Author: Abdul.Wasey

For travelers seeking a distinctive summer escape, Japan’s Tohoku region combines vibrant festivals, deeply rooted traditions, and interactive cultural activities. Located in northern Japan, the region is known for its cooler summer temperatures and a wide range of experiences away from Japan’s major cities, making it an appealing destination during the peak travel season. Early August is the ideal time to visit, as major summer festivals take place across Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures. Each presents a different experience, from giant illuminated floats to lantern-balancing performances reaching 12 meters, and large-scale dance parades, all rooted in traditions passed down through generations. Beyond the festivals,…

Permanent Riyadh headquarters anchors project within Saudi Arabia’s tourism and transport ecosystem Appointment of Generale Manager and national partnerships marks project’s transition into the delivery phase Riyadh : Dream of the Desert, Saudi Arabia’s first ultra-luxury desert train, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its permanent headquarters in Riyadh and the appointment of Raffaele Breschi as General Manager. As the project enters its delivery phase ahead of its debut at the end of 2026, these developments reaffirm a long-term commitment to building the experience from within the Kingdom, in close collaboration with Saudi institutions, partners and talent.…

Total revenue generated by GHA DISCOVERY members increased by 11% year-on-year to reach US$858 million in Q2, lifting H1 total revenue to US$1.8 billion Room nights booked by loyalty members rose by 21% year-on-year in Q2, reflecting higher occupancy and longer stays across member properties Italy, Spain and Thailand ranked top 3 international stay destinations in Q2 GHA portfolio surpassed 1,000 hotel milestone in H1 2026   Dubai :  Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced double-digit growth across all key performance indicators in Q2 supporting positive momentum in H1 2026. Total revenue reached US$858 million, representing an…

 Rotana recognised for its exceptional commitment to leveraging technology to enhance member experiences and operational efficiency Part of GHA’s 2026 Annual Awards, celebrating outstanding performance across 1,000 hotels and 55 brands in 100 countries Why Rotana won Best Use of Technology Abu Dhabi  – Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, has been named winner of the Best Use of Technology award at the 2026 Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) Awards, in recognition of its exceptional commitment to leveraging technology to enhance member experiences and operational efficiency. The award was presented…

Seasoned hospitality leader takes the reins at Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City   John Raffoul’s new role at Cheval Collection Dubai : Cheval Collection, the UK-based, award-winning luxury hospitality company, has appointed John Raffoul as Cluster General Manager for its two serviced hotel apartment properties in Dubai. With 23 years’ experience in the Middle East hospitality sector, John takes the reins at the award-winning Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City, which have 282 keys between them. John was previously GM at Cheval Maison The Palm, which opened in 2023. A year later, the…

The Saudi Arabian Food Guide introduces travellers to the Kingdom’s rich culinary heritage, where traditional recipes, regional ingredients and centuries of cultural exchange come together. From aromatic rice dishes and slow-cooked meats to freshly prepared street food, sweet pastries and traditional beverages, Saudi Arabian cuisine offers a delicious way to understand the country’s history, hospitality and regional diversity. Food is an important part of everyday life in Saudi Arabia. Meals bring families together, traditional dishes feature prominently during celebrations, and serving guests dates and Arabic coffee is a recognised expression of generosity. For visitors, tasting local food is therefore more…

Restaurant Trends Every Owner Should Watch in 2026 reflect an industry that is becoming increasingly digital, customer-focused and sustainability-driven. From artificial intelligence and automation to personalized dining, healthier menus and data-led decision-making, restaurants are adapting to changing customer expectations and evolving business challenges. For restaurant owners, staying informed about emerging trends is essential for building a resilient business. Rising operating costs, competition, staffing challenges and changing dining habits require operators to find better ways to manage resources while delivering memorable guest experiences. Technology is creating opportunities to streamline daily operations, while sustainability and personalization are influencing how customers choose where…

T+L Asia recognition adds to growing list of honours from MICHELIN, Tatler, and TripAdvisor BORACAY, Philippines (8 July, 2026) – The Lind Boracay has reinforced its position among the Philippines’ leading lifestyle resorts following a string of recent accolades. Most recently, the resort was named among the Philippines’ Best Beach, Island + Upcountry Resorts in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, ranking No. 6 in the category. The recognition to a growing list of honours that includes a place in the MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 hotel selection, and acclaim as one of Tatler Philippines’ 2026 Spotlight Hotels and in…

Riyadh : Alfa Co. proudly announces the opening of Chinese Palace and Onami at Anas Bin Malik, an exciting new dining destination that brings together the distinctive culinary traditions of China and Japan under one roof. The new concept offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an extensive selection of authentic Asian cuisine in a contemporary and welcoming setting. From freshly prepared sushi and comforting ramen to authentic Chinese specialties, wok-fried favourites, handmade dumplings, and signature noodle dishes, Chinese Palace and Onami delivers a diverse menu designed to satisfy every occasion. Created with today’s diners in mind, the restaurant is built around three…

Aranya : FREELANDER has officially unveiled the FREELANDER 8 First Edition at Aranya — a destination featured on TIME’s 2024 list of the World’s Greatest Places. The showcase also marked the global public premiere of three exclusive paint finishes, opening a new chapter in the brand’s global expansion. As the Comprehensive Strategic Partner of the Aranya Theatre Festival, FREELANDER chose the coastal destination for its unique mix of natural scenery, iconic architecture, performing arts and vibrant community culture. The setting aligns closely with the brand’s direction of delivering premium, intelligent all-terrain mobility that blends into diverse lifestyles. Throughout the event,…