Category: Latest Travel News

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – August 15, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The World Bank has issued its first Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) on Seychelles. The report says that the challenge now for Seychelles is to sustain its growth by raising productivity. Raising productivity in a country so dependent on tourism is to ensure that the island’s tourism industry is consolidated for the long term. Many Seychellois have invested their life savings into tourism and they need the security for their investments. Others are employed in this industry and they are breadwinners for their families.

The World Bank issued its first Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) on Seychelles on 2nd August 2017. Its findings will inform the World Bank’s operational work in the country and contribute to public debate, including as an input to the currently ongoing new national development planning process.

According to the SCD, Seychelles’ economic growth performance has been strong, both over the long term and recently, and employment rates are high. However, as this analysis demonstrates, that growth has been driven mainly by factor accumulation. Although Seychelles is considered to have a high-income economy, our challenge now is to sustain growth by raising productivity.

“While absolute poverty levels in Seychelles are low, inequality is significant,” said Alex Sienaert, Senior Country Economist and the report’s main author, “Increasing Seychellois’ direct participation in an increasingly skills-intensive, sophisticated economy is the paramount challenge for the country’s social sectors.”

The report indicates the need for a development model that fosters strong economic inclusion. In Seychelles, the labour market is increasingly rewarding workers with scarce technical and job-relevant skills. The pressure is on for the education system to equip graduates with the tools they need to reap the benefits of the growing opportunities offered by the Seychelles’ increasingly sophisticated economy. Additionally, social spending is already at generous levels, and needs to be better targeted, to shore up the sustainability of this spending, boost its impact on protecting the vulnerable and empower Seychellois to get high quality jobs.

The report also suggests that increasing state performance is another of the key challenges facing Seychelles today. A high-performing economy requires a public sector that is efficient enough to deliver high quality public services, agile enough to respond to emerging priorities, and small enough not to divert scarce financial and human resources away from the private sector.

The report adds that Seychelles has made much progress on this front and can build on this further to position government and the state-owned enterprises to support a high-performing, high participation economy.

It is to be recalled that this report follows recent insights shared by Maliki Jivan in ‘Today’ Newspaper, where she proposed a series of measures to sustain growth by raising productivity, including a commitment to business, to stimulate FDIs, to encourage FOREX earning businesses and exports, and for Government to be a facilitator of business.

The time to move ahead and look at the tourism and hospitality operators is now. We can restate what has been said over and over again –
“Seychelles businesses are not competing among themselves. They have to be seen as the preferred holiday in advertised tourism publications. Our Seychelles packages need to be noticed and the businesses need to be able to afford to be remain visible.”

Original Document at />
release/2017/08/02/world-bank-systematic-country-diagnostic-on-seychelles-meeting-the-productivity-participation-and-performance-challenge

Exciting new Excursion to Cousine Island

An up-close encounter with nesting seabirds, endemic bird species, giant land tortoises, and depending on the season, a nesting sea turtle — these are what conservation lovers are being invited to discover by visiting the small Seychelles’ island of Cousine.

Located some eight kilometres off the west coast of Praslin — the Seychelles’ second most inhabited island — Cousine is now offering day visits for small groups. The new excursion experience on the secluded island, also home to a small boutique hotel, is open to both Seychellois and tourists.

Describing what the excursion has to offer, the Guest Relations Manager on Cousine Island, Michelle Pretorius, said visitors would be welcomed by the conservation team upon arrival, who will brief them on the island’s conservation programme.

The visitors would then be taken on a guided tour of the island’s plateau to encounter and learn about the various species that call Cousine their home, while all precautions are taken to minimize any disturbances to the wildlife.

“To minimize any disturbance to the wildlife and guests on the island we can accommodate up to a maximum of six visitors per day,” Mrs Pretorius said.
The visit takes around 5 hours, including a three-course lunch and time for the visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery, including the clear azure waters surrounding the island.

“As we are a conservation island with strict invasive species protocol we only allow our boat to beach the island. We therefore can collect visitors from Praslin or we can arrange a helicopter transfer both at an additional rate,” said Mrs Pretorius.

Cousine spans 25 hectares in size, 1.4 kilometres in length and 800 metres in width. Although small in size the island has a big heart for conservation.

Rich in natural habitat, it boasts an array of endemic vegetation, which creates the perfect habitat for land, sea and migratory bird species that call the island their home. Nesting sea birds that can be found on the island include the white-tailed tropic birds and fairy terns.

A thriving population of 40 Seychelles Magpie Robin, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red list of Threatened species due to its small population, can also be found on Cousine.

Visitors can also expect to meet one of the 80 giant Aldabra tortoises roaming around freely on the island. And if one is lucky to be on the island during the nesting season, the unique sight of a Hawksbill turtle laying its eggs on the beach will come as a special treat.

Aside of the newly introduced day visits, Cousine also has the capacity to welcome an intimate compliment of up to 12 adults & 6 children at its small boutique hotel, which underwent major renovations in 2011, reopening in April 2016.

The hotel boasts 4 luxury villas and a new stately Presidential villa that have been built to blend in well with the island’s lush tropical vegetation.

“The Seychelles tourism industry needs new attractions and tours for its visitors. The yield from tourism will only increase when there is more to do. Congratulations to Cousine Island for being proactive and coming up with this new excursion for visitors to Seychelles”- Alain St.Ange

Changing the face of Entertainment in the Seychelles

There are many reasons to go to the Seychelles today, but quality entertainment venues with class and style have until recently not been one of them.
The Seychelles; tropical green islands set in the sparkling turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, welcome the traveller to discover this country often styled as “unique by a thousand miles” – where the houses hug the lower slopes of majestic mountains smothered in green velvet, the dark forest broken by spectacular granite outcrops and where the white beaches fuse into the turquoise seas. These beaches are the glory of the Seychelles and each beach has its distinct character.

Mahé is the main island of the Seychelles and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive islands in the world, with most of the population of the Seychelles concentrated in the north around the capital, Victoria. Away from the bustling little capital and its business and hotels, there is extraordinary beauty to be found along the coast of Mahé, particularly in the south and over the mountains to the west.

