New Zealand star athlete Hayden Wilde sped his way to victory at the 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon held on Sunday, 17th November.
Interestingly, this was actually the Olympic silver medalist’s debut at one of the world’s longest running triathlons.
Wilde left the competition in the dust as he made it to the finish line in a record 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 3 seconds.
His compatriot Tayler Reid and Ukrainian athlete Rostyslav Pevtsov finished the race in second and third place, respectively.
Wilde said of the experience: “It’s been a dream to compete here, and it didn’t disappoint! The course was brutal, but the views and energy were worth every second. What a day!”
Queen of the track
Meanwhile, Kate Waugh of the United Kingdom proved her mettle in the women’s division yet again.
Waugh, the reigning women’s champion, gave her all during the race. Once more, she took the crown as she surged to the finish in two hours, 35 minutes, and 39 seconds.
She declared after the race: “I’m so proud to defend my title here. The atmosphere is second to none, and Phuket always delivers an unforgettable experience.”
Second and third place were respectively taken by Swiss runner Alanis Siffest and British athlete Sian Rainsley.
A power-packed Sunday
This edition of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon drew in more than 1,000 athletes from over 65 countries, putting them through a gruelling course that combined sheer athleticism with jaw-dropping scenery.
Starting with a 1.8km swim, competitors then braved a punishing 55km bike ride through hills and lush landscapes before finishing with a 12km run under the blazing sun.
Aside from the international victors, local talent also shone in the Thai national category, as 19-year-old Thanadon Wisarutsin thrilled the home crowd with his back-to-back title win, clocking an impressive 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Three decades of greatness
Laguna Phuket vice-president Paul Wilson, VP of Laguna Phuket remarked that this supercharged course for power athletes was their way of commemorating 30 years of athletic excellence.
Wilson said: “What a way to celebrate three decades of this iconic event. The athletes were phenomenal, and the energy was electric. Here’s to another 30 years of excellence!”
The event’s success was likewise made possible through partnerships with Thai Airways, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and local authorities.
Marriott International announces its accelerated growth in its branded residential portfolio in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, with 41 projects in the portfolio, including 29 projects in its signed pipeline and 12 open properties.
In the past two years, the global hospitality leader has signed 19 agreements in the Middle East and Africa to bring branded residences to iconic destinations in the region, more than double the amount from the preceding two years. With locations ranging from luxurious addresses, such as the highly anticipated project, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, to premier urban destinations like the W Residences at Dubai Harbour, there is something for every type of home buyer in the company’s pipeline.
“As Marriott continues to meet the increasing global demand for branded residences and world-class luxury experiences, the MEA region, home to some of the world’s most coveted and iconic destinations, has been a key driver of our accelerated growth,” said Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer, Global Mixed-Use Development. “Through providing extraordinary benefits for both developers and Residence Owners, we continue to strengthen our industry-leading position in the segment, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work the company is doing to bring such extraordinary residential projects to life.”
With 16 luxury and premium brand offerings, 11 of which have an open or signed residential property in the EMEA region, Marriott Branded Residences offer development licensees the opportunity to leverage strong brand recognition and lead generation platforms, which have the potential to result in higher sales velocity and increased sales value for developers. Along with the world-renowned service that guests expect from Marriott brands, Residence Owners also have the opportunity to receive enhanced benefits from the recently announced owner recognition platform, ONVIA, which provides exclusive offerings within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio.
“Marriott is proud to work with some of the industry’s top developers across MEA, who are an essential part of our company’s continued success,” said Jaidev Menezes, Regional Vice President, Mixed-Use Development, EMEA. “Through the combination of best-in-class developers, renowned design experts, iconic destinations, and people-first service, Marriott’s industry-leading value proposition is well-positioned to continue bringing premier and luxury lifestyle offerings to Residence Owners.”
From breathtaking views to luxury urban residences, recent projects for which the company has signed agreements and/or launched include:
The JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Al Jazi First marks the first branded residences under JW Marriott in Africa. The 277-residences project is part of the Al Jazi Egypt destination located in the heart of New Cairo
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Cairo, Palm Hills will feature 150 exclusive residences, each meticulously designed to offer an exceptional living experience amidst lush greenery, harmoniously blending nature and urban life. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Palm Hills Golf Course.
