Leading diversified professional services and investment management company Colliers, led the sale of Marjan Island Resort & Spa on behalf of Manazil Group to RAK National Hotels LLC (RAKNH), a subsidiary of RAK Hospitality Holding LLC (RAKHH). The sale of the 300-key, 5-star property marks a significant milestone in both RAKNH’s investment strategy and the ongoing development of the emirate as a premier leisure destination. James Wrenn, Executive Director, Capital Markets, Colliers in MENA, said: “Colliers is delighted to have led the sale of the well-known Marjan Island Resort & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah on behalf of the vendor, Manazil Group. The investment represents further commitment by the buyer RAK National Hotels (RAKNH) to realise the exciting ambitions of Ras Al Khaimah tourism over the coming years. We wish RAKNH and the operator Accor the very best as the property enters a new era, and of course extend our continued best wishes to Manazil Group with their existing portfolio of quality hotel assets.” Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding commented: “The acquisition of Marjan Island Resort & Spa underscores our continued investment in Ras Al Khaimah and recognises the huge opportunities in the emirate as it positions itself as an international leisure destination. The property is ideally located to capitalise on these opportunities, and working with our partner Accor, we believe we can transform the property into a unique destination for tourists.” Abdul Mohsen Al Hammadi, Chairman and CEO of Manazil Group said: “After being one of the first properties to open on Al Marjan Island back in 2014, Marjan Island Resort & Spa became a stepping stone for our Group to enter into the hotel business and …

The Philippines is a land of unparalleled biodiversity and enchanting beauty. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, the country beckons those who seek awe-inspiring experiences through its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, towering mountains and vibrant coral reefs. Islands and Pristine Beaches The Philippines is world famous for its breathtaking beaches and crystalline waters. Feel the powdery white sands of Boracay beneath your toes, explore the remote coves of Palawan’s El Nido, and be mesmerized by the pink sands of the Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga. You can also discover hidden lagoons, dive into vibrant underwater worlds, and bask in the sun’s warm embrace. Majestic Volcanoes and Mountains Nature enthusiasts and adventurers will find paradise among the Philippines’ majestic peaks, which serve as one of the best places to witness the sun rise or set. Opt to ascend to the summit of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country, or traverse the dramatic landscapes of Mount Pulag and Mount Mayon. Find a moment of calm and peace from atop these peaks and be rewarded with panoramic vistas that defy description. Underground Wonders A world of mysteries awaits beneath the surface. One can delight in exploring the subterranean marvels of the Philippines, such as the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate limestone formations and underground rivers that wind through captivating cave systems. Divers and snorkelling enthusiasts will be enthralled by the Philippines’ vibrant marine ecosystems. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park boasts a dazzling array of marine life, while the Apo Reef Natural Park is a haven for divers seeking encounters with manta rays and sharks. Unique Biodiversity The Philippines is …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled updates to its holiday homes policy, with farmhouse owners now able to obtain licenses to transform their properties into holiday homes. The update is designed to diversify accommodation offerings available in the emirate and unlock new economic advantages for farm owners. The expansion of the policy is in alignment with recent decisions by the Abu Dhabi government which facilitates farm owners to secure licenses for economic activities. DCT Abu Dhabi’s updated holiday homes policy now includes farm stays, caravans, and RVs, and allows landlords and residential unit owners to obtain more than one holiday home license for multiple units, presenting a key opportunity for investors and property management firms. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: “Our expansion of Abu Dhabi’s holiday homes licencing policy to allow farmhouses to offer guest accommodations will support both Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and agri-tourism sectors. As the emirate witnesses substantial tourism growth, it is imperative that we continue to offer visitors unique and sustainable experiences that reflect our rich heritage and renowned Emirati hospitality.” DCT Abu Dhabi is providing guidance to farmhouse owners seeking to register their properties, including organising sessions on navigating the licensing system and clarifying the requirements. In addition, a comprehensive guidance manual has been made available on the official DCT Abu Dhabi website. Farmhouse owners have a grace period of six months to initiate the licensing process for their properties, aimed at ensuring a seamless transition and avoiding any potential penalties. Committed to fostering diverse and enriching experiences for all visitors to the …

