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By Nishang Narayan
Published on February 27, 2025
Crowne Plaza by IHG, one of the world’s leading premium hotel brands, has released its second white paper, Leading the Charge in Blended Travel. The report sheds light on a significant shift in how people travel, particularly as companies push for a broader return to office policies. According to the study, 66% of U.S. and U.K. travelers now combine business trips with personal leisure time—an increase from 53% in 2022.
To understand the global impact of this trend, Crowne Plaza commissioned a YouGov survey of over 12,000 travelers across multiple markets, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., and India. The findings reveal that 72% of respondents in these regions see blended travel as beneficial, emphasizing the demand for greater flexibility and meaningful travel experiences.
According to Ginger Taggart, Vice President of Brand Management – Global Premium Brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts, work-leisure integration is no longer just a trend but a way of life. “Blended travel has evolved beyond just extending business trips. It’s about working remotely from inspiring destinations, finding new ways to connect, and balancing professional and personal aspirations,” she said. Crowne Plaza is actively shaping this future by redesigning hotels to offer curated social spaces and purpose-driven experiences tailored to today’s dynamic travelers.
The Leading the Charge in Blended Travel report highlights four key trends:
Personal and Professional Growth – Travelers now use blended travel as a tool for self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. Crowne Plaza meets this demand by offering inspiring meeting and event spaces, such as the Victorian ballrooms at Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield and the 38-acre Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW – Peachtree City campus.
Mind-Body Wellness – With wellness integrated into everyday life, travelers seek ways to maintain healthier routines while on the go. Crowne Plaza supports this with initiatives like energizing breakfast smoothies at Crowne Plaza Helsinki – Hesperia and weekly guided runs at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam – South.
Value-Driven Travel – Cost-conscious travelers are maximizing their trips by extending business stays with leisure activities at a lower personal expense. Through the IHG One Rewards program, guests can earn and redeem points for free nights, exclusive experiences, and valuable perks like bonus points and Food & Beverage Rewards.
Intentional Togetherness – Face-to-face connections are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital world. Crowne Plaza’s Meetings & Events Concierge program caters to this need by offering personalized itineraries that encourage both work and social engagement.
As a pioneer in business-class hospitality since 1983, Crowne Plaza continues to evolve with changing traveler expectations. Currently, 70% of its properties in the Americas are either newly added or have undergone major renovations, with over 60% of locations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa set to be refreshed by 2026.
This transformation aligns with the anticipated growth of the blended travel market, which is projected to expand from $315 billion in 2022 to over $731 billion by 2032. With more than 400 hotels across 67 countries and 140 new properties in the pipeline, Crowne Plaza is well-positioned to lead the charge in this evolving travel landscape.
For more details or to book a stay, visit IHG.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 21, 2025
Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing real estate markets in the United Arab Emirates. Driven by the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate is undergoing a remarkable transformation anchored in sustainability, community well-being and smart urban planning.
In the last three years, property sales and prices in the Emirate have surged, propelled by major hospitality, residential and commercial developments. With the population expected to rise from 0.4 million to 0.65 million by 2030, demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes is on the horizon. This growth has attracted both global developers such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington and local leaders including Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties.
Al Marjan Island has emerged as a flagship destination in this transformation. Under the leadership of CEO Eng. Abdullah Al Abdooli, it is welcoming iconic luxury brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Further expanding Ras Al Khaimah’s commercial ecosystem, Marjan is developing RAK Central, set to become one of the Northern Emirates’ largest business districts, with Grade-A offices and sustainable infrastructure.
Al Hamra, led by CEO Benoy Kurien, continues to shape community living with Al Hamra Village’s 4,000+ homes, golf course and vibrant community. The group is also spearheading projects such as Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular retail hub.
RAK Properties, through its landmark Mina development, is redefining the Emirate’s shoreline. Already hosting world-class resorts like Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah, it is gearing up to welcome Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a Four Seasons. Commenting on this momentum, Chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said, “We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.” CEO Sameh Muhtadi added, “We are witnessing unprecedented global interest and this momentum will only continue.”
