Gianfranco Zola to Headline The Famous CFC Bangkok as Ascott Brings Chelsea’s Global Fan Experience to Thailand

Gianfranco Zola to Headline The Famous CFC Bangkok as Ascott Brings Chelsea’s Global Fan Experience to Thailand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 7, 2025

The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the Official Global Hotels Partner of Chelsea Football Club, is bringing The Famous CFC to Bangkok, Thailand, following the remarkable success of its Singapore edition. This global fan engagement event, scheduled for April 25-26, 2025, will be hosted at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok and Somerset Rama 9 Bangkok, offering Chelsea supporters and Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) members an unparalleled experience.

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola, a two-time Chelsea Player of the Year, will headline the event. Zola, who played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s success from 1996 to 2003, was voted the club’s greatest-ever player in 2003. His visit to Bangkok marks Chelsea’s much-anticipated return to the city since 2017.

During The Famous CFC in Singapore in late 2024, Zola was warmly received by fans from across the region. Known for both his footballing excellence and his approachable nature, Zola’s presence in Bangkok is expected to draw an enthusiastic response from Chelsea’s passionate fanbase.

The Bangkok edition will include a lineup of activities such as a watch party for Chelsea’s match against Everton on April 26 and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Zola. The Famous CFC aims to deepen Chelsea’s bond with supporters worldwide, having already engaged fans in Mumbai, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur since its launch in 2023.

imageAscott Embassy Sathorn, Bangkok

Ascott’s Commitment to Chelsea Fans

Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer of Ascott, expressed excitement about bringing the fan experience to Bangkok after the success in Singapore. Ascott Star Rewards members will gain exclusive access to meet Zola, hear stories from his career, and experience Chelsea’s legacy up close. The event promises VIP hospitality, curated stays at Ascott properties, and unforgettable moments for Chelsea supporters.

imageSomerset Rama 9 Bangkok

Since partnering with Chelsea FC, Ascott has enhanced its hospitality offerings for football fans. ASR members enjoy match-and-stay packages, access to Chelsea soccer school training sessions, and VIP entry to Ascott’s private hospitality suite at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, the rebranding of Stamford Bridge Hotel London under Ascott’s ‘lyf’ brand by late 2025 is set to redefine the fan experience.

Exciting Opportunities for ASR Members

As part of The Famous CFC Bangkok, Ascott is launching an exclusive campaign for ASR members. Those who book and stay with Ascott stand a chance to win an evening with Gianfranco Zola, including access to the Ascott x Chelsea pre-match party and a special appearance by Zola.

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Two exclusive experience packages are available for ASR members:

  1. Intimate Fan Experience with Gianfranco Zola – Includes access to the Ascott x Chelsea pre-match party and a limited-edition Ascott x Chelsea merchandise pack.

  2. Ultimate Weekend with Gianfranco Zola – Includes all the benefits of the first package plus an exclusive VIP meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Zola.

For ticket details and event updates, visit Ascott’s official website.


Ensana Hotels Enters Georgia with Opening of Ensana Sairme South

Ensana Hotels Enters Georgia with Opening of Ensana Sairme South

By Hariharan U

Published on July 12, 2026

Ensana Hotels has expanded its international footprint with the opening of its first property in Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the company's European growth strategy. The newly launched Ensana Sairme South is a four-star hotel located in the renowned spa town of Sairme, bringing the group's signature medical wellness concept to one of Georgia's best-known thermal destinations.

Situated at an altitude of over 900 metres in the Caucasus Mountains, the 154-room property combines wellness, preventive healthcare, and nature-based experiences. Known for its thermal and mineral springs for more than six decades, Sairme is positioned as an emerging destination for travellers seeking holistic health and wellness experiences.

Commenting on the expansion, Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana Hotels, said Georgia's exceptional natural healing resources and growing appeal as a travel destination align well with the company's long-term strategy. He noted that the country's forested landscapes, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and medically beneficial thermal and mineral springs make Sairme a promising destination for health spa tourism.

Natural healing resources remain central to Ensana's wellness philosophy. The thermal water in Sairme is widely recognised for therapeutic treatments, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions, while the region's naturally carbonated mineral water has traditionally been used in drinking therapies for liver, kidney, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal health.

