Author: Pappu

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HOTEL NEWS

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Four Seasons Resorts Thailand

The unique blend of tropical charm and warm hospitality in Thailand lends itself perfectly to those looking to travel together. Here in the Land of Smiles, Four Seasons Resorts Thailand is buzzing with exciting family experiences and packages that embrace the festival mood.

“Revel in the intuitive luxury and stunning natural beauty of our three very unique resorts,” smiles Sean Mosher, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle, “Happiness and joy are what we are aiming for at the start of the year-end festivities.”

Jasjit Assi, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui adds, “From a seaside extravagance in Samui and a wellness haven in Chiang Mai, to edge-of-the-jungle adventures in the Golden Triangle, the resorts represent the finest that Thailand has to offer including cuisine, wellness and experiences for both families and couples.”

Home Away from Home

With magnificent cliff-side vistas overlooking the azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the perfect setting for a dreamy island getaway. Here, the Private Retreats collection – ranging from two to five bedrooms – comes with dedicated personal attendants to cater to every guest’s specific needs. “The Private Retreats – Reunite and Reconnect package is perfect for multi-generational families,” suggests Hannes Schneider, Resort Manager.

Swathed in an exotic tropical green, Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a magical landscape of rice paddies at the base of Thailand’s mountainous north. Guests can enjoy the opulence of Private Retreats ensconced within lush tropical scenery, with expansive social spaces and private pools. “Guests are treated to special privileges including spa experiences and an in-residence dinner,” shares Resort Manager Anthony Tschudin, highlighting the Private Retreats – Reunite and Reconnect offer.

Further north, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle lies nestled in lush bamboo jungles – the perfect off the grid experience for families or couples looking for a little adventure. “The Explorer’s Lodge is the ultimate expression

of glamping with two bedrooms, a private deck, and an infinity pool overlooking the jungle,” shares Macall Newman, Camp Manager.

Perfect for Two

For couples looking to travel together on a special Diwali honeymoon or anniversary, the Island Romance package at Koh Samui is just idyllic, featuring intimate dining experiences on one’s private deck and even a rose petal and candle-lit bath for two. At the Camp, a curated three-night adventure in a Golden Triangle Tent offers complete privacy and a lavish outdoor hot-tub. “Whether it is a breakfast at the Camp Peak or a dinner by the riverside, the glamping experience here in the Golden Triangle guarantees memories to last a lifetime,” adds Newman.

Flavours of Thailand

Dining together is symbolic of the festival of lights and Executive Chef Ruslan Shipunov’s extensive repertoire of world class menus at Koh Samui – with French, Italian, Russian and Middle Eastern fare – complements the season perfectly. “What’s more,” he shares with excitement, “we can put together a delicious Indian menu customised to your preferences by our Executive Sous Chef Shanmuga Raja Ravi.”

In Chiang Mai, heirloom pan-Thai recipes take centre-stage at Khao by Four Seasons (recommended by Michelin Guide 2023). Vacationers can expect to be treated to the finest grills at North by Four Seasons, where the focus is on freshness and sustainability. At Rim Tai Kitchen, an intimate Chef’s Table or a cooking session involves guests in a first-hand introduction to Thai cooking. “For something more intimate, we have a moonlit dinner for two at the outdoor sala, or a meal at the stunning Orchid Nursery – both experiences curated just for you,” adds Tschudin.

Green-Themed Palate

“The abundance of fresh greens and vegetables in Thailand means that we have a diverse range of vegetarian menus for guests with specific religious beliefs and personal preferences,” adds Assi. Both Chiang Mai and Koh Samui offer a comprehensive “Live Well” menu, with a focus on vegan and vegetarian friendly dishes, while also highlighting the health aspect.

Mindfulness and Wellbeing

At the core of Thai philosophy is an innate focus on a balanced lifestyle. “Thais are experts in the art of mindful living, and our resort in Chiang Mai aims to provide guests with an experience integrating a special diet with healing sessions, and spa programs in a wellness package,” says Tschudin. For those who prefer an indulgence, Wara Cheewa Spa at Chiang Mai offers an impressive range of therapies that can be tailored to meet specific needs. Nestled in tropical hillside abundance, The Secret Garden Spa takes inspiration from the elements – within and without – while using homegrown herbs in therapies that heal naturally. “The elements of nature also play a key role at our spa in the Golden Triangle,” smiles Newman, “The open-to-air spa salas and therapies featuring mountain botanicals offer holistic healing.”