Come to the Seychelles for a romantic vacation, come to stay in a world-class resort, come to dive in crystal-clear waters, come for the deep-sea fishing, come to chill out under a palm tree on a natural beach, come to drink a rum punch by the poolside, come to get a taste of Creole culture and cuisine – these are daytime activities, so what do you do in the evening if you want to get away from your hotel?

There are of course a few entertainment venues open in the Seychelles, but these, even though some are located in major hotels, are in general merely a minor part of the hotels’ entertainment offers, with no attraction for the more sophisticated person who might be drawn to come to the Seychelles to stay in one of the exquisite luxury resorts.

There has always been the demand to have a quality entertainment offer that will match the expectations of the tourists, and new and repeat visitors who love the Seychelles for its tropical uniqueness but who expect to have access to a quality night life experience which lacks in the Seychelles, especially on the South coast of Mahé. Now there is something new.

To find this new and exciting place, take a 20-minute drive from Victoria over the mountains to the southwest coast of Mahé, to Petit Anse, where the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is located. Situated on a lush hillside, it is the perfect setting, with inspired tropical villas verdant with mango, jackfruit and coconut trees, cascading down towards sugary white sands. Here, right next to the Four Seasons Resort, is the first of the new style entertainment experiences – the Club Liberté.

The operators of the Club Liberté are determined that this venue will be that which “changes the face of entertainment in the Seychelles”. With a combination of contemporary and tropical influences, the Club Liberté resembles a colonial plantation house, and the plantation house “spirit” is there as soon as the door opens into the luxurious interior. The Club Liberté is not big, but it raises the bar of the Seychelles entertainment offer to new heights.

The unique offer in the Club Liberté is the Sushi Bar, which is food as entertainment. Be ready to be dazzled by the skills of the sushi chef as he prepares your order right in front of you. Everything is made to order as you wait. This is probably with little doubt the best sushi in the Seychelles.

There is a quality restaurant offer, offering a small but tantalizing menu, influenced by rich and vibrant Creole cuisine or international classics. When you want your food fast but don’t want fast food, check out the restaurant for appetising light bites. The chef utilises the very best of Seychelles produce to prepare a creative and innovative cuisine with tropical accents. The restaurant stays open until late to satisfy those early morning cravings.

Or you can just sink into a comfy chair as you enjoy a coffee or try one of the exotic cocktails prepared by the renowned cocktail barman. Relax with a beer and a snack and watch the world’s leading sporting events with live and recorded action on the big screens, or where cocktails and snacks can be savoured anytime you wish, while watching the entertainment shows. Live music and theme nights, themed to different international as well as local events are designed to attract a wide range of guests.

The Club Liberté is the place to be for entertainment and dining. This is a world-class entertainment venue, ideal for a night out, boasting unrivalled food outlets and bars, and entertainment. Experience all that’s new at the Club Liberté.

Saudia launches its flights to Mauritius in September

Saudi Arabia Airlines (Saudia) has announced the launch of its three-times-weekly flights to Mauritius on the 14th September 2017. The flights will leave Riyadh with a one-hour stop in Jeddah before heading to Mauritius. These will be operated with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a total capacity of 298 seats, of which 24 in Business Class. Mauritius is the third new destination for the company this year, and the 87th overall.

Giant Migrations through the Seychelles

With the South-East monsoon in full swing in the Seychelles, activities such as boating, charter fishing, diving and snorkeling are not quite favorable for the tourists wanting to experience the best that Seychelles has to offer. On the other hand, the windy season also brings with it humpback whales.

The Humpback whales make their long and arduous annual migration from the cold Southern Waters of the Antarctic, which is also their winter feeding grounds, to the warm waters around the equator. Interestingly, humpback whales show high site fidelity, and Seychelles is lucky to be one of these common spots which they frequent. The humpback whales come to the tropics to give birth. There are many theories for their northward migration but still remains inconclusive to researchers. One hypothesis suggests that they use the tropics as refuge from killer whale predation of their calves. Another is that the calves benefit from thermoregulation being in warmer waters.

Normally, most sightings of humpbacks around the Seychelles occur around the Aldabra atoll and the Outer islands. The Aldabra team has had 23 sightings in July alone with the whales seen to be moving northwards. The team took advantage of a rare calm Sunday to dive along an adult female and her calf. They described the experience as overwhelming, thrilling and quite emotional. They released the following video on social media to share with the world their indescribable encounter.

Although, one will need to venture to the Outer Islands of Seychelles for the best chance of encountering these gentle giants, locals and visitors on Cerf Island had an unexpected encounter. They witnessed a humpback swimming from between St. Anne and Mahe, coming across to a mere 100 metres from shore. The whale was then seen passing Ile Cachée before it headed out to the open sea just before the airport on Mahe. This is indeed a rare occurrence, and it remains a mystery as to why the whale came so close.

Humpback whales are not the only giants that use Seychelles as a hub during the South-East Monsoon. The windy season also brings with it whale sharks. Seeing a whale shark, or even swimming with one, remains one of the most ultimate bucket list experiences by travelers. There are only a handful of destinations around the world where in-season sightings of whale sharks are almost guaranteed, and Seychelles remains one of these destinations. In fact, some of the earliest scientific whale shark records came from the Seychelles. Whale sharks can be seen throughout the Inner Seychelles Islands from July right till the end of October, with common occurrences around Cocos Marine National Park, Curieuse Island, Baie Ternay Marine National Park etc. Although most of the sightings occur off the southern tip of Mahe Island. Article contributed by Ameer Ebrahim, Environmental Consultant

Seychelles to welcome the Four Seasons Private Jet

Seychelles will once again be welcoming the Four Seasons Private jet in October next year as part of its new 2018 ‘World of Adventures’ private jet experience.
The Four Seasons Private jet landed in the Indian Ocean archipelago for the first time in November 2016 as part of its ‘Cultural Escape’ tour.
For the 2018 expedition, guests joining the hotel industry’s first fully-branded private jet, will be spending three weeks touring countries across multiple continents.

