Category: Industry News

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Global tourism sustainability standard in the works by UNWTO 
• Soul Beach Dubai reopens with unmissable festivals 
• Marriott announces Autograph Collection hotel for AlUla 
• Maldives long weekend getaway: Centara Hotels & Resorts 
• India welcomes Indonesia’s travel roadshow 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

UNWTO sets global standards to promote sustainable tourism practices 

In line with its pledge to encourage tourism as a catalytic agent for commercial growth and success, sustainability of the environment and inclusive development, UNWTO is collecting consensus around the Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability of Tourism. UNWTO has followed a UN process that will conclude in presenting the Statistical Framework for MST to the United Nations Statistical Commission. 

https://shorturl.at/gjB69

Soul Beach Dubai unveils lineup of unmissable festivals for season reopening 

Soul Beach Dubai, a curated environment that awakens and nurtures the soul, is renowned for seamlessly transitioning the guest experience from day to night. Sun-seekers are invited daily to gather their friends and feel in tune with themselves as they vibe to the cool house music sounds of the resident DJ. Entry to the adults-only beach club is AED 200 with 150 redeemable on F&B on weekdays and AED 200 with 100 redeemable on F&B on weekends. Those who choose to lounge at one of the VIP cabanas will receive a special welcome bag filled with poolside must-haves. 

https://shorturl.at/iINV7

Marriott to debut Autograph Collection Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia 

Marriott’s growth in Saudi Arabia continues with a new deal for an Autograph Collection property in AlUla. The hospitality giant has signed a deal with AlUla Development Company (UDC) to open the hotel in downtown AlUla by 2025. Spanning 22,635 sq m, the Autograph Collection hotel will be situated in central AlUla, positioned next to the AlUla Museum and opposite the Farmer’s Market. Autograph Collection’s portfolio currently features over 290 hotels globally.  

https://shorturl.at/hkxS0

Experience the Maldives on a long weekend with Centara Hotels & Resorts 

Discover a captivating marine paradise at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, nestled within the enchanting South Ari Atoll. Your journey to this tropical haven begins with a mesmerizing seaplane ride from Male, revealing pristine turquoise waters that invite exploration. Here, a healthy marine life thrives, and the resort boasts the acclaimed 2nd Best House Reef in Maldives, as honoured by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards for Asia Pacific 2023, located right on the resort’s doorstep. 

https://shorturl.at/rPVW7

Wonderful Indonesia hosts multi-city roadshow in India 

Wonderful Indonesia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, is set to engage the Indian traveller market through its recently concluded dynamic multi-city roadshow in India. The Wonderful Indonesia Roadshow was hosted at Hyderabad on September 11, 2023, in Mumbai on September 13, 2023, and in Ahmedabad on September 15, 2023. The event sought to promote Indonesia as the ultimate destination for Indian tourists seeking immersive experiences. 

https://shorturl.at/avM36

That’s all folks! 

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Booking.com and Affirm collaborate for flexible travel payments 
• Europe’s tourist surge defies cost of living crisis 
• Abu Dhabi’s unconventional path to boosting tourism 
• Hilton to install Tesla chargers at 2,000 hotels 
• Lemon Tree Hotels expands its presence in Dehradun 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Booking.com joins Affirm’s network to offer installment payments 

With the Thursday announcement that Booking.com customers would see Affirm’s buy now, pay later options at checkout when they are purchasing trips, Affirm now counts several Booking Holdings brands as partners, including Agoda, Priceline and Kayak. Booking.com customers would view options to pay for a trip biweekly or monthly.

https://shorturl.at/douPZ

Europe’s tourist surge defies cost of living crisis 

Despite a spike in prices, flight bookings to northern Europe from June to August were up 25 per cent against a year earlier, according to a data aggregator and up 13 per cent to southern Europe. The region’s tourism industry has enjoyed its best summer season since before the pandemic as an increase in American visitors helped offset the impact of extreme heat and stubborn inflation. 

