Industry News

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been awarded "Best Surf Resort in the Maldives" at the prestigious Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2024. This honour highlights the resort's world-class surfing experiences curated by partners and acclaimed surf travel operator Perfect Wave. Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives “We are thrilled to receive this award from Travel Trade Maldives,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “Our strategic partnership with Perfect Wave has allowed us to deliver exceptional surfing experiences, whether our guests are seasoned surfers seeking the thrill of the waves or beginners looking to learn in one of the world's most stunning locations.” Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is celebrated for its proximity to some of the best surfing breaks in the Maldives, including the iconic Kandooma Right. Known for its perfect waves and consistent swells, Kandooma Right has become a favourite destination for surfers of all skill levels. Perfect Wave, the resort's exclusive surf partner, ensures guests receive a top-notch surfing experience through expert coaching, guided sessions, and seamless access to the best breaks in the region. Perfect Wave's dedicated surf program offers everything from group lessons to private coaching sessions, ensuring that every guest can ride the waves with confidence. “Guests staying in the resort's Beach Houses enjoy exclusive benefits, including direct beach access and front-row seats to Kandooma's famous surf break known as 'Kandooma Right'. After an exhilarating day on the water, surfers can unwind at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala with an especially designed Surfers Massage, or take full advantage the resort's excellent restaurants and services” adds Mark. Beyond surfing, the resort offers a diverse range of activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports, as well as concerts with high profile artists in partnership with Music in Paradise, making it a dynamic destination for all types of travellers. This award further cements Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives' reputation as a premier surf destination, combining adventure, relaxation, and the natural beauty of the Maldives. The resort will soon be hosting a 10 day long Australian Music Festival from 1st to 10th September and is currently sold out. Last year, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives received the accolade of Leading Diving Resort at the TTM Awards 2023. Located in the South Male Atoll just 40 minutes from the airport by boat, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut palms and turquoise waters form the exquisite backdrop for a variety of leisure pursuits and some of the best diving in the Maldives. Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, the three-bedroom Beach Pool Villa and the popular Overwater Villas with direct ladder access to the water below. Families are well catered for with the Kandoo Kids' Club and a full activities programme. Six food and beverage outlets ensure healthy appetites are satisfied and the flavours of the Maldives explored. For those guests who desire the ultimate in relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are located around the island and the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala is the ideal place to unwind.

The designation spotlights the world’s most premium lounges for cigar lovers

A new milestone for a WorldHotels Luxury member in Zurich, Switzerland: The renowned Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, part of WorldHotels, was awarded five stars in August 2024

Demonstrating its ongoing success, LUX* South Ari Atoll, the well-loved resort of The Lux Collective, has received three distinguished awards at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024, as voted by the acclaimed publication's international readers. These accolades solidify the resort’s reputation as a premier destination for family travel and luxury experiences in the Maldives. LUX* South Ari Atoll is awarded Top 10 for the following distinctions - Best House Reef in the Maldives, Best Hotel Pools in the Maldives and Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives. The awards celebrate the resort's unwavering commitment to excellence, exceptional guest experiences and innovative luxury offerings. LUX* South Ari Atoll Best House Reef in the Maldives LUX* South Ari Atoll has been recognised for its vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem, offering guests unparalleled snorkelling and diving experiences that highlight the natural beauty of the Maldives and South Ari Atoll – the only year-round whale shark aggregation site in the world. Veli Pool Best Hotel Pools in the Maldives The resort's two exquisite pools, known for their stunning designs and breathtaking views, have earned it the title of Best Hotel Pools in the Maldives, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and leisure. LUX* South Ari Atoll Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives LUX* South Ari Atoll has also been named one of the Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives, for its wide range of family-friendly amenities and activities to ensure an unforgettable holiday experience for guests of all ages. With 40 complimentary activities, a kids’ club, and a teens’ programme, there is something to fill each day with relaxation and adventure alike. "We are incredibly honoured to receive these prestigious awards from Travel + Leisure", said John Rogers, General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll. "These accolades are testaments to the dedication and passion of our team, who strive to provide our guests with extraordinary experiences. We remain committed to setting new standards in luxury hospitality and helping guests celebrate life through our diverse offerings." For more information about LUX* South Ari Atoll and its award-winning experiences, please visit www.luxresorts.com, contact stay@luxmaldivesresort.com, or call +960 668 0901.

