Lights, Camera, Travel! Taika Waititi's Role in New Zealand's Tourism Revival

By Author

Published on October 4, 2023

New Zealand, a nation known for its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, is launching an ambitious new tourism campaign aimed at rekindling international interest after the industry took a hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures. To add star power to their campaign, they've enlisted the help of renowned Kiwi director and actor Taika Waititi, who is set to play a pivotal role in luring travelers back to the land of the Kiwis.

In a bid to capture the attention of prospective tourists, Tourism New Zealand is set to premiere a captivating 3.5-minute promotional film. This promotional masterpiece stars Taika Waititi and his stunt double, Jade Daniels, who worked together in the HBO romantic comedy series "Our Flag Means Death," filmed against New Zealand's breathtaking backdrop. The film, produced at a cost of NZ$689,000 (approximately USD 409,890), showcases the diverse range of experiences that this island nation offers.

Rene de Monchy, the Chief Executive of Tourism New Zealand, emphasized that visitors from the United States are a prime target audience for this campaign. The film, shot in December 2022, will be featured on various social media platforms, including Australia, Germany, the UK, and parts of Asia, aiming to reach a global audience.

Before the pandemic and the subsequent border closures, international tourism played a pivotal role in New Zealand's economy, contributing approximately 5.5% to its gross domestic product. While tourists are beginning to return, overseas visitor numbers in July remained 16% lower than they were in July 2019. The new promotional film is set to enthrall viewers with captivating glimpses of experiences like dolphin watching in Kaikoura on the South Island's picturesque east coast and indulging in wine tasting sessions in Auckland, the nation's largest city.

The film's release couldn't come at a better time, with competition in the tourism industry heating up worldwide. Economic conditions remain challenging in many parts of the globe, making it imperative for New Zealand to stay innovative and at the forefront of travelers' minds.

New Zealand's decision to leverage its natural beauty and cultural experiences, along with the star power of Taika Waititi, is a promising sign that this island nation is ready to welcome the world once more. As global travelers seek meaningful, immersive experiences, New Zealand's "If You Seek" campaign seems perfectly poised to offer just that, blending hospitality (manaakitanga) and environmental stewardship (kaitiakitanga), encouraging travelers to seek transformational experiences and discover the magic of Aotearoa.

So, whether you're dreaming of encounters with dolphins or savoring world-class wines, New Zealand is beckoning travelers to embrace discovery and personal growth as they embark on their next adventure.

Award-winning Mixologist Francisco to Headline World Cocktail Day Celebration in Hanoi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew from Meliá Chiang Mai is set to headline a special guest shift at Garbo, the cinematic cocktail bar at Meliá Hanoi, as part of the World Cocktail Day celebrations this May.

The two-night event, titled Garbo’s Signatures Reimagined in Chiang Mai Flavors, will take place on May 14 and 15 from 4 PM until midnight. During the takeover, Francisco will present a fresh interpretation of Garbo’s signature cocktails by blending them with distinctive Northern Thai flavours, herbs, spices, and citrus elements inspired by Chiang Mai.

Known for its old-Hollywood-inspired interiors and cocktail menu that pays tribute to iconic films and cinema legends, Garbo has collaborated with Francisco to create three exclusive cocktails for the occasion.

One of the highlights, Black Glamour, draws inspiration from Greta Garbo and the 1936 film Camille. The cocktail combines Johnnie Walker Black Label, cacao-infused Averna Amaro, coffee, and tonka bean tincture, finished with Chiang Mai stout cacao and cava air foam.

Another creation, Call Me By Your Name, inspired by Humphrey Bogart’s role in Casablanca, blends Chiang Mai tea-infused vodka with clarified pomelo juice for a refreshing twist.

The third cocktail, Chiang Mai Confidential, pays tribute to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat and features neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc, and soda water, delivering a herbaceous and refreshing flavour profile.

To elevate the experience further, each cocktail will be served with a limited-edition coaster inspired by the Hollywood icon and film connected to the drink. Guests can also scan a QR code on the coaster to explore the story behind each creation.

Francisco has gained recognition in the mixology space after winning the Thailand Hotel Bartender’s Championship 2025. He was also named second runner-up at the World Class Thailand 2025 national competition and won the Zacapa “Above the Clouds” Challenge.

With more than eight years of experience in luxury hospitality and mixology, Francisco played an important role in the pre-opening journey of Meliá Chiang Mai before taking charge as the hotel’s beverage manager. He currently leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, the hotel’s rooftop venue known for its panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the Ping River.

