Category: Latest Travel News

Koh Samui (Thailand) – May 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – From 26th May until 2nd June 2018, the Samui Regatta will attract marine sports enthusiasts from around the world to Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui on the island’s idyllic Chaweng Beach. The now legendary annual yachting event showcases the skills of top international racers and regional yachting veterans over five days of exhilarating competition in the azure waters of the Gulf of Siam.

Now in its 17th year, the Samui Regatta has been hosted by award-winning Centara Grand Beach Resort Koh Samui since its inception, prompting members of the regional yachting community to refer to the resort as the ‘Home of the Samui Regatta’. Each year, a fleet of spectacular yachts sails in to Koh Samui, arriving with crew and yachting fans to experience some world-class sailing and enjoy the island’s glamorous social scene. The resort provides the perfect base for spectators, competitors and crew members to stay, relax and dine while also enjoying a full line-up of regatta parties during the event.

“We’re proud to be the host of this truly international event as we welcome visitors from around the globe to enjoy our fabulous facilities and stunning island environment,” says Voytek Klasicki, General Manager Centara Grand Samui Beach Resort.

“Koh Samui is Thailand’s most popular boutique island with good reason and the Samui Regatta has become part of its modern heritage with people returning year after year to enjoy the fun on and off the water,” he added.

In the last decade, the Samui Regatta has grown to become one of Asia’s leading regattas and one of the best sporting and lifestyle events in Thailand, attracting strong racing, cruising and multihull fleets with around 500 participants from over 20 countries taking part. In the final event in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship, the event generates around THB 18 million for the local Koh Samui economy annually.

“It’s great to see such a competitive line up again this year across all the sailing classes. There are some very evenly matched boats and crews so I’m sure everyone will enjoy the five days of racing we have planned for them,” added Race Director, Simon James.

As well as action on the water, the Samui Regatta attracts spectators and vacationers for its onshore social scene. Centara Grand Beach Resort, as host venue, ensures everyone from the crew to visitors, enjoys the resort’s facilities, services and world class cuisine.

The official opening party is traditionally held at Centara Grand Beach Resort with free-flow drinks, snacks and great entertainment. During the competition, the Regatta Tavern, right in front of the host resort, opens for beachfront sundowners from 5-7pm runs Race Day Happy Hour with an open bar serving Samui Regatta signature cocktails, a huge range of isotonic drinks, canapes and more. It is a go-to meeting spot to check-out the day’s race results and presentations.

The Samui regatta ends in style with an exclusive Gala Dinner for 500+ guests on the beachfront lawn at Centara Grand Beach Resort, with a delicious buffet, live music and awards presented by a guest MC. Tickets are included in the crew fees with some available to purchase, along with one-day social passes.

Centara Hotels & Resorts have been welcoming visitors to Koh Samui for over 20 years and the Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui is the ideal regatta host venue. Sophisticated, and with a wonderfully nostalgic seaside air, the beachfront resort boasts chic bars and restaurants as well as stunning rooms and suites, including private-pool suites, as well as a spa; a timeless resort that is classic yet gloriously modern and reflects the contemporary culture of yachting tradition.

For more information: www.samuiregatta.com

About Centara Hotels & Resorts:
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 58 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for: gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle. Over the next five years Centara aims to double its size with additional properties in Thailand and its new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1 Card, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Baa Atoll (Maldives) – May 16, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Summer is coming and what better way to welcome our guests than joining forces with other resorts in Baa Atoll to offer our best, as a destination? With this thought in mind, resorts namely – Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Dusit Thani, Amilla Fushi, Vakkaru Maldives and Finolhu, all located in Baa Atoll have come together to celebrate the Summer Festival with a bang in Baa Atoll calling it the “Baa Atoll Summer Festival 2018”.

This first ever and one-of-its-kind festival will be held from 20th July to 3rd August 2018, bringing the best each resort has to offer in the dining scene. Guests from each resort will have the opportunity to experience the varied cuisines Baa Atoll has to offer as a destination, on dedicated nights. This will give them a taste of our creativity and service, with a chance to explore other islands during their stay.

As per MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators), Destination Marketing is the new trend Maldives is aiming for. Stats show that the tourism industry has welcomed more than 1.3 million tourists in 2017 and this number will grow for the market this year and in the years to come.

“The Baa Atoll Festival is a brilliant concept and opportunity, and hopefully becomes an annual event that resorts and guests look forward to. And I hope this festival will be marketed to tourists around the world through all these resorts PR channels”, says MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas.

On Wednesday, 9th May 2018, all participating resorts came together in Soneva Fushi Sandbank to bring this festival to light with an official announcement during a gathering with Chefs, Marine Biologists and the leaders.

The Baa Atoll Festival will officially launch on Friday, 20th July 2018, with a cocktail event in each of the resorts where the teams will celebrate with their guests the opening night. From Saturday, 21st July, each resort will welcome the guests from other resorts with a special set menu for dinner in their featured dining restaurant, for two consecutive weeks on a designated night.

