Starfish Travel Corporation Team

There are almost 120 graduates from the current batch of 290—23 nationalities and 27 women—who are already employed by Emirates as full-time pilots. These aspirational and driven individuals are cadets of the Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA), forming the next generation of pilots vital to the aviation industry. EFTA, which was founded with an emphasis on the national cadet pilot program for Emirates, currently provides cadets from all over the world with their top-notch instruction. In addition to the amazing success of its grads, all of whom were hired by Emirates following a rigorous hiring process, the academy is soaring thanks to the incorporation of three brand-new Diamond planes into its training curriculum. The cadets range in age from 17 to 26 years old, however the bulk are fresh high school graduates. As a matter of fact, an Emirates cabin crew member has fulfilled the rigorous qualifying requirements of EFTA and is now a cadet. “EFTA is fully focused on establishing a reliable stream of pilots for the aviation industry, which has been staring at scarcity in the short to long term,” stated Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President of Emirates Flight Training Academy. “We are providing ambitious cadets with a visionary academy based in an iconic and one of the safest cities that is also one of the largest aviation hubs on the planet.” With over fifty highly qualified teachers and the support of Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, we offer one of the most advanced cadet training programs available. Seeing the unity and cooperation among our cadets as they graduate with the greatest levels of abilities and competences needed by commercial pilots, ready for the real world, is encouraging. The Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft, which has successfully introduced multi-engine piston training at the academy, is currently another aircraft that EFTA’s cadets fly. Essentially, this implies that cadets receive training on light jets with one, two, and three engines. Among flight training academies, which typically train cadets on one or two types of aircraft, this is an unusual occurrence. Instructors from EFTA will be available to discuss details of the Academy’s fleet and cadet training program while the organization displays its Diamond DA42-VI and Cirrus SR22 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Following the epidemic, occupations in flight deck have experienced a significant upsurge in demand. Aviation is becoming a more sought-after vocation due to factors such as rising salaries, fast-paced career paths, rapid airline expansion, sophisticated aircraft, and rising travel demand. Oliver Wyman’s most recent research indicates that by 2026, there would be a 24,000 pilot shortage compared to the current deficit of roughly 17,000 available pilots. In order to provide UAE citizens and foreign students who have never flown before with flight training, Emirates introduced EFTA in 2017. Every graduate has the exclusive chance to go through the hiring process at Emirates. Modern fleet of 29 training aircraft, including 4 Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jets, 3 Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft, and 22 Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine pistons, are combined with state-of-the-art learning technology at the Academy. Spread across 12.5 million sq.ft (1.2 million sq.m), or 200 football fields, EFTA’s state-of-the-art complex houses 36 contemporary classrooms, 6 full motion flight simulators, a separate air traffic control tower, and a 1,800-meter runway. Cadets reside on campus in individually designed studio apartments that are completely furnished and offer an excellent array of social events, recreational opportunities, and fine food. Ground school (52 weeks): Two 86-inch touchscreens with custom training software designed just for EFTA are installed in each of the 36 classrooms. Cadets receive at least 1,100 hours of instruction on the ground, and they use their own digitally connected devices to access the curriculum in an interactive learning environment. During the 52-week, 272-hour Flying Phase, cadets receive training on three different types of training aircraft and simulators. These are the words of two EFTA alums Who are presently Cadet Pilots With Emirates:  Australian native Thomas Saunders, a cadet pilot with Emirates, stated: “I’ve been fascinated by how these big machines could stay in the sky from a very young age, and that has led me down the most amazing career path.” One excellent way to get a job at the top airline in the world is through Emirates Flight Training Academy. Additionally, I believed that an airline with such high standards and a strong focus on quality would inevitably provide the greatest mentoring and training in the aviation industry. My intuition turned out to be correct. “The EFTA cadet group is incredibly close-knit and cooperative. Our training brings out the best in us and positions us for a long, fulfilling, and prosperous career. All the necessities are conveniently located near