W Residences Cairo marks the first W Hotels branded residence in Africa and will be situated One Ninety, which is set to become a premier lifestyle destination in Cairo.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai, Creekside, which just began construction, will offer 200 residences across 7 seven buildings and 12 mansions, each featuring exclusive yacht berthing for residents.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, which recently launched sales, feature designs inspired by the rich Najdi heritage, with exquisitely designed villas, apartments and duplexes that capture the essence of elegance and tradition. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial standalone 106 villas also located at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah in the North District of the Kingdom, which sold out within a year of launch.
The St. Regis Residences, Financial Center Road, Dubai, which sold 70% of its units in the first hour of sales launch, which demonstrates the potential sales velocity that developers may experience when working with Marriott brands.
Other launches in the UAE include Marriott Residences Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai; W Residences Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island; W Residences Dubai – Jumeirah Lakes Towers; JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert.
By the end of 2024, Marriott expects to celebrate the opening of highly anticipated projects across the region, including:
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence, which marks the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the EMEA region, will offer Residence Owners a rare and immersive escape to discover Saudi Arabian culture and the untapped wonders of the Red Sea.
Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighborhoods, The Residences at the St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort offer an exquisite gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman.
Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai offers premium living with modern design and services reflective of the Marriott brand. Spread across three towers, each of the residences offer sophisticated spaces and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.
Tata Sons (Tata) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) celebrated the successful merger of Air India and Vistara at a symbolic ceremony held at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, heralding a new era in their deep and longstanding partnership.
Marking the dawn of a new chapter for the Indian aviation industry were Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, and Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, as well as senior management and employees from Tata, SIA, Air India, and Vistara.
Consolidating the four airlines within the Air India Group into one full-service and one low-cost airline is part of the ongoing, five-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme. This creates an Air India Group with a significant presence across all key segments of the Indian market – domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost operations. This will help to enhance the Group’s operational capabilities, expand its customer base, and gradually elevate service standards, product excellence, and the customer experience.
Post-merger, the Air India Group operates a combined fleet of 300 aircraft covering 55 domestic and 48 international destinations, with 312 routes and 8,300 flights per week. The airline will offer extended worldwide connectivity to over 800 destinations through more than 75 codeshare and interline partners. The collective staff strength stands at over 30,000.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, of Tata Sons, said: “It has been a little over two and a half years since the homecoming of Air India to the Tata Group. This week’s merger between Air India and Vistara is an important milestone in our commitment to transform Air India into a world-class global airline. Singapore Airlines continues to be our strategic partner in our aviation journey and we welcome them to Air India.”
Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, of Singapore Airlines, said: “This merger marks a pivotal moment for Indian aviation. Working with our valued, long-standing partner Tata Sons, the SIA Group will support the ongoing transformation of the enlarged Air India Group, offering our stewardship and expertise where possible. We are focused on helping to restore Air India to its leading position in the Indian aviation market and creating an airline Group that everyone in India can be proud of.
“For the SIA Group, the completion of the merger reinforces our long-standing direct participation in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Singapore Airlines is committed to deepening our commercial collaboration with Air India, and finding ways to provide greater value and enhanced options to our customers on flights between India and Singapore, and beyond.”
IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, announces exclusive daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang, starting December 21, 2024. Penang will be IndiGo’s third direct destination in Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. This new direct connection from Chennai caters to the growing demand for travel between the two cities, offering both business and leisure travelers a convenient and affordable option. Additionally, IndiGo will also resume operations between Bengaluru and Kuala Lumpur from December 21, 2024.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said: “We are extremely pleased to expand our network into Malaysia even further with the launch of daily, non-stop, flights from Chennai to Penang. IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights from India to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. This expansion underscores IndiGo’s commitment to connecting not just major hubs, but also emerging destinations like Langkawi & Penang, offering options for business as well as leisure. IndiGo remains committed to delivering an affordable, timely, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our expansive network.”
With direct flights connecting India to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang, IndiGo is not only enhancing tourism but also strengthening trade ties between India and Malaysia. India is Malaysia’s fifth-largest source market, and these new routes will further boost both economic and cultural exchange. Currently operating multiple flights to Malaysia, IndiGo’s direct service from Chennai to Penang will offer travelers a faster, more convenient option, cutting travel time from 7 hours to just 4. Chennai will also serve as a gateway for travelers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai heading to Penang.
