Organisations & Operators News Page 498
Game On! Australian Rugby Legends Return To Hong Kong
Rugby Sevens is back, and this year, Ovolo is taking things to the next level. After an unforgettable Sevens takeover last year, Australian Wallaby rugby legends. Drew Mitchell and Adam Ashley-Cooper are making their triumphant return to Southside By Ovolo, this time with fellow Wallaby great Matt Giteau joining the lineup and the team behind Kick Offs and Kick Ons (KOKO), one of the world’s best rugby podcasts.
Regional hospitality growth under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2025
The hospitality sector in the GCC is experiencing a strong resurgence, with new data compiled by STR on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) revealing significant growth across the region in 2024. According to the report, aggregated Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE last year rose by 5.4% compared to 2023, fuelled primarily by an increase in occupancy rates. In 2024, occupancy rates across the GCC reached 69.5%, surpassing the levels observed prior to the pandemic, underscoring the region’s successful efforts to establish itself as a world-class tourism and investment hub.
PHĀEA: Redefining Greek Hospitality with a Truer, Timeless Vision
Introducing PHĀEA, a visionary new name in Greek hospitality founded by sisters Agapi and Costantza Sbokou. Rooted in the concept of philoxenia—the ancient Greek tradition of warm, generous hospitality—PHĀEA embodies a new approach to luxury: one that is immersive, sustainable, and deeply connected to place. The brand unites Crete’s most celebrated properties under a singular identity, offering travelers a more meaningful way to experience Greece. PHĀEA derives its name from the Greek word meaning “the light of the eye”—a sign of joy and happiness. This philosophy is woven into every detail of the brand, from its commitment to authentic hospitality to its vision of pushing the boundaries of luxury toward a kinder, more thoughtful version of travel.
Accessible Lodging In Spain
Valencian Community, Basque Country, Cantabria And Galicia Lead The Way In Accessible Lodging In Spain One of the key findings of a new study by Mabrian on accessibility in Spanish accommodations highlights the need to improve the visibility and analysis of accessible tourism through open data. Despite progress, only 8.3% of hotels and 1.2% of tourist rentals meet minimum accessibility standards, underscoring the ongoing challenges in adapting the travel and hospitality sectors to this demand segment.
Jais Ride, a Thrilling New Cycling Race Confirmed for Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is ramping up its reputation for staging world-class sporting events with the launch of a new cycling challenge set to take place on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, on 12th and 13th April 2025. Jais Ride will see cyclists pushed to their limits as they ascend the legendary mountain route of Jebel Jais – often ranked among the most scenic cycling routes in the region and one of the stages of the UAE Tour – with thrilling competitions at key split points along the 25km course.
TUI Care Foundation expands TUI Forest projects in Zanzibar, Kenya and Gran Canaria
Forests play a crucial role in tourism, attracting many millions of visitors each year and contributing significantly to local economies. They cover over 30% of the global land area, providing endless recreational opportunities. Recognising the value of forests in the development of sustainable tourism, the TUI Care Foundation is expanding its forest projects in Gran Canaria, Zanzibar, and Kenya. These initiatives are part of the Foundation’s commitment to developing sustainable tourism solutions that benefit both the environment and local communities.
PATA Annual Summit 2025 Theme Announced
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) have announced the theme for the PATA Annual Summit 2025, “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future”. Scheduled to take place at the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel İstanbul from April 21-23, 2025, the Summit will explore timeless principles that have shaped perspectives on culture, community, and conservation, providing a stage for industry leaders to discuss how these insights can be applied to tackle current challenges and seize new opportunities. The theme also highlights Türkiye’s unique duality, where its rich heritage is preserved while progressing towards a sustainable future.
Visit Austin, You're in for a Show!
The city is preparing for a busy spring with an exciting lineup of events.
MYTHERESA AND BEMELMANS BAR PARTNER FOR AN EXCLUSIVE APRÈS-SKI EXPERIENCE IN ASPEN
Mytheresa, the leading luxury digital platform, partners with Bemelmans Bar, a storied New York icon within The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel. This winter, for the first time, Bemelmans Bar steps beyond the Upper East Side, bringing its legendary allure to Aspen with an immersive experience that celebrates the art of entertaining. Guests can expect signature martinis, live piano featuring classics from the American Songbook, and Mytheresa's edit of extraordinary style. The experience will run daily from February 14 through March 2, 2025, from 3 PM to 9 PM.
Dubai's Museum of the Future Makes SXSW Debut
Dubai's Museum of the Future (MOTF), the flagship project by Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announces their groundbreaking participation at SXSW®. The five-day immersive experience, which will take place from March 7 to 11, is centered around collectively imagining, inspiring, and designing the future. The extensive programming includes 20 curated experiences and will take place at Dubai's official SXSW headquarters, the Museum of the Future House, located at Third Street and Congress Avenue in Austin, TX. It will offer SXSW attendees a window into the world-class city of Dubai.
10 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Colombia
Colombia's rise as a top-tier travel destination speaks for itself. In 2024, the country welcomed a record-breaking 6.7 million international visitors—an increase of around 8.5% from the previous year—solidifying its status as the top choice for U.S. travelers in South America.
Thailand and Louis Vuitton Unveil the Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Paris office, in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, has successfully launched the Louis Vuitton City Guide Bangkok 2025. The launch event took place on 18 February 2025 at the Maison de Famille de Louis Vuitton in Asnières-sur-Seine, France. This refined travel guide offers an exclusive and stylish perspective on Bangkok’s finest experiences. As part of the internationally renowned Louis Vuitton City Guide collection, this latest edition showcases the city’s unique blend of luxury, culture, and modern vibrancy.