your home, and the facilities and infrastructure are quite magnificent. “It felt like a dream when I took my first flight. I had only ever dreamed of this: it was just me in control, nature at its most beautiful, and the breathtaking Dubai scenery below me. Prospective cadets thinking about a career in aviation should persevere and embrace the ups and downs since the experience shapes character and the results are beyond anything you could have imagined. Australian citizen Jordan Engeler, an Emirates cadet pilot, stated: “I’ve always had a deep fascination for the aviation industry and the sense of freedom it offers.” I found it immensely fascinating to think that I could pilot a highly advanced aircraft, travel the sky, and see the world from a different angle. The three main aspects of EFTA that I cherished were its world-class training facilities, knowledgeable and encouraging instructors, and a diverse and welcoming community. In the aviation sector, Emirates is well known for its remarkable dedication to excellence, innovation, and safety. These ideals are shared by EFTA, which also provides an excellent training program that exactly matched my goal of becoming a highly experienced pilot. With its cutting-edge facilities, contemporary fleet of aircraft, and knowledgeable instructors, EFTA provided the perfect setting

Nguyen Thi Huong Lien was an aspirational young lady. She opened a modest tour company with just $100 USD in hand, knowing that it would give her plenty of opportunity to improve her English through conversations with foreign visitors to Hue. The CEO of I Love Hue Tour, Nguyen Thi Huong Lien, spoke with the IWTA Committee about her love of travel and tourism and how she founded a tour company while still a student. How did you begin working in the travel sector? And why does the travel sector? A: In my third year of college, I launched my tourism business, I Love Hue Tour. My goal was to increase my English language skills by conversing with strangers. After realizing that the tourism business is a sensible one that gives me regular opportunities to interact with international tourists, I made the decision to become qualified as a tour guide and organize female scooter excursions in Hue, Vietnam. It became my passion because I saw the potential in female students working in the tourism sector; as a result of our employment, we gain confidence every day. Furthermore, the neighborhood prospers when we do the trips to nearby companies and non-governmental organization initiatives. Indeed, tourism has a significant positive impact on our economy. Could you describe a pivotal experience from your life that sparked your love of travel? A: In 2017 at the APEC summit, I got to meet Mrs. Sheryl Sanberg. It was the pinnacle of my experience managing I Love Hue Tour, my own business. I vividly recall that when we first met, we talked a lot about community and gender equality. My enthusiasm for women’s empowerment was ignited after meeting her, and I worked assiduously to establish the business in five Vietnamese towns and one Laotian city in the hopes of helping more female students with their English language proficiency and financial literacy through employment in the travel and tourist sector. We rebranded the business as the I Love Asia Tour in 2020. In total, 180 female students from the area came and assisted us as tour guides. Being a CEO is not an easy journey; in order to be able to guide my team, I must embrace the fact that I am a lifelong learner. Could you describe a difficult project you worked on in your travel industry and the steps you took to overcome it? A CEO’s journey is not a simple one; in order to effectively manage my team, I must embrace the daily learning that comes with the job. Managing the finances is a problem for me because I have to ensure steady revenue growth and profit for the company. I took several finance classes to gain additional knowledge of this crucial ability, and it was beneficial. Q: In what ways has your employment or work in travel increased your awareness of various cultures and customs? A: Tourism is a sensible sector, as I have stated. It enables me to gain knowledge from individuals worldwide on a variety of viewpoints. I continually learn new things about history, culture, customs, language, and tradition as a tour guide so that I can educate visitors. I am really appreciative of my tour guide profession since it has allowed me to travel the world and make many friends. I also get to learn new things every day at work. Tour I Love Hue Could you tell us about how you came to launch your own travel-related project or business? A: I got $100 USD in cash when I developed and organized the I Love Hue Tour. When I was a university student, I constructed nearly everything by myself. My goals were to improve my English and use tourism to give back to the local community. While I initially had assistance from IT for the website builder, I put in a lot of effort on my own to handle the remaining tasks, which included recruiting, forming partnerships, social media marketing, content authoring, tour guiding, financial administration, and tour operation. All of