Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Makes Grand Debut in Bangladesh with Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Makes Grand Debut in Bangladesh with Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach

By Manu Vardhan kannan

Published on June 12, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has officially marked its arrival in Bangladesh with the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, introducing one of the world’s most recognized hospitality brands to the country’s beloved seaside escape. This milestone launch not only brings a new level of international hospitality to Cox’s Bazar—famed for being the world’s longest natural beach—but also sets the tone for future growth in the region.

Owned and developed by Hotel Ibis Ltd., under the leadership of Mr. Jashim Uddin Ahammed, the hotel stands as a symbol of a shared vision to redefine guest experiences in Bangladesh. Located just minutes from Cox’s Bazar Airport and a short walk to the sunlit shores of Kolatoli Beach, the hotel offers uninterrupted views of the Bay of Bengal and effortless access to regional gems like Himchari National Park and Inani Beach.

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The property features 143 contemporary rooms spread across eleven floors, offering a range of accommodation types including Standard Hill King & Twin, Ocean Front King & Twin, elegant Panorama Suites, and the exclusive Presidential and Royal Suites—the latter complete with butler service. Whether traveling for leisure or business, guests can indulge in a full range of upscale amenities such as an infinity rooftop heated pool, Heal Spa with Moroccan Bath, gym, steam and sauna, and a Kids Club.

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For corporate travellers, the hotel delivers on functionality with its versatile event spaces, including the Sugandha Grand Ballroom, Himchari and Laboni Halls, and the Teknaf Boardroom, all equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual technology for seamless meetings and gatherings.

Dining at the Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach is a vibrant experience. Guests can enjoy:

  • Sonali Restaurant, offering all-day dining with live cooking counters.

  • Ocean Lounge, a rooftop barbecue restaurant with live music and breathtaking views.

  • Arabika Coffee Lounge, a relaxed lobby café perfect for casual meetings or downtime.

Speaking on the brand’s debut, Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, shared,

“The opening of Ramada by Wyndham in Cox’s Bazar represents a meaningful step in Wyndham’s growth across South Asia. As our first hotel in Bangladesh, it reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding in key regional markets. We’re pleased to partner with Hotel Ibis Ltd. to bring our globally recognized brand to Cox’s Bazar, a destination with growing appeal to both local and international travelers.”

The timing of this opening aligns with Bangladesh’s expanding tourism ambitions. With government initiatives like the Bangladesh Tourism Master Plan, improved air connectivity, and a rise in both local and international visitors, Wyndham’s entry into the country supports the broader goal of enhancing infrastructure and service standards in tourism.

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Jashim Uddin Ahammed, Managing Director of Hotel Ibis Ltd., said,

“Partnering with Wyndham to bring the Ramada brand to Cox’s Bazar reflects our shared vision of elevating hospitality standards in Bangladesh. Wyndham’s global reputation for quality, innovation and guest experience, combined with our local knowledge and vision, is perfectly aligned to meet the rising demand for world-class hospitality in Bangladesh. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for international standards in Cox’s Bazar.”

The project has also made a significant impact on the local economy, creating over 200 jobs and delivering a world-class destination for both business and leisure travelers.

With this grand debut, Wyndham strengthens its presence in South Asia, joining its growing portfolio in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and now Bangladesh—further solidifying its vision of making trusted global hospitality more accessible across the region.


Israel Festival 2025 Goes Nationwide with Art, Music, and Culture

Israel Festival 2025 Goes Nationwide with Art, Music, and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

The Israel Festival 2025 has kicked off with a fresh vision, moving beyond the streets of Jerusalem to embrace diverse communities across Israel, from Majdal Shams in the north to Kibbutz Tze'elim in the south.

Spanning from July 16 to August 14, this year’s festival marks a historic milestone as it becomes a nationwide celebration of arts, culture, and unity. Each location will feature curated programs that reflect the spirit and identity of the local community.

Festival Locations Include:

  • North: Majdal Shams, Kiryat Shmona, Kibbutz Kfar Blum, and Tel Hai College

  • South: Ofakim, Kibbutz Urim, and Kibbutz Tze’elim

  • Jerusalem: The festival’s traditional venues remain central to the celebration

A Few Highlights from the Festival Lineup:

  • Speeches Against Despair: An imaginative reinterpretation of iconic speeches curated by Guri Alfi and Eli Haviv, featuring prominent performers like Noa Koller, Noga Erez, and Norman Issa.

  • Music People: A soulful collaboration between well-known Israeli musicians and emerging talents from the north.

  • Al-Malab (The Pitch): A powerful theatrical piece performed on a soccer field, exploring themes of memory and childhood.

  • From Ashes to Gold: Trumpeter Avishai Cohen joins the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra to perform a deeply emotional album inspired by the October 7th events.

  • Coming Home: A thought-provoking Talmudic performance blending music, narration, and spirituality.

  • Brothers: A heartfelt album launch by Tuval Haim, joined by musical guests including Tomer Yosef and ECHO.

  • Spurs: A literary and multimedia tribute to 25 years of the Mifal HaPais Sapir Prize, featuring award-winning authors and artists.

The organizers share that this edition is more than a festival—it is a reflection of hope, unity, and the deep belief in art as a bridge across communities.

“We operate from a deep belief in artistic creation as a unique tool for strengthening the fabric of shared life in Israel,” said Eyal Sher, CEO of the festival.

Artistic directors Michal Vaknin and Itai Mautner added, “We want to create a multi-layered picture and make room for something else to enter. This is our humble offering, our prayer.”

A Celebration of Cultural Resilience

The 2025 edition is not only a cultural showcase but also a powerful symbol of resilience and connection. It emphasizes the role of art in times of division and serves as a heartfelt invitation to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

The festival also aligns with the Restart the Galilee initiative, an effort to boost cultural tourism and economic development in the northern region by hosting events that support both artists and local communities.

From traditional stages in Jerusalem to the green fields of the Galilee, the Israel Festival 2025 offers a vibrant and unifying cultural experience for all.


Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2025

Germany is considering a reversal of the air traffic tax hike introduced in May 2024, according to a report by Bild. The move comes amid growing pressure from airlines and concerns over high operational costs at German airports. The current coalition government plans to discuss the matter during the preparation of the 2026 budget.

The tax increase raised the surcharge for short-haul flights from €12.48 to €15.53 per ticket. This has been widely criticized by airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which claim that the added costs are making air travel to and from Germany less attractive. International airlines have also hinted at scaling back their operations in response to the high fees.

Christoph Ploss, the government's tourism policy coordinator, has been vocal in calling for a change. “The increase in air traffic tax must be cancelled, and charges at German airports must also be reduced,” he told Bild. He further noted that the tax hike made holidays more expensive for millions of Germans. “A well-deserved holiday in Mallorca must not become unaffordable,” he added.

Germany’s transport ministry reportedly supports the reversal and sees it as a step toward reducing financial strain on the aviation sector. The coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed a commitment to easing the burden on the travel industry, although no official timeline has been provided yet.

The announcement briefly lifted Lufthansa’s stock by 2.2%, reflecting positive sentiment from the market. Ralph Beisel, head of the ADV airports association, also welcomed the potential policy change. “A reorientation of aviation policy is needed in our country,” he said, calling the reversal “a first and urgent step in the right direction.”

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is expected to present the draft budget for 2026 in the coming week. While economic challenges and increased defence spending are putting pressure on the national budget, businesses and industry watchers are closely monitoring the government's next steps in offering relief to the aviation sector.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.

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