Eliana Willis

More stories

  • 150 Shares139 Views

    in organisations-operators

    SkyTeam’s Santiago Lounge Now Welcomes Priority Pass Members for Enhanced Travel Experience

    SkyTeam’s branded Lounge at Santiago International Airport is now open to Priority Pass members traveling on flights operated or marketed by SkyTeam member airlines, including codeshare services with airline partners such as LATAM, regardless of cabin class or Frequent Flyer status.
    Designed with sustainability in mind and highlighting the country’s rich culture, cuisine and winemaking heritage, SkyTeam’s Santiago Lounge offers spectacular views across the tarmac to the Andes. Set over 757 square meters, the Lounge features 154 seats plus showers, free Wi-Fi and charging points throughout.
    We are delighted to open our Santiago Lounge to Priority Pass members flying on SkyTeam member airlines, offering a thoughtfully designed, high quality lounge that blends SkyTeam service with the spirit of Chile to enhance their travel experience.”  Mauro Oretti, Head of SkyTeam Operations
    “The SkyTeam Lounge in Santiago is one of my personal favorites, so it is great news that even more customers can now enjoy the warm service and high-class food and amenities when flying from the airport.”  Jeffrey Stern, CEO Global Lounge Network
    Treats on offer in SkyTeam’s Santiago de Chile Lounge include:ADVERTISEMENTSips to savorChile is one of the world’s leading wine producers and SkyTeam is proud to offer a wide selection of local wines to enjoy in its Santiago Lounge. From the intense, ruby red Casa Silva Carmenere with aromas of black cherries and plums, to a chilled Reserva Emiliana Chardonnay with refreshing notes of citrus, customers can also toast their travels with a glass of Gemma or Azur fizz.
    A wide selection of soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee are also available.
    Memorable menusSkyTeam’s Lounge is the only one in Santiago International Airport to boast its very own empanada station, serving up fresh and authentic bites generously filled with spiced meat or cheese. Or why not sample some sopaipillas with pebre, a fried street food snack served with a tasty Chilean salsa.
    A self-service buffet balances local flavors with international tastes. Current highlights include Carne a la Cerveza con Puré Rústico – a delicious slow-braised beef cooked in beer, or a meat-free Pastel de Choclo Vegetariano.
    Time to celebrateSkyTeam’s Santiago Lounge opened in March 2022 as international travel restarted from the country but before COVID restrictions were fully lifted. To showcase the many highlights the Lounge has to offer, SkyTeam and Global Lounge Network welcomed customers, airline and airport stakeholders to a delayed ‘official opening event’ to celebrate the Lounge’s success to-date.
    Where to findSkyTeam’s Santiago Lounge – the global airline alliance’s first in Latin America – is situated on the first floor of the airport’s Terminal 2, Pier E, is open from three hours prior to the first flight until the last SkyTeam flight of the day departs. Santiago International Airport is served by five member airlines, including Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Delta Air Lines, and KLM.

    Older
    easyJet Launches Innovative Summer Flight School to Challenge Gender Stereotypes

    Newer
    Maui and Hawaiʻi Island Wildfire Updates More

  • 150 Shares169 Views

    in organisations-operators

    “Moving fast, staying relevant”: How Raki Phillips is smashing RAK’s tourism targets

    All eyes are on Ras Al Khaimah as the nature-focused emirate goes into overdrive building hotels, opening new flight routes and signing development deals. All of which has resulted in the northern emirate’s best-ever visitor numbers.
    For the first half of the 2023, RAK recorded 598,079 arrivals, 310,886 of which were international. That is a 14.8 percent boost year-on-year for Ras Al Khaimah.
    Russia makes up almost one third of the emirate’s international source markets, accounting for 30.3 percent (that’s 94,089) visits. That eclipses tourists from UK, Germany and India combined.A similar trend can be seen in Dubai.
    Tourism revenues are also record-breaking so far this year, up 30.6 percent on 2022 to reach AED701.2 million.
    Average daily rates are down seven percent YOY at AED533.5 for a roomm but a 25.5 percent increase in occupancy levels of 72.1 percent helped the emirate stay ahead.ADVERTISEMENTLooking at other revenue drivers, in H1, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300 percent increase in revenue from weddings, which is expected to continue to grow into H2.