Starting off in Seattle on October 19, they will travel to Kyoto, Bali, Seychelles, Rwanda, Marrakech, Bogotá, and the Galápagos Islands before their voyage comes to an end in Orlando on November 11.

In Seychelles, guests of the Four Seasons Private Jet will spend three days at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles located at Baie Lazare, in the south of Mahé, the main island. The General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Adrian Messerli said: “Seychelles is a true island paradise – remote and untouched, yet experienced with all the luxurious comfort and caring service of Four Seasons.”

“We can’t wait to welcome Four Seasons Private Jet guests for three memorable days,” he added.

A packed schedule has been designed to allow the visitors to explore the wonders of the island destination – both on land and at sea. They will be able to choose among snorkelling trips, day tour around Mahé, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vallee de Mai on Praslin where grows the legendary coco de mer – the biggest nut in the world – and having a relaxing time at the beach.

A special evening featuring a creole-style dinner on the beach accompanied by locally made island rum and traditional music performances is also planned for the whole group.

Launched in 2015, the Four Seasons Private Jet, which carries up to 52 guests, is a culmination of a vision to deliver a fully immersive Four Seasons Private Jet Experience both in the air and on the ground.

Each journey includes air travel aboard the Private Jet, ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals and beverages throughout the trip and luxurious accommodations at Four Seasons hotels and resorts.

The Four Seasons Jet itinerary prices for the new 2018 world of adventures experience begin at $138,000.

Madagascar airports to undergo major revamp

Madagascar airports are all set for improvement and expansion with the help of the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF). The $245m project is expected to create opportunities and promote changes across the continent.

The upgrade construction work is ongoing on the runways, passenger terminal facilities and related infrastructure of the Ivato international airport in Antananarivo and the Fascene international airport in Nosy Be.

EAIF Chairman David White commented that the Madagascar airports projects represent a step change for the country’s economic development drive. He also referred to the same as important employers in their own right and promoters of growth.

Investec Asset Management (IAM), is one of the largest third-party investors in private equity, credit, public equity and sovereign debt across the African continent and manages EAIF. EAIF is a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG).

Additionally, four international development banks have come together to support the growing projects. The four include the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), Proparco Economic Cooperation (PPP), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

Mauritius-Eclectic retro-chic meets barefoot luxury

A completely reimagined luxury resort in Mauritius-Eclectic retro-chic meets barefoot luxury. With innovation at their core, LUX* has done it again. This December, they will unveil a fresh new perspective on Mauritius with a reimagined resort unlike anything else on the island. A pioneering vision from designer Kelly Hoppen delivers a lifestyle that is effortlessly sophisticated, yet blissfully informal.

Amidst lush tropical gardens, LUX* Grand Gaube is enveloped by undulating coves, the calmest of lagoons and is blessed with two tranquil beaches and three spectacular swimming pools.

From generously proportioned rooms with balconies or terraces, to romantic junior suites and showstopper villas with private pools and gardens – all come complete with Indian Ocean vistas and the legendary LUX* hospitality.

As a true destination resort, they also spoil you with space. There is an abundance of places to relax or refuel and extensive sports and wellness facilities featuring a sensational new spa, fitness, tennis academy, golf and water sports. To tempt you from your lounger they also invite you to join them at inspirational classes and expert-led workshops.

About Saint Ange Consultancy
Alain St. Ange, tourism Consultant for the Saint Ange Consultancy. Former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine. Founder and former President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Former Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the UNWTO. Email: alain@saintange.com.au

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 17, 2017 (travelindex) – Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with Siam Square would like to invite you to “THAILAND LIVE GASTRONOMY” Flavors to the world. Let the creative culture of Thai food be the gateway to all the tourist destinations in Thailand. The event will be held on August 25-27, 2017 from 11.00-21.00 at the center of Siam Square, Bangkok.

TAT would like to invite you to “THAILAND LIVE GASTRONOMY” Flavors to the world on 25-27 August 2017 from 11.00 to 21.00 at the center of Siam Square, Bangkok.

During the event, enjoy many activities in the following zones such as

• The Original Zone, a selection of delicious foods more than 30
• Food Street, a selection of delicious street foods from the 7 famous street in Bangkok more than 47 booths.
• Seafood, a selection of fresh seafood from Southern Fishermen’s village more than 6 booths
• Thailand Signature, consists of Thailand’s signature dishes, Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Som Tam, Curry (Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Tom Kha Gai) and 4 Tuk Tuk Food Truck.
• Gastronomy Innovation, the usage of science and technology on Thai foods cooking by Molecular Gastronomy experts such as Chef Jacobo Astray, Chef FABIO FIORELLI and Chef Nutthapol (Nick)
• Thai Fruit, total of not less than 6 booths, a variety of fruits and rare local Thai fruits from the fruit gardeners.
• Organic Food, total of not less than 6 booths, chemical-free agricultural products that produce truly from natural growth.
• All About Rice, total of not less than 6 booths, consists of Thai rice in the form of polished rice, Thai rice menu and Thai rice exhibition.
• Live Performance, consists of four activities which are Muay Thai (Ong Bak) performance, singing performance, band performance and fun performance.

For more information, Tel. 1672 one pack one number or www.tourismthailand.org/thaifest

 

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 15, 2017 (travelindex) – No hotel can afford to go a day without a Property Management System if the intention is to keep the business running smoothly – but even when your system is fully operational you may still be facing several issues. The system may lack flexibility, limiting your payment options and stopping you from creating promotions. You might not have the technological knowledge necessary to get the best out of your system. The system may not be suitable for your own particular hotel, or group of hotels. All too often, there might be a lack of efficient customer support.

Rei Matsuda, Founder & CEO of Kokotel, faced similar problems when his group previously relied on a server-based system which was based on the conventional model of a ‘stand-alone five-star property’.

“That technology needed a complete overhaul to drive revenue opportunities. The on-premise system was becoming too time-consuming, limited, and lacked integration and automation capabilities,” Rei pointed out. With three hotels to run, time is a valuable commodity for Rei, so wasting it on a failing PMS isn’t an option.

