Top chefs from across the UAE will come under the spotlight at the region’s first Sustainable Cook-off contest, taking place at Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 30 September to 2 October. Celebrating the unique flavours of the UAE and culinary excellence while championing sustainability in line with government net zero directives, the competition – in partnership with The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), UAE Restaurants Group (UAERG), Fresh On Table and the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) – will see locally-sourced ingredients transformed into innovative, gastronomic masterpieces to be presented to a panel of esteemed judges and served to FHS delegates.

Emerging destinations are gaining ground on travelers’ preferred lists, signaling a significant shift in global tourism trends. This is according to a new report released today by Kearney titled: “In the mind of global travelers: how travelers’ evolving expectations are reshaping tourism” which explores preferences and priorities as international tourism traffic is poised to outpace pre-pandemic levels this year.

In a monumental recognition of their environmental efforts, the Glen Mohr and Uile-bheist distillery and brewery have been commended as the World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative at the first-ever World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2024. This accolade acknowledges their groundbreaking work in integrating energy efficiency and sustainability into the travel and hospitality industries, setting a new standard for eco-friendly practices.

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Maxim Hotels and Resorts Management to bring the Vignette Collection brand to Egypt with a signing in Port Said. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2027, Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will seamlessly blend heritage and contemporary hospitality, offering guests a luxurious yet authentic experience.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the completed acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle hospitality company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This acquisition enhances Hyatt’s leading position in the industry’s premier lifestyle segment, building on both Hyatt’s organic growth and a series of acquisitions that quintupled the number of lifestyle rooms in Hyatt’s global portfolio between 2017 and 2023.

Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, and Mirai, a leader in hotel distribution technology and direct booking optimization, have today announced a strategic partnership aimed at transforming how hotels manage bookings, distribution, and marketing. The agreement will provide joint customers with advanced tools to optimize their direct bookings, streamline their operations, and expand their digital marketing efforts.