For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off.

But what is unique to the event’s third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond.

SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: “Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We’d like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them.”

Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts.

As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025.

Lessons from the field

Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind

The beauty of this year’s SMF was how the majority of panellists weren’t from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things.

Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today’s world.

Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly.

While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important

When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity.

Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con.

But people tend to forget that these events weren’t exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work.

So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable?

MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage.

This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall.

Leverage the power of technology

Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE?

AI’s applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts.

At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca.

Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants.

Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity

The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting.

Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker’s presentation, today’s events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time.

This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person.

On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity.

Make the most of your online presence

I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised.

Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak.

However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event.

Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening.

At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels.

Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event’s engagement stands to grow at a significant rate.

On to the next one…

The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass.

This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better.

Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.

Japanese hospitality firm Hoshino Resorts announced the opening of two new properties under its KAI brand in 2026.

KAI, one of Hoshino Resorts’ flagships, is a brand focused on traditional onsen ryokan [hot spring inn] hospitality.

The two properties are located in Japan’s leading destinations for soothing relaxation thanks to the numerous hot springs within the area.

KAI Kusatsu in Gunma  

KAI Kusatsu, the brand’s 24th property, opens on 7th June 2026 and will be located in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture.

The facility’s concept is “a forest hot spring inn connected by a tunnel to the Kusatsu onsen landscape.” 

Nestled on a hillside overlooking Mt Kusatsu-Shirane, the expansive, nature-rich retreat will feature multiple buildings, including guest room wings, a dedicated bathhouse, and a separate lounge.

A private tunnel will provide direct access to the Kusatsu Onsen town and be exclusive for guests to enjoy the contrast of a nature-rich retreat and the vibrant atmosphere of the historic town.

A historic location

Recognised as one of Japan’s top onsen destinations, Kusatsu Onsen has a long history believed to date back to the Kofun period (ca 3rd to 6th century AD). 

Revered for its healing waters, it has long been cherished as a place of therapeutic bathing.

Situated at the base of Mt. Kusatsu-Shirane, this natural hot spring boasts an impressive flow of over 32,000 litres per minute, making it the highest naturally discharged volume of any hot spring in Japan[1].

Kusatsu Onsen is valued for its iconic Yubatake, a picturesque water field that functions as the town’s main hot spring source, and for Yumomi, a traditional method of cooling the mineral-rich waters without dilution. 

This distinctive culture, along with its communal baths, is beloved by locals and continues to draw visitors year-round.

In the heart of Setouchi

KAI Miyajima, on the other hand, will open its doors to guests by summer 2026.

Strategically located with views of the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, all guest rooms will offer spectacular ocean views of the Seto Inland Sea. 

The public hot spring is designed to provide an experience akin to being immersed in the sea.

In addition to arranging direct access from the hotel to Itsukushima Shrine, KAI Miyajima will reintroduce the Setouchi Ancient Sauna, a traditional bathing method long practiced in the Setouchi region, offering a unique stay that deeply connects guests with the local culture and history.

Travel Daily Media (TDM): Sustainability is a key driver in hospitality today. How is your organisation advancing its sustainability initiatives, and what does the pending certification signify for your operations?

Olivier Berrivin (OB): We are proud to announce that in September 2025, our Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and SureStay® Hotels in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Pakistan achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—a major milestone in our ongoing sustainability journey.

This achievement reflects how BWH® Hotels is integrating eco-friendly and community-focused practices into every aspect of our operations, in line with our global “Earth, People, and Community” (EPC) commitment. The GSTC certification also reinforces trust among our environmentally conscious guests and corporate partners, assuring them that their hotel provider is committed to responsible and sustainable practices.

TDM: What challenges do you see in embedding sustainability across properties in different markets, and how are you addressing them?

OB: Sustainability positively impacts every aspect of our business. By reducing waste, we can also lower unnecessary costs. Additionally, by protecting the environment and collaborating with our local partners, we can create long-term benefits for the entire destination. The main challenge lies in implementation, whether it’s adopting new work processes or sourcing eco-friendly products. While there may be short-term costs or minor disruptions behind the scenes, these are always outweighed by the long-term benefits.

In some cases, we rely on our guests to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as choosing not to have their towels washed every day. However, we find that the vast majority of our guests have an eco-conscious mindset and are understanding of these changes.