Satiate the Soul

Sometimes, retail therapy is all the healing one needs: for lovers of craft and culture, Chiang Mai’s old town and Nimmanhaemin Road are the ultimate destinations for premium hand-crafted art, textiles, pottery and more.

Kids For All Seasons

At Four Seasons Resorts Thailand, kids are not an afterthought. Both Chiang Mai and Koh Samui offers a series of fun and frolic activities for both teenagers and young children that draw on Thailand’s vibrant culture and crafts. A dedicated Kids Club with trained staff helps ensure that each experience is safe and supervised. From beach games, Muay Thai and Coral Talk in Koh Samui, to exploring tropical fauna, umbrella painting, cooking lessons and pottery in Chiang Mai, children have plenty to keep themselves occupied while families enjoy adult time.

“With its unparalleled wealth of natural beauty and creative vision, Thailand by Four Seasons is an easy choice for our Indian guests seeking elevated experiences,” smiles Mosher.

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HOTEL NEWS

Sun, Nile and Brunch at Zoé Aboard the First Nile Boat at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence

Sun, Nile and brunch is the mood set every Friday at Zoé restaurant aboard the First Nile Boat docked steps away from Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. Experience one-of-a-kind culinary delights buffet from the Middle East, Mediterranean, Europe and the Far East accompanied by pasta, steak and sushi dedicated live cooking stations. Providing the perfect setting to spend time with family and friends, the First Nile Boat is a true culinary destination offering myriad gastronomic experiences.

Inspired by the soothing colour palettes of the Mediterranean, the unique ambience of Zoé restaurant offers the ultimate style setting for a Friday brunch experience accompanied with a side of panoramic Nile and Cairo views. Two special packages are offered: the Brunch package, which includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages for EGP 1,300 subject to service charge and applicable taxes; and the Bubbalicious package, which includes local wine and beer for EGP 2,000 subject to service charge and applicable taxes.

Executive Chef Robert Prendergast elevates the sky-high brunch experience with an abundance of dishes from every corner around the world, exceptional ingredients with a local touch, an obsession with flavour, and an eye for fine dining presentation. Every Friday at Zoé restaurant is like taking a trip inside Chef Robert’s vision, with insights into his creativity and influences.

“The Friday brunches at Zoé are quite exceptional because you get to utilize all your senses. Take in the captivating Nile views, tantalize the taste buds with a wide array of dishes and feel the Cairo breeze in the outdoors of Zoé with vibrant and colourful leafy surrounds,” says Executive Chef Robert Prendergast.

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HOTEL NEWS

Labor Day Wellness Weekend at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

This Labor Day weekend, celebrate the end of summer with a weekend focused on wellness at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole. Soak in the picture-perfect alpine weather while experiencing mindfulness healing with Dana Childs, a globally recognized, multi-talented intuitive energy healer, author and educator. Working alongside Dana will be Ashley Dordal, an experienced healer and intuitive who has worked with Indigenous leaders across the Americas learning shamanic traditions.

From August 31 to September 4, 2023, Dana and Ashley will offer a curated collection of mindfulness experiences to inspire, transform, and offer renewal for both Resort guests and local visitors. The offerings will feature a combination of complimentary and private sessions that cover a variety of topics to aid in one’s overall health and wellbeing. Individual and couples sessions will be offered with Dana and Ashley, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, in increments of 25 or 50 minutes.

All guests can take part in complimentary guided group meditation and grounding exercise sessions, both offered daily from Thursday, August 31, to Monday, September 4, 2023. Beginning at 9:00 am, the 25-minute guided meditation with Dana is designed to promote mindfulness and a sense of calm. At 4:00 pm, Ashley will lead a 25-minute guided grounding exercise to further connect to nature and restore balance. Reservations for both can be made in The Spa.

