Category: Latest Travel News

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

Bangkok (Thailand) – May 25, 2018 – Mekong Kingdoms is proud to announce the maiden Mekong River voyage of Gypsy, an ultra-exclusive two-cabin river cruiser, between the ancient Laos capital of Luang Prabang and Thailand’s Golden Triangle, in May 2018. A private tailored three nights, four days cruise from Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle and a two nights, three days cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang for up to four passengers are on offer.

For those who seek a superior cruise experience that can be as spirited, laidback or personalised as their heart and soul desire, Gypsy offers the most intimate journey where adventurous voyagers and armchair travellers alike can enjoy first class services – from plush contemporary surrounds to gourmet meals and bespoke experiences both on board and ashore.

Meticulously designed to accommodate the modern day lifestyle of the most discerning wanderlust souls, the 41-metre, two-cabin vessel epitomises a fine balance between playful mingling and reflective solitude. With ample indoor and outdoor living spaces to comfortably accommodate families or small groups, Gypsy also features a communal mid-ship lounge, bar and dining area, as well as a separate veranda style lounge with an al fresco panorama deck at the bow of the boat.

For Bangkok based design consultant Ms Jiraparnn Tokeeree from TOUCHABLE, furniture and interior design is more approachable and touchable than the abstract concept of art – for her, art is all around us and she adapts aesthetics and artistic aspects into her designs in order to accentuate this notion. For the Gypsy interior design project she fashioned a harmonious social atmosphere of modern homely design, juxtaposed with hints of the glamorised bygone era of romantic voyaging.

Wood and thatch throughout blend seamlessly with the verdant surrounds of the mighty Mekong River’s shores through floor-to-ceiling windows and from open sun decks. The boat’s contemporary designed interiors feature tongue and groove wood panelled ceilings, floors and walls; etched wooden cupboards and closets; solid wood tables; dark woven leather seating; and oversized bamboo daybeds. Local handwoven ornaments adorn the spaces and freshly cut flowers create a naturally soothing ambience, while Thai silk and fabrics drape the furniture in bold colours and lustrous appeal.

The well-appointed spacious sleeping cabins are fully air-conditioned and consists of a king bed and twin beds configurations, each with an en-suite shower and vanity. Intimate touches of bathrobes and slippers; crisp white bed linen; regular and feather pillows; and a choice of exquisite bathroom amenities provide convenient functions with the comfort of home. A hair dryer, vanity and make up mirror are provided, while a personal safe promises in-room safety.

Cruising along the majestic mighty Mekong River from near the world renowned Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Chiang Rai to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang conjures up images of old Indochina, of languorous days gone by, teeming with exhilarating river adventure, mystical temples and stunning untouched scenery. Voyagers will be captivated by the languid river lifestyle, soaking in nature’s wonders along the Mekong River Valley, marvelling at encounters with fascinating local cultures as they stop at villages and attractions along the way.

Daily shore excursions offer a mix of age old culture, local immersion and adrenaline charged adventure and include guided jungle treks; mountain biking in Ban Houy Phalam; freshwater fishing; a traditional weaving workshop at Ban Baw; Laos whisky tasting; a visit to a little known elephant camp in Pak Beng; and the Pak Ou caves – with its breath taking limestone karst formations, these two caves have been gifted thousands of Buddha images, left by pilgrims over the centuries.

Even while cruising the placid waters, guests can enjoy a range of wellness, cultural and fun diversions on board, including yoga; folk dancing; learning to speak the Laos language; weaving workshop; and cooking class.

After an adventurous day of exploring Southeast Asia’s most beguiling waterway, the boat’s open decks offer a welcome respite to savour a decadent Champagne high tea while watching the world go by. As the sun sets, cocktails on the panorama deck are the order of the day before retreating to the dining area for an evening of fine dining and imbibing, courtesy of the on board chef.

Rates start from USD 5,450 for a three nights, four day cruise from Luang Prabang, Laos, to the Golden Triangle, Thailand; and from USD 6,950 for a two nights, three days cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang. Rates are per boat for up to four guests and include all on board meals; welcome reception with canapés; soft beverages, water, beer, selected wines and coffee and tea; Wi-Fi; shore excursions, English guide, entrance fees and transfers; on board activities; return airport or hotel transfers; and gratuities. Children aged four years and under travel free.

