The post Emirates ‘Force for Good’ community tennis program helps coach students in Australia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

On the 4^th of September, about 250 primary school students from low socio-economic and multicultural communities joined a free rotational sports day designed to introduce them to tennis, while enhancing their physical and mental fitness. The initiative was one of 11 community tennis initiatives in 2025 to receive funding from the Emirates’ Force for Good program, now in full swing across Australia for the first time this year.

Yesterday’s sports day, the Schools Future Fit Program, was delivered by Youth of Tomorrow which gained funding from Emirates’ Force for Good initiative earlier this year. Held at the Pat Rafter Arena, Queensland State Tennis Centre, approximately 250 students participated in a series of on court tennis activities delivered by qualified coaches, including introduction to Pop and Pickleball, and preventative mental health workshops.

In celebration of the Force for Good program, Australian tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, John Millman, joined the students in a series of coaching sessions focused on fun and social connection. Guest appearances were made by Emirates mascots and Emirates cabin crew. Students received a series of tennis gifts and got to capture special moments and create memories with a Polaroid photo in a limited-edition Emirates photo frame as a keepsake.

In partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, Emirates launched its Force for Good program in Australia in 2025 to make a meaningful impact in local communities. Emirates is investing $2.25 million over five years to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis. The Emirates’ Force for Good program operates in the five Australian cities where the airline flies – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The community initiatives offer a structured and supportive environment where kids can develop their sporting skills and build social connections, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing. ​

In 2025 alone, Emirates Force for Good program will support approximately 3,000 disadvantaged children and young people in gaining access to tennis across 11 community initiatives. These will include over 60 schools, clubs and other community courts, offering children over 10,000 opportunities to play.​

Beginning for the first time this year, the Emirates Force for Good program has already been in full swing in Australia, with six community initiatives having already kicked off across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, with over 800 participants.

Dean Cleaver, Regional Sales Manager at Emirates said: “Emirates is passionate about ensuring our commitment to Australia extends beyond the flights we operate. For us, the Force for Good program is an opportunity to give back to the communities we serve in Australia.

“Backed by a legacy of strong sporting sponsorships including our longstanding partnership with Tennis Australia, we know that offering children access to tennis is about more than the game. For children who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity, we’re not only introducing them to a sport, we’re offering pathways to develop physical skills, build social connections, and enhance mental wellbeing. The enthusiasm and fun we saw from the students in Brisbane is exactly what this program is about.”

Executive Director, Australian Tennis Foundation, Vicki Reid said: “We are excited to join forces with Emirates to support social impact initiatives across Australia. Through this collaboration, we can break down barriers and provide young people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,”

John Millman, tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, said: “Tennis has the power to bring people together and create lasting change. It’s incredible to see the joy and connection these kids experience when they’re given the chance to play.”

Chief Executive Officer of Youth of Tomorrow, Umit Oraloglu said: “We’re proud to partner with Emirates, ATF and Tennis Queensland to deliver a fully funded program to schools that need it most, supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people.”

Emirates’ Force for Good program builds on the airline’s ongoing commitment to Australia, where it has invested over $230 million in sponsorships, including the Australian Open. The first year of the program will culminate in January 2026 with a special event at the Australian Open.

 

 

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The post BWH® Hotels Earn GSTC Certification appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

BWH Hotels is celebrating a major sustainability milestone as its Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan have successfully achieved certification under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards.

“I’m incredibly proud of our outstanding teams across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan. Achieving GSTC certification is more than just earning a credential, it reflects the unwavering commitment, extensive training and deep belief in the power we have to drive meaningful change. In partnership with Bureau Veritas, we didn’t just meet GSTC standards, we brought them to life within our hotels, embedding sustainability into the very fabric of our operations. At BWH Hotels, responsible travel isn’t a trend; it is part of who we are. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our journey to create more sustainable and mindful hospitality experiences” said Rodney Simpson, Managing Director – Operations APAC, BWH Hotels.

Through its accredited partner Bureau Veritas Group, the group’s operational effectiveness was assessed in four key areas: Sustainable Management, Socio-Economic Impact, Cultural Impacts and Environmental Impacts. The results revealed that BWH Hotels is equipping its hotels and teams with the tools they need to drive long-term change and create meaningful experiences that have a positive impact on the planet.