Guests can greet each day with complimentary wellness juices offered alongside the morning coffee in Ascent Lounge. Healthy menu selections are available throughout the property, including the quinoa bowl and avocado toast for breakfast in Westbank Grill; shareable plates in Ascent Lounge including steamed edamame and crispy brussels sprouts; and a selection of fresh soups and salads for lunch in The Handlebar.

Extend the wellness by reserving a treatment in The Spa. The full-service Spa and Salon provides an array of treatments, many incorporating locally sourced botanicals and influences. From facials to body rituals, a true sense of restoration is met with both results-driven techniques and energetic healing. With an emphasis on holistic wellbeing, The Spa also offers a seasonal calendar of fitness activities such as yoga and Pilates. New for 2023, a special partnership allows guests to enjoy oxygen and IV drip therapy for its many health benefits including respiratory health and energy enhancement.

A visit to Jackson Hole would not be complete without experiencing mindfulness in nature and connection to the great outdoors. Head to the satellite Basecamp campus for everything adventure. Open daily, guests have access to complimentary disk golf discs, trekking poles, bocce balls and local trail maps. Additionally, adults and children ages 12 and up can rent a Pedego e-bike. Also available for retail are all the necessities for outdoor fun, including bear spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, logo wear and more. The Concierge can help arrange signature wildlife safaris and other excursions, including tickets to the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram.

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TOURISM NEWS

New effort to boost tourism sector being considered by Cabinet: Central Bank of Egypt

According to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), a new effort to boost the tourism sector is now being considered by the ministries of tourism and finance, awaiting Cabinet approval.


According to the CBE, the present initiative to help the industry has been terminated by the Cabinet; as a result, banks must desist from providing any additional funding under the old plan.


According to the statement, this action was done in compliance with Cabinet Decision No. 4151 of 2022. It required that the Ministry of Finance monitors new (and future) initiatives, as well as any changes made in accordance with the decision’s rules.

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INDIA Travel Destination News

Himachal tourism industry badly hampered by relentless rains, floods

Himachal’s tourism industry, which is the state’s largest income generator and employment provider, has been struck by a double whammy. The panic induced by unrelenting rains, catastrophic landslides, and new weather projections of further severe to extremely heavy rainfall in eight of the twelve districts has lowered tourist arrivals to a record low in July 2023, following a high time in June.


According to hoteliers’ information given by the state’s tourism agency, hotel occupancy is between 5 and 6 percent. Tourists have avoided the slopes for fear of becoming stranded or uncertain about their safety due to landslides and floods. The majority of tourists are flying to Kashmir.

Except for Kangra, the main disadvantage of Himachal Pradesh is a lack of air connection.


In Himachal Pradesh, a state endowed with natural beauty, meadows, and cool valleys, the tourist sector accounts for 7% of the state’s GDP and 14.42% of direct and indirect jobs.


To make up for the losses, the HPTDC, a government entity with roughly 60 hotels, has provided 50% discounts till September 15. This was maybe the first time, considering June and July were typically the busiest months for business.


In June 2023, 28.03 lakh visitors visited Himachal, up from 20.62 lakh in 2022.


Director (Tourism ) Amit Kashyap said,“ Tourism had started quite well in May this year. The tourist footfall before the floods was approximately 1.6 crore, significantly more than what we were getting before Covid-19 period. Now, the occupancy is below 8 to 10% .”


Tourists had terrifying moments when natural disasters ravaged Kullu-Manali and two vital National Highways—Kiratpur-Manali and Chandigarh-Shimla.


The state authorities evacuated 70,000 visitors, the most of them were in Kullu-Manali, with the exception of 290 who were stuck at snow-covered Chandratal in Lahaul-Spiti at a height of 14,100 feet.


When floods and storms inflicted havoc in the state, 497 visitors from over 21 nations were staying in Parvati Valley, Kasol, Kulga, Khirganga, and Manali.


“Everyone was rescued and evacuated safely. They were also provided food, medicines and water by the police, home guards and NDRF personnel” says Additional DGP (CID) Satwant Atwal, who supervised the operation.


