Tag: Travel

“Taste Hong Kong,” a Chef-Curated Gourmet Guide to the City’s True Culinary Soul

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

More than 50 master chefs handpick 250 restaurants to showcase the authentic flavours of Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods 

HONG KONG, Jan 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.

Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.

At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.

“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.

“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.

Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.

The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.

To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.

Media can download photos at the following link:
https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?cachedCriteria=1&categoryId=2323&categoryTypeId=2&allCats=0

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Holly Chan
Tel: 2807 6206
Email: holly.chan@hktb.com 		Ms Irene Tsang
Tel: 2807 6541
Email: irene.tsang@hktb.com  

Photo accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2dabc68d-9bfd-4f1b-a708-40865a2acdec
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7b089ab-153d-4098-b587-c33148715edf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50b198ca-9764-4305-991c-fff01c8fd669

SOURCE: Hong Kong Tourism Board

STB’s Virtual Assistant Alma Redefines How Travelers Explore Slovenia

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, Dec 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —TheSlovenian Tourist Board (STB) is strengthening Slovenia’s position as a digitally advanced, user-focused destination with Alma, an AI-powered virtual travel advisor that has rapidly become one of the country’s most innovative tourism tools. Integrated into the national tourism portal slovenia.info, Alma enables visitors to access personalised and up-to-date travel information in real time, marking a major step in the STB’sdigital transformation efforts.

Launched in May 2024, Alma engages users in conversational, intuitive exchanges across seven languages, providing tailored guidance, inspiring stories and practical tips for exploring Slovenia. Named after traveller and writer Alma M. Karlin, the assistant is built on advanced OpenAI technology and sources information from the slovenia.info database and more than 60 curated tourism websites and API integrations.

Since its introduction, Alma has gained significant recognition. It earned silver in the Tourism category at the 2024 Websi Awards, praised for its intelligent integration with the website’s search engine and for enhancing user interaction on a national tourism platform. More recently, Alma won the prestigious Travel Tech Project of the Year at the 2025 Game Changer Awards, underscoring Slovenia’s leadership in developing responsibly designed, user-friendly digital solutions for the future of travel.

MSc. Maja Pak Olaj, the Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board, emphasised: “Alma represents an important step towards modern, intelligent and personalised services that make exploration of Slovenia easier. The award recognises our efforts toward innovation and confirms that thoughtful use of technology can create greater value for tourists, partners, and the entire Slovenian tourism sector.”

Alma’s impact is reflected in its strong adoption figures. In August 2025 alone, users asked nearly 12,000 questions, with English, Italian, German and Slovenian speakers representing the largest share. The assistant achieved an 88% positive rating that month, rising to 91% in October and November, reflecting high satisfaction.

Travellers increasingly rely on Alma to plan multi-day itineraries, discover lesser-known regions, choose family-friendly activities, explore culinary and cultural events and access sustainable mobility options. Continuous upgrades – including a redesigned mobile interface, dynamic suggestions and multilingual adaptation – further strengthen its role as a digital companion. Looking ahead, the STB is developing “Admin Alma” to allow destinations to enrich the assistant with local insights, and plans to evolve Alma into a real-time voice guide supporting visitors throughout their journey.

More information: 
https://www.slovenia.info/en/business/content-digital-marketing/alma-slovenian-ai-travel-guide

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/614ec2a1-ff5d-4362-8310-12fcdb6c12ae

press@slovenia.info

SOURCE: Slovenian Tourist Board

–BERNAMA

Legacy of Flying Tigers honored with new exhibition in south China

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

NANNING, China, Sept. 9, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

A guest at the permanent exhibition honoring the Flying Tigers in the Liuzhou Military Museum in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. 

A permanent exhibition honoring the Flying Tigers — the American volunteer pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces against Japanese aggressors during World War II — opened on Sunday in Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Housed in the Liuzhou Military Museum, the exhibition brings together more than 1,000 artifacts — from flight suits and arm patches to letters and diaries, many of which were donated by people in China and the United States.

Liuzhou was a key transportation hub and military stronghold in southern China during the war. In 1942, the Flying Tigers came to the city and was stationed in a local airport. From there, American pilots flew missions against Japanese invaders, leaving behind historical sites, images and stories of locals risking their lives to rescue downed airmen.

Describing the history as one “with remarkable friendship and mutual sacrifice at its heart,” Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said at the opening ceremony that the peoples of China and the United States had developed a remarkable relationship during the darkest days of WWII.

“This history has become more than a bridge between two nations. It is a timeless testament to the power of solidarity,” Greene said.

Also at the ceremony, Yang Wanming, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, noted that more than 80 years ago, China and the United States chose to fight together for justice and peace.

