Industry News

Marketing efforts pay dividends as Aussies flock to Central Vietnam clubs

With a prime location near Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, the reimagined Cham Cantonese Kitchen holds a prime position in Vietnam’s capital

During the summer of 2024, more people visited Philadelphia than ever before, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today. Bolstered by large events including WrestleMania XL, Alzheimer's Association’s International Congress, and new nonstop transatlantic routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), convention attendance and international visitation spend during the crucial spring and summer seasons exceeded pre-pandemic levels. At the Bureau’s Annual Luncheon event celebrating Philadelphia’s hospitality community, PHLCVB President and CEO Gregg Caren announced that between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day 2024, more than 1.6 million room nights were sold in Center City Philadelphia, an 8.2% increase over 2023, and the highest number ever recorded in the city, according to Tourism Economics. In addition: The record number of room nights sold is largely driven by the two-week period where Philadelphia welcomed: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference with over 12,000 people from over 100 countries. The Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Wells Fargo Center with over 3,000 delegates from nearly 30 countries. The Liverpool/Arsenal soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field, which drew both international and domestic fans. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) grew 51% over 2023 during Summer 2024, with significant growth on the dates with overlapping demand from all three events. Inbound arrivals at Philadelphia International Airport were up close to 7% during May-August over 2023. International visitor spending grew 8% over 2023 during May-August over 2023. Year to date in 2024, international visitor spending is trending up 27% over 2023. This reflects longer stays and greater engagement with our city’s attractions, dining, and experiences. Caren praised the over 850 hospitality professionals gathered at The Franklin Institute for “bringing the city to life” for convention attendees and international visitors. “This city is a tapestry of history, culture, art, and innovation—and every single one of you plays a part… Philly is more than just a city—it's an experience that calls people back time and again,” Caren said. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker added that tourism, conventions, and events support over 80,000 workers in the region. Mayor Parker thanked the PHLCVB and said that record-setting numbers come at exactly the right time. “Thanks to the work of the PHLCVB, Philadelphia’s profile around the world has been raised by hosting major conventions, sporting events, and international visitors. All this hard work is essential as we gear up to welcome the world in 2026 — inviting everyone to experience our city’s history, culture, and hospitality.” As America’s birthplace and First World Heritage City, Philadelphia will be at the center of the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) celebration on July 4, 2026. In addition, the Philadelphia area will host several major international sporting events and conventions, including: Six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ The 2026 Major League All-Star Game The 2026 PGA Championship PMCA Convening Leaders 2026 In addition to attracting large events, Philadelphia has also benefitted from American Airlines’ investment in PHL as a transatlantic gateway. In 2024, American debuted three nonstop seasonal routes from Philadelphia: Copenhagen, Nice, and Naples. The airline recently announces that all three routes would return in 2025, alongside new seasonal routes to Milan and Edinburgh, giving international travelers more opportunities than ever to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love.

Celebrate Christmas in Style on Koh Samui A gourmet’s paradise of 5-star feasting is on the cards at Banyan Tree Samui this Christmas, with each of its three restaurants offering a colourful variety of dining options from Dec 24-26, inclusive. The resort’s beachfront restaurant, Sands, offers a 3-course set lunch and a 5-course set dinner (or 7-course vegetarian alternative) on each of those three days, while award-winning fine-dining venue Saffron hosts set evening dinners in a sophisticated and tranquil ambience. Meanwhile, The Edge restaurant will entice diners with an abundant buffet menu from Dec 24-26, offering both Western and Eastern cuisine and a host of Christmas surprises.For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Twas the Night Before Xmas, and Krabi is Stirring Located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is hosting a sumptuous Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at its popular restaurant The Naga Kitchen. Starting from 6:30pm, guests and diners will be paraded with an astounding variety of delectable international culinary choices, including salads and appetisers, cheese and cold cuts, an Indian Tandoori selection, freshly baked pizzas, a carving station, Japanese favourites, and delicious seafood options such as Spicy Tuna and Salmon Tartare with Local Fresh Herbs.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Ring in 2025 with a Samui Beach Party Located in a private bay at the southeastern corner of the island, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests and revellers to experience their “A Night Under the Sea Party Night” from 10pm till 1am on New Year’s Eve. The night will begin with a fabulous feast - a 5-course gala dinner set menu from 7pm to 10pm - with everything from appetisers such as sushi and sashimi, French foie gras, oysters, tiger prawns and Russian caviar to main courses of prime rib of beef, lamb crown or Tasmanian grilled salmon, and a host of delectable desserts. At 10pm, the party moves to the beachside where a dance floor will burst into life. For more information or reservations, contact samui@banyantree.com or tel: +66 77 915 333. Photo credits: Banyan Tree Kick Off 2025 with Countdown in Krabi Banyan Tree Krabi bids farewell to 2024 with a Gala Dinner and Countdown Party with live entertainment, an extravagant buffet, and selected free-flow alcoholic beverages. Starting at 7pm on 31st Dec with a festive feast at The Naga Kitchen venue, diners can choose from an array of cheeses, cold cuts, a salad bar, homemade smoked salmon, truffle soup, iced seafood including fin de claire oysters, as well as a selection of Southern Thai and Japanese culinary delights. There’s also a supervised Kids’ Corner as the party moves to the beach when midnight approaches.For more information or reservations, contact krabi@banyantree.com or tel: +66 075 811 888.

