If you find yourself vacationing in the Philippines during December, you’ll discover a nation transformed into a festive wonderland. Embrace the warmth of Filipino hospitality amidst a backdrop of vibrant traditions and have an unforgettable journey filled with festive cheer. Christmas and New Year’s Eve hold profound cultural and religious significance in the Philippines. Deeply rooted in the country’s predominantly Catholic faith, its celebration is marked by a unique blend of traditional Filipino customs, family gatherings, lively public celebrations and global holiday practices. Here are some travel tips during the most awaited and cherished occasions throughout the country:   Pack light and comfortable clothing: December is part of the dry season in the Philippines, so pack light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the tropical climate.   Prepare for festive crowds: Christmas is widely celebrated in the Philippines, and popular tourist spots and markets can be crowded. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be patient in bustling areas.     Book your flights and accommodations in advance: December is a peak travel season due to the holidays. Secure your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and potentially take advantage of festive promotions.   Check Festival Schedules: Research local festivals and events happening in December. Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, for example, is a must-see for its dazzling display of intricate lanterns.   Learn Basic Local Phrases: English is widely spoken, but learning a few basic Filipino phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience.   Experience Simbang Gabi: Attend Simbang Gabi, the traditional series of dawn Masses leading up to Christmas. It’s a cultural and spiritual experience that offers a unique insight into Filipino traditions.   …

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) recently launched the largest integrated travel campaign in China ‘Embark on a Journey of Discovery to Saudi’ at the Shanghai Bund Waterfront with 400 trade partners. The event was attended by Jin Lei, Deputy Director General of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets including over 400 trade partners, media and influencers, and the Chinese public were invited to explore the rich and diverse tourism offerings of Saudi. The campaign marks the largest integrated travel campaign launched by Saudi in China, starting with a week-long Saudi Tourism Exhibition, a celebration of Saudi’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty on the Shanghai Bund waterfront, from 17 to 23 November, inviting guests to experience mystical Saudi through immersive experiences, storytelling, and live performances. So far, the exhibition has welcomed over 80,000 visitors. In addition to the consumer marketing campaign, a series of Saudi experience films have launched on national TV and all major digital China platforms such as Ctrip, Huawei, Mafengwo, and Tencent, reaching and connecting with over five hundred million Chinese citizens.  The films intend to showcase the rich experiences Chinese travelers can look forward to upon visiting Saudi and is further available on VisitSaudi.CN website and STA’s social media channel. Starting from November 17, destination experience videos were launched, enabling digital travelers to visit scenes such as a traditional Bedouin tent complete with camel caravans and stargazing; tour the historic Diriyah, Al Masmak Fortress, and the colorful Souk Al Zel; learn to create Arabian fragrances; fly over AlUla in a hot-air balloon; go on a cross-country adventure in a vintage Land Rover; and snorkel in the Red Sea. Also, how-to …

Luxury ENVI Lodges announced plans to add a second property to its portfolio in Oman. ENVI Al Sifah is set to open in late 2025 and will be located on a preserved sandy beach where a lush wadi meets the Arabian Sea. It will feature 40 luxury sea-view tents created by Tenthouse Structures, each designed to withstand the coastal climate while providing natural ventilation to ensure guest comfort. This new eco-retreat, nestled on the pristine shores of Al Sifah, only an hour away from Muscat, promises an unparalleled beach experience, connecting guests with the beauty of the Omani coastline and its rich cultural heritage. The announcement comes just weeks after ENVI announced its entry into the Sultanate with mountain ecolodge ENVI Al Jabel Al Akhdar. The ecolodge, owned by a consortium of Omani investors, will include common facilities such as a restaurant serving seafood and locally sourced cuisine, a wellness centre, a swimming pool, a kids’ club, and an activities centre. Outdoor spaces will be available for fireside theme nights and will include an open-air beach cinema. Experiences curated at the ecolodge will connect guests to the Omani culture and include dhow restoration and cooking workshops. For relaxation, meditation and yoga sessions will be offered, while adventure enthusiasts will be able to enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding in the Gulf of Oman, hiking, and the opportunity to discover nearby Bandar Khayran, a hidden gem beach known for its breath-taking views and sustainable fishing. ENVI Lodges is committed to sustainable tourism and will implement eco-friendly practices, including renewable energy sources, water conservation, recycling, and waste management programmes. The company also aims to engage and support local communities, starting with the rehabilitation …

With TravTalkME as the media partner, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Middle East (HSMAI ME) kicks off its sixth edition of  ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference from 28 to 29, November 2023 to boost the Middle East’s hospitality sector. With the finest leading industry leaders under one roof, this year’s conference aims to take the Middle East hospitality sector to the next level where attendees can expand their network by connecting with trailblazers and peers, gain insights from seasoned professionals and learn about the latest trends and strategies. “The 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is a unique gathering of industry pioneers, where competitors unite to shape the future and elevate their skills. It’s the pulse of innovation in the hotel industry, bringing together all the commercial thought leaders from sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, hotel brands, and owner groups here in the region to share current and future trends. The conference will feature a range of topics, discussions, and best practices, led by world-class regional and international experts,” said Mona Faraj, Managing Director of the Middle East chapter of HSMAI. “This year’s ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the hospitality industry with global standards in mind. Here, we break down competitive barriers and come together as a community, committed to setting new standards of excellence and driving the future of hospitality forward,” added Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). “We at Atomize are honored to be the Platinum Sponsor and delighted.” The 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy …

SalamAir announces that they will operate flights from 17th December from Muscat to Lucknow. The service will operate five times a week, with flights scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. This route expansion provides excellent connectivity to all GCC destinations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Fujairah.

COP28 will witness world leaders gathering in the UAE which will open new chapters in tourism. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral shares the importance of this gathering to the tourism sector. “In a few days, the highly anticipated COP28 UAE will convene with world leaders and policy makers right here in the UAE in a bid to accelerate global efforts towards Net Zero and carbon neutral goals. These conversations are more critical than ever for the tourism industry, which is responsible for approximately 8% of the world’s carbon emissions. The UAE has played an increasingly crucial role in the fight against global warming, from committing to Net Zero by 2050 to marking 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. To ensure such endeavours go a long way in creating a positive impact on our people and the planet, our tourism ecosystem must make concerted efforts to keep sustainability high on the agenda and mitigate the overall effects of climate change. It’s inspiring to witness several industry pioneers across Abu Dhabi already rising to this challenge. A comprehensive sustainability framework by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is enabling industry partners to apply sustainable practices across their operations and pledge towards Net Zero carbon events by 2050. In addition, the opening of Abu Dhabi Airports state-of-the-art Terminal A is spearheading a new chapter in the Emirate’s sustainable economic development. As a key player within the tourism industry, Miral has long been committed to this positive transformation. Sustainability is an integral part of our vision to deliver growth across the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. We define our success by creating a positive impact on …

Sofitel Dubai Downtown clinched the title as ‘Best luxury hotel’ at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards which took place recently. Caroline Trichet, General Manager – Sofitel Downtown Dubai shared, “Massive applause to the DDP team for flawlessly orchestrating the Arabian Travel Awards celebrating excellence in travel. Remarkable event!” To be awarded the Best Luxury Hotel accolade is a humbling testament to our commitment to the Art-de-recevoir, exceeding expectations and embodying the essence of “The French Way” hospitality excellence.  It’s a moment of immense pride and honor for the entire team. In Dubai’s dynamic hospitality scene, Sofitel Dubai Downtown will continue challenging the status quo & leading by example with / by pioneering digital innovation, sustainability, and environment-conscious experiences or simply by creating a warm home away from home. This award is a powerful motivator, inspiring us to raise our standards even higher in 2024. It fuels our passion for excellence and encourages continuous improvement in every aspect of our services.”  

Saudia Private signed a strategic partnership agreement with Jetex joining forces to enable Saudia Private to expand its ground handling services at all Saudi Arabian airports including airport security clearance, marshalling, immigration services, fuelling, and catering arrangements as well as private terminals for VIPs. As a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Saudia Private provides services ranging from on-the-ground operations, aircraft management and maintenance, and charter flights. It delivers tailored services and products to local partners and international guests to and from any of the Kingdom’s airports and everywhere in the world. The agreement was signed at the Saudia Group Pavilion at the leading global aerospace show, in the presence of Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, and Mr. Adel Mardini Founder & CEO of Jetex. Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO of Saudia Private, said: “This partnership marks a new significant milestone for both Saudia Private and Jetex. By combining our extensive expertise in delivering world-class FBO and ground services with Jetex’s extensive array of commercial Ground Services, we’re able to strengthen the Kingdom’s and the region’s position as leaders in the sector.” “The strategic agreement with Saudia Private is instrumental for Jetex to deliver on our ambitious vision by supporting our expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Mr. Adel Mardini, Founder & CEO of Jetex. Providing best-in-class services to its guests and partners is a priority for Saudia Group as it broadens its operations in order to better service international travellers and the aviation industry, while supporting the tourism sector in the Kingdom, in line with its Vision 2030. Saudia Group’s recent rebrand and ambitious digital transformation reinforces its commitment to its goals as the Kingdom’s ‘Wings of 2030’, bringing …

This weekend Ferrari celebrates the fourth edition of Casa Ferrari Abu Dhabi in the Middle East, taking place during the excitement of the F1 Grand Prix weekend from the 24th – 26th November 2023. To mark the occasion, Al Tayer Motors, the exclusive UAE importer-dealer for Ferrari invited Ferraristi from across the country to take part in a stunning 210-car parade which departed from the Al Tayer Motors Ferrari showroom in Dubai, before cruising to Casa Ferrari in Abu Dhabi. The impressive parade welcomed Ferraristi and created a unique opportunity to bring Ferrari owners together. Casa Ferrari Abu Dhabi showcases the very best of Ferrari through an invite-only immersive experience, where guests enjoy the Italian automaker’s unique hospitality along with a celebration of the brand’s heritage as well as some of its latest innovations.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has established a hospitality education academy in Abu Dhabi, which will open in September 2024 to be managed and guided under the stewardship of Les Roches. The objective is to provide hospitality skills and academic knowledge to nurture homegrown talent in the UAE, GCC and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Les Roches Global Hospitality’s first campus in the area will welcome its first students in September 2024. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches ranks fourth in the world’s higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). The hospitality education academy will be defined by its objective to attract UAE Nationals and regional talents to the industry. The academy aims to focus on the practices and values of the UAE within its curriculum. The programme and methodology seeks to support the hospitality sector by cultivating local talent with high quality education and skills needed for the industry’s future. The academy will feature a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. The curriculum includes a range of hospitality-related and practical skills certifications, across areas including hotel operations, travel, tourism, transport and entrepreneurship. His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “In line with our vision of inspiring journeys of creativity and discovery, the new academy will play a key role in ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of the hospitality industry overall, propelling future generations with a keen interest to reach their full potential. Accelerating high potential industries such as hospitality through collaboration and strategic partnerships will continue to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a dynamic and …