https://shorturl.at/dmyFO

Abu Dhabi’s unique strategy for tourism growth 

UAE residents often say that Abu Dhabi offers a quieter style of living than its neighbour Dubai. The emirate’s capital city, home to world-class museums, Abu Dhabi has established itself as one of the region’s leading cultural hubs. According to Knight Frank, Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a magnet for the super-rich. 

https://shorturl.at/hkDY3

Hilton to install Tesla chargers at 2,000 hotels 

Through an expanded agreement with Tesla, Hilton announced that, beginning in early 2024, up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors will be installed at 2,000 hotels in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making Hilton’s planned EV charging network the largest of any hospitality company. 

https://shorturl.at/dRUW5

Lemon Tree Hotels expands its presence with a new property in Dehradun 

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced its latest signing, Lemon Tree Premier, Dehradun. The property is expected to be operational by Q3 of FY 2025 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. This latest signing with Manohar Lal Juyal Huf in Dehradun is an addition to Uttarakhand’s eight operational hotels and five upcoming properties. 

https://shorturl.at/loXZ1

That’s all folks! 

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Explore the top travel destinations in Saudi Arabia 
• Israel adding hotel rooms to improve tourism 
• Daxton Hotel joins the WorldHotels Luxury collection 
• Discover wellness retreats at Maldives resorts 
• Hyatt Place Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s first Hyatt Place Hotel 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Saudi Arabia’s top travel destinations 

IHG Hotels & Resorts reveals a line-up of must-visit spots throughout the Kingdom, with strategically located properties available to travelers at each destination. In a remarkable fusion of luxury and leisure, Saudi Arabia continues to emerge as one of the most captivating regional travel destinations. With its diverse landscapes and rich culture, the Kingdom boasts enchanting experiences catering to immersive weekend getaways, adventurous escapes, and relaxing retreats. 

https://shorturl.at/ejCJX

Israel expanding hotel accommodations to boost tourism 

The tourism minister of Israel, Haim Katz, presented the main targets of his ministry to the government. Precisely, Katz hopes that in the country 2024, around 3,941 hotel rooms will be added, and his ministry has a target in 2030 to attract seven million tourists to Israel. In 2030, the number of people associated directly with tourism will reach 220,000. Besides, Indian tourists will succeed in applying for visas online from the end of 2023. 

https://shorturl.at/hrIL8

Daxton Hotel joins the WorldHotels Luxury collection 

WorldHotels announced the addition of Daxton Hotel to the WorldHotels Luxury collection as the brand continues its expansion throughout North America. Located in Birmingham, Michigan, Daxton Hotel creates experiences through an intentional focus on art and design throughout the property. 

https://shorturl.at/clEU4

Discover wellness retreats at Maldives resorts 

Wellness enthusiasts can take off on a restorative journey of body and mind at Heritance Aarah Maldives, one of the most holistic spa resorts. The resort invites guests to immerse in a world of tranquillity at the Medi Spa, set above tranquil lagoon waters at the overwater spa. With a curated menu inclusive of state-of-the-art dermatological treatments that combine the latest medical prevention, aesthetics, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing, the resort ensures a perfect rejuvenating package. 

https://shorturl.at/cjsOS

Hyatt Place Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh’s First Hyatt Place Hotel 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada, a modern haven offering 81 rooms and suites. The hotel marks the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in the state of Andhra Pradesh – a significant landmark in Hyatt’s brand growth in the market. RVS Conventions Private Limited develops the property and features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. 

https://shorturl.at/cmoPX

That’s all folks! 

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Boosting revenue: Hotel online visibility for direct bookings 
• Jamaica leads Caribbean in post-COVID earnings growth 
• Hilton’s First Airport Hotel in Saudi Arabia 
• Murrieta Hot Springs Resort joins Remington for management 
• Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023 set for Gurugram, India 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Elevating hotel revenue through enhanced online visibility for direct bookings 

The travel and tourism industry continues to be highly competitive, with people eager to travel again and hotels and chains vying for business against online travel agencies, vacation rentals, and booking sites. After the pandemic in 2021, Google searches for hotels increased by 92%. According to statistics, more than 90% of travelers will do research online, and 82% will complete their booking online. 

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article127843.html 

Jamaica only Caribbean nation to increase post-COVID earnings 

As Jamaica enjoys its best summer tourist season ever, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has revealed that the island is now the only Caribbean nation to secure increased earnings after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Minister also outlined plans to triple the number of visitors from Central and Eastern Europe by 2025, amid efforts to position Jamaica as a destination of choice for visitors from that region. 

https://eturbonews.com/jamaica-only-caribbean-nation-to-increase-post-covid-earnings/ 

Hilton’s debut: Internationally branded airport hotel in Saudi Arabia 

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is continuing its expansion across Saudi Arabia with the signing of Hilton Dammam Airport, its first airport hotel in the country. The 273-key property will be completed in partnership with Al Musbah Group and Damman Airports Company (DACO). The property is also ideally located for Dammam City Centre, as well as Dharan, Khobar, and nearby Bahrain. 

https://shorturl.at/hqzQV

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort forms a management agreement with Remington 

Remington Hospitality announced its agreement to oversee operations at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Situated on 46 acres in Southern California, the property is undergoing restoration with plans to reopen this winter as a hot springs health and wellness resort. The resort, located within an hour’s drive of Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Diego, will benefit Murrieta and the greater Southern California region. 

https://shorturl.at/npBYZ

Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023 is all set to take place in Gurugram, India 

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Korean culture and tourism at the highly anticipated Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023, hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). The festival is a testament to the deep-rooted connection between India and Korea, amplifying the K-Wave and fostering a greater appreciation for Korea’s attractions among the Indian audience. 

https://shorturl.at/nzMNX

That’s all folks!     

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details.

• China has ascended the ranks of Dubai’s tourism source markets
• Abu Dhabi reduces tourism fees to boost trade
• Rixos Hotel UAE achieves Global Sustainable Tourism Certification
• Sarovar Hotels expands with Royale Sarovar Portico launch in Agra
• JW Marriott Maldives introduces a sustainable dining experience

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, and website design requirement – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today.

Enjoy the read!

China climbs the Dubai tourism source market leaderboard

Inbound tourism into Dubai from China is steadily growing as the country recovers from Covid-19. In the last ten years, China has consistently been one of the leading source markets for Dubai’s tourism. According to data from the Dubai Department of Tourism (DET), out of the near-17 million visitors received by the emirates in 2019, nearly 990,000 were Chinese tourists.

https://shorturl.at/fsGT5

Abu Dhabi reduces tourism fees in hotel restaurants in a bid to boost trade

New rules on tourism fees at Abu Dhabi venues come into effect on September 1. The Abu Dhabi government has lowered tourism fees and municipality fees imposed in the emirate’s hotels. The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) said the move will help stimulate the economy. The four percent municipality fee and six percent tourism fee on hotel restaurants have been removed.

https://shorturl.at/fgzKN

Rixos hotel UAE global sustainable tourism council certification, the benchmark for hospitality

This is a milestone achievement for Rixos Hotels UAE as it has made history by becoming the first hotel brand in the region to receive this extremely impressive recognition. This recognition signifies that Rixos Hotels UAE’s operations adhere to the highest social and environmental standards, contributing positively to local communities and the broader environment.

https://shorturl.at/klBJ2

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts expands with the launch of Royale Sarovar Portico in Agra

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is proud to announce the grand opening of Royale Sarovar Portico in the historic and enchanting city of Agra. The hotel’s contemporary architecture seamlessly merges with the city’s rich heritage, setting the stage for memorable stays that celebrate tradition and modernity.

https://shorturl.at/ilMPT

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa introduces a sustainable culinary experience

The JW Garden to Table experience celebrates the island’s homegrown bounty with a guided tour, cooking class, and a special menu crafted by the chef using locally sourced ingredients. As a signature element of the JW Marriott experience, the JW Garden creates a sensory connection to the natural world, offering a year-round harvest of fragrant herbs, crisp vegetables, and lush tropical fruits.

https://shorturl.at/swxB3

That’s all folks!       

