Dubai Association Conference (DAC) will return for its third edition on 21 February 2022, with a series of events in the lead up to maximise its impact and create platforms for associations as they explore the future of the sector. The conference will once again be hosted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. With the theme ‘Associations and the new world: Resilience & Reinvention’, the conference will take place at the new Dubai Exhibition Centre, within the Expo 2020 Dubai site and in the midst of the six-month global gathering. Ahead of the main conference, a series of three interactive online sessions will take place over the course of the rest of 2021, exploring the key themes of the event and providing an opportunity to ensure the agenda addresses the key concerns and topics delegates may wish to explore. The first of these sessions took place on 15 June. The conference is the flagship event of the Dubai Association Centre (DAC), which was established in 2014 as a joint initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to support and license regional and international associations in setting up an office or chapter in Dubai. DAC opened its state-of-the-art offices in One Central, DWTC in December 2019, providing a collaborative environment for registered associations. Following the conference, delegates will be offered a full-day immersive visit to Expo 2020 Dubai to experience the thematic and national pavilions, attend celebrations and events, and sample cultures and cuisine from around …

Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) have partnered to launch a white paper titled ‘Reimagining Business Events – Through COVID-19 and Beyond’. Launched at the first hybrid Singapore MICE Forum x IBTM Wired at Marina Bay Sands on 28 June 2021, the white paper is the first such collaboration between a destination and leading associations representing the exhibitions, conventions and meetings industry. It takes stock of how various sectors within the industry have transformed in response to COVID-19, and consolidates ideas from around the world to help business event organisers rethink their offerings and operations. The business events sector supported nearly 26 million jobs and contributed US$1.5 trillion to global GDP in 20171, which would rank it as the 13th largest economy globally, surpassing those of Australia, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. In Singapore, the MICE sector supported more than 34,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a value-add of S$3.8 billion, or close to 1 per cent of Singapore’s GDP. COVID-19 changed all that. In 2020, the global travel and hospitality suffered a staggering loss of US$935 billion, with the business events industry among the worst hit. The onset of the pandemic was a wake-up call for the industry, heavily dependent on physical interaction, to reinvent itself. According to PCMA’s COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard survey (January 2021)2, the overall willingness to travel remains mixed, with 44 per cent of planners and 23 per cent of suppliers unwilling to travel. However, there is cause for optimism. The same survey showed that 25 per cent of planners and 31 per cent of suppliers were willing to travel any distance necessary if the …

Tourism officials in the Canton (state) of Graubunden in Switzerland are gearing up for a busy summer as the Swiss government prepares to open its borders on 26 June to visitors from the GCC countries who have been fully vaccinated. The new ruling, which was ratified on Wednesday 23 June, now allows GCC residents who have been vaccinated with a European Medical Agency (EMA) and WHO approved vaccination, such as Pfizer or Sinopharm (up-to 12 months after vaccination), entry into Switzerland without any pre-travel PCR test or quarantine on arrival. “Switzerland and the Graubunden region in particular have always been favourite holiday destinations for tourists from the GCC and with the re-opening of the borders, we look forward to welcoming them again this summer. “This year in particular, the fresh air, outstanding natural beauty, mild climate and healthy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and sailing make it the perfect destination for family pursuits,” said Tamara Loeffel, Head of Business Development, Visit Graubunden. “With this latest announcement by the Swiss government, added to the existing pent-up demand, we are expecting exceptionally heavy demand from the GCC countries. Graubunden has to be nature’s remedy for a post-Covid holiday,” she added. “Besides the breath-taking scenery, there’s so much to keep the whole family entertained. Between Lenzerheide and Chur, there’s a toboggan run which is over three kilometres long, Switzerland’s longest and for children who love stories, the small town of Maienfeld is where the classic children’s novel Heidi was set. “Moreover, many people will have heard about the glamourous resorts such as St. Moritz and Davos, but there are many other destinations worth exploring such as Vals, home to thermal baths that …

