Golden Suisse hosted a luxury event in Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel, combining finance and tourism. Former Finance Minister Anders Borg’s keynote address highlighted wealth preservation. The event showcased Stockholm as a hub for high-end business and leisure travel, emphasizing its sustainable luxury offerings and attracting affluent international guests.
Saudi Arabia’s first domestic cruise ship, Aroya, has arrived in Jeddah, marking a major milestone in the nation’s maritime tourism. The 19-deck vessel boasts 1,678 staterooms, multiple restaurants and cafes, and various entertainment options. This launch signifies Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for luxury cruises, aligning with its Vision 2030 plan.
The Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc is rapidly transforming into a global luxury tourism hotspot with the launch of the Rixos Phu Quoc resort, marking the brand’s Southeast Asian debut. This all-inclusive resort, coupled with significant infrastructure developments and increased international connectivity, positions Phu Quoc to compete with established luxury destinations worldwide.
Egypt’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in 2024, driven by a 65% increase in Chinese tourists compared to the previous year. This growth is fueled by cultural initiatives, enhanced cooperation between the two countries, and the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Egypt’s focus on luxury tourism and strategic initiatives like the launch of a Chinese-language tourism website position it as a prime destination for Chinese travelers. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is also vying for a share of the Chinese tourism market with its own focus on luxury experiences and cultural events.
Nusa Penida, a neighboring island to Bali, is being touted as Indonesia’s version of Monaco, with plans for luxury development. However, this ambition raises concerns about the preservation of the island’s cultural identity and the sustainability of rapid tourism growth.
The Hospitality Tech Forum at the upcoming Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024 in Seville, Spain, will focus on key challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry, including sustainability, digitalization, and luxury tourism. The forum will feature leading experts who will share their insights and strategies for navigating these critical areas.
The Bahamas has been recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination and Caribbean’s Leading Sports Tourism Destination for 2024 by the World Travel Awards, highlighting its commitment to excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality.
John Keells Group, in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment, has launched ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’, the largest private sector investment in Sri Lankan history. This integrated resort, located in the heart of Colombo, aims to transform the nation’s tourism sector and position it as a top global destination. The project will feature a luxurious hotel, state-of-the-art gaming complex, shopping mall, and entertainment venues, offering an unparalleled experience for both international and local visitors. ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’ is not only set to contribute significantly to the local economy through job creation and foreign exchange earnings but also serves as a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.
At the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai, Malaysia’s tourism industry unveiled its strategic plan to attract the burgeoning Middle Eastern travel market. The Malaysian delegation, led by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), highlighted the country’s unique blend of multicultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Catering to the cultural preferences of Middle Eastern travelers, Malaysia showcased its strengths in halal tourism, including halal-certified restaurants and hotels, private villas with halal kitchens, and easily accessible mosques. To enhance accessibility, the MTPB announced new partnerships and promotional offers with Middle Eastern airlines and travel agencies, offering special packages and discounts tailored to the family market. The calendar of events and festivals, such as the Malaysia Water Festival and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), were promoted as must-see attractions. Malaysia also emphasized its focus on luxury and eco-tourism, catering to the high-end market and providing sustainable travel options. To keep pace with the digital age, Malaysia introduced VR experiences and training programs to enhance the skills of tourism professionals in luxury hospitality and cultural competence.
Rixos Hotels Egypt is poised to take part in the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, scheduled for 2024. This participation is part of the hotel group’s strategy to reinforce its position as a prominent destination for luxury tourism.
