With the Muslim travel market forecast to reach $225 billion by 2028, the Philippines’ government announced that boosting foreign arrivals from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations was among its priority goals. “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a big boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which is home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage and distinctive wildlife,” says Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. Recently crowned Miss Universe Queens Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub and Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin, showed their commitment to promoting halal and wellness travel in the Philippines, following the country’s win of the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year. Led by Dubai-based Filipino Josh Yugen, Founder Yugen PR & Events, the two Miss Universe queens arrived in Manila this weekend to collaborate with the Philippine Department of Tourism in promoting its ‘Halal and Wellness Tourism’ campaign inviting more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to experience the Philippines, starting with eco-luxury holistic wellness resort The Farm at San Benito. The multi-awarded resort is at the forefront in showcasing the Filipino brand of wellness, offering halal-experiences for global travelers. Since the past two decades, The Farm has been championing a way of life that prioritizes self-care, holistic healing, cultural inclusivity, while promoting the country’s serene beauty and the heartfelt Filipino service and care. “We are delighted to initiate this alliance with the beauty queens representing Arab and Muslim countries to further spread awareness of our country’s offering. It brings a greater opportunity to attract travelers, not only from the Gulf, but also from the …
Read More »Sofitel Dubai The Palm expands luxury portfolio with exclusive signature collection
Sofitel Dubai The Palm unveils its ultra-luxury Signature Collection of bespoke suites and villas. This boutique hotel experience promises exceptional stays, seamlessly merging the French Riviera charm with the allure of Dubai. Ready for reservations from November 1, 2023, the Signature Palm Suites cater primarily to guests aged 12 and above; making them a dreamy escape for couples enjoying their honeymoon or those celebrating special occasions. Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s pivotal expansion marks a significant milestone in the resort’s unwavering commitment to world-class sophistication, propelling it into unparalleled luxury hospitality. The journey of personalised luxury and exquisite art de vivre begins at the enticing Signature Palm Suites and continues to the majestic Eden, Palm, Riviera, and Beach Villas. Each bespoke space is an impeccable sanctuary of serenity and seclusion. The prestigious hotel has a pipeline of captivating projects set to launch before the year’s end. Christophe Schnyder, Managing Director at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, commented, “We are always determined in our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences for our guests. Recognising the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, our introduction of the Signature Collection suites and villas signifies thoughtful diversification. By curating an exquisite adult-only sanctuary alongside our esteemed family offerings, we aim to elevate and cater to the desires of our discerning clientele, solidifying our commitment to redefine regional hospitality benchmarks”. The newly unveiled Signature Palm Suites epitomise luxury. Designed with precision for the cultured traveler, these suites have elegant interiors, offering a realm of uniqueness with an exclusive check-in experience. The suites have access to a dedicated butler service and bespoke honeymoon amenities as well as privileged access to The Premier Lounge, Sofitel FITNESS, the tranquil retreat of Sofitel …
Read More »SAUDIA becomes platinum sponsor and official airline for Riyadh season
Saudia announced the sponsorship of the fourth edition of Riyadh Season as the Platinum Partner and Official Airline of this mega event, commencing on 28th October. This event is one of the most anticipated entertainment seasons globally and aligns with the airline’s commitment to its new brand. The airline’s mission is to enable the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by flying guests both within and outside the Kingdom, while ensuring the delivery of top-notch services to enhance the travel experience. Guests flying with Saudia during Riyadh Season will be treated to a multitude of surprises and exclusive offers. This aligns with the airline’s launch of a new era and brand which places meticulous attention on the various touch points during the guest’s travel journey. Furthermore, Saudia will play a significant role in the grand event as the Presenting Partner for many global events and activities, igniting the excitement of visitors while garnering extensive media coverage. Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of the airline’s participation in Riyadh Season with its new image. Riyadh Season continues to shine brighter year after year, captivating the world and attracting visitors from various corners of the globe. The importance of the national carrier’s partnership lies in connecting the world to the Kingdom through its extensive flight network, serving over a hundred destinations across four continents. Tash also highlighted the past successes achieved through the partnership with Riyadh Season. This year is particularly remarkable as it follows the launch of the new brand and era of Saudia. This transformation enables the airline to execute numerous strategies to support ambitious Vision projects, deliver premium services to guests, and embed Saudi culture in …
Read More »100 Saudis graduate from Red Sea Global hospitality security programme
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Red Sea Security (RSS) to create job opportunities and enable generations of young Saudis to develop their talents and skillsets in the field of hospitality security. A new cohort of 106 security personnel recently graduated through the RSG training program, aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. RSS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security presence to Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy. The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced that it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse opportunities, which many ambitious young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly proud to see the talent and great potential of Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued rollout of these programs is part of our approach to train and employ Saudis across RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so they can become future leaders in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.” Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours of intensive training in land, maritime, and aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English as a second language, technology, and soft skills. This education is tailored to uphold RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide the highest standards in international security. Many …
Read More »Kanoo Travel amplifies international presence with Travel Leaders partnership
Kanoo Travel announced its association with Travel Leaders. This strategic alliance amplifies Kanoo Travel’s international reach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to ensure continued premium service to its clientele and paving the way for future expansion opportunities within the global network. This partnership was announced at a gala event which took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on October 5. The fusion of Kanoo Travel’s personalized approach with Travel Leaders’ extensive state-of-the-art technology offerings promises an unparalleled travel management experience. As part of the Internova Travel Group, Kanoo Travel will now have access to Travel Leaders’ broad suite of services, including online booking platforms, marketing tools, a global destination marketing company network and exclusive hotel programs. Furthermore, a comprehensive technology suite will bolster the servicing of both international and local clientele, providing tools for profile management, trip authorization, consolidated data analytics, advanced meetings technology and in-depth customer reporting. Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman – SBU Trading Divisions, commented, “I believe this partnership with Travel Leaders International will be another milestone step for Kanoo Travel. It synergizes with our recent digitalization efforts and opens new doors, giving us new opportunities to better serve our client base. He added, “Kanoo Travel has taken another step forward, reflecting on our continued dedication to elevate the travel experience. Earlier this year, we introduced Kanoo Travel MORE, expanding our offering with targeted solutions. And today with this alliance, we are even more equipped to provide our clients with an unparalleled travel platform.” “We are thrilled about this collaboration with Travel Leaders, a renowned and revered brand within the Internova Travel Group portfolio. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for Kanoo Travel to …
Read More »German National Tourist Office GCC promotes its UNESCO Campaign, Historic.Modern.Germany, to GCC Travellers
German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC) and world-renowned artist, Sacha Jafri, came together to spotlight its 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany campaign. Germany looks forward to welcome GCC travellers by offering an unparalleled journey through time, tradition, and natural wonders, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The event was held today at Studio Jafri, the Middle East’s jewel in the crown Studio/Gallery, brought GNTO and the global Artist, Sacha Jafri together, to highlight the importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yamina Sofo, Director at German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “We are excited to promote our ‘51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany’ campaign. We’ve come together with the incredible Sacha Jafri who worked seamlessly and we were delighted to see the beauty of the Museum Island Berlin on his canvas.” “Recently, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Germany was awarded a 52nd World Heritage; a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while offering travellers a chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery.” Yamina added further. Sacha Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my UNESCO World Heritage Sites Collection, aims to reconnect Humanity to our cultural past, a more conscious present, towards an inspired and more sustainable future. It has been an honour for me to partner with UNESCO’s in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of World Heritage Sites.” From historic palaces and castles to flourishing natural parks, architectural marvels and quaint towns, Germany encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. Whether the travellers are history enthusiasts, nature lovers, architecture aficionados, or simply seeking vibrant cultural …
Read More »Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurates first route to Erbil
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Erbil. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Iraq and across the region. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 269 *. The flights from Abu Dhabi to Erbil operate on a convenient schedule, flying on Monday and Friday, with the national airline flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi. Erbil is a modern metropolis with a rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. With a vibrant culture and incredible historical sites, including the ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers of all ages can immerse themselves in multiple historical civilizations. Some of the must-see historical and natural attractions include the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Jalil Khayat Mosque and Kurdish textile museum with memorable and enriching travel experiences awaiting. Basking in glorious year round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings and exciting attractions offers visitors a warm welcome and breath taking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and adventure options to suit all ages. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to inaugurate our first flight to Erbil, a city of spectacular historical beauty, as we reaffirm our commitment to growing our ever-expanding network throughout the region. With the recent arrival of the 11th aircraft to our fleet, we are further …
Read More »JNTO launches “Japan Travel House” in Qatar
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the “Japan Travel House” in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar. Notably, the ceremony was also open to the general public in Qatar, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across Japan. Visitors can expect personalized face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA commented: “Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit …
Read More »PIF announces “Al Balad Development Company” to develop Jeddah’s historic district and transform it into a global cultural and heritage destination
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of Al Balad Development Company (BDC). The company will become the main developer of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, in line with the continuous efforts led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to revitalize Historic Jeddah to transform Jeddah into an economic hub, a global cultural and heritage destination, and a leading tourism destination, inspired by Jeddah’s rich history and contributing to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. The company will focus on improving the district’s infrastructure, overseeing the restoration of historic buildings in Al Balad, and developing service facilities as well as recreational, residential, commercial, hotel and office spaces. The overall project development area will comprise approximately 2.5 million square meters, with a total built up area of 3.7 million square meters. This includes 9,300 residential units, 1,800 hotel units and around 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office space. The company will collaborate with the private sector and specialists to develop the area’s infrastructure according to the best standards of urban planning for historic areas, taking into account environmental sustainability and preserving the unique heritage of Historic Jeddah: a UNESCO World Heritage site. The aim is to transform it into a leading tourism destination that attracts visitors from around the world, thus contributing to economic development, with the company also working to offer attractive investment opportunities and quality commercial options for the people of Jeddah. BDC aims to provide a rich experience to explore the cultural and historic dimensions of the district, by providing an integrated environment that attracts residential, work, cultural and recreation development, contributing to quality of life and improving the visitor …
Read More »Coral Beach Resort Sharjah moves to plastic-free bottles
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation by launching an innovative onsite water bottling plant system. This initiation represents the first of its kind among hotels in the Northern Emirates, aiming to eliminate the use of plastic bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority graced the launch and commended the unwavering commitment to sustainability of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah. He reiterated, “Let me congratulate Coral Beach Resort Sharjah for taking a leap in sustainability as a property in Sharjah. I would like to commend everyone in your team for believing in the importance of sustainability, its impact in our day today life in general. We are very glad that you started this and looking forward to having more companies to follow the initiative.” Plastic waste reduction has become a primary focus at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, with plastic bottles constituting a significant portion of the property’s plastic waste, particularly in food & beverage outlets and guestrooms. By implementing this unique water bottling plant, the resort is on its way to eliminating single-use plastics, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said, “We are dedicated to reducing our overall environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Our water filtration system ensures the production of high-quality water, meticulously bottled in our onsite bottling plant room, and made available in hotel guestrooms and food & beverage outlets.” The plastic-free project is part of the resort’s ongoing sustainability efforts. In March 2021, HMH …
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