Accor is anchoring the upcoming Jewel of the Creek masterplan in Dubai, UAE, with a fully integrated urban Rixos resort focused on leisure, entertainment, sports and food & beverage. Earlier this year, Accor announced its strategic partnership with Dubai Developments to manage two properties, namely the Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan and Swissôtel and Swissôtel Living Al Murooj; The upcoming Jewel of the Creek will illustrate the third property signed in less than a year. “The recent development witnessed in the nearby Bur Dubai and Deira districts, with major facelifts and redevelopments initiatives, are expected to further elevate the surroundings and will be incredibly beneficial to existing hotels in the respective areas”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Middle East & Africa. “We are the largest hotel operator in Dubai and our partnership with Dubai Developments highlights our common goal to strategically develop tourism and meet the demand of today’s travellers in Dubai”. “We see this project as the ‘Jewel’ of the Jewel of the Creek development”, said H.E EngEssa Al Maidoor, General Director Dubai Developments, “Once our elaborated and strategic improvement plan is complete, the project will offer all elements to bring a true Rixos product to the Dubai Creek area, which will appeal to a larger target audience and vastly distinguish itself from the competition”. “We are very pleased to introduce this new property into Dubai, as we increase the presence of the Rixos brand in the UAE” adds Willis. “This revolutionary project is expected to transform the Port Saeed area of Deira into a destination with a vibrant urban centre featuring residential, commercial, hospitality, sports and recreational components.”

The Pointe is gearing up to launch the world’s largest fountain. ‘The Palm Fountain’, Palm Jumeirah’s latest waterfront attraction, will attempt to break a Guinness World Records (GWR) title on Thursday, 22 October during its inaugural launch event, and the public is invited to witness the celebration. Omar Khoory, Managing Director, Nakheel Malls, said, “Nakheel Malls is proud to launch The Palm Fountain, a celebration of Dubai’s resilience and building on the expanding portfolio of iconic attractions on Palm Jumeirah. As pioneers of retail and lifestyle destinations in Dubai, the launch of The Palm Fountain is a testament to our commitment to support retailers and push boundaries to provide our customers with unique experiences. We look forward to the inspiration this will bring customers at The Pointe, residents of Palm Jumeirah, our retailers, tourists and the wider community”. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “The Palm Fountain is yet another incredible addition to Dubai’s list of world-famous landmarks and is sure to be a big draw among residents and visitors alike. Its launch further cements the city’s status as a must-visit destination where guests from around the world can experience the best sights and sounds as well as unrivalled retail and tourist spaces. The Pointe’s standing as one of Dubai’s premier dining and leisure destinations has been further elevated with the unveiling of this record-breaking new attraction.” The Palm Fountain will have 20 bespoke shows with five different shows running daily between sunset to midnight (7pm to 12am) while swaying to an array of popular songs including Khaleeji, pop, classic, international and more. Each show will last for three minutes and will be performed …

Hotelbeds announced a strategic partnership with Thomas Cook following the acquisition of the brand by Fosun Tourism Group. Thanks to this collaboration Thomas Cook will gain access to more than 180,000 unique hotel properties in 140 countries worldwide, many of which are contracted under exclusive terms and conditions by a team of over 1,000 contracting professionals located in the most popular leisure destinations around the world. Thomas Cook joins Hotelbeds’ existing 60,000 travel trade buyers – such as tour operators, travel agents, airlines and points redemption schemes – who typically book further in advance, pay more per room, stay for longer, have lower cancellation rates and spend more at the property. León Herce, Global Sales Director at Hotelbeds said, “All of us at Hotelbeds are immensely pleased to see Thomas Cook relaunching and we’re delighted to be able to support their new model. Hotelbeds has the experience, technology and hotelier relationships available to help Thomas Cook attract travellers with the best possible service and hotel product. We look forward to watching it grow once again into one of Europe’s leading holiday brands.” Emma King, Head of commercial product added, “When we were developing our new Thomas Cook we wanted to offer our customers the widest possible choice of hotel accommodation – and to be able to do that quickly without the need for direct contracting. Our relationship with Hotelbeds as a strategic bedbank partner, gives our customers access to a huge portfolio of exclusive and competitively priced hotels worldwide. We’re only selling holidays to destinations on the UK government’s travel corridor list, including Turkey, Italy and some parts of Greece. We will update that once travel restrictions change or are …

Etihad Airways from October 1 until 31 December 31, 2020 will offer PCR tests included in all air tickets booked by customers in the UAE for flights departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport, with the exception of services to China. The airline is collaborating with Life Medical Diagnostic Center (Life Dx) to offer convenient testing between 48 to 96 hours prior to departure, at its network of collection facilities in the UAE. Travellers flying First or Business will also have the option of selecting tests at their home. The quick and easy process can be booked directly with Life Dx. Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Aviation Group Vice President Medical Services, said, “This is a significant development which allows Etihad to provide greater ease of travel for those departing from Abu Dhabi, by removing as much inconvenience from the PCR testing process as possible. This follows on perfectly from the recent introduction of complimentary COVID-19 insurance cover on all Etihad Airways tickets. “We are confident this partnership will provide Etihad, and most importantly our guests, with Life Dx’s superior testing technologies so they can travel from the capital with greater peace of mind. This is one further step in the efforts being made by Etihad to provide a professional, secure and protected travel experience at every stage of their journey with us.” Hosam Fouad, Founder and CEO of Life Medical Diagnostic Center said, “We are delighted to announce our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways to manage their passengers’ COVID-19 PCR testing requirements. “The solution’s main concept is to ramp-up the capacity of Life Dx’s central lab for up to 40,000 tests a day through fully automated state-of-the-art robotic systems and to …

