Hotel, Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category. The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across […] More

World Ski Awards – the only global initiative programme to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism – has revealed the finalists of its 2025 programme. A wealth of new entries feature this year, the 13th annual edition, reflecting the momentum of the global ski industry. The announcement comes ahead of the race for […] More

From L-R: Hilton Luanda Hotel Godinho, Hilton Garden Inn Luanda Airport, Hilton Cotonou, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton today announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. Across its portfolio of market-leading brands, Hilton expects […] More

For a summer Hawaiian getaway filled with activities, live music, special culinary events, cultural workshops, island activities and more, look no further than Lanai. Guests can choose the oceanfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai or stay upcountry at the adults-only Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, surrounded by hills and lush gardens, as home base to […] More

In a bold move to redefine tourism in Thailand’s most visited island, a coalition of top-tier hotels have come together to unveil a new destination branding initiative for North Phuket. While Southern Phuket has long monopolised the spotlight with its neon nightlife and polished resorts, a quieter, more deliberate movement has begun in the island’s […] More

The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), the region’s most influential hospitality and tourism investment event – now transformed and titled ‘FHS World’ and double in size – returns to Dubai this September.
Previously known as AHIC and running for 19 years, FHS was last held in Dubai in 2022 and is back for 2024 with a bigger, bolder and better-than-ever event, renamed FHS World to highlight the continued growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sector and the evolution of FHS as the leading event of its kind. Organised by The Bench and taking place 30 September to 2 October at Madinat Jumeirah under the theme ‘Invest in our Future’, FHS World will be twice the size as the last Dubai event, with a host of new features and focus areas, and a more personalised, immersive experience than ever before. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “We are thrilled to be back at Madinat Jumeirah, where it all started in 2005. This year, we have added The Arena to our event canvas which almost doubles our floor space for FHS. This has allowed us to put together our biggest summit to date with an expected attendance of over 1,500, including 200 speakers, 300 investors and 100 sponsors.” Alex Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “As part of our Mission 2030 strategy we have ambitious plans to evolve our brand and grow our portfolio internationally.  We’re very proud to host FHS World at Madinat Jumeirah and look forward to playing our part in shaping the future of luxury hospitality.”  This year, there will more emphasis on technology, green construction and sustainability, with a dedicated ESG Lab focusing on environmental, social and governance issues. FHS World will also have an investors’ lounge and an expanded exhibition area complete with its own ‘mini Expo’, featuring country pavilions showcasing investment opportunities, projects, plans and partnership prospects.  Key themes, features and attractions for FHS World – and beyond – were discussed among The Bench team, hospitality leaders and industry peers at the FHS Advisory Board meeting, followed by the FHS World Launch Reception, held last week at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.  “FHS World creates an intersection for the world of hospitality where the industry invests in its future. We are delighted to be back in Dubai in six months’ time with a bigger, bolder and better event than ever before. Delegates can expect the usual strong debate, dealmaking, insight and announcements that FHS is known and loved for, along with many more new, personalised and immersive features that reflect the continued growth of our ever-evolving travel, hospitality and tourism sectors. This year we are adding more ways for attendees to engage with conference content through multiple stages and nine conference tracks,” added Worsley.The Bench itself is also growing in line with FHS’s expansion, with new senior appointments among its multi-cultural, highly experienced team. Daria Smith has taken up the position of Portfolio Director; Oliver Marks is now Head of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Middle East; and Son-Trang Nguyen is Production Manager. A number of trainees have also taken up permanent positions across marketing, production and operations under The Bench’s policy of team member development and promoting from within. FHS is firmly established as the leading event of its kind in the region, with two growing, annual events that underpin the unprecedented expansion of the Middle East’s tourism offering.  This year, FHS Saudi Arabia is on from 29 April – 1 May at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, followed by FHS World, 30 September – 2 October at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
Registrations are now open at https://www.futurehospitality.com/ae.

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Choosing the perfect venue is crucial for the success of any event in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. Now more than ever, event organizers seek destinations that offer not only state-of-the-art facilities but also memorable experiences that resonate with attendees long after the event has concluded.In this context, Marriott hotels in Latin America stand out as favorites, given their commitment to excellence, strategic locations, and services tailored to meet even the most demanding event needs.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen stands out for its innovative approach to sustainable meetings. The “Green Meetings” program is evidence of the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, offering event organizers the option to reduce environmental impact without compromising the quality or integrity of the event. This approach benefits not only the planet but also resonates with the growing demands of participants for more responsible practices.
Marriott Panama Hotel, located next to the Albrook Mall, the largest shopping center in Central America, is strategically positioned to epitomize convenience and flexibility. The hotel features 21 meeting rooms and two ballrooms in nearly 50,000 square feet of event space, easily accommodating everything from small business meetings to large conventions and exhibitions.
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida, located in the paradisiacal Colombian Caribbean with international air connectivity, sets the stage for a seaside oasis within the magical city and offers an inspiring backdrop for an extraordinary life, work, or any special event. The natural beauty of the surroundings combined with top-notch facilities ensures that the overall experience is unparalleled, offering a perfect blend of business and pleasure.
And in the Peruvian capital, Sheraton Lima Historic Center boasts a privileged location in the city’s historic center. The hotel not only offers spacious and multifunctional event spaces but also provides guests with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and history. The fusion of modernity and tradition sets this hotel apart for events seeking something beyond the ordinary.ADVERTISEMENTFurthermore, through the Marriott Bonvoy Events platform, event organizers earn rewards for booking events, allowing them to earn points per qualifying event, with the possibility of elevating their Elite status and enjoying even more benefits. Additionally, points can be redeemed for VIP experiences, free nights, flights, car rentals, shopping, and more.
Commitment to sustainability, strategic locations near shopping centers, proximity to wonderful natural environments, or rooted in cultural heritage: these are some of the reasons why Marriott hotels are preferred for hosting any type of events and conventions in unique settings. From the pristine beaches of Santa Marta, the cultural heart of Lima, the dynamic urban life of Panama City, to the lush nature in Costa Rica, all of these are incomparable locations for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

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The travel industry has always been a realm of dreams, wanderlust, and adventure, and it’s in recognition of this allure that the World Travel Awards were established. As 2023 draws to a close, the culmination of these prestigious awards is set to unfold at the grand final in Dubai on Friday, December 1st, a much-anticipated event to celebrate excellence and innovation in the world of travel and tourism.
The World Travel Awards: Honoring the Best in the Industry
The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry,” have been acknowledging excellence in the global travel and tourism sector since their inception in 1993. The awards cover a wide range of categories, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, destinations, and travel technology, among others.

Over the course of the year, regional events take place across the globe, where the best contenders in each category are recognized. These regional events build up to the grand final, a glittering ceremony that showcases the best of the best on a global scale. The grand final is a spectacular event, held in a different world-class destination each year.

Dubai: The Perfect Host for the Grand Final
In 2023, the World Travel Awards grand final will be held at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. Known for its opulence and unparalleled luxury, the Burj Al Arab is a fitting venue for an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the travel industry.
Dubai, a city known for pushing the boundaries and setting new standards, has become a global travel hub, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. With its futuristic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and a deep respect for culture and tradition, Dubai epitomizes the juxtaposition of the modern and the historic, making it an ideal host for the grand final.
The Grand Final: What to Expect

The grand final of the World Travel Awards is not just an awards ceremony; it’s a spectacle that offers an exclusive gathering of travel industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world. The event is a night of celebration, networking, and glamour, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the travel and tourism sector.
The awards themselves are the highlight of the evening, with winners in various categories recognized and celebrated. It is a moment of pride and achievement for those who have excelled in providing exceptional travel experiences, setting benchmarks for the industry.
Looking Forward to December 1st
As the grand final in Dubai approaches, the anticipation and excitement among those in the travel industry are palpable. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, with its unparalleled hospitality and luxury, will provide the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.
In a year that has tested the resilience of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards serve as a reminder of the strength and determination of the sector. The event not only recognizes excellence but also inspires innovation, ensuring that the future of travel is brighter than ever.

December 1st, 2023, is a date to mark on your calendar, a day when the finest in the world of travel and tourism will gather at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to celebrate excellence, share insights, and set the course for the future of the industry. As we await this grand event, the 2023 World Travel Awards grand final in Dubai promises to be an evening of elegance and achievement, a true testament to the enduring spirit of travel.
For more details visit www.worldtravelawards.com

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