Dubai Hotels Set for Boom with Airshow and COP28 Events

By Author

Published on November 13, 2023

Dubai's hotel industry is gearing up for a significant boost, with the city set to host two major events: the Dubai Airshow and COP28. These events are not just milestones in the city's event calendar; they are catalysts for a remarkable surge in hotel occupancy.

The Dubai Airshow Effect

A key highlight of Dubai's annual events, the Dubai Airshow, scheduled from 13th to 17th November 2023, is a magnet for aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals. The event's popularity reflects in hotel bookings. As of 30th October, the occupancy rate for the Airshow dates stands at 59.1% for 16th November and 58.3% for 15th November, marking an increase from the same period in 2022.

COP28: A Climate-Focused Gathering

COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, is another significant event poised to drive up hotel occupancy. Scheduled from 30th November to 12th December 2023, it's already making waves in the hospitality sector. The early days of December, coinciding with the UAE National Day, are showing promising occupancy figures of 44.2% and 43.7%, a notable jump from the previous year's rates.

A Buzz of Activity

Kostas Nikolaidis, the Middle East and Africa account executive for STR, highlights the synergy of these events with the UAE National Day, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city. The allure of Dubai's winter events is evident, with more than 40% of hotel rooms already reserved for the initial days of COP28 and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Record-Breaking Trends

The latter half of 2023 is shaping up to be a period of success for Dubai's hoteliers. In September 2023, the city achieved its highest hotel occupancy for the month since 2016. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the influx of guests for the Airshow and COP28.

A City Prepared for the Spotlight

Dubai's readiness to host such large-scale events reflects its stature as a global hub. The city boasts a robust hotel infrastructure capable of accommodating the influx of visitors these events bring. As Nikolaidis points out, filling a city with over 147,000 rooms is no small feat, but Dubai, with its full calendar and world-class experience, is more than up to the challenge.

Purim Meets Holi During India at Jaffa Port Celebrations in Israel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 21, 2025

Cultural exchange continues to play a key role in the vibrant relationship between India and Israel, as seen in the recent India at Jaffa Port—Purim-Holi Celebrations. Hosted on March 16, 2025, by the Embassy of India in Israel in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the event blended two iconic festivals—Holi, India’s festival of colours, and Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday—into a grand celebration at the historic Jaffa Port.

The event, attended by over 3,000 visitors, celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations, offering a fusion of traditions in a lively and colourful atmosphere. Guests enjoyed classical Indian dance performances, Bollywood dance workshops, traditional Indian music, and engaging activities, bringing the vibrancy of Indian culture to Israel.

Deputy Ambassador Rajiv Bodwade remarked, “I am happy to tell you that the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, is celebrating the Indian Festival of Holi and the Jewish festival of Purim today, here in Jaffa Port. Interestingly, these two festivals fall on the same day yearly, as India and Israel traditionally follow the lunar calendar. This is just one of many examples of the cultural similarity that we share, which strengthens the unique and rich friendship between our two countries. While the rest of the world is focusing on cultural distinctiveness, India and Israel are happy to celebrate their similarities. Chag Purim Sameach and Happy Holi!”

Kobi Yerdani, CEO of Jaffa Port, added, “Jaffa Port is proud to collaborate with the Embassy of India in Israel to celebrate the Holi and Purim festivals. Jaffa Port, which has served as a gateway to the Land of Israel throughout history, is happy to open its gates to the rich and magnificent culture of India, a country that is a true friend of Israel.”

Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, further commented, “India and Israel share cultural and historical ties, and events like the India at Jaffa Port highlight the warmth between our people. It was a beautiful representation of our shared traditions. We welcome more Indian travellers to explore this beautiful country and experience its unique blend of history, spirituality, and modernity.”

The Purim-Holi celebrations at Jaffa Port stand as a shining example of the growing cultural ties between India and Israel. With flourishing tourism, mutual respect, and deep-rooted connections, this event marked yet another milestone in the dynamic relationship between the two nations, paving the way for further collaborations in the future.

Banyan Tree Samui Unveils ‘White Lotus’ Inspired Luxury Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2025

Banyan Tree Samui, a MICHELIN-listed luxury resort perched on the southeastern coast of Koh Samui, is celebrating the rising global attention on the island with a series of new "White Lotus"-inspired offerings. This surge in interest, known as the "White Lotus Effect," stems from the acclaimed U.S. TV series, which has significantly boosted Koh Samui's status as a dream destination.

While the show wasn’t filmed at Banyan Tree Samui, guests will recognize the resort’s similar panoramic vistas and lush rainforest setting. "We expect an influx of visitors drawn to Koh Samui’s luxury appeal," said Remko Kroesen, General Manager of Banyan Tree Samui. "The show has put the island on the radar of travelers seeking premium, authentic experiences."

To mark the occasion, Banyan Tree Samui has launched new experiences inspired by the show. The resort’s Banyan Tree Spa Samui now offers the "Sense of Lotus" spa package, a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that includes a White Lotus Polisher exfoliation followed by a calming body massage. Guests can also savour the exclusive White Lotus cocktail, blending vodka, white rum, lychee juice, coconut milk, and fresh lychee, garnished with dried rose petals.

For adventure seekers, the resort’s private speedboat, Sense of the Sea, is available for day trips to the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park, which features prominently in the latest season of the series.

Set amid 38 acres of tropical gardens, Banyan Tree Samui features 88 villas, each with a private infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The resort is also home to three restaurants, including the MICHELIN-listed Saffron, an award-winning spa with hydrotherapy facilities, a kids' club, and a fitness centre.

With these new offerings, Banyan Tree Samui invites guests to experience the beauty and charm of Koh Samui, enriched by the allure of the "White Lotus" phenomenon.

For bookings and enquiries, contact samui@banyantree.com

Swiss-Belhotel International Honored with Prestigious Hospitality Awards

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 19, 2025

Swiss-Belhotel International, a global hospitality management group with a presence in 20 countries, has been honored with multiple prestigious industry awards in 2024 and early 2025. These accolades reinforce the group’s dedication to Passion and Professionalism™, a philosophy that blends Swiss efficiency with Asian warmth, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience across its portfolio of over 150 hotels.

Expressing his appreciation, Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, stated:

“Receiving these distinguished awards is nothing short of extraordinary. These achievements reflect the passion, dedication, and perseverance of our entire team. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we remain committed to delivering value to our owners, investing in our people, and continuously raising the bar for hospitality excellence. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to set new milestones—enhancing our offerings, streamlining operations, and empowering our exceptional team.”

A Legacy of Excellence: Key Awards Won

Legacy Family Business Award Asia Pacific – Family Business Association Excellence Awards 2024 (May 2024)
EY Entrepreneur of The Year 2024 – New Zealand Family Business Award (November 2024)
Hotel & Resort Management of the Year – Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 by Travel Daily Media (February 2025)
Most Excellence in Sustained Partnership Award – GarudaMiles Loyalty Summit 2025 (February 2025)
Excellence Award in Sustainable Hospitality – ESG Business Awards 2024, Hong Kong (September 2024)

These accolades highlight Swiss-Belhotel International’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term partnerships, ensuring that each property thrives in its market while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.

About Swiss-Belhotel International

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Swiss-Belhotel International is among the world’s fastest-growing hotel management groups. With 18 distinct brands and a strong owner-centric approach, the group provides expert management services for hotels, resorts, and serviced residences. Each property reflects the hallmark of Swiss efficiency and Asian-inspired service, ensuring quality and value at every level.

For more information, visit www.swiss-belhotel.com.

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