Though Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu has received praise for the safe evacuation of trapped tourists, few isolated incidents of visitors being duped by unscrupulous hotels and home-stay operators have tarnished the state’s image.


Some of these perpetrators had been prosecuted by the district government. There were, however, many decent Samaritans.


The state administration and police department have been issuing travel warnings, advising residents to schedule their trips only when the weather is fair.


The swollen Beas River and its tributaries in Kullu have hampered travel, destroyed highways, inundated communities, and swept away bridges and roadways. Tourists would not consider booking vacations till the monsoon has passed.


There have also been tales of visitors cancelling their reservations after the worst rainfall in history slammed the highland areas. Some motels and restaurants near the river’s banks have also been wiped away by the floodwaters.


Mohinder Seth, head of the Himachal Tourism Stakeholders Association, reports that hotels are experiencing a fresh issue in paying EMIs to banks. It is past time for the government to offer some assistance to the business in the form of a special package.

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Middle East TOURISM NEWS

Saudi Tourism Minister eager to bring domestic tourism to the forefront

During his recent visit to the southern Asir area, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb experienced the exquisite pleasure of rowing a boat in a lake; the video of which became an instant success on social media.


Al-Khateeb rowed a rowing boat at Tanumah Asir’s Wadi Traj Dam Lake. The minister rowed the boat on the lake, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Muhammad and another official.


The minister’s photos of Asir’s picturesque countryside went viral on social media. Many Twitteratis and other social media users applauded the minister’s novel experiment, saying it would motivate many people to explore the gorgeous regions of Asir and enjoy the pleasure of kayaking in Wadi Traj Dam Lake.


“This visit reflects the promotion of local tourism with opening new avenues for domestic tourism in the Kingdom,” some of them commented.


Throughout the journey, the minister talked with several young people from the region who greeted him from the boats in which they were rowing. He wished them the best of luck and pleasure on their vacation.
Referring to the huge tourism potential of the region, Al-Khateeb said, “These sites have a promising future, and they deserve development.


In tweets over the posted photos, he said, “During my trip to Asir, I visited Tanumah to explore the experience of rowing boats in Wadi Traj Dam Lake, a new experience in a lake that has a promising future, worthy of development.”


Al-Khateeb expressed his delight at some of the Asir Summer season’s activities, which included active involvement from the business sector, particularly in Rehab, Medhal, and Sayir.


The minister’s experience operating a rowing boat was more than simply a fun activity; it also reflected the government’s enthusiasm and eagerness to promote domestic tourism and explore the Kingdom’s magnificent tourist spots.

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AMERICA Travel Event News

Tourism Summit to be held in Laurel in September

The Standup Rural America Summit will be held in the city of Laurel. The conference is scheduled to take place from September 5 to September 7.


According to officials, the conference, which rotates from location to location each year, attracts roughly 200 individuals from throughout the region.


The lectures are intended to focus on subjects such as rural tourism and small-town revitalization. The summit is expected to feature more than 16 keynote speakers.


“There will be people coming in from a lot of communities our size or a little bigger just to share information.,” said George Bassi, Laurel-Jones County Tourism Committee chairman.


“There will be keynote speakers, workshops. So, it’s a great opportunity not just for us locally, from a tourism standpoint to listen, but really an opportunity to show Laurel off to hundreds of other communities around the region and get their feedback as well on kind of what they see and like about us.”

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EUROPE

Over-tourism becomes a concern for Italian museums

The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence is a treasure trove of cultural artefacts that are mainly unknown to the general population. The gallery, which opened in 1784, is home to a one-of-a-kind collection of 17th- and 18th-century musical instruments, Florentine Renaissance religious paintings, Orthodox icons, and plaster castings of ancient statues.


Nonetheless, according to museum director Cecilie Hollberg, tourists from all over the world flock to see David.


Given the record-breaking number of tourists expected this year, the gallery sought to ensure a smoother flow of visitors while also making them more comfortable.


Italy is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, yet the tourism sector was decimated by COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, by 2023, all of that has passed.


Despite hot temperatures, worldwide inflation, and the uncertainty surrounding the Ukraine situation, the streets and squares of Italy’s most famous tourist attractions – Rome, Florence, and Venice – are once again crowded with visitors.