    Hotel development spike in RAKAnother key driver of the northern emirate’s rising visitor numbers is the continued expansion of its hotel portfolio. Ras Al Khaimah announced the addition of Nobu Al Marjan Island (300 keys) in 2026, Westin Resort (257 keys) in 2024, Le Méridien Al Marjan Island Resort (350 keys) and Earth Shore Al Marjan Island (265 keys) in 2025. With Anantara Mina Al Arab (174 keys) and Sofitel Al Hamra (300 keys) set to open this year plus several other global names in the near future, the emirate plans to double the number of keys over the coming years.
    “2023 is shaping up to be the Emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “It’s essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all. We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023”.
    12 new hotels opening in Ras Al Khaimah soon: From Wynn Resorts to Earth Hotels
    Market analysts say the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island will have its own ‘Wynn Effect’ in the emirate.
    In March, investment management specialists Colliers published a report on the future of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah and says Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort could bring 5.5m tourists to RAK by 2030, smashing the target number of three million.

    In April, the first pictures of the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort were released. The US$3.9 billion integrated resort will be home to the UAE’s first confirmed casino when it opens in 2027.
    Wynn Al Marjan Island will comprise 1,500 keys, including rooms, suites and villas, along with two dozen restaurants, a spa, an events centre, and a threatre for “unique production shows.” Wynn states the resort is designed for longer visits and “day trips” from those across the six other emirates. With this in mind, there will be nightly laser and light shows, much like in Las Vegas.
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

    Older
    G Flip Performs Floating 270m Above Sydney’s Blue Mountains

    Newer
    Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort targets emirate’s booming wedding industry More

  • 113 Shares99 Views

    in organisations-operators

    G Flip Performs Floating 270m Above Sydney’s Blue Mountains

    Sydney’s World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains has today become the ultimate stage with music artist G Flip performing atop a cable car 270 metres (885 feet) above its soaring sandstone ridges and Eucalyptus forests.Looking every part the rockstar for the world-first event, G Flip, who is an Australian drummer-turned-singer, songwriter and producer, delivered an epic performance with their full drum kit set up on the top of Scenic World’s Skyway cable car.
    Against a spectacular backdrop that included the iconic rock formation the Three Sisters, G Flip performed their new single, The Worst Person Alive. Signature beats and vocals echoed across the breathtaking ravines and valleys below, as they connected with the sounds of nature just after the sun rose.
    G Flip said the experience was one of the most memorable performances they had done to date. “This is the coolest performance I’ve ever done in my life. Drumming 270m above the air in the Blue Mountains is something I never thought I’d do – it was so awesome, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!”
    The awe-inspiring, adrenaline-infused performance was delivered on the eve of the highly anticipated launch of G Flip’s second studio album, DRUMMER.
    Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said this initiative was artistic brilliance and natural wonders at its best.ADVERTISEMENT“These are exactly the types of collaborations that help to form NSW’s unique visitor experiences – a picturesque World Heritage-listed site intertwined with one of Australia’s edgiest and top-performing artists; it really doesn’t get much better than that.
    “This is an outstanding example of how Destination NSW is showcasing our state’s strengths as outlined in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.
    “The beautiful Blue Mountains are a must-see destination for anyone travelling to Australia and we couldn’t be more excited to have such a talented artist like G Flip put NSW on the global stage, showcasing the unique experiences that will entice even more visitors to come and explore Sydney and NSW for themselves.”
    Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World said it was an honour to host G Flip for such an exciting activation.
    “We’re so pleased to have had G Flip perform on the roof of the Scenic Skyway and to do what no-one has done before – drum on a stage that’s floating 270 metres above the Blue Mountains!”
    “Scenic World is especially proud of our unique connection to the natural wonders around us and having a homegrown Aussie star like G Flip celebrate this special place with a global audience,” said Ms Hammon.
    DRUMMER will be released Friday 11 August by Future Classic. G Flip will perform at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Thursday 7 September and Friday 8 September and at Newcastle’s Bar On The Hill in Newcastle on Saturday 9 September. For tickets visit https://www.frontiertouring.com/gflip.
    For information on Sydney, the Blue Mountains and New South Wales check out www.visitnsw.com

    Older
    Level Up Your Summer Holiday With These Unforgettable Beach Activities in Northern France

    Newer
    “Moving fast, staying relevant”: How Raki Phillips is smashing RAK’s tourism targets More

  • 163 Shares179 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Level Up Your Summer Holiday With These Unforgettable Beach Activities in Northern France

