Natural Sanctuary – Bled in Slovenia

By Shereen Shabnam One of my most memorable travel destinations recently was to Slovenia with Turkish Airlines. The first stop was at a lake town called Bled,a popular tourist destination in Slovenia known for its emerald green lake, a wonderful restaurant on top of a mountain with picturesque views and a medieval castle. On arrival, we had an enchanting boat ride across the lake, which is the highlight of a visit to Bled. It is best to take some time to take in the ambience, watch the swans and ducks on the lakes and enjoy the lush green mountains in … Continue reading Natural Sanctuary – Bled in Slovenia

Rose Park Hotel – Al Barsha

By Shereen Shabnam Inspired from past success in hospitality and the enviable reputation for delivering excellence in guest service over the last 10 years, the award-winning Rose International Hotels Management recently introduced us to the Rose Park Hotel in Al Barsha. Over a sumptuous lunch, Thameem Razick, Director of Sales & Marketing at Rose Hotels & Hotel Apartments tells us that the 4 Star hotel is the newest addition to the growing portfolio managed by Rose International Hotels Management. Located close to Mall of the Emirates and only a metro ride away from Dubai’s tourist attractions and business centers such … Continue reading Rose Park Hotel – Al Barsha

Classic Elegance – Luxury at every turn at Villa Magna, Madrid

By Shereen Shabnam On the way to my Spanish home recently, a stop in Madrid led me and my family to discover the luxury Villa Magna in Madrid where the ambience celebrates the old and new in a space that only be described as classically elegant. In the last century, where this modern building stands today on the Paseo de la Castellana, was the Palace of Anglada which was demolished in the 1960`s. The hotel on the same site shows the same sophistication and after an extensive renovation, the luxury hotel has become a home to regular visitors who love … Continue reading Classic Elegance – Luxury at every turn at Villa Magna, Madrid

Hotels and OTAs need to work together to maximise revenues, say experts

Dynamic commissioning and nano pricing will maximise revenue for hotels and OTAs Alternative accommodation such as Airbnb should not be viewed as a threat or disruptor to the market Hotels and Online Travel Agents (OTAs) need to work together to find a collaborative approach that maximises revenues, builds brand confidence and rewards consumer loyalty, according to a panel of experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM). According to a report published on Monday 23rdApril, by Colliers International on ATM’s Global Stage, rate parity agreements have led to a turbulent relationship between hotels and OTAs in recent years. The findings of … Continue reading Hotels and OTAs need to work together to maximise revenues, say experts

Record-breaking year: Well over 6 million overnight stays 2017

3.59 million arrivals (+7.3 per cent), 6.24 million overnight stays (+8.1 per cent)  Value creation in tourism sector is increasing  Convention and congress market passes 4 million participant threshold  New publication points out development potential of Cologne’s hotel market  Culinary Cologne is new focus topic of 2018/19  The tourism year 2017 was the best in Cologne’s history, posting a total of 3.59 million arriving guests and 6.24 million overnight stays. There were 7.3 per cent more arrivals and 8.1 per cent more overnight stays in hotels compared to the previous year, according to official registration records. The increases for visitors … Continue reading Record-breaking year: Well over 6 million overnight stays 2017

Barbecue Delights Announces New Location at IBN Battuta Mall

Dubai’s fastest growing South Asian restaurant chain is proud to announce the opening of its newest restaurant branch inside IBN Battuta mall – China Court. The new branch joins six other outlets spread across the city. According to Mr. Misbah Ahmad, Chairman of Barbecue Delights, the current expansion of the restaurant chain is part of the brand’s plans to have more branches not only in Dubai but to serve this traditional Sub continental cuisine across the UAE and GCC as a whole. “Barbecue Delights prides itself in offering one of the most popular menus, which gives our guests a taste … Continue reading Barbecue Delights Announces New Location at IBN Battuta Mall

RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PARTNERS WITH AIRBNB TO PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE HOME SHARING

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Airbnb have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote responsible home sharing, boost tourism and diversify the tourism offer in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The announcement was made today by Haitham Mattar, Chief Executive Officer of RAKTDA and Hadi Moussa, Airbnb’s General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, at a press conference in Ras Al Khaimah. This agreement follows the recent adoption of a new Directive which makes clear that people in the Emirate are allowed to share their space as long as they respect basic safety … Continue reading RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PARTNERS WITH AIRBNB TO PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE HOME SHARING

Pure Indulgence – DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Reserva del Higuerón

By Shereen Shabnam This has been a year of exploring my adopted country Spain and during a road trip, we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Reserva del Higueron, belonging to the Hilton brand family. The first thing that greeted me at the hotel was the most beautiful classic car in the lobby and being a motoring enthusiast, I was in love. The hotel is a unique, modern, comfortable, spacious and airy complex. The Hotel is leader in design, leisure and services, with a combination of entertainment, health, sports, relaxation, culinary and activities. Ideally located in one … Continue reading Pure Indulgence – DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Reserva del Higuerón

Christmas at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

By Shereen Shabnam My favourite place in Switzerland, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Zermatt, dominated by the Matterhorn is a rare place where everything works in synergy and GCC travellers can enjoy memorable winter stays including a generous breakfast buffet during the festive season at this majestic property. My favourite memory from my visit is the transfer to and from the Zermatterhof and Zermatt station in a horse-drawn carriage or electric bus on the day of your arrival and departure. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet, mineral water and soft drinks from the minibar, Ronnefeldt-Tea, Nespresso coffee machine with capsules, … Continue reading Christmas at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof