Jury composition of IGCAT Experts

• Barbara Zmrzlikar, representative of Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy 2021 looked at Catalonia’s approach to sustainable and balanced tourism, innovation and job opportunities.
• Quim Salort, representative of Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022 paid special attention during this visit to environment, nature, health and eco-initiatives that can grow with food loving travellers.
• May Britt, representative of Trondheim-Trøndelag, European Region of Gastronomy 2022 considered Catalonia’s approach to culture, citizen engagement and educational initiatives in the region.
• Levan Kharatishvili from cultural routes expert of the Council of Europe based in Georgia focussed his attention on visibility, communication, branding, marketing, legacy and evaluation.

Diane Dodd PhD accompanied the jury to ensure that all financial, governance and legal aspects will ensure a long-term legacy for the region.

The article Catalonia recommended for the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Of course, it’s important to make a checklist first: what to pack, where to apply for a Vietnam visa online so you don’t miss out on essential travel documents, and so forth. However, one of the most crucial decisions you can make when you’re travelling to Vietnam is where you’re going to stay. If you’ve got some extra cash, it’s worth making the leap to a higher class of accommodation, so let’s take a look at some of the best luxury resorts in Vietnam!

Mia Nha Trang
This beautiful five-star resort has everything you could possibly want from a luxury Vietnam getaway. You’ll find massive villas with gorgeous gardens surrounding them, and since there are only a handful of villas available, the sense of exclusivity pervades every inch of your rooms. Three restaurants serve customers with authentic local Vietnamese dishes, and they’re crafted from locally-sourced ingredients, fitting in with the resort’s overall eco-friendly theming.

Mia Saigon
Unlike the Nha Trang resort, Mia Saigon is a somewhat lower-key and smaller affair. That doesn’t mean it’s any less luxurious, though. You’ll find this resort in Thu Duc, and its rooms are truly lavish, with beautiful views of the Vietnamese landscape and retro-style decor to keep you immersed in a consistent aesthetic. Of course, there’s a bar and a restaurant to enjoy on-site, too, so when you’ve spent some time relaxing in your room, head on down for some top-quality local food.

Victoria Beach Resort
Nestled in the city of Phan Thiet, which is well-known for its harbour, this resort offers a more classic, traditional Vietnamese experience to guests. It doesn’t quite have some of the ultra-modern aesthetics and conveniences of some of the resorts you’ll find in Ho Chi Minh City, for instance, but it’s a relaxing, stress-free getaway with plenty of involving and engaging activities for both you and the kids to enjoy. Pick this resort if you want a serene, sedate experience rather than a bustling city stay.

Amanoi
Part of the Aman chain of hotels, Amanoi finds itself within the gorgeous UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Nui Chua. That means you can expect plenty of breathtaking natural views; this is another resort you should try out if you want a Vietnamese holiday that’s closer to the natural world. Getting up at the crack of dawn and looking out over the trees as the sun rises is a truly special experience at Amanoi, and you’ll also find world-class dining and spa experiences here.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi
The Lotte Hotel in Hanoi prides itself on marrying the two parts of Vietnam’s culture: the past and the future. It’s a massive, imposing-looking skyscraper with its name embossed in huge neon lights at the top, but it’s situated between Hanoi’s Old and New Towns, so it’s in an ideal position to straddle the divide of Vietnamese life. It comes complete with a yoga studio, a swimming pool, a basketball court, and all kinds of other modern amenities you’d expect from a luxury resort.

Anantara Mui Ne
Another beautiful resort found within Phan Thiet, Anantara’s Mui Ne location must be seen at sunset to give it the full beauty it deserves. With 90 rooms on offer, as well as an infinity pool that looks out over the gorgeous coastline, this is the perfect place to relax after a hard year of working. As you’d expect, a restaurant serving local Vietnamese classics can be found here, and you’ll also be able to indulge in kitesurfing, explore some local ruins, and lots more.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
This one’s name says it all. Pilgrimage Village is situated in a beautiful local Vietnamese village-style setting, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a more down-to-earth and authentic resort experience. With quiet surroundings that won’t threaten to stop you from sleeping, as well as gorgeous paths lined with trees to walk down and some of the finest dining you’re likely to find in Vietnam, this resort is a must if you’ve never visited before. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Vietnam!