Region’s leading hospitality investment conference, AHIC, has confirmed the first 50 speakers for this year’s event, being held live and in-person from September 20-22, 2021 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company and Amaala; Samih Sawiris, chairman, Orascom Hotel and Development; Olivier Harnisch, head of hospitality, Public Investment Fund; Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority; and Olivier Granet, managing partner and chief executive officer, Kasada Capital Management, are among the names representing the Middle East and Africa’s mega projects and funds. Leaders from some of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups are also confirmed to speak, including Sébastien Bazin, CEO and chairman, Accor; Federico J. González, Global CEO, Radisson Hotel Group; Puneet Chhatwal, CEO, Indian Hotels Company Limited; Simon Vincent, president EMEA & EVP, Hilton; Kenneth Macpherson, chief executive officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, IHG; Guy Hutchinson, president and CEO, Rotana; Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality; and Hamid Sidine, Chief Operating Officer, MEA, Milllenium & Copthorne. Under the theme Rise Together, these hotel owners, developers, investors and operators will lead debate and discussion to navigate the ‘Great Reset’ born out of the pandemic, with many more speakers set to join them over the coming months. Jose Silva, chief executive officer, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, host sponsor of AHIC, will address the audience in one-on-one interview live on stage, while the world of F&B will also be represented, with Jillian Maclean, founder and CEO, Drake & Morgan; Chris Miller, founder, White Rabbit Fund; Lynne Bellinger, director of food and beverage development, Marriott International; and Robin Rowland OBE, Operating Partner, TriSpan on the line-up. Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench and founder …

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with ASRE Limited to introduce its premium brand, voco into Dubai’s exquisite destination, Palm Jumeirah. voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will feature 141 rooms and open its doors to guests in December 2021. The new hotel joins the voco family in Dubai, with voco Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road and the soon to open voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Palm Jumeirah is a manmade island built on reclaimed land resembling a stylised palm tree if viewed from above. voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will be a part of a trendy, newly launched area called “Palm West Beach” developed by Nakheel, comprising of strong dining concepts and a promenade along the beach. On opening, voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah will display a bold identity and will feature vibrant guest rooms. The hotel will also feature a 55sqm meeting room, a gym, pool, and spa, to cater to the demands of both leisure and business travellers. To offer its guests a tasteful experience that reflects its strategic F&B location, the hotel will offer four different dining options. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “As part of our growth strategy in the region and UAE in particular, we are pleased to partner with ASRE Limited to open another voco hotel in Dubai – voco Dubai Palm Jumeirah. With the hotel’s strategic location on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, we are set to make a strong entry in this dynamic location. He added, The voco brand is known to combine the informality and charm of an independent hotel with the quality and reassurance of a trusted global brand. With both new built and conversion opportunities, …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of The Telegraph, A Radisson Collection Hotel in partnership with Silk Road Group. Built in the 1970s by architects V. Aleqsi-Meskhishvili and T. Mikashavidze, the Telegraph is one of the city’s most recognizable Soviet-era buildings and winner of the National State Award in 1983. Located on Rustaveli Avenue, it is pivotal to the wider redevelopment of Freedom Square and Republic Square as a prominent tourist attraction. The Telegraph, A Radisson Collection Hotel will be the second Radisson Collection hotel, the fourth property in collaboration with Silk Road Group, and the seventh hotel in operation and in development in Georgia. Scheduled to open in 2024, the property will consist of 222 guestrooms and suites, with a unique Food Hall and a bridge connection to the adjacent Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi City Centre. The leading international architectural designers, Neri & Hu, will be responsible for the interior design. David Jenkins, Vice President Business Development, Radisson Hotel Group, said, ‘We are very pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with Silk Road Group on another amazing signing in Georgia as we expand our global portfolio and footprint in Georgia. Radisson Collection is a premium lifestyle brand of iconic properties located in unique locations, providing immediate access to the local culture. We are excited to offer unforgettable experiences and memorable moments to our discerning guests at this unique hotel, offering not only beautifully- designed guest rooms, but also incredible facilities. With the signing of The Telegraph, A Radisson Collection Hotel, our portfolio in Georgia, which currently includes three properties in operation, will grow to four to join the Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi, the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi, …

Travel industry can boost global recovery by addressing consumer trust gaps in price transparency, COVID-19 health and safety measures, data privacy and information credibility, according to new independent research commissioned by worldwide leader in travel retail, Travelport. “The travel industry needs to sharpen its focus on trust”, said Greg Webb, Chief Executive Officer at Travelport. “This study has shown, as an industry, we are not as trusted as we would like. The good news, however, is that we now know what the issues are and we also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit reset, as countries re-open and travelers eagerly get back on airplanes. If we move quickly to address these issues, we can accelerate industry recovery as well as the modernization of travel retailing.” “Trusted companies make better retailers”, Webb concluded. “When trust is combined with cutting-edge technology and effective sales, it becomes a powerful proposition. At Travelport, we will continue to invest in each of these areas in a bid to not only help the industry rebound from the pandemic, but come out the other side more agile and stronger.”

