International News

International News

Top Foodie Destinations in Southeast Asia Revealed

Booking.com has recently unveiled a list of top destinations for food and restaurants in Southeast Asia, based on feedback from its global users.Leading the list are Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, recognized as the most visited cities in the region. These cities are renowned as cultural and culinary hubs, boasting a variety of international restaurants. Additionally, the list includes multiple entries from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, showcasing the unparalleled diversity of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Development of Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Resorts in Morocco

Ento Capital, an investment firm managed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and with a track record of managing $4.6 billion in assets, has reached an agreement with Al Amal Investment Company to lead the development and management of Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts in Morocco. The total value of the project is estimated to be over $220 million and includes the construction of a Ritz-Carlton hotel with 200 rooms and 100 luxury residences in Morocco.This project will contribute to the growth of Morocco's tourism industry and is expected to attract annually 100,000 tourists.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Global Hotel Alliance Sets New Record

The Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 40 hotel brands, has announced a new record in 2023.Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the alliance witnessed a 20% increase in Gross Operating Revenue (GDR) compared to 2022. Additionally, the number of reservations surged by 30%, with a 25% increase in member hotels. GHA also expanded into 10 new markets in 2023. This success is attributed to various factors including GHA's focus on innovation and technology, providing unique services and benefits to member hotels, and establishing a strong network of independent hotels worldwide.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Egypt's Tourism Industry Breaks Record

Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities announced a record-breaking influx of 14.9 million tourists to the country in 2023, marking a new milestone in Egypt's tourism history.In the final quarter of 2023 alone, 3.6 million tourists visited Egypt, surpassing the previous record set in 2010. The Minister of Tourism also highlighted a 9% increase in tourist arrivals during the first 19 days of 2024 compared to the same period last year.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

The most luxurious hotel in Zurich is the new Mandarin Oriental

The Most Luxurious Hotel in Zurich Opens: Mandarin Oriental, ZurichThe Mandarin Oriental, Zurich, heralded as the city's most luxurious hotel, has officially opened its doors. This hotel is a remarkable transformation of the 185-year-old Baur au Ville, the city's inaugural luxury hotel, with a meticulous $93 million renovation. With 80 opulent guest rooms starting at 800 Swiss francs per night, the Mandarin Oriental, Zurich stands as both the oldest and newest five-star haven in the city.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Emirates to Increase Flights to Australia

In a move to expand its operations in Australia, Emirates has announced it will increase its services to the country.Starting October 1st, Emirates will upgrade its second daily flight between Dubai and Brisbane (EK430/431) to an Airbus A380.This upgrade will significantly increase passenger capacity and provide a more comfortable and relaxed travel experience for passengers. In addition, Emirates will launch a second daily service between Dubai and Perth on December 1st, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.This move demonstrates Emirates' commitment to expanding and strengthening its presence in the Australian market.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Dubai secures 349 bids in 2023 to host top business events

Dubai further consolidated its status as a central hub for international business events in 2023. with the city winning a record 349 bids to host international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programmes, a report said. Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau, the wins reflected a robust 49% increase in successful bids compared to 2022. These events captured in 2023 are set to attract over 191,000 international delegates, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Marriott comes to Antalya with Ozhotels

Ozhotels, recognized as a leading hotel group in Turkey, has signed a contract with Marriott, the world's largest hotel chain brand, to open two new hotels in Antalya. The regional manager of Ozhotels in Antalya stated: "We are proud to collaborate with the Marriott brand to open these two new hotels in Antalya."These hotels will contribute to the improvement of the tourism industry in Antalya and provide quality services to guests from around the world. The chairman of the Ozhotels board also expressed satisfaction with this collaboration, stating: "This is a significant milestone for Ozhotels.""We are collaborating with the Marriott brand, one of the most recognized brands in the hotel industry, to provide a unique experience for our guests in Antalya." The opening of these two new hotels will create new job opportunities in Antalya and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Saudi Arabia Achieved 100 Million Tourists in 2023

Exciting news from Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister, Ahmed Al-Khatib, who revealed the country welcomed over 100 million visitors last year, achieving Vision 2030 goals.Discussions abound on the strategies behind this milestone, with experts pointing to new laws, regulations, and marketing efforts. Al-Khatib aims even higher, setting a target of 150 million visitors. Vision 2030's Quality of Life initiative and streamlined visa procedures are credited for driving tourism growth. Saudi Arabia's remarkable transformation in tourism since Vision 2030's launch positions it as a leading global destination.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Using taxis in Dubai is getting cheaper

A new auction-based taxi service called Drife has been launched in Dubai, which can significantly reduce fares for passengersThe Drife app is the first decentralized transportation system in the United Arab Emirates, allowing passengers to view different drivers' offers for a trip and choose the best option. This system benefits everyone, as passengers pay lower fares, and drivers earn more income by eliminating commissions. Drivers pay a monthly subscription fee to use Drife.The company's app and website will be launched later this month, and initially, 100 limousines from a private company will be registered in the system.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

The Impact of Television Advertising on Tourism in France

A recent study by the French National Cinema Center indicates that more than half of international tourists who visited France last year were persuaded to travel to the country after watching a French film or TV series. The study also examined the length of stay and budget of tourists. The results show that on average, Chinese and American tourists stay longer in France compared to European tourists, with their first trip to the country being their initial exposure. Among those who watched a product filmed in France, 80% said they were influenced to visit the country. This study demonstrates that television advertising, whether in the form of films or series, can be a powerful tool for attracting tourists to France.

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024

Turkish Airlines hails visa exemption to nationals of GCC states

Turkish airlines , a global leader in aviation, has hailed a major move made by Türkiye to extend visa-free entry to the nationals of the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia Tourists from these countries can now spend 90 out of 180 days in Türkiye without a vi The new visa exemption rule is set to bolster ties between Türkiye and these countries, and further strengthen the country’s tourist numbers from 2024, Turkish Airlines noted

Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024