Beyond Green launches its Global Impact Report

Sustainable hotel brand Beyond Green has launched its first Global Impact Report, which highlights the positive impact its members have across the three key pillars of sustainable tourism, Nature, Community, and Culture. 

The report uses data from an indepth member sustainability survey and spotlights key findings from 26 properties across the world. 

These demonstrate the power of sustainable tourism while serving as an accessible educational tool for travellers who want to ‘make positive changes and help make travel a force for good’. 

Established by Preferred Travel Group, in April 2021, Beyond Green looks unites sustainability leaders worldwide with each member property vetted according to more than 50 sustainability indicators. 

These are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Key report highlights include: Dedicated Sustainability Positions Over 90% of Beyond Green members have a dedicated Sustainability Manager or equivalent position or team, steering the evolution and onsite implementation of member’s sustainability programmes. 

Reducing and Eliminating Single-Use Plastics 100% of Beyond Green members have eliminated single-use plastic water bottles from their operations. 

Additional efforts to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics include utilising biodegradable packaging and employing more sustainable materials throughout hotel operations, such as reusable room keys made with wood or bamboo. 

For example, a unique glass bottle crusher creates sand used across The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s GEO-certified golf course in California – while also reducing glass waste stream by 90%. 

Philanthropy & Donations Protecting Cultural Heritage Properties authentically share local cultural heritage with guests through a distinct sense of place that reflects the traditional architecture and regional décor, culinary programmes, and immersive guest experiences that explore local history, folklore, and art. 

Three Camel Lodge in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert safeguards the region’s storied traditions and living heritage through a project to restore the Mongolian Bankhar, a breed of mastiff dog native to the surrounding steppe. 

Community, Social and Economic Well-Being Members actively support local communities, by hiring locally, partnering with local businesses, artists, and artisans, and contributing to micro-enterprise projects, education, health, and other community development priorities. 

The Parkside Hotel & Spa on Vancouver Island became the first hotel in British Columbia to start a Memorandum of Reconciliation (MOR) to ‘recognise the historical relationship of the Songhees Nation with the land upon which The Parkside stands’. 

Guests are invited to join the Lekwungen, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt People, and learn about indigenous culture through guided canoe and walking tours that reveal a unique perspective on the city’s heritage unknown to most travellers. 

Renewable Energy Nearly 70% of Beyond Green members utilise renewable energy sources, including solar panels, wind turbines, and other sources such as biomass derived from certified wood pellets. 

The Brando excels in leveraging renewables, utilising everything from renewable solar fields to an innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system that harnesses cold water from the deep sea to naturally cool spaces without damaging hydrofluorocarbons. 

Endangered Species Protection Beyond Green members actively contribute to the protection of over 24 animal species and 1 plant species registered on either the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or the US Endangered Species list. 

A leader in marine conservation, andBeyond Mnemba Island worked in partnership with the Ministry of Blue to establish Mnemba Island Marine Special Area (MIMSA), which grants additional protection to the surrounding biodiverse waters. 

The property is one of the few protected nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle – and allows lodge guests to join in on monitoring efforts. 

Through direct financial, in-kind, and guest donations, Beyond Green members donated $3,138,449 during 2021-2022, supporting local communities, natural and cultural initiatives. 

Talaia Plaza EcoResort in Catalonia, Spain, established the Plaza Terra Viva Foundation in December 2022 to scale support for local nonprofits and projects protecting the region’s rich heritage and enhancing the well-being of its residents. 

* www.staybeyondgreen.com/GIR and www.StayBeyondGreen.com 

* Antonia Robinson at ARobinson@staybeyondgreen.com 

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024

Mongolia

Lonely Planet has announced its Best in Travel Destinations 2024. 

To mark the publishers 50th anniversary, the Best in Travel 2024 has expanded from the top 10 best cities, countries, and regions to include best value and best sustainable destinations. 

Over the past 50 years Lonely Planet has printed over 150 million guidebooks covering 221 countries and other titles showcasing the wonders of the world for travellers. 

Now in its 19th year Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is voted for by the publishers global community of staff, local writers, and partners. 

It looks to provide expert insight into lesser-known destinations and new takes on popular places. 

New cycling trails, train and flight services making destinations more accessible, bids for UNESCO world heritage status and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity have all contributed towards this year’s list. 