Starting from 26 June 2021, Switzerland opened its borders to fully vaccinated guests from the GCC countries, who will be able to enter the country again without having to undergo quarantine, nor testing, celebrating the improvement of the global pandemic situation, and answering calls of those who wait for this destination to open. All EMA and WHO approved vaccinations including Sinopharm will be accepted up to 12 months after full vaccination, with the exception of people entering from countries with worrying mutations of the virus who will still have to abide by the country’s covid control rules. Matthias Albrecht, Director GCC, Switzerland Tourism says: “We are extremely happy and feel quite emotional that we finally can go back to what we do best; to host guests in our magnificent country. And we believe with our beautiful nature and uncrowded boutique towns as well as wide-open landscapes, Switzerland is the natural choice for a post-Covid holiday. Now that borders will open, we can’t wait to welcome each one of you!” The news come as a relief for travellers eager to visit, or revisit, Geneva, one of the most vibrant cities in the world, where its European identity blends with a warming welcome to share its beauty, history, and culturally rich public life with everyone, embodied in the details of every site, monument and locally crafted object, harmoniously located at closed proximity to take them from one experience to another, adding multiple flavours and layers to their city-escape. To explore Geneva from a unique and wholesome angle, the city offers an array of cruises spanning from one hour to a full day, designed to take visitors onboard an adventurous discovery of the …

Qatar Airways launched its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner passenger aircraft, featuring its eagerly awaited new Business Class Suite, on a number of key routes to Europe and Asia, starting with its Doha to Milan service on Friday 25 June 2021. The ultramodern aircraft is scheduled for services from Doha to Athens, Barcelona, Dammam, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid and Milan and has a total passenger capacity of 311 seats – 30 Business Class Suites and 281 seats in Economy Class. Crafted with the unique Qatar Airways design DNA and appealing to the most discerning of travellers, the new Adient Ascent Business Class Suite embodies a contemporary design that is truly personal, spacious and functional, allowing you to relax in your own private sanctuary. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, said: “In-line with our commitment to offering our passengers an unparalleled travel experience, we are pleased to introduce this much-anticipated Business Class Suite on Qatar Airways’ newest wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 which will debut onto a number of key routes within our network. “The new Business Class Suite sets yet another industry standard with a uniquely private experience for premium passengers travelling with us, which is becoming increasingly valuable during this pandemic, while showcasing Qatar Airways’ 5-star standards of excellence and Qatari hospitality that are quintessential on all of our flights.” “Our passengers deserve the best and I am confident that they will appreciate the larger Dreamliner variant for its unmatched comfort in the sky. Passengers can rest assured that its responsible impact on the environment fully aligns with our ambition to achieve the highest levels of sustainability.” Arranged in a herringbone pattern, in a 1-2-1 configuration, …

Over 80 travel professionals attended the official launch of Karhoo in the GCC. Vanessa Heydorff – Senior Vice President – Karhoo shared in her opening remarks, “We have just joined the dnata Representation Services partner family, an extraordinary ecosystem of global travel and technology providers. As part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers, based in Dubai, this made this innovative and exciting city the ideal place to announce our new partnership with dnata Representation Services, to bring Karhoo to the region.” Sebastien Doussin – VP Ground Services, dnata shared, ““In the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in the importance of transportation in the holiday experience, as travellers look to explore more of the destination of their choice and seek a range of preferred transportation options. dnata Representation Services is very proud to have teamed up with Karhoo in the GCC, as they are filling a gap in the market with a solution which is going further than any existing ground transport provider, benefiting not only the agents but also guaranteeing a much better experience to the consumer.”