Destination Dawn, the 12-hour beach festival on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island, will return to the emirate on October 6, 2017. The biannual festival, organised by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), saw more than 2,000 party-goers descending on Al Marjan Island in May. The pristine beaches of Al Marjan Island – Ras Al Khaimah’s coral-shaped archipelago – will again be transformed into a festival hangout with food trucks, beverages and chill-out zones, Destination Dawn ticket holders can choose to either camp at the festival, reach the party via free shuttle buses from Dubai, or book a staycation in one of the island’s luxury hotels. with headliners R3HAB, one of Holland’s hottest music exports, Dutch duo Bassjackers, and Russian trio Swanky Tunes. Kicking off at 5 pm on October 6, revelers can dance all night until 5am on Saturday. Ticket holders can bring their own tents and camp on the beach, making the festival a truly unique experience. Tickets for the over 18’s only event will be on sale from beginning September through www.destinationdawn.com, Virgin Tickets, and Platinum List.

Al Zorah, the 5.4 million sqm luxury and lifestyle destination in Ajman, is ramping up its tourism appeal with the launch of ‘Kayak Tours’ through its natural mangroves and lagoons this September. Offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the region’s most prized natural mangroves, which has been officially declared as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention, the Kayak Tours will be conducted by ‘Quest for Adventure,’ an adventure sports company. Open to the public including students through a guided schools programme, the Kayak Tours are expected to catalyse the tourism scene and further establish Al Zorah as a must-visit tourist and lifestyle destination. Imad Dana, Chief Executive Officer of Al Zorah Development Company, said, “Al Zorah is a luxury destination in the Middle East built around an undisturbed ecosystem underlined by rich biodiversity. With the Ramsar Convention placing Al Zorah on the global map to highlight its immense environmental value, we are offering visitors, including students, the opportunity to explore the natural mangroves and creek through the Kayak Tours. The tours will open doors to memorable experiences with the promise of sighting a range of native and migratory birds. The serene ambience of the mangroves will be truly uplifting for every visitor.”

UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels Management has achieved Green Key status for all of its hotels and hotel apartments across the hospitality groups’ entire portfolio. A leading international standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry, the Green Key award is a voluntary eco-label that represents a commitment by hospitality and tourism establishments to adhere to the strict criteria as stipulated by the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC). To qualify for the award, TIME Hotels had to pass an exhaustive audit, which recognised TIME’s contribution towards eco-friendly programmes, such as energy and water-saving initiatives, as well as waste management projects, all of which help to reduce TIME’s carbon footprint, limiting its negative effect on the environment. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said, “The whole ethos of TIME Hotels is built on pursuing an active sustainability strategy that gain stakeholder traction, without whom, we would not be able to incorporate the various initiatives, events and programmes across our entire portfolio. We are no strangers to Green Key certification, but it is testament to the team that we refuse to rest on our laurels and continue to strive to become a more responsible corporate citizen.”

With an aim to add 250 rooms to the company’s UAE portfolio in 2020, Marriott International has entered an agreement with the Khamas Group of Investment LLC for a Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott in Dubai’s upcoming Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). The two hotels combined will further strengthen the company’s regional presence in the mid-market segment. Courtyard by Marriott JVC will offer 150 rooms and Residence Inn by Marriott JVC will add another 100 rooms to the upcoming development. The interconnected hotel complex will share facilities including food and beverage outlets, a health and leisure club with a swimming pool and meeting spaces. “We are excited to work with the Khamas Group to open a new Courtyard and Residence Inn in the up and coming JVC Development which is strategically located and in close proximity to the site of the World Expo in 2020. Not only does this agreement illustrate our commitment to growing Marriott International’s portfolio in the UAE but it also reinforces the demand for mid-market hotel development in the market,” said Jerome Briet, Vice President – Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International. Commenting on the signing, Bader Mohamed Yousuf Bukhamas, Chairman of Khamas Group of Investment Companies said, “We are happy to partner with the best operator, Marriott International and looking forward to the opening of the Hotel.” Pawan Kachroo, Managing Director of Khamas Hospitality added, “The Courtyard and Residence Inn are both internationally renowned brands that offer guests not only quality hotel and residence products and facilities but also a high level of service excellence. Along with exciting food and beverage concepts, we look forward to bringing a refreshing hospitality experience in the …

The just-concluded fifth MICE Middle East Forum at the Lapita Hotel Dubai witnessed a record 300 participants including buyers, sellers, speakers and panelists from the Middle East. The sessions offered interesting insights in to the MICE industry in the region and the various technologies which provide ample support to the industry. Nayab Rafiq, CEO Pinnacle Middle East, welcomed all the participants and appreciated the efforts of the sponsors for enabling the event. The opening remarks were given by General Manager of Lapita Hotel, Sanne Emborg followed by a very interesting presentation on the importance of meetings, conferences, exhibitions and events on the oil and gas industry and its effects on GE. A panel discussion was also held on the role of events in effective product launches and marketing campaigns attended by some of the stalwarts of the industry. The sessions engrossed the audience and the iPads that were kept on each table for each participant proved to be a very effective tool for interaction. Thought leadership was a key word that was stressed by the speakers and panelists about today’s high-tech world and best practices. The panel discussion on the importance of events as thought leadership drivers for the B2B industry was something that got the participants to discuss even during their networking sessions. Pedro Pereira, Digital and Innovation Leader at SAP brought in a whole new world of technology to the forum with his presentation on how secure you can make your customers travel bookings as well by using blockchain technology which is the next level of authentication.