    Northern France is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe – the perfect destination for a summer holiday with the family. DFDS have picked out some fun and unusual activities at some of the best beaches along France’s northern coastline to make your summer escape a holiday to remember.
    Dig for fossils at Cap Gris-Nez and Villers-sur-Mer
    Much like the south coast of England just across the Channel, the north coast of France has some fantastic places to uncover fossils, perhaps most notably the beach below Cap Gris-Nez in the Hauts-de-France region and the cliffs surrounding Villers-sur-Mer in Normandy.
    Cap Gris-Nez is the closest point between France and England, and on a clear day you can easily see all the way across the Channel to the White Cliffs of Dover. It has been a historically and strategically important site for hundreds of years – Henry VIII had a fortress built here, the ruins of which can still be seen, and during the Nazi occupation of France the German army built numerous fortifications on the cliffs as part of the Atlantic Wall defences. The beach below is a haven for fossil hunters – ammonites, fossilised wood and even shark teeth have been discovered here, so bring your hammers and brushes and explore the beach for some fossils!
    The coastline around Villers-sur-Mer has been a palaeontologist’s paradise for over a hundred years, and you only have to notice the giant bush sculpture of a dinosaur in the town centre to realise how popular it is with fossil hunters. The cliffs here, known as Les Vaches Noires, have revealed more than their fair share of fossils to amateur and professional fossil hunters over the years, and it still calls adventurous excavators from around the world to its cliffs and rocky shores. The cliffs are rich in marine fossils, as the area was once part of a shallow tropical sea, and ammonites, shells and coral can be found among the fossils – even larger creatures like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs have been discovered here! The nearby Paleospace Museum hold some of the finds that have been discovered in the area, and guides from the museum take groups of visitors out onto the beach to teach them about the fossils and how to find them.ADVERTISEMENTWhen fossil hunting in France, make sure you stay safe and follow any rules and laws in place to protect yourself, the cliffs, and the fossils themselves.
    See the seals in the Baie de Somme
    The Baie de Somme is home to the largest seal colony in France, with two species found in the area – the grey seal and the common (or harbour) seal. Other large marine wildlife, including dolphins, porpoises and even whales have also been spotted nearby.
    While the seals can be found in many locations in the Baie de Somme and along the northern French coast, the Pointe du Hourdel is one of the best places to observe them in all of France, as it is home to the country’s largest seal colony. They can usually be found relaxing on the sandy beaches in the area or hunting for fish in the sea.
    The seals can be seen all year round, in all weathers and at high and low tide, so whenever you visit you are more than likely to see them. Common seals give birth in the late spring/summer and grey seals in the late autumn/winter so you may also see the adorable seal pups if you time your visit well.
    Visitors are advised not to get too close to the seals, but a guide can accompany you, either on land or by kayak, if you wish to get a better view and learn more about these delightful animals and the important conservation work being done to protect them.
    Paddleboard through rock arches in Etretat
    The magnificent and much-famed cliffs at Etretat have inspired artists and writers for centuries, brought here by the spectacular coastal landscape and its brilliant white cliffs. Guy de Maupassant and Claude Monet were frequent visitors, and the town is proud of its connection to these two pillars of French art and culture.
    This dramatic coastline also provides the perfect backdrop for paddleboarding. Children and adults of all ages can take part on a guided tour along the chalk cliffs and underneath the iconic arches for a unique way to see the cliffs and get closer than most to these beautiful natural rock formations.
    After a safety briefing and a short lesson in paddleboarding technique, you hit the water and make your way along the coast – an experience that you’ll never forget! As you pass beneath the cliffs, round the rock formations and under the arches, your guide will teach you about the history and culture of Etretat and its famous cliffs – tradition states that you should close your eyes and make a wish as you pass beneath the Porte d’Aval!
    Horse Riding in Le Touquet
    What could be more exhilarating than horseback riding along a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and really connecting with nature? In the chic and elegant resort of Le Touquet, people of all ages and experiences can enjoy a gentle walk along the beach, accompanied by an experienced instructor from the prestigious Le Touquet Equestrian Centre. Absolute beginners and those with little previous equestrian experience are more than welcome to join the Discovery Walk, which takes you on a route through the enchanting forest before opening up onto sand dunes that offer unforgettable views across the Bay de Canche.
    During the summer holidays more confident riders can take part in more advanced experiences that give you the opportunity to take your horse on a faster trot or a more rigorous gallop (provided you have the right accreditation and licenses), so you can enjoy a truly magical experience racing along the beach at sunset – a unique experience you won’t want to miss out on.
    For younger children who want to try horseback riding for the first time or who might prefer a gentler pace, a ride-in-hand experience is available for children between 2 and 10. Kids will have the chance to take their first ride on a horse, learn how to approach and pet the animal safely, and perhaps foster a lifelong passion for horses!
    DFDS offers up to 30 crossings per day on its Dover to Calais service. Fares start from £78 each way for a car and four people. Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics and electronics in DFDS’ duty-free shops and save up to 50 per cent off UK high-street prices.
    Upgrade your ticket to include access to the exclusive Premium Lounge with complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks from £12 per person. Add Priority Boarding to be one of the first to board and disembark the ferry from £10 per car each way.
    DFDS offers up to three sailings per day on its Newhaven to Dieppe route, with crossings taking four hours. Fares start from £80 each way for a car and two people. 
    Facilities onboard the ship include a bar, restaurant, and a duty-free shop with a range of perfumes, cosmetics and electronics at up to 50 per cent off UK high-street prices. A quiet lounge with reclining seats is available to book and for extra privacy customers can book a cabin from £24 each way.
    Book at www.dfds.com.

