Sun Siyam Iru Fushi announces its unwavering commitment to sustainability by becoming a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. This significant step aligns Sun Siyam Iru Fushi with global efforts to reduce  carbon emissions and foster sustainable tourism practices, reinforcing the resort’s dedication to responsible and eco-friendly operations. This dedication is a testament to our values and commitment to sustainable practices. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism unites the travel and tourism sector behind a standard set of pathways to accelerate climate action. By joining this initiative, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi commits to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 50% over the next decade and achieve Net Zero emissions as soon as possible, and certainly before 2050. This commitment is part of the resort’s broader sustainability strategy under the resort-wide Sun Siyam Cares program. This program prioritizes environmental stewardship, community support, and the preservation of the Maldives’ natural beauty and will guide our efforts to meet our climate action targets. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi commits to aligning its actions with the latest scientific recommendations to ensure a global temperature rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. This includes delivering or updating climate action plans within 12 months, aligning plans with the Declaration’s five pathways, reporting publicly annually, and working collaboratively to share good practices and solutions   Key Commitments by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi:   Support Global Climate Goals: Cut emissions in half by 2030 and achieve Net Zero before 2050, in line with global climate targets.   Develop Climate Action Plans: Deliver or update climate action …

According to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) it was revealed that business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, faster than previously predicted, to reach a record US$1.5TN. The rise of remote working during the pandemic had a disproportionate effect on corporate travel, compared to leisure travel, with virtual platforms replacing face-to-face meetings. Last year, leisure travel was just 2.9% behind the 2019 peak, whilst business travel continued to struggle, remaining 5.4% behind. But as business leaders re-emphasised the importance of face-to-face interaction, business travel is now back and is set to exceed 2019 levels by an impressive 6.2% to reach the new US$1.5TN record. According to WTTC’s “2024 Economic Impact Trends Report”, business travel spending in the U.S., which accounted for 30% of the global total in 2019, is expected to reach US$472BN this year – 13.4% above the country’s 2019 record. In China, the world’s second largest market for business travel, spending is forecast to grow 13.1% above 2019 to reach almost US$211BN. Business travel spend in Germany, the third largest, is set to reach US$87.5BN, just under 1% above the 2019 peak, while business travel in the UK and France is expected to inject a record-breaking US$84.1BN and US$42.1BN into their respective economies. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “After a challenging few years, business travel is not only back on track, but it is recovering much faster than expected, highlighting the importance of international travel for businesses around the world. “Many business powerhouses such as the U.S., China and Germany are expected to reach record numbers this year. While virtual meetings played a crucial role during the …

Al Khoory Hotels announced the official launch of its new loyalty programme, Hayakum Al Khoory Rewards as the company continues to witness increased guest numbers and year-on-year RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth. The Arabic name Hayakum, meaning welcome, is inspired by Al Khoory Hotel’s emirate heritage of ensuring a warm and rich welcome at all its properties in Dubai and its long-term relationships with guests since launching in 2008. The loyalty programme, which is free to join, will provide members with a range of exclusive and unique benefits, including discounts, priority check-in and late check-out, priority reservations at restaurants and spas within the Al Khoory Hotels portfolio, discounted rates for local heritage tours, a dedicated concierge, and flexible cancellation policies. Speaking about the launch of the loyalty programme, Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Tayeb Khoory, Vice Chairman of Al Khoory Group, said: “This represents a new chapter in our journey of excellence in hospitality, and underscores our commitment to providing our guests with unmatched service and exclusive rewards. Hayakum reflects our appreciation for their continued support and trust in the brand by providing benefits that go beyond mere points and discounts. “By joining this programme, guests will enhance their stays and contribute to a hospitality community that values exceptional service, sustainability, and innovation.” Unlike traditional loyalty programmes that often focus on point accumulation, Hayakum is centred on delivering meaningful experiences and catering to the needs and preferences of today’s travellers. “We are setting a new benchmark for loyalty programmes in the region, aligning with broader industry trends towards personalisation, sustainability, and value-driven service in order to build lasting customer relationships,” added Khoory. The launch marks a significant milestone for Al Khoory Hotels, coinciding with …

Cruise Saudi has awarded a contract with PC Marine Services to develop a Red Sea private island for cruise tourism. The development will turn the island into a new destination to explore in Saudi, exclusive to cruise passengers. Facilities will include a welcome centre, dining area, and beach club with private villas and sunbeds to accommodate initially up to 2,000 guests. PC Marine Services are leaders in the marine construction industry, having overseen projects including the Obhur Waterfront Jeddah development and cruise berth improvements in Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu.  Authentically Saudi in both design and experiences, the private island will be a first of its kind offering in the Red Sea. Cruise lines will stop at the island for a day trip, where visitors can make the most of the facilities or book one of the many land and sea excursions. The development of the private island marks a strategic and innovative next step in Cruise Saudi’s vision to create a thriving cruise sector. In line with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify Saudi’s economy, the island will be an attractive proposition for international visitors, both frequent cruisers and those new to cruise. Barbara Buczek, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Destination Experiences Officer, commented: “The creation of this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi’s cruise industry. We look forward to welcoming cruise lines and their passengers to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture and activities in the heart of the Red Sea.” Adnan Alshareef, PC Marine services’ Chief Executive Officer & President, said: “We are proud to be selected as the main contractor for the Private Island project. At PC Marine, we recognise the …

