Travel News Page 325
THE REGION’S FIRST BUDDHA-BAR HOTEL AND FLOATING RESIDENCES BY BUDDHA-BAR
Buddha-Bar Real Estate Development, a joint venture which will be exclusively managed and represented by Yieldhaüs, is delighted to unveil the highly anticipated design of the region’s first-ever Buddha-Bar Hotel and Floating Residences By Buddha-Bar on Dubai’s World Islands. This new landmark brings the world-renowned lifestyle brand to the Middle East in a completely original format, blending island living with immersive design and signature experiences by Buddha-Bar never seen before in the region - featuring the Buddha-Bar Hotel, Floating Residences By Buddha-Bar and the renowned Buddha-Bar Beach. For the first time, the legendary Buddha-Bar concept is being transported from the shores to an island setting, bringing its signature blend of music, mood, and design to the serene seascape of The World Islands.
TAP IS EUROPE’S BEST AIRLINE TO AFRICA AND SOUTH AMERICA
TAP Air Portugal received two awards in Sardinia, Italy, at the World Travel Awards 2025 (WTA 25) ceremony, as Best European Airline to Africa and Best European Airline to South America. Sofia Lufinha, TAP’s Chief Customer Officer, who received the trophies on behalf of the company, stated that “these awards reflect the importance of the South American and African markets for TAP Air Portugal and the continuous work we have undertaken to strengthen this position. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are working every day to improve our offering and will continue to serve our customers in the best possible way.”
ALEPH HOSPITALITY AND HILTON TO OPEN KENYA’S FIRST TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON HOTEL
Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hospitality management company in the Middle East and Africa, has signed a management contract for the first Tapestry by Hilton branded hotel in Kenya with owner AVA Hotel Limited, further solidifying the company’s position as a leading hotel operator in Kenya and the region.
Saigontourist Group’s Culinary Culture & Delicacies Festival Crowned World’s Best Culinary Festival
Last evening, beneath the warm Sardinian sunset and the grandeur of the Forte Village Resort, the World Culinary Awards 2025 celebrated the pinnacle of global gastronomy. Among Michelin-starred chefs, luxury resorts, and dining legends, one name carried the rhythm, colour, and soul of Vietnam — the Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture & Delicacies Festival, proudly crowned World’s Best Culinary Festival 2025. The moment the announcement echoed through the ballroom, it wasn’t just a win for Saigontourist Group — it was a triumph for Vietnamese cuisine, culture, and creativity on the world stage.
Vera Versilia Crowned the Middle East’s Best Italian Cuisine Restaurant
Last evening, under the golden Sardinian sky, the world’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs gathered at the breathtaking Forte Village Resort for the 2025 World Culinary Awards. Amidst a night of global glamour, one name rose above the Mediterranean applause — Vera Versilia, the UAE’s gem of Italian elegance, was crowned the Middle East’s Best Italian Cuisine Restaurant. This victory, achieved at one of the most prestigious events in the global culinary calendar, marks a defining moment for both the restaurant and the UAE’s ever-evolving fine dining scene. For travellers, it’s a signal that Italian cuisine in the Middle East has not just arrived — it’s thriving at the highest level.
Baan Lao, voted Canada’s Best Restaurant
Last evening, amidst the glamour of the World Culinary Awards 2025 gala held at the majestic Forte Village Resort in Sardinia, Canada’s crown for culinary excellence was renewed—this time thanks to Baan Lao. According to media reporting, the Richmond-based fine dining Thai house was once again celebrated as Canada’s Best Restaurant, making it a landmark recognition for the West Coast establishment.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to Open in Saadiyat Cultural District on 22 November
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open to the public on 22 November in Saadiyat Cultural District, marking a significant cultural milestone for the emirate. As the largest museum of its kind in the region, it represents a new global destination for science, nature, and education, inviting visitors to explore the story of life on our planet and engage in conversations about its future.
Tourism Returns to Israel: Visitors Come Back Amid Cease-Fire and Recovery
Two years after the devastating Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, Israel’s tourism industry is showing strong signs of revival, according to America Israel Tours® (AIT), one of the U.S.‘s leading Holy Land travel providers. Hotels, tourist sites, and historic markets are reopening as international visitors return, bringing both economic recovery and renewed hope to the country. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is currently in Israel to monitor and support the ongoing cease-fire, highlighting international confidence in the nation’s stability and reassuring returning tourists with signals of future peace initiatives.
Royal Princess Named “World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship” in 2025 World Culinary Awards
Princess Cruises revealed its elegant Royal Princess has been named World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship by the prestigious World Culinary Awards, celebrating the very best in global gastronomy. Voted on by the culinary community, industry experts and consumers from around the world, the awards celebrate and reward excellence in the culinary industry and recognizes the cruise line’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding dining experiences and innovative cuisine across its fleet.
CELEBRITY CRUISES TAKES DELIVERY OF CELEBRITY XCEL AND INTRODUCES CELEBRITY XCITE
Yesterday Celebrity Cruises took delivery and welcomed its newest ship – Celebrity Xcel – and announced the name of its sixth Edge Series ship – Celebrity Xcite – as the ship’s first piece of steel was cut and construction commenced at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Celebrity Xcite is expected to set sail in 2028, continuing the brand’s legacy of redefining premium cruising.
International Luxury Hotel Association INSPIRE Prague Unveils Agenda
The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) has unveiled the full agenda for INSPIRE Europe 2025, taking place November 12–13 at the Congress Centre of the Czech National Bank in Prague. The two-day conference will bring together 300+ luxury hospitality leaders and 60+ speakers to explore ideas, innovations, and investment strategies shaping the industry’s future.
JW Marriott Debuts in Tokyo, Marking Bold Expansion in Japan
JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the highly anticipated opening of JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo. Marking the second JW Marriott property in Japan, this hotel is located in the heart of Takanawa Gateway City, the city’s newest urban destination billed as the city of the future. With an art and design narrative inspired by Zen philosophy and the natural beauty of Takanawa, the hotel pairs elegance with excellent connectivity and seamless access to the heart of Tokyo and beyond. Conveniently located above the new Takanawa Gateway Station, Tokyo Haneda Airport is about 20 minutes away. The property is within walking distance to Shinagawa Station, which is planned to serve as the terminus for the Chuo Shinkansen connecting Tokyo with other major cities in Japan including Nagoya (40 minutes) and Osaka (65 minutes).