“This history shows that people from different countries can overcome their differences and unite in the face of common challenges,” Yang said, adding that the younger generations from both countries will carry forward the spirit of the Flying Tigers.

The exhibition will be open to the public free of charge long term, featuring five themed sections presenting the stories of how the American pilots fought side-by-side with Chinese soldiers and civilians during the war.

Source : Liuzhou Military Museum

–BERNAMA

GUIGANG’S 15TH LOTUS CULTURE SERIES BLOOMS, DRIVING TOURISM, SMART CULTURAL GROWTH

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) — Guigang, Guangxi in China, has officially launched the 15th Lotus Culture Series, a multi-month celebration that blends tradition, culture, and technology to fuel the city’s booming tourism sector.

Running from July to October, the event will feature theatrical performances, poetry contests, and the selection of “Top Lotus-Viewing Spots”, all aimed at deepening visitor engagement and cultural pride.

Endowed with exceptional ecological strengths, Guigang is building an ecotourism destination serving the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and ASEAN, with its “Three Mountains, One Gorge, One Culture” as the core.

Currently, the city boasts 52 national A-level tourist attractions, 37 rural tourist areas rated four-star or above, and 17 themed tourism camps, while its brand “Camping Paradise, Carefree Guigang” is gaining increasing acclaim.

According to the Publicity Department of Guigang City in a statement, Guigang welcomed over 32 million tourists in the first half of 2025, generating 30.121 billion Chinese yuan in tourism revenue, up 12.88 per cent and 13.87 per cent year on year, respectively. (100 Chinese yuan = RM58.82)

To extend its reach, the city is leveraging performances and events to boost urban development, which include the Guangxi division of the “Village Basketball Association”, the “Douyin Football Carnival”, the “Gangren Gangye Concert”, along with the hosting of the 15th National Games Basketball Qualifiers, highlighting its reputation as a “City of Sports, Capital of Leisure”.

The Douyin event alone earned 1.83 billion online exposures, pushing Guigang into the top three of Douyin’s city search rankings. These events generated significant spikes in hotel stays and local consumption, demonstrating a clear “event-driven, extended-stay” tourism pattern.

To sustain this momentum, Guigang is stepping up its three-year intensive campaign for the cultural and tourism industry, signing 22 new projects worth 2.401 billion Chinese yuan and accelerating 42 key cultural and tourism projects in the first half of 2025.

The city is also pushing forward with “culture-tourism + AI” integration, recently launching an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interpretation system at the Pingnan County Museum.

With the Lotus Series in full bloom, Guigang once again embraces its millennium-old heritage as the “Lotus City”—inviting the world to explore its vibrant mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and technological innovation.

— BERNAMA

​TOKYO SKYTREE Holds Event Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Toy Story

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

TOKYO, July 22, 2025 /Kyodo JBN/ —

TOBU TOWER SKYTREE Co., Ltd., the operator of TOKYO SKYTREE, is holding “To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE,” to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the “Toy Story” movie release. The event began on Thursday, July 17, and will last until Friday, October 31, 2025.

Key visual of “To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE”: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108036/202507041716/_prw_PI1fl_N616C18M.jpg

Special website of “To the Sky Beyond Imagination TOY STORY SKY IN TOKYO SKYTREE”: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/event/special/toystory/

In areas such as the 450-meter-high Tembo Galleria, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Toy Story through the exhibition and interior decorations. Also offered on this floor are limited-edition goods that are only available at the event and special cafe menu items. On the 350-meter-high Tembo Deck, exclusive videos are screened on the windows converted into a giant screen of SKYTREE ROUND THEATER every night of the event. During the evening, the exterior of the tower will have a special Toy Story-themed lighting inspired by various characters from the movie series.

The event’s exclusive key visual depicts the movie characters visiting TOKYO SKYTREE reimagined as a playroom in the clouds.

TOBU TOWER SKYTREE hopes that those who come to Japan will visit and enjoy TOKYO SKYTREE on the occasion of the event.

About TOKYO SKYTREE
The 634-meter-high TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. It has two observation decks, the Tembo Deck, 350 meters high, and the Tembo Galleria, 450 meters high, commanding a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo. At night, TOKYO SKYTREE is colorfully lit up in three lighting styles — “Iki,” characterized by a pale blue, “Miyabi,” featuring Edo purple, and the “Nobori” auspicious tangerine hue. Special lighting can be seen during seasonal and other events.

Official website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

For more details, please check each social media account:
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoskytree_global/
Official X: https://twitter.com/skytreeofficial

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOKYOSKYTREE.official/

Source: TOBU TOWER SKYTREE Co., Ltd.