Best Countries 

1. Mongolia 2. India 3. Morocco 4. Chile 5. Benin 6. Mexico 7. Uzbekistan 8. Pakistan 9. Croatia 10. St Lucia 

Mongolia 

For seekers of wide-open spaces, adventures and culture, the capital is teeming with people and unique attractions. Squeezed between Russia and China, Mongolia seems hard to reach given recent geopolitical events in its two large neighbours. But Mongolia’s doors are open and a tourism campaign has eased visa restrictions through 2025. www.discovermongolia.mn 

India 

There are lot of new ways to explore the world’s most colourful country, new flight services are providing easy access to much    loved hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Kerala and India’s railways are in for a revamp, with stylish new trains rolling out across the network. Or take a 2,000-mile boat trip on the MV Ganges Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise. www.incredibleindia.org

Morocco 

There’s nothing quite like wandering the Sahara Desert on camelback, hunting for bargains in a Marrakech souk and exploring the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. But this North African country made our list in 2024 thanks to the buzz from its historic performance at the World Cup, its ascension to the echelon of the world surf circuit, and its revived music festival, Mawazine. Research for Best in Travel 2024 took place prior to the 2023 earthquake which severely affected areas south of Marrakesh. We suggest travellers check for the latest updates on individual locations. Now more than ever tourism income can help support the country’s recovery. www.visitmorocco.com/en 

Mexico 

For travellers seeking adventure, culture, history, food and art, this year in there are new transportation options along with a celestial event. Take the freshly launched train to Caribbean beaches and ancient Maya ruins; view the 2024 solar eclipse from the golden sands of Mazatlán; or try a road trip to bohemian beach towns along Oaxaca’s rugged and beautiful coast. www.visitmexico.com/eng/home-2 

Chile 

Chile

A country of salt flats, rainforests, volcanoes, glaciers, and fjords. Change permeates the air across the country with expanded parklands, a new president and plans for a new equity-minded constitution. Chefs in Santiago are untapping the potential of endemic ingredients. Vintners are finding more natural ways to make wine. Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is imagining a sustainable future while rewilding efforts in Patagonia are restoring biodiversity. www.chile.travel/en

Benin 

This bijou West African country punches above its weight in its charisma, history and cultural power. Once the site of the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, it is also the spiritual home of voodoo, a fascinating and often misunderstood religion. Beat a path to Benin’s palm-fringed beaches and some of the best national parks this side of the continent. www.lonelyplanet.com/benin 

Uzbekistan 

From oasis to oasis follow the trading networks of centuries past. High-speed rail and a convenient domestic flight network have replaced the camel caravans once connecting prosperous fortress towns, yet the ancient cultural hubs of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva still evoke the era of the Silk Road. In the Nuratau Mountains, a community based tourism initiative shows visitors the life of shepherding communities. www.lonelyplanet.com/uzbekistan 

Pakistan 

The country has long lured travellers from all over the world, and its overdue for a resurgence. Following easing of political tensions, adventure tour companies are returning to Pakistan’s buzzing bazaars, Mughal-built mosques, alpine valleys, and snow-dusted Himalayan passes. Every rupee you spend helps the country rebuild after the devastating floods of 2022. www.tourism.gov.pk 

Croatia 

Sun-kissed coastline, myriad islands, dramatic mountains, and historic walled cities and the Vis archipelago has been recognised as a UNESCO Geopark With its entry into both the border-free Schengen Area and the Eurozone, travel in Croatia is even easier. The opening of the Peljesac Bridge and new highway means it’s now possible to travel directly between Split and Dubrovnik, without passing through Bosnia. The Bridge has also shone a spotlight on the previously overlooked part of the Croatian coastline, the Peljesac Peninsula. www.visit-croatia.co.uk 

St Lucia 

Known for its white sand and ceruleantinged waters, St Lucia is shifting its focus to make the island’s cultural heritage, distinctive traditions, and creative proclivities more accessible, an ideal experience for Carib-ophiles searching for something beyond the typical all-inclusive stay. www.stlucia.org/en_UK/ 

* www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel 

* samantha@goshpr.co.uk

Beyond Green : Plan Your Trip

Beyond Green, a global portfolio of sustainable hotels, resorts and lodges has launched four new Plan Your Trip itineraries. 

Mongolia Bhutan Napal Rajasthan The all-inclusive trips have been designed with Nomadic Expeditions and will include Mongolia, Bhutan, Nepal, and India as the host destinations. 

Each journey is designed to have a positive impact on nature, uplift local communities and preserve cultural heritage. 

Nomadic Expeditions is a provider of customised travel services to Mongolia, India, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan. 

Bhutan Explorer Journey 

(Season: September to April) 

This seven day trip takes in Bhutan’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with hiking through lush forests, exploring ancient monasteries, and savouring local cuisine. 

Highlights of the trip include discovering the country’s capital of Thimphu and visiting Punakha Dzong, one of the most well preserved dzongs (fortress) in Bhutan. 

It also takes in a hike to the Tiger’s Nest and the blacknecked cranes of Phobjikha. 

Nepal 

(On Demand Departures from September to April) 

This 12-day trip explores sites in and around Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, with the chance to wander the ancient temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, meet with the Tibetan Buddhist community at Bodnath, and explore the Hindu temple complex at Bhaktpur and Patan. 

It then heads to Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal, which is located in the lushly forested Pokhara Valley and surrounded by the Himalaya mountains range. 

The tour ends in the Terai, the plains and jungles of Nepal and a safari in Chitwan National Park. 