The Oriental Jade Hotel & Spa
Here’s another gorgeous resort to consider if you’re planning on staying in Hanoi. The Oriental is part of the wider Oriental Hospitality Group, a trusted name in luxury accommodation, so you should know what to expect. There’s a gorgeous outdoor pool that overlooks the city, as well as a gym to help you work off stress and a spa to help you wind down after your workout. The rooms themselves are delightful, too, providing luxury and comfort just as you’d expect.

Six Senses Con Dao
You don’t have to travel too far outside of Ho Chi Minh City to find Con Dao, and this Six Senses resort is the jewel in an already-sparkling crown. The park environment in which Six Senses finds itself is protected, so you can wander its gorgeous natural landscape and know that you’re not sullying nature. Drawing on classic Vietnamese life and modern styles alike, Six Senses is a great place to go if you’re an adventurous type and you want to try out some diving or snorkelling.

The article The best luxury resorts in Vietnam first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The winners of the four award categories were unveiled during the third day of ECF’s annual flagship conference, Velo-city, which is taking place in Leipzig, Germany. The award ceremony was hosted by ECF President Henk Swarttouw and ECF CEO Jill Warren in front of a full house of conference attendees.

The winners of the awards:

• The City of Helsingborg for the Cycling Infrastructure Award
• The City of Essen for the Cycle-Friendly Employer Award, sponsored by JobRad.
• The City of Oslo for the Road Safety Award, sponsored by Geveko Markings.
• The City of Heidelberg for the Cycling Improvement Award, sponsored by Eco-Counter.

The City of Helsingborg – Cycling Infrastructure Award
Helsinborg’s Varvsbron Bridge is a magnificent cycling and pedestrian bridge that not only looks incredible but also places active travel at the top of the local mobility pyramid. This landmark bridge encourages people to get on their bikes by connecting the up-and-coming smart neighbourhood of Oceanhamnen with the city centre and a nearby public transport hub. Its sleek design and gently sloping, meandering shape gives users a smooth ride, as they cross over the city’s harbour in style.

The City of Essen – Cycle-Friendly Employer Award
The City of Essen is truly a standout in their field. Since earning a silver-level Cycle-Friendly Employer certification in 2019, their continued efforts saw them upgraded to a gold-level certificate in 2022. A great example of “Leading the Transition”, they have been sponsoring other local CFE companies and joining forces with organisations and authorities to form a network of cycle-friendly employers. The numbers speak for themselves, with 18 CFE certified employers now in the city.

The City of Oslo – Road Safety Award
Oslo is a city that has been making incredible progress in recent years towards becoming one of Europe’s safest cities for cyclists. Thanks to the city’s ambitions and concrete actions, a 2022 public survey revealed that 31% of respondents now consider it safe to cycle in the city, a meteoric rise from only 9% in 2014. Following radical changes to city streets, such as the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits and the removal of over 700 on-street parking spots inside the city’s inner ring road, this city became one of the first in Europe to achieve Vision Zero, with zero road deaths on its streets in 2019, and has since been leading the way with one of the fewest numbers of cyclist fatalities per year in Europe.

City of Heidelberg – Cycling Improvement Award
With 40% of Heidelberg’s inhabitants using their bikes as their main mode of transport for inner city journeys, the city has clear ambitions and is implementing concrete actions that are further increasing and improving cycling as part of a larger transition. In 2022, the city’s cycling counters recorded a 17% growth in the amount of bicycle journeys compared to the previous year – from an already high base. The public bike-sharing service registered almost twice as many rentals (325,165) rentals as in the previous year (166,465). Investments in cycling infrastructure include more bicycle parking, as well as a new programme to improve rural-to-urban cycling paths to enable more and safer commuting by bike. The city has also provided subsidies for bicycle purchase. And their leaders are “leading by example”, with the city’s Mayor Eckart Würzner known to lead informative cycling tours for citizens.

