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Focus: The Best Gadgets For The Best Holiday Ever

January 21, 2019 by PressEditor

There’s nothing better than a holiday to get away from it all. With many great destinations spread around the globe, people have never had more choice when it comes to deciding on where to visit. Gadgets, which play a huge part in the daily life of so many nowadays, have become integral where holidays are concerned too, helping to supplement and contribute to the best holidays ever. So it is probably best to underline a few essential ones that will help make any holiday the most memorable.

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Mobile Phone
A smartphone is the number one gadget that is a must for all holidaymakers. They can help with every part of a holiday, from giving directions to specific places thanks to the onboard GPS system right through to being able to translate the spoken word or text into the native language of the country being visited. They’re also perfect for those quiet moments too, with access to some great games, ranging from EA Tetris and PUBG Mobile to Microsoft Solitaire and mFortune Mobile Casino. In addition, these devices are perfect in allowing the user to take, edit and upload snaps of their holiday to social media platforms such as Instagram 24/7.

Power Bank
Every gadget has one major flaw, especially when people are travelling or on holiday, and that’s the batteries are going to inevitably run down. However, with a portable power bank, that never needs to be the case again. Power banks often have a couple of charging ports, and these are more than capable of keeping a smartphone and tablet charged up and ready to go. They often have in-built safety systems too, preventing phones from every over heating or overcharging.

Portable Tripods
Taking great pictures and recording videos has never been as important, especially where social media platforms such as Instagram and millennials are concerned. While selfies are still in fashion, most are now looking at ways to improve the quality of pictures and videos they take and one of the ways they do this is by using a portable tripod. These often feature wrap around legs, allowing them to be attached to near enough anything, with the person behind the camera able to find the best and most impressive angle every time. As they’re small and foldable, as well as being perfect for hand luggage too.

Waterproof Headphones
Music is very much the soundtrack to life, with different tracks and playlists suitable for different times and occasions. When anyone is on holiday, they often spend time in swimming pools or in the sea and this can pose a problem where headphones are concerned. Not, however, when you own a pair of waterproof headphones. These headphones, such as the one’s developed by Sony, allow everyone to enjoy the water and music simultaneously, without worrying about any gadgets breaking. They’re a real game changer.

Gadgets won’t make a holiday, but they do certainly offer the potential to greatly improve the experience. They can also help to take the strain away in some cases, assisting with translation or recommending places to visit, enabling better pictures to be taken and even allowing people to listen to their favourite Spotify playlists whilst enjoying a swim.

Source: Breaking Travel News

Thailand sets Guinness World Record for biggest ‘Mango Sticky Rice’

January 21, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Bangkok, 21 January, 2019 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the country’s latest achievement after it set a new Guinness World Record for the biggest ‘Mango Sticky Rice’ at 4,500 kilogrammes yesterday, breaking the previous record set in Dubai in 2016, at 2,800 kilogrammes.

The world’s biggest ‘Mango Sticky Rice’ initiative is part of the Thai government’s “We Care about You” push to increase arrivals from Mainland China during 2019.

“We are delighted by this impressive achievement that highlights Thailand’s iconic Mango Sticky Rice dessert that remains a favourite with Mainland Chinese visitors,” TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, said. “TAT congratulates all involved, as we are very pleased to play our part in getting this achievement recognised.”

“Thousands of tourists travelled from China to Thailand to especially witness the “We Care about You” event that broke the Guinness World Records for the biggest Mango Sticky Rice dish”, said Ms. Thapanee Kiatpaiboon, Executive Director of the TAT’s Product Promotion Department.

The making of a large 4,500-kilogramme Mango Sticky Rice dish used 1,500 kilogrammes of long-grain sticky rice and 6,000 ripe mangos. The dessert was served during yesterday’s dinner that also highlighted other popular Thai dishes.

Initiated by the National Legislative Assembly of Thailand (NLA) through its committee overseeing religion, arts, culture and tourism, the event received support from members of the Thai general public and all concerned government agencies. It was also broadcast live via MCOT Thai TV and the National Assembly Radio plus appeared on online media in Mainland China.

According to Ms. Thapanee, TAT previously supported another successful Guinness World Record for the largest ‘Buffet’ on Ko Samui. The 2.5-kilometre-long beach buffet with 5,829 dishes was arranged on Chaweng Beach as part of the five-day Samui Festival 2017.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand

News: Ryanair signs accommodation partnership with SiteMinder

January 21, 2019 by PressEditor

Ryanair and SiteMinder have announced a partnership to provide European hotels direct access to sell their properties on Ryanair Rooms.

