Liberty International Expands into Saudi Arabia

Liberty International Expands into Saudi Arabia

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 12, 2025

Liberty International Tourism Group, a renowned global destination management company, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia. Known for its expertise in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and premium leisure travel, Liberty Saudi Arabia promises to bring exceptional services to one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations.

Leading this new chapter is Shady Maurice, an accomplished professional with extensive experience in destination management across the region. “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a global transformation in tourism and business events,” said Maurice, Head of Office for Liberty Saudi Arabia. “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has paved the way for incredible opportunities, and I am thrilled to lead Liberty’s expansion here. Our team is ready to craft memorable experiences and deliver exceptional service that reflects both the region’s unique heritage and Liberty’s global standards.”

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Liberty’s entry into Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming the region into a global tourism and business hub. The addition of Saudi Arabia to Liberty’s extensive network underscores its mission to be the world’s most comprehensive and innovative destination management company.

Mario Enzesberger, Founder and CEO of Liberty International Tourism Group, expressed his enthusiasm for this expansion: “Saudi Arabia is a dynamic market with vast potential. This expansion strengthens our global footprint, and I am confident that Liberty Saudi Arabia will thrive under Shady’s leadership.”

With operations now in over 110 countries, Liberty International continues to set high standards for excellence in destination management, leveraging its global expertise to create unforgettable travel experiences.

For more information, visit Liberty Saudi Arabia DMC.


Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi to Open This May, Blending Thai Hospitality with Vietnamese Heritage

Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi to Open This May, Blending Thai Hospitality with Vietnamese Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2025

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Thailand’s leading hospitality brand Dusit International, is expanding its footprint in Vietnam with the opening of Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi on 9 May 2025. Situated along the peaceful banks of Hanoi’s iconic West Lake, the property promises a refined blend of Thai-inspired hospitality and Vietnamese cultural elegance.

This marks Dusit’s debut in the capital city and its second property in Vietnam, following the success of Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort in Phu Quoc. The new hotel is nestled in the historic Tay Ho district, an area known for its cultural richness and artisanal heritage, and draws inspiration from Princess Từ Hoa, a royal figure celebrated for her contribution to the local silk industry.

A daughter of Emperor Lý Thần Tông, Princess Từ Hoa left the royal palace to teach silk weaving to locals in Nghi Tàm, the very area the hotel now occupies. Her story is woven into the hotel’s design and philosophy, creating a unique retreat that pays tribute to craftsmanship, community, and cultural pride.

The hotel houses 207 elegantly designed rooms and suites offering views of either the West Lake or the Hanoi skyline. Each room blends contemporary luxury with Vietnamese aesthetics, supported by Dusit’s hallmark warm and intuitive service, catering to both business and leisure travellers.

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Culinary offerings include Soi Restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine, Vinci Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar with panoramic city views, Phở Lụa for a Vietnamese street-food experience focused on the country’s signature noodle soup, and Dusit Gourmet for pastries, coffee, and afternoon tea. The hotel also features four private dining rooms for exclusive events.

Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi goes beyond accommodation, offering a fully equipped gym, wellness activity spaces, three ballrooms, and a rooftop event venue ideal for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.

"We are honoured to expand our presence in Vietnam and bring Dusit's distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Hanoi for the very first time," said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. "Inspired by the remarkable legacy of Princess Từ Hoa, Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is much more than a new hotel—it is a celebration of cultural heritage, artistic spirit, and heartfelt service."

Located on Au Co Street, just 20 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to Hanoi’s key cultural attractions, making it a convenient luxury option for global and domestic travellers alike.

To commemorate the opening, Dusit is offering a special Princess' Welcome package exclusively for Dusit Gold members. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, a welcome drink, complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability), and up to 25% off dining. Dusit Gold membership is free and can be registered online at dusit.com/enrollment.

Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is poised to become a cultural landmark that honours the past while embracing the future, offering a serene and immersive experience in the heart of Vietnam’s capital.


Abu Dhabi Targets 39 Million Annual Visitors by 2030 After Strong Q1 2025 Growth

Abu Dhabi Targets 39 Million Annual Visitors by 2030 After Strong Q1 2025 Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 3, 2025

Abu Dhabi has set a bold target of attracting 39.3 million annual visitors by 2030 as it builds on a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025. Between January and March this year, the emirate recorded 1.4 million hotel guests, contributing to an 18% year-on-year surge in hotel revenue, which reached AED 2.3 billion.

The hospitality sector also saw a 25% jump in revenue per available room (RevPAR), which hit AED 484, while overall hotel occupancy remained steady at 79%, including during the Ramadan period. Top source markets included India, China, Russia, the UK, and the US, demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s wide global appeal.

These figures reflect the effectiveness of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to contribute AED 62 billion to the emirate’s economy in 2025 and support 255,000 tourism-related jobs. It also includes plans to expand hotel capacity to 50,000 rooms by the end of the decade.

Speaking ahead of the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said, “Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results. As we showcase the offerings of our emirate at Arabian Travel Market, we are focused on strengthening partnerships and accelerating progress towards our long-term tourism goals—all while ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity remains at the heart of everything we offer.”

In 2024, Abu Dhabi saw 3.2 million international overnight visitors and generated AED 7.6 billion in total hotel revenue. The emirate has also significantly ramped up its global presence. From operating in 11 international markets in 2023, DCT Abu Dhabi expanded its reach to 25 markets in 2024, targeting high-potential regions including APAC, Eastern Europe, and the CIS.

One of the key highlights at ATM 2025 is the Experience Abu Dhabi stand, offering immersive showcases of the emirate’s cultural identity. Visitors can explore highlights from the Saadiyat Cultural District, which recently welcomed the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. Upcoming institutions in the district include the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Regional destinations like Al Ain and Al Dhafra are also being prominently featured.

With a solid foundation of performance, an ambitious roadmap, and expanding international reach, Abu Dhabi is well on track to becoming a leading global tourism hub.


Dubai Welcomes Over 5.3 Million Visitors in Q1 2025 as Tourism Strategy Strengthens

Dubai Welcomes Over 5.3 Million Visitors in Q1 2025 as Tourism Strategy Strengthens

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 2, 2025

Dubai Tourism has recorded a strong start to 2025, welcoming 5.31 million international visitors from January to March, reflecting a 3% increase from Q1 2024. The city continues to showcase consistent momentum following consecutive years of record-breaking tourism performance.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is further reinforcing its global travel trade ties at the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), being held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With more than 125 key stakeholders represented on the Dubai stand, including top hotels, DMCs, and government bodies, DET is focusing on strengthening its position across over 80 source markets.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted the broader impact of tourism. “The sustained growth of the tourism sector continues to be vital not only through its direct economic impact, but as a pathway to investment, talent, and businesses into the city,” he said.

Key strategic partnerships announced in Q1 2025 include collaborations with Amadeus, Premier Inn Middle East, and Hyatt Hotels, as well as the Dubai College of Tourism’s alliance with Marriott International aimed at increasing Emirati participation in the tourism workforce. These moves align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city's economy by 2033.

Tourism growth also reflects positively in the hospitality sector, with the average daily rate (ADR) rising by 2% year-on-year to AED 647, and high room occupancy levels being maintained.

In terms of regional data, Western Europe accounted for 22% of international arrivals, followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (17%), and the GCC (15%). South Asia and MENA markets also delivered strong visitor numbers.

Looking back at H1 2024, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million overnight international visitors, a 9% year-on-year rise. South Asia alone contributed 1.62 million visitors, highlighting the effectiveness of Dubai’s targeted marketing efforts.

Dubai’s accommodation and food services sector grew by 3.7% during the first nine months of 2024, reinforcing its importance to the city's GDP. Moreover, Dubai secured its position as the top global destination for Greenfield FDI projects in tourism and F&B sectors for the fourth year in a row.

The city also made major strides in sustainable tourism, with 153 hotels receiving the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp in 2025—a 118% increase from the previous year. Global campaigns such as the latest "Find Your Story" featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have helped elevate Dubai’s profile internationally.

As Dubai builds on this momentum, it remains focused on innovation, inclusive growth, and curating diverse experiences, further solidifying its goal to become the best city in the world to visit, live, and work.

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