Speaking at the ceremony, Swarttouw acknowledged the excellent work and progress made by all the winners, stating: “Velo-city is the world’s premier event for cycling advocacy and promotion, and the European Cyclists’ Federation’s flagship event for knowledge exchange throughout the global cycling community. This is why we believe there is no better place to recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of those who are striving to ensure more cycling in their cities and regions.”

On behalf of ECF, he extended his thanks to all the sponsors who helped make the awards possible.

The next edition of the awards will be held during Velo-city 2024 Ghent, Belgium.

The article European Cyclists’ Federation announces winners of ECF Awards at Velo-city 2023 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Here are five smart tips for better finance management that will completely transform the way you think about money.

Start using a budgeting app
Financial experts tend to be big fans of using a budget. Without a budget, it’s very difficult to take meaningful control of your finances and change your current positioning. The good news is that the days of writing out a budget on paper are long gone and today you can find all kinds of excellent quality budgeting apps, many of which are free.

These apps will make creating a budget quick and easy. They often provide tracking and recording tools, and can be used for bill payment reminders, setting goals and so much more.

A few standout budgeting apps to try include:

• Mint
• Honeydue
• EveryDollar
• Goodbudget
• Fudget
• YNAB

You may need to try a couple before you find one that meets all your needs and wants.

Focus on high-interest debt repayment
Debt repayment is something that most people are dealing with, whether it’s a few hundred dollars owing on a credit card, or hundreds of thousands on various debts and a mortgage. The key to better financial management is to focus on paying the high-interest debt first. The longer the debt incurs interest, the more money you will pay in the long run.

Try investing in the stock ,arket
If you’re currently trying to add to your financial portfolio, this could be a great time to invest in the stock market. This can be intimidating for beginners, which is why penny stocks can act as a stress-free introduction. Check out this frequently updated list of penny stocks for a better idea of what’s available, and how much movement you can expect in terms of value.

Penny stocks are simply public companies whose shares sell for a maximum of $1. While this won’t be appealing to seasoned investors, as a newbie, it can be perfect. As your confidence and understanding grow, you can then think about expanding your financial portfolio.

Retirement can sneak up on you fast
When you first start in the world and get your first career job, it can seem like you have all the time in the world for retirement savings. Unfortunately, time can sneak away from you and before you know it you’ve saved little to nothing and retirement is but a few short years away. You really can’t start saving too early, and there’s no such thing as too small of a savings pot. Any amount you can put away for your future is smart.

If you’re unsure of how you’ll meet your savings goals and needs for your retirement years, try speaking to a financial advisor and get some tips and advice.

Cut out the unnecessary expenses
This final tip is always easier said than done, and that’s to cut out unnecessary expenses. It is truly shocking how much money can be saved once you manage to do this, but it’s a journey and it takes constant attention.

All of these tips will help you with financial management and ensure that your future is a prosperous one where you can reach all the financial goals you’ve set forth.

The article Five smart tips for better finance management first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

WGSN scoured the globe, canvassing industry experts for crucial insights, analyzing cross-industry data, and using their worldwide network to track socio-cultural global shifts that will impact and disrupt the luxury travel market in the years to come. The resulting report offers a fascinating insight into our shifting priorities and how they will be met by the industry in the coming years.

Socially responsible experiences take priority as we travel less but wiser, seeking meaningful engagement over simply sybaritic pleasure. With a focus on nature, the pursuit of awe and self-prioritization, future travelers will enjoy integrating modern and ancient rituals, may pursue intentional living and be open to soul science – spirituality acting as medicine. Travel, as a chance to make profound human connections, take stock and gain wisdom, will emerge as a potent counterbalance to our always-on, overstimulated lives. Crucially, impact will matter more than ever. Future travelers will demand not only sustainability but regenerative travel that leaves a positive legacy.

Revealing these changing priorities helped WGSN to profile five future travelers: The New Romantics, fueled by a deep need to reconnect with nature, with themselves, and with the shared human experience. The Epicurean Adventurers are driven by a curiosity for new flavors, innovation, and the authentic cuisine of different cultures. The Global Citizens, an affluent evolution of digital nomads, are equipped with the technology, desire, and resources to establish family life in multiple locations across the globe. The Wisdom Seekers are in pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, emotional recalibration, and transformative wellness experiences. Finally, The Virtuous Voyagers are cultural custodians whose objective is to leave a positive, regenerative legacy.