The most important thing is to have user-friendly software which offers simplicity and is not constrained by technological boundaries, but from the business perspective, hoteliers today are not only looking for a basic system that helps them manage rooms, but also a system that can help maximize revenues and increase occupancy rates.

“I was convinced to choose Hotelogix because of its affordable pricing, multi-property management function, and flexibility to develop the product to meet our specific requirements. Management of multi-functional properties is the biggest thing, with single sign-on, multiple-property reports, and many other features. Another advantage is dynamic pricing based on occupancy rates for each room type. Now we are flexible and can automatically change our rates for each room type thanks to Hotelogix. That gives us an opportunity for much better revenue management,” said Rei.

Another key benefit to using the latest Hotelogix PMS is that managers no longer have to be on the premises to be effective. “Due to cloud PMS, we now have access to our properties from practically anywhere. Even if I am somewhere in a remote location, I can still handle the operations of my hotel,” added Rei.

The results from using a quality PMS quickly become apparent as Rei revealed that Kokotel can now up-sell and cross-sell across their groups and centralize their real-time rate management. With the central reservation system, Kokotel can maintain central control of room types, rate codes, market segments, and the various sources of business for their properties. The real-time inventory management control has also helped to improve sales, as well as eliminate overbooking.

“Being a start up, we want to maximize everything we do,” explained Rei. “We were looking for a scalable system that could grow with our evolving property needs and with a solid support team that can assist us whenever we need them. I think Hotelogix is a perfect match for us.”

About Kokotel
Kokotel is a newly developed bed and café concept from Thailand-born. It will create a unique guest experience by thoughtfully prepared offerings and services. Kokotel started as a small, 40-room hotel and café in Bangkok, Thailand. Kokotel welcomes many guests from around the world with wholehearted hospitality. Kokotel is the name inspired by some Japanese words which well-represent Kokotel concept. The most important word is “Kokoro (heart)”. This is a symbol of our commitment to provide heart-warming service with Thai hospitality and Japanese quality. Whether you come with close friends or family to enjoy a fantastic trip, we can take you beyond just sightseeing and eating great food. We help you discover and share wonderful things about yourselves. Read more about Kokotel at www.kokotel.com

Madrid (Spain) – August 15, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Hilton and the WYSE Travel Confederation will join forces ahead of International Youth Day at the Youth General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters to highlight tourism’s capacity to empower youth.

The New York event is part of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 framework, and will focus on the tourism industry’s potential to create jobs, provide entrepreneurship opportunities, and deliver a more responsible tourism sector for today’s Youth.

Young people represent around 23% of the 1,235 million tourists travelling internationally each year. The event will discuss the contribution of this influential to world peace and a better future through sustainable tourism.

“Youth can be a powerful catalyst to advance the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 on economic growth and jobs, and Goal 12 on sustainable consumption and production as they can lead a transformation into a more responsible way of travelling” said Sandra Carvao, Chief Communications at UNWTO.

Hilton and the International Youth Foundation plan to preview the latest Global Youth Wellbeing Index, revealing that young people are “plugged in,” and yet disconnected from vital skills, economic opportunities, local communities and governments. Reconnecting Youth is an urgent need at this moment in history when half of the world’s population is under 30.

“Our future depends on resilient and thriving societies, and this starts with young people. To help better understand the challenges facing Young people, Hilton collaborated with the International Youth Foundation to commission the Global Youth Wellbeing Index,” said Daniella Foster, Senior Director of Global Corporate Responsibility, Hilton. “To better equip today’s Youth for the workforce, Hilton has committed to opening our doors to one million young people by 2019. As of today, we are more than half way there.”

The Global Report on the Power of Youth Travel by UNWTO and the WYSE Travel Confederation shows that youth and student travel markets are increasingly important and resilient. It also concludes that youth travel spend more on local communities and thus represent a growing opportunity for socio-economic development.

The event will also highlight the role of tourism in the accomplishment of the SDGs, in particular for Youth, through job creation, entrepreneurship and social inclusion. It will also look into the future of tourism jobs and skills development.

Participants include leaders and influencers including:

– Sandra Carvao, Chief, Communications, UNWTO
– Daniella Foster, Senior Director of Global Corporate Responsibility, Hilton
– Russ Hedge, Representative of WYSE Travel Confederation and Hostelling International
– Susan Reichle, President, International Youth Foundation
– Kelley Louise, Executive Director, Travel SocialGood and Travel Blogger
– Shoaib Rizvi, Youth Assembly Awardee 2017

The Youth Assembly (YA) is a unique platform for fostering dialogue and generating partnerships between exceptional youth, civil society, the private sector, and the United Nations.

Session: “The Power of Youth: Making a Difference Through Sustainable Tourism”
Date: Friday, August 11
Time: 10:00am to 11:30am ET
Livestream:

Contacts:
UNWTO Media Officer Rut Gomez Sobrino
Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60
rgomez@unwto.org
UNWTO Communications & Publications Programme
Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100
Fax: +34 91 567 8218
comm@UNWTO.org

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 13, 2017 (travelindex) – Staying in the lap of luxury in Bangkok is much more achievable with a “1st Class All The Way” package at Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel.

While pocketing a remarkable 10% discounted rate, enjoy VIP privileges and perks enhancing the art, conveniences and indulgences of Athénée and Royal Club suites, including:
– One-way BMW 5 Series airport transfer
– Daily Breakfast Buffet or breakfast in bed
– 3,000 SPG points per stay
– Le Royal Club Benefits:

Choose an Athénée Suite located on floors 18 – 23 with scenic views of the Bangkok cityscape and blending traditional Thai artefacts and fabrics with contemporary amenities. Or elect for a Royal Club Suite located on floors 24-26 with Bangkok at your feet. The spaciousness and sophistication of separate bedroom, bathroom and living area characterize these stylish sanctuaries in the sky.

Starting from only THB 6,350++ per night.

Explore resort-like pool, fitness + spa, and award-winning modern French, Thai, Japanese, Cantonese and International dining. At the city’s vibrant heart, nearby fashionable malls and entertainment and steps from the skytrain, tune into the Bangkok buzz.

