Araba Fenice Services Srl, a spin-off of Italy Emotion Tour Operator, captivated the attention of a selected group of the UAE’s best travel agencies and wedding planners with a presentation of undiscovered treasures of the Region of Campania, Araba Fenice’s home. EXPO 2020 has been chosen by yet another international company to introduce its services to the region, using Dubai as the main platform. Through a virtual tour among the charms of Capri, the mysteries of Pompeii and the exclusivity of Positano, Araba Fenice offered the local agencies a new perspective on the entire Campania region and instruments to communicate its beauty to the UAE travel lovers. Araba Fenice will partner with local travel agencies to get an accurate understanding of the UAE’s customers’ preferences, requirements and goals with the aim to offer unparalleled experiences to tourists coming from the UAE. “Our agency is poised to become a point of reference for professionals and private customers traveling to Italy and, especially, Campania” commented Domenica Sannino, the Director of Araba Fenice after his meetings with the local counterparts. “We are extremely happy with the welcoming response of our colleagues in the UAE and we look forward to welcome tourists and visitors from this amazing country” concluded Sannino.

While travel restrictions continue for parts of the world, many of us are now able and willing to travel once again, with vaccine drives in many countries enabling open borders. As we become more open to taking vacations, a new global travel survey has found that UAE travelers seek a homely experience when staying in a hotel, with 36% saying they like to feel like they’re visiting a friend’s home.  Nearly a fifth (19%) said they are bothered when there aren’t personal touches in their hotel. Cleanliness and comfort were among the highest priorities for guests, with an uncomfortable bed rated the most disliked factor about a hotel stay (33%), while nice food and clean rooms or communal areas among the experiences most likely to make guests book again, at 49% and 43% respectively. On the dining front, 37% of those surveyed said they prefer it when there are a mix of cuisines on offer, while 36% would like more buffet or help yourself options.  And with an emphasis on feeling at home crucial to UAE hotel guests, it’s not surprising that 36% prefer when food is served for longer hours e.g. not just a two hour window for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And with clean eating a key trend, 13% said they dislike it when there aren’t enough vegan or vegetarian options on hotel menus. Sustainability was also a key point of interest for UAE guests with nearly half (46%) keen to see hotels purchase more environmentally friendly products, for example, using glass instead of plastic, which 41% would support. However, the survey commissioned by voco hotels to launch their new Turn Up Service found guests’ experience with staff …

Hilton signed the latest property from LXR Hotels & Resorts, the company’s collection of independent luxury properties, in Diriyah, Riyadh, KSA. Projected to open by 2026, this captivating boutique resort represents the brand’s introduction to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will be located within Diriyah, an 11-square kilometre development that is set to redefine luxury living complete with high-end retail offerings, lavish restaurants, residential and administrative buildings, educational institutions, recreational spaces, and galleries and museums. Nestled in the historic Wadi Hanifah, the retreat is to house 80 immaculately designed guest rooms and enchanting villas. Offering a nearby lush escape of tranquillity and relaxation for those looking to explore the vibrant Diriyah development, guests will enjoy easy access to the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the home of the first Saudi State. Moreover, the annual ‘Diriyah Season’ will create a sought-after destination, hosting a myriad of sports and entertainment events, bringing together local and internationally renowned figures during the month-long festival. “Bringing the LXR Hotels & Resorts brand to Diriyah is yet another step in our ambitious growth plan Hilton has for the Kingdom. KSA is a strategic market for us within the Middle East, where we already have a strong presence and aim to further expand on it,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “In the coming few years, we aim to have opened 75 hotels in the Kingdom, and we continue to look for more opportunities to expand our presence within the rapidly growing market of KSA.” Designed to be an oasis of serenity, the property will house more than 800sqm of spa for guests to rejuvenate through holistic healing and enjoy …