A ceremony was held at Best Western Chatuchak, Bangkok, on 2 September 2025 to honour the GSTC-certified properties. The event was attended by BWH Hotels leaders Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC and Rodney Simpson, Managing Director – Operations APAC, along with representatives from Bureau Veritas Group.

BWH Hotels is committed to operating in a responsible and environmentally conscious way. Through its global ‘Because We Care’ program, the group integrates three core pillars — Earth, People, and Community (EPC) — into every facet of its operations. From reducing water consumption and cutting carbon emissions to minimizing waste and supporting local sourcing, these values are embedded in daily practices, driving meaningful change across the organization.

 

 

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The post Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister shares insights to grow country’s tourism sector appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh of Vietnam recently shared several insights on how his country could push the growth of its burgeoning tourism sector.

Speaking at the High-Level Tourism Forum of ITE HCMC 2025 on Thursday, 4th September, Mai pointed out how tourism is a humanistic sector that has contributed significantly to the national economy whilst expanding the developmental mindset of the Vietnamese people.

Speaking in the vernacular, the Deputy Prime Minister said: “Vietnam’s location puts it in a prime position for tourism development, and its potential is bolstered further by its cultural heritage; the fact that it has nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 16 pieces of intangible heritage; diverse cuisines, beautiful landscapes, and gracious people.”

Mai likewise cited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest urban centre, for its unique culture and dynamic spaces.

The southern city’s tourism scene certainly has much going for it in terms of MICE and cultural tourism, but is also rapidly emerging as a prime destination for premium and luxury travellers the world over.

Points to ponder for future development

For Vietnam to fully come into its potential as a global destination centred around sustainability and innovation, Mai presented six strategic points for tourism officials and professionals to take into consideration.

These range from bolstering human resources to supporting local industry to foster economic growth.

Cultivate an ambassadorial mindset among the people 

Mai explained that every Vietnamese no citizen should consider themselves ambassadors for their nation.

It is not enough to express pride in one’s nation, but one also needs to help think of ways by which the country can help improve the travel experience for visiting foreign nationals.

In which case, Mai advised a holistic approach: taking both technological innovation and ecological sensibilities into consideration simultaneously to create smarter, more personal experiences for visitors.

Shift developmental thinking towards sustainable development

When tourism development is up for discussion, the conversations invariably turn towards infrastructural improvement and technological innovation.

While this isn’t entirely bad, it tends to throw more sustainable solutions onto the proverbial back burner, causing detriment to the environment.

At the same time, tourism development runs the risk of disenfranchising ethnic minorities and sectoral groups who may be bypassed for those with more aesthetic or mass market appeal.

In which case, the concept of regenerative tourism comes into play: giving ample support to communities whilst maximising the practice of sustainable solutions to promote and / or establish destinations with more lasting and farther reaching appeal.

Emphasise urgency 

With tourism boards becoming more competitive on both regional and global levels, it does not pay to play safe or to move too slowly.

Tourism boards need to think in their feet, considering current challenges as well as the repercussions any actions may have on future campaigns or offerings.

Mai advised that both good governance and proper knowledge sharing need to be in place for this to come off properly.

Consider input from all sectors 

Tourism is not just about picturesque places or once in a lifetime experiences.

For Mai, developing tourism products for the future entails coordination among various sectors to create something that truly captures the totality of a destination.

In Vietnam’s case, it calls for input from the science and technology community, agriculture, commerce, as well as the creative sector in order to devise more effective, distinctive, and globally competitive tourism offerings.

Invest in human resources

A nation’s true treasure lies in its people and, for that reason, people need to be trained to bring out the very best in their home country.

As tourism is, so to speak, the public face of any country, the skills of sectoral professionals need to be at par with the world’s best.

In which case, human resource exchanges with partner nations are recommended, as are upskilling on a regular basis, implementing regulatory measures to ensure the compliance of service quality with global standards, and even improving vocational training measures.