Earn triple Starpoints on weekends and double Starpoints on weekdays.
Stay two or more nights from now through September 4, 2017 and all this and more is yours to explore.

Register now through August 30, 2017 at SPG.com/takethree
Valid for bookings and stays until 28 July 2018.

Le Royal Club Benefits:
– Access to Le Royal Club Lounge, open from 07:00 to 22:00 daily
– All day tea, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages
– Afternoon tea from 15:00 to 17:00 hrs
– Evening cocktails, including an open bar with a selection of drinks and hors d’œuvres, from 18:00 to 20:00 hrs
– 02 hours use of meeting or appointment rooms (per one guestroom per stay, subject to availability)
– Personalised check-in at Le Royal Club or Guest Room, personal concierge services attending to all your business, leisure and travel requirements and priority check-out at the Le Royal Club
– Laundry (two pieces per guest, per stay)
– Full International buffet breakfast at The Rain Tree Café
– High-speed Internet (WiFi) for up to 03 devices, available in the room and all public areas

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact +66 2 650 8800 Ext. 4050 or e-mail us at Reservations.Bangkok@lemeridien.com or visit

Contact:
Virinya Maytheepattanachat
Director of Marketing Communications
Virinya.maytheepattanachat@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 4047
Tipawan Jitman
Marketing Communications Manager
tipawan.jitman@lemeridien.com
Tel: +66 2650 8800 ext. 6243
Wilasinee Wichienrut
PR Executive
pr.bangkok@lemeridien.com
Tel +66 2650 8800 ext.6250

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 11, 2017 (travelindex) – Staying at Best Western’s collection of hotels and resorts in Asia will be even more rewarding this summer, following the launch of the exciting new Double Points promotion!

From July 1 through September 30, 2017, Best Western Rewards members will earn twice as many reward points when they book a stay at any participating Best Western hotel in Asia. Bookings must be made either directly with the hotel or via our website, www.bestwesternhotelasia.com.

This exciting promotion covers some of Asia’s most desirable destinations, from mega-cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila and Jakarta to world-class beach resorts including Bali, Boracay, Phuket and Okinawa. Alternatively, guests seeking a true taste of Asian culture can choose to explore destinations like Mandalay, Vientiane, Buriram or Malang.

All guests booking stays at Best Western’s hotels and resorts in Asia this summer will also be guaranteed complimentary in-room Wi-Fi.

Still haven’t signed up for BWR? Simply visit www.bestwesternhotelasia.com/create-account to register, and you could earn double points on your next Best Western booking! For more information about Best Western’s Double Points offer in Asia, please visit www.bestwesternhotelasia.com/offers/double-point-asia.

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 seven hotel brands to suit the needs of developers and guests in every market: Best Western®, Best Western Plus®, Best Western Premier®, Executive Residency by Best Western®, Vīb®, BW Premier Collection® and GLō®. 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 nearly sixty percent of the brand’s North American hotels earning a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award in 2016, Business Travel News® ranking Best Western Plus and Best Western in the top three upper-mid-price and mid-price hotel brands for three years in a row, and Best Western receiving five consecutive Dynatrace® Best of the Web gold awards for best hotel website. Best Western has also won eight AAA®/CAA® Lodging Partner of the Year awards, recognizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and great value to AAA’s 56 million members in the U.S. and Canada. Nearly 30 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.
– Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Contact:
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

Victoria, Mahe (Seychelles) – August 8, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Visibility is integral and it alone remains the key to success. Visibility keeps tourism destinations relevant. Following the discussion last week on the economic status of our island Nation, Air Seychelles confirmed the discontinuation of its Dusseldorf flight and a reduction of flights on its Paris run. This follows the suspension of its Durban route. Any loss of flights to a tourism destination is concerning, and more so when it touches key tourism source markets. Seychelles needs more than ever before to work in total unity to ensure that other airlines do not follow suit.

The remarkable success of our fragile tourism industry in recent years must not be taken for granted. Though we as Seychellois believe that we have the most stunning beaches and array of islands on the planet, every other similar touristic destination shares the same belief. This means that we are fishing from the same pond, and solely relying on our country’s beauty to fill up hotel beds year after year is an unrealistic expectation.

Last week, I was privileged to be able to represent Saint Ange Constultancy in the Berau Region of Indonesia. I want to thank Mr. Nico Barito and his team for their kind hospitality, assistance and, above all, friendship, which made this memorable trip possible. I visited some of the regions of this province and appreciated the wonders that each island has to offer. I was left in awe of the country’s unique culture, nature and wildlife, in all their diversity and splendor.

In Indonesia, more particularly in Kutai Kartanegara, I saw the drive to put culture at the center of their development, whilst providing entertainment with a difference to the Indonesians. Their International Folk Art Festival of Tengarong City provides a platform for countries of the world to showcase their music and dance alongside Indonesians. It was a nostalgic reminder of what the Carnaval International de Victoria of Seychelles was also achieving for our country as it provided much needed entertainment for the Seychellois who descended in droves for the annual event.

I have every faith that with the youth of today, the future of Seychelles will be very bright indeed. I would like to commend the ongoing efforts of youth groups, like SYAH, which are working very hard to steer our country in the right direction.

Finally, it is important to again acknowledge all who are diligently reposting the Saint Ange Tourism Report weekly. Your continued support is greatly appreciated, and is helping us to go from strength to strength with each new Edition.

Coral & Tourism

Despite occupying less than 0.1% of the earth’s surface, coral is main reason why travellers choose to visit tropical destinations. Coral is big business. In a recent publication by Spadling et al. (2017), it was revealed through an innovative combination of data-driven academic research and crowd-sourced data that the world’s coral reefs contribute to 70 million trips per annum, showing that coral reefs are a powerful driving force for tourism. The study also revealed that coral reefs represent an astonishing $36 billion a year in economic value to the world. Of that $36 billion, $19 billion represents actual “on-reef” tourism like diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boating and wildlife watching. The other $16 billion comes from spillover effects of coral reefs; including world class seafood, beautiful views of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, charter fishing, bareboat sailing, cruise shipping, helicopter and seaplane rides, water sports, whale watching, etc.

