Hotel Show Dubai has launched an initiative for region’s hospitality community from February 18-27, 2021. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has organised the 10-day event which will see a select group of popular hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road transformed by night into illuminated beacons of hospitality. Each hotel has been partnered with an internationally acclaimed lighting design firm with full creative license to construct a custom exterior façade installation under the theme titled a ‘Celebration of Lighting and Hospitality’. “Following an extremely challenging trading year for the hospitality industry in 2020, and the knock-on effect that the pandemic has had on those industry sectors that support tourism GDP contribution, we wanted to shine a light on the importance of this vital economic backbone,” said Jasmeet Bakshi, Group Event Director at dmg events – the organizer of The Hotel Show Dubai. “Dubai has been a tourism pioneer for decades, from planning and delivering its architecturally iconic skyline to developing an exceptional tourism offering that attracted 16 million tourists in 2019. Illuminate Dubai is a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight our work and the ever-evolving appeal of the emirate’s hospitality sector,” said David McNeil, Director of dpa lighting consultants. For Samer Moukalled, Vice President of headline sponsor Scientechnic Lighting Solutions, “The hospitality industry has long been a backbone to the thriving tourism sector of the UAE, and the idea of using light to reestablish its importance is a major boon for lighting experts like myself. Lighting is often termed the unsung hero and Illuminate Dubai has created a platform to showcase its true power. We are lighting up the city, and what better medium than on the facades …

Marriott Bonvoy has released a redesigned, more intuitive version of its mobile app in anticipation of increased desire and demand for travel later this year. As a part of the refresh, members residing or visiting the UAE can access a QR code in the app that can be scanned at select on-property restaurants to earn and redeem points for food and beverage purchases. The programme also announced that the app will be available in Arabic from August. As the centerpiece of the company’s mobile-first mindset, the Marriott Bonvoy app ensures guests receive the best available rate; enjoy programme benefits such as exclusive member rates and accruing points for stays; and enables members to customise their experience. “The pandemic has accelerated the trend of digitalisation in the travel sector.  Digital platforms, which have long been the preferred source of content and commerce for Millennials and Gen-Z, will increasingly become a source of both inspiration and sales embraced by all generations. The enhanced Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app is a must-have travel companion. It simplifies the travel planning process, allows for a frictionless experience before and during your stay and gets smarter the more you interact with it,” said Neal Jones, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Europe, Middle East & Africa. “The Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app offers travellers access to so much, whether it is the breadth of our global portfolio of 7,500 hotels among our 30 brands or home rentals, to destination experiences and customisable content for travel inspiration. Through tailored offers, members can learn how to earn hundreds of thousands of points just by booking stays, booking a Day Pass to work from a hotel or going about their …

Katara Hospitality announced a new partnership with Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with the two-fold signing of Raffles and Fairmont hotels in Qatar. The management agreement was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality and Mr. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor. The agreement signing was held at Katara Hospitality headquarters in Doha in the presence of Katara Hospitality Management represented by Andrew Humphries, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Rhazali, General Counsel, Irfan Sharief, Chief Asset Management Officer, Juan Aguilar, Acting Chief Technical Officer. As well as Accor Management represented by Mark Willis, CEO India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey and Gaurav Bhushan, CEO of Accor’s Lifestyle Brands. On this occasion, HH Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality said, “Katara Hospitality is one of the first investors that understood the significance of the project, committing to developing the hospitality icon of Doha for the 21st Century in the State of Qatar. We are confident the ethos of Accor brand is a strategic fit for this iconic project as it is important that we have an operator who understands our vision and strategy, while ensuring it occupies its rightful position in the local and global marketplaces when it opens next year.” “While we regard 2022 as a milestone in the country’s development, this new property in Lusail will also occupy a focal point for residents and travellers during the FIFA World Cup. We believe that this is our opportunity to showcase a country that has grown into an international destination and Katara Hospitality will create the landmark to underpin lifetime memories. As Qatar National Vision 2030 creates …