Support MSMEs

Micro-, small-, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) are a fundamental part of the tourist experience, mainly because products from smaller or more bespoke producers take centre stage at many destinations.

Perhaps Vietnam needs to take a cue from the Philippines which recently began offering developmental loan instruments to foster entrepreneurship among its people.

Likewise, the One Town, One Product concept in many parts of Southeast Asia has gone a long way to help improve the livelihoods of the people, especially those in remote areas and those who belong to marginalised groups.

Beyond what we know

For Mai, tourism isn’t just about promoting destinations for economic gain, but the sector serves as an arbiter of peace, development, and prosperity.

Not only that, but it also helps to foster a stronger sense of national identity among the people.

With that said, perhaps it is time for Vietnam to rethink what it currently has in place: to innovate in a smart and sustainable manner for a better future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The post IWTA interviews Kewalin Sukumjittanon on “From WHY to Impact” appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

 

IWTA interviews Kewalin Sukumjittanon on “From WHY to Impact”

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to hear their story, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!

 

NOMINATE SOMEONE

 

NOMINATE YOURSELF

 

 

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The post ITE HCMC 2025 kicks off with the best of Vietnam at Gala Night appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

ITE HCMC 2025 showcased the best of Vietnamese culture at its gala night on Wednesday, 3rd September, at the Grand Skylar Ballroom of Thiskyhall Sala in the city’s An Kanh Ward.

Gathering dignitaries, hosted buyers, and media professionals from Vietnam and overseas, the event centred on the theme Dong Chày, Tinh Hoa (The Flow of Quintessence.)

The overarching thematic refers to Ho Chi Minh City’s location in the southern basin of the Mekong River, witnessing the flow of history, cultural evolution, and economic development throughout the centuries.

Likewise, it also refers to the flow of fresh information and innovation that has enabled the growth and current resurgence of the Vietnamese travel and tourism sectors following the pandemic.

The river flows, a city grows

The event was graced by Mai Van Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, together with Harry Hwang, regional director for South and Southeast Asia of the UN World Tourism Organisation.

Also in attendance were Cambodian minister of tourism Huot Hak and Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

Addressing the assembly in his opening remarks, Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, pointed out how the theme captures the spirit of the dynamic host city and its expanding role in the Vietnamese tourism scene.

Nguyen cited how the city’s strategic location has made it a hub for trade and learning, and now has the distinction of being one of the world’s most interesting destinations for travel.

A celebration of culture

As the gala night centred solely on Vietnam, the event featured a number of ways by which ITE HCMC enabled the country to put its best foot forward among both local and foreign guests.

Prior to the doors opening for the evening, guests were encouraged to sample an extensive range of handicrafts and edible specialities from various parts of the country, including silk painting, incense making, and shell craft.

Likewise, organisers teased guests’ appetites for both the evening and the expo proper on the following day, 4th September, with traditional sweets, as well as a banh mi station.

The dinner itself was made up of several courses wherein popular dishes were given a contemporary spin.

Guests were also impressed by the use of drones and floor robots for a more comprehensive coverage of the event.

Likewise, guests enjoyed a number of performances throughout the evening ranging from traditional Vietnamese musical theatre to an orchestral performance of classic tunes.

 

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The post South Asia boosts tourism outlook as experiential travel takes root appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Global Experiential Travel Market is now valued at $250 billion and it’s projected to nearly
double by 2032 which is only seven years from now, to almost 500 billion or 470 billion. These numbers are based on revenue from bookable tours activity and experiences. They don’t include all of the ancillary spend that goes on around the actual experience itself.

Scott Wegener, Head of Asia Pacific at Tripadvisor, while addressing the audience during the opening keynote at ITB India 2025 highlighted South Asia’s pivotal role in shaping global tourism growth. His topic of discussion was “Experience-Driven Travel: Trends and Insights on what South Asia Travellers are Truly Seeking in 2025 and Beyond”.

Experiential travel the norm not a trend

South Asia currently makes up 10% of that global number, so 25 billion. But the expectation is and all the trends are telling us that South Asia’s percentage of that whole global spend is going to jump from 10% to 15% by 2032 so for South Asia, it’s going to be valued at 70 billion by 2032 which is just massive. That means millions more experiences, booked, posted and reviewed. No one in the room can afford to treat experiential travel as a trend.  It’s the new norm, and the momentum is not slowing.