This latest announcement forms part of Cruise Saudi’s wider strategy to partner with outstanding sector-leading vendors to ensure that AROYA Cruises offers the highest standard of services and facilities. Supplying more than 50 airlines, operating as wholesalers and retailers in over 90 countries, as well as supplying or operating shops onboard 240 cruise ships and ferries, Gebr. Heinemann is a giant in the travel retail sector. Forming a crucial part of the exceptional offering onboard AROYA Cruises, Gebr. Heinemann will work directly with the world’s best-known luxury brands and its wide range of products extends from perfume and cosmetics to confectionery, fashion, accessories, watches, and jewellery. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “AROYA Cruises will provide our passengers with joyful and memorable premium experiences, and a crucial part of this is the retail offering onboard. We are thrilled to be collaborating exclusively with Gebr. Heineman to deliver such an exceptional high-end retail offering.” Kerstin Schepers, Managing Director for the Cruise Business at Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG: “We are very excited to be on board the AROYA Cruises. On its first ship we want to inspire travelers with our impressive employees and our spectacular assortment. We promise unforgettable shopping experiences to the guests.” The first of its kind, AROYA Cruises will aim to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences, with a vision to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Saudi. The launch of AROYA Cruises marks a significant step in providing new holiday options for Saudi-nationals, expatriates, and regional guests. Due to set sail in 2024, AROYA Cruises will also form a part of Cruise Saudi’s wider goal to provide 50,000 direct and indirect …

RAK National Hotels LLC  has added to its portfolio of hospitality and leisure assets the 300 key Marjan Island Resort & Spa from Manazil Group. The acquisition adds further scale to RAKNH’s portfolio and underlines its investment on Al Marjan Island, especially following RAKHH’s announcement of the group’s joint venture stake in the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island.  The property is currently operated by Accor Group and will be rebranded as a Pullman, the company’s premium hotel brand. Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector has been experiencing a major period of growth, with a multitude of new hotels, attractions and upgraded historical sites cementing the Emirate’s place as the go-to destination for adventure, relaxation and culture. Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding commented: “The acquisition of Marjan Island Resort & Spa underscores our continued investment in Ras Al Khaimah and recognizes the huge opportunities in the Emirate as it positions itself as an international leisure destination. The property is ideally located to capitalise on these opportunities, and working with our partner Accor, we believe we can transform the property into a unique destination for tourists.” Abdul Mohsen Al Hammadi, Chairman and CEO of Manazil Group said: “After being one of the first properties to open on Al Marjan Island back in 2014, Marjan Island Resort & Spa became a stepping stone for our Group to enter into the hotel business and open four more hotels managed by Accor within the UAE, namely Movenpick, Novotel and Adagio in Jumeriah Village Triangle, and Pullman Sharjah.” Paul Stevens, COO Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East & Africa at Accor said: “We are very pleased to continue our strategic partnership with …

TBO.COM announced a strategic partnership with WebEngage for a comprehensive digital transformation. TBO will harness WebEngage’s cutting-edge automation and AI-ML tools, journey designers, and personalization engines to empower travel agents to serve their customers effectively. TBO is known for its pathbreaking “B2A” strategy in the tourism industry. Acronym for “Business to Agents”, the first-of-its-kind strategy in the region is aimed at empowering agents to maximize earnings by meaningfully catering to travellers seeking customized, hassle-free, and convenience-oriented tourism services. Such innovative B2B strategies, coupled with round-the-clock agent support and acceptance of over 55 currencies, have enabled TBO to expand its purview to over a million hotels and 120 countries globally. “Travel distribution platforms such as ours are ripe for technological adoption aimed at higher conversions and insights-led engagement. A marketing-automation innovator of WebEngage’s calibre as a solutions provider complements the scale of our operations and aspirations. The partnership will enable us to deliver personalized services to our agents and partners and, through them, a multitude of travellers across the globe,” expressed Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder & Managing Director, TBO.COM Reiterating the need for marketing automation in tourism distribution, Avlesh Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, WebEngage, said that business-facing companies must engage like they are directly dealing with customers. “The next phase of B2B growth will hinge on superior customer experiences. Therefore, in tourism distribution, a unified view of agents, dynamic segmentation, and the ability to automate and orchestrate cross-channel communications at scale will constitute a competitive edge. Our partnership with TBO is built on that objective.” WebEngage’s full-stack Retention Operating System has delivered measurable results for companies across sectors. As a testament to its success, WebEngage has built a portfolio of over 800 …

Red Sea Global (RSG) is now a destination partner of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the sector, working closely with governments and international institutions to create job opportunities, drive exports, and generate prosperity. RSG will work with the member organization to highlight the potential of responsible travel and regenerative tourism. “This year we are welcoming our first guests to The Red Sea destination. Our partnership with WTTC helps us to open the eyes of the world to the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast,” said Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global Brand and Marketing at Red Sea Global. “At both The Red Sea and Amaala, we have chosen to go beyond sustainability and seek to make a positive, regenerative impact on the environment and on society. This partnership also allows us to show the industry what we have achieved, to demonstrate that there is a better way to develop and operate, and to encourage others to pursue regenerative tourism for the benefit of people and planet.” This collaboration allows RSG to exchange knowledge and best practices with an impressive network of industry leaders and experts who share its vision for a more sustainable future in tourism. Other WTTC destination partners include DGDA, NEOM, AlUla, as well as ATOUT France, Brand USA, Visit California, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Visit Rwanda and TURESPAÑA, among others. With this partnership, RSG also benefits from WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research for more than 185 countries and 26 regions around the world. Additionally, RSG will be able to …

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay announces its outstanding achievements in reducing carbon emissions during the first half of the year. Using Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism Carbon Calculator to measure and guide its efforts in achieving environmentally responsible operations during this period, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay has achieved substantial reductions in carbon emissions across various key performance indicators (KPIs), marking a significant step toward its sustainability goals. The results are as follows: Electricity: The hotel achieved an impressive 1.07% decrease in electricity consumption which is attributed to a series of energy saving initiatives implemented by the property including the installation of sensor-based lights in guests’ corridors, the implementation of a guest room power-saving mode via a Room Management System, the transition from conventional CFL lights to energy-efficient LED lights throughout the property, and the introduction of an auto shut-off mechanism for operational equipment. Water: Canal Central Hotel Business Bay proudly reports a reduction of 1.16% in water consumption. The hotel’s commitment to responsible water management is evident in its adoption of best practices, including the utilization of aerators in washroom faucets to regulate water flow and mitigate wastage. District Cooling: An impressive 0.67% reduction in carbon emissions related to district cooling has been accomplished by utilizing a central air conditioning system that efficiently cools the entire building. This technology allows the property to maintain comfortable temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. Liquefied Petroleum Gas: The hotel has effectively managed LPG consumption by optimizing food service operations. Buffet offerings are meticulously planned based on the in-house nationality mix and expected guest numbers, reducing excess food production. Additionally, the hotel has replaced buffets with set menu options during periods of decreased …

The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority announced its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which will be held from 02 – 08 September 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club under the theme “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration ” The reserve’s participation in the twentieth edition of the Exhibition reflects its interest and focus on supporting environmental, cultural, and heritage values, as well as promoting traditional sports and sustainable hunting. The CEO of the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, Eng. Mohammad Al-Shaalan said: “Our participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will be an opportunity to showcase the experience of the Northern Reserve for Sustainable Hunting as the first sustainable hunting reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to shed light on the development of the pioneering program for sustainable hunting, which allows hunting in limited numbers to avoid harming wildlife and minimizes illegal hunting through providing sustainable alternatives, reducing the impact on wildlife in nature, reviving the traditional hunting heritage through traditional methods, all under the regulations and organized standards.” Eng. Al-Shaalan explained: “The reserve will highlight its efforts to develop the skills of local communities, support entrepreneurship and the handicraft industry, and the development processes in preserving and sustaining environmental resources.” “The Reserve will dedicate a corner in its booth for participants in the beekeeping season to showcase various types of Saudi natural honey, and a performing folklore band will provide cultural performances, including Saudi traditional “Samri” dances.” He added. Throughout its participation, the reserve will showcase its vision to become a global sanctuary and an …

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Oman Air has replaced the plastic used to wrap blankets and mattresses in its premium cabins with an eco-friendlier paper-based alternative. All duvets and mattresses across the airline’s fleet will now be presented to the guests with slim, branded paper bands, resulting in the reduction of up to 21.6 ton of plastic per year. The initiative is the latest step for Oman Air as it continues to work towards phasing out the use of single-use plastics on board. Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Salmi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air, said: “In a concerted effort guided by our in-house experts and bolstered by collaborations with partners and vendors, we have successfully achieved another milestone in our sustainability efforts. This pivotal step aligns seamlessly with our corporate strategy to reduce waste and choose more environmentally friendly products, reflecting our commitment to national sustainability goals.” Oman Air has been making steadfast strides in reducing its on-board plastic consumption over the last few years, including removing the plastic sleeves used to load cutlery and reducing plastic water bottles and cuplets by up to 50% on certain routes. This year, it has also replaced 80% of its in-flight service carts with lightweight alternatives, providing a considerable boost to fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Oman Air’s continual efforts to minimise its environmental impact is demonstrated through a range of initiatives that underscore its dedication to promoting sustainable aviation practices.