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the ‘Creative Visa’ initiative, which aims to support individuals contributing to the cultural and creative industries in Abu Dhabi. The Creative Visa is open to a wide range of talented individuals operating within key fields across all domains within the cultural and creative industries, including heritage, performing arts, visual arts, design and crafts, gaming and e-sports, media and publishing. This initiative seeks to increase opportunities for residency and employment in Abu Dhabi while simultaneously bolstering the thriving creative scene in the United Arab Emirates. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is committed to not just nurturing the creative talent found within our borders but to also extending our resources to innovators from the region and around the world. This mutually beneficial system will attract pioneering ideas and creativity to Abu Dhabi, as the Creative Visa will offer participants access to world-class facilities and infrastructure, as well as an attractive, safe and inspiring living and working environment for individuals and families.” He added, “The creative ecosystem of the Emirate plays an important role in all our lives, and we are committed to supporting its practitioners and professionals. Abu Dhabi is a place rooted in cultural heritage and creativity, where culture is a driver of social and economic development. Championing the cultural and creative sectors will continue to be a priority for DCT Abu Dhabi, and this visa is only one of the globally relevant projects we’re launching with continued speed and agility.”

Emirates announced that the flights to South Africa will remain suspended until March 10 2021, in line with recent government directives that restrict the entry of travellers originating from South Africa, into the UAE. They reiterated that customers holding tickets with final destinations in South Africa will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Emirates’ regrets any inconvenience caused. Affected customers should contact their travel agent or Emirates contact centre for rebooking options. To receive update notifications, customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking. Emirates remains committed to serving our customers in South Africa, and look forward to resuming passenger services when conditions allow. They stated that they continue to work closely with all relevant authorities in this regard, and will endeavour to provide their customers with as much support and notice as possible.

Citymax Hotels gets off to a flying start in 2021 with the launch of their first 4-star hotel. Located conveniently in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Citymax Hotel Business Bay is a short 10-minute drive from The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and a 15-minute drive from the Dubai International Airport. Citymax Business Bay’s foray into the 4-star market showcases the brand’s ambition to increase versatility within their portfolio and position the hotel as their new flagship property. Raj Rana, CEO – Citymax Hotels & Foodmark said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the all-new 4-star Citymax Hotel Business Bay, an important milestone for us at Citymax Hotels and Landmark Group. We are truly excited for the fruitful journey ahead and look forward to offering our guests an enhanced experience while maintaining efficiency, value for money and the highest quality of service.” “We have redefined the brand in the present era of hospitality to emphasize consistency, comfort and convenience. Our loyalty factor has always been high and though we have entered the four-star segment we have ensured that the ambience of the Citymax experience has only been enhanced,” added Satish Nambiar, General Manager – Citymax Hotel Business Bay, Dubai.

Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of experiences, announced that Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set to welcome guests from the 18th of February. Situated within Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant waterfront destination on Yas Island, the five-star hotel, will feature 545 rooms and an accompanying unique beach club. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is part of Miral’s AED 4 billion investment into the overall AED 12 billion masterplan of Yas Bay. Yas Bay will feature three distinct areas across 14 million square feet; The Waterfront, where Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located, The Residences, and Yas Creative Hub. Once complete, the project is set to attract 15,000 future residents and over 10,000 top business professionals. Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral said: “We are proud to see the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island on Yas Bay’s waterfront, opening its doors to guests.  The Hotel complements our leisure and entertainment attractions on Yas Bay, bringing our vision for the waterfront to life, and further positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for leisure, entertainment and business. This is yet another milestone in achieving our leaderships’ vision for Abu Dhabi.” Offering a variety of premium facilities alongside a beach club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island will also be home to signature dining venues and cafes, a fully equipped kids’ club, a spa, and a multi-purpose conference centre. Located in close proximity to diverse leisure and entertainment attractions on Yas Island, the Hotel provides guests with luxurious accommodation while they experience all that the Island has to offer. Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, Area President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEA&T), Hilton, said: “Hilton is proud to …