TDM: How do you balance rapid expansion with maintaining consistency in brand standards and guest experience?

OB: We are fortunate to have a robust set of brand standards that all our hotels, whether franchised or managed, must follow. Our in-house training team is very active, and we have developed a series of comprehensive courses for new hotels. These include “I Care Every Guest Every Time,” “Because We Care,” and “BWH Heritage,” all designed to ensure that every guest receives our heartfelt service philosophy from the very first day the hotel opens.

TDM: From your perspective, what are the most significant hospitality trends shaping the industry in APAC today?

OB: Sustainability, as I previously mentioned, is one of the most significant factors impacting the hospitality industry today. It is no longer just a trend; it has become an integral part of our operations. Another key factor is technology, particularly the rise of AI. This development has the potential to reshape every aspect of our business, from driving bookings and enhancing in-stay guest services to managing post-stay follow-up. However, as the world becomes more automated, guests will increasingly value the personal touch of human interaction, so we must find the right balance.

One notable trend that BWH Hotels is leading is the rise of “soft brands.” Although these have been around for many years, we have recently seen a significant increase in their popularity among both owners and guests, who appreciate the combination of independence and support they offer. At BWH Hotels, our collection features seven soft brands that span three distinct hotel groups — WorldHotels™, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay® Hotels — covering every segment of the market, from economy to luxury.

TDM: Technology is transforming hospitality experiences. How is your brand leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and guest satisfaction?

OB: Technology plays a vital role in our operations, encompassing everything from searching and booking to in-stay services, guest communications, back-office solutions, and post-stay feedback. The Best Western To Go® app is quite popular, allowing guests to manage their entire reservation and handle their Best Western Rewards® points conveniently. We are also embracing artificial intelligence by integrating tools like Microsoft Copilot into our operations to boost productivity.

To enhance the guest experience, our brands are tailored to meet the needs of modern, digitally connected travellers. We offer automated solutions, seamless high-speed Wi-Fi, easily accessible USB and power ports, smart TVs for content streaming, and much more. We consistently innovate and strive to remain at the forefront of hospitality technology.

TDM: How do you see personalisation shaping the future of guest experiences in APAC?

OB: Personalisation is essential for effective hospitality today. We need to anticipate, understand, and meet the needs of our guests, particularly our most loyal customers. The key to achieving this is through our dual loyalty programs: Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards℠. These programs allow us to provide tailored experiences to our 64 million members and elite travellers.

Marriott International Inc signed an agreement with Frasers Hospitality to bring The Luxury Collection to Singapore’s city center earlier today, 29th October.

This new agreement reinforces both companies’ commitment to elevating luxury hospitality in one of Asia’s most dynamic gateway destinations. 

The property, currently operating as InterContinental Singapore, will undergo a conversion and is expected to join The Luxury Collection portfolio in January 2026. 

Poised to become the second Luxury Collection property in Singapore, and the first in the city center, the hotel is set to invite guests to discover a uniquely local expression of luxury steeped in the city’s storied heritage and modern vibrancy.

The signing underscores Marriott’s strategic expansion in Singapore, complementing its portfolio of celebrated luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott, W Hotels, and EDITION.

Luxury in the heart of Singapore

According to Oriol Montal, Marriott International’s regional vice-president for the luxury segment in the Asia Pacific: “We are pleased to collaborate with Frasers Hospitality to bring The Luxury Collection to the heart of Singapore, a gateway city that continues to inspire global travelers with its blend of tradition and modernity. This signing underscores our confidence in Singapore and our commitment to growing our luxury footprint in this world-class city. The hotel will be part of our award-winning Marriott Bonvoy travel program, offering members more opportunities to enjoy exceptional stays and exclusive experiences.” 

Meanwhile, Frasers Hospitality executive director Jason Leong expressed pride at the InterContinental Singapore joining The Luxury Collection, essentially serving as a refined gateway to Singapore, where timeless elegance meets authentic exploration.

Leong said: “This transformation reflects our continued investment in unlocking the hotel’s distinctive potential, strengthening our competitive edge and setting new benchmarks in Singapore’s luxury hospitality landscape. We remain firmly rooted in the unique identity and heritage that distinguish this hotel, even as we embark on a thoughtfully curated evolution to enhance its legacy while aligning with the elevated standards of The Luxury Collection.”

