Tag Archives: opening

The game changing Wynn Resorts Limited offered an update on the construction progress of its newest resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island is located 50 minutes from the Dubai International Airport in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Construction has proceeded as planned with 55% of the structural concrete now complete. The concrete structure is complete up to the 26th floor of the main resort tower, with walls extending to the 29th floor. The construction team is completing one floor per week, working toward a topping off in December 2025. In the last 100 days, the resort tower grew by 44 meters. Wynn Design and Development (WDD), employing more than 90 talented architects, designers, and creative visionaries, is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and development. Wynn Resorts is unique in that it maintains its own full-service design and architectural team. There are currently 9,100 construction team members onsite, and more than 100 concrete trucks in place on the site per day. The resort will offer 1,542 rooms and well-appointed suites. To-date, the tower structure has been completed for 1,121 guest rooms, or 73% of the total. Fit out is underway in approximately 820 rooms – including walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. The elevator and escalator installation also began this month. Wynn Al Marjan Island will create a new category of luxury in the region through its unique collection of experiences. The twenty-two restaurants, lounges, and bars will range from high-energy social destinations to fine dining. Contributing to the atmosphere, a nightclub featuring the legendary “Only At Wynn” line-up …

WTM London and its Global Travel Partner the Saudi Tourism Authority both hailed the economic and cultural importance of the sector as the event opened its doors on 5 November. Speaking at the WTM Global Welcome, Jonathan Heastie, WTM Portfolio Director, said: “The halls are packed already for what is the biggest WTM London to date. More than 4,000 exhibitors have joined us this year; there are delegates here from 184 countries around the world. “It is a remarkable turnout and I think it’s going to be a remarkable World Travel Market gathering. This time last year, £2.2 billion worth of travel deals were done in these halls, This year, you will hear from more than 200 world-class speakers in 70 enlightening sessions.” Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive and Board member for Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Tourism powers economies more than anything. The jobs we create are the jobs for the young, the entrepreneurs, for the remote, for the pop-and-mom shops and for the new rising talents. When we travel, we go with our best intentions. Our minds are the most open.” Many sessions at today’s show were devoted to the DEAI conference track. Speaking in one of the panels, LoAnn Halden VP of communications for IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) urged travel companies not to merely pay lip service to diversity for Pride or Black History Month but to address longer term social inclusion. She recommended having ‘internal allies’ who understand under-represented groups. Jane Cunningham, director of European engagement for Destinations International noted that good diversity and inclusion was “not only [welcoming] for visitors but very much serving the citizens who live in that destination.” Commenting on stereotyping in advertising, …

The official opening ceremony of the 17th edition of ITB Asia, Singapore was graced by Alvin Tan – Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore, Mario Tobias- CEO Messe Berlin and David Ruetz – Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin, reported TravTalkME as media partner of the event. Bringing together over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus from across the globe, the 17th edition of ITB Asia promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet. The 3-in-1 show features a 75% increase in African exhibitors and 25% growth from Europe. This year, attendees will gain insights from 160 expert speakers and 100 sessions across three conference tracks, all centered on the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism.” Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s leading travel trade show’ opened its doors today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Over the next three business days, travel industry professionals will be able to look forward to the largest and most diverse exhibition event and conference programme to date. Spanning across three massive halls, ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia will showcase a diverse range of exhibitors from destinations, attractions, airlines, hotels, cruises, and the MICE industry. Meanwhile, Travel Tech Asia will host the latest travel technology suppliers and startups in an additional hall dedicated to Travel Technology companies, displaying their most innovative tech solutions. With over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus, a 75% growth in African representation, and a 25% increase from Europe, the event will offer attendees unmatched opportunities to explore new markets, build partnerships, and gather key takeaways for business …

SODIC and Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement to bring the Tribute Portfolio brand to two of the leading developer’s hotels in Egypt. The anticipated hotels in West Cairo and the North Coast will join Tribute Portfolio’s growing global family of independent hotels, offering captivating designs and vibrant social experiences. Slated to open in 2027, the Tribute Portfolio Hotel at Forty West – SODIC’s signature residential building complex in West Cairo – will comprise of 170 guestrooms, including 48 suites along with multiple dining experiences and recreational facilities. Ideally situated in the heart of the flagship mixed-use development, SODIC West, the hotel will be easily accessible from the newly opened Sphinx Airport and a short drive away from the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids. Anticipated to open in 2029, the second Tribute Portfolio Hotel will be located in June, SODIC’s Miami inspired beachfront destination within the up-and-coming Ras al Hekma area on the North Coast. The hotel will be part of a vibrant development within June, which offers residents and visitors access to a beautiful sandy beach, pristine sea water and a bustling boardwalk and beach club, along with residential villas and serviced apartments. Plans for the hotel include 180 guestrooms along with a variety of dining and leisure facilities. Commenting on the signing, Ayman Amer, SODIC’s General Manager: “We are very excited to be collaborating with Marriott International on these two upcoming hotel developments. This comes as a testament to SODIC’s commitment to joining forces with renowned global industry experts that create further value for our developments. The Tribute Portfolio brand gives SODIC the opportunity to create hospitality offerings that truly reflect the developments’ ethos. We look forward to …