Mongolia Explorer 

(Private Journey Offered from May-October): 

This nine-day journey offers travellers the opportunity to explore Mongolia by strolling through the monastery grounds and museums of the capital of Ulaanbaatar. 

There is also camel trekking across dunes, discovering fossils at the iconic Flaming Cliffs. It also takes in the natural beauty of Yol Valley National Park and Terelj National Park. 

Exploring Rajasthan 

(Private Departures From September – March) 

This tour offers a journey through the Indian state of Rajasthan with a visit to Jaipur, the capital city known for its palaces and bustling markets. 

It’s then into the rural heartland, exploring traditional villages and witnessing the authentic lifestyle of the locals. 

The itinerary also includes visits to Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Lake Palace in Udaipur. 

 www.StayBeyondGreen.com 

 Sarah Maxwell at SMaxwell@preferredhotels.com

Exclusive journeys by private train: Grand Trans-Siberian Express + Northern Lights Explorer

Grand Trans-Siberian Express

Who is Eurasia Trains & Tours?

Eurasia Trains & Tours, a German-based company, is one of the world’s leading operators of private charter train tours focusing on the concept of “cruises on rails”. The founder and owner, Mr. Helmut Mochel, already in the 1970s started the idea of trans-continental “cruises on rails”.

 

The concept of our tours: “cruises on rails”

The concept of all our tours is to facilitate our guests experiencing trans-continental routes onboard of comfortable private trains, specially organized and composed according to the needs of tourists. The legendary Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian Railways offer travelers the world’s most extraordinary travel experiences on a journey of more than 6300 km from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar (with a flight connection to Beijing afterwards) crossing two continents (Europe and Asia), and featuring three countries (Russia, Mongolia, China) with their different cultures.

 

What are the advantages of traveling by private trains instead traveling on regular trains?

- All-inclusive concept: train & hotel accommodation, full board, excursions, onboard entertainment, experienced tour escorts

- Choice of categories of sleeping car accommodation from Economy to Deluxe cabins with in-suite shower and toilet
- Accommodation in the most modern sleeping cars of Russia

- Elegant restaurant cars

- Double or single accommodation guaranteed

- Daily stopovers and excursions

 

What makes the journey with Grand Trans-Siberian Express especially comfortable?

- Perfect balance between train and hotel overnights: About 50% of the tour nights we spend in 4*& 5* international managed hotels of famous brands like Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Park Inn or Radisson Blu.

- Deep insight views into the life of people in Russia & Mongolia, e.g. home cooking, private concerts & time to feel the atmosphere of the cities in the evening, where we stay overnight

- Lounge & bar area with live piano music in the evening

- Daily shower is guaranteed for travelers of all categories of our private train (either onboard the train or in hotel day rooms)

- Official on board language is English. Spanish speaking tour escorts on most tour departures (please check attached availability status).

- International passengers from all over the world, from European countries, the Americas and some Asian countries like Singapore, Taiwan etc.

 

When do the tours operate in 2021?

We operate guaranteed departures from May to September.

I attach the fact brochures that describe the train, the itinerary, dates, and rates in English and Spanish languages.

 

Booking with confidence

With regard to the uncertainty because of Covid-19 travel restrictions, bookings for 2021 tour dates may be canceled free of charge until 3 months before departure. No deposit payment is required until 3 months before departure.

 

Links to our videos about the Grand Trans-Siberian Express

https://youtu.be/ixJoEfCTbkQ (short version, 2 minutes)

https://youtu.be/wjWtOC4ZlyQ (full version 15 minutes)

 

Northern Lights Explorer

The next tour dates will be in January/February 2022. The dates & rates will be announced soon.

 

Private train charters for groups of any size

We are currently updating our presentation with inspirations for private train charters in Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. It will be sent to you by separate email in October.

 

For any further information you may need, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Northern Lights Explorer

Best regards, Helmut Mochel, Director

Eurasia Trains & Tours

Schwarzwaldstr. 101, 77933 Lahr, Germany

Phone +49 7821 955970

Fax      +49 7821 955970

E-Mail mochel@eurasiaexpress.de

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazineblogspot.com.au

Ariodante’s Sabbatical Tours

Luxury tour company Ariodante has launched sabbatical tours with an arts and culture focus.

This offers the chance to be ‘immersed in and learn about culture, historical periods and the work of the greatest artists while travelling in luxury to any parts of the world they desire’. The sabbatical will appeal to those wanting ‘meaningful’ extended time out from their business or careers, retirees, and families wanting to spend quality time together. It can be a trip of a month, six months or more than a year with examples including : Along the Silk Road Marco Polo’s 'Book of Wonder', is the most renowned travel story of the Middle Ages and depicts his voyages through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. Guests will explore Danxia Landform, the Great Wall of China, Buddha's birthplace, Yolyn Am in Mongolia, the Phewa Lake, Bali, the Yangon in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. of the most epic sagas in history.