Hilton announced the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin, as it continues its expansion in destinations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 176-guest room property will be developed in partnership with Ahmed Al Amoudi Group and is expected to open in 2025. Hilton Garden Inn Jeddah Falastin will be located on Prince Majid Road, offering ease of access to Jeddah International Airport and the City Centre.  The renowned commercial hub of Falastin Street will be a short walk away with its range of shopping malls, restaurants and commercial enterprises. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a major focus for us as we grow the Hilton Garden Inn portfolio in the Middle East.  The brand has the largest pipeline in Saudi Arabia according to a recent STR report and is an ideal fit for urban locations with strong commercial and business offerings.” Othman Al Amoudi of Ahmed Al Amoudi Group said: “We are proud to be partnering with Hilton in developing this new property, which will enhance the mid-market accommodation offering of this part of Jeddah.  Hilton Garden Inn is a renowned brand which is a great fit for the area and we look forward to welcoming our first guests in 2025.” Hilton Garden Inn Falastin guests will have access to fitness facilities and an indoor pool as well as an all-day dining F&B outlet and lobby juice bar. The property will also contain 314sqm of meeting space. Hilton currently operates 15 hotels in KSA, and already has another 46 under development. The company plans to expand its operations to more than 75 properties in the next few years …

Due to open in Q1 2022, the landmark hotel will stand as one of the tallest buildings in the city, spanning 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites. The highly anticipated hotel is also expected to offer world-class dining outlets – including the renowned JW Steakhouse, along with exceptional facilities, spanning business, wellness and much more. Situated on King Fahad Road, a peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city and just a 5-minute drive from King Abdullah Financial District, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh resides in one of the most desirable addresses in Riyadh.

Brgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, Cebu bags UNWTO best tourism village award The United Nations World Tourism Organization awarded a local suburb the Best Tourism Village Award following successful tourism promotion among local communities. The Philippine Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Secretary, Berna Romulo-Puyat, expressed her delight at the latest development, commending the “remarkable work” of the local community in Bojo through the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) and the strong support of the municipality of Aloguinsan. “A local destination being inducted into the UNWTO Best Tourism Villages Program in its pilot year is a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to sustainable tourism development from the national level down to the grassroots. The wealth of our natural resources and unmatched hospitality remains our key strength as we strive for the reopening of the industry to international travellers anchored on the principle of safe and sustainable tourism,” said Puyat. On behalf of the Philippines, Verna Buensuceso, Tourism Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary, and Philippe Jones Lhuiller, Philippine Ambassador to Spain, received the award on December 2. The UNWTO’s pilot initiative recognised 44 villages from 32 countries for their natural and cultural resources, as well as innovative and transformative efforts, and commitment to tourism development in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Similarly, the programme was launched to promote tourism as a tool for rural development, with the goal of valuing and safeguarding rural villages, as well as their accompanying landscapes and knowledge systems, among others. Bojo is known for its river, hills, underwater natural riches, mangroves, birds, and responsible locals, and its main tourism activity is the Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour, which is managed by the BAETAS. BAETAS provides an eco-cultural river tour that …

