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See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Meets Over 20 New Egyptian Ambassadors and Consuls Before Their Overseas Appointments
Ali abo deshish In a broad meeting held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, met with more than 20 newly appointed ambassadors and consuls general who are set to represent Egypt abroad. This meeting comes within the framework of ongoing coordination and cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration. At the outset, Minister Sherif Fathy welcomed the diplomats, wishing them success in their new assignments. He emphasized the critical role they play in promoting Egyptian tourism abroad and in presenting a modern and comprehensive image of Egypt that reflects both its ancient civilization and its contemporary development. He stressed the importance of highlighting Egypt's rich tourism assets and the diversity and uniqueness of its tourism products and experiences, in a way that enhances Egypt's global tourism position and attracts more tourists and investments. The Minister presented the vision and mission of the Ministry, along with the main pillars of its current strategy, which focuses on positioning Egypt as the world's leading destination in terms of the variety of tourism products it offers—from cultural, beach, and spiritual tourism to desert adventures and more. He further explained that the Ministry's strategy aims to achieve sustainable economic security through tourism, by generating long-term returns that positively impact local communities surrounding heritage and tourism sites. This, in turn, fosters a culture of preservation and care for these sites. Minister Fathy also spoke about the Ministry's commitment to regularly updating its strategies and action plans in response to current and future developments, based on comprehensive analyses and market forecasts, especially in light of global political and economic changes. He underscored that training, qualification, and development of human capital—particularly young, talented professionals with specialized skills—is a top priority for the Ministry. Investing in human resources is a cornerstone of the Ministry's vision for sustainable sectoral growth. The Minister highlighted Egypt's keenness to engage in international knowledge exchange in the fields of tourism and antiquities, including the organization of professional joint workshops. He referenced a recent workshop held on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, which brought together Egyptian and Bahraini travel companies to lay the groundwork for future cooperation. He also reviewed the ongoing service development project at the Giza Pyramids area, part of the Ministry's broader efforts to enhance the visitor experience at Egyptian museums and archaeological sites. He pointed to the Ministry's collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant animal welfare NGOs to ensure the well-being of horses, camels, and other animals at archaeological areas, especially in Giza. Minister Fathy reaffirmed the Egyptian government's full commitment to preserving the country's heritage and history, while also exploring ways to maximize the economic benefits of antiquities without compromising their cultural value or harming the surrounding environment. He noted the Ministry is currently working with UNESCO on several major initiatives and projects. He also stressed Egypt's unwavering determination—through continued cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration—to repatriate Egyptian antiquities that were illegally taken abroad. The Minister discussed the significant role that temporary exhibitions of Egyptian antiquities held abroad play in promoting Egypt's tourism sector and showcasing its diverse offerings. He referred to the recent approval by the Supreme Council of Antiquities to host two temporary exhibitions in Italy and Hong Kong, which will serve as powerful tools for destination marketing in those countries. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister responded to several questions and inquiries from the diplomats regarding the tourism and antiquities sectors, and listened attentively to their suggestions and ideas. Also attending the meeting was Eng. 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Al Bawaba
22-07-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
ATM outlines why luxury hospitality leaders view personalisation as key to revenue growth
Personalisation is emerging as a growing trend in travel and tourism, particularly within the luxury segment, as travellers increasingly seek experiences tailored to their individual preferences and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, senior executives from leading hotel groups, including Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott, examined the rising influence of 'hyper-personalisation', which moves away from one-size-fits-all services to offering bespoke guest experiences. Leveraging tools such as AI-driven customisation and chatbots, as well as personalised welcome amenities and bespoke dining options, these brands are redefining the customer journey in the luxury travel segment, which is witnessing a continued surge to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by ATM in partnership with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now consider personalisation as a key driver of commercial value, with tailored experiences shown to generate additional revenue of up to 5%. Furthermore, insights by market intelligence firm Future Market Insight Inc, has revealed the global customisation and personalisation in travel market is expected to reach US$620.71 million by during the panel, experts defined hyper-personalisation as providing individualised experiences that anticipate both expressed and unspoken guest needs. While technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are instrumental in delivering customised offerings at scale, the panellists agreed that human connection remains essential for a truly personalised hospitality Hauvespre, VP of luxury brands at MEA Marriott, said: 'When it comes to hyper-personalisation, for many brands, this goes far beyond traditional service. It's about creating something highly tailored and curated through leveraging technology and building on your culture, so you can develop that anticipatory service and meet both the explicit and unspoken needs of your guests.'The panel, which also