A deadly fire engulfed a ski resort hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey, early Tuesday morning, claiming at least 76 lives and leaving 51 others injured. Among the victims, many were children, including young students aged 10 and 11, as families and holidaymakers were caught in the flames and smoke.

The tragedy struck during the school holiday season, with 234 guests staying at the hotel in Bolu province. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as desperate guests leaped from windows and attempted to escape using tied bedsheets.

 Image Credits - Getty Images

Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, reported that the blaze began at 3:27 a.m., with emergency crews arriving nearly an hour later. Despite the swift mobilization of 267 emergency responders, including 30 fire trucks and 28 ambulances, the 12-story cliffside structure posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday, urging solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. “Today is a day for unity,” Erdogan emphasized, promising that those responsible would face justice.

Authorities have detained nine individuals as part of an ongoing investigation. Reports indicate that the hotel’s fire detection system failed to function, exacerbating the disaster. Survivors recounted the chaos, with one guest stating, “The alarm didn’t go off. My wife smelled the burning... We saw people hanging from windows, screaming for help.”

The resort, a popular winter destination for skiers from Istanbul and Ankara, saw its busiest period interrupted by the blaze. Other hotels in the area were evacuated as a precaution, with displaced guests accommodated elsewhere in Bolu.

As rescue operations and investigations continue, the Kartalkaya fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in public spaces.

Destination Management Companies (DMCs) are at the forefront of transforming travel hubs into vibrant, tourist-friendly spaces. Their expertise in blending sustainability with local culture is paving the way for a stronger and more resilient tourism infrastructure. Here’s how notable DMCs are shaping global tourism:

1. Kenya: Wild Whispers
Kenya's iconic safari experiences owe much to the innovative efforts of Wild Whispers. Focused on eco-friendly practices, the company partners with local communities and wildlife conservancies to safeguard Kenya's rich biodiversity.

“Tourism in Kenya is about more than luxury lodges; it’s about preserving wildlife and empowering local communities,” says Aman Shah, CEO of Wild Whispers. By training local guides, creating private conservancies, and adopting sustainable solutions like solar-powered camps, the company ensures an elevated travel experience while benefiting the environment and communities.

2. Bali: Tria Uma Wisata Tours & Travels
Tria Uma Wisata in Bali is redefining tourism with a focus on cultural preservation and authentic local experiences. Collaborating with artisans and farmers, they bring Bali’s rich traditions to life for visitors.

“Bali is a cultural and spiritual haven beyond its beaches. Our aim is to ensure tourism supports and preserves this identity,” shares Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director. By promoting eco-resorts and organizing workshops in traditional crafts like batik and gamelan music, the company strengthens Bali’s cultural legacy while enriching its tourism offerings.

3. Jordan: Plan B Travel & Tourism
Jordan’s timeless heritage finds a global audience thanks to Plan B Travel & Tourism. The company curates diverse travel experiences that highlight both iconic attractions and hidden gems.

“Our mission is to honor Jordan’s heritage while making it accessible to the world,” says Rana Abu Alhala, CEO. Plan B’s itineraries seamlessly combine famous sites like Petra and Wadi Rum with lesser-explored destinations such as Jerash and Madaba, catering to every type of traveler.

4. Sri Lanka: Hayleys
Despite challenges, Hayleys is driving Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery with innovative offerings like wellness retreats, cultural tours, and wildlife safaris.

“Sri Lanka has a powerful story to share, and we’re helping shape its future through enhanced tourism infrastructure,” explains Suchitra Aluwihare, COO of Hayleys Travels. Their initiatives include training naturalists, collaborating with Ayurvedic resorts, and creating eco-lodges to showcase the island’s breathtaking biodiversity.

DMCs like Wild Whispers, Tria Uma Wisata, Plan B, and Hayleys exemplify how a localized, sustainable approach can redefine tourism. As travelers increasingly seek meaningful and conscious experiences, these companies are leading the way in building stronger, more enriching destinations.

The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok is set to reopen on September 27, 2024, following a major transformation. To celebrate its return, the hotel has launched a 10-episode docuseries, An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries, which chronicles the hotel’s redevelopment over the past five years. This series, which began with a teaser trailer on September 3, 2024, is available on the hotel's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The series documents the hotel’s history, starting with its original construction in 1969 by Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui. "When talking about Dusit Thani Bangkok, many people think about my mother, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, who built the original hotel following her vision to uniquely deliver gracious Thai hospitality to the world," said Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman of Dusit International. The hotel, with its unique design, became a landmark and stood for over 50 years as a symbol of Thai hospitality.

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok will continue to reflect this legacy while incorporating modern design and luxury. According to Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO of Dusit International, the hotel’s redesign has been guided by three pillars: “The legacy continues – Gracious, now and always,” “Iconic grandeur for a new generation,” and “Luxury redefined through distinctive experiences.” These pillars ensure that the hotel retains its identity while adapting to modern needs.

The new hotel, situated in the same location as the original property, is part of the Dusit Central Park development. This mixed-use project includes luxury residences, offices, retail spaces, and a rooftop park, all set to open in 2025. The 39-floor, 257-room hotel offers spacious guest rooms with views of Lumpini Park. Designed by André Fu Studio, the rooms combine cultural heritage with contemporary aesthetics, providing guests with a luxurious and immersive experience.

The hotel also features a variety of dining options, a multi-level rooftop bar, expansive meeting spaces, and one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok, all overlooking Lumpini Park. Wellness enthusiasts can enjoy the Devarana Wellness Centre, offering a range of health and relaxation services.

Several elements of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok have been preserved in the new building, including the golden spire inspired by the stupa of Wat Arun, traditional artworks by National Artist Paiboon Suwannakudt, and carved teakwood ceiling panels. The hotel’s Heritage Floor also features a virtual library showcasing the history of the hotel and the Silom area.

"Maintaining Dusit Thani Bangkok’s iconic identity has been our mission from the very start," said Suthumpun. The preservation efforts, including artworks by Silpakorn University artists, are featured in the docuseries. New episodes of An Icon Reimagined: The Docuseries will be released every Tuesday throughout September.