“A recent trip advisor survey of our users found that of the global audience surveyed 85 % agreed that activities and experiences are an important part of their travel budget, and 84% agreed that they prioritize planned activities and experiences on their trip. We’ve been tracking these numbers for a while now, and they continue to climb, and we don’t expect them to kind of plateau or even decline.”

Indians prioritize planned activities

Experiences have moved from nice to have into the essential component of travel spend focusing on South Asia, the story is even stronger in India. “In terms of prioritizing on Trip experiences, 91% agreed that activities and experiences are an important part of their travel budget, and 92% agreed that they prioritize planned activities and experiences while they’re on their trip. India travellers are now the world’s most experience focused Travel Market.”

Post pandemic Travel has become a privilege

The pandemic had a huge effect. Covid rewired priorities. Travel is no longer taken for granted. It’s no longer a given, It’s a privilege. The value of health, connection and meaning is front and centre for travellers

Secondly, digital fatigue. Digital fatigue is real. More and more people are getting screen burnout. They hunger for tactile face-to- face connection, experiences and meaning more than ever.

And third, the rising middle class is growing fast. Nowhere is this more prevalent than right here in India,
rising disposable income plus global exposure is making experiential travel mainstream acceptable and expected. “India will be the world’s fifth largest outbound market by 2027 outbound trips will climb from 30 million in 2024 to over 50 million in 2030 again, only five years away.” These forces together aren’t just changing travel destinations. They’re changing the very DNA of the traveller.

Gen Z and millennials are the fastest growing middleclass

“Gen Z and millennials are the fastest growing middle-class segment driven by urbanization, higher education and think digital roots and digital connectivity, they will constitute 60% of South Asia’s travel spend.”

And just to make sure everyone’s familiar with Gen Z and millennials, as of 2025 Gen Zs are aged between 13 to 28 and millennials are aged between 29 and 44 so basically, we’re talking about that age group between, say, 21 when they start making independent travel decisions, till 44 are super important.

A generation wired for experiences

Gen Z and millennials are actively seeking experiences that provide meaningful, unique travel adventures that allow them to a immerse themselves in the culture and live like a local. They’re desperate to experience life as a local in the destinations that they’ve travelled to, 84%
in the same survey said that they prefer off the beaten path destinations, and 79% say they would love to partake in a day in the life of a local in the destination that they’re visiting. They are a generation wired for experience, not just transactions.

Gen Z and millennials have a high propensity to plan and book their activities ahead of their travel. They’re already always thinking about their planning, and they want to book in advance. They want to know that they’ve got this organized again. India, Gen Z are millennials significantly over index compared to the global average. In our survey, 65% compared to the global average, of 46% say that they book or plan to book activities ahead of their brands who can offer easy, unique, engaging, walkable experiences and to win with this lucrative, always planning generation.

Looking at the Indian Market

12 million India users that come to Trip Advisor every month
Tripadvisor have a rich data set of what India users are actually looking at, how they’re thinking about travel inspiration, planning and booking. First of all, we’ll look at outbound travel trends.

From an international perspective

So, this is India users on TripAdvisor looking at international destinations. These are the top 10 countries looked at by India users on Trip Advisor during the month of January to June, 2025. So what we can see is Thailand, the UAE, Vietnam and Indonesia are surging for Indian travellers. My take on it is the travellers, and particularly this growing middle class, there’s a higher propensity of outbound travel, and they’re looking and seeking regional proximity, cultural nuance and increasingly sophisticated, experienced menus.

Then if we look at the top 10 attractions that India users were looking at on Trip Advisor during the months of January to June 2025 we can see that this list consists primarily of outdoor nature parks, cultural sites, religious sites and landmarks. Pre covid, this list would have been dominated by shopping destinations and beaches. But now for India, travellers outbound, international authenticity and adventure are all the go.