An exceptional property 

Expected to open as The Luxury Collection in January 2026, the hotel will feature 406 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, starting from 38 square meters and thoughtfully designed to blend contemporary comfort with timeless sophistication. 

Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant Bras Basah–Bugis arts and cultural district, the hotel is located within the landmark Bugis Junction mixed-use development. 

Surrounded by a rich tapestry of heritage enclaves such as Kampong Glam and Arab Street, and connected directly to Bugis MRT Station, it offers guests seamless access to Singapore’s historic charm and modern energy.

Planned facilities include a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and six distinctive dining and social venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, and a pool bar. 

The property is also slated to offer approximately 1,000 square meters of flexible event space, including a 540-square-meter ballroom, providing an elegant setting for both corporate gatherings and social celebrations.

World Table Tennis (WTT) named Trip.com as the Official Online Travel Partner of WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025 earlier today, 29th October.

The online travel platform’s involvement gives fans a seamless way to build their perfect WTT Finals week covering travel, stay, and world-class table tennis in one place.

Trip.com’s partnership aligns with WTT’s commitment to fan-first experiences: frictionless booking, access to the city’s best, and seats for the sport’s most consequential week all in one itinerary. 

Head to where the action is

Fans across Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea Republic, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam can plan their experiences through Trip.com: quintessential Hong Kong experiences from the Citybus Tour to a day at Hong Kong Disneyland alongside WTT Finals session tickets for their must-see matchups. 

Priority sales of WTT Finals packages will be available on the official Trip.com website and mobile app from 10:00am local time on Monday, 3rd November, to 23:59 local time on Tuesday, 4th November.

Public sales are scheduled to commence at 10:00am local time on Thursday, 6th November. 

Avid table tennis aficionados can place themselves steps from the drama with premium options, while exploring Hong Kong’s energy between sessions.

Over ten sessions featuring Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles, fans can now book curated travel and hospitality options via Trip.com, crafting itineraries that place them close to the action and deep into the city.

A first for Hong Kong

For the first time, the season’s last word arrives in Hong Kong, China from 10th to 14th December, as the world’s best from 2025 converge to decide the year. 

This year’s WTT Finals carries a US$1.3 million prize pool and the tightest field of the season: 16 Men’s Singles, 16 Women’s Singles, and seven Mixed Doubles pairs plus one Host Wildcard. 

With three WTT Series events left on the calendar, namely the WTT Champions Montpellier, WTT Champions Frankfurt, and WTT Star Contender Muscat, the leaderboard remains volatile and the final places very much in play.

That said, WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025 will close the season with immensity, action, and glorious enthusiasm and getting there with Trip.com is every bit as fun as the event itself.

Delta Sky Club elevates the travel experience with its newest haven of elegance, now open at Concourse B in Salt Lake City International Airport. The second largest Club to date, this nearly 34,000 square foot space accommodates up to 600 guests and pays homage to Utah’s natural beauty through a thoughtfully curated design. This new addition demonstrates Delta’s commitment to SLC by elevating the travel experience with restorative comfort, innovative amenities and a deep sense of place.

The nature-inspired lounge features panoramic airfield views and curated amenities for business and leisure travelers alike, including a wrap-around premium bar and nine sound-proof telephone booths for focused work. The space is equipped with an expansive food buffet featuring fresh salads, sandwiches and more freshly prepared on site, and two beverage stations for coffee, tea and soda, including a “Dirty Soda” bar, unique to this Club.

“Salt Lake City continues to be a key hub in our network, and opening our second Delta Sky Club at the airport reflects our deepening commitment to the market,” said Claude Roussel, vice president – Delta Sky Club and lounge experience. “This space was designed with direct input from our customers—what they love, what they need and how they want to feel when they travel. From the seating layout to the food and beverage offerings, every detail was crafted to deliver an elevated experience that makes the lounge feel like a home away from home.”

Design elements in the Club reflect Utah’s breathtaking natural beauty, bringing the outdoors in with a refined, modern twist. A geometric ceiling and terrazzo mosaic flooring on the entry floor evoke the shimmer of winter light on snow, while rich wood tones, jewel accents and copper details throughout the upstairs space nod to the state’s mountains, lakes and caverns.

Artwork in the Club offers guests a curated journey through Utah’s textures and colors, featuring local artists and commissioned pieces that celebrate the region’s landscapes. The Digital Immersion wall—a first for Delta—surrounds guests with panoramic visuals of Utah’s iconic landmarks, paired with nature sounds for a calming, 4D experience. Velvet drapery, acoustic baffles and dark tones enhance the sensory environment, creating a quiet space to relax and unwind.

