Tourism News Page 589
Lights, Camera, Action -11 cinematic spots that make Saudi the ultimate destination for filmmakers
With the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSFF) shining a spotlight on Saudi’s growing role in the global cinema scene, there’s never been a better time for filmmakers to come and explore the Heart of Arabia. Several top movies have already shot scenes across the country, with Hollywood blockbuster Kandahar and Bollywood’s Dunki highlighting iconic locations like AlUla, Jeddah, and NEOM, while homegrown gems like Roll’em, The Tambour of Retribution and The Matchmaker have drawn international acclaim.
PLAYA HOTELS & RESORTS NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR NEWLY TRANSFORMED WYNDHAM ALLTRA PUNTA CANA
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V, a leading owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, today announced reservations are officially open for Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, its newest managed all-inclusive property, for stays beginning April 1, 2025
ETIHAD REPORTS NOVEMBER 2024 TRAFFIC STATISTICS
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its traffic statistics for November 2024, showcasing continued vigorous performance. The airline welcomed 1.6 million guests during the month, achieving a notable average passenger load factor of 88%.
United Integrates Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature for AirTag
United today announces the integration of Apple’s new Share Item Location feature for AirTag into its mobile app, a move that’s expected to drive a much-improved customer service experience for the fewer than 1% of customers whose bags arrive on a later flight.
Dubai Sets New Global Benchmarks in Tourism, Events, and Sustainability for 2024
Dubai continues to solidify its position as a world leader in tourism, events, and innovation, achieving record-breaking milestones across sectors. With a clear focus on growth, sustainability, and global collaboration, the city has unveiled impressive results and initiatives that underscore its reputation as a premier destination for visitors, businesses, and residents alike.
Top 5 takeaways from the FHS Saudi Arabia Advisory Board
Comprising 47 senior hospitality leaders from organisations such as the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, Taiba Investments, Al Rajhi Bank, Al Othaim Investment, Red Sea Global, Al Nahla Group, NEOM, Accor, Radisson, Rotana, and others driving transformation in our industry, the FHS Saudi Arabia Advisory Board came together in Riyadh to shape the vision for what will be an extraordinary conference on 11 - 13 May 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh. The 2025 conference theme: “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity” was unveiled under which hospitality leaders and decision-makers will unite to discuss hotel performance and development, the outlook for hospitality investment in Saudi Arabia and the key market trends driving the sector, aiming for actionable outcomes that will transform the industry, which continues to witness unprecedented growth.
Cheval Blanc Courchevel reopens for the winter season with three new spa rituals
This winter, Cheval Blanc Courchevel introduces three brand-new spa rituals at the Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain, each with a different focus depending on the guests’ needs. Chaleur Polaire offers a multi-sensory massage combining icy air and gentle heat to detoxify, revitalise and deeply soothe the body – the perfect antidote after a day on the slopes. Puissance Alpine is an expert facial that sculpts and lifts the face, leaving the skin feeling plump and rejuvenated, and Crystal Tech merges cutting-edge technology with expert anti-ageing techniques and radiofrequency to boost skin firmness and redefine features. The spa also features a sauna, chromotherapy hammam-steam room and a Russian banyan experience set against snow dusted trees.
Marriott Acquires the Postcard Cabins Brand: A New Chapter for Outdoor Hospitality
The Postcard Cabins brand, formerly Getaway, a pioneer in the emerging outdoor accommodations sector, is pleased to announce its acquisition by Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR). This milestone marks an exciting step for Postcard Cabins as it continues to redefine how people experience the great outdoors, disconnect from daily life and find meaningful moments in nature.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN REDEFINES THE ULTIMATE BEACH DAY WITH ROYAL BEACH CLUB PARADISE ISLAND
Royal Caribbean is bringing the ultimate beach day to The Bahamas. Opening in December 2025, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island* will be the first in the vacation brand’s Royal Beach Club Collection, combining the striking beaches of Paradise Island and Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences to create an all-inclusive beach day – and with the vibrant Bahamian spirit and culture at the heart of it all. From pristine beaches, pools for every vibe and the world’s largest swim-up bar to island-style spots for local fare and experiences featuring Bahamian artisans and live music, the next in the brand’s destination lineup is set to bring next-level chill with The Bahamas as the ultimate backdrop. Vacationers can purchase their all-inclusive day pass and cabanas starting in the spring of 2025.
National Airlines expands its wide-body passenger fleet with the recent addition of two A330-200’s
U.S.-based National Airlines announces the expansion of its wide-body fleet with the recent acquisition of two new A330-200 passenger aircraft. The airline took delivery of the second aircraft this month from CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (CDB Leasing). This latest aircraft addition aligns with National Airlines’ fleet modernisation and capacity enhancement strategy, offering premium charter passenger services to broader customer groups. The two A330-200 aircraft are in addition to the A330-300 aircraft, which the airline recently delivered.
THE STANDARDX, BANGKOK PHRA ARTHIT DEBUTS IN ASIA
The StandardX brand, which debuted its first hotel in Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighborhood, continues its expansion with the recent opening of The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit in November 2024. This second outpost embraces Bangkok’s vibrant art scene, offering a rotating art gallery, two culinary concepts, and intentionally minimalist rooms that immerse guests in the local culture.
Elite Havens Confirmed as the Exclusive Management & Marketing Partner for Phuket Development
Elite Havens - Asia’s premier luxury villa rental and management provider, is pleased to announce that it will be the exclusive management and marketing partner for the new Ao Yon Beach Villas development which will be completed in 2026* in Ao Yon Bay, Phuket, Thailand.