This gives the resort the opportunity to showcase its ‘Dining Scene’ to the guests of the resort itself and those visiting from the other islands for dinner, transportation will be organized by the respective resorts to the featured resort on a daily basis, for a minimum charge of $25++ per person. If the guests would like to repeat their experience in a specific resort, then special arrangements will be made to accommodate the same. Each resort will present a set menu for $120++ per person on food with a special menu for kids. Therefore the price of the menu in each featured restaurant will remain the same. This is compiled with an aim to create an experience for the guests as the talented chefs unveil their dishes.

This destination dining concept aims to tantalize the taste buds of our guests in all participating resorts and make Baa Atoll location in Maldives a ‘must visit’ Atoll during summer. Moreover, during this summer festival, each resort will offer a calendar of activities to keep the entire family entertained, from water sports to kids’ activities and more. It is fun time for all!

The team have come together to show the strength in the form of a dedicated website and social media account that will be constantly updated with beach activities, events and water experiences. With this first ever event, Baa Atoll destination has created a benchmark for itself and aims to be more creative in the years to come with the support of Maldives Media.

The Baa Atoll Festival closing ceremony will once again bring the teams together in celebration, on a Sandbank for a Catamaran Regatta competition on Sunday, 3rd August 2018.

Schedule for the Baa Atoll Festival 2018:
– Saturday, 21st July & 28th July: Amilla Fushi
– Sunday, 22nd July & 29th July: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
– Monday, 23rd July & 30th July: Finolhu
– Tuesday, 24th July & 31st July: Dusit Thani
– Wednesday, 25th July & 1st August: Soneva Fushi
– Thursday, 26th July & 2nd August: Vakkaru Maldives

Visit: www.baaatollfestival.com for more information and follow us on Instagram: @Baa_Atoll_Festival #SummerFestival #DineAroundinBaa #TourDeBaa #ItsBetterInBaa #DineAround

About the resorts and participating restaurants:
Soneva Fushi (resort):
The original Soneva. The No News, No Shoes blueprint for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways, located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 61 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms, hidden among dense foliage.

Out of the Blue (participating restaurant):
Once Upon a Table, which opened in May 2018, is one of the five new outlets in Soneva Fushi’s ‘Out of the Blue’ dining complex; a two-storey overwater structure with beautiful views of the sunset. A culinary theatre showcasing some of the biggest names in fine dining, Once Upon a Table’s horseshoe shaped table seats just eight diners for an intimate dining experience. In 2018, more than 30 of the world’s top chefs, most with one or two Michelin stars, will cook at the outlet.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru (resort):
Combining innovation, wellness and conservation, Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre wonderland of pristine tropical beauty in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Exotic jungle greenery is flanked by immaculate white beaches and one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons.

Blu (participating restaurant):
Overlooking a 1.2 mile lagoon, Blu embraces the essence of the Maldives as the place where the ocean meets the sky. This contemporary Italian restaurant serves light Mediterranean fare during the day and offers a fine dining experience in the evening, serving up vibrant dishes with a Southern Italian accent.

Dusit Thani (resort):
Dusit Thani Maldives blends graceful Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of The Maldives, encircled by white sandy beaches and a stunning 360-degree house reef full of marine life.

Benjarong (Participating restaurant):
Benjarong, the signature overwater Thai restaurant, takes diners to the Land of Smiles with authentic delicacies bringing Royal Thai cuisine to Baa Atoll.

Amilla Fushi (resort):
The name itself translates to ‘island home’ – effortlessly welcoming in the most idyllic ways. A comfortably elegant retreat in the UNESCO Biosphere of Baa Atoll, Amilla Fushi stands apart from the crowd with its minimalist white villas and its appreciation for the avant-garde.

Feeling Koi (participating restaurant):
Crystal waters lap below Amilla Fushi’s signature restaurant. Japanese minimalism on an open deck, chefs performing in a theatre kitchen – culinary magic with exquisite presentation. Izakaya-style dining comes to life with openhearted service and shared ‘tapas’ plates. Umami works of art in a spectacular setting. Downstairs, a lounge bar for post-dinner drinks. Smooth sounds from the DJ, moon reflecting off the seas.

Vakkaru Maldives (resort):
Within the UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE of Baa Atoll in the Republic of the Maldives lies a reef island composed entirely of sediment produced on the surrounding coral “faru” (or reefs), 85% it is thought, by parrotfish, the fish grinding up coral during feeding and, after digesting the edible content, excrete the rest as sand, creating the powder soft, brilliant white sands that encircle the island.

ONU (participating restaurant):
ONU means Bamboo in Dhivehi. An elegant bamboo fashioned culinary theatre within a tropical plantation offering a dining experience inside and out, seasoned with a tropical ambiance, idolising the finest from our organic farm. A designed space with showcase kitchen, counter dining, garden pavilions and lounge areas.

Finolhu (resort):
Where do the cool cats go to catch some rays? Finolhu, of course. Let us clue you in on what’s shakin’ at the grooviest resort in the Maldives. Whether you want to be thrilled or be chilled, tune in or tune out, Finolhu’s your bag, baby. Welcome to the Grooviest Island in the Maldives.

Kanusan (Participating restaurant):
Kanusan’s deck dips you into a dazzling dining experience. Whet your whistle on classic favourites such as Mandarin roasted duck and larb gai – with a refreshing Kanusan twist. Kanusan features a totally fresh overwater bar area and two dining areas. There’s a chilled indoor dining space, and an open lower deck which provides the archetypal Maldivian experience of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sea.

For any enquiries, please contact:
Brinda Hora, Director of Communications
Amilla Fushi & Finolhu Resorts
The Small Maldives Island Co
brinda@tsmic.mv
+960 7922 343

Phuket (Thailand) – May 14, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Thailand’s Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij savoured his first professional victory in front of his family after closing with an even-par 70 to win by six shots in the final round of the Singha Laguna Phuket Open on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Thai displayed great form all week as he traded two birdies against as many bogeys on Sunday to secure his wire-to-wire Asian Development Tour (ADT) victory on 18-under-par 262 total at Laguna Golf Phuket.

Compatriot Pawin Ingkhapradit returned with an impressive 66, but he was unable to overhaul Varanyu’s lead. He took second-place on his own at the ฿2 million (approx. US$64,000) event co-sanctioned by the ADT and the All Thailand Golf Tour.

South African Mathiam Keyser signed for a 69 to take third place, marking his best finish on the ADT this season. Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand, who started the final round in second, struggled with nerves and dropped two places after carding a 71 while Sweden’s Oscar Zetterwall (67) and Thailand’s Worrasorn Suwanpanang (68) share fifth place on 272 at the Tour’s eighth leg of the season.

Playing in the final group for the first time in his professional career, Varanyu was surprised by his father and sister who flew down from his hometown of Phetchaburi, Thailand, to watch him play.

“It feels like a dream! I have worked so hard all year and to finally get a win and in Thailand is amazing. My mother has been following me all four days and I didn’t know my father was going to come. It makes me so happy that they got to see my first win,” said Varanyu who also had his brother on his bag this week.

Varanyu dropped a shot on the first hole but would soon recover with a birdie on hole three. He maintained a steady momentum with nine pars, before dropping another shot on hole 13 due to an errant drive. He would finish out his last five holes with a birdie on 14 when he made an up-and-down from 15 yards followed by four more pars.

“After I made bogey on hole one, my brother just told me to stay calm and not speed up my tempo. I was nervous but having my whole family there to support me helped. He would distract me from the scores and I just stuck to the game plan of playing like I did the past three days,” added Varanyu.

Sticking to his tee-to-fairway-to-green game plan, Pawin fired four birdies in a bogey-free round to match his low round one score.

“The highlight of today’s’ round would have to be hole 16 when I missed the green to the left and chipped-in for birdie from 15-yards. I hit everything well today and my tempo was good. I am pretty happy with my second-place finish especially since I played all four rounds under par this week. I felt like I was really focused on my game plan and not thinking about other people today.” said the 26-year-old Pawin.

After this win, Varanyu took up membership on the ADT and is currently 10th on the merit rankings. He took home a winner’s prize purse of US$9,450 and six Official World Golf Ranking points while the top-six players and ties earned points on a sliding scale.

The leading five players on the ADT Order of Merit at the end of the season will earn playing rights on the premier Asian Tour for the 2019 season.

Leading round four scores
262 – Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij (Tha) 62 61 69 70
268 – Pawin Ingkhapradit (Tha) 66 69 67 66
270 – Mathiam Keyser (Rsa) 66 67 68 69
271 – Nitithorn Thippong (Tha) 64 66 70 71
272 – Oscar Zetterwall (Swe) 64 67 74 67, Worrasorn Suwanpanang (Tha) 68 67 69 68
273 – Tawan Phongphun (Tha) 68 69 70 66, John Michael O’toole (Usa) 65 71 69 68
274 – Itthipat Buranatanyarat (Tha) 73 68 68 65

Laguna Golf Phuket
Laguna Golf Phuket is an 18-hole, par 71 golf course situated in the heart of Asia’s first integrated resort – Laguna Phuket, conveniently accessible by complimentary shuttle service from the surrounding hotels. Thoroughly redesigned and reopened in 2015, the new landscaping with great emphasis on natural surroundings and wildlife provides golfers a whole new golfing experience. During the game, a tranquil journey into the native cultural experience with infused local elements creates a unique sense of place. The Thai villa design clubhouse offers a host of luxury facilities, including a well-stocked Pro Shop and international dining option. The course also features Southeast Asia’s first PGA-branded golf academy, offering a holistic learning experience by PGA instructors with a wide range of teaching packages, and extensive practice facilities including dedicated swing rooms with Trackman video analysis, as well as a purpose-built fitness studio with private sessions designed to improve your performance on the course.