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Hurghada’s tourism season in full swing: crowds return 
• IHG Hotel & Aqarat unveil Vignette Collection in UAE and Kuwait 
• Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels surpass pre-Covid levels 
• OKKU restaurant is now at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah 
• Celestial-themed glamping experience, now in India 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, website design, and digital marketing requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Hurghada reclaims its bustling tourist vibe 

Compared to the years before, now people can see throngs of tourists relaxing and lazing on the beaches of Hurghada, loving the warm rays of the sun and the unspoiled waters of the Red Sea. Tourism workers are of the opinion that this good period would make up for the damage of the earlier three years, in the course of which the tourism segment had writhed significantly owing to the pandemic in addition to the clash between Russia and Ukraine, which are among the major sources of tourists to Egypt. 

https://shorturl.at/kH589

IHG Hotels & Resorts and Aqarat unveil the Vignette Collection in UAE and Kuwait 

IHG Hotels and Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels across 18 distinct brands, has announced the signing of franchise agreements with subsidiaries of Aqarat, a global hotel owner, in relation to two new Vignette Collection hotels, which will launch IHG’s new collection brand to the Middle East later this summer. United Hospitality Management (UHM), a leading luxury hotel operator, will manage the hotels. 

https://shorturl.at/hvwJ2

Abu Dhabi’s top-end hotels lead rebound beyond pre-Covid levels 

UAE capital Abu Dhabi is now ahead of pre-pandemic hospitality and tourism levels. By comparison, the same point in 2019 had ADRs of AED377 and RevPAR at AED270, though occupancies were slightly higher than now, at 72 percent. The capital’s five-star hotels have been boosting the market for the first half of this year. Five-star hotels saw average rates of AED626 a night and RevPAR at AED418, up 26 percent and 32 percent respectively, against last year. 

https://shorturl.at/gstH6

OKKU restaurant returns, now at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah 

Under the guidance of Ramzy Abdul-Majeed, founder of Big on Hospitality, the Japanese restaurant has reopened at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. With a revitalised concept and an array of additions, OKKU aims to reclaim its position as one of the must-try culinary destinations in the city. Collaborating with Dubai-based LW Design, the brand’s designers since 2007, OKKU will be recognisable to any previous patrons and has plenty of new elements. 

https://shorturl.at/EIRW6

Celestial-themed glamping experience, now in India 

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature in Kodaikanal, the speciality of the celestial glamp is that the entire glamp is based on a celestial-theme inside and outside the dome. While inside the dome, guests will experience ethereal blinking stars and the moon; outside the dome, guests can gaze at the starry night through a specially imported telescope amidst a starry backdrop. 

https://shorturl.at/bfC08

That’s all folks!       

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• City of Dreams Mediterranean celebrates grand opening 
• A new era of luxury travel: going regenerative 
• Kerten Hospitality will launch its house residence brand 
• Unwind in paradise: luxurious couple’s retreat in Maldives 
• Ministry of Tourism’s vision for India’s tourism 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, website design, and digital marketing requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

City of Dreams Mediterranean: a dazzling gala for grand opening 

The city of Dreams Mediterranean, the first integrated resort in Europe, celebrated its grand opening in Limassol on Tuesday, 11 July, with a dazzling gala evening attended by the Honorable President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, as well as distinguished guests and collaborative partners. In a speech during the event, President Nikos Christodoulides said he was honored to be present at the grand opening of such a visionary project.  

https://shorturl.at/cpBMV

Embracing regenerative practices in luxury travel 

As the travel industry grapples with critical environmental challenges, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustainability is no longer the avant-garde, and “doing no harm” is no longer enough. In this context, the concept of regeneration surfaces, an approach that aims to rebuild and restore rather than simply preserve. The Saudi developer aims to create a model combining the charm of upscale travel with the conscious need to rejuvenate and improve the environment.  

