Minor Hotels announces the upcoming opening of a new ultra-private luxury resort in the United Arab Emirates. The 22-key Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is set to launch in Q4 2023 and will provide a unique boutique escape from the city, including the option for exclusive use buy-outs. This sophisticated new addition to Anantara’s growing Middle East portfolio is located in Ghantoot, an unspoilt enclave of coast approximately halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, away from the towering skylines of the cities in either direction, Anantara Santorini is a 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodation offering spacious interiors with ample sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views. The luxurious spaces have a refined décor with soft, neutral furnishings, which continue throughout the resort. Guests will find relaxing moments on the resort’s private beach, an expansive outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, while the indoor cinema provides private screenings on demand with the option of late-night movies with custom gourmet cuisine. Bespoke spa treatments will be able to be enjoyed in private beachside cabanas and 24-hour butler service will ensure guests’ needs are fulfilled around the clock. The culinary experiences on offer at Anantara Santorini will include an elegant restaurant dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore, plus in-keeping with the property, an ocean-side restaurant will serve delicacies from Greece. Evenings can be enjoyed at …

Red Sea Global is partnering with Monaco Marina Management to establish RSG’s Amaala Yacht Club as one of the world’s premier yachting destinations. The partnership with M3, privileged partner of “La Belle Classe Destinations”, a certification owned and operated by the world-famous Yacht Club de Monaco, was confirmed in a signing ceremony at the Monaco Yacht Show, hosted at the Saudi Red Sea Authority exhibition stand. Together, they will work to meet the criteria and standards to be certified as ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ once in operation, a marker of excellence for yacht clubs and marinas around the world. The agreement also covers developing an exceptional event calendar, creating a sailing academy, supporting with training and recruitment, and providing seasonal, reciprocal opportunities for members, cadets and youth. “The Amaala Yacht Club, with its signature architecture inspired by the rock formations that created our Triple Bay millennia ago, will be the stunning centerpiece of our marina development. With M3’s support, our facilities, operations, services and amenities will ensure our Yacht Club honors the striking landscape in which it is set and makes Amaala one of the world’s most distinguished yachting destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. ‘La Belle Classe Destinations’ certification is awarded to yachting destinations that demonstrate a deep understanding of maritime ethics and etiquette, environmental protection, design aesthetics, educational and economic impact. Recipients become part of a global network of excellence, committed to building the future of sailing and yachting while maintaining these essential values. “What excites me most about this partnership is the opportunity for training and knowledge transfer. Empowering Saudi nationals has always been at the center of our regenerative approach, and with …

Emirates announced that its highly sought-after Premium Economy offering will be introduced to two more points in its network, São Paolo from 19 November and Tokyo Narita from 20 December. São Paolo will become the airline’s fifth point in its North and South American network where flights will operate with the new cabin class, while Tokyo Narita will become the second gateway in Emirates’ Far East network which offers its latest cabin product, featuring extra legroom, premium features and amenities.  As the airline’s retrofit programme picks up pace and the product extends to more routes on its network, São Paolo will become the 13th city where Emirates will operate its newly retrofitted flagship A380 aircraft, while the number of points offering Premium Economy will grow to 14 with the addition of Tokyo Narita. Besides featuring the new Premium Economy seats, the enhanced aircraft that will operate on the routes also boast refreshed interiors that provide an elevated experience throughout the other cabins, with a new look and feel. Seats can be booked immediately via emirates.com, Emirates sales offices and travel agencies. From 19 November, travellers flying between Dubai and São Paolo can book Emirates’ Premium Economy seats on EK261/262, which will initially be available three times weekly, scaling up to daily flights in December. Premium Economy on flights EK318/319, to and from Tokyo Narita, will launch as a daily offering from 20 December.

TravTalk Middle East together with Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Ajman Department of Tourism Development conducted a very special panel discussion under the theme “Shaping the sustainability future in businesses.” One of the key comments made by the moderator and the panel is the commitment individually to make a small change which would bring in a great impact to the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. Iftikhar Hamdani Area General Manager Northern Emirates Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah moderated the event with seven panellists. Among the panellists were Khadija Mohammed Turki – Tourism Marketing & Promotion Expert – Ajman Department of Tourism Development, Roxana Jaffer – CEO – Sovereign Hotels Ltd, Sanith de Silva Wijeyaratne – Director Climate and Conservation Consortium, Shubhojit Mahalonobis – Director and Managing Partner -Danube Home and Hospitality Solutions, John Horgan – Director – Eco Burner, John Whaley – CEO – Integrity Business Solutions and Amish Choksey – Partner and General Manager – Green Gold Eco Tech Fzco. The keynote speaker opening the floor was young sustainability advocate Sarim Hamdani who shared that sustainability is the need of the hour as there will be severe consequences for the next generation if we don’t take any action at this point of time. Iftikhar Hamdani Area General Manager Northern Emirates Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah shared that it was utmost important to get all businesses involved in making a change. Hamdani has been an advocate over the past many years for sustainability. It was not just a mere project, but for him a passion to make that simple change in life to prepare for the future. Khadija Mohammed Turki – Tourism …