Asian Development Tour
The Asian Development Tour was launched in 2010 with the aim of creating a career pathway for professional golfers in Asia. Sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the Asian Development Tour will ultimately create a new playing platform for emerging stars from across Asia and around the world. Through the Asian Tour Qualifying School, players will qualify for the Asian Development Tour and enjoy the opportunity to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia. Designed in the same structure as the Web.com Tour in America and European Challenge Tour, the Asian Development Tour is a stepping stone to the Asian Tour and the exciting world of international golf. The Asian Development Tour has been structured to ensure the best opportunities for its members. The leading five players on the Asian Development Tour will earn coveted Asian Tour cards for the following season, ensuring a proper career pathway for aspiring professionals. All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking points.

For more on golf in Thailand, visit Top25GolfCourses.com

London (United Kingdom) – May 14, 2018 (travelindex) – Rocco Forte Hotels moves from dotPOS to xnPOS, both from Xn protel Systems, to exploit the benefits of the latest POS technologies. Providing greater functionality, flexibility, scalability, security and the performance needed for its growing business. Global hospitality management software company Xn protel Systems proudly announced today that its long-standing POS customer, Rocco Forte Hotels, is moving to its full-service, cloud-hosted, xnPOS Point of Sale solution, after many years of using Xn’s dotPOS system.

The first implementation of xnPOS was at Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Brussels, Belgium. Since then it has been implemented in further Rocco Forte Hotels, with the remaining properties planned for 2018. This further formalizes and extends the partnership between Rocco Forte Hotels and Xn protel, to include next generation POS solutions that deliver better performance, more stability, functionality and flexibility for Rocco Forte Hotels’ growing business operations.

Rocco Forte Hotels was established in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi. With award-winning landmark hotels across Europe such as the Hotel de Russie, Rome, Brown’s Hotel, London, Charles Hotel, Munich and one in Saudi Arabia, Assila Hotel, Jeddah, each of the 11 hotels exude the Forte philosophy: open, intuitive service; elegant design that speaks to its location; and exceptional offerings in food, drink, spas and experiences.

xnPOS provides comprehensive functionality and scalability that meets the needs of hotel F&B, table service restaurants and hospitality foodservice operations. It has proven workflow advantages to manage guest check transactions, order-entry operations and remote kitchen/bar orders, while also providing seamless integration with hotel PMS, Loyalty/CRM and ERP systems.

Toby Herbert, Group IT Director, Rocco Forte Hotels said: “Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of very high-profile hotels, each one being very individual and unique, which had their own specific requirements for xnPOS. The strong working partnership we have with the Xn team enabled us to fine-tune the implementation to each hotel’s needs.

Toby continues, “Improvements in performance, functionality and flexibility have already started to benefit our F&B operations and support our future requirements for business growth. Our users have also been impressed by the ease of use enabled by front end and workflow enhancements.”

Alan O’Riordan, Managing Director UK & Europe, Xn protel Systems comments: “We’d like to thank everyone involved at each Rocco Forte hotel, along with the executive team, who have helped to ensure our POS systems have been an ongoing success at Rocco Forte Hotels. The next-generation innovations within xnPOS were brought about by listening to our customers and we will continue to do so.”

About Rocco Forte Hotels
Established by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 11 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas.

Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Sicily; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown’s Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Assila Hotel, Jeddah. Future openings: Rome in 2019, Shanghai in 2019

www.roccofortehotels.com

Rocco Forte Hotels media contact:
Daniela Moore
Group PR Manager
dmoore@roccofortehotels.com
+44 20 7766 3144

About Xn protel Systems
Xn protel Systems is a global hospitality management software company specializing in property management, central reservations, point of sale and activity management solutions. Our business-critical, highly functional, cloud-native and open systems provide the latest technology and flexibility. They help world-class hospitality companies in over 50 countries to optimize revenue generation, simplify service operations and enhance the quality of guest communications.

We are committed to:
– Creating open systems. Working closely with our customers and partners we adopt industry standard protocols to break down traditional integration barriers. Creating truly open, flexible solutions that support guests’ growing appetite to be more in control of their stay.
– Developing cloud-native products. Our newest technologies are born in the cloud. That means our customers benefit from the latest innovations, can take full advantage of mobile and achieve a lower cost of ownership.
– Being easy to do business with. We understand the frustration that comes with unresponsive and inflexible suppliers. We’re not like that. And we don’t take our customers for granted. A customer-centric approach is in our DNA, from preparing quotations through to resolving support calls.

Our next generation, global solutions are backed by outstanding customer service and support. Our dedicated team of highly experienced hotel, hospitality and technology experts work hard to understand customers’ needs and the issues they face. Located across our extensive network of offices, our specialists provide the best advice, solutions and support to make sure customers meet the needs of local markets and achieve their business goals.

The Company was formed in the UK in 2002, as Xn Hotel Systems. It was then renamed in 2015 as Xn protel Systems when protel hotelsoftware became a shareholder.

Xn protel media contact:
Terry Osborne
Head of Marketing
Terry.osborne@xnprotel.com
+44 (0) 7788 280434
www.xnprotel.com

Xn protel sales contact:
sales@xnprotel.com

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – May 14, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Africa’s INDABA 2018 has come and goneIndaba, the well-known tourism trade fair of Africa, has come and gone, and the chance for Africa to showcase itself to the world has passed. Minister Derek Hanekom said, when he opened this latest Indaba, that 1747 Buyers coming from countries all over the world were present to meet and discuss with the 22 exhibiting African countries, half of the States of Africa working to increase the tourism movement to the continent. Today, Africa pulls just about 5% of the total tourism movement. Showcasing the key USPs of the continent and rewriting the narrative of Brand Africa is the responsibility of each Tourism Board and Tourism Minister of the continent. Visibility for the continent and its islands will not, and cannot, happen by itself; Africa will need to do it by itself and for itself.

New tourism minister envisions Seychelles as a model for sustainable tourism to the world

The new Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, moved into his new office at Botanical House on Friday May 4, 2018. Formerly the minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, he was assigned the new portfolio in a Cabinet reshuffle announced by President Danny Faure on April 26.

Minister Dogley has welcomed his appointment as the new minister responsible for tourism, adding that it provides him with an excellent opportunity to shift his efforts, from taking care of the bedrock of Seychelles tourism — the natural environment — to ensuring that discerning visitors get to discover and experience the true qualities of the Seychelles islands as a world class destination. “In a world where unspoiled natural landscapes and seascapes are becoming a rare asset, Seychelles still offers a wide array of unique sites with breathtaking beauty and exceptional experiences,” he said.

“My vision is to use my knowledge and experience in environment stewardship, coupled with a strong partnership with the trade, to ensure that Seychelles becomes a model for sustainable tourism to the world, enriched by the creole culture and the hospitality of our people,” the minister added.

Didier Dogley was first appointed Minister in February 2015, and assigned the Environment, Energy and Climate Change portfolio. He had previously held high level positions in that same ministry including the post of Director General, Principal Secretary and Special Advisor.

Minister Dogley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, from the Erfurt University of Applied Science in Germany and a Masters Degree in Landscape Management from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom. He also holds a diploma in Management from the Seychelles Institute of Management.

Minister Didier Dogley is married with three children.

Compensation for flight delays

An important judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union on the compensation of passengers in the case of flight delay brings relief to passengers. The judgment delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union (“The Court”) on 7 March 2018 handled numerous complex cases (Cases C-274/16, c-447/16 and C-448/16) dealing with the same subject: the compensation of passengers for the delay of a flight and the competent jurisdiction in the case of a dispute which appears between the passenger and the airline responsible for the delay. Passengers are often too vulnerable when faced by long flight delays, especially when the airline management shows a total lack of interest and fails in their responsibility and duty of care.

In conclusion, the Court of Justice of the European Union once again clarifies its case law in the area of “air” disputes. In the light of the Brussels 1 Regulation and this new case-law, the rules established are favorable to passengers and may be unfavorable to airlines. These companies will have to be attentive when they deal with so-called “correspondence” flights. If the companies make a mistake, they might have to defend themselves before a Court in another Member State and that would make their defence more complicated.

Ebola in the northwestern town of Bikoro and surrounding areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo – NOT IN THE 54 STATES OF AFRICA

A problem in a village or region of an African State becomes an Africa-wide problem. The last Ebola epidemic affected the economies of many countries of the African Continent because the press did not take the trouble to say that the epidemic was in that village of that particular country alone, and not in each of Africa’s fifty-four independent countries.

Today, WHO is planning for ‘worst case scenario’ over DRC Ebola outbreak. At least 32 ‘suspected, probable and confirmed’ Ebola cases have been registered in the DRC since April, WHO says. The world has a duty to speak of this latest challenge, but the world must also speak of the northwestern town of Bikoro and the surrounding areas in the DRC and not refer to it as Ebola epidemic in Africa, because it causes confusion in the world of tourism and distant countries from the affected areas also suffer from such adverse misinformation.

Judiciary in Seychelles following a worrying path

It has been confirmed that the Constitutional Appointments Authority (CAA) of Seychelles has initiated proceedings against the sitting Chief Justice, Mathilda Twomey. Judges from foreign lands have been recruited, and are being flown in and duly housed, to hear the complaints levelled against her. The target on the Chief Justice’s back appears to follow the suspension of Justice Karunakaran from office.

The CAA currently has a number of political appointees on its board and this may well set the trend where Judges will change depending on political affiliation, consequently undermining the independence of the three branches of Government, and the doctrine of separation of powers.

From the Maldives we hear:- “Maldives Chief Justice Arrested As President Abdulla Yameen Declares State Of Emergency. The move gives sweeping powers to security forces to arrest and detain suspects, and comes amid a deepening political crisis in Maldives as President Abdulla Yameen defies the Supreme Court”.

