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Centara strengthens management team with key Commercial and Development appointments

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hospitality company, has further strengthened its executive management team with the recent appointments of two highly experienced hotel industry professionals.

Tabatha Ramsay, an Australian national with more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, has joined the company as Vice President Commercial, overseeing sales, revenue and distribution, while Raymond K. Tong, a native of Hong Kong with more than 25 years’ experience in hotel development and operations, has been appointed Chief Development Representative China and North Asia. Ms. Ramsay will report to Centara Deputy CEO Markland Blaiklock, while Mr. Tong will report to Centara Senior Vice President Business Development Andrew Langston.


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“We’re delighted to welcome two executives with the breadth of experience Tabatha and Raymond bring to their respective new roles,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts.  “Tabatha is well-equipped to help lead Centara to the next level of commercial success, while Raymond’s appointment bolsters the company’s ambitious development plans for Greater China and North Asia.”

Prior to joining Centara, Ms. Ramsay held a number of management positions with leading hotel groups, including: Area Director, Sales & Marketing at Intercontinental Hotels Group; VP Sales at Minor Group’s Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas; VP Sales, Marketing & Revenue at Oakwood Worldwide; and, more recently, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Vinpearl Hospitality Ltd.

Before becoming CEO of Ambassy Hotel Advisors, Mr. Tong held a number of senior-level roles during a 20-year career with AccorHotels, during which he helped develop more than 180 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments throughout China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as well as other Asia markets.

Centara is in the middle of an exciting phase of development and growth which is guided by the company’s vision to be the leading global hospitality group of Thai origin. The plan includes doubling company revenues through substantially increasing its portfolio of properties and global presence, and by leveraging technology and people to optimise profitability. These two executive appointments are a key part of that journey and help to ensure that Centara is well positioned to meet its ambitious objectives.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 76 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

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Centara is strategically expanding its portfolio with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:pornchanokth@chr.co.th              Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733


Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:puntirach@chr.co.th                 Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

Jamaica’s First Artisan Village to Be Ready before Year End

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica’s first artisan village is on target to open before the end of 2019. The project is being constructed at the Hampden Wharf in Falmouth.

Speaking today at a tour of the facilities the Minister said, “I am very proud of the progress we have made so far with this project and look forward to more Jamaicans being able to benefit from our very lucrative tourism industry as a result of the development.”

The Artisan Village will be a “one stop shop” for authentic Jamaican food, music, heritage and craft.  It is being designed to showcase the best of the island, while enhancing interaction between visitors and locals.

The Minister noted that this will be one of five Artisan Villages in resort areas across the island. They will provide an avenue for Jamaican artists and craft persons to expose and express their creativity, while limiting the volume of imported craft items that are being sold in the industry.

The Tourism Enhancement Fund financed project forms part of the wider Hampden Wharf Development project, which is now 85 percent complete.

The Hampden Wharf Development project is a collaborative effort between the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) and the Urban Development Corporation, and is being implemented to transform the town of Falmouth. 

The project features: Extension of the Port connecting the locals with visitors; Paved surfaces with mixed textures and defined paths; Landscaped areas; Story boards where applicable; Adaptive reuse of historic buildings; Rich mix of retail and local eateries; craft and history.

It will also feature restaurants, an entertainment center and shops in an inviting environment that the Minister says will harmonize with the development at the pier.

Once completed it is expected to create an environment to accommodate local small enterprises and other businesses from the town.

“The Hampden Wharf Development is a mega infrastructure project that will reposition the town of Falmouth as one of the Caribbean’s premier cruise destinations.

It is a new and exciting opportunity for various levels of producers in the country that we have not paid enough attention to and not provided arrangements for… It will also provide a secure, safe and seamless operation for visitors and locals alike,” said the Minister.

The Hampden Wharf Development will be open to visitors and locals and will embrace heritage assets like the wharf building, the Dome Foundry and Tharpe House.

During the tour, Vice President of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Mervin Edgehill and a team of tourism officials, accompanied the Minister.

