Phuket Hotels Association’s Post

Don't miss the lastest AP newsletter with hotel transactions and tourism news in Asia Pacific. In this edition, there is deal watch featuring the first #Hilton resort in China, and tourism news update from Laos and Malaysia, which see strong return of visitors. 🎃Click the link below for more! 🎃#hotel #hospitality #newsletter

Hong Kong is leveling up as a halal-friendly destination! In partnership with the globally renowned halal travel authority, CrescentRating, Hong Kong Tourism Board is raising the bar for hotels, attractions, and MICE venues to meet international halal standards while tailoring them to Hong Kong’s unique vibe. So far, 39 hotels have earned CrescentRating certifications, including Kowloon Shangri-La Group and Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, both achieving impressive Level 5 ratings. Ready to discover more about Hong Kong’s transformation into a must-visit halal-friendly destination? Click the link to dive into the full story: https://lnkd.in/gJgvQBS5

Join our webinar to learn about Hotel room investing in Thailand - bit.ly/3LA3lUc Thailand has welcomed 12 million tourists in four months! #thailandhotelinvesting #thailandtourism #realestateinvesting

At the occasion of HOTREC - Hotels, Restaurants & Cafés in Europe ‘s European Hospitality Day 2024 in the European Parliament in Brussels new EU Commissioner for Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, in his first address to the industry declared that SME enterprises have to become less dependent on online platforms and a level playingfield has to be provided. Tzitzikostas announced a tourism strategy including and respecting the needs of local communities.

Investment in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of challenges to expansion. In this conversation with Yusuf Olela, General Manager of Alisa Hotel, we delve into how that barrier can be scaled.

Hong Kong Tourism Board is taking a bold step forward by positioning Hong Kong as a premier Muslim-friendly travel destination, and we’re thrilled to be a key partner in this transformative journey! Together with Hong Kong Tourism Board, we’ve assessed and rated 39 hotels and several major attractions, ensuring they meet CrescentRating international standards. Notable venues like kowloon Shangri-La Group and Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel have achieved Crescent Rating 5, showcasing the city’s dedication to inclusivity. And here’s a game-changer: Chinesology , Hong Kong’s first Muslim-friendly fine-dining Chinese restaurant, is setting a new standard for Halal cuisine in the city! With enhanced facilities, multi-language resources, and a dedicated webpage for Muslim visitors, Hong Kong is ready to welcome travelers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond with open arms. At CrescentRating, we’re proud to be a part of creating meaningful, inclusive, and unforgettable travel experiences for Muslim travelers worldwide. Together, we’re redefining what it means to create inclusive, meaningful, and memorable travel experiences! #CrescentRating #MuslimFriendlyTravel #HongKongTourism #InclusiveTravel #HalalTourism #TravelTogether

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Views from ITB Asia… Alex Wong, Tourism & Convention Sales Manager – Visit Anchorage Alaska This year marks Visit Anchorage Alaska's third participation in ITB Asia, and my second. Last year, we joined with Brand USA, but this year we’re here independently, and we plan to return again. ITB Asia is an efficient way to connect with all our Southeast Asian markets without extensive regional travel. Prior to the pandemic, we had a strong flow of visitors from Southeast Asia, though recovery has been gradual, partly due to high pricing in the US. Encouragingly, we’re seeing positive feedback from partners who anticipate a return of travellers by 2026. While the Middle East isn’t a major source of visitors for us, we’ve had the privilege of hosting several high-level government officials and have seen an uptick in FIT travellers from the region. We warmly welcome travellers from Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, and look forward to growing these connections in the future.

𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐄𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐚: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐮𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝟕 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟓 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 Since its completion, Borgo Egnazia has distinguished itself by hosting international VIPs, and now, even the world leaders of the G7. I had the pleasure of visiting Borgo Egnazia not just as a guest but as a colleague in the tourism sector, allowing me to better understand the entrepreneurial and vacation philosophy they aim to offer. This establishment, with a strong focus on international and especially American tourism, pays attention to the small details that make all the difference. The environment is well-maintained, the staff is attentive to guest needs, and the connection to the local territory is strong. In 2024, the CLARA association was also founded with the aim of reviving and giving new life to ancient arts, starting with the guardians of local traditions, and offering workshops and tastings for guests. Being chosen as the venue for the G7, which concluded yesterday, is just a consequence of the clear entrepreneurial vision and the value proposition that perfectly meets the desires of the resort's target audience. The example of Borgo Egnazia, in an area previously lagging behind more well-known destinations but now among the most appreciated in Puglia, is just one example of the potential to replicate this success in other Italian areas. From villages with houses for 1 euro to abandoned structures rich in history. To achieve similar results, however, one must start with the idea and people who aim to create value for the guest. Investing a lot of money is not enough, as we've seen with many hotels that have changed management repeatedly without ever truly recovering. Surely, all of Puglia will benefit from this great event. Journalists and politicians from around the world have had the chance to experience Puglian hospitality firsthand. Which will be the next reality to stand out on the national stage? #tourism #marketing #visititaly #visitpuglia #g7 #tourismconsulting #resort #hotel

Today: First Day at Fitur 2025 in Madrid Every year, I arrive to #Madrid to visit Fitur, one of the largest international tourism expos, to report on the exhibition itself. This year, however, I decided to focus on something different: Spanish tourism. #Spain offers an exceptional model for how to develop tourism as a vital industry. In 2024, Spain ranked second globally in tourism, just after France, with an impressive 94 million international visitors. More importantly, the sector generated €126 billion for the Spanish economy, accounting for 12.3% of the country's GDP. What stands out is Spain’s ability to attract international travelers and inject substantial foreign revenue into its economy, unlike many countries that primarily focus on domestic tourism. While Spain is renowned for its sunny beaches, the country has seen a significant shift toward cultural and gastronomic tourism. In 2024, 32% of travelers visited Spain for cultural experiences, and gastronomic tourism grew by 28% compared to 2019, according to Spain's Ministry of Tourism. This example highlights Spain’s strategic approach to tourism: focusing on structured sector development, prioritizing cultural and culinary offerings, and promoting the industry beyond just social media campaigns. Spain’s success provides valuable lessons for other countries aiming to elevate their tourism sectors. The blend of innovation and focus on quality experiences makes Spain not just a destination but a benchmark for the global tourism industry. What are your thoughts on Spain’s tourism model? Do you think other countries can replicate this success? Let’s meet at #Fitur2025 and discuss! 🌍✈️ https://lnkd.in/gPehAZNn