In the Philippines the world press reports:- “The Philippines’ highest court on Friday forced out its chief justice, removing a fierce critic of President Rodrigo Duterte and his brutal war against drugs, which has left thousands dead”.

The first woman Chief Justice in Africa was in Lesotho and now the world press are reporting as follows:- “We have received a statement by the Chair of the Southern African Chief Justices Forum – the Hon. Chief Justice Shivute, on plans to remove the Hon. Chief Justice Majara of Lesotho, from office. The SACJF has called on the authorities of the Kingdom of Lesotho to uphold the rule of law and handle the matter in accordance with the principles of natural justice and due process”.

Seychelles appears to be mirroring this concerning trend, prompting a pervasive loss of confidence in Government as a whole. The treatment of the Chief Justice by the State serves as a grim reminder that the Judiciary can be pulled back into line whenever they try to exert their independence from the Executive and the Legislative. Let us learn from the mistakes of the Maldives, the Philippines and Lesotho and allow the Judiciary to manage its branch of Government free from political influences, before Seychelles too is shamed in the international press.

Air Mauritius flights to Seychelles

Many are wondering whether the news that Air Mauritius will commence flights to Seychelles is true. No official notice has been issued as yet, but Air Mauritius has the right to initiate flights to Seychelles when they so wish because of ‘reciprocal agreements’ Seychelles has with Mauritius. With the new announcement that Air Seychelles shall be using only the smaller aircraft on the Mauritius run, the market for more cargo space has opened up. This run has always been a financially profitable one and the interest by Air Mauritius to re-enter the route remains a possibility.

Bangkok (Thailand) – May 11, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Amara Bangkok has been awarded the prestigious MICE Venue Standard Certificate 2018 by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) for its outstanding meeting facilities that meet internationally recognised standards, making it one of Thailand’s leading MICE venues.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) initiated the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS) in 2013 to develop Thailand’s meetings and exhibitions venues. Due to its nationwide success, it is used as a framework adopted by other ASEAN nations in developing a common standard across the region.

‘We are proud that our four dedicated meeting rooms have been officially recognised among the best in Thailand MICE industry. Receiving this MICE Venue Standard Certificate not only demonstrates the strength of our competent events team, top-of-the-class meeting facilities and our ability to successfully accommodate the different needs of MICE groups, it also serves as a guarantee to all event organisers who are seeking to create meaningful and rewarding corporate events in Bangkok that Amara Bangkok is an accredited MICE option in the heart of Bangkok’ said Viranat Silananda, General Manager, Amara Bangkok.

Strategically located in the bustling Silom district, Amara Bangkok offers 250 tastefully appointed guestrooms designed for the discerning traveller, with contemporary furnishings in soothing tones, boasting modern conveniences including luxurious bathrooms featuring rain showers and premium bath amenities. Thai art pieces feature in every guest room and hotel public spaces, creating that local connection in a contemporary space.

The hotel offers innovative dining concepts, including signature Singaporean and authentic Thai cuisine at all-day restaurant Element, fashionable rooftop nightspot AkaAza which offers spectacular views, signature cocktails at The Bar and specialty coffee at Barista, as well as the Minibar Boutique for guests’ convenience. The sky gym and sky pool allow guests to reenergise after a busy day and offer magnificent city views.

Amara Bangkok provides state of the art meeting and event facilities including the Grand Ballroom Tanjong Pagar 1 and 2, named after the neighbourhood where Amara Singapore, the Group’s flagship property is located, and two function rooms Surawong 1 and Surawong 2. An Executive Club Lounge has also been designed with the business travellers in mind.

About Amara Bangkok
Amara Bangkok is an exciting 250-room lifestyle hotel for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Bangkok skyline.

Located on Surawong Road, parallel to the main Silom and Sathon roads, Amara Bangkok is a stone’s throw away from the city’s main financial hubs. Nestled in the centre of the historic Bangrak district, travellers can find a host of restaurants, world-class bars and the colourful Patpong Night Market at our doorstep. Select from a wide range of well-appointed guestrooms to suit your needs and preferences – be it a Cabana Room with exclusive access to Jacuzzi on Level 9, Deluxe Room, Executive Room and Club Room. Each guestroom features contemporary and modern furnishings with soothing tones.

For additional comfort and extensive amenities and services, opt for our Club Rooms with exclusive access to our Club Lounge on Level 20. Element, the 145 seater hotel’s all day dining restaurant, features indoor dining and refreshing al fresco dining area. Guests can unwind at the rooftop sky pool, AkaAza and a fully-equipped gym.

Bangkok (Thailand) – May 13, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Management of Azimut Yachts Thailand, sole authorized dealer of Italy’s renowned Azimut Yachts in the country, recently announced the arrival in Thailand of Azimut 77S – a gutsy, state-of-the-art craft with ultimate charm and elegance, and a champion of low fuel consumption – belonging to the distinctive Azimut S sports yachts Collection.