Unfortunately, there is also a grim side to increased tourism activities. Breakage of coral colonies and tissue damage from direct contact such as walking, touching, kicking, standing, or gear contact is a major issue. Boat anchors can cause breakage or overturning of coral colonies and tissue damage. Moreover, there may also be changes in marine life behavior from feeding or harassment by humans.

Tour operators, hotel owners and government have a responsibility over the protection of coral reefs. Proper education to visiting tourists and locals are essential for proper management. One emerging resolution that is proving to be effective is the modeling of the economic contributions of coral reefs. An example of this working is in Bonaire, a small Caribbean island. In Bonaire, it was demonstrated that coral reefs generate approximately $23 million from its related activities, and in contrast it would take a mere $1 million to establish strict protection. This was an easy sell to the local policy makers, who have established strict laws governing coral reef protection in Bonaire (Talbot & Wilkinson, 2001).

Human impacts are not the only cause of reef devastation. In 1998, Seychelles underwent a major El. Nino event which had caused the destruction of over 90% of the live coral cover. When major disasters such as this occur, it gives rise to unwanted algal growth. The photographs depicted below were taken during my field research. They demonstrate the contrast between a coral dominated system and an algal dominated system.

Herbivorous fish species such as parrotfish, surgeonfish and rabbitfish help promote coral recovery by grazing on the unwanted algae. However, these fish species are also a major delicacy in the Seychelles, forming over 60% of the total artisanal catch. Moreover, fishing of these fish species is not regulated in the country, making them susceptible to over-fishing.

Following the 1998 bleaching event, the coral in Seychelles had shown some recovery, but suffered another El. Nino event in 2016, taking things back to square one. Natural disasters are becoming ever more frequent with climate change on the rise. Tropical destinations such as Seychelles will have to act quickly to safeguard their coral reefs.

Science needs to be incorporated more efficiently into governmental policy, as has been done in Bonaire.

I have dedicated my PhD research to investigating the role that herbivorous fish species play in promoting coral reef resilience around the Seychelles islands. So far I have discovered that rabbitfish are playing a key role in regulating algal growth. I have also found that the Marine Parks around the Inner Seychelles Islands are not working effectively to promote herbivorous fish numbers. It is plausible that the lack of enforcement around the Inner Islands are making the marine parks an attractive fishing spot for poachers.

It is hoped that my research, along with that of other scientists, will help Seychelles introduce regulatory procedures to manage crucial fisheries such as that of herbivorous fish.

“It’s clear that the tourism industry depends on coral reefs. But now, more than ever, coral reefs are depending on the tourism industry”- Dr. Robert Brumbaugh, Director of Ocean Planning & Protection, The Nature Conservancy.

Article contributed by Ameer Ebrahim, Environmental Consultant

UNWTO Secretary-General visits Mauritius

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) Secretary-General, Dr. Taleb Rifai, was in Mauritius until 2nd August. He was invited by Air Mauritius on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the company. Taleb Rifai also participated in various activities during his stay, such as working sessions with the Ministry of Tourism and Air Mauritius, and a seminar on aviation and sustainable tourism. He also launched the “Travel, Enjoy and Respect” campaign in the context of the international year of sustainable tourism for development. Several visits around the island were scheduled for the UNWTO Secretary-General during his visit to Mauritius. Dr. Rifai was being accompanied by Elsia Grandcourt, the UNWTO Director for Africa.

Seychelles Tourism Board praises Ethiopian Airlines for creating a viable niche for growth

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has expressed the desire the see further growth of its relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, for the betterment of both the airline and the island destination. The Chief Executive of the Tourism Board, Mrs. Sherin Francis, on Tuesday met with the outgoing Ethiopian Airlines’ area manager for Seychelles, Ms. Meseret Tekalign, and her successor, Ms. Meron Tsegaye.

The meeting was attended by the Tourism Board’s Deputy Chief Executive, Ms. Jenifer Sinon, and Senior Marketing Executive, Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir.
Mrs. Francis took the opportunity to thank Ms. Tekalign for her dedication and continuous collaboration with the island’s Tourism Board during her time at the helm of the Ethiopian Airlines’ office in Seychelles.

“You have been very proactive and you made every effort to understand our market, which is more of a leisure traveller market and you also worked very closely with the Tourism Board supporting our events including the familiarization and media visits,” said Mrs. Francis, “We have so many airlines flying to Seychelles now, but Ethiopian Airlines managed to find its own little niche; you have your group of clientele and you are growing that. At the end of the day Seychelles benefits.”

Ethiopian Airlines — Ethiopia’s national carrier — is described as the fastest-growing airline and the largest on the African continent. The airline, which uses its strategic hub in Addis Ababa to fly to Seychelles and beyond, started with three weekly flights to Seychelles for just over a year, before withdrawing on March 1, 2014. The airline resumed the thrice-weekly services at the end of September 2014.

Ms. Tsegaye has given her commitment that she will be following in the footsteps of her predecessor and see what more can be added to the service.

After adding a fourth flight to the Seychelles route in October 2015 and a fifth flight in December 2016, Ethiopian Airlines recently announced that it will be adding a sixth weekly flight to the island destination as of December 2017.

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive remarked that more frequency also means more flexibility for travellers, while highlighting the fact that Ethiopian Airlines also supports the Seychelles’ Chinese tourism market as it provides good connections to the Chinese travellers, especially those travelling in groups.

Mrs. Francis has highlighted Tourism Board’s intention to seek further collaboration with the Ethiopian carrier in the near future, to support twin-center holiday packages targeting specifically the US market.

Ethiopian Airlines has already recorded a few firsts in Seychelles. It was the first airline to bring a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft the island nation’s shores in 2015, while in 2016 the airline landed Africa’s first and most technologically advanced A350 in the Seychelles.

Culture brings people together, develops friendships and consolidates the tourism industry

It is through the promotion of a country’s culture that their tourism industry may be consolidated. Without people, there is no culture. Often the bold statement of putting people at the center of development is aired for political mileage, but how many really believe that this is indeed a requirement?