Early indications indicate that Italy’s tourism industry may break records this year, surpassing those established in 2019 before the epidemic.


But the return of tourism is a double-edged sword.


“The country definitely suffered when the tourists disappeared during the pandemic. But now that they are returning, the challenge is how to balance the needs of visitors with those of residents, and with the sustainability of the cultural sites themselves,” Antonio Molisano, a tourism researcher with the Italian Chamber of Commerce, told Xinhua.


The most common concerns are the overcrowding of city centres and transit networks caused by large numbers of tourists, sometimes known as over-tourism.


Meanwhile, restaurants and businesses in smaller towns, or even just a few blocks away from congested thoroughfares, may struggle to draw enough customers to flourish.


A programme dubbed “Uffizi Diffusi” (Widespread Uffizi) was offered two years ago by Florence’s Uffizi Museum as a solution to this quandary. Some of the museum’s cultural treasures are presented in smaller Tuscan towns as part of the programme, attracting tourists to less-known locales.


Hollberg said this approach could also be used elsewhere in the country.


“There’s only so much a single museum director can do, since they can only control what happens within their museum,” Hollberg said.


“But the growing number of tourists would have much less of an impact if they were not concentrated in a few areas. There is a great deal to see and enjoy in Italy.”

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American Travel News News Pick TTW APP NEWS

Arizona tourism registers post-pandemic high last year

With tourism expenditure exceeding $28 billion, Arizona tourism hit post-pandemic high last year.

According to the Arizona Office of Tourism, travellers spent around $77 million each day in the state last year.

Visitor expenditure surged by about 20% over 2021, approaching the highest year ever for tourism measures across the state since 2019.


According to Josh Coddington of the Office of Tourism, Arizona is quite popular for its outdoor activities.


That’s one thing that people come to this state for all the time, he said. The hiking opportunities, camping even!

He claims that there are well-known attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, as well as smaller local attractions.


Tucson and Southern Arizona have the majority of Arizona’s wine regions, so those are popular, he said.

Of course there’s culinary, food. Everybody knows Tucson is amazing for food.


Tourism is one of Arizona’s principal economic drivers, and all major tourism data metrics, including overnight visits, tourist spending, taxes paid, employment produced, and tourism salaries, increased over the previous year.


According to the analysis, Arizona tourism tax revenues from federal, state, and local taxes produced approximately $4 billion in 2022 to fund services such as health care, public safety, and transportation.

Pima County supplied nearly half of that total.

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Global News TOURISM NEWS HOME TRAVEL NEWS TRAVEL TRENDS AND FOCUS

Azerbaijan Tourism Board collaborates with Wego to boost tourism

Wego, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) largest online travel platform, welcomes visitors to see Azerbaijan in all seasons.

The Azerbaijan Tourism Board has collaborated with Wego to launch a new campaign to highlight Azerbaijan’s great attractions to MENA travellers.


This collaboration will capitalise on Wego’s vast reach and unique marketing techniques to highlight Azerbaijan’s rich cultural history, diversified landscapes, and friendly hospitality.


Summer and winter in Azerbaijan provide a diverse selection of fascinating activities for all types of visitors.


Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said, as they renew their partnership with Azerbaijan Tourism Board, they aim to inspire and guide travellers to explore the wonders of Azerbaijan and create a seamless and inspiring travel experience.

They recorded over 830,000 searches globally to Azerbaijan this year and they are expecting to see an increase in the searches towards the summer.


The country’s magnificent coastline sections become a paradise for beach enthusiasts throughout the summer months. Water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing are available to visitors.


Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s gorgeous mountainous regions, such as the Greater Caucasus range, offer excellent chances for climbing, trekking, and discovering scenic routes that lead to spectacular panoramas and hidden waterfalls.


Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, said, that in winter, Azerbaijan transforms into a winter wonderland, providing excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts.

The country has premier ski resorts and offer world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities with a range of slopes suitable for beginners to advanced skiers.

Additionally, the picturesque village of Gabala, located in the Tufandag Mountains, offers a charming winter retreat with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and even enjoying horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy landscapes.