For more information about Jamaica, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Here We Come, Osaka! Centara Signs Historic Deal for First Japanese Property

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Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a 5-star property with 515 keys, will open in mid-2023 in a new 34-storey tower

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, together with Taisei Corporation and Kanden Realty & Development, announced a landmark agreement to bring the Centara brand to Japan. The three companies signed an Investor Agreement for Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, an upper upscale property with 515 keys that will occupy a gleaming 34-storey tower on a prime site in Osaka’s Namba district, the centre of leisure tourism for the city and the wider Kansai region. Centara’s first property in Japan is scheduled to open in mid-2023.

The investment partnership between Centara Hotels & Resorts, Taisei Corporation and Kanden Realty & Development marks Centara’s entry into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Osaka is a key gateway city and Japan’s third largest city, with a population of 2.7 million. Additionally, it is one of the leading Japanese destinations for international visitors, second only to Tokyo, and is considered the cultural heart of the nation. Along with popular attractions such as Universal Studios Japan and the city’s proximity to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, Osaka is expected to see a further boost in tourism when the city hosts the World Expo in 2025.

“Extending the Centara footprint to Japan has been a long-term strategic objective for the company, and this is a major milestone for the Centara brand as we have successfully added the 14th country to our portfolio,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO. “This an exciting opportunity to partner with Taisei and Kanden Realty & Development, whose outstanding track records have earned leading positions in construction and property development. We are looking forward to making Centara’s debut and ongoing development in other Japanese cities a great success.”

“This project is in Namba, an important and bustling district of Osaka and a place of international exchange. It is directly connected to Kansai International airport, making it one Japan’s major gateway cities to the world” said Senior Managing Executive Officer, Taisei Corporation, Katsuyuki Kanai. “It is really a significant milestone both to Japan and to Taisei that Centara, representing Thailand in tourism and hospitality, has embarked on this venture in Namba, the perfect location in Japan for the development of an upper upscale hotel.”

“As a major Property Development Company based in Osaka, we are honoured to play an important role in this joint investment project to develop Centara Grand Hotel Osaka with such a significant and established Thai partner, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and with Taisei Corporation, who has a long and proven record of success,” stated Managing Executive Officer, Kanden Realty & Development, Munetaka Isoda. “We are committed to working with you in making every effort to ensure the success of this project and we wish you all a very warm welcome to Osaka.”

The newly built hotel will occupy a stunning new 34-storey tower overlooking Namba Parks, with 360-degree views of the city. The top floors will include a lounge along with customisable space for meetings and events, plus a rooftop restaurant sky bar providing panoramic views in every direction.

Facilities will include award winning Spa Cenvaree, a fully equipped fitness centre, a diverse selection of restaurants and banquet facilities. And the hotel’s spacious lobby will welcome guests with touches of Thai and Japanese style and ambience.

The hotel location puts guests at the doorstep of some of Osaka’s leading entertainment, shopping and cultural attractions, popular with visitors and locals alike. A few steps away is Namba Parks, an architectural marvel and the city’s most distinctive mall, complete with a massive rooftop garden with cliffs, ponds, streams and waterfalls, making it a must-see for tourists. The Namba area, also known as Minami, is home to countless restaurants and bars, shopping venues, an electronics district, as well as one of Osaka’s most revered Shinto shrines.

The addition of its first property in Japan is further proof of Centara’s expansion strategy, which calls for doubling the number of properties under its management by 2022. Centara’s expertise, combined with the local market presence and development experience of Taisei Corporation and Kanden Realty & Development, are sure to boost Centara’s Japan market launch toward long-term success.

About TAISEI CORPORATION

Taisei Corporation was founded in 1873 by Baron Okura Kihachiro. It is one of the oldest and largest Japanese General Construction Contractors and a major International General Contractor. The main areas of business are building construction, civil engineering, and real estate development. With the mission to create a vibrant environment for all members of society, Taisei Corporation have contributed to the development of society through the construction of a safe and comfortable living environment for 150 years both in Japan and overseas. One of the major projects Taisei is working on now is the construction of the new national stadium in Tokyo, which will be the main stadium for Tokyo Olympics 2020.

