Industry News

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 

Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), announced a deadline extension until August 15th to the highly anticipated Qatar Tourism Awards. Members of the sector are encouraged to apply and showcase their exceptional services and contributions in delivering outstanding tourism experiences for visitors and residents alike. Winners of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be celebrated for their unwavering commitment towards excellence and officially recognised as being the best in the industry. Winners will gain global visibility and exposure by being exclusively featured on Qatar Tourism’s Visit Qatar website. This unique form of endorsement aims to attract travellers from around the world, driving them to explore and experience the exceptional offerings provided by the award recipients. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “The Qatar Tourism Awards is a remarkable platform that will celebrate and empower excellence within our industry. By launching this prestigious accolade, we hope to inspire and incentivise our industry to continue delivering service excellence that will further solidify Qatar’s position as an unrivalled, world-class tourism destination. With the deadline for submissions now extended, we encourage industry players to not miss this opportunity and ensure they apply to gain widespread recognition and outstanding benefits.” The Qatar Tourism Awards will focus on three principal categories: Cultural Experiences, Smart Solutions, and Service Excellence, which highlight the different aspects of the visitor experience. Entry to the Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all tourism businesses, operators, entrepreneurs, visitor attractions, organisations, and events that operate in Qatar and promote Qatar to a domestic and international audience. Applying for the Qatar Tourism Awards is easy, fast, and convenient, requiring just a few steps. To initiate the application process, interested participants can visit the Qatar Tourism Awards website at: https://www.qatartourism.com/en/qatar-tourism-awards 

Namale Resort & Spa, a leading luxury resort in the South Pacific, is thrilled to announce its outstanding recognition in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards – Asia Pacific 2023. The resort received accolades ranking in the top South Pacific Resorts and received #1 in South Pacific Resort Pools, a testament to its unparalleled commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction. With sweeping ocean views and world-class amenities that include award-winning spa hydrotherapy and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, Namale Resort & Spa is a haven for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure and luxury in a tropical paradise. "We are deeply honored to be recognized as one of the top resorts in the South Pacific," said Co-General Manager Nowdla Keefe. "These awards showcase the hard work and dedication of our entire team who consistently go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for our guests." Accommodations at Namale Resort & Spa include lavish bures and villas exquisitely designed to provide comfort and privacy, featuring secluded plunge pools, infinity pools, private decks, and much more. Guests can also enjoy celebrating Fijian culture, indulge in a gourmet farm-to-table meal or select from a list of all-inclusive perks. Visit https://www.namalefiji.com/ for more information.

Villa Nautica and Villa Park garnered prestigious awards at Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 held in Bangkok. Villa Nautica received recognition as one of the ‘Best Resort Pools’, while Villa Park was acknowledged as one of the ‘Best Resort Spas’ in the Maldives category. These nominations were chosen by the editorial team and expert contributors from Travel+Leisure across the Asia Pacific region. These new awards, organized by Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia, Hong Kong & Macau, aim to celebrate and acknowledge the outstanding places and individuals that contribute to Asia’s remarkable hospitality industry. Villa Nautica and Villa Park, formerly Paradise Island and Sun Island, are exceptional resorts in the Maldives. Villa Nautica offers an urban retreat with a maritime theme and a stunning pool, while Villa Park embraces a bold and nature-inspired experience with a focus on sustainability. With their stunning surroundings and unique offerings, both Villa Nautica and Villa Park promise unforgettable stays for guests seeking indulgence, relaxation, and eco-friendly experiences.

Qatar Tourism (QT) has successfully attained four ISO certifications from Bureau Veritas International, Doha (W.L.L.), one of the world's leading certification bodies. The prestigious achievement is testament to QT's commitment to implementing world-class management systems adhering to the highest international standards. Following an extensive assessment of QT’s management systems, Bureau Veritas awarded the tourism body with the following certifications: ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (with UKAS accreditation) ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (with UKAS accreditation) ISO 27001:2015 Information Security Management System (with UKAS accreditation) ISO 20121:2012 Events Sustainability Management System. Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are proud to achieve the four ISO certifications from the renowned certification body Bureau Veritas, as it demonstrates Qatar Tourism's unwavering commitment in implementing robust policies, streamlined procedures, and efficient processes, while increasing environmental awareness and delivering sustainable events. Through adhering to the rigorous requirements of these international standards, Qatar Tourism continues to showcase its dedication to excellence across all of its operations and management systems.” The ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates QT’s dedication to customer satisfaction and world-class services, while the ISO 14001:2015 certification underscores QT's responsible stewardship of Qatar's natural resources. The ISO 27001:2015 certification emphasises QT’s commitment to data security and privacy, and the ISO 20121:2012 certification showcases its dedication to organising events that align with sustainable development. This achievement marks a significant step forward in QT’s pursuit of excellence, with the organisation’s Quality Section successfully driving the requirements of all four ISO management systems standards. As QT continues to advance its management systems, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional services while fostering sustainable tourism practices.

ELE|NA, a renowned spa management company, has been honored with the prestigious Silver Standard accreditation by the Sustainable Spa Association. As a brand deeply committed to environmental sustainability and the preservation of nature, ELE|NA embodies the belief that true wellness can only be achieved through harmony with the natural world. ELE|NA's core values center around fostering a genuine reverence for the land, sea, ocean, and plant life. In order to reduce their carbon footprint, the brand actively collaborates with local artisans, ethical farmers and growers, and manufacturers, sourcing sustainable ingredients from the local area. Moreover, the company prioritizes hiring and developing local therapists, nurturing a sense of community and promoting local talent. Its commitment to sustainability goes beyond just reducing our carbon footprint and utilizing locally sourced ingredients. ELE|NA team recognize the vital importance of protecting, growing, and restoring the indigenous habitat and ecosystems of the locations where our spas are located. They firmly believe in preserving nature for future generations and ensuring the long-term well-being of the environment. ‘We are committed to environmentally sustainable spa operations. By truly connecting with the indigenous environment and bountifulness of nature, we are able to embrace innovative, eco-friendly options’ Heidi Grimwood, Vice President of ELE|NA. ELE|NA's five operational spas, located in prestigious resorts in the Maldives, became members of the Sustainable Spa Association in October 2021. These spas are situated at the following resorts: OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU NATURE Helengeli, and VARU By Atmosphere. By joining forces with the Sustainable Spa Association, ELE|NA has demonstrated its commitment to making a difference and contributing to the global movement towards sustainability. ELE|NA's achievement of the Silver Standard accreditation signifies a significantmilestone in their ongoing sustainability journey. By preserving nature for futuregenerations, ELE|NA hopes to inspire other industry leaders to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a greener, more harmonious future.

Developed in partnership with UNWTO, the programme will recognise stakeholder efforts in curating unique and exceptional tourism experiences   Qatar Tourism, in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has launched the Qatar Tourism Awards, a programme designed to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions made by businesses in delivering outstanding and distinct tourism experiences in Qatar.  The Qatar Tourism Awards are designed to shed light on the factors that contribute to curating a visitor's experience at every touchpoint of their journey, by awarding tourism businesses that continually achieve excellence in customer service delivery. This initiative aims to encourage all stakeholders who play a direct or indirect role in the delivery of tourism experiences to continue to develop and emulate exceptional initiatives characterised by uniqueness, sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality service.  Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to launch the Qatar Tourism Awards, which are designed to recognise the exceptional work of stakeholders in the tourism sector. Qatar is home to some of the world's most iconic tourism experiences, and this is achieved by the vision, hard work, and dedication of the businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. Through this programme, we hope to inspire and encourage our partners to develop new and innovative initiatives that will continue to elevate Qatar's reputation as a world-class tourism destination.”  The Qatar Tourism Awards will focus on three principal categories: Cultural Experiences, Smart Solutions, and Service Excellence, which highlight the different aspects of the visitor experience.   Entry to the Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all tourism businesses, operators, entrepreneurs, visitor attractions, organisations, and events that operate in Qatar and promote Qatar to a domestic and international audience. Submissions for the awards are now open, and winners will be announced in a special ceremony later this year. To apply, visit: Qatar Tourism Awards | Qatar Tourism 

Condé Nast Traveler, one of the foremost voices in luxury travel, has recognized Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico in its 2023 Hot List of the best new hotels around the world. An award-winning publication and widely considered an international travel expert, Condé Nast Traveler releases its highly selective list each year featuring picks vetted by its international network of correspondents. “At Naviva, the guest experience blurs the lines of formality and amplifies community, creating an authentic environment that fosters personal growth and learning. We are honoured that the trusted experts of Condé Nast Traveler have recognized our forward-thinking concept and have set out to inspire guests to be the architects of their own transformative journeys,” says Ronny Fernández, Resort Manager, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico. “This recognition is a testament to our dedicated team of guides who not only deliver exceptional service but create unscripted experiences that bring the spirit of Naviva and the surrounding nature to our guests in unexpected ways.” Inspired by biophilic design and the love for life and all living things, Naviva’s 15 spacious, stand-alone tents are immersed within a lush, 45-acre (18 hectare) jungle, connecting guests to nature while offering a cocoon of modern comfort. Guests will find the indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly within each accommodation, which features an open-air living room and separate bedroom flowing to an expansive deck and private plunge pool. A unique and deeply personalized dining experience can be found at Copal Kitchen, where guests are offered custom-made meals all day long, not just at standard mealtimes. Interactive and immersive dining experiences abound, giving guests the chance to meet a local coffee roaster, pop a bottle of Mexican wine with a sommelier or join Chef Sofia Mojica behind the open-fire grill to develop a deeper understanding of the region’s cuisine. Guests can discover traditional yet customized restorative experiences within the Resort’s wellness spaces, which include two spa pods tucked away in the forest, a House of Heat Temazcal, a cliffside terrace, an open-air gym and nature trails. Furthering Naviva’s exploratory ethos, additional wellbeing experiences may be found at Risco Terrace, the outdoor Mar Gym overlooking the Pacific, Selva Pool nestled in the jungle or at La Solana Beach, a private 575-foot (175 metre) expanse of Pacific beachfront. With a style that’s fluid and informal, Naviva removes transactions with all-encompassing stays that start at USD 3,950 per night and include all meals, snacks, and drinks including many premium wines and spirits, specialty meals prepared to enjoy throughout the property, one 60-minute spa treatment per guest, daily community activities, mind and body practices, and unplanned moments. Naviva’s certified guides, alongside a wide array of local craftspeople, share their Mexican heritage and cultural insights through Unscripted Naviva experiences, which occur spontaneously and can include an impromptu wine tasting, small-batch Mexican coffees sampling, a sunrise hike, picnic in the jungle or breathwork on La Solana Beach. This year, the Condé Nast Traveler 2023 Hot List features hotels, resorts, cruises, restaurants, and destinations as the most outstanding in the world, as vetted by the editors and contributors of the magazine. The Hot List is published in the May/June 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, available on newsstands now, and can also be found online. For more information or to book a stay at Naviva, call +52 329 291 6100 or reserve online.

FIT Summit's Awards of Excellence recognize leading companies and executives from across health, fitness, wellness and hospitality in the Asia Pacific Region.11 awards will be given based on their achievements and successes in the past 12 months from April 2022 to April 2023 plus we will be giving our special John Holsinger Lifetime Achievement Award. The 11 award categories open for nominations are: App of the Year Franchise of the Year Deal of the Year Technology Company of the Year Corporate Wellness Company of the Year Hotel/Resort/Spa Company of the Year Boutique of the Year Start-up of the Year Fitness & Wellness Company of the Year Executive of the Year Industry Appreciation Award You can submit your award entry now and before 30th April here: https://thefitsummit.com/events/awards/

Within a year since opening doors in September 2021, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa’s exemplary work in their efforts to promote and practice eco-conscious holidays has earned the resort the prestigious BCA Green Mark GOLDPlus Award, an internationally recognised green building certification scheme tailored for the tropical climate. Encouraging the industry and professionals to collaborate and develop green building solutions, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is raising the sustainability standards, in line with Marriott International’s ‘Serve 360’ sustainability policy – with a range of pioneering programmes that promote a culture of best practice throughout resort operations. The 141 villa resort debuted on the natural island of Thilamaafushi, an eco-conscious hideaway teeming with marine life, with a purpose to make a difference through its leading edge sustainability programmes, focusing on environmental protection, community engagement and marine conservation. Fringed by a vast lagoon, the coral reef that forms and surrounds the resort islands is one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. A coral restoration programme has been put in place since construction of the resort, and implementation of educational programmes that target different age groups raise’s awareness of the importance of conservation among guests. Regeneration work of hard corals has already increased the number of marine life around the resort, particularly reef fish such as surgeonfish, damselfish, angelfish and more. Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has also taken a significant step towards self-sufficiency, ‘The Greenhouse’ is a semi-automated hydroponic system that produces fresh leafy vegetables for resort guests and consumption on neighbouring islands. The 500 m² greenhouse uses a range of state-of-the-art technologies, including an automated irrigation system that captures and recycles rainwater. From its efficient recycling methods, to its desalination plant that converts seawater into fresh drinking water through reverse osmosis, to harnessing the power of the sun with its 480-kilowatt solar panel system, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa creates enriching experiences for the guests to explore and build deeper connections with the environment. Receiving the award by BCA as a sustainability leader motivates the resort to continuously prioritise on effective sustainable initiatives that is designed to create a positive impact in its surroundings and local community. Launched in 2008, the BCA Green Mark Champion Awards recognises developers who demonstrate strong commitment towards corporate social responsibility and who have achieved a substantial number of Green Mark buildings at Gold level or higher. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) champions the development and transformation of the built environment sector, in order to improve the living environment of the world.

Villa Hotels & Resorts adventurous and eco-luxury resort, Sun Island Resort & Spa has won the award for the Maldives Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards 2022. The win is a testament to Sun Island Resort’s consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability and ocean conservation, which are at the core of the company’s values and key practices. “We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone that has supported Sun Island throughout the years. Our success is a result of our passionate and dedicated Sun Island and Villa Hotels & Resorts team who are passionate and dedicated about environmental conservation and contributing towards our sustainable way of life,” Abdulla Fathhey, the General Manager at Sun Island Resort & Spa, said. Sun Island Resort & Spa has also recently achieved the prestigious Green Key Award, following a thorough sustainability policy and concrete plan with objectives and annual actions formulated for continuous improvements in environmental management. The resort has since established significant progress in environmental protection and preservation of the natural ecology of the island. With such a thriving abundance of nature, yet a fragile environment, Sun Island Resort & Spa has implemented eco-friendly techniques to reduce energy consumption, save water and recycle. In addition, regular island and lagoon clean-ups are held on the island and nearby sandbank with all recycling donated to Parley for the Oceans. Sun Island Resort & Spa, located in South Ari Atoll within close proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), is celebrated for its spectacular natural beauty, signature Indian Ocean experiences and innovative sustainability efforts. Boasting a lush tropical environment with extensive botanical gardens which produce more than 20,000 coconuts per month as well as a wide variety of tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs which are picked and served in the restaurants across the resort. In addition to the fertile environment, the island is also home to various migratory birds which take shelter within the dense tropical vegetation on the island. Guests at Sun Island Resort & Spa are invited to get involved and support the resort’s sustainable, recycling and energy-saving initiatives in place. Moreover, the resort regularly holds island, lagoon and sandbank clean-ups led by the diveOceanus dive centre to help preserve the pristine nature. The opportunity to contribute presents guests with a deeper connection to the rich Maldivian nature and encourages environmentally conscious travellers who are part of a greener future.

Neyvaa 2 has officially received Guinness World Record for the most number of people performing static apnea from all over the Maldives with multiple locations across the archipelago at the given time. At the event held on 1st October 2022 at CROSSROADS Maldives, a total of 459 individuals participated in the event from 12 different resorts and several corporate companies. However, only 455 individuals were able to hold their breath underwater for one minute and thirty seconds as per the guidelines set for the record.  The event further focused on the climate change awareness. Using the hashtag #1breath4theoceans the organizers aimed to raise awareness on the global climate crisis affecting our island destination. Neyvaa 2 event organized by Freedive Maldives was held to commemorate Golden Jubilee – 50 years of tourism in the Maldives, this event promoted the passion for free driving and highlighted the Maldives on the map for free divers worldwide. The certificate was presented by the Representative at Guinness World Record Swapnil Dangarikar and was received by the Founder of Freedive Maldives Fahud Faiz at the gala dinner held to celebrate the free diving record.