    Older
    JA Manafaru Maldives Awarded Worldwide Kids Accreditation

    Newer
    G Flip Performs Floating 270m Above Sydney’s Blue Mountains More

  • 88 Shares119 Views

    in organisations-operators

    The Great Barrier Reef Eludes UNESCO Ranking

    No UNESCO “in danger” listing for the Great Barrier Reef this time, but a scorching El Nino summer season is on the horizon.Scientists are challenging the decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, notwithstanding substantial scientific data that says it is at risk of undergoing huge bleaching this year.
    The group of experts met in Paris and reported that the Australian officials had achieved “substantial progress,” but that climate change and polluting industries still posed “severe threats” to the reef. The committee also stressed the need of “continued effort to execute the key recommendations,” and it requested an update from the administration by February 1st 2024.
    However, El Nino, which normally has a warming influence, is expected to arrive in six months, and climate analysts predict this will likely cause the waters to become even hotter.
    More than 1,500 species of fish and 411 types of hard corals make their home in the Great Barrier Reef, which spans an area of about 345,000 sq km. It’s worth billions to the Australian economy every year and is aggressively advertised to international visitors as one of the world’s most impressive natural attractions.
    Australia’s administrations have been racing to dispel fears of an “in danger” classification from the World Heritage Committee ever since the threat was first raised in 2021.ADVERTISEMENTAt the same time, as the globe continues to consume planet-warming fossil fuels, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced major mass bleaching in 2016, 2017, and 2020. The first bleaching incident to occur during El Nino’s counterpart, La Nina, which typically has a cooling impact, cast severe doubt on the future of the nation and its management strategies in 2022.
    The committee said in a draft conclusion released that several critical species’ numbers were growing or remaining steady since the previous bleaching episode, indicating that the reef had made “some recovery.”
    The panellists expressed “appreciation” for the state’s recent efforts, but they also called for “stronger government pledges to decrease carbon emissions” and “further improvement of water quality” as part of the Reef 2050 Plan. However, experts warned that the reef’s prospects are not expected to improve until the government issues another status statement on February 1.
    Moreover, next summer, after the analysis is finished, there would be another huge bleaching incident when El Nino conditions rise again, making the government’s recent licensing of new fossil fuel projects at odds with its declared attempts to safeguard the reef.