included Loay Nour, Vice President Fairmont Brand and Marketing Communications, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Minor Hotels, also discussed the importance of establishing an emotional connection, anticipating guest needs, and building this over time.'Luxury is not one size fits all, it's no longer about recognising someone by the name or knowing their preferences in their profile, because you need to understand that those consumers are not only hotel consumers, they are exposed into the ultra level of personalisation from other brands and other industries that they work with, so they have a certain minimum of expectations,' said the Middle East and Africa, Marriott is embracing this shift while maintaining brand distinctiveness, expanding its luxury footprint with projects such as the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Nujuma in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, which is rooted in immersive, cultural experiences. Upcoming openings elsewhere in the region include a portfolio of curated Ritz-Carlton safari lodges in eastern Africa, which will pioneer new destinations and provide guests with highly authentic owner-led hospitality companies, such as Minor Hotels, are using their lean structures to pilot new concepts in-house before rolling them out globally. This operational flexibility has enabled the company to invest in curated, experience-driven offerings that prioritise quality over quantity. A recent success story includes the 22-room Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi in Ghantoot, which has outperformed expectations by focusing on hyper-personalised offerings in a unique on these insights, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'As luxury travel evolves, so too does the definition of what it means to deliver highly personalised experiences. Today's travellers are looking for more than exceptional service; they expect tailored journeys that reflect who they are and what they value. At ATM, we are witnessing how hospitality brands are rising to the challenge, providing guests with luxury experiences that are personalised, sustainable and connected to people and place.' Luxury travel will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market 2026, which will be held from 4 to 7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. In parallel, travel technology will remain a key focus as innovation continues to reshape the future of the industry and transform every stage of the traveller's journey.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Hilton Adds More Hotel Brands, Luxury Cruise And New Dining Options
Graduate by Hilton is one of the newest brands in the Hilton portfolio. Representing many of these college-town hotels, Hilton has put together its own marching band, consisting of accomplished student musicians from college bands across its network of properties. Hilton Hilton is one of the world's biggest hospitality companies, and its evolution as a brand continues to follow the trends of the traveling public. Younger and more varied demographics are looking for differentiation in design and price point, as well as attention to what is important socially from sustainability to the needs of the neighborhood where hotels are located. To meet that interest, Hilton continues to roll out new offerings, brands and even a new cruise on the Nile. Many of these updates and initiatives were unveiled this spring to travel advisors and industry leaders at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. The hospitality brand is known for innovations in hospitality. It launched the first multi-hotel reservations platform in 1948 and the first airport-hotel concept in 1959. And this year, it continues to expand its offering. A cabin rendering aboard the new Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience debuting in 2026 Hilton In a surprise move, Hilton will launch a Nile River sailing under its Waldorf Astoria brand. Starting next year, passengers can take four-to-six night journeys to visit Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, among other famous ancient Egyptian landmarks. Named the 'Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience,' the five-deck, 29-cabin ship will mirror the upscale experience found at its namesake brand's hotels around the world. And brand-loyal Waldorf Astoria guests can expect the same amenities you might find in a land-based hotel, including a spa, restaurants serving local fare and even Peacock Alley (the luxe lounge with signature clock unique to each destination at every Waldorf Astoria). The sailing will be operated by a third party, 'Middle East for Nile Cruisers,' but will follow the same high standards for which the brand is known. And travelers can earn and redeem their Hilton Honors points for the trip. Building partnerships with relevant brands 'Stay Like McLaren Racing' suite at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton Hilton Like many travel brands, Hilton has been leaning heavily into the travel partnership space. This means that Hilton is looking to tie up with brands that its Hilton Honors members find relevant, which adds value to the program. One of those recent partnerships is with McLaren Racing. Hilton Honors members could bid their points to attend popular racing events, and they could even stay in a McLaren-themed hotel suite at The Trafalgar in London during the British Grand Prix. These types of tie-ups have only grown since the pandemic when hotel stays were down. 'Hotel brands looked to form new partnerships to engage with customers even when they were not staying in one of their rooms,' says Ryan Smith, news managing editor for AutoCamp Joshua Tree National Park Hilton New to Hilton Honors is AutoCamp where guests can stay in glamping-style accommodations like Airstream vans, cabins and tents while earning and redeeming Hilton points. Locations are in or near national parks and help Hilton to tap into the growing demand for outdoor experiences, especially in summer. 'Hilton is increasingly seeking partnerships that allow them to expand their portfolio without the costs or timeline associated with building hundreds of new hotels,' adds Smith. The main reception and amenity area for AutoCamp at Zion National Park Hilton Cross-brand partnerships like these, says Smith, help hospitality companies and their loyalty programs to become more like 'lifestyle brands' rather than just hotels to consumers. Other partnerships are designed to appeal to peoples' interest in health and wellness like dedicated sleep stories available to guests via meditation app Calm and in-room fitness content from Peloton. 