Middle East

In Thailand, emerging destinations across the country are increasingly appealing to both domestic and international travellers.

Elsewhere in Asia-Pacific, a number of airports reported solid growth due to sizeable increase in visitors during the summer holiday period.

Air cargo continues to face strong headwinds from the intensifying trade war between the US and China, as well as weakness in some of the key economic indicators and rising political uncertainties worldwide. Global trade volumes are 1% lower than a year ago.

One of the travel industry’s most prestigious annual awards, this year saw the voting combined for the readers of both the US and UK editions of the magazine.

The rising disposable income with middle class families and the growing perception among Indians that their social status will be elevated while traveling to fashionable cities in the Middle East will continue this growth trend for years to come.

There is a record high 6,565 projects currently under construction worldwide having 1,192,398 rooms.

Aditi Dutta Chowdhury, Economic Research Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Visitors from China and European countries are driving the growth of international arrivals to Asian cities."

6 chefs from 6 Hyatt hotels competed against one another for the coveted position to represent Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and the Philippines in the Asia Pacific final.

 “Our thorough studies of data and strategies of Phuket MICE City indicated that Phuket has enjoyed substantial development and has the potential to soar as a leading MICE city like other international destinations. Our vision to promote Phuket as the Andaman’s rising MICE city and as Asia’s key coastal MICE city has never been this clear.” Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said.

Mr Thomas brings with him more than 25 years of international experience leading pre-opening and operational hotels for brands such as Sun International, Hilton, Mövenpick, and The Leela.