From a domestic perspective
So this is India users on Trip Advisor looking at India domestic destinations and attractions. These are the top 10 cities during the months of January to June, 2025 and again, there’s probably a lot of cities listed there that you would expect to be on this list. The ones I want to focus on are Pune, Rishikesh and Mysore. They are trending up sharply and cities like this that are just outside the top 10, and there’s a common link with these three and the others that are moving up the rankings. They’re an alternative to the bigger cities, and they offer authenticity a slower pace, culturally rich and scenic destinations. So, expect to see more of these in our lists over the coming months and years. From an attraction’s perspective, again, experiential style, attractions are seeing a surge in interest in bookings. 75% of the experiences booked on Trip Advisor during this period by India, users were for cultural landmarks, religious or heritage sites. Travellers are rediscovering their routes through meaningful journeys and experiences within India.

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The post Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives Wows Families With Underwater World-Themed Paradise appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Centara Hotels & Resorts’ first Mirage property in the Maldives, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is an enchanting underwater world-themed holiday oasis where families can enjoy boundless family fun and adventure in paradise. Located in the heart of the breathtaking North Male Atoll and just a short speedboat ride from Male’s airport, the resort offers an enchanting mix of stunning tropical beauty and Centara’s signature modern Thai hospitality.

Nestled within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts – a breathtaking new multi-island destination – Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives sits alongside the brand-new Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. Together, they form part of Centara’s expanding Maldivian portfolio, which includes four distinctive resorts: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives – The Centara Collection, and Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers exceptional leisure opportunities and unique bonding experiences for families wanting an unforgettable holiday packed full of fun, relaxation and great memories. It embodies the Mirage concept, which represents Centara’s commitment to providing a fully themed family experience where every moment is filled with excitement, wonder and discovery.

Parents and kids can have many enjoyable days and nights, making use of the resort’s family-centric facilities and activities – including a thrilling outdoor water complex with a swimming pool, kids’ pool, meandering lazy river and water playground, SPA Cenvaree, Candy Spa for kids, games room, kids’ club, and six different restaurants and bars. All against the dazzling backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

Tropical Comfort Amid Natural Beauty

Each of the 145 beachfront and overwater rooms and villas at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives boasts breathtaking views of the lagoon or beachfront – immersing guests into the natural beauty of the Maldives. They enjoy a welcoming contemporary beach style ambiance and are thoughtfully designed for family comfort, with such features as a dining table. Bunk beds are available in all family room types and interconnecting rooms are also available.

Each room and villa comes with either a private outdoor bathtub, Jacuzzi or pool. In-room amenities include a mini-bar, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe, hairdryer and complimentary wireless internet.

A wide choice of room types caters to guests’ needs and desires, allowing them to indulge in their ideal tropical holiday – whether for example it’s the inviting serenity of the Mirage Panoramic Room, the exquisite blend of indoor and outdoor living of the Mirage Beachfront Room, or the spacious comfort of the Mirage Overwater Sunset Pool Villa.

Other options include the Panoramic Lagoon Room with Open-Air Bath; Beachfront Room with Open Air-Bath; Mirage Panoramic Room with Jacuzzi; Mirage Beachfront Room with Jacuzzi; Mirage Overwater Villa with Jacuzzi; Overwater Villa with Jacuzzi; Mirage Overwater Sunset Villa with Jacuzzi; Overwater Sunrise Villa with Jacuzzi; Mirage Overwater Sunrise Pool Villa; Four Bedroom Beach House; and Four Bedroom Mirage Beach House.

Outdoor Water Complex With Multiple Attractions

Just steps from the beach, the resort’s outdoor water complex makes for plenty of fun splashing the day away, surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers. There are swimming pools, a designated kids’ pool, a meandering lazy river and a vibrant water playground.

SPA Cenvaree

The award-winning, family-friendly SPA Cenvaree offers the ultimate in relaxation, where expert therapists await to pamper guests with a range of rejuvenating spa treatments – from traditional Thai massages to Ayurvedic treatments. In this haven of wellness and calm, every treatment is crafted to heal and revitalise.

Candy Spa

Candy Spa is a dedicated candy-themed spa for kids aged 10 and under at SPA Cenvaree. It’s a fun space for them to enjoy a unique spa experience with edible treatments, manicures and pedicures, and even to hold parties in.

