Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a leadership change positioning Hyatt for continued strategic growth in the Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME) region. Javier Águila has been appointed incoming group president EAME, following the planned retirement of Peter Fulton who looks back on an impressive 39-year career at Hyatt. Águila and Fulton will work together through a smooth and thoughtful transition and Águila will officially assume the role in the next several months. “The Hyatt family is grateful for Peter’s leadership and impact throughout a career that spans almost four decades and three global regions. In his latest role as group president, EAME/SWA, which Peter assumed in 2013, he has presided over operational excellence and unprecedented growth for the region,” said Chuck Floyd, global president of operations, Hyatt. Águila is an internal successor, hailing from Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which Hyatt acquired in 2021. He most recently served as ALG’s group president, AMResorts Europe and Global Strategy. Águila joined ALG in 2019 as part of the acquisition of Alua Hotels & Resorts, which Águila founded and led as chief executive officer. Águila brings a broad set of experiences and perspectives informed by more than 20 years in hospitality, tourism, private equity and strategic consulting. “Javier’s appointment is yet another milestone in bringing Hyatt and ALG’s joint vision to life,” continues Floyd. “Adding ALG to our portfolio increased Hyatt’s European brand footprint by 60% and I am confident Javier is the ideal candidate to continue the region’s positive trajectory and lead the team to new heights.” This transition comes with a planned geographic realignment for the region, moving oversight of the Indian subcontinent under the leadership of David Udell, group president Asia …

AVIAREPS launched its Digital Ecosystem, an all-in-one marketing hub for the travel industry. The AVIAREPS Ecosystem empowers everyone to market their brand and product to a global community online via a platform that combines several digital marketing solutions into one unified hub. With only a few clicks, customers can promote their destination, hotel, airline, car rental, cruise line or attraction and reach potential trade partners around the world. The AVIAREPS Ecosystem brings digital marketing solutions such as landing pages, campaign websites, webinars, online press conferences, e-learnings and virtual events under one umbrella. The platform lets clients reach travel trade professionals and media all over the world with specific market campaigns, a multi-country approach or a global campaign. All campaigns are fully customizable to the client’s CI and the user-friendly interface of the AVIAREPS Ecosystem allows the user to easily adjust multiple design themes and components. Users benefit from a single sign-on and from easy access to the browser-based digital marketing services, provided by state-of-the-art technology partners to ensure the best-in-class solutions. Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism at AVIAREPS, said: “Our digital ecosystem offers easy access to a variety of digital marketing services for the travel industry. By bringing webinars, websites, e-learnings and virtual events under one global umbrella, we simplify digital marketing and expand the potential reach of digital marketing campaigns. Our competent local trade marketers at AVIAREPS help clients design the perfect campaign and assist in selecting suitable content for the campaigns. Thanks to the user-friendly design and browser-based technology, the AVIAREPS Ecosystem empowers everyone to market their brand and product to a global community online – no technical expertise is necessary! Be it a landing page, a campaign website, …

Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is celebrating sustainable practices across the city to mark the 50th World Environment Day, as it strives to further enhance Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable destination. From desert conservation reserves, to sustainable restaurateurs and eco-hotels, to cultural pursuits and eco-tourism attractions, DET is shining a light on 50 of the city’s pioneering initiatives in environmental conservation and sustainability across the tourism ecosystem on the occasion of World Environment Day, that was created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as “a global platform for inspiring positive change”. They are divided among conservation and nature, sustainable hotels and resorts, sustainable gastronomy, leisure and wellness and sustainable culture. Dubai’s unique ecosystem has made for generations of sustainable conservations and a distinctive connection with nature. From Bedouin practices, to nature reserves and safaris, Dubai has long had a harmonious connection with its surroundings. Environmental protection is ingrained into the very DNA of Dubai’s natural landscape and is something that continues to be enhanced and celebrated.