Supporting this real estate boom is Ras Al Khaimah’s strong infrastructure: eight hospitals including RAK Hospital, a modern education ecosystem, and its ranking among the world’s safest places. Tourism further strengthens the Emirate’s appeal, with 1.28 million visitors in 2024 enjoying attractions like Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline and the UAE’s highest-altitude restaurant, 1484 by Puro.
At the heart of it all lies Ras Al Khaimah’s 2030 Vision, a people-first development strategy focused on sustainability, inclusivity and global competitiveness. With its rising skyline, thriving communities and investor-friendly ecosystem, the Emirate is emerging as a benchmark for urban growth, lifestyle innovation and long-term prosperity.
Published on August 19, 2025
Applying for a student visa to New Zealand will now look different, with the country introducing a fully digital process. Starting today, all international student visa applications will be processed through Immigration New Zealand’s upgraded online platform, ADEPT. The move is aimed at reducing paperwork, expediting decisions, and making the process simpler and more efficient for applicants worldwide.
From August 18, applications for English Language Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, New Zealand Government Scholarship Student Visa, and Foreign Government Supported Student Visa are automatically being directed to the new ADEPT form. Any applications submitted through the old system on or before August 17 will continue to be processed, while draft applications must be submitted by September 17. After this date, all draft applications will be deleted.
Immigration New Zealand confirmed that from September 18, paper applications will no longer be accepted for student visa categories, marking a complete shift to online processing. This change is part of a broader seven-year programme designed to transition all visa categories to a single digital platform. Visitor Visas, Accredited Employer Work Visas, and Permanent Resident Visas have already been on the ADEPT system since 2021.
In its official statement, Immigration New Zealand said, “Customers and staff are at the heart of the Our Future Services programme. We are aiming to deliver a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly visa application process to reduce waiting times, provide clear communication on application status, and increase self-service capabilities so everyone feels more informed and better supported.”
The immigration agency has also advised applicants to apply at least three months before their intended travel date, as this remains a peak period for student visa processing. Family-related visa products linked to student visas will also be shifted to the new system over the coming year as part of the phased rollout.
This digital transformation marks an important milestone for international students aspiring to study in New Zealand, providing a streamlined and modern approach to visa processing.
By Hariharan U
India’s leading destination representation firm, Red Dot Representations, has joined hands with Unique Lanka Travels, a top travel solutions provider from Sri Lanka, to expand the island nation’s global reach and redefine the way travellers experience it.
The collaboration marks an important milestone in showcasing Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture, and diversity to a wider international audience. With Red Dot’s expertise in bespoke sales and marketing strategies, Unique Lanka Travels will gain the kind of exposure and two-way communication usually reserved for larger travel companies. This means travellers can look forward to extraordinary, customised experiences crafted with precision and care.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s appeal, Charith De Alwis, CEO of Unique Lanka Travels, shared,"Sri Lanka is a captivating paradise for high-end Indian travellers seeking luxury, adventure, and cultural richness. Offering pristine beaches, lush tea plantations, and vibrant heritage sites, Sri Lanka is perfect for indulgent stays at world-class resorts and thrilling outdoor adventures. At Unique Lanka Travels, our team is dedicated to customizing your experience and ensuring a seamless, pampered journey. We are excited to collaborate with Red.dot representation, a market expert, to grow together and bring exclusive Sri Lankan adventures to discerning travellers. Make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination on your bucket list!"
Echoing the sentiment, Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, said,"We are excited to represent Unique Lanka Travels, as their focus on authenticity and quality brings values that align perfectly with ours. Our onus as a team will be to engage on a platform that represents Sri Lanka as a must-see destination through one-of-a-kind sales and marketing initiatives to today’s traveler."
With this partnership, both companies are set to enhance Sri Lanka’s presence in key markets, engage closely with trade partners, and set new benchmarks in experiential travel. The collaboration ultimately aims to enrich the journeys of global travellers, making Sri Lanka a must-visit destination for those seeking both luxury and authenticity
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