The hotel will host a classical music concert in its elegant courtyard on Nov. 23

The Story About Hong Kong Through The Lens of Henry Steiner’s Work

The landmark hotel, residing within a 1930s Grade II listed building in the heart of London, will unveil a unique "Reader's Retreat" suite, specially curated by Emily to immerse The Level guests in the world of literature during their stay. Meliá White House's premium service, The Level, offers guests staying in Level Rooms or upgraded suites an elevated experience, including a turn down service, complimentary breakfast, and upgraded amenities. Each Level stay will also offer access to The Level Lounge, London's first members-style service, serving tapas, snacks and drinks throughout the day.  Photo credits: Meliá White House The recently renovated hotel will transform its largest and most luxurious Level rooms and suites into a poetic paradise for book-lovers and culture enthusiasts to enjoy and unwind. The Reader's Retreat will feature an eclectic selection of handpicked books reflecting the essence of Meliá White House and the local area. The Level guests can request a set of books in their room with the concierge on arrival, or enjoy the collection as they relax in the exclusive Level Lounge.  Dive into Emily's top picks for perfect winter reads: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier, a spellbinding novel; cosy crime short stories Silent Nights, edited by Martin Edwards; the classic The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon; The Siege by Ben Macintyre, a gripping account of the siege of London's Iranian embassy; and Right Kind of Wrong: How the Best Teams Use Failure to Succeed by Amy Edmondson. Guests can purchase their own copies at beloved local bookshop Daunt Books. Emily Rhodes is a renowned writer and literary leader, with features and reviews published in the likes of Financial Times, Spectator and the Guardian. Since 2012, Emily has hosted a Walking Book Club in Hampstead Heath and recently launched the club in Regent's Park, just a stone's throw away from Meliá White House. Each guest staying in the Reader's Retreat suite will receive a personalised invitation to join Emily's Walking Book club, alongside a community of literary enthusiasts from across the world.  Emily also founded the Daunt Books Festival in 2014, and more recently the phenomenal charity Bookbanks, which brings books to food banks across London. On 20th November, the launch of Reader's Retreat will be celebrated with the third Supper Club hosted in the hotel's Mediterranean-inspired Arado Restaurant, offering an evening of inspired dining and conversation. Guests can dive into discussions about their favourite reads with Emily herself, alongside discovering her journey as an leading female writer, journalist and founder.  The Q&A will be followed by a seasonal three-course meal, curated with locally sourced ingredients and a nod to Meliá's Mediterranean heritage. Delicious canapes will be served ahead of a range of sharing starters, before your choice of main and dessert. Vegan options will also be available.   Start the evening with a selection of canapes including Truffled Brie & Plum Chutney Bruschetta, Porcini mushroom arancini, Grilled Octopus with Chimichurri Sauce or 24 hour Smoked Short Ribs with Tamarind & Pomegranate Glaze. For mains, the Beef Wellington is served with a warming Dauphinoise Potato, roasted baby vegetables, carrot puree, wild mushrooms & red wine jus. Guests can also choose from the Duo of Black Cod with Confit peas, clams, sea asparagus & burnt leek puree with a seafood bisque sauce or Pecan Nut Roast, paired with Beluga lentil, chestnut mushroom, cheddar cheese, port & cranberry jus. Tuck into a perfect winter dessert and choose from the Christmas Pudding, brandy sauce and fresh berries, Sticky Toffee Pudding with pistachio ice-cream and caramel sauce, Petit Four, a Christmas classic Mince Pie, or Vegan Cheesecake. You can view the full menus HERE. Tickets to the third edition of the Meliá White House Supper Club Series with Emily Rhodes are priced at £60 per person, this includes a three-course Festive Menu, a welcome drink, wine and soft drinks. Book now via Eventbrite. Emily Rhodes shared her excitement about the project: “I've always believed that what we read can profoundly influence our interpretation of where we are. It is a privilege and delight to curate a collection of great books for people staying in the heart of London, and I can't wait to share it with others through the upcoming Supper Club.” The Reader's Retreat will be available for bookings from November, offering guests a peaceful sanctuary to unwind, reflect, and indulge in the timeless pleasure of reading.  Meliá White House last year revealed an extensive £40 million transformation; uncovering a new soul for the superior deluxe hotel. The hotel has been reimagined as a true destination hotel upscaling its bedrooms & suites, restaurant and hotel spaces including The Level service & lounge. 

Experience the vibrant flavours of Indian Streets at “The Great Indian Street Food Festival from 17th – 26th October, 2024 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre.

A clutch of guest bartenders, a live pop band, drag show performers, DJs spinning the decks and more will converge on Meliá Chiang Mai on November 1 for an exhilarating poolside celebration. Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai Situated on lively Charoen Prathet Road by the River Ping and Night Bazaar in the heart of Chiang Mai city, the urban hotel will host ‘Pool Party Bar Takeover’ from 5-11pm at its picture-perfect swimming pool area on the second floor. Anchored by the swimming pool, the hotel’s Tien Pool Bar, will welcome six local bartenders to concoct their signature creations for pool party-goers. In addition to Meliá Chiang Mai’s top bartender Francisco, bartenders Pom from The White Rabbit, Foam from Bar Not Found, Pim from Gladwell Cocktail Bar, Ploy from Art Mai Gallery Hotel and Benz from Anantara Chiang Mai’s Brit Bar will spend the afternoon and evening shaking and stirring all sorts of cocktails at Tien Pool Bar. Photo credits: Meliá Chiang Mai Live band Multipolar will perform a medley of pop and variety tunes for guests to dance to. Blow Entertainment’s dazzling drag queens will take to the stage for colourful performances and life DJs will ignite the atmosphere with infectious tunes. The event’s pop-up partner Smash Daddy’s will serve hand-smashed burgers. Tickets are priced at 400 THB net per person and include one drink of choice; -196 Freeze, Kakubin Highball or a beer. Priced at 1,999 THB net per person, a ‘Special Tasting Package’ entails sampling a total of six cocktails from all six guest bartenders in addition to a welcome drink. Jim Beam, -196 Freeze Technology, Roku Gin and Suntory Whisky Kakubin are the event’s sponsors. To contact Meliá Chiang Mai or to make a booking, email fb@meliachiangmai.com or call +66 52 090 602.

The 400-year-old dining establishment inspired the hit 2007 Disney movie Ratatouille

The special tea set will be served throughout October with proceeds benefiting a local charity

This October, Six Senses Rome, part of IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is partnering with renowned chef and author, Clodagh McKenna, to host an exclusive 4-day culinary retreat from 17 – 20 October. The programme will provide a perfect blend of wellness activities, hands-on cooking demonstrations, and curated foodie experiences in authentic local restaurants, where guests savour the essence of Roman cuisine. Photo credit: Six Senses Rome Each day will include an intimate cookery demonstration from Clodagh at Six Senses Rome, visits to family-run hidden gem restaurants, carefully selected to offer an authentic taste of the local cuisine, of course without forgetting the Italian pre-dinner ritual of aperitivo. Throughout the retreat, guests can also fully relax in the hotel’s Roman Baths, participate in a restorative sound healing session on one of the hotel’s terraces with breathtaking views of the city, and explore the magical, beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese. There will also be time each day for a siesta, as well as the option to book treatments at the renowned Six Senses Spa. Having opened in March 2023, the hotel features 96 distinct guest rooms and suites, a spa, restaurant, events terrace, outdoor courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with a 360° view of the city and monuments. The Palazzo housing Six Senses Rome is a treasure trove of wonders, from the monumental marble staircase with its decorative skylight to the newly restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance; this is the perfect spot for a Roman holiday.  Photo credit: Six Senses Rome HOW: This four-day retreat (17 - 20 October) starts from EUR 5,460 based on one person staying in a Deluxe Room, and EUR 8,050 based on two people sharing a Deluxe Room. Retreat is full-board excluding beverages, including daily activities, one massage per person, and daily access to the Roman Baths.