Boutique Hotel Alhambra on Lošinj Island has been honoured as one of the select few to join the prestigious ‘Finest Collection’ by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This new and exclusive group includes only 21 SLH member hotels, representing less than 4% of the current SLH portfolio. Boutique Hotel Alhambra is Croatia’s first and only hotel to be part of this prestigious collection.  Boutique Hotel Alhambra The Finest Collection embodies the essence of SLH, featuring hotels that are considered destinations in their own right, revered by the luxury travel community, and recognised as icons of the industry. These hotels are celebrated SLH brand champions, setting the standard for luxury hospitality worldwide. Boutique Hotel Alhambra’s inclusion in the Finest Collection underscores its commitment to service beyond expectations and its dedication to providing an immersive luxury experience. The selection process was rigorous, with a panel of luxury travel experts identifying the 21 hotels that meet the stringent criteria: Exceptional Inspection Scores: An average inspection score of at least 90% over the last three years, with the latest inspection score exceeding 90%. Impeccable Online Presence: Revered by the luxury travel community, including accolades from American Express, Forbes Travel Guide, Virtuoso, and the Michelin Guide. Essence of SLH: Demonstrating that they capture the essence of SLH and merit a trip as a destination in their own right. Boutique Hotel Alhambra’s inclusion in the SLH Finest Collection is a testament to its unwavering dedication to providing an extraordinary guest experience.

The Forbes Five-Star hotel launches a new, tailored gastronomic stay package.

The Destination Deluxe Awards honour leaders and pioneers in wellness and travel.The prestigious Awards celebrate the hotels, spas, treatments, skincare and wellness brands that drive the remarkable luxury standard of these industries. Quality, transparency and originality are fundamental criteria of the Destination Deluxe Awards, as they recognize and praise the change-makers of today who go beyond set boundaries and innovate in their respective fields.The Destination Deluxe Awards span 25 categories. Based on the nomination entries, a Finalist Shortlist will be created for 22 categories, which will be evaluated by a group of 21 judges, who are well-respected industry experts. The public can also vote on the Finalist Shortlist via 3 People’s Choice categories.The Awards are extremely accessible, as all hotels, resorts, retreats, spas, and skincare companies are eligible for nomination. It is free to submit a nomination. There is no extra fee applied when winning an award. Companies can nominate in one or more categories. Nominations for hotel, retreat, spa, treatments and skincare brands are accepted until May 17 at the link.

South Asia's premier tourism and hospitality recognition, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), is thrilled to announce the commencement of nominations for the 2024 edition. Since its inception in 2016, SATA has been a beacon, acknowledging excellence in the region's travel and tourism industry. This annual event honors outstanding organizations and individuals across a diverse range of categories. Revamped Categories and Expanded OpportunitiesSATA 2024 introduces revamped categories, providing properties and brands with expanded opportunities to showcase their prowess. Alongside the existing recognition, the awards now feature the Visitors Choice Awards and Special Recognition Awards. Endorsement by International and Government Agencies•Association of Professionals in Tourism (APT),•Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India (ATTOI),•Association of Travel Agents (ATA),•Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC),•Confederation of Accredited Tour Operators (CATO),•Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL),•Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB),•Kerala Hotel General Manager Club (KHGMC),•National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM),•Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO),•Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation (MMPRC),•Nepal Tourism Board (NTB),•Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO),•The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL),•Hotel Association Nepal (HAN),•Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA),•The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) A Platform for Networking and TrendsMore than just an awards ceremony, SATA serves as a platform to showcase the latest trends and developments in South Asia's travel and tourism industry. It offers networking opportunities for industry professionals to share ideas and insights. Nominations Open Until April 10, 2024Properties aspiring for recognition can now submit their nominations online at www.southasiantravelawards.com until April 10, 2024. SATA 2024 continues its tradition of promoting excellence and innovation in the travel and tourism industry. As one of the most prestigious awards in South Asia, it not only recognizes the achievements of the winners but also contributes significantly to the growth and success of the sector in the region. The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) is an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the best in the travel and tourism industry in South Asia. The awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of hotels, airlines, destinations, and other organizations that contribute to the growth and success of the travel and tourism industry in the region. The SATA is one of the most prestigious awards in the travel and tourism industry in South Asia, with winners being selected by a panel of experts and industry professionals. The awards are given in a variety of categories, including Best Domestic Destination, Best International Destination, Best Adventure Destination, and Best Emerging Destination. In recent years, the SATA has become increasingly competitive, with more and more organizations vying for coveted awards. The ceremony is attended by top industry professionals and travel enthusiasts, making it a major event in the South Asian travel and tourism calendar. SOUTH ASIAN TRAVEL AWARDSThe South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has been recognizing the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry since 2016. The prestigious annual event honors stellar organizations and individuals in a wide array of categories. For more information, please contact:E: secretariat@satravelawards.com T: +960 798 0088

Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG")—the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises—today unveiled its 2024 Star Awards. See the full list of honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. The hotel ratings expanded into new destinations, including Baku, Azerbaijan; Curacao; Iceland; Sardinia, Italy; Kenya; Algarve and Madeira, Portugal; Rwanda; Koh Samui, Thailand; Rabat, Morocco; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  Conrad Algarve The 66th annual list spans more than 2,000 properties worldwide. It features 340 Five-Star, 600 Four-Star and 503 Recommended hotels; 78 Five-Star, 121 Four-Star and 59 Recommended restaurants; 126 Five-Star and 201 Four-Star spas; and seven Four-Star and five Recommended cruise ships. Here are some highlights from the 2024 winners: Dubai gained five new Five-Star hotels (Address Beach Resort; Armani Hotel Dubai; Atlantis, The Royal; The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai; and The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm), the most of any market. The city totals 12 Five-Star hotels. Beyond Dubai, the Middle East saw additional new top-rated winners in Doha (Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Raffles Doha) and Kuwait (Waldorf Astoria Kuwait), making it the region with the most new Five-Star awards. Montage Hotels & Resorts becomes the world's only all-Five-Star hotel brand after Montage Big Sky in Southwestern Montana earns a Five-Star accolade. Luxurious adventure travel is on the rise. Rwanda debuts on the list with two Five-Star winners (One&Only Gorilla's Nest and One&Only Nyungwe House), and Kenya makes its first appearance featuring animal-centric experiences at Nairobi's Four-Star Giraffe Manor and Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club. For the second consecutive year, Macau remains the city with the most Five-Star hotels (22), with the addition of Paiza Lofts at The Parisian Macao. Nimb Hotel Copenhagen Three hotels earned their exclusive triple Five-Star status, representing properties that receive top awards for their hotel, restaurant and spa. Salamander Middleburg in Virginia horse country achieved the trifecta with Harrimans Grill and Salamander Spa. Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California, won the Five-Star honors along with its Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Miramar Beach and Caruso's restaurant. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman captured the Caribbean's first triple Five-Star title with Blue by Eric Ripert restaurant and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman. There are only 15 triple Five-Star winners in the world. Travel is thriving in smaller metro areas like Nashville (with Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Conrad Nashville and JW Marriott Nashville), Charleston (Forbes Travel Guide Recommended boutique hotel The Charleston Place) and New Orleans (Four-Star properties Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New Orleans).   Five-Star restaurants appear for the first time in Grand Cayman (Blue by Eric Ripert) and Tokyo (Nouvelle Epoque). Restaurant ratings also debuted in Dubai (Four-Star winners Armani/Ristorante Dubai and Stay by Yannick Alléno at One&Only The Palm) and Los Cabos (Four-Star Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Los Cabos). "Travel was highly anticipated to have a strong year and the new winners on our 2024 list reflect the increased efforts properties are making to deliver elevated guest experiences," said Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. "This year's list demonstrates the evolving focus the discerning traveler has on well-being and the desire for authentic destination-centric itineraries. We congratulate all the 2024 Star Award winners for their significant achievements." Hero image: Address Sky View

For the first time, Accor joins the ‘A-list’ of global environmental non-profit CDP, as part of the leading companies regarding transparency, management of environment risks and demonstrating the rigor and ambition with which the climate issue is addressed in the company's business model. Accor is one of the 141 European companies that achieved an ‘A’ on climate change out of over 21,000 companies scored. Moreover, Accor has once again demonstrated its leadership on the climate issue by being the only company, among the leading hospitality companies, to be recognized with an ‘A’. This recognition rewards the work carried out as part of the Accor Group's sustainability strategy, that places People & Nature at its heart, infusing three strategic pillars: (i) to transform sustainably our operations and hotels to enhance guests experience, (ii) to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food model by offering differentiating culinary experiences to our guests, and finally (iii) to participate in making tangible, at sector level, a new way of traveling. As part of this strategy, Accor is committed to contributing to carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and validated by SBTi. The Group has also undertaken to reduce its carbon emissions by -46% on scope 1&2 and -28% on scope 3 by 2030. To achieve these commitments, Accor is working closely with its owners and plays an active role within the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and the Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Procurement to set new standards for the industry. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO of Accor – “Accor is paving the way to transform the hospitality industry into a sector that contributes to the environment and the society. As demonstrated in 2023, the climate change consequences are real, which requires exploring new ways of managing hotels. Thanks to the strong dedication of Accor teams across the world, the group proves that it has the adequate strategy, method, governance, and rigor to pursue its efforts, to support and provide solutions to our owners in their decarbonization journey and accelerate the deployment of our strategy, in coalition with our stakeholders.”Fully aligned with the Taskforce for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures, CDP holds the largest environmental database in the world, and its scores are widely used to drive investment and procurement decisions towards a sustainable and resilient economy and contribute to global carbon neutrality. In 2023, over 740 financial institutions with over US$136 trillion in assets requested companies to disclose data on environmental impacts, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform. A record-breaking 23,000 companies responded. A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP to assess these companies, allocating a score of A to D- based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets. Those that don’t disclose or provide insufficient information are scored an F. Sherry Madera, CEO of CDP, said: “Congratulations to all the companies on CDP’s A List, and those companies that started or accelerated their journey towards environmental transparency in 2023 – we saw a 24% increase of disclosures last year and that trajectory is to be applauded. It is only by laying the groundwork of disclosure that companies can show they are serious about the vital part they play in securing a net-zero, nature-positive future.” The full list of companies that made this year’s CDP A List is available here: https://www.cdp.net/en/companies/companies-scores Photo credits: Accor

Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp recognises hotels showing the highest level of compliance with 19 Sustainability Requirements launched to support Dubai’s drive to become a leading sustainable destination.

Qatar Tourism unveiled the winners of the Qatar Tourism Awards 2023, a new initiative aimed at recognising the very best in the industry. The winners of the inaugural edition of the awards were announced at a ceremony that took place at Raffles Doha, attended by His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, and Ms. Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director of UNTWO. Developed in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Qatar Tourism Awards are designed to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions made by businesses that continually achieve excellence in customer service delivery. In his opening remarks, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar's tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation, one that has successfully propelled our nation into the spotlight as a world-class tourist destination. The credit for this success goes to the devoted individuals and businesses that form the backbone of Qatar's tourism industry. Through initiatives such as the Qatar Tourism Awards, we aim to celebrate and recognise those who are committed to delivering outstanding and distinct tourism experiences in Qatar, while at the same time, inspiring the industry to continually innovate and raise the bar even higher.”   The Qatar Tourism Awards focuses on three principal categories: Service Excellence, Cultural Experiences and Smart Solutions, which together highlight different aspects of the visitor experience. In addition, Qatar Tourism Awards announced a surprise category, the Community Contribution Award, to recognise individual community members who have gone above and beyond to display hospitality and provide exemplary services to visitors. The community members that are significantly contributing to providing visitors with a unique and hospitable tourism experience are: North Sedra Farm Ain Mohammed Village Al Kubaisi Educational Reserve ENK Farm and Classic Car Museum Mr. Khalid Jamal Al Ajmi Mr. Khalid bin Abdulla Albinali The winners of the Service Excellence category, which exemplify an organisation’s commitment to delivering service that consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of visitors, are: Casual Dining: Em Sherif Café, Millennium Hotel Doha Dalchini Restaurant and Bar, Centara West Bay Hotel and Residences Doha Dining in Touristic Areas: SMAT Restaurant, Aura Hospitality and Food Services Belhambar Restaurant, Aura Hospitality and Food Services Cafes: Café #999 MIA Café Fine Dining: Em Sherif Restaurant Aura Hospitality and Food Services Parisa Al Messila Resort and Spa IDAM by Alain Ducasse Hotel Restaurants: The Master Kitchen Team Mondrian Doha Sharq Village and Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Riva and Q-Lounge Spa & Wellness: Banana Island Resort Doha Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and Villas  Entertainment & Recreation: Doha Quest CurioCITY Retail and Local Shops: Ali Bin Ali Holding - Galeries Lafayette IN-Q Gift Shop by Qatar Museums Shopping Malls: Doha Festival City The Gate Mall Tour Operators: Regency Holidays Fal Travelmart, Travel and Tours Tour Guides: Alena Kishmaraia Cecilia Castro Pia Sundstedt Ajith Wijenayaka Hewa Kokawalage Outstanding Service Excellence for Individuals: Moza Abdulaziz Al As-haq Hassan Attia Wassim Daageh Bouthaina Al Emadi 4 Star and 3 Star Hotels: Jouri a Murwab Hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Premier Inn Doha Education City Premier Inn Doha Airport 5 Star Hotels: Raffles Doha Banana Island Resort Doha Hilton Salwa Beach Resort and Villas Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som Tourism Support Organisations: Katara Hospitality Qatar National Convention Centre Qatar Rail Discover Qatar The winners of the Cultural Experience category, which recognises entities that emphasis and focus on delivering unique and memorable cultural experiences to visitors, are: Cultural and Tourist Attraction: United Development Company (UDC), The Pearl Island Basta Restaurant Chernovil Art Gallery Cultural Experiences: Embrace Doha Oryx Group Entertainment and Hospitality Regency Holidays Cultural Heritage: Msheireb Properties The winners of the Smart Solutions category, which reflect an organisation’s commitment to enhance the visitors’ experience through innovative products and solutions, are: The Digital and Innovation Experience: Qatar Rail ViaVii New Solutions in Sustainability: Doha Festival City Mowasalat Karwa Visitor Mobility and Accessibility: Msheireb Properties Photo credits: Qatar Tourism