RAKTDA and Trip.com Group Strengthen Partnership to Promote Ras Al Khaimah as a Top Destination for Chinese Travelers

RAKTDA and Trip.com Group Strengthen Partnership to Promote Ras Al Khaimah as a Top Destination for Chinese Travelers

By Author

Published on March 10, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Trip.com Group have strengthened their strategic alliance to position Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for Chinese travelers. The announcement was made at ITB Berlin 2025, where both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the Emirate’s visibility, engagement, and accessibility in China.

The MoU was signed by Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, and Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA. This agreement builds upon the success of their existing partnership and introduces transformative strategies leveraging Trip.com Group’s digital ecosystem, data intelligence, and extensive consumer reach. Through immersive storytelling, targeted promotions, and exclusive travel offerings, Ras Al Khaimah is being positioned as an authentic Arabian escape for Chinese tourists. The Emirate’s blend of adventure, relaxation, and history provides a compelling alternative to traditional Middle Eastern destinations.

Since the partnership’s inception in June 2024, Trip.com Group has generated over 17.5 million page impressions for Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration has significantly boosted the Emirate’s hospitality sector, leading to a 22% increase in hotel bookings in the second half of 2024. In recognition of this success, Trip.com Group honored RAKTDA with its “Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year” and “Best Overseas Partner of 2024” awards at its Global Partner Summit in December 2024.

China remains one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets, and this partnership underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to capturing this audience. Iyad Rasbey emphasized that the extension of their collaboration with Trip.com Group represents a critical step in their broader strategy to explore new growth opportunities. By combining RAKTDA’s destination marketing expertise with Trip.com Group’s market insights and digital influence, the alliance seeks to introduce Ras Al Khaimah to a wider Chinese audience while highlighting its cultural heritage and Arabian hospitality.
Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, expressed enthusiasm for the shared vision between the two partners, emphasizing Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty, adventure offerings, and cultural significance. She stated that the next phase of the partnership will involve enhancing digital capabilities to create engaging narratives for Chinese travelers. By amplifying marketing efforts and increasing the Emirate’s presence across Trip.com Group’s platforms, the goal is to attract more visitors eager to explore Ras Al Khaimah.

One of the key initiatives in this collaboration is the launch of a flagship Ras Al Khaimah Star Hub store on Ctrip, Trip.com Group’s primary travel booking platform for Chinese travelers. This digital storefront will serve as a dedicated space for travel inspiration, promotions, and curated itineraries, further strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal. Additionally, RAKTDA is implementing measures to enhance the travel experience for Chinese visitors, including language support and digital payment solutions tailored to their needs.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority reported a record-breaking year in 2024, with 1.28 million overnight arrivals, marking a 12% increase in tourism revenues and a 15% rise in MICE visitors. These figures highlight the Emirate’s growing prominence as a global tourism destination. With a strategic vision aimed at attracting over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah continues to solidify its position as a premier choice for international travelers.


Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

Fusion Resorts Celebrate Global Wellness Month with Enriching Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Fusion, the wellness-inspired resort group, is set to welcome June with a vibrant month-long celebration of health and mindfulness across its properties in Vietnam and Thailand. Honouring Global Wellness Day (June 14) and International Yoga Day (June 21), Fusion's resorts will offer guests enriching wellness experiences, from beachside yoga to guided meditations and spa rituals.

The Fusionlife loyalty program enhances this celebration with exclusive perks on accommodation and dining. Guests can explore more about these wellness benefits at: fusionhotelgroup.com/fusionlife.

image

Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang

This resort begins its journey on June 14 with outdoor yoga and an evening painting meditation at Maia Spa, fostering mindfulness and creativity. On June 21, International Yoga Day will feature early morning yoga and meditation, followed by a blend of yoga and painting in the afternoon—creating a thoughtful balance of movement and reflection throughout the month.