them have forced me to quickly pick up the skills I need to properly manage the startup. The company was once known as I Love Hue Tour, then in 2018 it changed its name to I Love Vietnam Tour. We finally created the I Love Asia Tour, a global branding initiative, in 2020. After COVID 19, we are now growing a small business once more, thus the I Love Hue Tour is still in place. What alterations in travel patterns do you foresee following the pandemic? A: I believe the tourist sector is working to grow sustainably, and following COVID 19, I want to see more environmentally friendly travel. I hope more eco-friendly travel may be developed. Furthermore, it would be fantastic if tourism could encourage more neighborhood events. What character or identity would you choose if you could inhabit any role in the world? A: My goal is to represent women in the travel and tourism sector. Source- Travel daily

Kershing Goh has been appointed as the Regional Director of Europe by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), with the responsibility of spearheading business development efforts, marketing campaigns, and strategic planning for Singapore across the continent. The main offices in London, Frankfurt, and Brussels are under Ms. Goh’s purview, and she is tasked with expanding the European markets as a major source of tourism to Singapore. Ms. Goh left her position as Senior Vice President, Future tourist, located in the US, to take up her new role in London. In that capacity, she developed strong relationships with international technology and idea bellwethers to recognize trends and implement them in the nation’s tourist industry. Additionally, Ms. Goh played a key role in enabling STB to be the first destination partner to adopt Google’s early access program, which allowed STB to jointly develop new use cases for XR and geospatial tourism. “Europe remains an important region for Singapore, with strong air connectivity coupled with a deep consumer appetite for international travel,” Ms. Goh said in response to her nomination. Being able to join the European team during this period of great transition is an honor. My main goal is to make sure Singapore stays innovative for people who already know us and surpasses expectations for those who are visiting for the first time, with amazing new offers for both business and pleasure that are beautifully encapsulated in our new “Made in Singapore” campaign. We push ourselves to always present Singapore as the preferred travel destination in Asia by means of continuous innovation and revitalization. Ms. Goh has been employed by the Singapore Tourism Board since 2014. She spent more than five years as the region director for the Americas before taking on the position of senior vice president for future tourism. During her time in the private sector, she held positions as the first USA country manager for the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Vice President of the US-based destination representation company, MMGY Myriad, with headquarters in New York. She also worked on strategy and market development projects for numerous international clients. Kershing taught the Master of Tourism Planning and Policies at New York University as an adjunct lecturer as well. As Executive Director of World Expo and Special Projects, Ms. Goh succeeds Ms. Carrie Kwik, who is returning to Singapore and will continue to work with STB. Source- Travel daily

With the largest-ever delegation of 108 Portuguese travel agencies, Visit Portugal is thrilled to announce its presence at the World Travel Market, one of the most important gatherings for the world’s travel sector. “I am very pleased to attend WTM this year and be a witness of the largest Portuguese participation ever in this relevant fair, in the UK, the Portugal’s primary tourism market, with proposals for every British target,” said Nuno Fazenda, Secretary of State for Tourism. We are dedicated to creating and promoting unique travel experiences that enhance the value of the destinations and the traveler experience, increasing Portugal’s appeal and achieving our goal of expansion. We firmly believe in the importance of accepting diversity and standing by our goal of making Portugal one of the world’s most competitive, secure, and environmentally friendly travel destinations. The growing number of Portuguese companies at WTM is indicative of Portugal’s strong desire to grow its business in the UK market, of the bilateral relations between Portugal and the UK, and of Portugal’s exceptional attraction as a travel destination. We draw attention to the importance of the UK market, which is Portugal’s main source of tourists and has so far produced consistently outstanding outcomes. January through August 2023 will see a 5% increase in overnight stays and an 11% increase in tourism-related income compared to 2019. Furthermore, with a rise of more than 5%, travelers from the UK accounted for the greatest proportion of foreign overnight stays in Portugal. Portugal continues to thrive and is becoming a popular travel destination for British tourists. In addition, there was an 11% increase in international airport arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019, and a roughly 25% increase in year-over-year growth (2023 vs 2022). Portugal has introduced a diverse and excellent array of year-round tourism experiences, including wine tourism, nature, cultural heritage, art, literature, architecture, and gastronomy, as part of its strategic approach to the tourism industry. Portugal has been able to stand out and reinvent itself. Portugal’s tourism plan, which is dedicated to funding tourist-related investment projects and supporting and prioritizing investments in technology, infrastructure, and human resources, also places a strong emphasis on sustainability and authenticity. Portugal is committed to boosting travel to its interior regions, hoping to establish year-round travel throughout the nation, improve locals’ quality of life, draw tourists to the area, and revitalize the local landmarks, customs, history, and culture. All delegates are cordially invited by Visit Portugal to stop by their stand at WTM 2023, where they can learn about Portugal’s many attractions and network with representatives from a vibrant and varied tourism sector. At Visit Portugal stand N4-200, Visit Portugal looks forward to seeing you. Source- Travel daily Link-https://www.traveldailymedia.com/visit-portugal-gears-up-for-largest-participation-ever-at-wtm/

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) UK and Europe office has revealed that 2023 tourist numbers are expected to exceed the target of over 70% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Air arrivals during the month of January through August 2023 are in line with the Cayman Islands’ busiest year, when 14,583 visitors from the UK arrived. Arrivals from outside the UK are estimated at 8,597 as of August 2023, with the busiest travel season still to come and forward bookings appearing healthy. Rosa Harris, the director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, states, “We are thrilled with the numbers this year. The Cayman Islands’ economy is mostly dependent on tourism, and with our top-notch eating and diving options, we have enough to offer visitors of all stripes. In order to revive the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry following the epidemic, my team and I have made investments in and strengthened our ties with British Airways and the travel industry. “Going ahead, 2024 will be a significant year for the Cayman Islands as we welcome the opening of Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, Kailani, A Curio Collection by Hilton Resort, and VIDA Cayman, an eco-sustainable tourism development centered on wellness and adventure. We also anticipate welcoming the five-star Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman and Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, which are both slated to open in 2025, to our portfolio. Working closely with our industry partners, we will be attending events and trainings to improve trade engagement and, above all, to reaffirm our position as the premier location for unhurried exploration on vacation. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) UK and Europe office announced this year that the Cayman Islands Training program and related agent incentive would be relaunching. When the course was first introduced in 2019, it was updated with new and relevant information. For example, British Airways started offering a fifth weekly flight to the destination in January 2023. Other updates included information about accommodations, such as the recently renovated Palm Heights and Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, as well as the exciting new properties that will open this year: Vida Ocean Adventure Lodge and Kailani Cayman, A Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel. The program now offers expert-led content videos as well, which allow viewers to delve deeper into each of the three islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Hannah Stitfall, presenter of Springwatch on the BBC, hosts the inaugural webcast. and highlights the amazing fauna of the area, such as the native blue iguanas that are unique to Grand Cayman, while a well-known TV personality hosts a gourmet series. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/cayman-islands-on-track-to-surpass-visitation-goals/

The greatest strategies for travelers to deal with the impending disruptions to their travel plans are disclosed by AirHelp, the largest air passenger rights organization in the world. According to data from AirHelp, 7.3 million travelers in the UK experienced interruptions during their winter air travel. Over 166,000 planes with registered passengers left the UK between December 2022 and February of this year. 23.7 million people traveled during this time. Compared to 2022, when 2.9 million passengers experienced delays or disruptions, this is an increase. During the previous winter, 372,000 flights in the UK were completely canceled and over 203,000 passengers experienced delays longer than three hours. 496,000 of these travelers qualified for reimbursement. It is imperative that travelers are aware of their rights while departing from UK airports, since several airlines have announced flight cancellations this winter in an attempt to prevent additional travel disruptions. All flights leaving from UK airports, flights arriving in the nation on UK or EU airlines, and flights entering the EU on UK airlines are covered by the air passenger rights legislation UK 261. According to this rule, travelers who have delays longer than three hours, cancellations made fewer than fourteen days in advance of departure, overbooking-related denials of boarding, or missed connections resulting in three-hour delays upon arrival are eligible for up to £520. It’s crucial to remember that when disruptions are caused by unusual circumstances, passengers are not entitled to reimbursement. In terms of care, travelers from the UK are entitled to lodging for overnight delays, alternate flights, or a complete refund in the event of rejected boarding, cancellation, or missed connection. Along with being informed of their rights, passengers must also be provided with food and drink after a few hours and be allowed to make two phone calls, send two faxes, or send emails. In addition, travelers should receive up to 75% of their initial ticket price back if an airline downgrades them. This winter, airlines are being forced to postpone flights due to staff shortages, strikes, and overall travel turmoil. At AirHelp, we want to inform travelers of their rights and assist them in using them in the event of unavoidable delays and cancellations. According to Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, “Our disruption data has proven that UK-based airlines and airports have significant opportunities for improvement, to ensure the service they are providing to passengers is as punctual as possible.” Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/airhelp-shares-ways-for-uk-passengers-to-weather-winter-flight-disruptions/

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), working with VFS Global, announced at its Global Summit in Kigali that the travel and tourism industry in Africa has the potential to boost the continent’s GDP by US$168BN and generate over 18 million new jobs. The study “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa” claims that in order to realize this potential growth, three crucial policies must be implemented in order to achieve an annualized growth rate of 6.5% and a contribution of more than US$ 350 billion. The paper provides a set of policies aimed at boosting tourism, facilitating visas, and enhancing air infrastructure in order to improve Africa’s growth. Travel and tourism is a major industry in Africa, bringing in about US$ 186BN to the continent’s GDP in 2019 and accommodating 84 million foreign visitors. Additionally, the industry is vital to employment, supporting 25 million people, or 5.6% of all occupations in the region, with their means of subsistence. “Africa’s travel & tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation,” stated Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC, during her speech at the organization’s Global Summit in Kigali today. Its worth has more than doubled in just 20 years, greatly boosting the continent’s economy. Africa has enormous growth potential for travel and tourism. It has already more than doubled since 2000, and in the ensuing ten years, with the correct policies, it might unlock an extra US$168 billion. “Africa needs marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this breathtaking continent, as well as simpler visa processes and improved air connectivity within the continent.” “We are excited to partner with WTTC to uncover the extensive opportunities that Travel & Tourism offers in Africa,” says Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO of VFS Global. “Having developed our footprint in Africa since 2005, we are now 38 governments’ trusted partner, providing our services to them in 55 cities throughout 35 African countries.  Africa has enormous potential, and VFS Global is steadfastly committed to fostering the growth of travel and tourism to and from the continent. “In addition to highlighting the various opportunities for cross-cultural cooperation, sustainable tourism, and economic growth, this report offers governments insightful information for policy formulation and gives businesses a clear path for growth in this booming market.” This paper explores the historical development of the travel and tourism industry in Africa. It’s a tale about overcoming obstacles head-on, from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis to the setbacks brought on by disease outbreaks and unstable political environments. In spite of all these obstacles, the travel and tourism industry is headed toward recovery. The worldwide body projects that 2023 will see the creation of around 1.8 million new employment and a near-full recovery, falling just 1.9% short of 2019 levels. Prospects for Africa The potential for the industry are highlighted in the research, and these include smart investments in better connectivity, expedited immigration procedures, lowering carbon footprints through the adoption of low-carbon energy sources, and increasing water efficiency. These could open up the African travel and tourism industry’s potential for long-term expansion, job generation, and economic development. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/travel-tourism-in-africa-could-boost-continents-economy-by-us168bn-over-the-next-10-years/