Colombus and the Conquistaros Guests will follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish Conquistadors and retrace one This will take in Genova, Seville, Lisbon, Cartagena de Indias, Teotihuacan, The Angel Falls, Palenque, The Rainbow Mountains and Machu Pichu. Sustainability is key to Ariodante’s ethos and the carbon footprint of each tour is offset by 200%. In addition, a percentage of each tour’s fee is put towards supporting cultural, artistic and conservation projects including the: restoration of Catherine de Medici’s golden ballroom at Fontainebleau Palace in France restoration of the library at the Nice Observatory, and the protection of endangered animals at the Mercantour National Park. A luxury sabbatical starts from £250,000 for a month.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazineblogspot.com.au
Website: www.ariodantetravel.com
Website: www.vidiguides.com

A HOLISTIC, ONE-DAY FORUM ON TOURISM, SUSTAINABILITY, CINEMA

Photo: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office

“Destinations can inspire travellers to explore new experiences, through films, and human impact stories.” — Jens Thraenhart, founder of the Asia Destination Film Forum

A unique and intensive Asia Destination Film Forum was held in Bangkok, a one-day event which covered a wide array of fields — business, tourism, sustainability,
cinema.

The first half of the forum featured top tourism professionals, who spoke about the importance of films, to promote destinations. Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor, marketing communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), spoke of the many Hollywood movies that had put Thailand on the international tourist map — James Bond 007, Bridge on the River Kwai, The Railway Man. He admitted that the many Bollywood movies shot in Thailand also helped to popularise the destination and bring huge numbers of Indian tourists to Thailand. That’s why he said that TAT used a lot of visual media campaigns for their marketing initiatives.

Deepak Ohri, the Indian CEO of Bangkok’s top Leboa Hotel, spoke of the marketing campaigns his hotel did with the producers of the Hollywood film Hangman 2, when that film was shot in his hotel. He informed that the Hangman Suite, Hangman Tours, even a martini drink called the Hangman-Tini became very popular tourist-draws.

In fact, former Thai tourism minister Weersak Kowsurat suggested at the forum, that may be a film visa could be issued, for the many foreign film units shooting in Thailand!

Joe Choo, of the Singapore Tourism Board, informed how the movie Crazy, Rich Asians had given a huge boost to tourism in the country, which led them to create unique tourism programmes, like Crazy Rich Asian Tours
and so on.

Cambodia-based Australian producer Nick Ray stated that the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia, had opened out to the world only after Angela Jolie’s film Tomb Raider was shot there, in 2000. Since then, the production house Hanuman Films owned by him and his well-known Cambodian filmmaker wife Kulikar Sotho, had been involved with many foreign film productions in Cambodia. Their own film The Last Reel, had taken them to festivals around the world, including Goa in India.

Meanwhile Dr Shean Chadwell and Gabriel Kuperman, of the Luang Prabang Film Festival in Laos, informed how the open-air film festival had helped to hugely promote the destination, drawing as many as 20,00 people, every year, including tourists.

One also heard of the huge boost given to tourism in Vietnam, by the Hollywood film King Kong.

The negative aspects of tourism were pointed out too, caused by an over-kill of film shootings, and consequent over-kill of tourists. Particular mention was made of once-pristine destinations like Maya Beach in Thailand (which has now closed down) and Halong Bay in Vietnam,

That’s why “sustainability” was an important theme of the forum.

At a panel discussion on the subject, Janet Salem of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) spoke with pride about their ‘Sustainability’ film on the wonderful Palawan island in the Philippines, which had bagged many awards, and more importantly, had reached out to audiences around the world.

Graham Harper of PATA, stated that it would be good for tourism professionals to consult film-makers, when making movies about sustainability.

The forum had an interesting interaction with video bloggers who spoke about the wide reach of their blogs across the world.

“I’ve reached out to people in more than 60 countries” said Thai blogger Art Thomya.

“Social media influencers are more important than advertisers”, said Australian food-blogger Gary Butler.

Meanwhile, the country in focus at the forum, was Mongolia, about which one knew little, until one heard the presentations of Mongolian minister for environment and tourism Tserenbat Namsrai and their director general of tourism Bayasgalan Saranjav.

Both said that Indian films were very popular in Mongolia (they both hummed the song, “Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy”, from the Bollywood film, Disco Dancer) and stated that they would gladly welcome and support Indian film-shootings in Mongolia.

Read the full article at The Asian Age: http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/130220/a-holistic-one-day-forum-on-tourism-sustainability-cinema.html

#2ndAsiaDestinationFilmForum #TourismMekong #MTCO
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office

c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road
National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1
Mobile: +66 8555 44234, +66 8098 95853

Screening of award-winning film in Bangkok to promote Mongolia tourism

The Steed

Mongolia, one of the main partners of this year’s Asia Destination Film Forum (DFF 2020), which will take place in Bangkok on 30 January 2020, is showcasing the natural beauty of their country by screening the award-winning film ‘The Steed’. The film plays at the beginning of the 20th century and tells the story of a boy and a horse whose extraordinary bond to each other and the land give them the courage to find each other after being cruelly separated. The epic story about family, love, and devotion showcases the vast beauty of Mongolia, its culture, and people.