Let’s visit Philippines virtual show concluded successfully with 20 exhibitors from the Philippines, over 500 one-on-one meetings with 200 specialized visitors from the Middle East. Dakila F Gonzales, Head, Middle East Market, Market Development Division, Office of Product and Market Development, Department of Tourism Philippines in his address shared, “it is rewarding to see our partners from the Philippines and the Middle East gather together and explore opportunities and possibilities for collaboration as the Philippines start to open dorrs through our green list programme. With us today our 20 Philippine partners with exciting travel products suited for the Middle East market from the fast paced millennials to the family market sector looking for safe getaways, all women travel, business travel, MICE and events and for the visiting friends and relatives sector. It is my privilege and honour to welcome all of you for the Let’s visit Philippines virtual show.” Department of Tourism Philippines have been proactively working over the past months making sure that the destination will be top of the mind for the clients in GCC. This virtual show brought together DMCs and agents from across the Philippines to meet with agents from the GCC for six hours of valuable meeting time. Prior to the pandemic Philippines received a good response from the Middle East market, however virtually connecting just before the holiday rush ensured fruitful meetings with the partners which laid the foundation for collaboration further during the next few months. Middle East travelers are always on the lookout for new outbound destinations that are safe, hassle free and most importantly in this post covid era which has less crowds. Philippines with its almost 7000 plus islands has …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Al Mirqab Tourist Company LLC to debut the Andaz brand in Qatar. The 318-guestroom Andaz Doha is expected to open in fall 2022, at the same time football fans around the world will turn their eyes to Qatar. The hotel will mark the fourth Hyatt hotel in the country. The Andaz brand of luxury lifestyle hotels offer distinctively local experiences that stimulate the senses. Andaz means “personal style” in Hindi, and Andaz hotels celebrate the individuality of every guest and speaks to the uniqueness of each locale. Every Andaz property stands out as an elevated reflection of the culture that surrounds it – capturing the best of local design and cuisine – while delivering thoughtful, unscripted service. Andaz hotels enable guests to go beyond the familiar and satiate their curiosity about the world and local cultures through immersive experiences that capture the true essence of the surrounding destination. The 318-room hotel with stunning sea views will be located in the prestigious West Bay area of Doha, nestled amongst embassies, consulates and key government institutions. Situated within close proximity to a cosmopolitan blend of restaurants, residential and retail space, the hotel will cater to travelers searching for the best of local culture. It will feature four distinct food and beverage outlets offering a wide range from local flavors to international dishes while creating a vibrant social scene. All dining options will boast modern design and an innovative approach to drinking and dining. “We are honored to announce plans for the Andaz brand in Qatar in our second collaboration with Al Mirqab Group as part of our …

Qatar expands its tourism proposition in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Its tourism strategy puts the visitor at the heart of all new programmes and initiatives. As part of the ‘Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030’, the country has added a variety of exciting experiences, including a wave of new luxury hotels, theme parks, shops, and major leisure projects, that have recently opened, or are set to open in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM. Over 100 new hotels and serviced apartments are currently under construction which will add to Qatar’s already extensive portfolio of properties. Some of the new properties include a Raffles Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Resort at Katara Towers, Rosewood Doha and the St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island. The hotels will broaden Qatar’s appeal to high value travellers, offering more choice to its existing 80 five and four star hotels. With the aim of raising the tourism sector to 12% GBP by 2030, Qatar will grow and improve assets and attractions, enhance the end-to-end customer experience, invest in Service Excellence and deploy a tailored marketing strategy to target point-to-point (P2P) and stopover visitors. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “We are continuing to expand our tourism offering and are excited to introduce guests to the best of Qatari hospitality. In 2019, we saw over two million visitors to Qatar and we hope to see similar growth trends now that we are welcoming visitors back to the country again. “We are now less than one year until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, so now is the perfect time in visit Qatar. Qatar is an accessible introduction to the Middle East, …

Hilton announced plans to debut Curio Collection by Hilton in Saudi Arabia with a new build property in the capital city, Riyadh. Almashreq Hotel Riyadh, Curio Collection by Hilton has been signed together with Mashareq Investment and is due to open its doors in 2024. Featuring 185 guest rooms, Almashreq Hotel Riyadh, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in the upcoming Laysen Valley development, opposite the city’s diplomatic quarter.  Opening its first phase in 2022, Laysen Valley will consist of over 50 residential, commercial and retail buildings – set to include offices of major corporations and government departments as well as gourmet dining outlets. Amir Lababedi, Managing Director, Development, Middle East & North Africa, Hilton, said: “This property further extends our offering into Riyadh where we now have properties trading or under development across nine different brands.  Its location forms part of one of the most exciting mixed-use developments in the city and developed by one of the country’s premier developers, Tatweer group, which is set to become a hotspot for F&B as well as a desirable corporate location.” Abdulaziz AlZamil, CEO of Mashareq Investment and Almashreq Hospitality, said: “We believe this is a great partnership that will add a valuable offering to our portfolio under award-winning Almashreq hotels brand. We are very pleased to be working with Hilton and bringing the first Curio Collection by Hilton property to Saudi Arabia and look forward to further partnerships with Hilton in the Kingdom and the region.” Guests will have access to a range of facilities within the property, including an indoor pool and fitness center, six meeting rooms and multiple F&B outlets to cater to hotel guests and the neighbouring …