Fusion Resort Cam Ranh

Guests can enjoy a full day of activities on June 14, including tai chi on the beach, family yoga, detox sessions, and a kids' yoga class. The afternoon brings an organic hair conditioner workshop and chi nei tsang therapy. For International Yoga Day, the schedule includes surya namaskar by the ocean, vinyasa flow, nidra yoga, and more—designed to promote emotional balance and deep relaxation.

image

Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion

Nestled in the Trường Sơn Mountains, this resort offers a nature-immersed experience. Global Wellness Day begins with a forest hike and meditation, followed by a joyful "nature dance" and a healing hot spring soak. On Yoga Day, guests are invited for sunrise yoga beneath trees and a tranquil evening sound healing session using singing bowls.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon & The Ocean Resort Quy Nhon

The sister resorts are teaming up to offer a multi-day wellness retreat. Activities such as breath meditation, tai chi, qigong, and wellness workshops will take place in scenic venues, offering a deeply holistic wellness journey.

image

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

The “A Touch of Peace” workshop on June 22 will feature yoga breathwork, a singing-bowl meditation, and a reflective journaling session. The experience is designed to leave guests feeling calm, aware, and renewed.

HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong

From June 9 to 15, guests can enjoy a complimentary perilla juice with any dish—a refreshing mix of perilla leaves, ginger, and orange—celebrating wellness in simple, flavourful ways.

image

GLOW Mira Karon Beach (Thailand)

A sunset yoga session by the beach, just steps from the ocean, will be held at this Phuket resort. Led by a professional coach, the experience is complemented by rejuvenating spa treatments and a tranquil setting, ideal for family-friendly wellness escapes.

image

This June, Fusion welcomes guests to reconnect with their inner selves, soak in natural beauty, and celebrate a mindful lifestyle, one moment at a time.


Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

Western Sydney Convention Centre Partners with Encore for Next-Gen Events

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 27, 2025

The Western Sydney Convention Centre (WSCC) at the Panthers Precinct has entered a landmark partnership with Encore, a global leader in event technology and creative production, to serve as its in-house event production partner.

This collaboration comes on the heels of WSCC’s recent expansion, bringing its total event space to over 4,000 sqm, strengthening the region’s role as a premier destination for business and tourism, especially with the Western Sydney International Airport set to open next year.

Encore’s involvement further raises the bar for the precinct, bringing in advanced AV and production equipment, particularly to upgraded spaces beyond the main 1,000-seat WSCC venue.

With access to AI-powered event technologies, bespoke production services, and the largest LED inventory in APAC, clients can expect seamless, immersive, and high-quality event experiences. The Encore team will work closely with WSCC’s planning teams to ensure every event is personalised and flawlessly executed.

Charles Young, General Manager of WSCC, stated,

“Encore brings an unmatched suite of cutting-edge technologies to help us deliver elevated client experiences. This new partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and forward-thinking conference and event hospitality.”

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Strategic Commercial Partnerships, Encore APAC, added,

“Our advanced production capabilities and innovative services will elevate every event at the venue. We look forward to making a significant impact together.”

As Western Sydney continues to grow as a major events destination, this partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering quality, innovation, and premium service.


Celebrate in Style with These Summer-Perfect Destinations

Celebrate in Style with These Summer-Perfect Destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 24, 2025

This summer, let your celebrations unfold in unforgettable style. Whether you're planning a dreamy destination wedding, celebrating a milestone, or simply gathering your loved ones for a summer escape, these destinations bring charm, elegance, and a touch of magic to every moment.

From mountaintops to beachfronts and royal villas, your next celebration is just a booking away.

SWITZERLAND – Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina

Tucked away in the blooming valleys of Pontresina, this Swiss jewel is the perfect setting for intimate weddings and elegant gatherings. With sweeping panoramic views, timeless interiors, and refined hospitality, it’s where mountain magic meets storybook charm.

image

BALI, INDONESIA – Desa Potato Head

Celebrate in soulful style at this sustainable beachfront retreat. From barefoot vows on the beach to starlit sunset dinners, Desa Potato Head blends boho luxury with tropical serenity—ideal for dreamy destination weddings and group retreats.

image

NETHERLANDS – De L'Europe Amsterdam

For those seeking a regal European affair, De L’Europe offers the perfect setting. Overlooking the scenic Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, this iconic hotel turns any celebration into an elegant, once-in-a-lifetime event.

image

VILLAS ACROSS INDIA – ELIVAAS

From golden anniversaries in Udaipur and beachside birthdays in Goa to serene weddings in Kasauli’s hills, ELIVAAS curates luxury villa stays across India. Each handpicked location offers a mix of elegance, privacy, and charm, making every celebration feel personal and picturesque.

image

Let the Celebrations Begin, This summer, let your events turn into stories worth telling. Whether you dream of alpine elegance, coastal romance, or city sparkle, these destinations are ready to host your most memorable moments.

image

Plan your celebration now and make every occasion a stylish affair.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.