Elevating the journey: From curb to cloud 

This state-of-the-art Sky Club is part of Delta’s continued investment in Salt Lake City and a key component of “The New SLC” redevelopment program. With the addition of 10 more gates and an expanded Concourse B footprint, the project enhances operational efficiency and improves traffic flow—delivering a more seamless, spacious and elevated experience for all traveling through SLC.

With the opening of this new lounge and other innovative experiences, Delta is making travel out of Salt Lake City more seamless than ever. SkyMiles Members using the Fly Delta app can breeze through security with expedited TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes by storing their Known Traveler Number and passport information in their SkyMiles profile. Delta One customers departing from SLC can now enjoy an exclusive, concierge-style check-in experience with the debut of Delta One Check-in, available at all hubs by end of year.

Delta in SLC: Global connections and local roots 

Delta plays a leading role in connecting Salt Lake City to the world, with up to 255 peak-day departures to nearly 100 destinations across the globe. This year, Delta launched its first-ever nonstop service from Salt Lake City to Seoul, South Korea, and will begin daily nonstop flights to Lima, Peru later this year—marking its first route from SLC to South America.

Delta’s influence extends far beyond the airport with partnerships with over community organizations like Utah Food Bank, YMCA of Northern Utah and the American Red Cross. In addition to being the Naming Rights Partner of the Delta Center, Delta is the Official Airline and Community Partner of the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth. More than 4,800 Delta employees call Utah home.

After a triumphant season, UAE Team Emirates XRG have touched down in Dubai, making their first stop at Emirates Group Headquarters. During their visit, employees, many cycling enthusiasts, were given a chance to meet and mingle with team members.

The team was led by Tadej Pogačar, world number one in the UCI World Ranking and four-time Tour de France champion. He was joined by world number 5 João Almeida, along with riders Florian Vermeersch, Jay Vine, Johnatan Narváez, and Tim Wellens. The team’s CEO, Mauro Gianetti, also attended. They were warmly welcomed by Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline.

The visit followed the team’s impressive season, which saw them achieve a record number of victories across the global cycling calendar. Emirates employees interacted with the riders and celebrated the team’s remarkable achievements, underscoring the strong partnership between Emirates and UAE Team Emirates XRG.

Emirates has been the co-title sponsor and a steadfast supporter of UAE Team Emirates XRG since its inception in 2017. The airline renewed its partnership with UAE Team Emirates XRG earlier this year.

The team will participate in a community ride in Al Hudayriat Island on 30 October 2025 to celebrate the landmark season.

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, has secured a SAR 6.5 billion ($1.73 billion) credit facility made available for the development of AMAALA. 

Funding is being led by Riyad Bank as the sole underwriter along with The Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB) and Bank AlBilad as mandated lead arrangers. The loan agreement offers a mix of conventional and Islamic financing and adheres to RSG’s Green Loan Framework, which was first established when it secured private funding from a consortium of four banks for The Red Sea destination in 2021.

“Four years ago, we made history by securing the first-ever Riyal denominated green finance credit facility. Since then, we have built and opened nine hotels at The Red Sea destination as well as supporting infrastructure. Last month we announced the upcoming opening of Shura Island, which will feature 11 hotels, residences, high-end food and beverage and retail experiences. We have demonstrated that we are a developer who delivers and we’re proud that our financing partners recognize this and have faith to once again back our destinations, this time supporting AMAALA, which opens in the coming weeks,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at RSG.

This is the third time RSG and Riyad Bank have partnered together. It follows the first green loan facility in 2021, as well as a separate SAR 2bn debt financing for a joint venture with Kingdom Holding Company for the development of the Four Seasons Resort on Shura Island, which is set to open later this year.

Nadir Al-Koraya, President and Chief Executive Officer of Riyad Bank, said: “Red Sea Global continues to demonstrate exceptional capability in delivering on bold and transformative developments that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. We are proud to once again support them, this time in realizing AMAALA, an ambitious, sustainability-driven destination that will redefine wellness and luxury tourism.”

Gregory Djerejian, Group Head of Investments and Chief Legal Officer at RSG, said: “We are grateful to our partners for their continued trust and support. Their backing not only reflects confidence in our vision, but also reinforces our shared commitment to responsible, future-focused development. Together, we are helping to deliver destinations that set new standards for sustainability, wellness, and economic impact.”