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Chairman of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), has launched the Coral Bloom concept, which was created by architectural firm Foster + Partners, and designed to blend in with the island’s pristine natural environment. TRSDC, the developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism project, has since shared the striking vision for its main hub island at the destination, Shurayrah. “We expect guests to be awed by what they see when they first arrive at The Red Sea Project, enjoying a truly immersive barefoot luxury experience. The Coral Bloom designs, taking inspiration from the incredible flora and fauna found uniquely in Saudi Arabia, promise to make that vision a reality,” said John Pagano, CEO of TRSDC. “Shurayrah Island is the gateway to The Red Sea Project so it’s important that it sets the standard in groundbreaking architecture and sustainable design, not just for our destination, but globally too. This is achieved by going beyond simply protecting the environment, to applying a regenerative approach,” he added. Biodiversity considerations take center stage, with the plan designed to avoid disruption of the island’s mangroves and other habitats, providing natural defenses from erosion, while new habitats are created through landscaping to enhance the island’s natural state. The proposal also outlines designs for the island’s 11 hotels, adapted to suit traveler expectations post-Covid-19 including more space, and immersed into the landscape to effectively form part of the sweeping dunes, allowing the island’s natural beauty to reign supreme. The design sees new beaches created on the dolphin-shaped island along with a new lagoon. These enhancements will contribute to raising the level of the land, providing a defensive …

Over the past year TravTalk has been instrumental in keeping the industry positive with their signature Digital conclaves. As we embark on a new year with a novel line of thought consisting a set of brand new trends, vaccinations and digital passports spreading its hope once again in the industry, we will have a tête-à-tête with stalwarts in the industry about an exclusive update. The first TravTalk digital conclave for 2021 kicks off on 23rd February 2021 with 6 key industry leaders in two sessions back to back. The first session will focus on Vaccination and the second wave of covid; where is travel headed? From 11.30 am to 12.30pm (UAE time) with Mamoun Hmedan – Managing Director  EMEA- Wego, Arijit Munshi- General Manager EMEAI -Tune Protect and Ramsumesh Menon – Chief Executive Officer -Go Gosaibi Travel  – Bahrain. Wellness tourism is an integral part in the Middle East the second session will focus on finding happiness through wellness tourism. The session starts by 1pm (UAE time) until 2pm with Laszlo Puczko -CEO & Co-founder – Health Tourism Worldwide, Linda Abdulla – CEO and Founder – Oryx Healthcare Consultancy and Kathryn Moore – Founder and Managing Director Spa Connectors, Global

Mark your dates for the maiden virtual roadshow by Tourism Ireland on Monday 8th March and Tuesday 9th March 2021 from 2to 5pm UAE time. Siobhan Naughton, Trade Executive Middle East & Asia stated that they are looking forward to hosting their maiden roadshow so that they can meet the travel fraternity from the Middle East as well as Turkey. “Over the course of these two days travel trade will have the opportunity to have 1-2-1 meetings with 25 key Island of Ireland industry partners who will showcase the accommodation, attractions and activity offering across the Island. There will also be an opportunity to meet the team from Tourism Ireland who are based here in the region and to discuss how we can all work together to help to promote this exciting destination. We invite key GCC travel trade who are interested in educating themselves about the Island of Ireland and hearing about all it has to offer as a luxury destination. This virtual roadshow will be a one stop shop for GCC travel trade to learn all that they need to know about the island of Ireland and to meet with key island of Ireland industry partners who can assist them with all of their programming needs. It is also a great opportunity to engage with the team from Tourism Ireland who are based here in the region and whose job it is to work with the travel trade in order to ensure that they have all of the necessary tools at their fingertips to be able to promote the Island of Ireland to all of their GCC clients as a must see destination.”