    Older
    COCOVERO PARTNERS WITH THE CHARLES HOTEL IN CELEBRATION OF OKTOBERFEST More

  • 88 Shares179 Views

    in organisations-operators

    DFS’ BIGGEST BEAUTY EVENT OF THE YEAR

    DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, launches its most forward-looking beauty event of the year. Themed “Explore New Dimensions,” DFS aims to redefine beauty dimensions and possibilities, bringing together 15 world-renowned brands to curate a series of exclusive experiences that offer guests personalized shopping journeys leveraging AR and AI technology and limited-time offers at select DFS stores in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Singapore, Bali, Guam, Saipan, Paris and Venice.Guerlain and Jo Malone London Anchor the Extensive List of Participating Luxury Beauty Brands
    Two anchor brands, Guerlain and Jo Malone London, will be joined by Burberry, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Ginza, Kiehl’s, La Mer, Lancôme, L’Occitane, Sol de Janeiro and Sulwhasoo to offer a variety of pop-ups* and at-counter* experiences. Customers will be invited to express themselves, explore one-of-a-kind experiences, test new products and experiment with beauty’s new dimensions through textures, colors and sensations to Glam Up their look with limited-time makeup and fragrance offerings and Glow Up their beauty routines through skincare regimens.
    Guerlain, the luxury French beauty brand, is offering two exclusive-to DFS workshops – “Honey Tasting Workshop” and “Melliferous Flower Workshop” – to showcase the benefits of the brand’s new Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Night Cream at selected DFS stores in August. Customers will also be able to enjoy a range of facial treatments conducted by expert beauty therapists using the latest techniques and technology harnessing the power of honey and royal jelly.
    Jo Malone London, the British lifestyle brand known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the bath, body and home, is presenting a “Whimsical World” with playful pop-ups at T Galleria by DFS, Hong Kong, Canton Road; T Galleria by DFS, Macau, City of Dreams; and T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons. With purchases, customers can play the digital claw grabber on-site to win Jo Malone London products and enjoy exclusive personalization services with limited-edition shaped boxes, keychains or magnets.
    Technological Innovation Provides Customers with Experiences that Expand the Dimensions of BeautyADVERTISEMENTDigitalization is an essential feature of the journey to Explore New Dimensions following DFS’ award-winning venture into the metaverse in 2022. The augmented reality (AR) face filters Magic Mirror offers customers a fun and instantaneous Glam Up and Glow Up transformation, digitally.
    The Aura Perfumery provides scent-seekers with an interactive consultation and an exploration of one’s Aura, made up of colors representative of his/her energy field that are uniquely individual. Customers can bring home a complimentary, signature scent that is a perfect match of their aura based on a personality quiz, with limited quantities available on a first-come-first-served basis. The experience uses one-of-a-kind AI to select the scent and generates artwork that symbolizes the customer’s auric DNA.
    To celebrate the launch of the multi-dimensional beauty event of the year, a special “Beauty Night Out” will take place at 19 locations globally, on August 4, with the flagship event kicking off at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Galaxy Macau. The store, featuring two-times the original space through DFS’ latest beauty upgrade, will have a livestreaming studio, a high-end fragrance section, the first expression of DFS Beauty Collective concept, a Meitu Make-Up digital mirror activation, several Spa Cabines to offer the ultimate beauty rituals, and more.
    Two limited-edition scents – Glam Up and Glow Up – powered by Maison 21G, will also be available for sale exclusively at Galaxy Macau, while stock lasts.
    “We are extremely excited to be back live-in person to present our biggest beauty event of the year in partnership with 15 world-renowned brand partners. Bringing our discerning customers entertainment, technology-driven exploration, and exclusive products and services that you simply can’t find elsewhere and, in the way only DFS knows best.”
    Christophe Marque, President, Merchandising, DFS
    At all DFS stores during the beauty event of the year, customers will receive a complimentary compact mirror upon a designated spend amount*.
    To maximize rewards and increase enjoyment, customers are invited to join the DFS global loyalty program – DFS CIRCLE, through mobile APP (iOS, Android), WeChat mini program, or the DFS website. DFS CIRCLE members will earn additional points* when they make purchases during the months of August and September.
    *Activations, pop-ups and additional points may vary per location. Visit DFS.com for the latest details.