Making its debut at the recent Cannes Boat Show in September 2017, the Azimut 77S once again displays the vertical bow and the steel shield of the Azimut 55S, a true commercial success story with over 40 crafts sold since its launch two years ago. The 77S, spotting many of the distinctive features of the Azimut sport yacht range is poised to match the success of the Azimut 55S, with four boats ordered even before the official launch.

“We are very excited to present the beautifully designed, sporty but spacious 77S to the Thai yachting enthusiasts and existing yacht owners in this region,” said Mr. Chanyo Manakulsawasd, Operations Director of Azimut Yachts Thailand. “In addition to its two very exclusive features – the pivoting stern platform facilitating water sports and the double open air area for private sunbathing – the 77S’s excellent performance of maximum speed up to 36 knots and reduced fuel consumption due to its Volvo Penta IPS 1350 engines (1000 HP each) providing as much as 30% savings are all positive magnets to attract the interest of potential buyers in Thailand.”

The Azimut 77S is family and group excursions friendly boasting two very spacious open air living areas on board: The traditional aft cockpit with a sunbathing area of 8 square metres, a dining table for as many as eight and a kitchen-bar area with a BBQ, refrigerator and icemaker. The fore cockpit is an eating and relaxation area with an eight person sofa, a coffee table and all the space needed to relax in the sun or in the shade thanks to an electrohydraulic bimini cover.

The main deck with its two large windows and the vast crystal entrance door as well as the sliding glass roof is open to natural light. The design and décor highlighting gloss Zebrano wood essences and leather details are all produced by the best Italian craftsmen.

The lower deck comprises the master suite with bulwark windows offering a breath-taking view over the water, a large bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe, two guest cabins laid out in a traditional way with separate beds and over 6 feet 6 inch high ceilings. The spacious and functional kitchen with storage space large enough for medium to long range cruise completes the picture.

“The new Azimut 77S is ultimately not just a study in excellence in terms of design and functionality, but also a technological marvel, made possible thanks to the long standing experience and research that has gone into Azimut Yachts; and on behalf of the Management of Azimut Yachts Thailand, we are indeed very proud and honoured to be associated with such a distinguished brand in the world’s nautical industry,” said Mr. Chanyo.

“With this latest, yet another spectacular Azimut model, we shall continue to strive to augment Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s fastest growing yachting and cruising grounds in this region,” concluded Mr. Chanyo.

For more information about Azimut Yachts, please contact MGC Marine (Asia) Co., Ltd. at 02 931 8300 or info@mgc-marine.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – May 10, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has appointed Mr Cyrill Czerwonka as its new Regional Director of Development Asia, effective May 4, 2018. Cyrill has enjoyed an impressive career in the hotel investment and development sector with both operators and owners. This has included identifying new hotel opportunities, negotiating deals and conducting financial studies for a number of international hospitality companies.

Having obtained his Master’s Degree in Business & Finance from the Graduate Business School of Management: Audencia Nantes, France, Cyrill entered the hospitality industry with AccorHotels. Based in Bangkok, this role also re-introduced Cyrill to the Asia Pacific region as he focused on Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Maldives, and conducted a three-month mission to India.

Following this, Cyrill spent almost five years with Singapore-based serviced apartment specialist, The Ascott Limited, as Business Development Manager for Europe and North Africa. Then in 2013, he joined Dusit International as Assistant Director of Development for EMEA, based in the United Arab Emirates.

Having honed his skills, Cyrill now joins Best Western’s Asia head office in Bangkok, where he will focus on seeking new hotel development opportunities for the company across the region. This appointment comes at an exciting time for Best Western, as the company accelerates its Asian expansion plans.

“We are delighted to welcome Cyrill to the Best Western Asia team,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia. “His talent, experience and financial acumen will be great assets for our company as we continue to grow our portfolio.

“With an expanded collection of 11 hotel brands, including three ‘soft brands’, Best Western is perfectly positioned to meet the demands of any market, from major cities to emerging destinations. With Cyrill now onboard, we expect to see Best Western’s world-famous standards of hospitality introduced to guests in many exciting new locations, all across Asia,” Olivier added.

“I am very excited to be joining Best Western Hotels & Resorts – one of the hospitality industry’s most famous and historic companies,” commented Cyrill. “I have watched their recent brand expansion strategy with interest and have been very impressed by many of the advanced concepts that have been launched, including soft brands and millennial hotels. I look forward to working with the entire team here in Bangkok to bring these innovative brands to guests all across the region.”

Best Western currently operates more than 50 hotels and resorts across Southeast Asia and Japan, covering five of its global brands. This portfolio is expected to expand considerably in the coming years, with at least 30 new properties in the pipeline.

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 CollectionSM by Best Western, 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

Macao (Macao SAR) – May 9, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF or the Forum), an official partner of the 2018 EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY 2018), coorganized the EU-Macao Light Bridge illumination ceremony with the European Union (EU) Office to Hong Kong and Macao at Sai Van Lake Square this evening (May 8) to celebrate Europe Day as part of the ECTY 2018, and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the EU Office to Macao. The city’s landmark Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre (Macau Tower) was illuminated in blue, the colour of the EU flag, representing a symbolic bridge of light connecting with the EU.