In Kutai Kartanegara of Indonesia, Mrs Rita Widyasari, the Bupati or Premier of Kutai Kartanegara, invited me to not only witness the Indonesian pride of their culture, but also their participation in a series of ceremonies and events that showcased Wonderful Indonesia in all its diversity.

The International Folk Art Festival brings countries of the world together to showcase their music and dance alongside Indonesians. Musical Groups accompanied by dancers were present from Europe as well as Asia.

In the presence of the Premier Mrs Rita Widyasari, and alongside Dra Sri Wahyuni, the local Head of Tourism Department, I sat with different foreign Ambassadors accredited to Indonesia who were present to see their country’s group perform. Present were H.E. Maria Gustava, the Ambassador of Mozambique, H.E. Igor Kaczmarczyk, Ambassador of Poland and H.E. Alexandrina Guigova, the Acting Ambassador of Bulgaria.

One dance and music group present among many was the Folklorika Group from Bulgaria which was headed by Evelina Pavlova.

SriLankan Airlines announces flights to Melbourne

Good news for Seychelles with a new air access linking the mid-ocean islands with Australia. The Seychellois diaspora in Australia is large, and the Australian Seychellois Community is always on the look out for a more direct connection and at the best rate.

John Savage of Global Travel media writes:- SriLankan Airlines held functions in Sydney and Melbourne recently to announce direct flights between Melbourne and Colombo commencing on 29th October, 2017.

Agents, Operators and Media made up the 150 travel personnel in attendance at Sydney’s Shangri La Hotel on 27th July. The national carrier’s new daily direct flight schedule marks a long anticipated return to Australia by the Oneworld member.

Travel and Music Guru, Glenn A Baker was the keynote speaker and entertained the audience with history and humour following a recent trip to the country. SriLankan Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Captain Suren Ratwatte previously outlined how the return of the airline strengthens long standing ties between the countries.

“We recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations and the addition of Melbourne signifies our strategy of optimizing the Airline’s network with our restructuring. This also means that we have connected another continent to our global route map. Given the number of Sri Lankans residing in and around Victoria, we fulfil a need for a direct service. We are proud to welcome all the diverse residents of Victoria who can now enjoy the direct connections when visiting their friends and families throughout our network.” he said.

The Airline will operate Airbus 330-200 aircraft on the route, offering modern in-flight comforts along with its award winning service and the world renowned Sri Lankan warmth and hospitality. Economy fares start from AUD $820.

Australia is home to one of the largest Sri Lankan expatriate communities, many of whom reside in and around Melbourne, the capital of Australia’s ‘Garden State’, Victoria. This factor, together with the tremendous potential for business travel and Victoria’s growing student population convinced the Airline to plan for the launch of non-stop daily services to Melbourne.

The non-stop services will also facilitate passengers from the Middle East and South Asia seeking onward connectivity via Colombo to/from Australia, Sri Lankan Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Siva Ramachandran said, “Despite the absence of direct connections, we have witnessed a steady increase in passengers travelling between Colombo and Melbourne via various Asian connecting points such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Our direct services will give us a definite advantage as SriLankan is the only carrier that is able to offer connectivity of this nature. We also offer seamless onward connections beyond Colombo to a range of destinations in the Indian Sub-Continent and Middle East.”

Australian visitation figures increased by 10.4 percent to 6,360 in the 12 months to June, 2017 and the airline expects considerable further growth in these figures following the introduction of the direct flights.

 

 

London (United Kingdom) – August 7, 2017 (travelindex.com) – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Gloria Guevara Manzo as its new President & CEO. Ms Guevara served as Secretary of Tourism for Mexico and CEO of the Mexican Tourism Board from 2010 to 2012, minister in the cabinet of President Calderón. Prior to that she worked for global distribution system Sabre where most recently she was CEO of Sabre Mexico, reporting to the board of directors of a joint venture between Aeroméxico, Mexicana and Sabre Holdings. She is currently Special Advisor on Government Affairs for the Centre on Health and the Global Environment at the School of Public Health, Harvard.

Announcing Ms Guevara’s appointment, Gerald Lawless, WTTC Chairman, said: “Gloria is a proven leader who is well known and well respected within the global Travel & Tourism sector. I am delighted that she will lead WTTC into the next phase of its development.Gloria was chosen from a competitive field of international candidates. With a career encompassing senior roles across private sector, government, and academia, she brings a unique combination of experience and expertise.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Ms Guevara said: “I am excited to be taking up the role of President & CEO of WTTC. Over the past few years, WTTC has grown enormously in stature and impact. I look forward to building on this great foundation to expand the Council’s advocacy work for Travel & Tourism, a sector that accounts for 10% of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs.This is a critical time for Travel & Tourism and the 292 million people whose jobs depend on it. Future forecasts are strong, but with ongoing terrorism and environmental challenges, compounded by a world that is simultaneously ever more connected yet increasingly divided, now, more than ever, the sector needs to come together with one voice. Travel & Tourism needs to show not only its economic importance but also how it is committed to creating sustainable livelihoods, protecting nature and cultures, and asserting itself as a responsible and leading player in this fast-evolving world.

I am looking forward to working with the Chairman, Vice Chairs, Executive Committee and Members of WTTC to ensure that the voice of the Travel & Tourism is heard and understood by governments around the world.” WTTC is the world authority on Travel & Tourism with a membership that comprises over 150 CEOs of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies. It is the only global private sector organisation representing the breadth of the global business and leisure travel industries.

Ms Guevara, a Mexican national, is married and has a son and a daughter.

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) was formed in 1991 by a group of Travel & Tourism CEOs who felt that the sector’s contribution to economies and job creation was not being recognised. Its objectives were to use empirical evidence to promote awareness of Travel & Tourism’s economic contribution; to expand markets in harmony with the environment; and to reduce barriers to growth.

WTTC is the only global body that brings together all major players in the Travel & Tourism sector (airlines, hotels, cruise, car rental, travel agencies, tour operators, GDS, and technology), enabling them to speak with One Voice to governments and international bodies. It is important that WTTC has the broadest geographical representation and includes all aspects of the sector, including organisations that provide vital services to Travel & Tourism.