Park Hyatt and Andaz brands are set to debut in Jaumur, a cosmopolitan luxury marina community located in Magna on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The brand-new Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina, set to open in 2027, will offer a combination of 350 luxurious rooms and suites, offering exceptional experiences for guests. Andaz Jaumur Marina, with 225 modern rooms and suites, will be a celebration of art and creativity, capturing the very soul of Jaumur. Redefining coastal luxury for a new generation, Park Hyatt Jaumur and Andaz Jaumur Marina will offer personalized experiences for visitors seeking indulgence and adventure against a backdrop of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Jaumur offers a visionary blend of land and sea experiences, setting a new standard for coastal luxury living for residents and guests. This exclusive destination features a state-of-the-art 300-berth marina with a gravity-defying cantilever rising above the largest of super yachts, a sculptural landmark that serves as the perfect base for marina attractions. The marina promenade will be a place alive with entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences alongside the deep-sea diving research centre, dedicated to deep-sea exploration. Park Hyatt Jaumur will sit at the community’s vibrant epicenter, overlooking the bustling marina. Designed as an oasis of relaxation with 125 rooms, Park Hyatt Jaumur will serve as a home-away-from-home that seamlessly blends the very best entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences, enabling guests to immerse themselves in unmatched offerings. The hotel will inspire innovation while offering an eclectic allure, making it a luxury lifestyle destination for those seeking an escape from the ordinary. With a focus on personalized experiences, Andaz Jaumur Marina will envelop guests in its unique charm, with …

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai is thrilled to announce two exciting theme nights that shall commence this October onwards. Offering a multi-cultural and diverse dining experience for guests, you are bound to be enthralled. Dive into a world of flavours at the specially curated theme night buffet spreads featuring vibrant global cuisines. East of Fujairah: A Taste of Asia Immerse yourself in an authentic Asian dining experience each Friday, with ‘East of Fujairah’. Delight in an array of traditional dishes showcasing the diverse and rich flavours of Asian cuisine from countries including Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia to name the majority. The menu will feature: Salads: Glass Noodle Salad, Thai Beef Salad, Spicy Squid Salad, and more. Sushi: An assortment of Sushi selections. Live Stations: Assorted Dim Sum and Momos. Under the Lamp: Mixed Seafood Tempura, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Tandoori Chicken, and Chapli Kebab, and more. Main Course: Palak Paneer, Butter Chicken, Lamb Biryani, Sri Lankan Yellow Fish Curry, Nasi Goreng, Pancit Bihon, Teriyaki Fish, and more. Desserts: Mango Coconut Budding, Bread and Butter Pudding, Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, and seasonal fresh fruit slices. Per Mare Per Terram: Seafood & World Kitchen Extravaganza: Each Saturday, join us for ‘Per Mare Per Terram’, a Latin phrase that translates ‘By Sea, By Land’, the motto of the British Royal Marines. A celebration and culmination of seafood and international flavours. Savour an extensive selection of dishes, including: Salads: Tomato Mozzarella, Mexican Street Corn Salad, Spicy Fish Tikka and Pepper Salad, and more. Soup: Tom Yam Seafood. Sushi: An assortment of Sushi selections. Live Stations: Fruit de La Mer including Lobster, Shrimps, Crab, and Fish. Main Course: Seafood Paella, Mixed Seafood …