Penang is renowned for its tantalizing street food, stunning beaches, and rich heritage. The island offers a captivating mix of attractions, blending vibrant street art and colonial architecture with natural wonders like lush rainforests and pristine shorelines. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, adventure seeker, or food lover, Penang offers something unforgettable for every traveler, making it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia.
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis with a deep cultural history and vibrant traditions. Known for its stunning temples, classical dance forms, and thriving arts scene, the city blends ancient heritage with modern living. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is also famous for its sandy beaches, bustling markets, and mouthwatering South Indian cuisine, making it a key cultural hub in southern India.
Flight schedule:
Flight No.
Origin
Destination
Frequency
Effective
Departure
Arrival
6E 1045
Chennai
Penang
Daily
Dec 21, 2024
02:15
08:30
6E 1046
Penang
Chennai
Daily
Dec 21, 2024
09:30
10:35
*Schedule maybe subject to change depending on approvals from regulatory authorities
As more locals travel within Jammu & Kashmir to explore the beautiful UT, hoteliers and other representatives of the travel and tourism sector are keeping themselves up to date on the diverse experiences they can offer to cater to this increasing demand.
Skyview by Empyrean, a premium mountain harbour that blends adventure, hospitality, and luxury in the scenic Sanget Valley, Patnitop, Jammu recently hosted 30 prominent travel agents and tour operators from within the Kashmir. Over the course of two days, the group was familiarised with the diverse offerings of the property spread across 22 acres and experienced Skyview by Empyrean’s luxurious accommodations, breathtaking vistas, and world-class amenities and hospitality.
This initiative was aimed at showcasing Skyview by Empyrean as a top destination for different experiences—from leisure getaways, weddings, and hosting of corporate events to relaxation and adventure-filled escapades.
“Post the pandemic, we are seeing an interesting shift in the travel preferences of the local residents of Jammu & Kashmir — they are travelling more locally. It was important for us to have the representatives of the tourism and travel sectors know and experience firsthand what we offer at Skyview and how uniquely positioned we are with our premium and distinct offerings to cater to our guests,” said Owais Altaf Syed, Director, FIL Industries Private Limited.
Skyview by Empyrean offers signature experiences, including India’s highest (in terms of ground clearance)gondola ride from Sanget Valley to Patnitop, luxury stays, world-class event-hosting facilities, and adventure activities such as zig-zag zipline, mountain biking, ATV ride, tubing sledge and much more . The property also engages with the local community of artisans though its Hands of Gold initiative that retails authentic products handmade by them.
Representatives of travel and tourism companies such as Holiday Heed Kashmir, Bindass Holidays, Path to Kashmir, Malik Travels, KASHMIR ROYAL TRAVELS, We3 Holidays Pvt. Ltd, Travel Connection, Haniefa Tour & Travels, RS Holidays, Elizabeth Tours & Travels, Shahanama Travels, Shangloo Travels, Meena Travel, and CNE Earth Explore were part of the group hosted by Skyview by Empyrean.
Sula Vineyards brings to you the 14th edition of SulaFest on 1st & 2nd February, 2025, after a five-year hiatus. Experience all things wine at Aisa’s biggest vineyard music festival. The festival promises a memorable blend of live music, premium wine, and cultural experiences against the picturesque landscape of Sula’s lush Nashik vineyards—a much-anticipated return for fans and festival-goers alike.
Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards, shared his excitement: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring SulaFest back after five years. The festival has always embodied our love for wine, music, and community. This break has only amplified our enthusiasm to create an experience that not only honours the SulaFest legacy but elevates it to new heights. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Nashik for an unforgettable celebration.”
SulaFest has, over the years, captivated audiences with outstanding performances by legendary artists like Lucky Ali, Divine, Amit Trivedi, Papon along with international talents such as Dub Inc. and Gaudi. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the festival creates an immersive experience, where music, dance, and wine come together in the heart of the vineyards. After its last edition in 2020, SulaFest’s revival has been fuelled by popular demand, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of this iconic festival.