A historic agreement between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLITT) of the Japanese government is expected to increase prospects for the growth of tourism between the two nations. This occurred as the first independent cooperation agreement between the two countries, a Memorandum of Cooperation for Tourism, was signed by MLIT Minister His Excellency Tetsuo Saito and DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. On November 3–4, during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s first official visit to the Philippines, the contract was exchanged in front of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. In line with the terms of the cooperation agreement, both nations committed to bolstering and expanding their tourism-related ties by boosting visitor arrivals from global tourist-generating markets, enticing more travelers to visit a variety of tourist attractions, including rural areas of each other’s countries, promoting reciprocal visits and high-value traveler traffic to boost tourism consumption, and supporting the robust development of the tourism industries in both the Philippines and Japan, particularly in the areas of education, culture, gastronomy, sustainable tourism, and adventure. “The Philippines’ bilateral relations with Japan have been strengthened with the signing of this historic Memorandum of Cooperation on Tourism under the Marcos Administration. We anticipate that this will greatly expand tourism opportunities with the Japanese, who are one of our top source markets. As envisaged by our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., this will also bring about additional tourism development in the areas of sustainability, air and sea connectivity, education, human capital development, culture, gastronomy, nature, and adventure. These developments will boost tourism earnings for our stakeholders, bring about more tourism investments, and generate employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos, Secretary Frasco stated. As of November 2, 2023, Japan is third among the countries that send the most tourists to the Philippines, with around a quarter of a million of those arrivals coming from there. Furthermore, both nations will cooperate in the following areas: information sharing on industry-related issues; education and training; mutual traffic means through improved air and sea connectivity; cooperative marketing initiatives; and improved transportation connectivity to support traveler influx and people-to-people exchange. Additionally, Japan and the Philippines decided to work together to guarantee visitor safety when they are visiting their respective nations. Senior DOT and MLITT officials will form a joint working group to ensure that the MOC is implemented correctly. The group’s term is set for five years, with the possibility of extension. As you may remember, in July 1956, Japan and the Philippines formally established diplomatic ties. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/philippines-japan-ink-deal-on-tourism-cooperation/

From recently opened hotels in China and Thailand to incredibly popular places in Japan and Korea, Hyatt welcomes visitors to experience some of Asia’s most alluring urban and seaside locales. Throughout its hotel network, Hyatt offers outstanding hospitality experiences that are distinguished by intelligent design and creative food concepts influenced by the regional cultures. The Hotel Toranomon Hills in Tokyo, Japan Hotel Toranomon Hills is set to open as The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first property in Tokyo on December 6th. Situated in the center of Tokyo’s new global business hub, the hotel offers contemporary travelers and cosmopolitan professionals an elegant place to relax, work, and have fun. It is situated in a prominent position inside the recently completed Toranomon Hills Station Tower, which has direct access to the subway station and convenient access to the business and leisure areas of the city as well as Haneda International Airport.  At the hotel, Hyatt and Sergio Herman Group will present Le Pristine Tokyo. Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman is bringing his Michelin-starred “Le Pristine” from Antwerp, Belgium to Tokyo, and this will be his first restaurant in Asia. On the ground floor of the Toranomon Hills Station Tower, Le Pristine Tokyo will consist of a casual fine dining restaurant and café that combines food, fashion, design, art, and music for a culinary feast. It will provide modern European cuisine that combines carefully chosen seasonal ingredients from the Netherlands’ Zeeland region with Japanese cuisine, poised to boost the dining scene in Toranomon Hills. In addition, Chef Sergio will oversee the hotel’s breakfast offerings, which will be served in-room or at the café and bar.  