The ceremony was officiated by Ambassador Carmen Cano, Head of Office of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, and Mr. Wong Sio Chak, Acting Chief Executive of Macao SAR and Secretary for Security of the Macao SAR Government. Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of The National Committee of The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of GTEF, Mr. Yuan Hengge, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao, Mr. Ho Iat Seng, President of Legislative Assembly of Macau Special Administrative Region, Ms. Pansy Ho, Secretary-General and Vice Chairman of GTEF, the Consuls General and trade commissioners of the EU Member States to Hong Kong and Macao, Macao SAR government officials, Professor Kit Thompson, Chairman of The Macau European Chamber of Commerce, Mr Rutger Verschuren, Chairman of the France Macau Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Tony Un, Chairman of the German Macau Business Association, and tourism leaders were among the attendees of this special event.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang conveyed this message at the opening ceremony of ECTY 2018 in Venice this January: “ECTY 2018 is an initiative that will expand mutual tourism cooperation and personnel exchanges, promote exchanges between civilizations and establish closer people-to-people ties, drive common development and win-win reciprocity and inject new impetus into the development of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and EU in the new era.”

During the ceremony, Ambassador Cano said:
“This symbolic bridge of light is a reminder of the strong bond which unites the people of the European Union and Macao. We hope it will promote tourism and encourage the people of Macao to learn more about the European Union.”

The EU-China Light Bridge, one of the many exciting ECTY2018 events, is a collaboration among the European Commission, the European Travel Commission (ETC), numerous municipal councils, cultural institutions and tourism boards in Europe. More than 50 landmarks, iconic sites and venues across 18 EU countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and the United Kingdom took part in early March, coinciding with the celebration of the Lantern Festival in China. Participating sites were illuminated in red to form the EU pillar of the Light Bridge.

Macao was the first Chinese city to celebrate ECTY2018 with a bridge of light from the Macau Tower. Thirty other cities and sites, such as Beijing’s Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace and Bird’s Nest, Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Hubei’s Yellow Crane Tower, Sichuan’s Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan, and Hong Kong’s Tsim Tsa Tsui Clock Tower, will be illuminated in blue on Europe Day on 9 May.

Following the successful illumination ceremony at the Macau Tower was a dinner hosted by GTEF at MGM COTAI, the venue of GTEF 2018, with a presentation of the Forum to the EU counsel generals and representatives.

As an official partner of the ECTY 2018, GTEF 2018 will be held in MGM Cotai on October 23 and 24 under the theme “Strategic Partnership in a New Era, Rising Momentum for a Shared Future”, and will showcase the EU as the Partner Region. GTEF 2018 will also present Guangdong Province as the Featured Chinese Province with a special focus on the Greater Bay Area. Pioneering topics at the top of the public-private agenda, and dedicated to creating tourism promotion, investment and cooperation opportunities for tourism stakeholders, GTEF will use its pragmatic tourism exchange platform to drive discussions on strengthening EU-China commercial and cultural exchanges, and to provide opportunities to build EU-China cooperation and partnership 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 105 provinces and cities of Mainland China; and 437 internationally
renowned speakers.

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

Phoenix (Arizona) – May 8, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels and Resorts today announced that Vice President of Operations Bruce Wienberg has been named a Gold Stevie Award winner in the Maverick of the Year – Consumer Services category. This year marks the 16th Annual American Business Awards – the premier business awards program in the U.S., with winners selected from a pool of more than 3,700 nominations across all industries. Wienberg’s win is a significant accomplishment for the hospitality industry veteran and for Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

“Bruce’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience has been a driving force behind our brand’s evolution and a catalyst for elevating industry standards,” said Ron Pohl, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “The Maverick of the Year Award is truly fitting for a professional like Bruce, whose forward-thinking and innovative mindset makes an impact on our business daily.”

Since joining Best Western Hotels & Resorts in 2003, Wienberg has demonstrated his commitment to innovation and success. His assistance in rolling out Best Western’s award-winning I Care® Every Guest Every Time training program, which utilizes industry-leading Mursion avatar training simulations, has created the highest guest satisfaction scores in the company’s history. The program has also helped Best Western land a spot on Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies list in the AR/VR category. Wienberg also championed the brand’s new “Build Your Own” breakfast program, which is now available at most Best Western-branded properties and emulated at hotels across the globe. The program was recently awarded a top ranking in J.D. Power’s 2017 Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study in the category of food and beverage for midscale.

“The nominations submitted for The 2018 American Business Awards were outstanding. The competition was intense, and those recognized as Stevie Award winners should be immensely proud of this accomplishment,” said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Monday, June 11. Tickets are now on sale.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2018 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA

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

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 CollectionSM by Best Western, 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