Kids’ Club And Games Room

Everything about the Kids’ Club and Games Room is about igniting the imagination, creating cherished memories and having heaps of fun! While Mum and Dad enjoy time by the pool or spa, the kids will be entertained with arts and crafts, board games, gaming consoles, movies and many other awesome activities.

Fantastic Dining For The Whole Family

The six restaurants and bars at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives promise a flavourful journey of culinary delights, with world-class international and Thai fare on offer as well as sumptuous seafood and tasty Italian that the whole family will love. There’s even a delightful ice cream bar.

The Sailhouse

A breezy beach restaurant with alfresco and indoor dining, The Sailhouse serves an array of international favourites and features interactive live cooking stations. It’s the perfect spot for relaxed family time, from leisurely breakfasts to laid-back lunches to scrumptious dinners.

Suan Bua

Suan Bua is Centara’s signature Thai eatery, offering a modern twist on authentic Thai cuisine. A bevy of innovative flavours, creative degustation menus and an amazing omakase experience await diners here, all expertly prepared by the talented chefs. An open kitchen with cooking studio adds to the wonderful atmosphere.

Acqua

Acqua offers authentic osteria charm with its fresh seafood and Italian family-style sharing platters. Boasting an open kitchen with a pasta bar and pizza oven, this is the place for savouring a delightful taste of Italy.

Rum Bar

Set right on the beach, Rum Bar exudes a welcoming tropical feel and serves a tempting menu of beers, wines and exotic cocktails. It’s a mesmerizing setting from which to soak up the island vibe, and to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Dolphin Bar

The playful Dolphin Bar is an ideal poolside escape for cool drinks and light bites throughout the day – a welcoming oasis while basking in the sun.

Scoops

Scoops is the whimsical ice cream bar where every visit delivers up a blissful sweet treat, with plenty of flavours to choose from and a touch of tasty fun to be had.

‘Maldives Family Heaven’ Special Offer

Limited-time introductory room rates and exciting benefits are available now at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, with the Maldives Family Heaven special offer. Perks include free roundtrip speedboat transfers, while up to two children aged 11 and under stay, play and eat for free.

CentaraThe1 members enjoy an additional 15 percent discount, and earn triple CentaraThe1 points during their stay. New members can sign up for free at www.centarathe1.com.

Book your next holiday at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and discover the Maldives’ newest family paradise! For more information, visit the resort’s website or call +960 401 5573.

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The post UAE’s Northern Emirate to Welcome Region’s First Sheraton-Branded Waterfront Homes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Dubai-based Atara Development has signed a landmark agreement with Marriott International to launch the Gulf region’s first Sheraton-branded residences. The new project, The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort, will be located on the prime shores of Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island and feature 141 luxury beachfront homes co-located with a Sheraton resort. The deal marks a strategic milestone for both Atara and Marriott as branded residential developments continue to reshape the real estate landscape across the Middle East. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior officials from Marjan, including CEO Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, as well as leadership from Marriott and Atara.

The announcement signals Atara’s bold shift from high-end project execution to becoming a primary developer of branded lifestyle ecosystems. With more than 1 million square feet in its project pipeline over the next two years, the company is looking to expand its portfolio beyond Dubai’s exclusive enclaves to emerging premium destinations like Ras Al Khaimah.

Talking about the new development, Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer at Atara Development, said: “It marks a turning point for Atara, where we evolve into a brand that creates full lifestyle ecosystems. Our vision is to build beyond structures — we want to create spaces that reflect the aspirations of modern luxury buyers.” The project also reflects Atara’s continued focus on precision execution, backed by its in-house construction capabilities. Every element of the development — from structural design to the finest architectural detailing — is being delivered to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and global hospitality.

Al Marjan Island is fast emerging as the UAE’s next luxury hotspot, drawing attention from global developers and hospitality brands alike. “Located on the prime shores of Al Marjan Island, this project reflects the caliber of world-class developments we envision for our destination,” said Abdulla Al Abdouli. He added that the project strengthens the island’s position as a premier coastal lifestyle hub for both residents and investors. Once completed, The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort will feature over 50 amenities, elegant interiors, and in-residence hospitality services — blending Sheraton’s heritage of excellence with Atara’s vision of elevated coastal living.

