Banyan Tree Krabi has announced the appointment of Ammaraporn Duangphophim, also known as Chef Emma, as its new Executive Sous Chef. A seasoned culinary professional, Chef Emma brings over 15 years of experience from some of Thailand’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants. Originally from Bangkok, she holds a bachelor's degree in Hotel Administration and has worked in renowned establishments such as Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Malaysia, and the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok.

In her new role, Chef Emma will oversee operations at the resort’s three dining venues: The Naga Kitchen, an all-day dining space with international cuisine; Saffron, Banyan Tree’s signature Thai restaurant; and Kredkaew Bar, a beachfront dining spot. She joins a team dedicated to sustainability, focusing on locally sourced ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and distributors to create dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Excited about her new journey, Chef Emma expressed her enthusiasm for enhancing the luxury hospitality experience at Banyan Tree Krabi, emphasizing exceptional food, service, and wellness. She aims to incorporate traditional southern Thai recipes into her creations while refining her expertise in sustainable gastronomy.

One of the resort’s standout dining experiences is the Bird’s Nest—three elevated dining pods perched among the trees, connected to Saffron by a short walkway and accessible via a scenic electric funicular. This unique setting offers guests breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea while enjoying exquisite cuisine.

Nestled along the serene Tubkaek Beach, Banyan Tree Krabi is a luxurious retreat featuring 72 pool suites and villas, including an opulent seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort is surrounded by lush national parks, offering a tranquil escape with world-class amenities such as a beach club, a fitness center, a kids' club, and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa Krabi.

With Chef Emma at the helm, Banyan Tree Krabi’s culinary offerings are set to reach new heights, promising an unforgettable dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability.

Red Dot Representations, a leading name in international destination marketing, has joined forces with Thang Long International Travel & Trade Investment JSC (Thang Long Tours), one of Vietnam’s top destination management companies. This partnership is set to introduce Indian and global travelers to Vietnam’s rich cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and personalized travel offerings.

With Vietnam emerging as a sought-after travel hotspot, particularly among Indian tourists, this collaboration will leverage Red Dot Representations’ expertise to position the country as a go-to destination for leisure, adventure, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel. Travelers will gain exclusive access to Thang Long Tours’ locally immersive itineraries, crafted to offer an authentic experience beyond mainstream tourism.

Thang Long Tours, known for its philosophy of helping travelers "experience truly like the locals," curates tailor-made journeys that showcase Vietnam’s heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant local life. The company collaborates with accommodation providers and excursion organizers to deliver seamless travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, said, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Thang Long Tours to bring uniquely personalized Vietnam experiences to global travelers. Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination, and with Thang Long Tours’ deep-rooted knowledge of the region, we aim to craft unforgettable journeys for our clientele."

Echoing this sentiment, Emma Le, Inbound Director at Thang Long Tours, added, "Vietnam’s charm lies in its vibrant culture, storied history, and unparalleled hospitality. Through our partnership with Red Dot Representations, we look forward to showcasing Vietnam in a way that goes beyond traditional tourist trails, offering Indian travelers a truly immersive experience."

As Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to flourish, this collaboration is set to redefine how travelers experience the country, offering a perfect blend of adventure, heritage, and local flavors.

A deadly fire engulfed a ski resort hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, early Tuesday morning, claiming at least 76 lives and leaving 51 others injured. Among the victims, many were children, including young students aged 10 and 11, as families and holidaymakers were caught in the flames and smoke.

The tragedy struck during the school holiday season, with 234 guests staying at the hotel in Bolu province. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as desperate guests leaped from windows and attempted to escape using tied bedsheets.

 Image Credits - Getty Images

Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, reported that the blaze began at 3:27 a.m., with emergency crews arriving nearly an hour later. Despite the swift mobilization of 267 emergency responders, including 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances, the 12-story cliffside structure posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday, urging solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. “Today is a day for unity,” Erdogan emphasized, promising that those responsible would face justice.

Authorities have detained nine individuals as part of an ongoing investigation. Reports indicate that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to function, exacerbating the disaster. Survivors recounted the chaos, with one guest stating, “The alarm didn’t go off. My wife smelled the burning... We saw people hanging from windows, screaming for help.”

The resort, a popular winter destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara, saw its busiest period interrupted by the blaze. Other hotels in the area were evacuated as a precaution, with displaced guests accommodated elsewhere in Bolu.

As rescue operations and investigations continue, the Kartalkaya fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in public spaces.