About KANDEN Realty & Development

Kanden Realty & Development is a subsidiary of “the Kansai Electric Power Group”. The Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc supplies electricity to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and its surrounding area. Under the corporate slogan of “Bringing a brighter future to people and communities,” Kanden Realty & Development has a well-established history of over 60 years working to improve customer satisfaction through its real estate and other services. Japan’s leading major developer has built exceptionally comfortable condominiums and houses and has been very active in acquisition, development, and leasing of various profit-earning real estate including buildings, commercial facilities, hotels, and logistics facilities.

ABOUT CENTARA

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 76 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Centara is strategically expanding its portfolio with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara here.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – International media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:pornchanokth@chr.co.th              Tel. +66 (0) 2769 1234 Ext. 6733


Puntira Cherdboonmuang (Gam)

Corporate Public Relations Manager – Thai media, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email:puntirach@chr.co.th                 Tel. +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6922

ATBA promotes Donyelle Bird-Browne to Senior Business Development Manager, USA

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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority USA office is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Donyelle Bird-Browne to Senior Business Development Manager. In her new capacity she will continue to lead the market development efforts to grow the travel trade business across the Southeast USA region.

Bird-Browne most recently served as Tourism and Investment Manager for the ABTA.  This promotion recognizes her commitment, drive and ambition in the identity and maintenance of potential strategic opportunities and co-operative partner relationships in this key region for the benefit of the destination.

A well-known and popular figure in the industry, her skillset and expertise are integral to the ongoing team efforts to enhance the Antigua and Barbuda experience, and increase arrivals to the destination.

With specific responsibility for the Yachting and Sailing marketing pillar, as Senior Business Development Manager, Bird-Browne will work with the team to develop strategic opportunities and promote the wide array of hotels, tours and excursion activities that represent the Antigua and Barbuda experience through the additional focus pillars; romance, wellness, heritage and culture.

“Donyelle has proven herself to be an invaluable member of the USA sales and marketing team for over five years,” said Colin James, CEO, ABTA. “We are confident that in her new position she will continue to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s destination market share throughout the USA market.”

On being asked about the promotion, Bird-Browne commented, “I am pleased to have been recognized for my hard work and I am extremely motivated to continue to raise our profile, develop the market and promote the experiences that we have.

This role is definitely an exciting opportunity to continue to work with a great team, establish productive and strategic relationships, increase our in-market presence and to ultimately support our economy as we continue to evolve into the destination of choice.”

Donyelle Bird-Browne holds a BA in Communications from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven CT USA, and has over 15 years’ experience in marketing, promotion and communications.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017 Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.  Find information on Antigua & Barbuda here or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Maria Blackman
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com

African Tourism Board is now in business

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African Tourism Board Chairman Cuthbert Ncube today officially declared the African Tourism Board open and operational after less than 2 years in the making and more than 400 members included in 36 African and 25 non-African countries.

It is a New Dawn for the Continent as we usher in the voice of Africa by Africa in Africa, Chairman Mr. Cuthbert Ncube announced.

It’s the birth of the African Tourism Board (ATB)  whose mandate is to drive the vision and the aspirations of more than 1,323,568,478 people in Africa.

ATB is ready to represent our Nations whose pride is vested on its untapped resources. Africa arises and synergies your efforts.

ATB is officially at your disposal as the only tool and voice that will unify our efforts and bring hope and change to the masses through sustainable tourism projects.

As we embark on this journey I am honored to be working with a team who have vested their energy and expertise with a wealth of experience in the Travel and Tourism sector in fulfilling the objectives of ATB.

May I take this time to invite our strategic partners, Affiliate Members, and all Tourism Bodies across the continent to join hands with us as we fulfill the mandate of people.

Leading ATB as the Chairperson my mandate is to serve with humility and uncompromising the integrity of our diverse societies, my conviction is ATB in Africa for Africans by Africans together we can go a long way yet segmented we might go faster and limit our destinations.”

African Tourism Board started as an initiative by the International Coalition or Tourism Partners (ICTP)under chairman Juergen T Steinmetz.

Steinmetz said: “Many of you know me as the Publisher of eTurboNews. African Tourism Board started with an idea. The idea developed into a project and grew way beyond this in a very short time frame.

I am so proud to witness and be part of the amazing progress of this new organization and hear the excitement among our motivated team and members. This excitement is echoed across the African continent and beyond.

I am also so grateful to my all African colleagues on the Executive Board allowing me to stay on as your CMCO.

We are inviting members to present projects and ideas to us and will be introducing communication groups.

I am also excited to announce the creation of African Tourism and Convention Marketing (ATCM).

The African Tourism and Convention Marketing (ATCM) is an independent corporate entity based in the United States and other countries.
Services are exclusively available to benefit members of the African Tourism Board. ATCM is working with members for members.
ATCM may sometimes reach out to third-party contractors if no members are available to provide needed services. 

Get ready for the ride!”

COO Simba Mandinyenya said:

The new kid, African Tourism Board (ATB) is up and running. Based on the plans being crafted by the Board, Africa’s tourism space will soon be enjoying some fantastic hospitality events and projects that will have an immediate impact on the continent’s tourism development trajectory.

ATB will soon be sharing with Stakeholders ( private and public, big and small) these plans. We invite you to keep watching this space.

ATB is established in response to the right move by the continent’s political leadership to move the emancipation agenda from the political to the economic front.

ATB is all about wholesome sustainable development of tourism on the beloved continent.

Engagement with key Africa tourism development partners is at an advanced stage.

If this is exciting to you, please come join us and be part of a revolution that will forever change tourism in Africa, One Destination of Choice in the World.

CEO Doris Wörfel said:

It is a great pleasure for me to announce the launch of the African Tourism Board and its marketing company, African Tourism and Convention. Africa has long been waiting for an institution that connects the public sector with the private sector to facilitate, advance and promote tourism growth and development on a Continental level.

African Tourism Board was soft-launched in April 2019 at WTM Africa in Cape Town, and since then has been restructured by a new strategic framework:

ATB is an Africa-based company to benefit Africa and its people and is perfectly positioned to provide the strategic platform for any topics of common interest relating to the tourism sector.

The aim of the African Tourism Board is not only to further grow and sell well-known and established tourism destinations, but also to benefit the many underdeveloped regions with the highest tourism potential.

Strategic partnerships between private sectors are the key for ATB to sustainable growth and development in the African tourism sector to improve the livelihood of African people by job creation.

A unique tool adds more value to ATB: To productively promote Africa to the Global Source Markets, the African Tourism Board is affiliated with the marketing orientated company, “African Tourism and Convention Marketing” to implement events, programs and projects related to promoting tourism on the Continent.

Join us on the journey to become this unique, extraordinary, and fascinating Continent ONE Tourism Destination of Choice in the World! I am looking forward to welcoming you on Board!

About African Tourism Board:

  • Philosophy:
    Tourism as a Catalyst for Unity, Peace, Growth, Prosperity, Job Creation for the People of Africa
  • Vision:
    Where Africa becomes ONE tourism destination in the WORLD
  • Code of Ethics:
    ATB supports the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which highlights the “decisive and central” role of UNWTO, as recognized by the General Assembly of the United Nations, in promoting and developing tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for, and observance of human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction and without any form of discriminations.
  • The  Board provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to its member organizations.
  • The African Tourism Board provides an effective platform for both the public and private sector to engage and reach out.

More information on African Tourism Board is available on https://africantourismboard.com/association/

More information on African Tourism and Convention marketing is available on: https://africantourismboard.com/association/

Download a PDF brochure: https://africantourismboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ATBFLYER.pdf

Download the ATB charter as a PDF : https://africantourismboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ATBCharter2019.pdf

Contact ATB at https://africantourismboard.com/contact/

Join African Tourism Board at https://africantourismboard.com/join/

Media Contact:
TravelMarketingNetwork
954 Lexington Ave. #1037
New York, NY 10021 USA
marketing@travelmarketingnetwork.com