This year’s SulaFest will feature a carefully curated lineup, showcasing some of India’s celebrated musicians, headliners, and emerging talents for a diverse musical experience. Beyond the music, attendees can look forward to interactive wine tastings with top sommeliers, immersive culinary experiences, and a lively artisanal marketplace. Guests will have the opportunity to savour Sula’s finest wines, enhancing their food and wine journey at the festival. In response to the growing excitement, SulaFest will now be held as a biennial event, allowing for an even more curated and exceptional experience each time.
Tickets for SulaFest 2025 will be available soon through a leading ticketing platform, with more details on the artist lineup and festival highlights to be revealed in the coming weeks.
In today’s highly competitive B2B travel landscape, optimizing return on investment (ROI) has become a paramount concern for companies aiming to sustain their growth and profitability. As organizations strive to navigate the intricacies of travel management, the integration of smart technology emerges as a transformative factor that can significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
This article aims to highlight the role of advanced technological solutions such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain in not only addressing the existing challenges within the industry but also driving substantial ROI improvements.
Tailored for travel industry professionals, tech integrators, and business decision-makers, the insights presented here will shed light on how leveraging these smart technologies can empower B2B travel portal development to secure a competitive edge while ensuring superior service delivery.
Understanding ROI in B2B Travel
ROI, or Return on Investment, is important for businesses that travel for work. It measures how much profit a business makes from its spending on travel compared to the costs involved. For B2B travel, this includes expenses like flights, hotels, and other travel-related costs. Knowing the ROI helps businesses decide on their travel budgets, improve travel policies, and justify the costs of business trips.
By looking at ROI in B2B travel, companies can see how travel supports their goals. For example, they can find out if the advantages of going to conferences or meeting clients are worth the costs. Understanding ROI also helps businesses discover cheaper ways to travel and improve travel experiences while saving money. In the end, evaluating ROI helps businesses use their resources wisely and make better choices that fit their objectives.
Transforming B2B Travel with Smart Technology Solutions
Smart technology is becoming increasingly important in B2B travel. This change is not just a fad; it shows how companies are improving their travel planning and management. Smart technology includes various digital tools and apps that make travel easier and more efficient for businesses and their workers. From automated booking systems to mobile apps offering real-time updates, these technologies are now key parts of managing B2B travel.
Smart technology helps companies make decisions based on data. With travel management software and analytics, businesses can gather and analyze information on travel habits, spending, and employee preferences. This data helps companies manage travel budgets better, negotiate lower prices with vendors, and improve traveler satisfaction. Additionally, smart technology ensures that companies follow travel rules and policies, making their travel programs more effective. As B2B travel continues to change, using smart technology will be crucial for companies to handle the complexities of this industry.
Key Technologies Transforming B2B Travel
A major technology changing business travel today is artificial intelligence, also called AI, machine learning, and blockchain for travel booking. These tools can look at a lot of travel data. This helps companies improve their travel policies and rules. With these technologies, businesses can understand travel trends better. This allows them to predict future patterns and make smarter choices about travel management.
Decentralized travel services are also emerging, enabling travelers to connect directly with service providers, enhancing efficiency and user experience. By leveraging these innovations, companies can optimize their travel strategies and improve ROI.
AI helps companies give personalized travel advice based on what employees like and do. This makes employees happier and encourages them to follow travel rules more closely. Automated booking systems also make the process easier and faster compared to older methods. By simplifying these tasks, companies can focus on their main activities, boosting overall productivity.
As the business travel industry changes, new technology trends are emerging. One important trend is the rise of AI and machine learning. These tools help companies analyze large amounts of travel data, leading to better decision-making and improved travel policies. AI chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming common, providing immediate help and personalized travel suggestions, which increases traveler satisfaction.
Another trend is the use of blockchain technology, which improves transparency and security in travel bookings. Blockchain can speed up payment processes, cut down fraud, and help businesses follow travel rules. It can also make sharing travel data among partners easier, leading to better teamwork and efficiency.
Crypto travel payments are becoming popular too, with more businesses considering Bitcoin for booking flights and working with hotels that accept crypto. Decentralized travel services are growing, allowing travellers to connect directly with service providers for a better experience. Additionally, using Internet of Things (IoT) devices can help companies track travel habits and preferences for more personalized experiences. Finally, companies are focusing on sustainability, looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint through eco-friendly travel options and carbon offset programs. By adopting these trends, businesses can improve efficiency and support a more sustainable future in the travel industry.
