Part of the charm of Filipino hospitality is making sure that visitors have their fill of the best food that their home can offer. The first thing a Filipino will ask their guest is, “have you eaten?” Wherever you go in the country, the dishes offered will vary since each region has something unique to offer. The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) highlights the country’s food traditions through different programs that encourage new dining discoveries. Launched in July 2021, the Halal Culinary Heritage Series showcases food in Mindanao through a video series posted on the DOT’s social media platforms. “Food is a vital part of a tourism experience. It gives us a glimpse of a place’s culture and heritage. Through the development of Halal Culinary Tourism, we encourage the culinary Muslim traditions in the Philippines,” says Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat. The Mindanao Halal Culinary Tourism is a project of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Besides promoting the heritage of Mindanao and its culture, the project aims to document culinary practices of the region through food mapping. Halal-certified food – Halal food takes on many forms throughout the Philippines. In Manila, there are restaurants and eateries that offer Halal-certified food, ranging from the stalls located at the area known as Muslim Town near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo. It offers several culinary delights. For Halal-certified Filipino fare in the Makati district, the El Prado dining outlet of Berjaya Hotel Makati is the best bet for travellers. Eat like a local – It is not an understatement that Filipinos love to eat. Travellers to get a Filipino picnic feel should pack a coffee break in a handcrafted rattan …

dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has signed a concession agreement with The Government of Zanzibar, along with Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP, a joint venture between airport infrastructure and operations specialists Egis, and private equity fund manager AIIM. Under the partnership, dnata will oversee the operations of Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport’s (ZNZ) newly-built international terminal (T3), with SEGAP supporting the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) in a management capacity. Emirates Leisure Retail will partner with MMI as master concessionaire for all food and beverage, duty free and commercial outlets at T3. dnata will provide its globally renowned, quality ground and passenger handling services to airline customers at ZNZ, ensuring safe and timely operations of flights and an excellent travel experience for passengers. dnata expects to handle over 4,000 flights annually at the airport.  dnata will also invest in a state-of-the-art cargo centre to establish cargo operations at the airport, supporting local trade and businesses. The facility will comply with the highest industry standards ensuring efficient and safe handling of a broad range of cargo, including perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, live animals, aircraft engines and vehicles. In addition, dnata will launch meet & greet and lounge services through its airport hospitality brand, marhaba, to help passengers further enhance their experience and enjoy a smooth airport journey from check-in to boarding. dnata’s expansion into Zanzibar represents an investment of over US$ 7 million and will create up to 400 direct local jobs with the company. Including this latest investment which is dnata’s first operation in Tanzania, dnata now provides quality and safe ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services in 36 countries. Steve Allen, Executive Vice President …

Dubai Airports has issued a passenger advisory alerting travellers about Dubai International (DXB) getting exceptionally busy over the coming days and weeks. According to the operator, as many as 1.8 million passengers are expected to pass through DXB between November 25 and December 5 with average daily traffic reaching 164,000 passengers. December 4 is expected to be the busiest day during this period with passenger numbers likely to surpass the 190,000 mark. Essa Al Shamsi, Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports said, “As always, Dubai Airports is working with airlines, control authorities, and all our other commercial and service partners to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for our customers. Those travelling during this peak period can make their journey smooth and comfortable by following a few simple tips.” Considering that travel requirements have changed globally due to the pandemic, Dubai Airports strongly urges all customers to: – Be aware of the latest travel regulations for the destination you are travelling to. We urge passengers to get in touch with their respective airlines and ensure that they have all the necessary documents with the required validity before reaching the airport. – Plan some extra time to get to and through the airport as the roads to DXB could get busy during peak times. – Arrive at the airport no earlier than 3 hours before your departure if you are flying out of Terminal 1. Those departing from Terminal 3 can beat the queues by check-in up to 24 hours ahead of their departure. – Use online and self-service options wherever available to get off to a smooth start to your journey. – Say your goodbyes at home as …

Radisson Hotel Group and REALITES Group announced the signing of Lincoln Casablanca, a Radisson Collection Hotel.  This historic signing, debuting Radisson Hotel Group’s third brand in Morocco, Radisson Collection, also marks the Group’s ninth hotel signing in Morocco this year, bringing its portfolio in the country to 11 hotels in operation and under development, and setting the Group firmly on track to exceed its ambition of reaching 15 hotels by 2025. “The Lincoln Hotel”, the oldest hotel in Casablanca and a prime example of the city’s Art Deco heritage, was built in 1916 by the renowned French architect, Hubert Bride. The Lincoln Hotel is a key landmark in Casablanca around which the city was originally developed. REALITES, a French territorial development group and the owning company, aims to revive the iconic hotel with a sensitive restoration that preserves the façade, a historic architectural monument being carefully preserved. Scheduled to open early 2025, the hotel is situated in the heart of Mohammed V Avenue in the historical city center, a well-developed area currently undergoing a full restructuring and recognized as a prominent corporate, financial, and entertainment district. It is also within proximity to the city’s major attractions, such as the Casablanca Marina and Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, just 3 kilometers away. The hotel is also close to the Old Media, which is 1.5 kilometers from the Old Medina, and within walking distance from the tram line and the closest train station, Casa Port. The hotel will comprise of 120 contemporary standard and superior rooms, as well as Junior Suites, all carefully curated with impactful touches that leave guests with an authentic impression of Casablanca. Promising a vibrant …

Pleased to share this latest IATF Resolution 150-A, s. 2021 stipulating that effective 1 December 2021, fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries under Executive Order No. 408 (s.1960), as amended, shall be allowed to enter the Philippines until 15 December 2021, subject to the following conditions: A. Holders of passports valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival, and with a return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination. B. Prior to arrival in the Philippines, the foreign national should have stayed exclusively in Green List countries/territories/jurisdictions for fourteen (14) days. C. Must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19 recognized under existing IATF regulations: – World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis; VaxCertPH; or – National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted – VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF. A negative RT-PCR test shall be required to be taken within seventy-two hours (72hrs) prior to departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine and no on-arrival RT-PCR test will be further required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14th) day with the first day being the date of arrival. The testing and quarantine protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian traveling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status, and country of origin.

With a diverse calendar of international sports events combined with a range of world-class infrastructure and facilities, Dubai’s sports sector has emerged as a key driver of growth for the city’s tourism industry, attracting both players and fans from around the world and further enhancing Dubai’s position as a multi-faceted destination. What sets Dubai apart as an attractive sporting hub is the superior spectator excitement and experience shared by visitors and residents from over 200 different nationalities; access to tournaments featuring the world’s best sporting icons; year-round availability of world-leading sports venues such as stadiums and golf courses; tourism infrastructure such as hotels catering to the varied visitor profile, in addition to the unique destination offering. As a testament to the growth of sports tourism, even international sports brands continue to choose Dubai as the launchpad for major initiatives. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and top global brand, adidas, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that enables Dubai’s residents and visitors to access a range of lifestyle, retail and sports events and activations to encourage everyone to adopt a healthier lifestyle while prioritising their safety and well-being. His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council, said: “Dubai, without a doubt, is a leading sports destination – not just in the region, but also globally, thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, …

The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Gulf Air’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, the National Carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani met with the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Mr. Willie Walsh at the Association’s headquarters in Geneva, where they discussed a number of aviation related issues, and elements of this vital economic sector to various revenue-generating fields such as tourism and investment. During the visit, H.E. expressed how he values IATA’s efforts in supporting and developing the  ever-changing aviation industry; noting the importance of the Association’s role in sustaining aviation, especially amidst the great impact of the recent pandemic. Mr. Walsh expressed his thanks and gratitude to H.E. and to the National Carrier as the airline operations continued during the pandemic to help solve some of the global problems during that time. Additionally, he highlighted that Gulf Air remained one of the few airlines that kept operating and never stopped flying during the pandemic, and wishing the National Carrier success and prosperity. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) was established in 1945, and is one of the most notable associations in the aviation industry, connecting many commercial airlines through its membership, and is also involved in setting aviation related policies and regulations in which Gulf Air has been a member since 1981.  

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Council for Border Crossing Points Security, today attended one of the biggest cruise ship naming ceremonies in the region, in an event that reflects the rising global profile of Dubai’s cruise industry. Hollywood superstar Sophia Loren officially named MSC Virtuosa, the new luxury liner launched by MSC Cruises at a glittering ceremony held at Port Rashid. In partnership with DP World and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise operator and part of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, chose Dubai for the naming ceremony in recognition of the Group’s commitment to Dubai and the UAE, as well as the wider Middle East market where MSC Cruises is the brand leader. The milestone event reflects Dubai’s emergence as a must-visit destination for global cruise holidaymakers and reinforces the importance of the cruise industry’s contribution to the growth of Dubai’s tourism industry. His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Dubai’s glorious seafaring legacy, which is an integral part of its cultural heritage, has inspired its development as a major global maritime destination. The emirate’s status as a leading international maritime hub has significantly strengthened its position as a pivotal global trade and tourism centre.” Furthermore, His Highness noted that “Dubai’s renewed growth as an international cruise tourism hub, overcoming the repercussions of global challenges in the industry, is testament to the vision of the leadership to create an infrastructure that surpasses the world’s best. The accelerated rebound of its cruise industry also reflects Dubai’s ability to adapt rapidly and flexibly to the evolving global situation and take advantage …

Surrounding yourself in nature holds many wellness benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing the immune system. In the Philippines, it is possible to experience this feeling of wellbeing while traveling to fun and nature-friendly destinations. The Philippines Department of Tourism will be highlighting sustainable travel post-pandemic as it works towards inclusive growth and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage, and safeguards the integrity and diversity of the country’s national resources. Sustainable tourism ensures that destinations, especially nature-based, remain intact and will be preserved for future travelers. Travel to these exciting destinations at the heart of nature and create a positive impact on its environment and local communities when international borders reopen. 1. Trek through Masungi Georeserve, Rizal The sprawling landscape of the Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area that is a sanctuary for hundreds of native wildlife species. Take a three-hour trek on the Discovery Trail through the pathways with lush vegetation and limestone formations, walk over suspended bridges to take snapshots of your adventure, and crawl onto a spider-web view deck to get a spectacular view of the nature park and the expanse of the country’s largest lake, Laguna de Bay. For a deeper appreciation of the conservation efforts of the local community, take the Legacy Trail and participate in the planting and nurturing of the trees that will be part of the reforestation of the area. 2. Go Dolphin Watching in Bohol Enjoy a day out at sea to watch the marine life in the clear blue waters of Pamilacan Island in Bohol. Visitors can catch various species of dolphins and whales such as Risso’s dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, …

Dubai Airports reopened Concourse A at Dubai International’s Terminal 3 complex recently, taking the world’s busiest international airport closer to 100% operational capacity. Flight EK659 which arrived from Male was Concourse A’s first flight since the facility was closed 20 months ago on March 25, 2020 as part of measures taken by the UAE authorities to control the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The reopening of the facility follows robust growth in passenger traffic at DXB throughout the year and a consistent surge of demand in the final quarter. Concourse A will be reopened in phases over the coming weeks, helping DXB to maintain service levels while accommodating the rush of seasonal travellers in December and beyond. The world’s largest purpose-built facility for the Airbus A380, Concourse A is connected to Terminal 3 by an airport train and has capacity to serve 18 million passengers annually.