional period.

Best Western Rewards members are also treated to an array of attractive benefits, including points that never expire, exclusive rates, global free night redemption opportunities, and more!

To join Best Western Rewards, please visit BestWestern.com/Rewards

“Summer is a fantastic time of year to travel in Asia,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia. “In many countries it is green season, meaning that destinations are in full bloom and ensuring shorter queues at many of the region’s most popular attractions.

“With our new Summer Promotion, guests have even more reasons to explore this exotic region and to join our award-winning loyalty program, Best Western Rewards. This enticing offer reflects our continued commitment to bringing extra value and meaningful benefits to our loyal guests,” Olivier added.

Best Western is present in many of Asia’s most popular summertime destinations, from the blissful beach resorts of Phuket, Bali and Okinawa to bustling cities like Bangkok, Tokyo and Manila, cultural hotspots such as Ubud, Inle Lake and Vientiane, and many more!

For more information about Best Western and to book your Hot Summer Promotion in Asia, please visit www.bestwestern.com/AsiaSummer

* Terms and Conditions apply

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts:
Best Western Hotels & Resorts headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a privately held hotel brand with a global network of 4,200* hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Best Western offers 11 hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Vīb®, GLō®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, BW Premier Collection®, and BW Signature CollectionSM 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 64 percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2017, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western number one in upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands, and Best Western receiving seven consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web awards for its leading hotel website. 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 32 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 hotel worldwide. Best Western’s partnerships with AAA/CAA and Harley-Davidson® 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

Port Louis (Mauritius) – May 25, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Tourism Ministers and dignitaries from right around the world joined some 400 Mauritius Tourism professionals at a conference that touches at the core of tourism today and tomorrow. The conference that coincided with the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Mauritius from the United Kingdom took place at the Le Meridien Hotel was officially launched by Hon Pravind Jugnauth, the island’s Prime Minister in the presence of President Didier Robert of Reunion, Hon Catherine Abelema Afeku, Minister of Tourism of Ghana, Hon Adil Hamid Daglo Mussa of the Republic of Sudan, Richard Via of Madagascar, Pamela O. Sooprayen-Kwet On of Rodrigues, Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu, the United Nations Under Secretary General and High Representative of the Least Developed Countries, Dr Dirk Glaesser of the UNWTO, Alain St.Ange, head of the Saint Ange Consultancy and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles, Pascal Viroleau, CEO of the Vanilla Islands to name but a few.

Hon Anil Gayan, Minister of tourism of Mauritius said when he addressed the conference that:- ” Tourism in Mauritius relies of security of the destination, high quality resorts, a multi-ethnic population, a confluence of religion, cultures and traditions, in fact a mosaic of the world. Tourism is always a work in progress and this is why we are here to learn and to strategize. The choice of the theme is deliberate as we all know that travel and tourism of tomorrow will be determined by the impact of Digitalisation on Sustainable Tourism. Travelling into the future conjures up an image of Mauritius as a Digital Paradise. We intend to seize the potential of new technology to advance the tourism industry. With social media and new products like crypto-currency and blockchain, technology will shape the world of the future. How we respond to the new paradigm will determine the fate of the industry. Sustainable digitalization and digitalized sustainability – that is the question. As travel is about connecting people and places, there is always a great story to tell afterwards. Travel opens mind, fosters mutual understanding and, as a contributor to world peace, tourism is people to people diplomacy at its best”.

The Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and the African mainland were well represented at this important tourism meeting that saw many panel discussions from experts and strategists.

Alain St.Ange
t: + 248 2 515 615
e: alain@saintange.com.au | saintangeseychelles@gmail.com