Saudis want the global tourism sector to learn the lessons of the pandemic, and to change for the better, a brand-new global survey has found. The Future of Tourism Survey explored attitudes to travel and the expectations of consumers in 11 countries around the world. Globally, the survey found that: 44% of respondents called for greater harmonization of health protocols and the use of technology to enable seamless travel. 34% wanted to see greater sustainability at the heart of tourism. 29% wanted to see health and sustainability prioritized over profits for the travel sector. 33% called for greater financial protections for travelers – likely in response to the experience of the pandemic. People from China, India, and South Korea were most in favor of greater harmonization of safety protocols and use of technology to make travel simpler. They survey also found that Saudis, who are in the midst of creating a new tourism industry that plans to contribute 10% to GDP and provide 1 million new jobs, were most supportive of putting health and sustainability before profit. Conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, almost 14,000 people were polled, across China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Spain and Sweden. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: “The pandemic has a profound impact on the global tourism sector. It has shown us all – travelers, tourists, businesses and governments, that we can do things differently. “The Future of Tourism Survey shows that the public want us to learn the lessons of the pandemic and to make changes that put health, sustainability, …

A spectacular art installation of more than 80,000 red carnations accompanies the highly anticipated grand opening of the main heart of the new international icon of luxury in the capital, Galería Canalejas. On 3 June, the historic doors of the monumental Galería Canalejas buildings will open for the first time to celebrate the opening of new boutiques for the most prestigious international brands in the world. This grand opening has attracted internationally prestigious fashion and beauty brands to Spain for the first time. For example, the famous Aquazzura brand is opening its first boutique in Spain. Galería Canalejas is also the incomparable setting in which the emblematic Swiss watchmaker OMEGA inaugurates in Spain the new international concept of the firm´s boutiques. Joining these brands will soon open new boutiques at Galería Canalejas for Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Giorgio Armani, which is returning to Madrid – at this unbeatable venue – after eight years without a store in the capital. “We are hugely proud to be joined by brands of such great prestige and tradition, and which represent a vision of luxury that is so closely in tune with the one we uphold at Galería Canalejas. The opening of these brands at Galería Canalejas confirms not only the enormously attractive nature of our project for international luxury brands but also the potential of Madrid as a shopping destination, as well as an indisputable benchmark in culture and gastronomy. Galería Canalejas has already become a benchmark in international luxury and has put Madrid on the map of luxury shopping destinations alongside such capital cities as London, Milan or Paris”, said Isabel Antolín, Director of Galería Canalejas. Crossing the threshold of the …

With a significant shift in what tourists are seeking from international travel post-pandemic, more and more individuals are yearning for holiday travel that guarantees meaningful, off-the-beaten path, sustainable and wellness-focussed experiences.  There are also vacationers who are looking to make up for lost time due to the pandemic such as multi-generational family travellers, in addition to ‘bleisure’ tourists or business travellers seeking to extend their stay beyond participating at a business event to enjoy the destination’s leisure offering.  Another category of travellers that Dubai continues to welcome are the remote workers or ‘digital nomads’. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is working closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure Dubai’s tourism ecosystem is aligning with and adapting to these trends, especially by highlighting and providing an opportunity for UAE residents and international travellers to enjoy the ever-growing diversity of the destination offering, further reinforcing the city’s position as the global travel destination of choice. Holiday-makers are planning longer vacations as they come out of a prolonged period of travel restrictions and catching up on lost time following postponed celebrations such as weddings, honeymoons and family vacations, Located within the turtle lagoon in Jumeirah Al Naseem, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro  is the perfect destination for some of the finest Tuscan cuisine in Dubai. With ingredients including organic honey, olive oil and vegetables sourced directly from the Il Borro estate in Tuscany, the restaurant celebrates seasonal Italian cuisine. Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the large wooden terrace overlooking the water surrounded by olive trees lit up by twinkling lights, complemented by the gentle breeze from the water. A uniquely exclusive and multi-sensory dining experience awaits diners at Sublimotion …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall, bringing its Middle East portfolio to 74 hotels in operation and under development. With construction already under way, the hotel is scheduled to open by the summer of 2023. Amman is Jordan’s capital and largest city as well as the country’s economic, political, and cultural center. The newly built hotel will be located inside the Galleria Mall, which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Jordan, located in the heart of Amman, and only a 30-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport. “We thank the partners of Al Yaqout Real Estate for their trust in Radisson Hotel Group in Jordan, an important destination in our expansion strategy. The presence of the Radisson Blu brand in the country’s capital will be a steppingstone for further development in key cities and locations in Jordan, says Elie Milky, Vice President Development for the Middle East, Pakistan, Cyprus and Greece. “The signing of Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall showcases our faith in the Radisson Hotel Group and Jordan’s bright future. It is an important partnership with countless benefits to all stakeholders in the most strategic commercial district of Amman. The hotel will be a state-of-the-art hotel concept that is perfectly designed to complement our corner stone property “The Galleria Mall””, said H.E. Samer Al-Tawil, Chairman and CEO of Amwaj Properties, the holding company of Al-Yaqout Real Estate Company. Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall will perfectly complement Radisson Hotel Group’s growing portfolio by introducing the core, upper-upscale brand to the country. The hotel will consist of 178 keys across various room types, including one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom apartments offering …