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) unveiled the ‘Future Menus 2024 Arabia’ report, highlighting 8 top gastronomic trends aimed at addressing the challenges faced by chefs and foodservice professionals. To mark the occasion, UFS’ executive chefs led interactive, experiential sessions showcasing these trends during the launch event held at the Museum of the Future. Chef Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano, UFS Arabia and Indian Ocean Islands Executive Chef along with Chef Eddy Diab, UFS Arabia Chef presented the trends Irresistible Vegetables and Plant-Powered Protein, offering attendees a hands-on experience in transforming ordinary vegetables into irresistible culinary creations. Chef Sherif Afifi, UFS Egypt Executive Chef, led an immersive session showcasing the Modernized Comfort trend, demonstrating innovative ways to elevate traditional comfort food with a modern twist. Meanwhile, Chef Khalil Youssef, UFS Chef Saudi Arabia, guided guests through the New Sharing trend, highlighting creative approaches to communal dining that foster connection and engagement. These interactive sessions allowed guests to experience the trends firsthand, guided by the expertise of culinary leaders at UFS. The seated tasting menu that followed, featured a carefully curated menu by Chef Rita Soueidan, Maisan 15; Chef Shaw Lash, Lila Taqueria; Chef Luigi Stinga, Talea; Chef Kelvin Cheung, Jun’s. The highly acclaimed chefs came together to offer a unique menu, demonstrating how local chefs can elevate the experience of their diners. Each of them represented a distinctive trend, including Feel-Good Food, Low-Waste Menus, Local Abundance, and Flavor Shock respectively, and had an insightful discussion with Courtney Brandt, Food Writer, and Content Creator. Accompanying the tasting menu experience were keynote speeches regarding the latest trends, innovations, and insights by Chef Joanne and Fouad Sherine, Country Manager for Unilever Food Solutions looking after the GCC & …

Farnek has witnessed major growth for its hospitality division, with outsourcing a driving factor. This year alone Farnek has won dozens of contracts worth in excess of AED 72 million, mobilising over 450 staff, with international hotel brands such as EMAAR, Millennium, Sheraton, Movenpick, Sofitel, Hilton and Kempinski, amongst others. The bulk of the demand has been for housekeeping, stewarding and security, as well as specialised cleaning and maintenance. Farnek’s growth in market share is consistent with the latest industry figures. Research by Mordor Intelligence has revealed that the UAE’s hospitality market is currently estimated to be worth over AED 27 billion and is predicted to grow to AED 34.7 billion within five years. Outsourcing staff is widely believed to be more cost-effective than hiring fulltime employees. Industry professionals estimate that hotels can reduce operating costs by more than 30%, but for many hotel managers, outsourcing is still confined to stewarding roles. That is even though typically, low salaries, long and often unsociable hours, repetitive duties and the lack of fast-track career advancement, often account for the reluctance of younger workers to take up fulltime positions in hospitality. However, according to Tamer Bishay, Director of Business Development, Farnek, even though the UAE is close to the enormous talent pools of MENA, South and South-East Asia, where workers can find better paid jobs here than similar ones at home, the exponential growth of tourism is still putting an added strain on hotel human resource departments. “Training of course is a key issue. This can take a considerable amount of time and effort to ensure that employees are trained to comply with operational standards. Then comes the issue of retention. Invariably it …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Maxim Hotels and Resorts Management to bring the Vignette Collection brand to Egypt with a signing in Port Said. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2027, Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will seamlessly blend heritage and contemporary hospitality, offering guests a luxurious yet authentic experience. The 140-key hotel will feature two distinct sections, each featuring 70 rooms. The first section restored from a heritage building that once housed the Suez Canal Authorities, will provide guests with beautiful views of the canal. The second section will be a newly constructed beachfront property, providing easy access to the shore. Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences in some of the most sought-after urban and resort locations and enriches IHG’s fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle offer for both leisure and business travellers. The brand also gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are excited to partner with Maxim Hotels and Resorts to debut the Vignette Collection brand in Egypt. With its conversion friendly proposition and a promise to offer unique stays to guests in high-quality luxury and lifestyle hotels, Vignetter Collection brand has seen phenomenal success worldwide. Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will be situated in one of Egypt’s most historical landmarks, known for its association to the Suez Canal, and therefore will attract visitors for its strategic location steeped in rich history. He added: …

WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR), created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, revealed that in 2023 travel & tourism accounted for 6.7% of all emissions globally, down from 7.8% in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak. The research showcases a important achievement with the sector’s economic contribution growing faster than its environmental impact. Last year, Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global GDP almost reached pre-pandemic levels at US$9.9TN, just 4% shy of the sector’s peak. However, in 2023 global GHG emissions were 12% below the 2019 peak, with GHG intensity (emissions per unit of GDP) falling 8.4% during this period. This demonstrates the sector’s growth is becoming cleaner. “Our sector is proving that we can grow responsibly,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “We’re decoupling growth from emissions – Travel & Tourism is expanding economically while lowering its environmental footprint. “This is a defining moment, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the future of global tourism. However, while we are decoupling our sector’s growth from the increase in GHG, our aim is absolute reductions. We must accelerate this progress significantly to meet the Paris climate targets. We’re on the right track, but we need to up our game.” A key driver of Travel & Tourism’s emissions is the energy used to power its operations. Although 2023 showed positive trends compared to 2019, it’s clear that there are still significant opportunities to accelerate the green transition. The increases in renewable energy use and reductions in fossil fuel reliance remain relatively modest, highlighting the need for more decisive action. In 2023, the sector’s reliance on fossil fuel energy sources (oil, coal, and natural …