Organisations & Operators News Page 485
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Launches 'Not a Vacation…Our Vacation'
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has unveiled its latest destination marketing film, 'Not a Vacation…Our Vacation' – a bold and witty take on what makes the emirate a holiday destination unlike any other. Produced by Goldmine, directed by renowned filmmaker Mark Middlewick and brought to life with creative direction from Impact BBDO, the film offers a fresh perspective on the UAE's northernmost emirate. Breaking away from conventional travel narratives, it redefines Ras Al Khaimah as a place where curiosity sparks unexpected discoveries, and every experience feels refreshingly different.
Heritage Expeditions Praised for Setting the Standard in Responsible Expedition Tourism
Heritage Expeditions and the Russ family were praised for setting the New Zealand standard in responsible expedition tourism during an exclusive event celebrating the company's 40-year anniversary and 50+ year contribution to New Zealand conservation. The Hon. James Meager, Minister for the South Island, told 75 VIP guests on board Heritage Expeditions flagship Heritage Adventurer he could not be prouder of the Christchurch-based, family-owned and operated expedition cruise pioneers and their legacy promoting conservation, tourism and New Zealand as a gateway to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica's Ross Sea.
Hospitality Leaders Stand Behind Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Development Vision
In a regional industry first, seven leading global hotel companies have pledged their commitment to supporting Ras Al Khaimah's tourism development vision as a destination of the future. Individual meetings with His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and His Excellency Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, were held with the global and regional leaders of hospitality, including:
2025 in Normandy: A Year of Unforgettable European Celebrations and Milestones
Normandy is set for an eventful year, with several exciting events lined up. For the past three years, the region has been actively preparing for the Caen Millennium celebrations in 2025, forging strong partnerships. Meetings across the UK and Ireland, southern Italy, Denmark and Norway have fostered collaborations with cultural, political and tourism institutions. Also, a call for projects was launched to engage local tourism, culture, and sports stakeholders in creating events connected to William the Conqueror's millennium in 2027. Among the ideas already proposed is the creation of a European cultural route named 'The Norman Road,' designed to link various historical sites across Europe.
CTO Launches Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase to Inspire Future Caribbean Tourism Leaders
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has launched the Regional Nex-Gen Tourism Showcase 2025, a dynamic competition designed to engage and empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders. Open to tertiary-level students from universities and colleges across CTO member countries, the initiative challenges student teams to develop forward-thinking, sustainable business proposals that drive economic growth and enhance the region’s global tourism appeal.
The Luxury Collection Debuts in South Caicos with the Opening of Salterra
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the grand opening of Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, the brand’s first property in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Situated on the idyllic shores of South Caicos Island, this luxurious haven invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty, world-class watersports, exquisite dining, and cultural experiences that define the destination.
Final call for entries: ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle seeks the region’s top travel innovators
Providing a platform for the regional entrepreneurs who will shape the future of travel, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will host the ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle in association with Intelak during the show’s upcoming edition. Taking place on 1 May at ATM’s Future Stage, the competition invites startups to present their innovative and industry-changing business pitches in front of an expert panel of judges, including Ramzi Al Qassab, Managing Director Middle East at Sabre, and Njood Alkhaldi, Innovation Specialist at Intelak Hub.
Abu Dhabi to introduce the world's largest drone light show
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Colorado-based Nova Sky Stories, and Abu Dhabi-headquartered Analog, an Emirati company, specialised in physical intelligence and mixed reality.
Vivid Sydney 2025 Program Revealed
Australia's largest event, Vivid Sydney, returns from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June 2025, with the theme "Dream" exploring the question: What's in a dream?
Amilla Maldives Hosts Exclusive Football Camp With Teddy Sheringham This April
From 2 - 8 April 2025, Amilla Maldives will once again team up with legendary former England and Manchester United footballer, Teddy Sheringham, to offer younger guests the chance to train with one of the greatest players of his generation at an exclusive Football Academy designed to nurture young sporting talent and creating an unforgettable sporting week of camaraderie.
New Nature-Immersive Theme Park to Open in Okinawa, Japan
A new nature-immersive theme park, JUNGLIA OKINAWA, is set to open in Okinawa this July (25th) offering visitors the chance to experience cutting-edge attractions and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the prefecture's Yambaru Forest – the northern part of the Yambaru area is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status and breathtaking natural landscape.
W Hotels Redefines Luxury with the Unveiling of the Fully Reimagined W Maldives
The transformation encompasses newly redesigned rooms, suites, restaurants and cocktail concepts, and the brand’s signature WET Deck, seamlessly blending daring design with playful luxury, offering a highly coveted escape for those seeking adventure.