The first-ever vertical urban resort from ultra-luxury hospitality brand One&Only is set to welcome guests from 1 December 2023. An architectural icon, One&Only One Za’abeel represents a captivating duality – a place where the untold charms of Dubai meet the palpable energy of the most futuristic city on Earth; where the garden meets the sky; and where the traditional horizontal resort has been reimagined into a vertical masterpiece. “Kerzner International has always challenged conventions – and our first One&Only Urban Resort is no exception. One&Only One Za’abeel redefines what it means to provide ultra-luxury hospitality in the heart of a city,” says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “Our Urban Resorts have all the elements of One&Only’s DNA – life and energy, space and privacy, curated experiences and exceptional service – translated to a dynamic urban setting. Found in the most inspiring destinations on Earth, each One&Only resort is an exceptional one-off, celebrating the unique charisma of its location. Perpetually altering Dubai’s skyline, One Za’abeel is a landmark architectural development not just for the UAE, but for the world – and we’re thrilled to introduce our first Urban Resort in such a spectacular setting.” Rising above the city’s exclusive Za’abeel neighbourhood, overlooking Dubai’s glittering skyline, the resort is located in the One Za’abeel development by acclaimed architects Nikken Sekkei. A bold new vision of innovation and aspiration, One Za’abeel’s dual skyscrapers are dramatically intersected by the world’s longest cantilever, The Link – a futuristic boulevard floating 100 metres above the street. In keeping with the unrivalled space and seclusion you’d expect from a One&Only resort, One&Only One Za’abeel’s expansive rooms, suites, and Villa One penthouse are amongst the largest …

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, has officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, marking the start of the 30th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied at the inauguration by Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, RX Global; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM; and a host of other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway in Dubai. Taking place from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), exhibitor participation at this year’s event has seen a 27% rise compared to ATM 2022. The 30th edition of the show, which will welcome an anticipated 34,000 attendees over the course of the next four days, is hosting more than 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 nations. In line with its theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, ATM 2023 is enabling global tourism professionals to forge new connections, share knowledge and showcase innovations with the potential to expedite the sector’s journey towards decarbonisation. Day one of ATM 2023 includes 20 sessions across its Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and brand-new Sustainability Hub. In addition to the opening Ministerial Debate, highlights include Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel, Sustainability in the Travel Industry: Who Pays? and Enhancing the Customer Experience Through AI. In addition, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is addressing the importance of protecting the locations, livelihoods and communities in which hotels are located as part of the Achieving Net Positive Hospitality session. Looking ahead to day two, John Strickland will engage in conversation with …

Launching in October, Steigenberger Residence Doha will include 278 uniquely furnished apartments offering the comforts of a home and a stylish space that allows guests to relax and recharge. Guest facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, gym, yoga room, the GOCO Spa and the culinary offer of five restaurants and bars. “The Qatar hotel segments have a lot of potential as it is accessible for all key tourism source markets, and with the country preparing to host one of the world’s largest sporting events in November, we believe the opening of Steigenberger Residence Doha will be a pivotal step in our expansion journey,” Nierhaus concludes. Deutsche Hospitality continues to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East to meet the ever-growing demand for hotel rooms in the mid to upscale segment in 2022 and coming year.  The group’s regional portfolio currently comprises 23 properties in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Egypt. Its worldwide footprint extends to more than 160 hotels across three continents.    

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai World, today officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, marking the start of the 29th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said Dubai continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of global travel and tourism recovery by hosting global events that bring together decision-makers in the sector from across the region and the globe, contributing to worldwide efforts to open new growth horizons for the industry. Dubai’s ability to provide a safe environment for both tourism and prominent global events over the past two years and its success in overcoming the repercussions of the recent worldwide health crisis have enabled it to welcome large numbers of visitors from all over the world. “Dubai provides a unique model for sustainable development that not only promotes economic progress within the nation but also stimulates growth in the region and broader global markets. The Arabian Travel Market provides a vital platform for tourism and travel industry leaders in the Middle East and across the world to connect and network with each other and discover new opportunities for growth, collaboration and success,” he said. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed was accompanied at the inauguration by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, RX Global; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM; and a host of other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event …