'Alliances between lodging brands and other established consumer trademarks allow for cross-promotion and the ability to leverage each other's marketing channels and customer bases to increase visibility and expand reach to wider audiences,' says Daniel Lesser, president and CEO of LW Hospitality Advisors. 'These types of collaborations can inspire an emotional connection between their brand and consumer identities.' Individual hotels, too, are getting creative. Tempo by Hilton Times Square has a new literary tourism package that includes complimentary best sellers chosen by independent East Village bookstore Book Club Bar and several literary-inspired cocktails at the hotel's Highball Lounge to enjoy during their stay. Adding brands to its well-known portfolio Hampton by Hilton partnered with Paris Hilton for a limited-time Sparkling Strawberry Hampton Waffle in 2024. Hilton Its hotel portfolio includes iconic brands from luxury names like Waldorf Astoria to mid-scale hotels like Hampton by Hilton, now the largest hotel brand in the world with more than 350,000 rooms in 43 countries. Hampton was the first hotel in its category to offer complimentary breakfast, a move other hotel chains in that price point have since followed. So prolific is its Hampton brand that it has more hotels than any other in the Hilton portfolio. Part of what made it popular with consumers was its breakfast, which over recent years has been upgraded to include things like Chobani yogurt smoothies, egg white frittatas and more flavors for its cult-like favorite, make-it-yourself waffle machine. Last year, it even partnered with Paris Hilton to add a limited-time sparkling (with edible glitter) strawberry waffle to its lineup, which was also available for purchase to take home. The lobby lounge of a Graduate by Hilton hotel Hilton One of the newest brands for Hilton Honors members is Graduate by Hilton with properties in college towns across America. Its differentiating factor of academia and college sports-inspired design is bespoke to each campus. There isn't any other hospitality brand that uniformly follows a similar design model. And some of its existing brands like Tru and Spark by Hilton are expanding outside of the U.S., especially in Asia and the Middle East. This year alone, 14 Tru by Hiltons will open in Vietnam, bringing the total number of Hilton Honors hotels in its pipeline there to 29. According to travel industry website Skift, this is part of Hilton's strategy to grow its footprint in the profitable segment of mid-market hotels. (l to r) Mohammed Almusbahi, director, Al Musbah Group, and Amir Lababedi, managing director, Development, Middle East & North Africa, Hilton. The hospitality brand will have 100 open or in-pipeline properties in Saudi Arabia this year. Hilton This year, Spark by Hilton will make its Middle East and Africa debut in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where Hilton will eventually have 100 properties in the kingdom. 'Hilton's expertise in both luxury and lifestyle, paired with its track record in scaling brands, makes for an exciting opportunity.' -Sydell founder and CEO Andrew Zobler NoMad Hotels, one of the brands from hotel developer Sydell Group, will open a new property in Singapore by early 2027, bringing the newly added Hilton brand's presence to southeast Asia. Hilton acquired a controlling interest in Sydell last year and has plans to expand the NoMad lifestyle brand to as many as 100 properties worldwide. Canopy by Hilton has made its debut in South Africa with Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof this summer with most rooms facing Table Mountain, Lion's Head or Signal Hill. Hilton food and beverage upgrades Known for the invention of famous menu items like the piña colada (created at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan) and the Waldorf salad (created at Waldorf Astoria New York), Hilton's culinary programming continues to evolve. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro's Nobu brand have opened restaurants at two Hilton-family hotels this year including Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui and Hotel del Coronado in southern California (part of Hilton's Curio Collection and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands). The regional menu at DoubleTree's new piebird concept restaurant Hilton A new dining concept is coming to DoubleTree by Hilton hotels with the inauguration of 'piebird,' its new Americana-style restaurant that will begin opening at numerous DoubleTree properties. The first two that will open will be at the brand's hotels in Nanuet, New York this fall and Asheville, North Carolina by the end of next year with more to follow. On the menu are dishes like chicken pot pie, tomato jam grilled cheese, biscuits and gravy, and regional dishes that lean into local options from Tex-Mex to southern comfort food. And when it comes to food and sustainability, the Green Breakfast program from Hilton, which is now in place in more than a dozen hotels across the United Arab Emirates, is a meaningful change that could revolutionize the problem of restaurant food waste. It was originally tested during the extensive 'iftar' evening buffets served at hotels during Ramadan. Gentle signage reminds diners to take only what they can eat to help avoid food waste. Hilton While maintaining creative buffet presentations, some areas replace large serving dishes with individually plated portions by using artificial intelligence to determine the best serving size. Guests can take as many as they like, but typically take only what they think they can eat, helping to avoid waste. In other areas, signage along the buffet and in the restaurant helps to provide 'behavioral nudges,' which also helps consumers feel like they are part of eco-friendly and social change. Over the years, Hilton's breakfast research showed that bread and pastries represent one of the largest portions of food waste. Other items most commonly left over include porridge, congee, sambar, shakshuka and baked beans. It was inspired from the brand's Green Ramadan program, where its traditional iftar buffet dinners are grandiose affairs. Scaled across 45 hotels in 14 countries in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions, it brought about a 20% reduction in food waste. 