In a milestone move for marine conservation in the Maldives, OBLU SELECT Sangeli has formalised a partnership with the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement aligns the resort’s proactive marine initiatives with national environmental objectives, focusing on the joint management and monitoring of the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme.

Despite extensive coral bleaching that has impacted much of the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs have shown notable resilience, thanks to dedicated conservation work by its marine team. The resort has already transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments using advanced nursery and frame methods, underlining its long-standing commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.

Situated just 25 km from the Rasfari Marine Protected Area—a quick 20-minute speedboat ride—OBLU SELECT Sangeli’s marine team is ideally positioned to support this vital initiative. The official signing took place on 2 July 2025 at the resort, with Mr Ashraf, owner of OBLU SELECT Sangeli, hosting Mr Naeem, Director General of the EPA, to endorse the partnership.

“Working directly with the EPA empowers us to make a deeper impact. It’s about more than one reef—it’s about coming together to safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems,” said Mr Ashraf. “We are honoured to support this national initiative and to contribute meaningfully to the wider marine environment.”

Under the MoU, Sangeli’s marine team will actively assist with reef health monitoring, implement conservation protocols, and engage in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building with EPA experts. This collaboration blends the EPA’s regulatory strength with Sangeli’s hands-on reef expertise, enhancing monitoring practices and building long-term ecological resilience.

Located on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is known for its stunning natural surroundings, modern villa designs, exceptional all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, and easy access to some of the Maldives’ top diving and snorkelling sites. The partnership underscores how luxury travel and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand—offering guests unforgettable experiences while contributing to a healthier planet.

Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, Dubai’s emblem of luxury hospitality, recently hosted an exclusive evening in Mumbai to appreciate its Indian media and travel trade partners for their continued collaboration and support. Held on 11th July 2025 at Tamasha, Worli, the elegant event brought together key industry professionals for an evening of curated hospitality, vibrant networking, and forward-looking conversations.

The evening provided the perfect setting for guests to connect with the hotel collection’s senior leadership, including Vishesh Amerkar, Complex Director of Sales – MICE, and Tulay Kilic, Complex Director of Marketing. It also offered a platform to discuss future growth opportunities and deepen existing relationships.

Highlighting the importance of the Indian market, Tulay Kilic shared, "India remains one of our strongest and most consistent source markets, and this event is our way of expressing gratitude to our valued partners for their continued support year after year. It has provided a great platform to strengthen existing relationships and explore new opportunities, as we remain committed to delivering exclusive, luxury experiences in the iconic travel destination of Dubai."

The Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection includes three distinctive properties: Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, part of the Legend Collection by Preferred Hotels & Resorts; V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton; and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. Each offers its own unique brand of luxury and personalised service, along with seamless access to Dubai’s top attractions, making the collection a favourite for discerning travellers from India and beyond.

Radisson Hotel Group is further bolstering its presence in India’s thriving tier-2 and tier-3 markets with the signing of four new Park Inn & Suites by Radisson properties. Partnering with NILE Hospitality, these new hotels will come up in Siliguri, Rajkot, Bhuj, and Darbhanga—targeting cities that are fast emerging as important business, cultural, and spiritual hubs.

Each destination offers unique strategic value. In Rajkot, the upcoming hotel will be located in the heart of the city’s bustling business district, with close links to major industrial zones like Jamnagar and Morbi. Darbhanga, Bihar’s evolving commercial centre, is seeing rising demand from both corporate and religious tourism, helped by strong transport connectivity. Meanwhile, Bhuj in Gujarat stands out for its mix of cultural attractions and its proximity to key economic corridors such as Mundra and Bharuch. Siliguri, serving as a gateway to India’s Northeast, continues to attract steady tourism and trade, making it an ideal market for reliable midscale hospitality.

All four hotels will be developed under Radisson’s modern midscale brand, Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, offering contemporary rooms, business amenities, all-day dining, and facilities aimed at delivering consistent value-driven experiences.

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, remarked that these signings reinforce the Group’s commitment to bringing quality hospitality to India’s rapidly developing cities. Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development South Asia, pointed out how the move aligns perfectly with shifting demand patterns, while Vikram Singh Chauhan, CEO of NILE Hospitality, highlighted the long-term strategic value this partnership brings to India’s evolving hotel sector.

This expansion underlines Radisson Hotel Group’s broader strategy to grow its footprint across India’s high-potential secondary and tertiary markets, catering to the increasing need for branded accommodations that blend comfort with dependable service.