For Marriott International, the launch of Sheraton residences in Ras Al Khaimah is a significant regional milestone. “This development will champion Sheraton’s rich history of service and legacy of fostering connections,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Luxury, Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Marriott International. “We are delighted to collaborate with Atara Development to bring this vision to life and deliver the Sheraton experience that reflects a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and fulfillment for the residents.”

As one of only a limited number of Sheraton-branded residences globally, the Ras Al Khaimah project offers a rare opportunity for investors and end-users to own a slice of branded hospitality-driven living in the region.

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The post Ronaldo Headlines Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Blitz as Kingdom Unveils Boldest Tourism Campaign appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Saudi Arabia has launched a high-impact global tourism campaign with football icon Cristiano Ronaldo as its star, marking a bold move to spotlight the Kingdom’s booming events calendar and its transformation into a year-round destination for sport, culture, and entertainment. Titled “Unreal Calendar,” the new campaign — released Tuesday by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) — features a sleek 60-second film narrated by Ronaldo. The Al-Nassr striker is seen taking in major sporting spectacles and cultural moments across the country, ending with the message: “I came for football, I stayed for more.”

The campaign will run across key international markets, including Europe, India, and China, targeting global travelers with curated travel packages that make it easier to experience the action in Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla.

Sporting Ambitions, Tourism Goals

Saudi Arabia is not just building stadiums, it’s building a strategy. Backed by $800 billion in tourism investment, the Kingdom has committed to hosting some of the world’s largest sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Olympic Esports Games 2027, and Asian Winter Games 2029. The Unreal Calendar also highlights regular fixtures like Formula 1, the Esports World Cup, LIV Golf Riyadh, and the Saudi Pro League, where Ronaldo and other global football stars have elevated the local game’s profile. The campaign reflects a broader push under Vision 2030, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually and generate $16.5 billion in tourism-related GDP by the end of the decade.

Ronaldo’s involvement signals a major shift in the Kingdom’s soft power play. Since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, the Portuguese legend has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent cultural exports — and now, its tourism ambassador. “Being part of Saudi’s journey as a global sports hub has been truly special and somehow unexpected for me a few years ago,” Ronaldo said. “From the energy of the fans to the scale of ambition — this is where the future of sport is being written.”

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who shared the campaign on social media, said the Kingdom is now firmly on the map as a tourism and events powerhouse. “Saudi is cementing its place as a global destination that combines cultural authenticity, warm hospitality, and the thrill of world-class events. We remain committed to developing a seamless landscape that inspires the world and provides unforgettable visitor experiences,” he remarked.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, added: “This campaign with CR7 is a showcase of Saudi today, and our ambitions. From world-class events to iconic sites and breathtaking landscapes, Saudi is a land of discovery.”

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The post ITE HCMC welcomes buyers and media on Vietnam’s 80th National Day  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Hosted buyers and media professionals for ITE HCMC 2025 were feted with traditional Vietnamese flavours  at the Van Thanh Tourist Area in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, 2nd September.

The event is one of the precursors to the global travel and tourism conference which takes place at the Saigon Expo and Convention Centre on Thursday, 4the September.

A representative for the Ho Chi Minh City tourism department cited the conference theme Sustainable Travel: Vibrant Experience as they shared the city government’s vision of a future where travel not only inspires discovery and connection, but also honours culture, preserves the environment, and empowers local communities.

A timely occasion

What made the event especially memorable was that it was held on the 80th anniversary of Vietnamese independence.

As such, it also celebrated the Vietnamese travel and tourism sector which is a notable contributor to the national economy as it makes up nine percent of the gross domestic product on average annually.

Following the opening salvo, guests explored the venue grounds where they enjoyed the cuisine of southern Vietnam and observed demonstrations of traditional craft-making.

The evening ended with a fireworks display set against the Ho Chi Minh City skyline, dominated by the towering Landmark 81.

The post ITE HCMC welcomes buyers and media on Vietnam’s 80th National Day  appeared first on Travel Daily Media.

Source: traveldailymedia