With Chief Executives of over 140 of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies as its members, WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism. WTTC works to raise awareness of Travel & Tourism as one of the world’s largest sectors, supporting 284 million jobs and generating 9.8% of global GDP.

WTTC advocates partnership between the public and private sectors, delivering results that match the needs of economies, local and regional authorities, and local communities, with those of business, based on:
– Governments recognising Travel & Tourism as a top priority
– Business balancing economics with people, culture and environment
– A shared pursuit of long-term growth and prosperity.

Koh Samui (Thailand) – August 6, 2017 (travelindex) – Looking for a beach escape from the hustles and bustles of the city or a rewarding trip for the littles one during summer holiday? Make Samui for holiday destination with our exclusive Thai resident rates, inclusive of breakfast for two, for stays between now until 15th December 2017.

Indulge in an unforgettable luxury experience at the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. Nestled among lush gardens and only steps from the beach, our hotel sets the ideal stage for a tranquil getaway. Our spacious, sophisticated hotel rooms feature tasteful decor and luxury amenities, while our villas provide access to your own private pool, along with mesmerizing views of the Koh Samui coastline.

Imagine spending your summer days idling around our new pool, just steps away from the beach. Enjoy a cocktail (or two) before indulging in a blissful aromatic massage by the skillful therapist at Quan Spa. End the day by a romantic Thai dinner, overlooking the majestic Lamai bay at Banana Leaf, Tapas Bar or TawaNN. Can life get any better than this?
– Deluxe Garden at THB 4,399 net, including breakfasts for 2 persons
– Pool Villa Garden at THB 7,999 net, including breakfasts for 2 persons

The “Thai Resident” promotion is valid from now to 15 December 2017.

Book this package directly to hotel reservation at kanittha.k@renaissancehotels.com or via telephone at 077 429 300.

For more great offers, please visit our website at or follow our social media channels for exciting updates at www.instagram.com/rensamui

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world’s largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company’s 30 leading brands include: Bulgari®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by MarriottSM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Design Hotels™, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy® Hotels, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com and @MarriottIntl.

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa is nestled among lush gardens and only steps from the beach; the hotel sets the ideal stage for a tranquil getaway. The hotel boost 43 deluxe spacious and sophisticated rooms featuring tasteful decor and luxury amenities, while the villas provide access to private pool, along with mesmerizing views of the Koh Samui coastline. The hotel is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at Quan Spa, the 5 well-known F&B dining outlets, 3 versatile meeting venues offering a total of 1,929 square feet of meeting and banquet space and 3 elegant wedding venues.

Contact:
Ms. Grace Hoang
Director of Marketing Communications
Tel: 02-656-7700 ext. 4392
grace.hoang@marriott.com

Bangkok (Thailand) – August 6, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Siam Synergy and entrepreneurs in Siam District are ready to unveil the skywalk spanning the Pathumwan Intersection, constructed with the concept of universal design in mind to offer convenience to visitors in the area and give back to society.

The beating heart of Bangkok, Siam District is a business hub that has been the epicenter of economic prosperity, education, art, and innovation and an ever-popular destination for Thai and international tourists alike. As such, the area has seen a sharp rise in the number of visitors. However, a study conducted in collaboration with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Bangkok Mass Transit System PLC revealed that the walkway over the Pathumwan Intersection, previously connecting National Stadium BTS Station and Bangkok Art and Culture Center to MBK Shopping Center, Siam Discovery, and Siam Scare, was not only narrow and old but also unable to accommodate an expected pedestrian growth of over 4.9% per year and an increase in visitor volume of 9.83% per year. In addition, the skywalk failed to provide thorough access to all the areas of the intersection to the elderly and the disabled. Therefore, beginning in 2016, a complete renovation of the skywalk was carried out with private funding to ensure it would be able accommodate every group of users, including the elderly and the disabled and serve as a public leisure area. Inspired by the name of the Pathumwan Intersection, which means water lilies, the skywalk features structures in the shape of lily pads to provide shade for pedestrians.

Furthermore, Bangkok Art and Culture Center will also lend a hand to elevate the area into an art district that will serve as a creative venue where Thai and international artists can host outdoor exhibitions and showcase their artworks. To inaugurate the Pathumwan Intersection Skywalk, 13 internationally-recognized Thai street artists were invited, namely Yuree Kensaku, P7 or Peerapong Limthamrong, Jackkrit Anantakul, Rukkit Kuanhawate, Maythee Noijinda, TRK, Pruch Sintunava, Peap Tarr & Lisa Mam, Mauy, JECK BKK, Floyd, and Channarong Klugiad. Working in different styles from graffiti and illustration to drawing and painting, these top artists came together and brought their unique flair to the lily pad installation art on the skywalk, making this one of the biggest gatherings of Thailand’s leading street artists and artistic phenomena in Bangkok.

Skywalks are a common sight in prime areas in metropolises around the world and are constructed to provide safety and convenience for pedestrians and link major mass transit systems together. Some of these skywalks also serve as leisure areas and have become world-renowned tourist attractions such as the High Line in New York, Skygarden in Seoul, and the Promenade Plantée in Paris.

Siam Synergy would like to invite everyone to join the naming contest of the new skywalk at the Pathumwan Intersection and stand a chance to win a prize of 100,000 baht.

Participants can submit their entries either via post to “Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., (Headquarters) 989 Siam Piwat Tower Building, 8th Floor, Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Sub-District, Pathumwan District, Bangkok 10330” (with “Naming and Logo Contest for the Pathumwan Intersection Skywalk” indicated on the envelope) or via email to siam_synergy@siampiwat.com or sstradeassociation@gamil.com, starting today until September 4, 2017. The winner will be announced on September 2017 on www.siam-synergy.com. For more details and the rules of the contest, please visit the website.

For more information, please kindly contact
Public Relations Department Tel. 02 610 8194
Sireetorn Niyomsen 081 831 1406
sireetorn.n@supremo.co.th