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Royal Commission for AlUla signs new partnership with Petra National Trust

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The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) signed for a collaborative new partnership with the Petra National Trust (PNT), a leading regional non-governmental and non-profit organization in Jordan dedicated to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

Through the partnership, both parties seek to build a platform fostering greater understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage within and beyond the region.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas, president of PNT and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, said: “We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Commission for AlUla, marking a significant collaboration between Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the realm of cultural heritage preservation. Through this partnership and our ongoing efforts, we continue to advocate for cultural heritage as a cornerstone of sustainable development and community engagement, focusing on youth education and women’s empowerment.”

For her part RCU acting CEO Abeer AlAkel remarked that AlUla and Petra share a close and deep-lying connection that stretches back through millennia to the ancient kingdom of the Nabataeans whom she referred to as a remarkable people who were able to harness their environment and create incredible tombs and monuments to their achievements that exist to this day. 

AlAkel said: “This latest collaborative agreement will strengthen our ongoing commitments to knowledge sharing and application of best practices in heritage education, serving an ambitious goal to reach our 14,000 school children in AlUla to build a deeper understanding and appreciation for history and cultural heritage.”

A milestone in heritage conservation

Considered a milestone in regional and global efforts to encourage the appreciation and preservation of vital artefacts, the partnership celebrates the rich and distinct heritage found in sites across Hegra, and Petra, as centres of the Nabataean civilisation.

As the custodian of AlUla’s cultural landscape and heritage, RCU will work closely with experts from PNT on the transfer of knowledge and skills across critical areas including informal learning techniques, the interpretation of cultural heritage and storytelling across key historical sites, and making history accessible and engaging within their respective communities and youth populations.

At the same time, RCU and PNT will collaborate in specialised sectors including innovative educational initiatives to help deepen people’s connection with heritage, empowering communities, especially children, to be active participants in discovering and safeguarding AlUla’s rich heritage sites, with an aim to inspire continued conservation efforts and future career choices.

Building on the launch of the partnership, teams from PNT will visit AlUla later this year for a series of workshops and tours, while colleagues from RCU will travel to the Jordanian capital Amman for complementary sessions to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and focus on future strategies.

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Centara Hotels and Resorts lauded at 2024 HR Excellence Awards Thailand

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Hotel management firm Centara Hotels and Resorts received the bronze award for Excellence in Workplace Culture at this year’s HR Excellence Awards Thailand. 

The Excellence in Workplace Culture category recognises organisations that demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, implemented effective communication and collaboration strategies, and prioritised employee wellbeing and development.

Centara’s executive vice-president for human resources Siriwan Wangthamrong said of the award: “We are honoured to receive this award as a testament to our dedication to our people and our commitment to growing together. By ensuring our team members are well-cared for, we enable them to pass on that positivity to our guests, creating memorable experiences for all. I’m incredibly proud of the projects we’ve spearheaded to strengthen our workplace culture at Centara, and we’re already looking ahead to how we can further improve and aim for even greater success next year.”

This recognition is proof of Centara’s commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace environment that enhances employee engagement, productivity, and retention.

This latest accolade follows Centara’s success last year when it received the Kincentric Best Employers-Thailand 2023 award, further cementing its position as a leader in human resources management within the hospitality industry.

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Novotel Nara is the latest addition to Accor’s Japan portfolio

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Global hospitality brand Novotel announced the opening of the latest addition to the Accor Group’s portfolio in Japan: the Novotel Nara.

General manager Makoto Kaita said: “We are excited to welcome guests to Novotel Nara, where they can experience both the serenity of Nara and the modern comfort that Novotel offers. Our commitment to sustainability, local engagement, and exceptional service will ensure a memorable stay for all visitors, whether they are here for business or leisure.”

Garth Simmons, Accor’s COO for its premium, midscale, and economy division in Asia, added: “The opening of Novotel Nara marks a significant milestone for Accor as we continue to expand our footprint in Japan, a country with a rich heritage and a growing demand for quality accommodations. This opening underscores our commitment to contributing to the growth of Japan’s tourism sector and offering memorable stays to travellers from around the world.”

East meets west in curated accommodations

Offering 264 guest rooms, including executive suites, Novotel Nara presents a unique blend of European modernity and traditional Japanese aesthetics, providing a welcoming retreat for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel is designed to offer guests a serene environment to rejuvenate and connect with Nara’s rich cultural and historical legacy.

Likewise, the Novotel Nara serves as a bridge between tourists and the local community, promoting the hidden charms of Nara. The hotel’s prime location allows for an immersive experience of Nara’s history and culture, making it an ideal location for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Guests can easily access the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, while also enjoying the tranquillity away from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Sustainability in the mix

Aligned with the brand’s commitment to sustainable development, Novotel Nara is proud to be part of the Novotel Oceans Initiative, a partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) aimed at protecting and restoring the planet’s oceans.

Through a comprehensive three-year Positive Impact Plan, Novotel is dedicated to reducing plastic and carbon footprints, promoting sustainable food choices, and enhancing ocean conservation awareness among guests, hotel teams, and the local community.

This initiative not only integrates eco-friendly systems and the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients in its dining outlets but also actively supports local conservation efforts.

By fostering a deeper connection between guests and the environment, Novotel Nara exemplifies the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet.

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Experiential travel highlighted at 2024 Philippine Travel Exchange

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Experiential travel was the main topic at this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) highlighted destinations that would offer highly immersive experiences to travellers.

According to TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Nograles: “[Travel buyers] are really looking to see more experiential travel into the Philippines. [These include immersive] experiences in indigenous communities and our culture, as well as skill-driven experiences. We’re working with private sector sellers to craft these experiences because global data shows us that this is what the world is looking for now.”

Nograles likewise expressed optimism that this year’s PHITEX would enable the Philippine tourism sector to surpass the PHP250 million in travel sales seen last year.

A diverse turnout

A total of 115 Philippine sellers joined this event, as well as 97 foreign buyers. Participants included representatives from destination management companies (DMCs), tour operators, and travel agencies.

Eleven came from the country’s emerging markets, namely, the UAE, Macao, Indonesia, Turkey, France, and Spain. The rest came from key markets, namely, South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, Canada, India, United Kingdom, and Germany.

Nograles pointed out: “This year, we have a lot of Indian buyers. I think they are the most that joined us this year. We’re also looking to tap into the Indian market, Indian weddings and understanding what they are looking for.”

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Tourism Authority of Thailand to host Amazing Thailand Fest 2024 in Chennai

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that it is bringing the best that Thailand has to offer to India via Amazing Thailand Fest @ Chennai.

The event runs from 27 to 29 September at the Central Atrium of the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai, India, and is supported by the Royal Thai Consulate General, Thai Trade Center, Commercial Section, and the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) in Chennai.

The Amazing Thailand Fest offers a variety of activities revolving around five “Must Do” experiences in the country: Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. These were designed to create lasting impressions and convey Thailand’s soft power to would-be travellers.

These activities are spread throughout various zones, including a tourism information booth from TAT and Team Thailand, a zone featuring contemporary Thai fashion and the historical connections between Thai and Indian fabrics, a zone with a green screen where visitors may take pictures in different Thai locations, and a Muay Thai zone showcasing the globally-renowned martial art.

Economic stimulation via tourism

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said of the event: “The Amazing Thailand Fest presents our strategy to expand Thailand’s reach to other Indian cities and strengthens the good relations between Thailand and India through tourism and cultural exchange. [The event supports] the government’s vision to stimulate the Thai economy through tourism.”

India is one of Thailand’s top five visitor markets. The number of Indian tourists for this year is set to reach around 1.7 million this year, depending on several factors that include Thailand’s visa exemption which allows Indian travellers to visit for tourism and short-term business engagements for a period of 60 days.

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Seabourn Cruise Line sails to Asia for 2024/2025 season

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Luxury cruise and expedition services provider Seabourn revealed its range of Asia itineraries for the late-2024 / early-2025 seasons.

Beginning December 2024 and well into March 2025, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Quest set sail for a series of captivating voyages across Southeast Asia and Japan. These enable passengers to visit diverse regions, immersing them into the vibrant cultures of different Asian destinations.

Seabourn Encore begins the season with seven sailings between Singapore and Hong Kong. It then moves on to Japan, and finishes with a transpacific crossing, marking her first-ever visit to the United States. 

On the other hand, Seabourn Quest sails to Japan during the cherry blossom season in spring and returns in the fall to showcase the country’s autumn landscapes and will visit new destinations such as Akita and Wakayama, Japan.

Seabourn president Natalya Leahy said of these Asian routes: “With its diverse beauty, rich culture, and deep history, our ultra-luxury cruises to Asia continue to be a favorite among our guests. To meet the growing demand, we’ve enhanced our itineraries this season and are offering many exciting voyages throughout Asia to new, hidden gems across the region, ensuring even more exceptional experiences for our guests.”

An immersive sojourn

Seabourn Encore’s winter 2024 and spring 2025 season will allow guests to immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of Southeast Asia in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. 

From December 2024 to March 2025, Seabourn Encore will start its season of seven voyages between Singapore and Hong Kong, China. With both 13-day and 14-day options, each itinerary will include unforgettable moments such as the line’s signature Caviar in the Surf experience in Koh Kood, Thailand, and overnights in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Departing March 2, 2025, Seabourn Encore will offer a 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan voyage from Singapore to Kobe, Japan, featuring a new port of call never before visited by the Seabourn fleet – Tokushima, Japan. The itinerary will also feature an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and maiden calls for Seabourn Encore to Kochi, Japan and Kobe, Japan.

The ship will finish its season with a 25-day Japan & Hawaiian Islands Pacific Crossing from Kobe, Japan to Long Beach, California, featuring a maiden call to Wakayama, Japan and the ship’s first ever visit to the United States. The sailing will also include a selection of sea days with bespoke, curated onboard entertainment programs, featuring a star-studded line-up of performers and guest speakers. Additional details will be announced soon.

Combining voyages for comprehensive exploration

Setting sail from March through April 2025, Seabourn Quest’s 2025 Spring Asia itineraries range from 14 to 34 days with options to combine voyages for a truly comprehensive exploration of Asia. Guests will explore the northernmost and southernmost islands of Japan, immersing themselves in the nation’s geography, history, and beauty at the height of cherry blossom season.

Seabourn will also offer a “Pacific Passage: Golden Week to Glacier Bay” 20-day voyage departing in April 2025. The best of both worlds, this itinerary will immerse guests in the vibrant cultural festivities of “Golden Week” in Japan, where they’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom, before heading to Alaska during the less-crowded early season to enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.

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Accor Pacific’s Queensland hotel network reports sustained growth as of July 2024

The post Accor Pacific’s Queensland hotel network reports sustained growth as of July 2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accor Pacific’s hotel network in Queensland recorded sustained growth in the year to the end of July 2024, emphasising the area’s premier position in the Australian tourism and hotel market.

Made up of 95 hotels, resorts, and apartments offering a total of 12,095 rooms, Accor’s Queensland holdings recorded an increase of 1.5 occupancy points to 70.7 percent for the year to July, compared to last year’s figures.

Brisbane City led the resurgence, growing by 4.6 occupancy points during the period. Growth was primarily driven by increased leisure and corporate demand. 

Overall leisure markets are up by 0.4 points from last year, with the Cairns Area showing the strongest YTD growth up 7.0 occupancy points through increased leisure demand and group business.

For the remainder of the year, Brisbane City and surrounds expect to be up by 2.8 occupancy points due to increased leisure demand into September and October, built around a strong events and sporting calendar.

Regional coastal destinations are also enjoying positive forward bookings, with Cairns (ahead 3.9 occupancy pts), Gold Coast (+3.8 pts), and Regional QLD (+2.9 pts) all pacing ahead compared to last year. Cairns and regional Queensland are seeing an increase through all segments, while Gold Coast is benefiting from stronger group demand.

The positive performance of the Accor hotel network reflects the latest data for Queensland’s tourism sector. Tourism Research Australia reported that 27 million visitors arrived in the year to March 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic records as both domestic and international visitor numbers surged.

The year also saw a new high in Queensland’s overnight visitor expenditure (OVE) with a total of $6.1 billion, an increase of 100.9 percent recovery compared to 2019. Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast reached new international OVE records.