Director and producer Mr. Erdenebileg Ganbold, who has produced many films that broke box office records in Mongolia and is the winner of three Mongolian Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Producer will talk about the film and the importance of locations for film production at DFF 2020.

H.E. Mr. Tserenbat Namsrai, Mongolia’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, who is also on a panel at the forum, says that “Mongolia is a country swept in history and full of pure natural beauty. Films are the best way to show our country to audiences worldwide and make them aware of what Mongolia has to offer. We want to inspire travelers from Southeast Asia, to experience adventures, be part of our community, explore Mongolian culture, spirituality, and our many festivals.” With consistent growth in tourism arrivals in recent years, the country is developing its tourism infrastructure and experience with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

To bring Mongolia to Bangkok, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia will also host the Film Festival BBQ Party, which will include authentic traditional Mongolian food, cultural performances, and music.

Jens Thraenhart, founder of the Destination Film Forum says: “Mongolia, which is still one of these rather unknown destinations for many, is very smart in leveraging film and visual storytelling to inspire people from all over the world to experience an adventure of a lifetime.”

More information about the event and tickets are available on http://www.destinationfilmforum.com/.

Central Mongolian province eyes attracting more Chinese tourists

Attracting Chinese tourists to visit the Central Mongolian province of Uvurkhangai is one of the top tasks for the province's tourism sector, a local official said on Tuesday.

"Attracting a large number of Chinese tourists is one of the priorities of our province's tourism sector and is a great way to boost the province's economic development," Tumurbat Ariunbold, head of the province's tourism department, told Xinhua during a Chinese-Mongolian tourism forum.

The forum on Tuesday was held in Khujirt soum, Uvurkhangai province as part of a three-day Chinese culture and tourism festival, which is co-organized by the provincial governor's office, the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, and the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator.

The festival starting on Monday aims to further expand cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries and provide Mongolians with a better understanding of China, the organizers said.

"We all know that China has been the world's biggest source of tourists. There is a big advantage of Mongolia to attract more tourists from China," Ariunbold said, referring to Mongolia's geographic location.

In recent years, Uvurkhangai province has been striving to attract more foreign tourists by organizing various historical and cultural events, such as the "Silk Road and Kharkhorin" in the Kharkhorin soum, he said.

The province has more than 50,000 foreign tourists a year and Chinese tourists make up over 30 percent of them, Ariunbold said.

"Hosting 100,000 foreign tourists a year is our province's medium-term goal," Ariunbold said, noting that to reach the goal, Uvurkhangai province has been stepping up its efforts to expand tourism cooperation with China.

VIETNAM BECOMES CHINA’S SECOND LARGEST TOURISM MARKET

The Palace Museum in Beijing, China. Photo: Reuters

Vietnam overtook South Korea to claim the second spot among the top 10 source markets for tourism in China last year.

According to statistics released late last month by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, more than 6.3 million Vietnamese tourists visited the country last year, double the figure in 2016, making Vietnam the second biggest feeder market for Chinese tourism after Myanmar.

South Korea ranked third on the list of top 10 major markets for inbound tourism in China, followed by Japan, the U.S., Russia, Mongolia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.

China, forecast to become the world’s most visited country by 2030 by global research company Euromonitor International, received a total of 141.2 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2018, up 1.2 percent from a year ago and earned $127 billion in tourism revenues.

China’s proximity to Vietnam has made it a popular destination among outbound Vietnamese travellers who want a vacation overseas without a long haul journey.

The surge in Vietnamese tourist numbers in China has been credited to the long shared border, prompting the governments of both countries to establish a special type of border travel, which does not require passports or visas.

The launch of more direct flights connecting Vietnam’s big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with China in recent years has also contributed to the growth in outbound Vietnamese travellers.

China has always been Vietnam’s main source of tourists in recent years, accounting for one-third of all foreign visitors. More than four million Chinese visitors arrived in Vietnam last year, up 48.6 percent year-on-year.

Survey results released last year by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, reveal the average daily spending by the Chinese in Vietnam increased from $118.6 in 2014 to $130 last year.

Read the full article at VN Express: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/places/vietnam-becomes-china-s-second-largest-tourism-market-3903511.html

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
c/o 3rd Floor, Department of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 154 Rama 1 Road
National Stadium, Wangmai, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Web: www.mekongtourism.org
Tel: +66 2038 5071-1
Mobile: +66 8555 44234, +66 8098 95853

Mongolia received Golden City Gate First Star Award for ‘Welcome to Mongolia’ video at ITB Berlin

Ms. M. Navchaa and
Mr. Tuguldur Baajiikhuu,
Director – Greater Tumen
 Initiative Secretaria

The Golden City Gate Awards has been awarded for 18 years during ITB Berlin, providing worldwide attention to the art and media production of the tourism industry. The award is the world's largest in film, print, and multimedia competition.