The company is also preparing to open its second property in the destination, Ensana Sairme North, following an extensive renovation. The five-star hotel will feature an expanded wellness offering, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hammam, a salt grotto, and modern treatment facilities designed to complement its medical wellness programmes.

Temur Khokhodze, Owner of Sairme Resorts, said the partnership with Ensana represents a strategic investment in the destination's future. He added that the expansion of the hotels and therapeutic offerings will strengthen the region's tourism appeal while creating new opportunities for local communities.

Located approximately three-and-a-half hours from Tbilisi and close to Kutaisi International Airport, Sairme offers convenient access for international travellers. In addition to wellness treatments, guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and paddling amid the surrounding mountain and forest landscapes.

Launched in 2019, Ensana Hotels is Europe's leading health spa operator, with properties across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and now Georgia. The company is also set to expand into Germany and Italy later in 2026, further strengthening its portfolio of wellness destinations across Europe.


Hyatt Plans Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe, Opening Expected in 2027

Hyatt Plans Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe, Opening Expected in 2027

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2026

Hyatt has announced plans to introduce Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe, with the hotel expected to open in late 2027 following the signing of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC. Once operational, it will become the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Zimbabwe.

Originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, the property will undergo an extensive refurbishment and redesign to align with the Grand Hyatt brand. The transformation aims to create a luxury destination that blends the heritage of Victoria Falls with contemporary hospitality experiences.

Located in the heart of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders," the hotel will offer guests easy access to one of the world's most iconic natural attractions. The property is just a five-minute walk from the Victoria Falls rainforest and is conveniently located near safari circuits, cultural attractions, restaurants, and guided tours.

Commenting on the announcement, Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt, said:

"We are delighted to collaborate with Albwardy Investments to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. With its landmark location just moments from the Victoria Falls rainforest, this property represents a truly exceptional setting. This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt's continued expansion across Africa, reinforcing our commitment on growing our brand presence in the region and providing World of Hyatt members more travel choice in inspiring destinations."

Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments, added:

"We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on plans to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. As one of the destination's most established hospitality landmarks for more than 60 years, the property holds significant heritage and potential within Zimbabwe. Through its transformation under the Grand Hyatt brand, and with plans to reopen in late 2027, we aim to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture, energy and significance of Victoria Falls, further reinforcing our commitment to Africa's hospitality sector."

Upon completion, the hotel is expected to feature 245 guestrooms, 1,800 square metres of meeting and event space, three dining venues, a spa, fitness centre, and a grand lobby lounge. Guests will also have access to a range of dining, wellness, and leisure experiences designed to reflect the Grand Hyatt brand.

The property is the closest hotel to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side and is located around 20 minutes from Victoria Falls International Airport, making it an ideal choice for leisure travellers, business guests, and events.

Once the hotel opens, World of Hyatt members will be able to earn and redeem loyalty benefits during their stay.


FIFA 2026 Highlights: France Reach Semifinals as Norway Changes Hotel Ahead of England Clash

FIFA 2026 Highlights: France Reach Semifinals as Norway Changes Hotel Ahead of England Clash

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

France secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Boston on July 9, 2026, sealing a place in their third consecutive World Cup semifinal.

After a goalless first half, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele found the net in the second half to guide Les Bleus to victory. Morocco struggled to create clear opportunities against the two-time world champions, who controlled much of the contest.

Mbappe, who missed a penalty in the opening half, appeared to pick up a knock towards the closing stages of the match. France will now face the winner of the Spain vs Belgium quarter-final in the semifinal on July 14.

Away from the action on the pitch, Norway's preparations for their quarter-final clash against England were disrupted after the team was forced to change hotels in Miami.

The squad had checked into the Dalmar Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, but players soon raised concerns over constant traffic noise from a busy road and ongoing construction work nearby, making it difficult for them to rest.

Following an official complaint to FIFA, the entire Norwegian squad was relocated within two-and-a-half hours of reporting the issue. The team has now moved to a quieter hotel located closer to Hard Rock Stadium, where they will take on England in the quarter-finals.

The last-minute change is expected to provide the players with a more comfortable environment as they continue preparations for one of the biggest matches in the nation's football history.

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