    Older
    Malmaison & Hotel du Vin Cement Dedication to Culinary Innovation More

  • 125 Shares139 Views

    in organisations-operators

    RAS AL KHAIMAH RECORDS THE HIGHEST EVER HALF-YEAR ARRIVAL NUMBERS

    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a record-breaking first six months, with the Emirate reporting its highest ever half-year arrival numbers.
    The impressive performance saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 600K visitors between January and June 2023, a total increase of 14.8% versus H1 2022 and the highest ever tourism-related revenue achieved for a half-year period. ​ Reinforcing its position as a destination of the future, the results follow a series of strategic investments, partnerships and initiatives to boost tourism, setting a path for continued growth in 2023 and beyond. First half achievements include:
    International tourism rebound accounting for over 52% of all visitor arrivals to the destinationTook a step closer to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority achieved Silver Certification, becoming the first EarthCheck certified tourism board in the Middle EastExpanded its aviation strategy by partnering with Qatar Airways to leverage its 150+ country global network to provide direct access to the EmirateSigned an agreement with FTI GROUP, one of Europe’s leading outbound tour operators, to drive inbound traffic from Germany and increase visitation from one of the Emirate’s top five visitor source marketsUnveiled the design vision for the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, the largest foreign direct tourism investment project, set to open in early 2027Significant increase in demand (room nights) with year-on-year growth of +33.6%, thanks to the addition of new hotel brands in the Emirate in 2022Announced the addition of Earth Hotels, Le Meridien and Nobu Hotels to its growing hotel portfolio, with plans to double the number of guest rooms over the coming years – one of the highest growth rates in the reigion
    Received six calls by four luxury cruise liners, welcoming over 2,500 passengers and crewIncreased MICE room nights by 26% vs. H1 2022 driven by international incentive groupsHosted several key events including the 16th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planners Conference (EWPC)Held the official draw for the region’s first ever WMF Minifootball World Cup, taking place from October 26th to November 4thIntroduced civil law marriage licenses, and new wedding incentive and certification programmes to bolster the Emirate’s position as a wedding destinationRaki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, named one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders and Businessperson of the Year by Arabian Business earlier this yearLaunched ‘Get More’, a brand-new digital-first summer campaign, which generated more than half a billion impressions and over 2.5 million clicks, exceeding industry benchmarks.“2023 is shaping up to be the Emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “It’s essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all. We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023”.
    Strong June performanceADVERTISEMENTThe impressive half-year figures follow a strong June performance in which the Emirate welcomed over 102,900 visitor arrivals, representing a 39.6% increase versus June 2022. Tourism related revenue also grew by 64.7%, while occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR) saw an uplift of 33.2% and 6.7% respectively.

    Leading in responsible tourism
    On a mission to not only protect its natural assets, but also engage the growing cohort of responsible travellers, the Authority has set its sights on the Emirate becoming a regional leader in Sustainable Tourism by 2025. Key to achieving this goal is its Sustainable Tourism Strategy Implementation Plan – Responsible RAK, created in partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism. This involves collecting clean data from hotels and attractions against 10 performance metrics, from carbon offsets to landfill diversion, gender parity to Emirati employment, in order to assess where they are on their sustainability journey and establish actions to help them progress. Over 20 tourism businesses in the Responsible RAK program are expected to achieve Silver Certification by the second half of 2023. Recently, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was awarded Silver Certification, making it the first EarthCheck certified tourism authority in the region.
    Enhancing global connectivity to the Emirate
    Primed to deliver significant progress against the Emirate’s vision, the Authority announced new Qatar Airways daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, starting from 1st November 2023. Opening up one of the largest global networks of 150+ destinations, the new flights will provide a tourism boost for the nature Emirate and further strengthen its position as a destination of the future. Significantly strengthening air connectivity between Germany and the Emirate, the Authority also inked a new partnership with FTI GROUP, one of Europe’s leading outbound tour operators, paving the way for the launch of twice-weekly flights from Munich to the Emirate from mid-October onwards. ​ In a further boost to its visitor growth targets, Ras Al Khaimah received six calls by four luxury cruise liners in H1, including Azamara Quest, one of the largest ships ever to arrive in the Emirate. Another key feat was receiving both the Emerald Azzurra and super mega-yacht The World (Residences at Sea) on the same day – a historical moment for the Emirate’s burgeoning cruise sector. Ras Al Khaimah has already confirmed 14 luxury cruise calls for next season, and expects to welcome 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031.