In response to the report, Sonu Shivdasani OBE, Soneva’s founder and CEO, said, “At Soneva our interpretation of luxury has always been that of time, space and peace. We see ourselves as simply guardians of the pristine natural environments where we operate, treading lightly on our precious ecosystems and empowering both local and global environmental and community efforts. This report reaffirms our SLOW LIFE ethos, which is our moral compass as well as our operating compass.”

The article Soneva and WGSN launch study on the future of luxury travel trends first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Both entities will collaborate in the development of three main areas to achieve the common goal of promoting a tourism model that presents sustainability as a key pillar. One of the first priorities is to promote the importance of companies and destinations shifting towards sustainability frameworks that align with the 17 United Nations SDGs. This is achieved by encouraging experience sharing and networking to promote the improvement of sustainability competencies.

After formalising the alliance, Andreu Serra, Conseller de Transició, Turisme i Esports of the Mallorca Council, the island’s institution for tourism promotion and planning, and the president of Green & Human, Ginés Martínez, signed an action protocol by which the island became one of the only two destinations, along with Tenerife, to be a part of this sustainability-promoting entity.

Green & Human represents a wide range of tourism sector companies, all with the same objective: to transform and invest in initiatives aimed at attracting higher quality and responsible tourism. Among the members of Green & Human are Jumbo Touris, Hyatt Leisure Group, and Viajes El Corte Inglés. Members benefit from additional resources and tools on the “three levers of change”: sustainability agora, project centre, and Biosphere Certification, a formula created to make the sustainable transformation efforts of companies or destinations recognisable.

Green & Human also provides its members with advice on sustainable projects and public financing, support and encouragement of investment, sponsorships, and the collaborations of private companies, public bodies, foundations, associations, and management companies for the dissemination of sustainable tourist destinations.

The article Mallorca teams up with Green & Human to develop sustainable tourism projects first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Moreover, she explained how the company measure the impact and who are the most important KPIs.

Maya Sever participated in “Small Accommodations & Hostels Sustainability” panel discussion, along with Ayse Zeynep Sezerel, owner of No11 Hotel & Apartments, Istanbul, Abraham Group, Pegi Amarteifio, VP, Global PR & Communications, SLH and Catherine Gilvarry – Head of Supply Hostelworld, as Moderator.

GSTC2023 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference is held in Antalya, Türkiye, from the 9th to 12th of May.

The article Maya Sever (Abraham Group): “Tourists are looking for a more meaningful experience when they travel” first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

There are endless destinations
One of the best parts about taking a campervan holiday is the fact that you can really explore what the country has to offer. You are the master of your own destiny. You can park at the side of the road overlooking a magnificent seascape, or take the road less travelled. You can even pull off to the side of the road if you are feeling sleepy – and that snooze is going to take place in a luxury bed, far better than the front seat of a car.

Take your furry friend
If you choose a motorhome or campervan holiday then your furry family member can also join in the fun. Imagine if you will them exploring a deserted beach or taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a forest glade. Chances are that if you enjoy an experience so will they.

You save on food and groceries
Almost every campervan has a gas ring or more than one. Of course the lack of space means that more complex meals may not be easy to prepare, but there are alternatives. Barbecues are always popular, and if you are catering to a large group then consider investing in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. In each case, you’ll be saving.

The unmistakable taste of freedom
One of the great joys of a motorhome holiday is the fact that you are the master of your own destiny. Gone are the clock watching habits that are so much a part of modern life. You have unlimited flexibility to enjoy the road at your own pace, and strict adherence to a complex itinerary is not necessary. Best of all, there are some fabulous campsites available – check out the online reviews when you are planning your trip. Another bonus is the fact that you will be enjoying a great nights sleep on your ultra-comfy, luxury campervan bed.

Be sure you have your proper number plate though to avoid any issues with your camper.

Enjoy something new
Most people would class a campervan holiday as something that would not be out of place on their bucket list. However, when it comes time for holiday planning many will opt for the safer and more pedestrian option, such as a beach holiday. However, the truth of the matter is that a campervan holiday can be just as reinvigorating and relaxing as spending time on the coast. It’s the perfect family holiday. It will expose you and your family to new ideas, new people and fabulous sights – and it will expand your mind, making you a more well-rounded individual and allowing you to better plan your next great adventure.

