Atlantis Dubai Celebrates Sustainability Milestone with 100% Seafood Traceability Commitment

Atlantis Dubai Celebrates Sustainability Milestone with 100% Seafood Traceability Commitment

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 7, 2024

Atlantis Dubai is marking the third anniversary of its pioneering sustainability initiative, the Atlantis Atlas Project, by announcing a bold new commitment: 100% seafood traceability across its dining establishments. This announcement coincides with World Oceans Day on June 8th, a fitting occasion to highlight the resort's ongoing efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote responsible tourism.

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In a significant step towards transparency and sustainability, Atlantis Dubai has partnered with Seafood Souq, a UAE-based organization dedicated to establishing clear and accountable seafood supply chains. This collaboration began in 2022 and has already made notable strides. Seafood Souq’s innovative SFS Trace technology allows every piece of seafood served at Atlantis Dubai’s restaurants to be tracked from ocean to table, ensuring comprehensive insights into sourcing practices.

The SFS Trace system collects and audits detailed data on each seafood item, whether wild-caught or farmed. For wild-caught seafood, this includes information like the date of capture, fishing gear used, and the vessel's registration. For farmed seafood, the system tracks species, feed sources, and welfare standards. This data is then verified and compiled into a digital impact dashboard, which Atlantis Dubai uses to monitor and improve its procurement practices.

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By August 2023, the traceability technology was fully operational at Atlantis Dubai, with regular quarterly audits ensuring compliance and data accuracy. By the end of 2023, 68.7% of the seafood served was traceable, rising to 90% by March 2024. Atlantis Dubai aims to achieve full traceability by December 2024, making it a leader in sustainable seafood sourcing in the region.

Since its launch, the Atlantis Atlas Project has spearheaded numerous initiatives to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. Key achievements over the past year include:

Solar Energy: Installation of solar panels has saved 767 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the carbon absorption of 15,435 trees.

Food Waste Reduction: Implementation of Winnow technology in buffet restaurants has cut edible food waste by 40%.

Waste Management: Recycling bins in all 1,544 guest rooms at Atlantis, The Palm, enhance waste segregation efforts.

Plastic Reduction: Transition to refillable pump bottles for amenities in guest rooms has diverted 3 million plastic tubes from landfills annually.

Water Bottle Replacement: Over 2.6 million single-use plastic bottles have been replaced with glass refillable bottles.

Educational Outreach: Introduction of new school programs at The Lost Chambers Aquarium has boosted attendance by 253% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Inclusive Guest Experience: Atlantis Dubai became the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to earn the IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ Designation, enhancing accessibility for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests.

Soap Recycling: The UNISOAP UAE initiative has collected 70.7kg of discarded soap from the properties for recycling.

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Atlantis Dubai’s efforts are not just about operational changes but also about fostering a culture of sustainability among guests and staff. The resort’s culinary and procurement teams work closely with Seafood Souq to select responsible suppliers, and future plans include allowing guests to scan a QR code to view the traceability score of their seafood dishes.

Fahim Al Qasimi, Co-Founder and Executive Chairperson of Seafood Souq, underscores the importance of this initiative, stating, “Traceability of seafood supply chains is crucial for food safety and ocean protection. We are proud to partner with Atlantis on this pioneering initiative, a first for the region.”

As Atlantis Dubai celebrates the third anniversary of the Atlantis Atlas Project, it doubles down on its commitment to sustainability. For every marine animal experience participated in by a guest on World Oceans Day and the following day, the resort will double its $1 USD contribution to support future conservation and education projects.

To learn more about the Atlantis Atlas Project and explore how you can get involved, visit www.atlantis.com/atlasproject.


The Imperia by Dhaba Adds Six Vegetarian Appetisers to Its Menu

The Imperia by Dhaba Adds Six Vegetarian Appetisers to Its Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 2, 2026

The Imperia by Dhaba in New Jersey has expanded its vegetarian menu with six new appetisers featuring baby corn, paneer, cheese, corn and assorted vegetables. The latest additions bring together crispy textures, sweet-and-spicy sauces and Indo-Chinese-inspired flavours, with a culinary contribution from Assistant Chef Himanshu Joshi.

The new selection explores different ways of preparing familiar ingredients, combining fried textures, tangy sauces and simple seasonings to offer more variety for diners looking for vegetarian starters.

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Honey Chili Baby Corn features crispy baby corn coated in a honey and sweet chilli sauce, complemented by bell peppers. Golden Fried Baby Corn offers a simpler preparation, with golden-fried baby corn served alongside duck sauce for a contrast of textures and flavours. For paneer lovers, Paneer Sweet Chili brings fried paneer pieces together with bell peppers in a light gravy, combining sweet and spicy notes.

The menu also includes Chili Sesame Toast, which features cheese toast coated in fried batter and topped with sesame seeds. Corn Shooters offer a different presentation, serving corn mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes in phyllo cups. Rounding out the selection, Veg Salt and Pepper focuses on crispy vegetables seasoned with salt and pepper.

Together, the six dishes showcase how everyday ingredients can be presented through different cooking techniques, sauces and serving styles. From crispy baby corn and spicy paneer to cheese toast and bite-sized corn appetisers, the additions offer a mix of flavours and textures. With these new dishes, The Imperia by Dhaba aims to broaden its vegetarian appetiser selection while keeping the focus on familiar ingredients and bold seasoning.


Ensana Fürstenhof Reopens in Germany After Major Renovation

Ensana Fürstenhof Reopens in Germany After Major Renovation

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 25, 2026

Ensana Fürstenhof in Bad Griesbach, Bavaria, has officially reopened following extensive modernisation, bringing a refreshed hospitality and wellness experience to Germany's Lower Bavaria region. The historic hotel has been upgraded with 148 redesigned rooms and a refurbished 4,500-square-metre spa area, marking Ensana Hotels' expansion into the German market.

The reopening ceremony was attended by General Manager Ralf Müller and Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana Hotels, who welcomed invited guests. The event also brought together Bad Griesbach Mayor Jürgen Fundke and Deputy District Administrator Cornelia Wasner-Sommer. The renovation has repositioned Ensana Fürstenhof as a destination for wellness, relaxation and hospitality, combining modern facilities with the region's natural thermal resources. The next phase of the hotel's development will introduce dedicated medical facilities, scheduled to open in early 2027.

The hotel's refurbished spa is a key part of its offering, featuring two indoor swimming pools and an outdoor thermal-water pool, alongside two whirlpools, saunas, a steam room and a salt grotto. Spacious relaxation areas and an outdoor sunbathing space covering approximately 1,000 square metres provide additional facilities for guests. Ensana Fürstenhof's wellness concept combines natural healing resources, medical expertise and hospitality.

A central feature is the fluoride-containing sodium hydrogen carbonate chloride thermal water sourced from Bad Griesbach's therapeutic springs. The planned medical facilities will expand the hotel's wellness offering with personalised programmes focused on areas including musculoskeletal health, stress reduction and holistic wellbeing. The new services are scheduled to be introduced in early 2027.

Beyond its spa facilities, Ensana Fürstenhof offers culinary experiences and a programme of activities throughout the year. Seasonal dining events, regular brunches and live music form part of the hotel's plans to attract visitors beyond traditional wellness stays. On 15 November 2026, the hotel will host its traditional Martinmas goose lunch from 12 noon to 1:30 PM. Guests can also enjoy a relaxed brunch every second Sunday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Live music performances featuring a changing line-up of artists are scheduled every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 PM to 10:30 PM, adding to the hotel's entertainment offerings.

Located in Lower Bavaria's spa triangle, Ensana Fürstenhof also offers access to outdoor activities and sporting experiences. Golf enthusiasts can visit the nearby golf resort, which features ten courses spread across 476 hectares, making it one of the region's attractions for visitors seeking an active holiday. The hotel's location allows guests to combine outdoor pursuits with thermal spa experiences and relaxation. This combination supports its positioning as a destination for both wellness-focused stays and leisure travel.

With its renovated rooms, expanded spa facilities, dining experiences and planned medical services, Ensana Fürstenhof is preparing to develop its offering further. The reopening marks a new phase for the historic property as Ensana strengthens its presence in Germany's wellness and hospitality market.


Varel Singapore Appoints Agnes Cheng as General Manager

Varel Singapore Appoints Agnes Cheng as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has appointed Agnes Cheng as General Manager, bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience across luxury, upscale and boutique hotels in Singapore. In her new role, she will oversee the hotel's operations, commercial strategy and financial performance, with a focus on guest satisfaction and business growth.

Agnes has held senior positions at several established hospitality groups, including Naumi Hotels, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Far East Hospitality and The Ascott Limited. Her experience covers hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue optimisation, food and beverage (F&B) management and strategic partnerships.

Before joining Varel Singapore, Agnes served as General Manager of Naumi Hotel Singapore, where she managed hotel operations, commercial performance and financial performance while overseeing the Rang Mahal restaurant. During her tenure, she led operational improvements and major asset enhancement initiatives, including restaurant refurbishment and enhancements to the hotel's façade.

Under her leadership, Naumi Hotel Singapore received the Best Boutique Hotel accolade at the TTG Travel Awards in both 2025 and 2026. The hotel also received the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Award 2026 during her tenure.

Agnes also brings experience in hotel openings, having played key roles in the launches of Citadines Connect City Centre Singapore, Bay Hotel Singapore and Grand Park Orchard. Across these appointments, she developed new business opportunities, built long-term client relationships and guided sales teams towards achieving revenue targets.

Known for her hands-on and collaborative management approach, Agnes places importance on team development, operational efficiency and service quality. Her leadership approach focuses on empowering employees, creating a positive working environment and maintaining consistent service standards while supporting business performance.

Fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Agnes brings a combination of operational knowledge, commercial expertise and experience across different hotel brands to her new role at Varel Singapore. As General Manager, she will focus on building on the hotel's existing foundation, strengthening guest satisfaction and supporting its continued growth in Singapore's hospitality market.

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