DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

DWP Privé 2025: The Ultimate Destination for Luxury Weddings in Sri Lanka

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2025

DWP Privé, the highly anticipated event in the world of luxury weddings, is set to unfold at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from April 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by QnA International, this exclusive invitation-only gathering will bring together the leading names in the global destination wedding industry, setting new benchmarks for luxury celebrations worldwide.

A Premier Event for the Luxury Wedding Industry

Building upon the legacy of the DWP Congress, DWP Privé is a platform designed for elite wedding planners, luxury travel experts, and industry pioneers to network, discuss trends, and explore innovations shaping the future of destination weddings. With the global market projected to exceed $64 billion by 2030, this event presents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and redefine luxury wedding experiences.

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DWP Privé will host an impressive lineup of industry icons, including:

  • Preston Bailey – globally renowned wedding designer

  • Nadia Duran – luxury event specialist

  • Sumant Jayakrishnan – celebrated set designer

  • Elizabeth Solaru – international wedding cake designer

  • Devika Narain – leading wedding stylist

  • Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Cyrielle Mohara, Mahesh Shirodkar, and Kathy Wang, among others

These industry leaders will bring their decades of expertise to the forefront, sharing insights into the evolving world of luxury weddings.

Cinnamon Life: The Perfect Host for an Exclusive Event

Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s first integrated lifestyle resort, serves as the ideal backdrop for an event that blends opulence, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Alessandro Aldo Cabella, Senior Vice President at Cinnamon Life, shared his excitement about hosting the event:

"We are thrilled to host DWP Privé Limited Edition at Cinnamon Life. This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, as we showcase our country’s unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and world-class venues to the global luxury wedding industry. Cinnamon Life embodies elegance and grandeur, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious event."

Sri Lanka: A Rising Star in Destination Weddings

With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining recognition as a top wedding destination. The country’s diverse landscapes—ranging from tea plantations and ancient cities to tropical jungles and coastal retreats—offer picturesque settings for dream weddings.

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According to Alessandro, the event will further solidify Sri Lanka’s status as a trending wedding destination:

"Sri Lanka’s rich culture and scenic charm make it an irresistible choice for couples seeking unforgettable wedding experiences. The DWP Privé aims to showcase the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer, ensuring its status as a trending destination for 2025."

An Unmissable Experience for Industry Leaders

With limited seats available, DWP Privé is expected to attract top professionals from the wedding, luxury travel, and hospitality sectors, offering them an exclusive opportunity to explore:

  • Emerging trends and challenges in the luxury wedding space

  • Sri Lanka’s growing outbound wedding market

  • Innovations in wedding planning and execution

Sidh NC, Director of QnA International, highlighted the essence of the event:

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"The architectural brilliance of Cinnamon Life represents a moonstone—a symbol of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage—while embracing a future-forward vision for the region. This reflects the spirit of DWP Privé, designed to carry forward the legacy of the DWP Congress with a modern and sophisticated twist. Attendees can expect an event that combines luxury, exclusivity, and the finest elements of the destination wedding industry."

As the world of luxury destination weddings continues to evolve, DWP Privé 2025 promises to be a landmark event, shaping the future of opulent wedding celebrations on a global scale.


Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

Raki Phillips to Lead Accor’s PME Division in Middle East, Africa & Türkiye

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.

This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.

Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.

In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”

Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.

With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.


Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

Schengen Visa Set to Go Fully Digital by 2028

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 2, 2025

The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.

France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.

While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.

The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.

To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.

Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.

Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.

From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.

Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.


Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

Wyndham Hits 720 Hotels in EMEA, Boosts Momentum Across Europe, Middle East & India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 31, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.

This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.

Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.

Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.

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“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”

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Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.

Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:

  • Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.

  • India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.

  • New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.

  • The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.

Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.

With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.

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