Campervan hire Ireland with Rambling Rover Campervans is the best way to dip your toe into the would of campervans. Just get in touch with them!

The article Why do you need a campervan adventure first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The journey will be as diverse as it is luxurious. Drawing on two decades of adventure travel as well as aviation and luxury hospitality expertise, the team have hand-picked each destination. Co-Founder and CEO of White Desert, Patrick Woodhead explains “These countries have been chosen because they are unusual, many are hard to reach destinations and they all epitomise the height of adventure without sacrificing a luxurious experience.”

Starting in Mexico City, guests will then travel to Colombia, Easter Island, Fiji, Borneo, India, Turkey, Namibia, South Africa and will finish the journey with White Desert’s signature trip – into Antarctica. In fact, guests will have the choice of two endings to this incredible journey. Guests can choose either White Desert Antarctica’s ‘Greatest Day’ trip into the 7th Continent where they will have a few hours on ice or a chance to extend their stay for a further five days in Antarctica before flying back to Cape Town (numbers strictly limited).

White Desert World will focus on offering authentic, local experiences and highlights will include Caribbean cooking in Cartagena, a graffiti street art tour of Getsemani and a sailing trip to Club de Pesca for a night of rum, chocolate and salsa music. Other activities will include sampling the best food and drink offerings, experiencing epic street parties and the opportunity to join in with local traditions. These will be coupled with off-the-beaten track city tours, bustling market visits, and collaborations with artisans and musicians; while expert guides will offer guests an adventure of a lifetime.

Guests will travel around the world in a unique Boeing 757-200 set up in a private configuration with 50 lie-flat seats. All air operations will endeavour to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) where possible and the White Desert World journey will be fully off-set. Indeed, White Desert have been carbon neutral since 2007 and this is an important tenet of all of their operations. White Desert are currently implementing a seagrass meadow planting project, which will help them be even more progressive in their sustainability and conservation efforts.

White Desert World’s 7 Continent Adventure is available for a maximum of 50 guests and will take place from 10th – 31st January 2024. White Desert World’s team will be travelling alongside the group and experienced local guides will be supporting on the ground in each destination.

The article Launch of White Desert World – blending unique adventures with iconic destinations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The Impact Network connects organisations and individuals around the world to establish, maintain, and manage strategic relationships that can support and help accelerate the luxury industry’s adaptation of the new climate economy, working with start-up through to well-established brands.

Bspoke founder Bianca Perna comments “We are excited to become a part of Positive Luxury’s impact network, and with the knowledge of their ethical values we can now advise both current and future clients on how they can become more eco-conscious and help shape the way the luxury travel industry thinks about sustainable practices, step by step. We truly believe in the message that Positive Luxury stands for, and that through their framework we can make the difference.”

“The sharing of thoughts and experiences is a powerful key to create any change, especially to answer the new emotions, attitudes, movements and languages that our world requires today. Fundamentally if we think together as a united “WE”, it can help bring on a positive change.” says Carlo Ducci, Senior Consultant.

Founded in 2011 Positive Luxury has been accelerating organisations’ adaptation to the new climate economy. Its ESG+ products and services enable companies to manage risk, embed innovation and credibly foster consumer trust. Organisations that they certify receive the Butterfly Mark, a globally respected trust mark – independently verified evidence that they meet the highest standard of sustainability best practices across ESG+: Environmental, Social, Governance and Innovation.

“We are delighted to welcome Bianca Perna, founder of Bspoke Associates, Ros Milani Gallieni, Strategic Partner of Bspoke Associates and the entire Bspoke Associates team into the Positive Luxury Impact Network. Bspoke Associates have understood the importance of our collaboration across the luxury industry and shares our mission to communicate and shape a route towards a more sustainable future for luxury. We are excited to start this journey together.” says Natalie Welsh, Relationship Marketing Manager of Positive Luxury.

The article Bspoke Associates joins Positive Luxury’s Impact Network first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.