All eligible artworks are judged by an international jury based on a predetermined point system. All media submissions had to be themed in tourism practice and/or activity to be eligible. Each category

bestowed gold, silver, and bronze prizes, however, the top media contribution from all submissions was granted the prestigious 'Diamond Award' at the end of the event.

Since the competition's inception in 2001, 1,720 posts from 42 countries have been submitted and evaluated by 40 international jurors. For the 2019 Golden City Gate edition, over 100 entries from 21 countries have been submitted.

Mongolia was awarded a highly coveted ‘First Star’ award for its music clip submission titled 'Welcome to Mongolia'. Performed by local icon 'Myagmar' with his notably strong and deep voice, the five-minute-long music clip takes viewers through a tour of Mongolia, presenting not only landscapes, tourism activities and nomadic life but also the vibrancy of Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar. The clip has been viewed by over 10,000 people on YouTube and it is likely that this award will widen its online exposure.

What to know:

* The first song was written in English about Mongolia

* Written by M. Navchaa, the song tells a story about the landscapes of Mongolia -- from the Gobi Desert and the steppes to the mountain range Mongolia's western region.

* The accompanying video shows different landscapes and modes of travel guests can experience in Mongolia throughout the country's four seasons.

* Myagmar wanted to add a song about Mongolia to his new album

* The song is now identified as Tsolmon Travel's theme

* 'Welcome to Mongolia' was produced by Cross Animation Studio

The song's composer M. Navchaa said “I wanted to create a theme for my company Tsolmon Travel and was approached by Mr. Myagmar, who wanted to create a song about Mongolia. I am very happy to have received this wonderful award for this partnership and invite everyone to watch the video and come and experience Mongolia”

“We are delighted to receive the Golden City Gate Award's First Star prize. It will help bring awareness from the world to our beautiful country. Our aim is to highlight Mongolia's extraordinary diversity to the largest audience possible,” declared Mongolia Minister of Environment and Tourism Namsrai Tserenbat at ITB Berlin.

“This award is very aligned with the re-launch of the Mongolia.travel platform as a travel inspirational storytelling platform. Video content like the 'Welcome to Mongolia' video, generated through the private sector, plays an important role in promoting Mongolia in an authentic way,” added Mr. Tuguldur Baajiikhuu, Director – Greater Tumen Initiative Secretariat.

During ITB Berlin 2019, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia took the opportunity to introduce its new Mongolia tourism platform Mongolia.travel, an interactive tool aimed to help 2ravelers to design their own itineraries in the country according to their own wishes. The Mongolia platform is also a tool for local travel companies to highlight their products and activities.

Mongolian Adventure Beckons at the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts' Annual Summer Camp

Boutique hotel group The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the Summer 2019 edition of its annual apotheosis of the Mongolian nomadic ideal, The Pavilions Mongolia – taking place from 15 June – 19 September in the breathtaking wilderness of the ancient Orkhon Valley National Park. A one-of-a-kind adventure for just 20 guests at a time, The Pavilions Mongolia offers timeless escapism and reconnection with the essence of life and nature. Epitomising The Pavilions' twin passions of travel and adventure, this unique 'Genghis Khan Retreat' elevates the high end camping experience to extraordinary new heights, inviting guests to spend spellbinding summer days exploring boundless untamed landscapes by horseback, kayak, or on foot; and memorable nights ensconced in ornate traditional Mongoliangers.

Spectacularly located atop a hill in the Orkhon Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO protected site at the foot of the Khangai range, The Pavilions' enclave of 20 beautifully hand-painted and decorated gers is the perfect place to connect with the timeless essence of Mongolian civilization. Guests of all ages can channel their inner Genghis Khan with ancient Mongolian pursuits such as archery, horseriding and polo; steeds from the 100-strong herd are matched to each guest's personality traits by some of the world's finest horse whisperers. Cashmere goat combing; gliding along the river by kayak; trekking through sweeping grasslands; conquering soaring peaks; or attempting to capture the epic landscapes by camera are just a few more examples of the escapist offering. Guests seeking a more serene day can choose to reconnect with daily yoga practice; try a Mongolian massage with the camp's masseuse; or even experience traditional healing rituals with the resident Shaman. The camp is also an easy day trip from many important historic sites of the celebrated Silk Road, including the former capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum– said to contain the ruins of the legendary Xanadu Palace.

Despite its remote location in the unbridled wilderness of the remote Steppe, 360 kms west of Ulaanbaatar, The Pavilions Mongolia defies expectation with its authentic interpretation of high-end hospitality suitable for solo travellers, couples and families alike. The timeless traditional comforts of its gers are complimented by exceptional levels of personalised service more typically associated with a world-class luxury hotel. Convivial family-style mealtimes showcase the best locally sourced ingredients, replete with hand-pulled noodles, homemade breads, grilled meats and freshly caught fish of the day, or plentiful vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options. Unexpected entertainments might  range from joining a Bodog(Mongolian feast); recitals on the camp's priceless 1934 antique Steinweg piano by award-winning Mongolian virtuoso Ms. Odgerel Sampilnorov; traditional throat singing; contortionist displays; wrestling; and Shagai (ankle-bone gaming) contests. After recounting the day's escapades with fellow guests over G&Ts and Mongolian vodka, wood burning stoves, cashmere bedding and candlelight transform each gerinto an invitingly cosy coccoon.

