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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on August 22, 2024
Hong Kong has won the bid to host the Lions International Convention in July 2026. This global event, one of the world’s largest service club gatherings, is expected to attract around 20,000 Lions Clubs International members from across the globe.
The convention will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, located conveniently near Hong Kong International Airport. This venue choice underscores Hong Kong’s strategic advantages in hosting large-scale international events, further solidifying its reputation as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE).
This marks the third time Hong Kong will host the Lions International Convention, following successful events in 1992 and 2005. The selection highlights Hong Kong’s ability to manage and execute major international events, leveraging its well-developed infrastructure, robust transportation network, and comprehensive facilities.
Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Hong Kong is ready to roar with excitement as we support the Lions Clubs International District 303 to host the 2026 Lions International Convention. This event aligns with our mission to grow the MICE sector and bring the world’s most prestigious events to our vibrant city and drive social and economic benefits for Hong Kong.”
Lions Clubs International, with over 1.4 million members in more than 48,000 clubs worldwide, is the largest service organization globally. The convention will provide a platform for members to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen their commitment to community service.
Sammy Shum, District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 303, also highlighted the significance of the event, noting that Hong Kong’s diverse culture and dynamic energy will enrich the experience for attendees. He emphasized the city’s readiness to showcase its unique charms and extend its renowned hospitality to international visitors.
The convention is expected to boost Hong Kong’s economy significantly, with substantial spending anticipated from the influx of international visitors. It will also offer an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s latest attractions and developments to a global audience.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on April 25, 2025
Set-jetting just got an upgrade in Thailand! The luxurious Banyan Tree Samui resort is now offering speedboat tours that let guests experience the stunning island locations seen in HBO’s hit series The White Lotus.
Fans of the show will recall the final scene where characters sail away from Koh Samui into the sunset — a moment now recreated in real life thanks to "Sense of the Sea," the resort’s sleek new 12-metre speedboat. This 400HP beauty is specially designed for luxury day trips, complete with personalized service, onboard comfort, and the same scenic views that lit up TV screens worldwide.
Guests can join eight-hour excursions through the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, a breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands with limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and turquoise waters — all of which served as a dreamy backdrop in The White Lotus’ third season.
Prefer shorter getaways? There’s a six-hour trip to Koh Phangan, made famous for its Full Moon Party depicted in the series. Or you can unwind on the 5 Islands Sunset Cruise or take a leisurely tour of Koh Taen and Koh Matsum, the latter affectionately known as Thailand’s “Bay of Pigs” for its beach-loving wild pigs.
Each tour is customizable for private groups or special occasions, with plenty of time for snorkeling, swimming, lounging, or even popping champagne mid-sea. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life—from colorful fish and coral reefs to turtles, sharks, and dugongs.
Back at the resort, the White Lotus spirit continues. From locally-inspired welcome gifts to wellness programs featuring yoga, meditation, and healthy cuisine, the property is embracing what many now call "The White Lotus Effect."
The resort’s spa has even launched a "Sense of Lotus" treatment — a 120-minute refresh that begins with a White Lotus Polisher, made with lotus seed beads for gentle exfoliation.
And what better way to toast your experience than with the resort’s new cocktail, the White Lotus? It’s a tropical blend of vodka, white rum, lychee and lime juices, coconut milk, and fresh lychee, topped with Damask rose petals.
With 88 hillside villas each offering a private infinity pool and sweeping ocean views, Banyan Tree Samui is the kind of place where cinematic beauty meets real-world comfort. Add to that three top restaurants, a MICHELIN-listed dining experience at Saffron, an award-winning spa, private beach, and coral-fringed coastlines, and you’ve got the ultimate retreat for fans, adventurers, and romantics alike.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 24, 2025
As the world remembers the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is inviting its guests to step into a unique chapter of history—literally. The hotel has launched a commemorative edition of its signature “Path of History” tour, featuring a guided visit to its underground bomb shelter, which once sheltered renowned guests like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda during wartime air raids.
Discovered by accident in 2011 beneath the Bamboo Bar, the shelter had remained sealed since the war ended in 1975. Now, it stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage that defined that era.
Led by the hotel’s own historian, the tour—available exclusively to in-house guests at 5 pm and 6 pm daily—blends powerful storytelling with rare visual artefacts. From century-old room keys to black-and-white photographs of famous guests like Charlie Chaplin, the experience brings the hotel’s storied legacy to life. But the emotional highlight remains the descent into the bomb shelter itself, where guests are immersed in the haunting audio of Joan Baez’s “Where Are You Now, My Son,” echoing with the sounds of air raid sirens and wartime reflections.
Adding to the commemorative spirit, the hotel recently welcomed back Uzaki Makoto, a former journalist with Japan’s Nihon Denpa News, who lived at the Metropole between 1971 and 1974. During his return, Uzaki revisited the very room he once worked from and reflected on moments spent huddled in the shelter alongside Baez during the 1972 bombings. His presence served as a living link to a time when the hotel stood as both sanctuary and silent witness to history.
Now 124 years old, Metropole Hanoi continues to blend heritage with luxury. Last year, its historic Heritage Wing, comprising 103 rooms and suites, was revitalized through a 21-month renovation project. The restoration honoured the building’s original charm while incorporating contemporary comforts and vivid elegance.
From its three iconic suites named after legends like Graham Greene and Charlie Chaplin to its vibrant dining options—ranging from the classic French Le Beaulieu to the sophisticated Angelina lounge—the Metropole remains a timeless symbol of Hanoi’s cultural richness.
For bookings or more information, guests can contact +84 24 3826 6919 (ext. 8500), email metropolehanoi.reservations1@sofitel.com or visit www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com.
By Author
Published on April 23, 2025
In a remarkable gesture of diplomatic goodwill, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) dispatched Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets to escort Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft as it entered Saudi airspace. This unprecedented move underscores the strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia, highlighting a new era of strategic partnership and mutual respect.
The escort, captured in a widely circulated video, showcases Saudi fighter jets flanking PM Modi's plane, symbolizing a warm welcome and the high regard in which the Indian leader is held. PM Modi's reaction, visible in the footage, reflects his appreciation for the honor, marking a significant moment in India-Saudi relations.
This event is not only a testament to the personal rapport between the two leaders but also indicative of the broader geopolitical alignment between India and Saudi Arabia. Both nations have been collaborating on various fronts, including energy, trade, and security, aiming to bolster their bilateral relations.
In the realm of hospitality and diplomatic protocol, such gestures are profound. The fighter jet escort serves as a modern-day equivalent of a ceremonial guard of honor, reflecting the host nation's respect and the importance of the visiting dignitary. It sets a precedent in international diplomacy, where traditional hospitality intertwines with contemporary expressions of alliance and camaraderie.
For the hospitality industry, this event underscores the significance of cultural sensitivity and the role of symbolic gestures in fostering international relations. As nations seek to strengthen ties, the nuances of hospitality—be it through state ceremonies or personalized welcomes—play a pivotal role in diplomacy.
As PM Modi continues his engagements in Saudi Arabia, this gesture by Crown Prince MBS will be remembered as a highlight, reflecting the deepening bond between the two nations and setting a new benchmark in diplomatic hospitality.
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