30 SPECIAL FEATURE
30 SPECIAL FEATURE GASTRONOMY & WINE TOURISM Taj Cape Town Hotel’s New Star Chef Promises Full Immersion David Tilly Taj Executive Chef Having bolstered its hospitality team with the appointment of renowned French chef David Tilly, Taj Cape Town has further cemented its reputation as one of South Africa’s most refined inner city hotels. French chef and food visionary David Tilly has near 20 years experience, having worked as sous chef at L’Auberge David Martin in Boulogne Billancourt before joining Le Meurice in Rue de Rivoli to work under Yannick Alléno. During his time there, the restaurant won its second and third Michelin stars. From there, Tilly began cultivating his love for Asian cuisine, which took him to Taj Palace Hotel New Deli, the Orient Express. From New Delhi, he moved to Taj Palace Marrakech, before joining Taj 51 Buckingham Gate as executive head chef. Tilly is the perfect embodiment of the east-meets-west philosophy that Taj Cape Town exudes, with a unique cooking style that combines his French flair with cross-cultural artistry. The new executive chef at Taj Cape Town is in a unique position to understand what makes gastronomy stand out in a travel market where foodie experiences abound. He is especially cognisant of the penchant for healthy, and ecological, eating among younger millennial travellers. “[This] has given rise to a focus on ethically-sourced, seasonal ingredients that are appropriate for a plant-based or low-carb diet,” says Tilly, who believes Asian cuisine best serves the latest culinary preferences. “South Indian cuisine lends itself to this style of eating, with subtle, flavours including fresh coconut and seafood,” Tilly confirms. “London’s Quilon (run by friend Chef Sriram Aylur) put South West Indian cuisine on the map in the UK, winning its first Michelin star in 2008 and retaining it ever since. For me, this is the best Indian restaurant in London.” But beyond the actual food and flavour, Tilly emphasises that dining out must be a “whole experience.” “People expect top restaurants to entertain and take them on a journey,” he says. “Eating out is increasingly becoming synonymous with theatrical immersion. Diners expect to be delighted, surprised and ‘tricked’ – in a way that immerses all the senses” Hall 20 / Stand 138 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
SPECIAL FEATURE MEDICAL TOURISM 31 ITB BERLIN EXPANDS MEDICAL TOURISM SEGMENT Amatara brain health Following last year’s successful launch of the important and fast-growing Medical Tourism segment at ITB Berlin, growing demand means it has had to relocate to a larger hall (21b) this year. Lectures and presentations are taking place there, and visitors are able to get detailed information on clinics, destinations and medical health insurances. The Health Tourism Industry Conference (HTI) is this year’s official partner of the Medical Tourism Pavilion. HTI, which this year is organising conferences in Zagreb and Brussels, specialises in medical congresses all over Europe. Medical tourism offers huge prospects for the global tourism industry. According to the latest report by VISA and Oxford Economics, current turnover in the world’s medical tourism industry is around 50 billion dollars. Over the next ten years growth is forecast to reach up to 25% per annum. As in every travel market, digitalisation is a hot topic in the Medical Tourism segment. Tomorrow, Friday, 9 March, Dr Andreas Keck will talk about ‘The Digital Challenges in Global Medical Tourism’. Topics addressed by other lectures will include the changes and developments taking place in medical tourism, and the resultant challenges facing hotels and destinations. Over the course of 30-minute sessions Toscana Promozione Turistica will provide information on Tuscany’s many spas. Every day from 4 p.m. onwards, exhibitors and visitors can get together at a Networking Reception, where they exchange in-depth knowledge and establish new contacts. On Friday, 9 March, taking place at the Capital Club on Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, the exclusive ITB Medical Night will also provide an opportunity to network. The event is sponsored by Toscana Promozione Turistica and participation is by special invitation only. To register please email ITB@diversitytourism.com Hall 21.b Medical Tourism Pavilion © Messe Berlin GmbH Amatara Wellness Resort Launches Brain Health Initiative In cooperation with Bangkok Hospital’s Brain Health Institute (BDMS) in Phuket, Amatara Wellness Resort has developed a worldwide innovative healthcare plan focussing on the brain. The programme aims to prevent diseases like Alzheimer and dementia. The brain health enhancement programme begins within an evidence-based approach to understanding a participant’s health status, with a particular focus on the brain. Over two nights and three days, a team of medical professionals guide guests through a series of tests and medical treatments. Between tests they can enjoy delicious, healthy and nutritionally personalised meals, one-on-one exercise, meditation and stress management, as well as accommodation specifically designed for quality sleep and relaxation. The stay at the Brain Health Institute is followed by five nights at Amatara Wellness Resort. This ensures that the interventions, dietary plan and exercise that have been Amatara Spa - Yoga Pavilion personally recommended to guests are integrated into their stay. The brain health enhancement programme is focussed on Alzheimer’s prevention, and is highly recommended for those with a family history of the disease to help with early intervention. It is of great interest for anyone wishing to improve or maintain their brain health and cognition, and to take conscious steps against age-related cognitive decline. Individuals with stressful daily lives or who work long hours will also highly benefit from a programme that suggests ways to enhance and preserve brain health and prevent the decline of function over time. Amatara Brain Health Enhancement falls in the category of individualised medicine and is a truly holistic, personalised and integrative programme focussing on the bio-physical-social uniqueness of every patient. Secluded in a tranquil Cape Panwa bay, Amatara Wellness Resort features allinclusive healthy retreat programmes as well as leisure holiday for guests. The retreats focus on detox, yoga, weight management, fitness, relaxing spas, as well as offering a tailor-made programme Hall 9 / Stand 310 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Thursday 8 th March 2018