The website is now available as a distribution channel to SiteMinder’s 30,000 hotel customers across Europe and around the world, which can now offer their guests a new incentive to ‘Go Direct’.

Matt Sherlock, Ryanair head of hotel supply, said: “Ryanair Rooms has experienced rapid growth since its launch, and we are delighted with the volume of bookings on the system.

“We are taking our hotel booking platform to the next level, and SiteMinder’s deep footprint across Europe offers us an incredible opportunity to further expand our inventory throughout the region.”

The news comes after Ryanair confirmed it would be closing its Holidays division.

Dai Williams, global senior vice president, partnerships, at SiteMinder said: “We are thrilled to partner with Ryanair, a long-time disruptor in travel.

“The limitless array of booking options that are now available to consumers has borne a rising trend of travellers who are looking to their preferred travel suppliers, such as Ryanair, not only for flights, but accommodation, to complete their itineraries and escape browsing fatigue.

“Through this partnership, Europe’s hotels can now be more visible to this growing subset of travellers and convert them into guests.”
SiteMinder is a guest acquisition platform, generating in excess of 80 million reservations worth over $35 billion in revenue for hotels each year.

Source: Breaking Travel News

Arabian Travel Market launches inaugural consumer event ‘ATM Holiday Shopper’

January 21, 2019 by forimmediaterelease.net -

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of the annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM) showcase in Dubai, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April – 1 May 2019, has announced that it will host its first consumer day – ATM Holiday Shopper – as part of its line-up of special focus events.

Taking place on Saturday 27^th April – the day before the official opening of ATM – the event will showcase over 30 travel and hospitality exhibitors from both regional and international destinations who will be offering a wide range of attractive travel and tourism discounts and deals for consumers attending the show.

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Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “In direct response to industry feedback and consumer demand, we are proud to introduce a new and exclusive consumer event to ATM 2019. Whether simply looking for a deal on the Eid break or planning a long-haul getaway, ATM Holiday Shopper is designed to offer the very best discounts and deals. Talking to the experts face to face will also allow attendees to learn about a range of emerging and unexplored destinations and activities from destinations around the world.”

Travellers today do not want to be part of the crowd – they crave new destinations to explore which offer unique experiences, personalised to their tastes and expectations, according to research published by Colliers International.

Adding to this, a study by digital payment firm Visa revealed residents in the UAE are among the world’s top spenders when they travel abroad, with an average spend of around US$2,722 (AED10,000) during their last international trip.

The research by Visa on spending for future trips, including the booking stage as well as expenditure at their chosen destination, revealed residents from Saudi Arabia came out on top with a predicted average spend of US$4,800 (AED 17,600) on their next trip. Kuwait also featured in the top spenders, with a projected average spend of US$3,474 (AED 12,760), while travellers from the UAE plan to spend US$3,430 (AED 12,600) – more than the global median which is estimated at US$2,443 (AED 8,975).

“We are increasingly seeing the majority of outbound travel from the GCC countries taking place during summer as travellers actively seek cooler climates. European countries as well as destinations such as Georgia, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Thailand have been cited as some of the most popular destinations for UAE residents,” Curtis said.

“What we are seeing today, is a focus on great deals, however, it is important to note that GCC travellers are unlikely to compromise on the quality of the offering or the activities catering for both children and adults.”

While international travel will be a key focus, ATM Holiday Shopper will also offer a range of discounts and deals from within the UAE and of course the wider GCC region – with a number of hotels, leisure and cultural activities, spas and F&B outlets within Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates as well as Oman and Saudi Arabia scheduled to exhibit.

The event will also feature a number of talks and presentations designed to provide travellers with an in-depth knowledge on a range of travel destinations and tour packages that cover all major attractions within any one country – as well as information on visa compliance and travel insurance.

Attendees can immerse themselves in faraway cultures with VR activations and enjoy a range of family entertainment throughout the day including cultural displays, theme park characters to meet, calligraphy, henna and falconry amongst many other activities.

Curtis, added: “ATM Holiday Shopper is a great addition to ATM 2019 and we look forward to welcoming consumers with a range of attractive discounts and incentives as well as providing a complete overview of some of the world’s leading travel destinations to further whet the appetite!”