Recognising an increased demand for outdoor experiences this summer among visitors from the GCC, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is debuting the brand-new Embrace German Nature campaign that focuses on highlighting sustainable, open-air activities. Germany is home to more than 130 protected natural landscapes, including a plethora of stunning forests, lakes, valleys, and hiking and cycling trails just waiting to be explored. It also boasts three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks, and 106 nature reserves. “We understand that GCC travellers are keen to visit countries that possess ideal summer climates with a wide range of things to do,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany’s diverse selection of outdoor activities ensures something for everyone, from hiking trails to relaxing spa towns. Our Embrace German Nature campaign will improve access to and information about these opportunities even further, in a sustainable way.” Four unique picks that fit the campaign are: Arnsberg Forest Nature Park Covering a total area of 482 square kilometers between the Möhne and Ruhr Rivers, the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park is sighted as one of the beautiful recreation lands in the Ruhr area. Nature lovers can enjoy the pristine mountain landscapes complete with springs, branching brooks and dense forests. Spreewald Biosphere Reserve For water lovers, this UNESCO biosphere reserve is shaped around the river Spree, which was formed during the last ice age. Visitors can enjoy the 276km of river via ‘punting boats’, a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow. Still used to this day by local fishers, the surrounding area is home to more than …

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts unveils Le Royal Méridien Doha, marking the European-born brand’s debut in Qatar. Located in the heart of the country’s future city, Lusail, the 377-room hotel encourages guests to savour the good life through the brand’s distinctive European-chic lens. Featuring striking neo-classical architecture, the hotel seamlessly connects to Place Vendôme Qatar, an iconic Parisian-inspired luxury complex home to 580 retail outlets, fine dining experiences, theatres, office and residential spaces, and more. With sprawling waterfront views of Lusail, Le Royal Méridien Doha is an illuminating getaway for creative-minded travellers looking to discover Qatar’s newest city that combines true modernity with the richness of Qatari traditions. “Qatar is a destination for travellers seeking culture, relaxation, and sport, and the city of Lusail is poised to welcome global travellers looking for a destination within a destination that is close to key attractions and leisure landmarks. We are excited to introduce Le Méridien to the country and bring the brand’s distinctive European flair to global tastemakers and locals,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President – Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Marriott International has been part of Qatar’s history and development for nearly 40 years and the opening of Le Royal Méridien Doha illustrates our commitment to the country’s growing hospitality and tourism sector.” Upon entering the hotel, guests are welcomed with a nostalgic nod to the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1960s. Exemplifying the brand’s design ethos of celebrating the destination with mid-century modernism, guests will find artistic interpretations of Qatar’s rich pearl diving heritage adorning the lobby in the form of bohemian crystals chandeliers representing mother of pearl shells and subtle portrayals …

Tomorrowland is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new unique desert destination in Dubai nestled between the Arabian dunes and inspired by the most beautiful star constellations. Terra Solis will open in September and is located in Dubai Heritage Vision – 30 minutes from Dubai Airport (DXB), 25 minutes from the Burj Khalifa and 35 minutes from The Palm. Terra Solis will be in Dubailand, Al Yufra, welcoming people from around the globe to a magical oasis of relaxation in the Arabian desert. Guests will be encouraged to celebrate life by the pool during the day and stargaze into their dreams at night. Featuring a collection of three stunning accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations, the stunning Polaris bell tents, the marvelous Perseid lodges, and the spectacular Orion pool lodges will provide a unique stay in the Arabian dunes. Guests will also have access to a picturesque swimming pool at the heart of the destination, some of the most iconic Tomorrowland elements, a restaurant, a bar and a shisha lounge. Nicolas Vandenabeele, Founder and CEO, Terra Solis: “Terra Solis is a one-of-a-kind desert destination away from all the noise. It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland and the most beautiful star constellations, where you can wake up from a night under the stars and live to the rhythm of the sun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a memorable world of wonder with the finest music, a vibrant yet relaxing pool scene, incredible tastes and aromas and a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes while relaxing in style under the Dubai sun.” The oriental-chic desert oasis is spread over 371,000 square …