Hyatt Centric Kanazawa and Hyatt House Kanazawa in Kanazawa, Japan The Hyatt Centric Kanazawa and Hyatt House Kanazawa, both of which are centrally located in Kanazawa, Japan, provide unique experiences to meet the varying demands of their guests. The chic Hyatt Centric Kanazawa effortlessly combines contemporary design features with traditional Japanese inspirations to embody the vibrant culture of the city. With 253 luxurious rooms and suites, the hotel offers visitors a chic, tranquil setting with quirky elements and locally sourced artwork. Hyatt House Kanazawa, on the other hand, welcomes tourists planning longer stays and offers cozy lodgings with practical extras like a kitchenette and a self-laundry room. Situated next to JR Kanazawa Station, it provides convenient access to historical sites, natural hot springs, and scenic landscapes. With unmatched luxuries, these hotels offer tourists the perfect starting point from which to explore Kanazawa’s captivating beauty, whether they are planning a quick trip or a longer stay. Hyatt Centric Kanazawa and Hyatt House Kanazawa are pleased to announce a number of time-limited promotion packages that are valid through the end of this year in honor of their third anniversary, which is celebrated in August. Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Thailand Located between the well-liked vacation destination of Jomtien and the quaint fishing village of Bang Saray, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is a serene oceanfront haven on Tawanron Beach, also known as “Sunset Beach” for its breathtaking sunset views. Most of Pattaya’s tourist attractions, including the stunning rolling green countryside, lakes, wineries, world-class golf courses, and cafes, are just a 10-minute drive away. Situated in close proximity to the most notable sites in the Na Jomtien area and less than two hours’ drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport, the resort offers guests an enchanting refuge to reconnect with nature and explore Thai culture. Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, designed by the renowned Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors, welcomes visitors with awe-inspiring raintrees and a reflective pond as soon as they enter the Raintree Court, the resort’s central gathering place where guests can relax and mingle.  In addition to the barrier-free Village Square, which is home to three welcoming restaurants with interactive show kitchens and a fresh herb garden—Wok Wok, La Cucina, and Village Butcher—that combine local, sustainable ingredients with traditional cooking techniques, guests seeking an immersive and authentic culinary experience will find great enjoyment in Fish Club, a bustling beachfront restaurant offering ocean-to-table dining experiences.  The beachside six-bedroom Presidential Heritage House and the four-bedroom Duplex Manor House are the resort’s most sought-after lodging options. These opulent beachfront homes feature large living and dining spaces, private courtyards, and stunning views of the ocean. They are made especially to accommodate small gatherings and families with several generations, making them the perfect place for special holiday memories. The resort provides a fun and safe atmosphere for younger guests with amenities like the premium wellness spa PAÑPURI WELLNESS HARBOR, three outdoor swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, and an immersive Sanuk Sanuk kids club. A comprehensive weekly program of cultural events is also offered, either free of charge or for a fee. These activities range from Wai Kru Muay Thai classes to Dern Kala (Coconut Shell Race), which is a traditional Thai Buddhist morning ritual in which participants give alms to monks. Thailand’s Park Hyatt Bangkok in Bangkok A serene haven of elegance and sophistication for discriminating tourists seeking unmatched comfort and flawless service, Park Hyatt Bangkok is situated in the bustling center of Thailand’s capital city and has direct access to Central Embassy, a world-class luxury mall. Park Hyatt Bangkok redefines urban elegance with its sleek contemporary design and art, amazing views of the city, and an array of top-notch amenities. Every element has been painstakingly created to guarantee an exceptional stay.  The food experiences available at Park Hyatt Bangkok are sure to make an impact. Penthouse Bar + Grill, situated on levels 34, 35, and 35M on top of Park Hyatt Bangkok, is a distinctive group of six venues that include The Grill, Chef’s Table, The Cocktail Bar, Whiskey Room, and The Mezzanine. All of these spaces are reminiscent of opulent Chicago and New York penthouses.  Discover an upgraded Catalan dining experience at Embassy Room – Catalan Cuisine, located at Park Hyatt Bangkok. This restaurant opened its doors last year and features food made with the greatest seasonal ingredients and the longest

