Industry News

A fixture on any serious traveller’s itinerary for centuries thanks to its abundant architectural marvels and important historic sites, Egypt is now a favoured destination for those seeking deep cultural immersion, craving the thrill of adventure, treasure hunting in the markets, thirsting for pan-Arab dining and delighting in Insta-worthy views at every turn.  This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh invites travellers to discover – and rediscover – it all. “The incredible thing about Egypt is that there’s always more – from exciting archaeological finds and newly restored landmarks to its more recent emergence as a playground for desert and sea adventures, and the many exciting new attractions just waiting to be experienced,” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa.  “With the insider knowledge and genuine care that only Four Seasons can provide, a truly memorable experience will leave guests with only one question: when are we coming back again?” Well-established in Egypt for more than two decades, Four Seasons can customize the perfect holiday for families, couples and friends in one, two or more Egyptian destinations, completely tailored to individual needs and wants.  With insider access, trusted local guides and seamless travel arrangements – not to mention the comfort of luxurious accommodations at the end of each adventure-filled day - all that’s left to do is enjoy every moment. Top of the list for any visitor to Egypt is the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo.  None other than Ramses II (in the form of an 11 metre statue carved 32 centuries ago) welcomes visitors to the largest archaeological museum in the world.  The striking contemporary building houses most of the treasures unearthed a century ago in King Tut’s tomb, plus more than 100,000 additional artifacts spanning 7,000 years of Egyptian history and culture.  GEM is partially open now, with an expected grand opening later this year. From there, the opportunities are endless.  Below is a taste of the possibilities, a few recommendations, and ways to get started on planning an Egyptian adventure this summer.Cairo: An Ever-Changing City of Secrets “The Pyramids of Giza are a must of course, and particularly for those who have seen them before, we offer the opportunity to experience their majesty in a new light with a very special private dinner under the stars amid one of the Seven Wonders of the World,” says Yves Giacometti, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.  “And to see something that much fewer have seen until now, we suggest the Step Pyramid at Djoser, recently reopened after a 14 year-restoration and the centre of a tomb complex that is older even than the Pyramids of Giza, by several hundred years.” To journey even deeper into history, a trip to Luxor and the paradise city of Arwan is a day not soon forgotten.  Four Seasons offers a door-to-door experience, including limo transfers and a Four Seasons escort through the airport.  Then, after a short flight, Four Seasons guests are met with a carefully chosen guide who will be at their side for the entire day before returning to Cairo that evening or the next day.  Often called the world’s greatest open air museum, treasures are continuing to be discovered.  Those preferring to stay in the city will be spoiled for choice, from the city’s many restored palaces to its performing arts centres, contemporary art galleries (tip: check out the extensive art collection at Four Seasons as an introduction to the city’s burgeoning arts scene), numerous museums and the Cairo Opera House, home to international and local musical performances with first class productions of ballet, opera and symphonic works. No visit to the city is complete without a trip the Moez area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Khan El Khalili, the 1,000-year-old markets, in search of everything from artisan pieces to funky souvenirs. Then as the sun sets, a leisurely cruise on calm waters of the Nile in a traditional felucca takes you past the evening-lit Cairo Opera House, sparkling Cairo Tower, the celebrated Cairo Yacht Club and several palaces as you sip on Bedouin-style mint tea. To begin planning exploration of the city and its surroundings, book a getaway by the Nile at the riverside Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, and contact the Concierge team for personalised recommendations to suit all interests.Alexandria: The Pearl of the Mediterranean Relatively youthful in comparison to Cairo, Alexandria was founded by, and named for, Alexander the Great in 331 BC.  The arrival of the Macedonians in Egypt was just another moment in a long history of cross-cultural influences that can be seen all over the city. For example, take Pompey’s Pillar, erected to honour the Roman Emperor Diocletian around 300 AD.  “Climbing it is forbidden of course, but it’s fun to think about those who did in the past, and the stories of its construction and its role in many periods of history are fascinating,” says Chief Concierge Shaimaa Youssry, Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano. A visit to the Roman Amphitheatre takes one through the remains of the ancient city of Alexandria during the Roman Period.  Then, venture on a tour of where the legendary Pharos Lighthouse once stood - The Citadel Qaitbay. The 15th-century landmark is now a naval museum with lookout towers and a unique collection of weapons.  “A must-see landmark is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; one of the major cultural centres in the world with space for eight million books and a massive main reading room,” recommends the Hotel’s General Manager Nihat Yucel.  The complex houses four museums, 15 permanent art galleries, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory. Another of the many attractions in Alexandria is the Royal Jewelry Museum, set within an opulent palace built about a century ago.  Here, Four Seasons can arrange an expert guide through its magnificent rooms and priceless treasures on display including gold objects and jewellery once worn by the queens and princesses of Egypt’s royal family.  For something truly special, Chef Concierge Shaimaa Youssry hints at the possibilities afforded by a private evening tour of the palace, followed by dinner and live music in the Royal Gardens: “Can you imagine a more romantic setting for a proposal, or a celebration of enduring love?” Those who want to experience modern day Alexandria at its best will enjoy an evening at the beautiful Alexandria Opera House – check in with the concierge team for the tickets to upcoming performances of music, ballet, opera and more. To begin planning the perfect seaside vacation, book a Mediterranean getaway at the beachfront Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano, and contact the Concierge team for the best ways to experience the city.Sharm El Sheikh: An Oasis for Adventurers For those who shun darkened museums, busy markets and crowded tourist sites, Egypt’s Peninsula is a vast wilderness for adventurers on land and underwater.  The Red Sea waters surrounding the southern tip of the peninsula are teeming with marine life and intriguing shipwrecks, making it popular with divers and snorkellers of all levels.  First stop: the new dive centre at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, where training and first glimpses of colourful aquatic life can be seen in the Resort’s private reef.  From there, escorted trips and yacht charters to the area’s 76 recognised dive sites await.  “Try night diving too,” says Leo Baum, the Resort’s General Manager.  “On a moonlit night you can see as far as 10 metres or 32 feet deep, and witnessing the glittering bioluminescence of tiny particles of glowing plankton is something you’ll never forget. Beyond diving and the dramatic reefs, guests will enjoy water activities on a sea kayak and stand-up paddle boarding.” Recently expanded to double its original size, Four Seasons now offers numerous pools, 12 diverse culinary experiences, a new spa fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows, tennis and squash courts – but for those who want to expand their horizons, there’s as much to do in the desert as at the beach.  Quad biking the dunes, a sunset camel safari, or a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars are all easily arranged, and the region’s historic sites are worth a look too. “Said to be the very place where God appeared to Moses in the Burning Bush, Mount Sinai is an overnight climb rewarded by the beauty of sunrise over the shining Red Sea the next morning,” says Ahmed Nazmy, Chief Concierge. “The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Saint Catherine’s Monastery, built in the sixth century and one of the world’s oldest working monasteries today.” For a look at modern Sharm El Sheikh, a visit to the Heavenly Cathedral with its elaborately painted ceiling, stained galls windows and Biblical illustrations will have cameras snapping, as will the glorious Al Sahaba Mosque with its striking minarets – both were built in the 21st century, with the latter being close to the Old Market for souvenirs, spices and local handicrafts. To begin planning the adventure – or simply a few days of sun-soaked relaxation – book a Red Sea getaway at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, and contact the Concierge team to help tailor each fun-filled day at the recently enhanced resort.

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.

From 1 October 2023, the luxury cruising “resort” will introduce Four Seasons travellers to the western Pacific Island nation of Palau, with daily embarkations to true adventure. Remote and untouched – imagine a beautiful wilderness awash with natural and cultural wonders. Four Seasons Explorer is setting sail to one of the world's last remaining frontiers beginning later this year. Hidden in a remote part of the mighty Pacific, discover Palau – home to more than 340 emerald islands, an astonishing spectrum of marine life, and a 4,000-year-old culture still sustained by the local knowledge of 20,000 traditionally minded people - the most vital element of the unique Palauan culture.Referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, with a half million square kilometres (193,000 square miles) of protected marine territory, Palau offers glorious opportunities for divers and snorkellers. But that’s just the start of the island nation’s wondrous appeal. With only 9 of the country’s 340 islands inhabited, opportunities for raw natural adventure abound, while deep cultural immersions range from insights into the rich Palauan dance tradition – awash with powerful chanting, storytelling and vibrant colours – to intriguing exploration of WWII sites, symbolic bai meeting houses, and centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese and American influences.“The core Palauan value of omengull – respecting all and everything – deeply aligns with our values at Four Seasons,” notes Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin. “Right from the Palauan Pledge that all visitors are asked to sign upon arrival, visitors are immersed in one of the world’s most unique cultures, founded on tradition and respect. It’s a thrilling paradise for anyone seeking harmony with nature, and the opportunity to learn and embrace the unique Palauan way of life.”Be among the first to experience Palau with Four Seasons Explorer: Reservations for the first adventures in late 2023 are now being confirmed, with several opening offers and daily embarkation options to choose from.  Call (960) 66 00 888, email:  reservations.pme@fourseasons.com or book online to begin the adventure. Discover One of the World’s Last Remaining Natural FrontiersMore than 1,400 species of fish and 500 species of healthy corals thrive in Palau’s crystal waters and elevated lakes. The nation became the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, covering more than 600,000 square kilometres of ocean (230,000 square miles) while the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palau’s astonishing spectrum of ocean life make it a paradise for swimming, snorkelling and diving.With a draft of 1.9 metres (6.23 feet), Four Seasons Explorer can access locations that larger vessels can't reach, while its PADI 5-Star Dive Centre ensures expert multi-lingual instructors, the latest gear and onboard videographer, as well as custom-designed dive and excursion boats for direct entry to even the most inaccessible dive sites.Bucket-list amazement lies around every corner for divers, from the glittering stalactite formations of Chandelier Cave to the WWII history of Helmet Wreck; the gorgonian fans of Blue Corner to the dazzling canyons of Peleliu Wall. Experiences are equally awe-inspiring for snorkellers: millions of stingless golden and moon jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake; giant 115 kilogram (250 pounds) tridacna clams in Clam City; rabbitfish, turtles and goatfish in the crystal clear Ngedebus Coral Gardens—all accessed via guided excursions with Four Seasons marine biologists. Cultural Explorations The scattered islands of Micronesia’s Palau are home to a unique culture and intriguing heritage bound by a deep respect for the environment that has sustained generations of people. Four Seasons Explorer on-shore excursions are handled by insightful guides and include visiting Palau's oldest bai (meeting house); exploring the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, estimated to date back to the year 161; marvelling at the cave paintings of Ulong Island; discovering the Belau National Museum, multiple WWII sites, traditional music, lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and more. Recreational activities on offer include windsurfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking, while wellness experiences showcase soothing yoga, breathing and restorative treatments on-board or on a secluded beach. Explorer guests can bathe in mineral-rich mud, learn traditional Palauan fishing techniques, hike, bird-watch or even learn to pronounce a few Palauan phrases. A World of Culinary CreativityAboard Four Seasons Explorer, each day begins with an array of à-la-carte breakfast choices. Meals served on-board are all-inclusive (with the exception of alcoholic beverages) with lunch and dinner menus changing daily, themed on regional creations from Palau and elsewhere in the Pacific, as well as Asia and the West. Highlights include regular beach barbecues complete with insights into Palauan music and culture – always with fresh (and where possible, local) ingredients – gourmet flourishes and an extensive wine list. A Floating ResortFour Seasons Explorer operates like a floating resort, offering daily embarkations and disembarkations, allowing up to 22 guests to explore as deeply – and for as long – as they wish. With the freedom to focus on personal areas of interest among Palau’s many bucket-list wonders, both underwater and on land, all adventures are entirely bespoke. Guests can also look forward to a variety of on-board experiences, from connecting with Palauan people, chefs and musicians to learning from expert marine biologists and indulging in wellness experiences with spa therapists and yogis. Multi-Destination DiscoveryGiven its remote location, Palau is ideally experienced in conjunction with other nearby destinations. Palau International Airport in Koror is currently accessible via Taipei, Honolulu, Guam, Manila and Brisbane, with the island nation well placed for further exploration of Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan and other islands of Oceania such as Yap, Chuuk and the Federated States of Micronesia. Private ChartersFour Seasons Explorer will also be available for fully customizable private yacht charters in Palau for groups of up to 22 – including dedicated charters for surf enthusiasts with the experts from Tropicsurf, from uncrowded “best-kept secret” breaks on the east and west coast reefs to adventurous “surfaris” off the country’s fringing islands during the winter months. 

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 

Tourism Fiji proudly announced their membership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) last month, which establishes and manages global sustainability standards in order to protect and sustain the  world’s natural and cultural resources. By joining the GSTC, Tourism Fiji and its industry partners have made a  commitment to work towards a more sustainable future for the islands. With a variety of initiatives aimed at  promoting awareness, driving positive impact and encouraging visitor participation, the industry is committed to  safeguarding Fiji's invaluable natural resources for future generations through these collaborative endeavors. Home to a pristine natural environment, including some of the world’s largest coral reefs and a unique living culture,  Fiji recognises the importance of sustainability and community engagement. Tourism Fiji is championing sustainable  tourism practices that reduce the environmental impact of tourism by reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions,  promoting energy efficiency, and conserving water and natural resources. Resorts and tour operators across Fiji are  helping to future-proof the industry by greening their operations and supporting conservation and community  initiatives. “We are proud to be among leading tourism destinations and companies around the world who have banded  together to create a better future for travelers and local communities,” said the CEO of Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill. “We  believe that sustainable tourism is the way forward and are committed to working with our industry partners to  make this a reality.” Fiji’s resorts and tourism businesses are spearheading significant sustainability efforts that range from installing  renewable energy sources like solar, going plastic free, reducing and managing waste and wastewater, to planting  organic gardens and offsetting carbon footprint through mangrove planting. Other resorts and businesses are  helping to preserve Fiji’s endangered and endemic species like iguanas and turtles, and conserving large swathes of  reefs, forests and islands in protected areas.   Fiji’s resorts and tourism operators have launched an array of sustainability initiatives ahead of Earth Day (April 22)  including:  Nanuku Resort’s Batiwai Project Improves Local Marine Ecosystem From coral planting, reef conservation and shore protection activities to cultural activities such as traditional Meke  dancing and Kava nights, Nanuku Resort aims to lead the way in sustainable luxury through its sustainability program,  the Batiwai Project. The Batiwai Project features targeted initiatives that not only improve the local marine  ecosystem but also maintain the resort’s minimal environmental footprint and enhance the livelihood of resort staff  and local communities, all while protecting the natural settings and surroundings. Since the program started, Nanuku  has transplanted 10,620 mangroves along the Wainiyabia-Culanuku corridor and has planted and transplanted  around 600 coral fragments in the nursery and around the house reef. Savasi Island Introduces Coral Reef Conservation Experience Savasi Island Resort offers a new 'Snorkeling & Coral Reef Conservation Experience’ with Matthew Norman and Sara  Carlson from Ocean Ventures, a sustainability focused couple with a wealth of experience in the diving industry and  a passion for preserving the marine environment. During this fascinating snorkeling trip to remote and pristine  Natewa Bay, guests tour a coral nursery and participate in a unique hands-on coral nursery experience, contributing  to the local community and marine conservation efforts in a meaningful and measurable way.  VOMO Welcomes Fijian Marine Biologist Laisenia Rokoua Leading the way in its endeavor to ensure the preservation of its beautiful habitat in the South Pacific, VOMO Island  Fiji has committed to sustainability with its year-round eco-friendly practices. The sustainability-minded luxury resort  has built a freshwater bottling plant that provides guests with pure drinking water in sealed reusable glass bottles.  VOMO also recently welcomed Fijian marine biologist, Laisenia Rokoua, to join the team, leading guest excursions  to plant coral and educate travelers on the surrounding ecosystem. This last year Rokoua has helped foster three  baby turtles that washed onto VOMO’s shores, ensuring they are healthy before returning them to the sea.  Wakaya Club & Spa Goes Crazy for Coconuts This Earth Day As one of the world’s most luxurious resorts, Wakaya Club & Spa is leading the way in their endeavor to ensure the  preservation of their beautiful habitat in the South Pacific, making a lasting impression, with less impact. This Earth  Day, guests at Wakaya can partake in a hands-on traditional weaving session and make their own Coconut Frond  Hats, Beach Baskets or Sasas (Fijian broom) using the branches from the tree. With sustainability and conservation  at the heart of Wakaya’s ethos, the property offers opportunities for travelers to engage with local Fijian experts  such as Luke Gordon of The Manta Trust to learn about the island’s initiatives to help conserve and sustain their  environments. To keep one of the world’s most stunning marine wildernesses intact, the Wakaya Marine Reserve is  known to house an array of Pacific coral fish, Hawksbill turtles, green back turtles, reef and hammerhead sharks.  Within this area Wakaya provides protection to over 16,000 square kilometers of marine life and rehomes numerous  species, including clams, until they reach a certain size.  Captain Cook Cruises Encourages Guests to ‘Buy A Bottle, Plant a Reef’ Captain Cook Cruises Fiji plans to embrace the 2023 Earth Day theme, Invest in Our Planet, with two new exciting  initiatives for guests to participate in. Guests who join their Day Sail to Tivua Private Island on April 22, 2023 will  have the opportunity to participate in two programs that aim to contribute to conservation efforts above and below  the ocean: ‘Plant a Palm’ and ‘Buy a Bottle, Build a Reef’. Guests will enjoy allocated time on their Day Sail experience  to plant coconut trees and seedlings to help create a lively habitat above the ocean or plant coral frags to preserve  the 500 acres of coral reef that surround the island.  Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa Offers Array of Sustainability Practices From protecting coral reefs to providing a safe haven for bees, Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is committed  to sustainability through a variety of eco-conscious programs, including their new Community Care Fund program,  ongoing Coral Reef Restoration Project, Rise Beyond The Reef partnership, the Honeybee Project, and Food Waste  Management program. For more information on Fiji, visit: www.fiji.com.fj 

From music concerts with regional superstars, to spectacular nightly fireworks displays, residents and visitors are invited to ‘Feel Eid in Qatar’ this year, with a varied and family-friendly roster of events and activities.Qatar Tourism, in partnership with Qatar Airways, announces an exciting calendar of lively and family-friendly events to mark the joyous occasion of Eid, as part of its ‘Feel Eid in Qatar’ campaign (April 21 – 23). Ranging from spectacular music concerts with the region’s most revered artists, to fun-filled children’s shows, residents and visitors are sure to find something to suit their preferences amongst the action-packed weekend of activities.In addition, residents and visitors searching for an Eid staycation or holiday will find plenty of options among Qatar’s varied and world-class collection of hotels. Offers on Eid can be found on Qatar Tourism’s page visitqatar.com/eid. Moreover, leading entertainment venues will take part in various Eid festivities, such as Lusail Winter Wonderland, which will re-open during Eid for families to enjoy.Commenting on the line-up of Eid festivities, Sheikha Hessa Al-Thani, Head of Marketing and Planning at Qatar Tourism said: “Following the triumphant success of our ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign, Qatar’s tourism sector has seen an incredible start to the year and we are delighted to maintain this positive momentum with our exciting programme of activity for Eid 2023 celebrations. We invite our residents to enjoy the festivities taking place in the country and regional neighbours to visit and feel the true spirit of Eid in Qatar this year.” Three Nights of the Region’s Best MusicApril 21 – 23, Al Mayassa Theatre, QNCC21:00 start time; 20:00 doors openUnder Qatar Tourism’s flagship programme, ‘Qatar Live,’ this Eid will see some of the region’s most popular artists perform a unique tribute to Arabic music.Starting on Friday (April 21), Tamer Hosny will perform his medley of much-loved hits. Paired up with the electrifying DJ Rouge, the night is set to enthral local audiences with bespoke sets and energising live music. Tickets can be purchased here.Iconic artists Marwan Khoury and Najwa Karam lead the line-up for Saturday (April 22), which will celebrate the country’s significant contributions to regional music. Tickets can be purchased here.And finally, Sunday (April 23) will bring a lively celebration of Khaliji music. A trio of the genre’s most popular artists will perform their hits live to audiences at the beautiful Al Mayassa Theatre, including Qatar’s very own Fahad Al Kubaisi, recent winner of Saudi Idol – Hames –, and Emirati singer Balqees, who made her mark on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Official Soundtrack with ‘Light The Sky.’ Tickets can be purchased here. Daily Spectacular Fireworks ShowEvery evening, Doha CornicheAt 21:00 throughout the weekend, the skies of Doha will light up with a dazzling firework show along the Corniche. Fun-filled Activities Across the CountryThroughout Eid, various locationsAll around Doha, Eid celebrations will be taking place. The much-loved kids’ show, “Shaun the Sheep” is heading to Doha for three days at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall. At the same time, Asia Town will come to life with a Sports Festival and live stage shows by popular artists. With an array of entertainment options for all ages, Qatar’s Eid 2023 festivities promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.For more inspiration on what to do and where to go during Eid, Qatar Tourism has launched a ‘Qatar Calendar Eid Edition,’ a special edition of its monthly Qatar Calendar featuring a curated round-up of the most exciting offers and festivities taking place throughout the country during this exceptional time of year. Follow @qatarcalendar on Facebook and Instagram for more. Photo credits: Qatar Tourism

Tourism Fiji rolls out a refreshed take on their renowned ‘happiness’ brand platform, just over a year on from borders reopening to tourists. The new brand platform, ‘Where happiness comes naturally’ is a meaningful evolution that pays homage to Fiji’s local people, stunning natural environments, rich culture, and the authentic experiences on offer, encouraging travellers to discover a side to Fiji they may not have known existed. A recent study into sustainable travel revealed that 66 per cent of travellers want to have authentic experiences representative of the local culture. Tourism Fiji is tapping into this growing consumer desire for meaningful travel that creates a connection to culture and communities. Brent Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Fiji, commented, “For over a decade our tourism brand platform, ‘Where Happiness Finds You’ has attracted people from all over the world.” “During the peak of the pandemic, visitor numbers fell to almost 30,000 annually. As our borders closed and tourist numbers declined, Fijians showed that they are resilient and resourceful by carrying a strong sense of community and entrepreneurialism. Our visitor numbers have since been steadily growing, reaching 102.5 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers in December 2022.” “With short booking windows becoming the norm, we wanted to roll out ‘Where happiness comes naturally’ to capture that demand and welcome even more visitors back to Fiji in 2023, showing them a side of the country that they may not have experienced. We are a small island nation with a lot of happiness to offer, and this new brand platform showcases the vibrant and diverse cultures and traditions that exist within Fiji.” As part of the brand evolution, Tourism Fiji has announced five new travel pillars that it will develop and promote to tourists; Natural Environment, Adventurous Experiences, Community Connections, Recharge and Reconnect, and Food and Drink. These demonstrate a core range of authentic experiences visitors can have in Fiji, such as: Natural Environment – explore the wonders of Fiji that have formed over thousands of years and connect with nature; Talanoa Treks’ 2 – 5-night hikes let people discover a different side to Fiji only accessible on foot. Adventurous Experiences – for those seeking adrenaline-filled drift adventures, experience the Rainbow Reef – an underwater paradise discovered by Jacques Cousteau and known as the soft coral capital of the world. Community Connections – take part in a traditional Kava drinking ceremony that dates to 3 millennia ago. The botanical marvel has been used in Fiji as a form of welcome at traditional social gatherings, and in cultural and religious ceremonies. Recharge and Reconnect – soothe the soul with a dip in the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs. The therapeutic experience offers a natural remedy to help replenish the mind, body, and spirit. Food and Drink – splurge on a personalised chef experience at luxury resort Kokomo with local female Head Chef, Caroline Oakley, renowned for her ‘cooking with heart and soul’ approach to food. The rollout also includes a new logo that fuses modern and bold typography with the traditional Fijian art form of masi. It has been designed by Tourism Fiji’s global brand and creative agency Host/Havas, in collaboration with third-generation masi artist Wati Maraiwai Talavutu. She commented, “Being given the opportunity to create a new logo that celebrates our heritage and showcases our traditions to the world has been an incredible experience. I’m proud to be a part of this new campaign that honours Fiji and the happiness we live and breathe every day.” To showcase the new brand platform, Tourism Fiji captured its vibrant Fijian spirit using renowned National Geographic photographer Matthieu Paley.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has renewed their leadership of the One Planet network - 10YFP Sustainable Tourism programme. With a shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices, the programme has been working to drive positive change in the industry for many years. This renewed partnership represents a significant step forward in efforts to create more sustainable tourism. The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme aims to accelerate sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in tourism policies and practices to address the challenges of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change. It promotes knowledge sharing and networking opportunities to define collective priorities and identify solutions. Through its work, the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme sets the SCP agenda in the tourism sector to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 12 and also delivers progress under connected goals, such as SDG13, SDG14 and SDG15, respectively on climate action and the protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. To learn more about the programme, visit the official website https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/programmes/sustainable-tourism

Abu Dhabi’s budget carrier Wizz Air is launching flights to Maldives starting from $87 as they further expand their coverage to recover from air travel loss. Flights will be offered four times a week to Male’ which is the main international airport in the Maldives. Wizz Air is also launching daily flights to their fifth destination in the Gulf, Kuwait, starting at AED99. “We are excited to announce two new Wizz Air Abu Dhabi routes, which reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UAE’s travel and tourism industry by connecting its capital with many popular holiday destinations regionally and globally,” said Wizz Air’s development officer, Owain Jones. The airline is hoping to receive their 5th airbus plane in October, which will expand their connectivity and capacity to recover from the pandemic.