Advantages of Integrating Smart Technology for Return on Investment
Cost Savings:
One of the key benefits of integrating smart technology into your operations is the notable reduction in overall operational expenses. By implementing advanced systems, businesses can identify and eliminate inefficiencies that may be draining resources. This can lead to significant savings over time, allowing companies to allocate their funds more effectively and invest in other areas of growth.
Enhanced Traveller Satisfaction:
Another important advantage is the improved experience for travellers. Through the use of smart technology, organizations can offer a more personalized and seamless journey for their clients. This might include tailored travel suggestions, easy-to-access information, and other enhancements that result in a more enjoyable experience. Satisfied travellers are more likely to become repeat customers and recommend your services to others.
Improved Decision-Making:
The integration of smart technology provides access to valuable data-driven insights that can greatly enhance decision-making processes. With better access to information, businesses can engage in more effective negotiations and make necessary adjustments to their policies. This leads to more informed decisions that can positively impact the bottom line and improve overall operational efficiency.
Increased Compliance:
Lastly, another noteworthy benefit of smart technology integration is the improvement in compliance with travel policies and budget constraints. Automated systems can help ensure that all travel arrangements adhere to established guidelines, reducing the risk of overspending and non-compliance. This not only streamlines processes but also helps organizations maintain control over their expenditures.
Best Practices for Technology Integration
It is important to carry out a comprehensive needs analysis that examines both current and future requirements in order to select the technologies that will best serve those needs. This process should involve gathering input from various stakeholders within the organization to ensure that all perspectives are considered and that the chosen technologies align with the overall strategic goals of the business.
When selecting technology, it is essential to choose solutions that are scalable, meaning they can adapt and grow alongside the demands of the business. This foresight allows for the accommodation of future changes and expansions without the need for complete overhauls, thereby optimizing both time and resources as the organization evolves.
Investing in employee training is crucial to build competence and confidence among staff members in using new technologies. By providing comprehensive training sessions and ongoing support, organizations can ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to maximize the effectiveness and utility of the tools at their disposal, ultimately enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.
It is vital to implement a system for continuous monitoring and evaluation of technology integration efforts. Regularly assessing the return on investment (ROI) associated with these technologies allows organizations to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments to processes in order to enhance performance and achieve desired outcomes.
Forming partnerships with technology providers is a key aspect of ensuring a smooth implementation process. By collaborating closely with vendors, organizations can benefit from their expertise and support, which can help in addressing challenges and promoting the effective use of the technology within the organization.
Measuring ROI Post-Implementation
When considering the important metrics to track in our operations, it is essential to focus on several key areas that can significantly impact our overall effectiveness and success. One crucial metric is the reduction of cost-per-trip, which involves analysing the expenses associated with each trip to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements. Additionally, we need to monitor policy compliance rates, as this ensures that employees are adhering to established guidelines and procedures, which ultimately contributes to a more organized and effective working environment. Lastly, we should prioritize employee satisfaction scores, as these are indicative of how employees feel about their work conditions, which can affect morale, productivity, and overall performance. By keeping a close eye on these metrics, we can make informed decisions that foster improvement and growth within the organization.
Future Trends in Smart Technology for B2B Travel
As the B2B travel industry continues to evolve, several key trends in smart technology are poised to shape its future. One significant trend is the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies will enable companies to analyze vast amounts of travel data, providing insights that can enhance decision-making and optimize travel policies. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants are expected to become commonplace, offering real-time support and personalized travel recommendations, thereby improving traveler satisfaction.
Another emerging trend is the integration of blockchain technology, which promises to enhance transparency and security in travel transactions. By utilizing blockchain, companies can streamline payment processes, reduce fraud, and ensure compliance with travel policies. This technology can also facilitate seamless sharing of travel data among stakeholders, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
Additionally, the rise of mobile technology will continue to transform the B2B travel experience. Mobile apps that offer real-time updates, itinerary management, and expense tracking will empower travelers to manage their journeys more effectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will enable companies to monitor travel patterns and preferences, allowing for more tailored travel experiences.
Lastly, sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping future technology trends. Companies will increasingly seek solutions that minimize their carbon footprint, such as eco-friendly travel options and carbon offset programs. By embracing these trends, organizations can not only enhance their operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable future in the B2B travel sector.
Representatives from 18 nations formally signed the Establishment Agreement of China’s International Mangrove Centre.
The event was held on 6th November in Shenzhen, Guangdong, and featured the signing of the agreement and the unveiling of the Centre.
China will use this platform to deepen communication and cooperation with all members, promote global joint actions for mangrove protection, and continuously enhance the quality and stability of mangrove ecosystems, bringing more benefits to people around the world.
An expanding forest
Currently, China’s mangrove area has reached 74,873 acres, an increase of approximately 20,510 acres since the early 21st century, making it one of the few countries in the world with a net increase in mangrove area.
In the next step, the International Mangrove Center will serve as an important platform and window for jointly promoting mangrove protection and sustainable use, as well as enhancing mangrove exchange and international cooperation.
It will establish and improve an open, inclusive, co-built, shared, and win-win international cooperation mechanism for mangrove and coastal blue carbon ecosystems, pushing global mangrove protection efforts to new heights and making a positive contribution to the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the promotion of a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature on our planet.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand was among those that welcomed ITA Airways’ inaugural flight on its new direct Rome-Bangkok route.
This new direct route provides Italian travellers with streamlined access to Thailand’s renowned attractions and vibrant culture.
The inaugural ITA Airways Flight AZ0758, an Airbus A330-900neo with a seating capacity of 291, arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport from Rome on Sunday, 17th November, carrying over 300 passengers and crew, including ITA Airways executives and prominent Italian travel industry leaders.
TAT deputy governor for international marketing Siripakorn Cheawsamoot said: “We are thrilled to welcome ITA Airways’ new Rome-Bangkok service, which offers Italian travellers access to Thailand’s culture, beaches, and hospitality while strengthening ties between our countries. This route will foster travel and cultural exchange, benefiting both tourists and business travellers.”
Cheawsamoot and Italian ambassador to Thailand Paolo Dionisi greeted passengers upon arrival, presenting special souvenirs to commemorate the occasion.
A timely expansion
Operating with five weekly flights, ITA Airways’ new route connects Italy and Thailand as part of the airline’s expanding intercontinental network and is anticipated to be a highlight of the 2024/2025 Winter season.
Flights from Rome to Bangkok depart every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 15:15 (local time), arriving the following morning at 07:40. Return services depart Bangkok on the same day at 12:15, arriving in Rome at 19:00.
This new ITA Airways route joins a strong lineup of flights to Thailand for the 2024/2025 Winter season, highlighting the country’s appeal as a premier destination for global travellers.
ITA Airways’ chief commercial officer Emiliana Limosani said of the new route: “This is a significant addition to ITA Airways’ intercontinental network, facilitating access to one of the world’s top tourism capitals and a dynamic business hub. This service opens doors for Italian leisure and business travellers to Thailand’s celebrated destinations and reinforces our commitment to offering optimal travel solutions in this key market.”
Vingroup’s hospitality arm Vinpearl is making a name for itself as the Green Tourism trend sparks potential growth within the Vietnamese hospitality sector.
Over the years, Vinpearl has made sustainability a central tenet of its strategy, balancing environmental responsibility with business growth objectives.
All its facilities incorporate resource-saving and energy-efficient solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and closed-loop wastewater treatment systems that meet international standards.
Vinpearl also actively promotes green tourism through initiatives like Green Tours to organic farms, workshops on cooking with eco-friendly ingredients, environmental awareness events such as runs, recycling workshops, and tree-planting activities.
Its unique initiatives not only enhance the guest experience, but these also foster community involvement and environmental awareness.
Government and peer recognition
The efforts of Vinpearl and other hospitality brands have fueled a strong rebound in Vietnam’s travel industry. This year, inbound tourism has surged past pre-pandemic levels.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), nearly 1.6 million foreign arrivals were recorded in April alone, a 58.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
In the first four months of the year, international arrivals totaled 6.2 million, a remarkable 68.3 percent year-on-year growth, surpassing the “golden era” of pre-pandemic tourism.
The brand was recently recognized as one of the “Top 3 Strongest Brands” in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance, a leading global brand valuation firm.
Vinpearl’s brand value grew an impressive 34 percent in the past year to reach $230 million, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.7 out of 100, earning the coveted AAA+ rating.