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Qatar Airways is this year’s World’s Best MICE Airline

The post Qatar Airways is this year’s World’s Best MICE Airline appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways won two awards at the World MICE Awards recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The airline came away with the title of World’s Best Mice Airline, and was also voted as the Middle East’s Best MICE Airline for 2024.

Airline chief commercial officer Thierry Antinori said of the awards: “Qatar Airways is proud to have received the World’s Best MICE Airline and Middle East’s Best MICE Airline 2024 awards for the second year in a row. This recognition serves as a testament to our efforts in advancing the global MICE industry through our one-stop digital travel solution, QMICE, which offers exclusive fares, significant travel flexibility and exclusive benefits for MICE professionals.”

Along with Qatar Airways’ exceptional services, QMICE, business class Qsuite, and the highly-anticipated Qsuite Next Gen, ensure that customers always enjoy a stylish and convenient travel experience to over 170 destinations, both on-board and through the airline’s hub at the Hamad International Airport, which supports Doha as a leading venue for MICE.

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Avani Ratchada Bangkok opens in Bangkok’s new central business district

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Avani Hotels & Resorts recently announced the opening of Avani Ratchada Bangkok right in the heart of the Thai capital’s new central business district.

This 402-room hotel offers an ideal stay for both business and leisure travellers, as guests can explore a different side of the ‘Big Mango’ through a number of unique local experiences.

Avani Ratchada Bangkok is the brand’s third hotel in the city, right on the heels of the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel.

In the heart of the city

Thanks to its strategic location, Avani Ratchada Bangkok offers seamless connectivity with the city via Phra Ram 9 MRT Station and proximity to the Airport Rail Link and BTS Skytrain, making it an appealing city base for both leisure and business travellers. 

Just steps away, guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant Ratchada district, known for its bustling night markets, including the lively Jodd Fair Market — a celebration of Thai food, culture and creativity. A must-visit for foodies, the market offers a wide selection of local delicacies and street food favourites. Guests can also explore the Huai Kwang Market, visit the Thailand Cultural Centre, catch a show at the Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre, or shop at Fortune IT Lifestyle Mall and Central Rama 9.

City comforts

Contemporary guest rooms and suites, designed for optimal sleep and productivity, offer modern amenities and captivating city views, while the 169-square-metre Presidential Suite offers luxury features including a dining room that seats eight guests, a cocktail bar, and a private sauna. 

Perched on the 25th floor, the exclusive AvaniClub Lounge offers a serene retreat above the city where suite guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, afternoon refreshments. and evening cocktails.

For those seeking a more holistic experience, the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellness centre occupies an entire floor and includes a swimming pool, AvaniFit gym, and spa facilities, including a Japanese Onsen and sauna. This expansive space is designed to help guests relax, rejuvenate, and maintain their wellbeing throughout their stay. 

For events and meetings, the hotel offers 11 versatile venues, including a 924-square-metre ballroom equipped with advanced technology, suitable for everything from weddings to product launches.

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dnata marks milestone in its push towards environmental sustainability

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Global air and travel services provider dnata announced that all of its non-electric airside vehicles and ground support equipment (GSE) at its biggest operational hub in Dubai now run exclusively on a biodiesel blend.

According to dnata Group CEO Steve Allen: “Our latest initiative to switch all our non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in Dubai is a big step forward in our decarbonisation journey. It demonstrates our dedication to cutting emissions, a core part of our environmental strategy, while maintaining the highest level of quality and safety across our operations.”

This collaborative effort with Dubai Airports and the Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC) aims to reduce total CO₂ equivalent emissions by over 3,500 tonnes annually over the lifecycle of the fuel consumed by dnata’s fleet. 

The initiative has been gradually rolled out across dnata’s extensive ground handling and cargo operations at the two Dubai airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum-Dubai World Central (DWC). It involves a total of 2,500 vehicles, which support the safe and timely operations of over 220,000 flights annually.  

Prior to this most recent development, dnata was already using a blend of biodiesel across its landside fleets at dnata logistics, City Sightseeing Tours, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Flight Services in the UAE.

Allen likewise pointed out that this milestone would not have been possible without the strong collaboration with Dubai Airports and ENOC. Both companies share dnata’s commitment to contribute to the UAE Government’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative. 

Allen said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership to further reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact on the aviation industry.”

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