“This guest shift gives me the chance to recast Garbo’s signature cocktails through the flavours and atmosphere of Chiang Mai, with Northern Thai ingredients stepping into the spotlight,” said Francisco. “The drinks still carry that old Hollywood glamour and mystery, but with Northern Thai ingredients playing the leading role.”

Fairfest Media Appoints Simon Press as Managing Director – International

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 11, 2026

Fairfest Media has announced the appointment of Simon Press as Managing Director – International, marking an important step in the company’s global growth strategy following its recent acquisition of WTE Miami.

In this newly created role, Simon Press will lead Fairfest’s international business portfolio with a focus on expanding WTE Miami into a leading global travel trade event. He will also play a major role in identifying and bringing high-potential international event intellectual properties (IPs) into India, one of the fastest-growing exhibition markets globally.

Simon will be based across Miami, London, and Mumbai while overseeing the company’s international operations and strategic growth initiatives.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Simon has worked extensively in launching, scaling, and managing large-scale international exhibitions and B2B media brands across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he managed a portfolio of leading European technology events. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at globally recognised travel industry exhibitions, where he handled growth strategies, international partnerships, and expansion across multiple markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media, said,

"Simon's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Fairfest as we expand our global footprint. His extensive experience in leading world-class exhibitions and building global platforms aligns perfectly with our vision. We are confident that under his leadership, WTE Miami will scale rapidly and I am equally excited about the new opportunities we will unlock together to bring world-class shows to India."

Sharing his thoughts on joining the company, Simon Press said,

"Fairfest has built a remarkable reputation as a leading trade show organiser in Asia, and the acquisition of WTE Miami creates a compelling global platform to build on. I look forward to growing WTE Miami into a truly global event and exploring new opportunities to connect international markets with India's rapidly expanding exhibition ecosystem."

With this appointment, Fairfest Media aims to further strengthen its presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company is also actively engaging with global event organisers for co-development and co-investment opportunities in high-potential event IPs within India, backed by its strong local expertise and decades of industry experience.

Manoli Brings Authentic Greek Island Flavours to Coconut Grove, Miami

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

Manoli is set to open in early summer 2026, bringing the authentic flavours and spirit of the Greek islands to Miami’s Coconut Grove neighbourhood.

Led by Greek Chef Emmanouil Aslanoglou, the restaurant is rooted in traditional Greek culinary heritage while shaped by global experience across some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens. Chef Aslanoglou’s journey spans Greece, the UK, Spain, and the United States, including roles at renowned establishments such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Arzak, as well as leadership positions in leading Greek restaurants.

Manoli is conceived as a table-first dining experience, where shared plates and communal eating reflect the warmth and hospitality of Greek culture. The restaurant features approximately 140 seats across indoor, outdoor, and bar spaces, designed as a neighbourhood destination that transitions seamlessly from daytime dining to lively evening gatherings.

The menu reflects a deep connection to Greek culinary tradition while embracing modern interpretation. Guests can begin with small plates such as Dolmades, Saganaki, Crispy Feta with thyme honey, Keftedes, Mediterranean Mussels, and Gyro Tacos made with Black Angus ribeye. A raw bar selection includes Bigeye Tuna Tartare, Beef Tartare, and seasonal oysters, alongside classic Avgolemono soup prepared with roasted chicken, egg, and lemon.

The offering expands into housemade pastas including Pastitsio, Makarounes, and Athenian Lobster, followed by grilled specialties such as Greek-style lamb chops, prime beef, Whole Branzino, and rotating fresh fish selections. Traditional sides like Lemon Potatoes, Horta Chicory, and hand-cut fries complete the experience.

A standout feature of the restaurant is its Dessert Trolley Service, designed to bring a theatrical, shared-dining finish to the meal. Tableside selections include Baklava, Profiteroles, Chocolate Cake, Crispy Cream Custard, and Yogurt with Preserves, along with warm Greek donuts served fresh from the kitchen.

The beverage program, titled Sober Souls Diaries, is curated by Greek Beverage Manager Fotis Mexi and draws inspiration from classical Greek tragedy, with cocktails such as Hybris, Eris, and Mira, alongside a curated selection of Greek wines and inventive mocktails.

Speaking about the concept, Chef Aslanoglou said, “Manoli is deeply personal to me. It reflects the way I grew up eating in Greece—food made with care and meant to be shared. I wanted to bring that feeling to Miami, where every table feels like home and every meal feels like a celebration.”

With its focus on authenticity, storytelling, and shared dining, Manoli aims to introduce a transportive Greek island experience to Miami, blending culture, cuisine, and hospitality into a cohesive neighbourhood destination.

Welcome to post your talent

A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.