'Through this pilot project, we were able to learn and gather data on consumer behavior so we can build awareness and take meaningful action scalable at hotels and across the industry. We hope this initiative will inspire the sector to source locally and reduce food waste.' -Emma Banks, vice president, F&B strategy & development, EMEA, Hilton Today, Hilton has achieved a 62% reduction in pre- and post- consumer food waste (the equivalent of more than 400,000 meals), which has kept almost 726 tons of CO2e emissions from entering the environment. Some of the dishes crafted using zero-food-waste recipes at Hilton properties in the UK. Plans are in place to scale this across other hotels in the future. Hilton It has also developed a new zero-waste food menu starting at four hotels in the United Kingdom. This involved repurposing leftover food from buffets like pastries, fruit and coffee beans to make tasty puddings or pickling fruit and vegetables. Many of the restaurants' sauces and stocks were made using vegetable stalks, trimmings, peelings and bruised fruits that are not attractive enough to display. The newly designed cocktail lounge attire for staff at Waldorf Astoria New York Hilton Even hotel staff are seeing exciting changes. The newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York worked with British designer Nicholas Oakwell to rethink what an iconic hotel uniform should look like. His designs mix contemporary boldness with retro style, which are sure to make these some of the most head-turning hotel uniforms in town. After all, this is the hotel where room service was first invented in the 1930s. And that's a fitting update for such a key market like New York where Hilton can show off its latest moves to a global audience. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 20+ Top Miles, Points And Travel Deals For The New Year By Ramsey Qubein Forbes 5 Ways Andaz Celebrates Youthful Luxury Through Individuality And Local Culture By Ramsey Qubein Forbes Meliá Grows Luxury Portfolio With Historic Hotels And Rafa Nadal Lifestyle Brand By Ramsey Qubein
What's On
14-07-2025
- Business
- What's On
Dubai traffic: DIFC roads are getting an upgrade as RTA awards new project
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is continuing its mission to improve traffic flow across the city, with the latest changes aimed at easing congestion in key areas. The RTA has awarded the contract for the large Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project and it's about to make the traffic in DIFC much better. The road improvements will be from the intersection with Za'abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street and will cost a total of Dhs633 million. There will be construction of bridges and tunnels extending 1,700 metres, and widening of the street from three to four lanes in each direction. The development will increase the road's capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions and reduce travel time by over half, from 13 minutes to 6 minutes. Anyone who has used the roads in DIFC during rush hour will welcome this project. The project will help the traffic flow in several key areas and roads such as DIFC, the Dubai World Trade Centre that hosts major global exhibitions such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition. The project will no doubt assist in the flow of traffic for these large events. There are 40 areas being improved by RTA throughout the summer as the traffic quietens down, which include 22 major streets and 9 school zones. 33 things that will help ease Dubai traffic Image: Dubai Media Office > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Tourism Breaking News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Integrated resorts set to transform tourism experiences across the Middle East and beyond
Post Views: 55 The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life's City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering. At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: 'A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You've got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and the soulfulness far more impactful than just saying: I've got a casino. It's far beyond the positioning.' Panellists agreed that while gaming offers a new and exciting dimension, it is a combination of art, music, food, wellness, and local storytelling that truly defines the guest experience. Industry leaders attending the event emphasised that gaming is just one element in a much broader tapestry of cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences that are key to the success of integrated developments. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The conversations at ATM this year highlighted a vital shift in how integrated resorts are being developed across the region. It's not just about gaming but about crafting a sense of place, telling compelling stories, and building meaningful cultural connections. Destinations in the MENA region and beyond are demonstrating how these developments can become national assets, unlocking new revenue streams and creating immersive experiences for multi-generational travellers.' Speakers noted that in markets such as Sri Lanka, where gaming is being introduced under new regulatory frameworks, local community support and government collaboration have been key to the success of the City of Dreams development to date. In the UAE, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established in 2023 to regulate commercial gaming and oversee all individuals and businesses in the industry, ensuring sustainable growth and efficient regulation. The country's pioneering steps into the integrated resort space are helping to establish it as a regional hub for tourism innovation, with advanced technology, personalised service, and responsible gaming protocols playing a critical role. Research insights shared during the session revealed that while gaming ranks lower in priority among potential visitors, its value as an adrenaline-driven activity for affluent, older audiences makes it a significant contributor to revenue. Moreover, gaming's association with luxury tends to increase visitor spend, with a 30% uplift observed in similar resort models globally. With feeder markets like India, Saudi Arabia, and UAE-based expatriates showing strong interest, and European travellers seeking luxury and bespoke experiences, integrated resorts are poised to reshape regional tourism landscapes.