“Our gers are a little more exuberant than others you'll find on the steppe,” says Christopher Giercke, charismatic founder and host of The Pavilions Mongolia, with his usual understatement. “A nomad looks for a practical size. We have gone down the aristocratic line.”

The Pavilions Mongolia starts from US$600++ (approximately GBP470++) per night per adult / US$350 for children aged 7-18yrs / US$150 for children aged 3-7yrs per night, including Ger accommodation; daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; non-alcoholic beverages; house wines and beers during evening meals; activities including horse riding, rock climbing, archery and much more. Children aged under 3yrs stay for free. Younger guests can join with the local Mongolian children's summer camp, including age-appropriate activities such as singing, music and art lessons, nannies are available to assist with childcare.

For further information and reservations visit www.pavilionshotels.com/mongolia; email info@pavilionshotels.com or call tel: +8523702 6571.

Mongolia Ministry of Environment and Tourism Launches Mongolia.travel Platform at ITB Berlin

Mongolia.travel, a revolutionary interactive planning tool for travellers, was introduced for the first time at ITB Berlin, the largest tourism fair in the world.

While Mongolia generates strong visions for most travellers with iconic names such as Genghis Khan or the Gobi Desert, most tourists have yet to grasp the hidden and great wonders found in the country's vast and rustic space.

To make Mongolia better known while at the same time providing a precise tool for travellers wishing to plan a journey to what appears as one of the world’s tourism ‘last frontiers’, The Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia introduced a new interactive web platform which will soon be available to the public under the URL www.Mongolia.travel.

The core purpose of the innovative platform is to produce visitor ‘journeys’ by anticipating and leveraging on the wishes of the platform’s visitors. Information on thematic travel, a customised portal for first-time travellers, itineraries, and regional journeys are among some of the roadmaps offered within the Mongolia platform.

Each story and experience highlighted on the platform will link to sub-content branches, providing potential travellers with a fully interactive experience. Interactive portals are available through a dynamic landing page which will direct web visitors through a ‘journey’ based on their status, needs, and interests.

“The platform is developed to help enthuse tourists from around the world to discover and explore Mongolia’s culture, history, attractions and experiences through inspiring storytelling. Not only does it showcase Mongolia at the heart of Northeast Asia, but by profiling a multitude of experiences, Mongolia.travel also shows how we can collaborate with our local businesses and communities to provide the best and most inclusive information possible to travellers,” explained Mongolia Minister of Environment and Tourism H.E. Namsrai Tserenbat.

The Mongolia platform's visitors will then be able to click on various texts and pictures, shaping a unique itinerary through featured experiences, aggregated social media content, stories, and main centres of interest. Particular emphasis has been put on the ‘First-Time Traveller’ roadmap, which is found on the platform's landing page. Within, images containing little-known facts about the country will appear one after another.

Dedicated theme pages will include information on festivals, family activities, bird watching, nature, adventure, history and culture, gastronomy, community-based tourism, and Buddhist tourism.

Another section will guide visitors through the county's regions. In addition, the platform will also provide essential information for interested travellers, such as visa information, travel information, inner-country transportation, climate, currency, language, and more.

The Mongolia platform will also empower local businesses to play an active role on the website through social commerce technology ENWOKE.

ENWOKE, powered by Chameleon Strategies, allows local businesses to use Mongolia.travel to present their product, create offers and custom content as well as to integrate its own social media feed within the platform.

UNIQUE FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT OF GENGHIS KHAN TOUR

EAGLE HUNTING MONGOLIA

One of the world's most colourful traditional events, the Naadam Festival, is among a host of eye-catching highlights on Byroads Travel’s two-week long Mongolian Discoverer tour.

“The festival is so unique, it is included on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list,” said Byroads Travel’s Steve Mortimer, who will host guests on this small group tour from July 4-17, 2018.

“The three-day event officially celebrates the Mongolian revolution and independence, although the festival is said to pre-date the great warrior Genghis Khan,” he said.

“Each Naadam Festival starts with an opening ceremony - a swirl of horse riders, wrestlers, singers, musicians, monks and dancers. And the hallmark of the festival is the ‘three games of men’ - the sports of archery, horse racing and wrestling.”

Although the capital Ulaanbaatar hosts the largest and most commercial Naadam Festival, Byroads Travel has selected one of the provincial events “for a more local and authentic experience looking at the nomadic history, culture and traditional sporting events which make this fascinating country famous”.

“There’s no doubt the festival will leave a lasting impression on visitors for many years to come,” said Steve.