    Boosting its hospitality offering
    Another key driver of the northern Emirate’s rising visitor numbers is the continued expansion of its hotel portfolio. Ras Al Khaimah announced the addition of Nobu Al Marjan Island (300 keys) in 2026, Westin Resort (257 keys) in 2024, Le Méridien Al Marjan Island Resort (350 keys) and Earth Shore Al Marjan Island (265 keys) in 2025. With Anantara Mina Al Arab (174 keys) and Sofitel Al Hamra (300 keys) set to open this year plus several other global names in the near future, the Emirate plans to double the number of keys over the coming years. This includes the largest-of-its-kind foreign direct investment, the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is set to transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination. The integrated resort’s design vision was unveiled earlier this year and will include 1,500+ rooms, suites and villas, shopping, gaming area, a state-of-the-art events center, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment choices.
    Driving tourism through MICE
    Ras Al Khaimah also focused on the fast-growing MICE market in H1 as part of its diversification strategy. Indicating a successful push to attract international markets for incentive groups with longer stays versus local corporate groups that tend to only stay for a couple of nights, the destination saw a 26% increase in MICE rooms nights compared to the same period in 2022. It also hosted several major events between January and June 2023, including the RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC).
    Further establishing the Emirate as a unique and attractive wedding destination, the Authority chose EWPC as its platform to introduce an all-new Wedding Certification Programme that will enable seamless, quick, and easy wedding planning in Ras Al Khaimah. In H1 2023, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300% increase in revenue from weddings which is expected to continue to grow into H2 with the launch of the programme in September. Those certified through the new Wedding Certification Programme will benefit from added ease and flexibility in obtaining necessary licenses, organising events, and gaining valuable business support from certified hotels via an e-portal. Planners will also gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s civil marriage process, receive fast-tracked permits, and have access to a network of resources to help them confidently navigate through local regulations, including a curated portfolio of unique venues. Never before has a tourism destination introduced such ease and flexibility for wedding planners and couples. In parallel, the Authority also announced a series of comprehensive incentive packages for couples, wedding planners, and certified venues.
    To find out more about the wealth of experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

    Older
    Qatar Airways Group investment portfolio in line with QNV 2030 More

  • 163 Shares199 Views

    in organisations-operators

    Unveiling the Arctic wonders,  the incredible walruses of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The incredible walruses of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi are acclimating well to their state-of-the-art habitats located in the Marine Life Theme Park’s Arctic Realm. Home to five walruses, each with their own unique personalities, the Arctic Realm of the Polar Ocean is one of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight immersive realms.
    From Smooshi, her calf Koyuk, and Boris, who joined us from zoological facilities in Canada to Lilou and Nanoha, who join SeaWorld Abu Dhabi from Kamogawa, Japan – all the walruses have adapted exceptionally well to their new home.
    Among the numerous comforts of their habitat is the innovative Animal Life Support System (ALSS), a state-of-the-art technology that meticulously mirrors the atmosphere of the Arctic. The ALSS carefully oversees the control of water quality, ensuring its salinity, temperature, and other parameters are upheld to the highest standards. This comprehensive system fosters an environment that is not just habitable, but entirely conducive for the growth and development of the animals.
    Complementing the ALSS is the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS), which reproduces the natural light cycles found in the Arctic north. By simulating daybreak, sunset, seasonality, and the subtle shifts in between, the AALS promotes the animal’s natural circadian rhythm, ensuring their continued physiological and psychological wellbeing. Together, these systems represent a benchmark in marine habitat design and management, underscoring SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the wellbeing of its resident marine life.
    The dynamic walrus habitat, with an intricate design resembling the Arctic north, gives these playful mammals ample room to explore, engage and prosper. The overall design of the habitat includes large Arctic rocks and boulders for the animals to rest, bask and play on, as well as several viewing windows – both above and below water – which give the walruses opportunities to interact with guests. Another interesting feature that’s worth noting is the addition of schools of fish in their habitats, which encourages the walruses to exercise and play throughout the day.ADVERTISEMENTWhile cutting edge technological achievements greatly help the walruses thrive in their new dynamic habitat, this can’t be achieved without the dedicated team of animal care specialists, veterinarians and zoologists at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This passionate team, expertly equipped with the latest training and knowledge specific to walrus care, ensures around-the-clock care and attention, allowing all five walruses to explore and flourish in their new home at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
    The skilled team provides enrichment activities daily, from engaging behavior sessions to providing them with specially designed devices to play with, the walruses are kept busy throughout the day. This enrichment is also supported with a high-quality diet including restaurant grade clams, squid and herring – with their individual diets continuously under review by nutrition specialists to ensure that each walrus’s daily nutritional needs are met.
    SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s commitment to animal welfare has established an enriching environment for all the animals in their care. The Marine Life Theme Park is also the region’s first facility to be certified by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare.
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.
    To find out more about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s walruses, please visit seaworldabudhabi.com.

    Older
    EL AL Israel Airlines welcomes latest Dreamliner to fleet

    Newer
    Live for Family Fun at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives More