BTN sits down with Chef Norbert Niederkofler, the internationally celebrated South Tyrolean chef renowned for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy, which has reshaped alpine gastronomy and placed South Tyrol firmly on the global culinary map. In this exclusive conversation, Niederkofler explores how the Dolomites’ raw landscapes, local producers and deep-rooted traditions inspire his uncompromising approach to sustainability, zero waste, and ingredient-led creativity. He reflects on the evolution of mountain cuisine, the responsibility chefs hold in shaping food culture, and how South Tyrol continues to influence his identity as a chef, mentor and innovator.

In an insightful conversation with Breaking Travel News, Pounders founder Jasim Mohammed Abdellatif Ahmed Alyassi highlights how his homegrown Emirati brand is blending comfort food with purposeful community impact. Rooted in the UAE’s values of generosity, unity and hospitality, Pounders is using its platform to give back—most notably through the “Taste of Giving 2025” campaign with Dubai Cares, where 100% of proceeds from its signature Pounder Burger support global education initiatives. Alyassi explains how the concept champions sustainability through local sourcing, eco-friendly operations and ethical practices, while fostering deeper cultural connections through food. With strong guest engagement, expanding social-impact initiatives and ambitions for international growth, Pounders is positioning itself as a leading force in Dubai’s purpose-driven dining movement—showing how small actions, shared meals and local entrepreneurship can create meaningful change.

In an industry where glamour and gravity coexist, only a handful of travel companies manage to leave a true imprint on the ski world. In 2025, Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd did just that—claiming the coveted title of World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to France at the World Ski Awards for its flagship brand, Ski In Luxury.

For those who dream of powder-perfect slopes, soothing hot springs, and a travel experience that feels both effortless and deeply personal, Japan Ski Experience has become synonymous with this type of excellence. This year, the company claimed the coveted title of World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to Japan 2025 at the World Ski Awards—an accolade that cements its position as the leading specialist for ski holidays in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Dubai’s dining landscape has found its new Italian jewel in Vera Versilia — the recently crowned Middle East’s Best Italian Cuisine Restaurant 2025 at the World Culinary Awards. Located within the elegant Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Vera Versilia embodies the soul of Tuscany’s coastal Riviera, where art, cuisine, and culture harmonize with Dubai’s cosmopolitan rhythm.

In an exclusive Breaking Travel News interview, Alankar Chandra, Founder and CEO of Wild Voyager, discusses the brand’s UK launch — its fourth global office after India, Kenya, and the US — marking a major step in its mission to deliver authentic, sustainable, and immersive travel experiences worldwide. He highlights the UK’s strategic role in connecting discerning travellers to bespoke wildlife adventures, while reaffirming Wild Voyager’s philosophy of responsible tourism through eco-friendly practices and conservation initiatives like Green Legacy and Protect the Rhino. With industry veteran Sophie McCarthy joining as UK representative, the company aims to deepen its presence in Europe and expand into Southern Africa, continuing its vision to redefine wildlife tourism as a purposeful, regenerative, and transformative journey.