The 13th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) 2017 is scheduled to be held from September 7-9 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC). The expo will provide marketing opportunities and backdrop to enhance participant’s brand equity in the eyes of the travel trade professionals and discerning end consumers. Hundreds of exhibitors and regional and local tourism stakeholders have benefitted from this largest global tourism platform in the Mekong region through the extensive networking opportunities, exclusive access to major stakeholders and gain key business insights in this growing industry. The event is only open for travel trade professionals on September 7 and 8.

Dubai Parks and Resorts, Middle East’s largest theme park destination, has announced its new season line up, featuring the premiere of the Lionsgate zone at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai and a series of exciting events on the river at Riverland™ Dubai. The Lionsgate zone at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai features the world’s first rides and attractions inspired by the international blockbuster movie series ‘The Hunger Games’.Riverland™ Dubai, the themed dining, retail and entertainment district at the centre of Dubai Parks and Resorts has also announced its season line up of free events including Circus on the River in November and Pets on the River in December and a host of new events during public holidays. Effective from September 1, 2017, international visitors ticket prices have also been announced for the winter season, with day tickets ranging from AED 235 /Rs 4,100 per park or AED 285/ Rs 4,980 for two parks. The seasonal tickets will give the guests the opportunity to experience over 100 rides and attractions at the destination. Ticket prices are the same for adults and children, with kids below the age of 3 entering free. David Loiseau, Vice President of Sales & Distribution, said: “This is Dubai Parks and Resorts first full winter season and our focus is on delivering new experiences and competitive prices to bring visitors back time and again. This season, The Hunger Games fans from across the globe will be able to experience rides inspired by the blockbuster movie franchise that have never been seen anywhere in the world before. We are joining communities across the UAE to celebrate national holidays with free events along the river at Riverland™ Dubai. We have also created our very own …

Traveltek Group has launched its Middle East operation. The UK-based firm, which counts global travel brands such as Virgin Holidays, Flight Centre and dnata, as well as its sister companies, Imagine Cruises and Global Travel Group, amongst its roster of big-name clients, has established an office in Dubai and appointed two highly-experienced travel technology professionals to lead its Gulf expansion strategy. Vinod Singh comes on board as Regional Manager, Middle East and India and Vivek Katheriya joins the team as Regional Sales Manager, India and MENA. Both recruits bring vast Middle East travel technology experience to their roles, having worked for reputable industry players. Between them, Singh and Katheriya are targeting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, all markets where travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers in are in urgent need of sophisticated travel technology to help drive efficiencies, boost sales and meet the complex demands of their customers. “Given our proven track record delivering a powerful and successful selling platform to the international travel trade, we are well positioned to harness the healthy growth of the GCC travel and tourism industry, ” said Peter Whittle, Global Sales Director, Traveltek. “Our global expertise, combined with the market and technology experience demonstrated by Vinod and Vivek, will ensure we can cater to the needs of the region’s travel trade now and in the future, particularly as demand for dynamic packaging and cruise booking solutions grows at a rapid rate. The web-based technology enables agencies and tour operators to package and sell complex itineraries that include flights, hotels, tours, transfers, car rental, cruises, attractions tickets and more. Companies can also package their own stock, third-party stock, or a mixture of …

VFS Global has completed the acquisition of visa service provider TT Services (TTS). The transaction enables VFS Global to leverage on core competences and brands and to further enhance operating performance. TT Services is a provider of integrated visa processing solutions with global presence and a comprehensive portfolio of services. TT Services is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has a strong and long-lasting relationship with its client governments and with a commercial partner. The company operates 51 application centres in more than 35 countries and has 216 employees. TTS offers a full range of high quality visa services for its client governments, partners and applicants. Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group, commented: “TT Services has, like VFS Global, extended industry experience of more than 15 years and is a trusted service delivery partner for its clients. I see a strong fit by TTS joining VFS Global. This will enable us to further enhance and extend our services towards our client governments and visa applicants.” The change of control will have no bearing on the business operations of the parties and act as a catalyst to improved services and enhanced client and customer satisfaction.

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, has announced the roll-out of its 28th upcoming hotel project – the Address Fashion Avenue. It is located directly opposite the iconic Burj Khalifa and linked to the Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall that is currently being expanded. Address Fashion Avenue, featuring the 167-room Address Fashion Avenue hotel and Address Residences Fashion Avenue with only 78 high-end residences, also marks the Group’s 20th hotel project under its premium luxury brand Address Hotels + Resorts, and the 12th Address project in Dubai. With two other hotel brands, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts, and the contemporary Rove Hotels, Emaar Hospitality Group now has 11 operational hotels and 28 hotel projects in the pipeline in Dubai and international markets including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey. Address Fashion Avenue stands out for its spectacular location next to Burj Khalifa, and near the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard. Linked directly to the Fashion Avenue, a veritable showcase of flagship outlets by the world’s leading fashion brands in The Dubai Mall, the project is one of the last developments in Downtown Dubai.