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) adds a new neighbourhood to its boutique and lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo, the brand’s first ever hotel in India, GCC and Africa. The flagship property in the region will open its doors along the banks of the Dubai Creek, minutes away from Burj Khalifa. Set to open in October 2020, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is a stone’s throw from a number of iconic landmarks and attractions, including one of the world’s largest retail hubs, The Dubai Mall. Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Each hotel brings the outside in; drawing from the local area to inspire every aspect of each hotel, from intriguing design to locally inspired menus. Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is no exception, taking inspiration from the story of its neighbourhood areas to help guests feel part of the destination. For centuries, the Creek has been the city’s epicenter of trade. Visitors to the area can still see the hustle and bustle of this fascinating tradition, where the Dhows and Abras (wooden boats) are docked on the banks of the Creek. Boats still ferry throngs of people across the waterway, just like they did during the pearl boom of centuries ago. As the Creek winds its way through Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, vintage gives way to vogue, connecting the trading posts of old with modern architectural exuberance. In the distance sits D3, a nexus of art, design and innovation. “We are excited to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the GCC, India and Africa.” said Laura Eggleton, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown. “As our first opening in the region, Hotel Indigo Dubai …

Nikki Beach Dubai started welcoming guests back to its Pearl Jumeirah location on Thursday, October 1. Following all government and industry standards for health, cleaning, sanitising and use of personal protective equipment, Nikki Beach Dubai will continue to update protocols as recommendations evolve. Utilising Nikki Beach’s ample and idyllic outdoor setting, tables and beds have been reconfigured in keeping with safe distancing guidelines. The location is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch paired with wide-open spaces, fresh air, sunshine and ocean views. Upon reopening, guests were invited to enjoy a menu of Nikki Beach’s globally inspired dishes prepared by Chef Kavish Chimajee and his team including the Saint Tropez Nicoise Salad, Nikki Beach’s Famous Chicken Satay, Blackened Salmon Tacos, the Marbella Spicy Tuna Roll and Angus Beef Sliders. Nikki Beach is the first and original luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. Today, as Nikki Beach marks over 20 years in business, the brand has grown into a global, multifaceted lifestyle hospitality brand with locations spanning locations including but not limited to Miami, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, Caribbean; Marbella, Spain; Costa Smeralda, Italy and a Hotels & Resorts division with properties in Porto Heli, Greece; Dubai, UAE and Santorini, Greece to name a few.

Accor marked another milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after signing a management agreement to expand its premium portfolio with the launch of the first the Swissôtel Living in the Kingdom. The group has partnered with Al Raya Estate Group, a pioneer in the field of real estate development in KSA, Kuwait and the UK to operate the new Swissôtel Living Jeddah. With an opening date scheduled for 2021, the project will be attached to (J View) – an exemplary mixed-use development comprised of hospitality, office, food and beverage and retail components. Fahad Al-Alloush, CEO of Al Raya Real Estate said “Our core business is to develop and manage real estate in the hospitality, residential and commercial sector. This Project (J View) is offering a high standard mix of all with its primary component being the serviced apartments. We decided to proceed with the Accor Group to introduce the Swissotel Living Brand into the market of Jeddah due to its leadership and expertise in extended-stay brands. We believe Vision 2030 is definitely boosting the transformation of the Saudi tourism and hospitality market, and we are looking forward to explore more opportunities along with Accor in the kingdom”. “This is a project we are extremely excited to launch. The stature of the project and its strategic location amid a plethora of demand generators around the central business district of Jeddah, will allow the Swissôtel Living Jeddah to actively attract a variety of demand segments”, said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor Middle East and Africa. “Our extensive research in the Saudi market highlights the growing demand from KSA travellers to stay in serviced apartments and benefit from the additional space with …

HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Shurooq said, “Tourism has long been a leading employer and an economic pillar for nations worldwide. Sharjah, the third largest emirate of the UAE, has been hailed by global travellers and industry experts alike as a regional hub for unique local, nature-inspired and environment friendly experiences. For over a decade, Shurooq has envisioned and delivered tourism and hospitality projects that celebrate the emirate’s history, cultural richness and natural diversity. With over 10 successful projects in the sector, Shurooq has turned its attention to driving investments to the central and eastern regions of Sharjah with an undertaking of four large-scale projects in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid and Mleiha. It would be fitting to mention here, that the spirit behind these projects is very much in alignment with the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day, ‘Tourism and Rural Development’.” “Along with our vision to enhance tourist experiences by allowing them explorations across all regions of Sharjah, Shurooq’s ambition is to leverage the unique role tourism plays in providing opportunities outside city centres, and preserving our cultural and natural heritage,” Al Sarkal concluded.

Ian Phillips CEO – Sharjah National Hotels speaking at the session stated that “There are almost 1100 people from Dubai regularly drove over the months from mid- June to July and August to Khorfakkan. These were people who brought their bicycles and came over to be fit in an area where there was less crowd. So the new trend he stated that they can see is exercising which is quite important to those who want some space and be active. He also mentioned that the drive to Khorfakkan due to infrastructure has really become better than before and spend less time on the drive and more time to enjoy and relax in the destination.”

Natalia Bayona, Director Innovation, Digital Transformation and Investments- UNWTO said, “Looking at World tourism day this year there are two areas they are focusing on in terms of rural development. First is development of rural areas is part of teaching opportunities to the community and secondly to identity and heritage of the destination bringing rural experiences as a way to preserve heritage and added value. She also reiterated that at this point of time social distance is important hence nature, adventure and cultural tourism are other ways to diversify. She further stated that in creating innovation in tourism sector with technologies they signed an agreement with google arts and culture where you can multiply rural territories to spread the voice and promote as emerging destinations.”