Lionel Messi Launches Royal Caribbean's Game-Changing 'Icon of the Seas’

By Author

Published on January 30, 2024

Just a whisker away from its 55th birthday, Royal Caribbean International, the biggest name in cruises, teamed up with soccer superstar Lionel Messi to introduce the world to the 'Icon of the Seas' in a grand event in Miami. This isn't just any ship – it's a game-changer in family vacations, promising unforgettable experiences for countless families in the years to come.

Messi, also dubbed 'The Icon of Icon', graced the celebration, adding his star power to this new vacation marvel. The event was a who’s who of the sports and entertainment world, with Messi's Inter Miami CF teammates, the Emmy-award winner Mario Lopez, and big names from Royal Caribbean like Jason Liberty and Michael Bayley, all sharing the spotlight.

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"Family is everything to me," Messi shared, expressing his excitement about being part of the world's top family vacation experience. He was wowed by the ship, confident that it will create lifelong memories for families. The celebration, hosted by Mario Lopez, took place in the AquaDome – a wonder in itself and a hint at the amazing experiences awaiting on the Icon.

Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, couldn't be prouder. "Icon of the Seas is more than just a ship; it's the pinnacle of 50 years of dreaming and innovating," he said. Messi's role in the ship's naming was fitting, given his iconic status in creating memorable moments for soccer fans worldwide.

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Messi, celebrated as the only eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and TIME's 2023 Athlete of the Year, kicked off the vacation season with an iconic bottle-breaking ceremony. The ship had already made waves back in October 2022, sparking Royal Caribbean's biggest booking day in its 53-year history at the time.

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, sees the Icon of the Seas as more than just a new ship. It's the start of a new era in vacations, offering something for every type of family and adventurer.

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The Icon of the Seas is a blend of every vacation dream – from beach retreats to resort escapes and theme park adventures. With eight neighbourhoods that are destinations in themselves, the ship features firsts and next-level favourites for everyone. Think six record-breaking waterslides, the first suspended infinity pool at sea, over 40 eateries, and entertainment options that defy expectations.

Starting January 27, vacationers can set sail on 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventures from Miami. The trips include stops at idyllic Caribbean destinations and Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Plus, in January 2024, the island will unveil Hideaway Beach, an adults-only escape adding to the perfect vacation experience.

For more details on the Icon of the Seas, head over to Royal Caribbean's website. You can also peek behind the curtain of this vacation revolution by watching the "Making an Icon" web series.


Red Dot Representations Steals the Show at BLTM 2024 in Delhi NCR

Red Dot Representations Steals the Show at BLTM 2024 in Delhi NCR

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 5, 2024

Red Dot Representations, a trailblazer in the destination representation industry, has made a significant impact at the Business, Leisure Travel, and MICE (BLTM) event in Delhi NCR. Held from August 29 to 31, 2024, at Yashobhoomi (IICC) in Dwarka, New Delhi, BLTM has provided Red Dot Representations with the perfect platform to showcase its innovative approach to destination marketing and tourism representation.

Renowned for offering a comprehensive suite of services, including B2B sales, marketing, branding, public relations, and strategic collaborations with tourism bodies, Red Dot Representations continues to set industry benchmarks. At BLTM 2024, the company’s vibrant and engaging stalls have been a major attraction, drawing large crowds and generating buzz among key stakeholders and visitors. The eye-catching displays, interactive elements, and informative sessions at the Red Dot stalls have set them apart from the competition, solidifying their position as a leader in the field.

Among the many highlights was the presence of several esteemed clients of Red Dot Representations, including Al Habtoor Hotel - Dubai, Regency Holidays - Qatar, Wild Whisper - Kenya, Tria Uma - Bali, and Serendipity Collection - Sri Lanka and Indochina, Vietnam. These clients captivated the crowds with their unique offerings, further enhancing the appeal of the Red Dot stalls.

Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head of Red Dot Representations, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, "BLTM 2024 presents an extraordinary opportunity for us to connect with industry leaders and showcase our innovative approach to destination marketing. Our vibrant stalls and interactive sessions are designed to not only attract attention but also to foster meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. We are thrilled to be part of this dynamic event that truly captures the pulse of the travel and MICE industries."

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BLTM 2024 stands out as an exclusive B2B travel mart focused on Business + Leisure Travel and MICE, offering extensive opportunities for engagement between buyers and exhibitors. The event features over 500 exhibitors, 300 hosted buyers, and participants from more than 20 countries. With 12,000+ pre-scheduled meetings and 10,000+ qualified trade visitors, BLTM Delhi is poised to be a pivotal event for business, leisure travel, and MICE spending in India’s vibrant market.

This year, BLTM is distinguished by its comprehensive booth and pavilion-based format, moving away from traditional table-top shows and offering improved pricing and inclusion options. By hosting the event in Delhi—a prominent business hub in India—BLTM presents significant buyer potential, attracting hosted buyers from across major Indian cities, including the bustling Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).


Red Dot Representations Partners with Plan B Travel and Tourism, Jordan

Red Dot Representations Partners with Plan B Travel and Tourism, Jordan

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 5, 2024

Red Dot Representations, a pioneer in destination representation, is proud to announce a strategic alliance with Plan B Travel and Tourism, a newly established, class "A" licensed travel agency based in Amman, Jordan. Known for delivering a comprehensive suite of business and leisure travel services, Plan B Travel and Tourism is dedicated to providing a full range of booking solutions tailored to meet every travel need with outstanding customer service and competitive pricing.

Renowned for its expertise in B2B sales, marketing, branding, public relations, and fostering valuable partnerships, Red Dot Representations continues to set benchmarks in the tourism sector. The collaboration with Plan B Travel and Tourism aims to promote economic growth and enhance cultural connections between India and Jordan, tapping into the rising popularity of Jordan as a destination for Indian travellers.

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In recent years, Jordan has witnessed a significant increase in visitors from India, driven by improved infrastructure and a diversified tourism landscape. The influx of Indian tourists reflects the broader global trend of growing interest in unique and adventurous travel experiences.

Prabhakar Kamat, Business Head at Red Dot Representations, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to be partners with Plan B Tourism, Jordan. This collaboration will enable us to offer tailored travel experiences that resonate with Indian tourists who wish to explore the most exciting and adventurous country of Jordan."

Ms. Rana Abu Alhala, CEO of Plan B Travel and Tourism, added, "We are excited to join hands with Red Dot Representations. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to reach the Indian market. Our tailored packages are designed to cover every aspect of travel to Jordan, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveller. Our values—approachability, client-first priority, professionalism, and commitment—guide us in delivering exceptional service to all our guests."

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UNOX Opens Fourth Lounge in Chennai with Savvy Kitchen Partnership

UNOX Opens Fourth Lounge in Chennai with Savvy Kitchen Partnership

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 4, 2024

UNOX, an Italian brand known for its high-performance commercial ovens, has opened its fourth UNOX Lounge in Chennai, India. This new lounge, created in partnership with Savvy Kitchen, offers an interactive space for potential customers to explore and experience UNOX’s range of professional ovens.

The Chennai lounge features various UNOX ovens, including convection, combi, and speed ovens. Visitors can participate in demonstrations led by UNOX chefs, providing a hands-on opportunity to understand the precision and versatility of the equipment.

Vikram Goel, Managing Director of UNOX India, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, emphasizing the company's commitment to delivering top-quality culinary solutions to the Chennai market. He highlighted the immersive experience the lounge offers, where chefs and culinary professionals can explore the advanced features of UNOX products.

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Matt Roberts, Director of Customer Experience at UNOX MEA, noted that the lounge is more than just a showcase; it allows chefs to experience the equipment before purchasing, ensuring they make informed decisions that enhance kitchen efficiency.

Ajith Prasad, Managing Director of Savvy Kitchen, emphasized the shared dedication to innovation and excellence in the culinary field, expressing excitement about providing customers with a platform to interact with advanced culinary technology.

The UNOX Lounge in Chennai aims to serve a wide range of clients, including upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, chic cafes, and catering businesses, establishing itself as a hub of culinary innovation in the region.

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