Sun Guangbin Joins World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Accelerate Asia’s Green Hospitality Transition

Sun Guangbin Joins World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to Accelerate Asia’s Green Hospitality Transition

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 18, 2025

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) has welcomed Mr. Sun Guangbin, Senior Vice President of JA Solar, as its new Senior Strategic Advisor for Asia. With over two decades of experience in renewable energy, international trade, and ESG governance, Mr. Sun brings a wealth of expertise that will support the Alliance’s mission to drive Net Positive transformation in the hospitality industry.

Mr. Sun’s journey began in 1997 with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), where he played a pivotal role in international negotiations and policy advocacy for the solar sector. Since 2015, he has led key departments at JA Solar—ranging from strategic development and ESG to legal affairs and compliance—establishing himself as a champion of sustainability.

In addition to his corporate role, Mr. Sun holds several prestigious positions, including Vice Secretary General of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) and Chairman of the New Energy Committee under the China Association of Electric Power Education. He also contributes to the academic and policy space as a visiting professor and advisor to various energy think tanks.

As Senior Strategic Advisor to the Alliance, Mr. Sun will guide long-term planning, forge regional and global partnerships, and represent the Alliance at key renewable energy and hospitality platforms. His appointment is expected to boost the Alliance’s influence across Asia and accelerate its commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality practices.

Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Alliance, said, “Mr. Sun’s appointment is a strategic leap forward for us. His deep cross-sectoral knowledge and vision will be instrumental in advancing our sustainability goals, especially across Asian markets.”

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Sun remarked, “I’m honoured to take on this role at such a critical time. I look forward to working with the Alliance to integrate renewable energy solutions and drive sustainability as a core pillar of growth for the hospitality industry across Asia.”

The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance represents over 66,000 hotels, 300 brands, and more than 8 million rooms, collaborating with hospitality giants such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, and Accor. With a network of over 100 partners, the Alliance is committed to uniting industry efforts to build a prosperous, sustainable future for hospitality worldwide.


Oman Targets One Million Indian Tourists Annually

Oman Targets One Million Indian Tourists Annually

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 28, 2025

Oman is making focused efforts to attract one million Indian tourists annually, according to a senior official from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Last year, around 7 lakh Indian visitors travelled to the Gulf nation, making India one of the most important markets for Oman’s tourism sector.

“Our aim is to have a million Indian tourists visit Oman per year,” said Yousuf Khalaf Al Mujaizi, Assistant Director, Business Development Department, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman. He added that the spotlight will be on weddings, MICE sector events, and adventure tourism, supported by multi-channel campaigns.

Highlighting India’s importance, Al Mujaizi said the country is a priority market due to strong cultural and economic ties. “India’s vast and diverse traveller base, interested in cultural and natural destinations, makes it a strategic focus for Oman tourism promotional efforts,” he noted.

The recent ‘Focus Oman’ roadshow held in Jaipur showcased Oman’s varied landscapes, rich heritage, and diverse tourism experiences. The event provided a platform for direct engagement between Omani tourism representatives and Indian travel companies. It also featured bilateral meetings, presentations, and participation from Omani hospitality operators, tourism institutions, and airlines.

Bringing together 25 Omani tourism entities and 150 Indian tour operators, the three-day event was aimed at strengthening tourism ties and exploring collaboration opportunities between India and Oman.


Ras Al Khaimah Appoints Phillipa Harrison as CEO of RAKTDA

Ras Al Khaimah Appoints Phillipa Harrison as CEO of RAKTDA

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 26, 2025

The Government of Ras Al Khaimah has announced the appointment of Phillipa Harrison as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA).

Harrison, who previously served as Managing Director of Tourism Australia, brings with her decades of experience in shaping international tourism strategies across Australia and other global markets. In her new role, she will drive the Emirate’s ambitious vision to become the “Destination of the Future.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAKTDA’s Executive Committee, expressed confidence in the appointment. He said, “Tourism is at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy, it is our fastest-growing sector and we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time. Ms. Harrison brings with her a depth of knowledge and leadership experience, most recently with Tourism Australia, that gives us confidence in her ability to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious goals and strategic targets in the tourism sector.”

Sharing her thoughts, Harrison said, “I’m honored to join at such an exciting time. Ras Al Khaimah has already established itself as an international success story, and I look forward to unlocking even more growth in the years ahead.”

Her leadership comes at a time when Ras Al Khaimah is recording strong growth in tourism, with over 650,000 visitors in the first half of 2025. The Emirate is now working toward achieving its target of welcoming more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, further strengthening its position as a leading sustainable tourism destination.


InterGlobe’s Miiro Expands to Austria with Palais Rudolf in Vienna

InterGlobe’s Miiro Expands to Austria with Palais Rudolf in Vienna

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 26, 2025

InterGlobe Enterprises’ boutique hospitality brand Miiro has announced the opening of its fifth hotel in Europe, Miiro Palais Rudolf in Vienna, Austria, scheduled for December 2025. The expansion reinforces Miiro’s rapid growth in Europe, following the successful launch of hotels in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London.

Located on a tranquil square overlooking Rudolfspark in Vienna’s Old Town, Palais Rudolf blends seamlessly into the historic neighborhood, just steps away from the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. The 64-room townhouse-style property offers a timeless retreat, combining warm tones, vintage-inspired design, and antiques sourced from Vienna’s cultural heritage.

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Guests can enjoy Miiro’s signature lifestyle touch with a light-filled Italian restaurant, an atmospheric bar, a state-of-the-art gym, and the brand’s unique Refresh Room. The dining spaces are designed to welcome locals and travelers alike, offering a rhythm that flows from morning coffee to late-night cocktails.

Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy & International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, said:
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Miiro Palais Rudolf, marking our fifth hotel opening in just 16 months. Following successful openings in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London, this launch highlights our focus on bringing the brand's promise of ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ to new markets. We look forward to welcoming guests in Vienna this December.”

To mark its debut, Palais Rudolf is offering 20% off the best available rate, plus €30 credit for on-site experiences. Reservations are open on the official website.

The launch reflects InterGlobe’s continued strategy of curating immersive, culture-driven stays that connect travelers with local communities. Miiro already operates hotels in Paris, Barcelona, London, and Gstaad, with new projects underway, including a second Vienna property in Spittelberg slated for 2026.

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