Author: Sam Allcock

Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding’s real estate arm, has announced the awarding of three significant contracts valued at over AED 5 billion for the construction of ultra-luxury villas on Palm Jebel Ali. Scheduled for completion by late 2026, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of this prominent waterfront destination in Dubai. The contracts have been awarded to three leading construction firms: Ginco General Contracting, Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast, and United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC). The scope of the contracts includes the construction of a total of 723 luxurious villas within the Beach Collection and Coral Collection, all…

As business travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, with spending projected to hit new highs by the end of the year, a fresh report from chauffeur service provider Blacklane reveals how travel planning is affecting the productivity of business travellers. The report, titled “Premium experiences meet productivity: the changing face of travel and work”, highlights key challenges executives face in balancing work and travel, while underscoring the importance of premium amenities in enhancing performance. The findings come as 85% of UK businesses plan to either maintain or increase spending on business travel in the next 12 months. Yet, according to Blacklane’s…

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has revealed plans to bring the world’s second Sphere venue to the United Arab Emirates capital, in partnership with Sphere Entertainment Co. The new facility will build on the success of the original Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened to critical acclaim in 2023, and promises to redefine the entertainment landscape in the region. With a capacity of 20,000, the Abu Dhabi Sphere will feature cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences aimed at attracting both residents and international visitors. The venue will become a landmark in Abu Dhabi, which…

Blue Diamond Resorts has garnered significant recognition at the 2024 Magellan Awards, receiving four prestigious accolades from Travel Weekly. The awards, which include one Gold and three silver distinctions, celebrate the company’s commitment to redefining the all-inclusive hospitality experience through innovative solutions, design excellence, and guest-centric innovations. Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for the recognitions, stating, “We believe that every moment our guests spend with us should feel extraordinary, and these awards reflect our passion for crafting unforgettable experiences.” He further highlighted that these accolades are especially meaningful, showcasing the ongoing efforts made to enhance…

As sustainability awareness grows among travellers, a new report reveals a notable gap between awareness and action in sustainable travel. The Sustainable Travel Consumer Report 2024, released by Trip.com Group, highlights insights drawn from a survey of 9,867 respondents across 109 countries and territories, including the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), North America (NORAM), and Latin America (LATAM). The report reveals that while 92% of travellers express a willingness to consider sustainable travel options, only 56.9% report having actively practised it. Many cited confusions regarding what sustainable travel entails, while others question the authenticity of sustainable…

Weston Park, a renowned stately home situated on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, is gearing up to host one of the region’s longest running and most spectacular Bonfire Night displays. Scheduled for Sunday, November 3, the event promises an evening filled with excitement, featuring two dazzling fireworks displays, a giant bonfire, traditional fairground rides, and a wide array of street food and refreshments. Jennifer Astbury, Head of Estate Operations at Weston Park, expressed enthusiasm about this year’s festivities, emphasising its popularity among local families. “Our annual bonfire and fireworks night is a true Weston favourite, and this year will be no different,”…

In a significant move for the hospitality sector in the United Arab Emirates, Rotana, a leading hotel management company operating across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkey (MENAT), has announced a partnership with the newly established Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. This collaboration aims to nurture and elevate local talent, preparing students for successful careers in the thriving UAE hospitality industry. The Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy recently welcomed its first cohort of students, marking a pivotal moment for hospitality education in the UAE and the broader region. With the tourism and hospitality sector experiencing unprecedented growth,…

Saudi Arabia’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia, has unveiled a new phase of its global tourism campaign titled “Where Winter Lights Up,” designed to attract travellers to the kingdom during the winter season. This campaign, part of the ongoing “This Land is Calling” initiative, aims to highlight the diverse wonders of Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea, and will run from October 2024 through the end of March 2025. With a rich calendar of events, this winter season promises a vibrant mix of sporting, entertainment, and cultural experiences that showcase the country’s heritage and…

Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment solution, Alipay+, has highlighted three key trends transforming global tourism in 2024. The findings, based on data from the first nine months of the year, suggest a significant shift in travellers’ payment preferences and spending habits, benefitting merchants globally. Alipay+ allows travellers to use their familiar home payment apps abroad, enabling seamless cross-border transactions while providing localised experiences. The number of travellers using Alipay+ has tripled since the start of 2024, reflecting a strong recovery in the tourism sector as people resume travelling post-pandemic. Familiar Payments Abroad A growing number of tourists are opting for…

Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), a leading commercial real estate advisory firm, has announced details regarding the release of its third-quarter 2024 financial results. The company, which provides services to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other key stakeholders in the property sector, is set to publish its financial report on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. The advisory notice will be made available to the public at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, ahead of a conference call scheduled for later that morning. Investors and interested parties will be able to access the full-text financial results press release, along with supporting documents, through…