ATM – considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2018 event, showcasing the largest exhibition in the history of the show, with hotels comprising 20% of the floor area.

ATM 2019 will build on the success of this year’s edition with a host of seminar sessions discussing the ongoing unprecedented digital disruption, and the emergence of innovative technologies that will fundamentally alter the way in which the hospitality industry operates in the region.

ATM Holiday Shopper will take place from noon – 8pm in Hall 1 of Dubai World Trade Centre on 27 April 2019. Tickets are priced at AED 50 per person with free entry for children under the age of 12.

About ATM Holiday Shopper

ATM Holiday Shopper is the brand new travel event for consumers offering the very best travel and tourism discounts and deals plus the chance to learn about a range of emerging and unexplored destinations and activities from destinations around the world. The inaugural event will take place in Hall 1 of the Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday, 27^th April 2019 from 12:00 – 20:00. For more information visit: www.atmholidayshopper.com

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2018 attracted almost 40,000 industry professionals, with representation from 141 countries over the four days. The 25th edition of ATM showcased over 2,500 exhibiting companies across 12 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market 2019 will take place in Dubai from Sunday, 28^th April to Wednesday, 1^st May 2019. To find out more, please visit: www.arabiantravelmarketwtm.com.

About Reed Exhibitions

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events business, enhancing the power of face to face through data and digital tools at over 500 events a year, in more than 30 countries, attracting more than seven million participants.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading travel and tourism event’s organiser with a growing portfolio of more than 22 international travel and tourism trade events in Europe, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Our events are market leaders in their sectors, whether it is global and regional leisure travel trade events, or specialist events for meetings, incentives, conference, events (MICE) industry, business travel, luxury travel, travel technology as well as golf, spa and ski travel. We have over 35 years’ experience in organising world-leading travel exhibitions.

Thai tourism organisations step up war on plastic

January 21, 2019 by Forimmediaterelease

Bangkok, 21 January 2019 – The Thai Hotels Association (THA) is joining the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in its ongoing effort aimed at reducing the use of plastic.

Various campaigns will encourage hotels, both THA members and independent Thai hotels, to reduce single use plastic plus motivate tour companies, travel agencies and online travel agencies to support participating hotels that are part of this project.

TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said: “We look forward to working closely with the THA on this important project. Thai hotels can play an important role both in raising awareness among their guests and reducing plastic waste in daily hotel operations.”

Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for Digital Research and Development (3rd from left); Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT Deputy Governor of International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas (4th from left); Ms. Supawan Tanomkieatipume, THA President; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor (center); Mrs. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, THA Vice President and Chairperson of THA Environment Committee (5th from right); Mr. Charun Ohnmee, TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning (4th from right); and representatives of THA hotel members.

Ms. Supawan Tanomkieatipume, THA President; Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor; and Mrs. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, THA Vice President and Chairperson of THA Environment Committee

The joint effort will invoke 12 preliminary guidelines for participating hotels to follow:

Reduce plastic packaging used for bathroom amenities.
Reduce the use of plastic bags in hotel rooms (laundry or trash bin).
Use local products made with biodegradable packaging materials.
Reduce plastic water bottles; use reusable containers instead, especially for meetings and seminars.
No plastic straws.
Self-service corner for coffee/tea breaks during meetings and seminars.
Reduce single use plastic food or drink containers.
Separate trash bins on beach areas adjacent to hotels.
Create a sustainable ‘no plastic’ rate card for meetings and weddings customers.
Separate waste at the hotel.
Organise all departments within the hotel to reduce plastic.
Encourage guests, customers, clients and partners to join the ‘anti-plastic revolution’.

TAT will support all participating hotels at their participation in trade shows; such as, the ITB, TTM, WTM, etc. Green friendly operators will also meet core criteria TAT uses to invite and support sellers to join trade shows and road shows.

This joint effort between TAT and THA marks the first step under TAT’s collaboration initiative with various stakeholders in July last year.

Other public and private sector partners joining in TAT’s reducing tourism-related waste initiative include the THA, the Expedia Group, Tourism Council of Thailand, Siam Piwat Retail and Development Company, Chao Phraya River tourism-related businesses including ICONSIAM, Nonthaburi Municipality, plus other local communities in Bangkok.

All pledge to raise environmental awareness while encouraging other tourism-related businesses to support their initiative.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand