Barceló Mussanah Resort has bagged the Silver Award for Best Sports Event of the Year 2021 at the Middle East Sports Industry Awards 2022. General Manager of Barceló Mussanah Resort, Dermot Birchall, paid tribute to the fantastic teamwork of all colleagues at Oman Sail and Barcelo Mussanah Resort, where the famous coastal resort hosted the Youth World Sailing Championships 2021 in December. The resort is one of the most popular venues for domestic, regional, and international competitions, traditionally hosted during Oman’s sailing season from October to March annually.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has applied a new facet to the destination’s vibrant bar scene with Metropole Underground: the first subterranean bar in Cambodia’s capital, discreetly located in its basement. Inspired by the louche, chic vibe of early 20th Century Paris, Metropole Underground is a unique addition to the famously lively bar scene in Phnom Penh. The metro system in the French capital was a major inspiration for the bar, with replicas of cast iron detailing from the original Paris Metro integrated into the space and transformed into sculptural and decorative elements.  

Minor Hotels has announced an upcoming addition to its Anantara portfolio in the United Arab Emirates. Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel will be the brand’s third property in the thriving global leisure and financial hub when it joins the portfolio on July 1. The property, which is owned by Aujan Group Holding, has 252 guest rooms and suites, each with views of Downtown Dubai – some including the Burj Khalifa, of the Dubai skyline or the hotel pool, a wide variety of food and beverage options, a dedicated wellness floor including a spa, gym and swimming pool, meeting and events spaces and car parking. 

Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), celebrated sustainable practices across the city to mark the 50th World Environment Day, as it strives to further enhance Dubai’s position as a leading sustainable destination. From desert conservation reserves to sustainable restaurateurs and eco-hotels, to cultural pursuits and eco-tourism attractions, DET shone a light on 50 of the city’s pioneering initiatives in environmental conservation and sustainability across the tourism ecosystem on the occasion of World Environment Day, that was created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as “a global platform for inspiring positive change”.

Malaysia officially reopened its borders to international tourists starting April 1, 2022. Targeting to attract more than two million international tourists this year, Tourism Malaysia, the promotional board under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), will embark on a continuous effort to showcase the country’s unique blend of “Truly Asia” heritage to the Middle East and the world.

Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi has organised an Open House to announce the newly renovated compound and villas for rent. The open house was conducted to exhibit the modification of the driveways, pathways and clubhouse area in the presence of potential real estate agents, the diplomatic/corporate community, and influencers in Abu Dhabi. Situated along the shores of the Arabian Gulf exuding the traditional warmth of Arabian hospitality, the 24 luxury beachfront villas have undergone a journey of transformation. The pristine villas boast their own clubhouse, swimming pools and bar areas with enhancements in all the sections.  

Chic Palm West Beach destination, SAN Beach, in Dubai, welcomed an exclusive Valentino takeover this June. The African-inspired beach club hosted the Maison until June 10, 2022, for an exciting collaboration. Inside SAN Beach’s usually tranquil and minimalistic restaurant, guests were able to dine on an international-inspired menu immersed in a Maison Valentino world, surrounded by contrasting cushions, napkin holders, and coasters all in seasonal Valentino prints. 

EXO Travel Group, a global travel brand and leading destination management company (DMC), and Elaf Group, a leading hospitality, travel, and tourism brand in Saudi Arabia, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner to create a joint tourism venture in Saudi Arabia. The new company will offer bespoke travel programmes showcasing Saudi Arabia’s little-seen natural, cultural, and historical wonders in major destinations throughout the Kingdom and, in doing so, will capitalise on the incredible opportunities and potential of Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning tourism destination.