About Mekong Kingdoms:
Mekong Kingdoms, a division of Minor Hotels, is pioneering a stylish new way of exploring the Mekong River with modern boats, bespoke itineraries and a playful, artistic spirit. Mekong Kingdoms cruises recreate and elevate the concept of river travel with a fleet of five vessels offering first class services in plush contemporary surrounds, including a 13-cabin boutique barge and a two-cabin ultra-exclusive cruiser for two-night and three-night cruises between Luang Prabang in Laos and the Golden Triangle in Thailand; and three day boats for shorter private excursions for couples to a floating lounge ideal for private events and family celebrations. Mekong Kingdoms cruises join Minor Hotels’ existing fleet of Manohra Dining Cruises in Bangkok and Anantara Overnight Cruises that sail from Bangkok to Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya.

Cam Ranh (Vietnam) – May 22, 2018 (travelindex) – Best Western Hotels & Resorts has accelerated its expansion plans in Vietnam with the signing of an exciting new upscale beach resort in Cam Ranh.

Best Western Premier Cam Ranh Seahorse Beach Resort will be nestled on an idyllic stretch of golden sand on Vietnam’s south-central coast, overlooking the azure East Sea.

Ideal for all types of travelers, from families seeking a beachfront vacation to corporate groups planning memorable meetings, this world-class resort, residence and convention center will be located just five minutes from Cam Ranh International Airport and 20 minutes from the popular resort town of Nha Trang.

The signing ceremony was held on May 10, 2018, attended by Best Western’s executives and Mr Luong Thanh Thiem, Chairman of Hong Ngoc Viet Travel Investment Joint Stock Company.

“We are delighted to sign such a prestigious project in Vietnam, as we ramp up our expansion strategy in this dynamic country,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations – Asia. “Best Western Premier Cam Ranh Seahorse Beach Resort is a perfect example of the type of first-class properties we are now attracting in Asia.

“With record numbers of international visitors, a large domestic population and rising levels of affluence, Vietnam is an incredibly exciting destination with huge tourism potential. We look forward to welcoming guests to this excellent resort in future and will continue to seek opportunities to bring Best Western’s world-class standards of hospitality to more areas of the country in future,” Olivier added.

Upon opening, Best Western Premier Cam Ranh Seahorse Beach Resort will feature a total of 376 rooms and suites, all equipped with upscale facilities, spacious bathrooms and cutting-edge technology, including complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can sample delectable local and international cuisine in the restaurant, enjoy soothing therapies in the spa, have fun on the tennis court, cool off in the tropical outdoor pool, or simply stroll along the sandy beach or beside the landscaped lakes.

For corporate clients and event planners, the adjacent convention hall provides an ideal setting for every type and size of event, including major international conferences, all backed up with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.

Located in Khanh Hoa province, in the south-central coast region of Vietnam, Cam Ranh is a stunning destination with golden sands and turquoise seas. The expansion of Cam Ranh International Airport, which will soon open a new international passenger terminal featuring 80 check-in counters and ten aircraft bridges, is helping to transform the area into a major tourism destination. The airport now welcomes direct flights from major cities including Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.

Best Western has identified Vietnam as one of its key Asian target markets; the signing of Best Western Premier Cam Ranh Seahorse Beach Resort comes just weeks after the company announced plans for its first BW Premier Collection® by Best Western hotel in the country, located in the coastal city of Vung Tau.

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

Langkawi (Malaysia ) – May 23, 2018 (travelindex.com) – Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin, the CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and a key member of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has just been appointed as the new Vice Chairman of PATA and the Chairman of Government Destination Sub-Committee at the Association’s Annual Summit in Gangneung, Republic of Korea for the period of 2018 – 2019.

Prior to his position at LADA to oversee the development of Langkawi as a premiere global tourist destination in line with the island’s status as UNESCO Global Geopark, Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin was the Deputy Director General for the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) and responsible for the operations of the organisation and the promotional efforts of all 44 Tourism Malaysia offices overseas.

Starting his career in tourism back in 1978, he has since served in various leadership roles including heading the Tourism Malaysia offices in Seoul, Republic of Korea and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He 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.

“I am deeply inspired and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the Committee that led to this assignment. I wish to also extend my respect and appreciation to all the members of PATA for their strong support. I greatly look forward to working with everyone as we steer PATA towards greater success and to boost the Malaysian tourism industry – maintaining its profile as a destination of excellence and a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation”, enthused Dato’ Haji Azizan who was also the Chairman of Malaysia PATA Chapter from 2010 to 2016.

In consistent with previous appointment, the mandate would automatically render
Dato’ Haji Azizan as the honourable Chairman for the next period (2019 – 2020).