The much awaited InterContinental Chiang Mai opens The Mae Ping in Chiang Mai’s historic district represents the first significant achievement in a strategic cooperation between Thailand’s top integrated lifestyle real estate business, Asset World Corporation (AWC), and IHG Hotels & Resorts. In one of northern Thailand’s most alluring locations, the modern hideaway officially opens its doors. Visitors hoping to engage with the traditional cultures of the area may anticipate fulfilling stays steeped in genuine luxury and infused with a sense of discovery. Thailand’s top design company, PIA Interior, expertly combined the hotel’s illustrious past with traditional Lanna heritage when creating the conversion project from the prestigious Imperial Mae Ping Hotel. The result was a warm and inviting space that pays tribute to the cherished establishment that has welcomed many vacationers over its 30-year existence. When guests are welcomed by soothing gong chimes, they will immediately feel at home at the location. This is a heart-melting ceremony that links them to the history of the nearby Wat Chang Kong, a magnificently preserved 600-year-old stupa constructed by a local gong-making community. As part of the resort’s cultural offerings, dancing events and performances will frequently take place on the well-kept lawn in front of the temple. Encircled by the recognizable scenery of Chiang Mai and covered in lush vegetation, the InterContinental Chiang Mai For the Mae Ping, being connected to culture and environment comes first. There are 240 well appointed guestrooms and apartments with views of either the foggy Doi Suthep mountain slopes or the old town. They will discover a plethora of famous sites right outside their door, including the bustling night market, the ancient 13th-century Tha-Pae Gate, and Chiang Mai’s pedestrian streets. Lanna-inspired décor blends with soft modern minimalism inside the majestic lodgings. Luxurious handcrafted items commissioned from local artists pay homage to traditional Lanna crafts, with lacquered panels, wood-carved sculptures, and beaten metal accents among them. Spacious zen bathrooms featuring plunge bathtubs provide a tranquil area to relax. Benefits from Club InterContinental are available to guests staying in Premium Rooms and Suites, such as daily afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and a gourmet breakfast provided in a private area. The tastes of the north The hotel grows fresh produce in its own organic garden and collaborates with carefully selected local suppliers, such as cacao and bee farms, and the Royal Project foundation, a Thai non-profit established by King Bhumibol Adulyadej to enhance the lives of hill tribe members. The InterContinental Chiang Mai’s eateries and bars The Mae Ping promise to be a showcase for the flavorful cuisine of northern Thailand. The Gad Lanna, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, is akin to a traditional market and features seasonal, organic ingredients that are cooked using traditional techniques to create hearty, northern cuisine. With a view of the hotel’s main pool, Kam Lobby Lounge’s evocative décor helps to capture the essence of the Yi Peng Lantern Festival. The menu features organic Monsoon Tea produced in the mountains of Northern Thailand, light meals, coffee, and well-crafted cocktails that are served after dark to live jazz music. Hong’s Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, the restaurant’s flagship establishment, honors the long-standing commercial connections between Lanna and China via both its interior design and menu. Fierce Sichuan, Cantonese, and Taiwanese cuisine complement the panoramic views of Doi Suthep and the city, and the hotel’s trademark Teresa Teng tea ceremony honors the well-known Taiwanese singer who used to stay there frequently. The natural and cultural treasures of Chiang Mai In-depth exploration on the property and beyond is provided with immersive activities at InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping, which are laced with subtleties from the local culture. Offerings include anything from tea-blending classes and tastings of regional chocolate to exhilarating sports like hot air balloon rides, white-water rafting, and jungle walks, followed by a Champagne lunch by the lake. The hotel’s Concierge staff, in collaboration with The Center for the Promotion of Arts and Culture of Chiang Mai University, will organize and host a series of art exhibitions and musical events on a rotating basis, which will align with the hotel’s objective of becoming the cultural center of Chiang Mai. In the interim, the company’s popular Planet Trekkers program for kids will provide crafts made from coconut shells, folding banana leaves, and marking clay figurines. With the Grand Ballroom, five smaller event rooms, and a lush central lawn situated inside the temple grounds, the hotel is debuting with a range of opulent event venues for destination weddings, social festivities, and corporate functions. Recreational amenities include a tropical tree-shaded outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center where visitors can work out while taking in Lanna folk play-inspired décor. At The li Spa, guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments to revitalize themselves. One such treatment is the distinctive Tok Sen experience, which combines traditional northern massage techniques with a compress made of herbs to ease sore muscles. Source- Travel daily