https://skift.com/2023/07/27/paving-the-path-to-regenerative-luxury-travel/ 

Kerten hospitality to operate the house residence in Neom’s Oxagon 

NEOM’s Oxagon project will welcome a House Residence property in 2025, the hotel brand of Kerten Hospitality geared towards residential living. The property will comprise 200 serviced apartments and, in line with Oxagon’s own vision, hopes to “redefine the human experience.” Oxagon is one of four NEOM regions; it serves as the logistical centre of the giga-project and aspires to set the new standard in urban living, offices and business practices. 

https://shorturl.at/akv06

JW Marriott Maldives: luxurious couple’s retreat 

It’s hard to imagine a destination that’s more primed for romance than the Maldives. With its postcard-perfect scenes of turquoise waters, talc-soft sands, pristine beaches and hidden coves, this idyllic Indian Ocean nation has long been a haven for honeymooners and couples looking to create memorable moments. At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, the romance begins from the moment you board the seaplane from Velana International Airport, treating you to a scenic journey and mesmerizing aerial views of the island. 

https://shorturl.at/qR567

Ministry of Tourism’s drive for India’s tourism preference 

As per provisional data received from the Bureau of Immigration, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India from January to April 2023 reached 79% of FTAs during the same period in 2019. The Ministry of Tourism endeavours to position India as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism-generating markets to promote various tourism products and destinations and to increase India’s share in the global tourism market. 

https://shorturl.at/bLMV3

That’s all folks!

Here is your weekly industry news round-up. Check out the short snippets here and follow below for more details. 

• Scotland sees ‘steady’ rise in tourism demands 
• CoralTree Hospitality to manage Everline resort 
• Spotlight on KSA’s hospitality industry at Expo 
• New Marbella Resort taps into wealthy UAE tourist market 
• New lounge opens at T3 for business and first-class travellers 

Reach out to us for discussions regarding connectivity, direct booking, rate intelligence, website design, and digital marketing requirements – we are happy to explore new possibilities with you for your property – contact us today. 

Enjoy the read! 

Scottish tourism soars: record-breaking growth in visitors 

Scotland’s tourism sector is experiencing a significant boom, with tourist spending surpassing pre-Covid levels, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The ONS figures also revealed a 29% increase in the number of overnight visits made by international travelers, reaching 572,000 visits from January to March 2023. In comparison, overnight visits in both England and Wales remained below 2019 levels. 

https://shorturl.at/yGHI8

CoralTree Hospitality at Everline Resort & Spa in North Lake Tahoe 

CoralTree Hospitality added Everline Resort & Spa in North Lake Tahoe to its growing management portfolio. Just minutes from Lake Tahoe in Olympic Valley, California, the 405-room resort offers ski-in, ski-out access to Palisades Tahoe, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, and more. CoralTree will manage Everline as a franchised hotel under the Destination by Hyatt brand. 

https://shorturl.at/nozAS

Hotel & Hospitality Expo explores KSA’s industry future 

With around USD 110 billion pegged for the hospitality industry and a further 310,000 hotel rooms in the pipeline, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative boom as it aggressively looks to lead the global travel and hospitality industry.  Looking to put the spotlight on the Kingdom’s multi-billion-dollar hospitality plans and highlight game-changing trends is the Hotel & Hospitality Expo, brought to you by The Hotel Show, which takes place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre from the 10th -12th September. 

https://shorturl.at/gjrJT

New Marbella Resort taps into the wealthy UAE tourist market 

The METT Hotel & Resort Marbella is primed to open this summer, the second hotel from Dubai-born and based operator Sunset Hospitality Group. Standing as one of the emirate’s largest restaurant operators, Sunset plans to add a range of its greatest culinary hits to Spain and its strong operational know-how in building a destination for the locals and tourists alike. The new five-star METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella sits on the Costa del Sol shoreline and features 249 keys. 

https://shorturl.at/gAIXY

Exclusive lounge for business, first-class travelers now open at T-3 

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited-led consortium that manages and operates Delhi Airport, introduces ‘Encalm Privé’, a world-class business class lounge at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3. The lounge currently spans out at 22,000 sq. ft. approximately, and once fully operational, it will flaunt a massive area of 30,000 sq. ft., making it the biggest lounge facility in India. 

https://shorturl.at/qZ048

That’s all folks!