Hilton Welcomes Graduate Hotels to Its Loyalty Program

Hilton Welcomes Graduate Hotels to Its Loyalty Program

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 14, 2024

Graduate Hotels is officially part of Hilton's family of 24 global brands, allowing guests to book their stays at any of the 34 Graduate by Hilton properties in the U.S. and U.K. through Hilton’s direct booking channels. The hotels, known for their charm and connection to university towns, offer Hilton Honors members the ability to earn and redeem points, enhancing the experience for loyal customers.

To mark the occasion, Hilton is launching its first exclusive Hilton Honors Experience at Graduate by Hilton Auburn, Alabama. This event includes a rooftop party at War Eagle Supper Club on September 27, with a surprise musical performance. The package offers a two-night stay at Graduate Auburn, along with tickets to the sold-out football game the next day. The aim is to give Hilton Honors members access to experiences they wouldn’t typically find elsewhere, including unique music and sports events.

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Hilton Honors members, known for their loyalty, can access these experiences through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. This allows members to bid on special packages, offering access to exclusive music, sports, and celebrity events worldwide. With over 195 million members globally, Hilton Honors continues to offer perks such as flexible payments, discounts, and contactless technology through the Hilton Honors app.

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The new partnership expands Graduate Hotels’ reach while keeping the local, handcrafted feel of each property intact. Graduate by Hilton is known for its hyper-local design, which draws inspiration from the university towns they are located in. The experience at each hotel is unique, reflecting the culture and traditions of the nearby university and surrounding community.

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The Graduate Hotels in Auburn and Princeton are among the newest additions. Graduate Auburn’s design is inspired by the local culture, with 177 guest rooms, a rooftop bar that celebrates the “War Eagle” battle cry, and a coffee shop partnered with Auburn University sports legend Bo Jackson. Meanwhile, Graduate Princeton, the first hotel to open in the area in over 90 years, brings a modern twist to a historic building while maintaining nods to Princeton University’s rich history.

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With the addition of Graduate Hotels, Hilton continues to broaden its offerings, providing more variety for its guests. “Graduate by Hilton gives guests a chance to dive into the traditions and culture that make university towns so special. It’s about keeping that nostalgic feel while enhancing the overall experience for our guests,” said Kevin Osterhaus, President of Global Lifestyle Brands at Hilton. Jenn Chick, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Loyalty & Customer Growth, adds, “The addition of Graduate by Hilton gives Hilton Honors members more variety than ever before.”

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The full list of Graduate by Hilton properties is now available on Hilton’s platforms, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app. As the Graduate brand expands, Hilton Honors members will be the first to know about new locations and will continue to enjoy exclusive access and rewards.


Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

Ras Al Khaimah Emerges as One of the Fastest-Growing Real Estate Markets in the Region

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.

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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.

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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.


New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

New Zealand Shifts All Student Visa Applications to Upgraded Online Platform

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

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.


Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

Red Dot Representations Partners with Unique Lanka Travels to Elevate Sri Lankan Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on August 19, 2025

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.

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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!"

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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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