Saudi Arabia was officially granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the People’s Republic of China. The bilateral agreement, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia allows Chinese citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia in group tours in addition to facilitating greater ease of access to the Kingdom. The achievement of Approved Destination Status is a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia that will drive greater connectivity between the Kingdom and China and unlock new opportunities across the tourism ecosystem. The announcement comes after continued bilateral ties between both nations, including the success of the Arab-China Business Conference and the Saudi-China Roadshow earlier this year, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s commitment to become an economic and strategic partner to China. Following the signing ceremony in Beijing in the presence of His Excellency Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to China, Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Tourism Authority and Du Jiang, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, P.R. of China. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, The Tourism Minister of Saudi Arabia said, “Underpinned by China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – a historic reform blueprint aimed at driving forward meaningful economic and social development – China and Saudi Arabia are unlocking limitless opportunities and driving forward mutually beneficial collaboration. The ADS status is expected to significantly boost inbound travel from China, creating greater ease of access needed to reach Saudi Arabia’s target of attracting 3 million Chinese tourists by 2030. Today signifies the culmination of months of dedicated efforts between our nations, encapsulating our enduring and historic bilateral relations, which is built on the foundation of shared vision and mutual interests. China’s expansive connectivity vision …

Boutique Group signed MoU with Sommet Education. Sommet Education will support Boutique Group through customized and bespoke training pathways, enabling Boutique Group employees to benefit from Sommet Education’s vast experience in crafting hospitality programs, tailored to the talent development of the company’s employees. As Boutique Group continues to recruit talent, locally and internationally, Sommet Education has the opportunity to play a significant role through its established network to ensure that the unique talents from its Hospitality schools join the Boutique Group’s team. A leading international network of hospitality management and culinary arts schools, Sommet Education encompasses prestigious institutions such as Swiss originated hospitality business schools Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches, together with culinary and pastry arts school École Ducasse. Boutique Group is a one-of-a-kind hospitality company developed to deliver a unique ultra-luxury Saudi experience that contributes to the local economy and enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination in line with the Vision 2030. The collaboration between Boutique Group and Sommet Education will focus on three main areas: training programs, recruitment, and internships. Boutique Group will offer internship programs for students, providing them with invaluable hands-on training and experience. In turn this will help to establish a talent network, ensuring a flow of passionate individuals who are familiar with the company’s ethos and standards.

Radisson Hotel Group revealed at the Future Hospitality Summit 2023 its latest target to reach 100 operational hotels in the Middle East by 2026. Radisson Hotel Group cements its position as one of the leading international hotel groups in the Middle East with the signing of 11 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments to date across the region in 2023. With a strong belief in the future of the travel industry in the region, the Group has set its sights on grander goals, planning 150 properties in operation and under development by 2030 across the Middle East. After an impressive track record of new signings and significant partnerships, Radisson Hotel Group’s strategic focus remains on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Simultaneously, the Group is making significant strides in the wider Middle East region, including Iraq, Oman, and Jordan, underlining its ambitious plan to develop more than 90 hotels across its ten distinct brands.  

An official UAE delegation led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, will be in France this week to explore further development of economic partnerships between the two countries. The visit will focus on enhancing partnerships in the sectors of trade, entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, travel, new and circular economies, education, health, energy, anti-money laundering, space, AI, and intellectual property in particular. H.E. Bin Touq will hold several bilateral meetings with French ministers, officials, and private sector representatives to further enhance the economic and trade relations between the two sides by exploring more promising investment opportunities. The Minister of Economy will also participate in a meeting with the private sector, which will also be attended by several officials from both sides, to highlight the promising investment and commercial opportunities offered by the UAE economy. It will turn the spotlight on the advantages that the UAE’s business environment offers to investors and entrepreneurs, especially since French investments in the UAE continue to grow. More than 12,500 French economic licenses are active in the UAE as of July 10, 2023. H.E. Bin Touq will visit some of the largest business incubators and accelerators in France, namely ‘Station F’ and the ‘Airbus’ Creative Center to exchange experiences and best practices in entrepreneurship, startups and technology, and to learn more about their operations. In addition, he will visit the First Abu Dhabi Bank branch in France.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Soudah Development has launched the masterplan to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks – a luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level on Saudi Arabia’s highest peak, contributing more than SAR 29 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP, and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities. It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth and attracting investments. Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region (southwest Saudi Arabia), the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s efforts to diversify the economy by expanding vital industries such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, and supporting Aseer development strategy. HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chairman of Soudah Development’s Board of Directors, stated that Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural, and heritage richness.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the addition of InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa to its portfolio of resorts in KSA, and debuting its first urban luxury resort and spa in Riyadh. After a 45 million SAR refurbishment, the stunning property is now the first InterContinental Resort in Riyadh, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle collection. Located at the northern gate of Riyadh, the resort resides on 154,000 sqm of a lush green oasis with a lagoon and exclusive cascades for guests to unwind and relax. The resort offers 162 extensive guestrooms, suites and stately private villas each with a private outdoor swimming pool, six dining outlets and exclusive Club InterContinental privileges and lounge access. “Durrat al Riyadh’s heritage as a place to escape to has been reimagined with an array of ways to unwind, celebrate and retreat. We can’t wait to welcome our guests from both near and far to experience the resort and our service,” says General Manager Marc Reissinger. “InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa will set the tone for unbounded adventure in the area, marrying deep knowledge of the destination with an understanding of what luxury means to the discerning modern-day traveller.”