The 14-day Mongolian Discoverer begins in Ulaanbaatar and explores several cultural centres as well as the remote, unimaginable wilderness, populated by traditional nomads who continue to roam the great steppe lands, grazing their animals and living in their felt gers, the traditional houses of the Mongolian people.

This tour is among the Australian-based travel company’s most adventurous, traversing a large part of Mongolia from Ulaanbaatar in the central north to the South Gobi Desert.

It was designed to not only “get travellers up close” to the many historical monuments and natural wonders but also to discover the rich cultural identity and way of life of the country’s nomads.

Byroads Travel’s 14-day small group tour begins in Ulaanbaatar on July 4, 2018 and is priced from US3550 (about AUD4884) per person, twin share. Return air fares from Australia are extra.

Details: Phone (02) 9357 6800 or visit www.byroads.com.au

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, ULAANBAATAR OPENS IN MONGOLIA: FIVE STAR LUXURY EMBRACES MONGOLIA’S RICH NOMADIC CULTURE‏

Welcome tea in lobby

Primed to open in the heart of Ulaanbaatar on 3 June is Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ latest luxury hotel – Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar. Visitors arriving in Mongolia’s capital and largest city will find the property within walking distance to the famous Government House and Great Chinggis Khan Square, and centrally accessible to the country’s vivid landscape of picturesque steppes, historic monasteries and grasslands teeming with wildlife.

The hotel is connected to Ulaanbaatar’s only luxury mixed-used development, the Shangri-La Centre. The 28-storey centre, which debuts in 2016, encompasses exclusive apartments, four floors of retail and 19 floors of upscale commercial space. Other features include a 7,200-square-metre sports club with an indoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a separate two-level Kids Zone for children to enjoy dedicated entertainment.

The 290-room Shangri-La hotel is the latest arrival to Ulaanbaatar’s evolving scene and embraces the rich nomadic culture of Mongolia with the sophisticated warmth of Shangri-La hospitality. Travellers are greeted with touches of the local culture upon arrival, met by traditionally dressed doormen at the porte cochere, which is decorated with dramatic, double-tier crystal lights forming an auspicious geometric pattern and ethnic copper and brass fittings.

Inside, the hotel’s spacious lobby is crowned by crystal chandeliers measuring three metres in width—an impressive sight not to be found elsewhere in the city. The use of textured stone walls and decorative glass lights in the shape of hunting horns complement the interior and represent the warrior spirit of Mongolia.

Overlooking Nayramdal Park to the south or the Great Chinggis Khaan Square to the north, the guestrooms are Ulaanbaatar’s largest and start from 42 square metres. Elegantly appointed in natural tones and light coloured wood, each room is furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi, an executive desk, marble bathroom and a window seating area to admire the vistas and snow-capped mountain ranges. Luxurious interiors continue in the suites that are spaciously sized at 84 square metres and configured with a separate master bedroom and living area for an entourage or family travelling together.

Providing an even higher level of personalised service on the hotel’s uppermost floors is the Horizon Club, due to be revealed in July. Guests enjoying access to the Horizon Club Lounge, which overlooks Nayramdal Park, are also entitled to express check-in and check-out service, complimentary breakfast, all day beverages, cocktails and canapés in the evening, and use of the meeting room daily.

Dining options at Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar begin with the all-day dining Cafe Park. Using copper motif inlay on pillars and multiple cooking stations to create a focal point, diners can experience a multi-cultural feast and the chefs’ signature dishes at either breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Naadam – named after Mongolia’s largest summer sporting festival – is a pub bar and grill featuring a collaborative and exciting experience of western food, music and entertainment, and the city’s finest vodka menu. Native artefacts infuse charming elements to the restaurant, which opens onto an outdoor terrace for 50 people.

Opening in August is Hutong, a restaurant that will serve a variety of Chinese cuisine, including Beijing Duck, clay pot stews and dishes typical of Northern China, alongside an extensive collection of wines. Muted lighting and a colour palette of burgundy and charcoal gray combine with dark wood to create a contemporary feel.

Guests looking for a gathering point for conversation and casual meetings will be catered for with light meals and beverages at the Lobby Lounge. Large windows let in plenty of light to the corner area adorned with local copper and brass artworks.

Specifically designed to host conference and celebratory events, Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar has the city’s largest portfolio of meeting space, which totals 2,643 square metres. Eight rooms, including the 1,300-square-metre pillar-free Grand Ballroom capable of accommodating more than 800 guests, complete the multi-purpose function rooms.

The fully equipped Health Club allows guests to stay in shape or relax with gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities, and massage options.

To take advantage of the most optimum months in Ulaanbaatar, please view the hotel’s summer offers here that include benefits such as complimentary breakfast, a dining credit or double Golden Circle Award Points. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

Limousine transportation, with complimentary Wi-Fi, may be reserved at a fee for travel from the International airport or train station to Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar. The journey time is 40 minutes and 20 minutes per trip respectively. 

Cafe Park

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 90 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 37,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of ‘hospitality from the heart.’ The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. 

 For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.