New concept goes beyond the hotel company’s traditional spa offering to deliver meaningful experiences focused on holistic well-being.
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has responded to the increasingly health-conscious aspirations of global travellers by introducing its new group-wide wellness concept – ‘Devarana Wellness’ – which aims to weave well-being elements throughout the entire stay experience at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, global wellness tourism has increased from a USD 563 billion market in 2015 to USD 639 billion in 2017, or 6.5% annually. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, holistic health experiences are only expected to be in even higher demand. In Dusit’s home base of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has set a goal for the country to become the ‘Medical and Wellness Resort of the World’ by 2024.

This week, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the new position of their next chairwoman. Liz Ortiguera will take the position as the next CEO effective May 17, 2021, succeeding Dr. Mario Hardy who will finish his term at the end of May. The announcement was made at the Association’s Board Meeting held earlier.
PATA Chair Soon-Hwa Wong said, “We are delighted to welcome Liz to the PATA family, especially as she will be the first Asian American female CEO in PATA’s 70 year history. Her extensive leadership experience across different industries in the Asia Pacific region is what PATA needs to lead the Association to new heights. The Executive Board looks forward to working closely with her as we rebuild a more resilient, responsible, sustainable and stronger travel and tourism industry.”

Up to 750 attendees allowed for approved events, with pre-event testing and safety protocols in place.
Larger business-to-business (B2B) events in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry are set to return to Singapore with up to 750 attendees with effect from 24 Apr 2021. This is an increase from the current limit of 250 attendees and is in line with the safe and progressive resumption of economic activities in Singapore.