The Green Financing accreditation is governed by a Green Financing Framework aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles set out by the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) and the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) respectively.

Advising on the deal was the international law firm Akin, with its Riyadh office acting as borrower’s counsel on the transaction, while Linklaters’ Riyadh office acted as lenders’ counsel. Both firms played an integral role in ensuring the smooth execution of the transaction, providing commercially focused and pragmatic legal advice that supported RSG in securing this landmark green financing.

AMAALA, situated at Triple Bay, is set to open this year, with more than 1,400 hotel rooms across eight different resorts. It is positioned as an ultra-luxury wellness destination with regeneration at its core. Two of AMAALA’s hallmark features include Corallium Marine Life Institute, an educational and scientific research center, and the AMAALA Yacht Club, destined to become an international hub for luxury yachting.

Led by the Ministry of Tourism, Kibbutz Neot Semadar in Israel’s Southern Arava selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages list by UN Tourism, which includes 250 villages worldwide. At an official ceremony held on October 17, 2025 in China, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) announced the inclusion of the ecological, cooperative community Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, in the prestigious Best Tourism Villages (BTV) network for 2025. The list honours rural destinations leading in sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and innovation.

Israel’s minister of Tourism, Haim Katz said: “Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the best of the Israeli spirit – combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This recognition is another step in the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts within the framework of UN Tourism. It reflects the international acknowledgment of Israel’s uniqueness and its high-quality sustainable tourism. We will continue to position Israel as a desirable and responsible tourism destination.”

Kibbutz Neot Semadar, founded in 1989, is home to about 250 residents – kibbutz members, families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. It is a unique model of an ecological cooperative community that combines art, agriculture, and environmental awareness in everyday life.

Visitors to Neot Semadar can enjoy a distinctive desert tourism experience, featuring the Art Center – an architectural masterpiece built by community members over 15 years, an organic boutique winery, a local restaurant-cafe, eco-lodge, art workshops, and stargazing next to the Weizmann Institute’s telescope. Neot Semadar embodies tourism innovation, sustainability, and art, serving as an inspiration for rural and eco-tourism in Israel and around the world.

The Ministry of Tourism initiated and led the kibbutz’s nomination as part of a broader strategy to promote unique local communities on the global stage. In collaboration with the Eilot Regional Council, the ministry provided professional guidance, assisted in preparing materials, and liaised with the international jury – recognizing that such an achievement benefits both the local community and the regional and national tourism image of Israel.

This marks Israel’s second recognition in the prestigious UN Tourism list following Kfar Kama, a Circassian village in the Lower Galilee, which was selected in 2022.

The official letter received from UN Tourism congratulated the Ministry and community on this achievement, recognizing the cultural and natural richness of Neot Semadar and its commitment to sustainability in its ecological, social, and economic dimensions.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council – Southern Arava said: “Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day – sustainability, innovation, and cooperation. Neot Semadar places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map, and we will continue developing distinctive desert tourism that attracts visitors from Israel and abroad.”

Kibbutz Neot Semadar Secretariat added: “Over the past decade, Neot Semadar has undergone a true transformation in the field of tourism. Today we share our unique culture, cuisine, and architecture with visitors from Israel and around the world. This international recognition will serve as a springboard for further tourism development in the Arava and across Israel.”

Global Recognition for the Arava and Israel 

Neot Semadar’s selection in this prestigious competition reflects its compliance with UN Tourism’s high standards and positions it as an international model for eco-tourism and sustainable desert living. Even during a challenging period for Israel in international arenas, the UN chose to shine a light on Neot Semadar – placing Israel and the Southern Arava on the world tourism map and proving how a small community can inspire global recognition and open the door to a new era of sustainable tourism in Israel.

Israel, Haim Katz, Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council – Southern Arava said: “Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day – sustainability, innovation, and cooperation. Neot Semadar places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map, and we will continue developing distinctive desert tourism that attracts visitors from Israel and abroad.”

Vietjet and Oxford University have presented the findings of their milestone joint research initiative on Net Zero solutions for global aviation. 

Findings from the study were reported during the official visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam to the United Kingdom.

Vietjet chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao commended the team behind the study, saying: “I deeply value this collaboration with the University of Oxford as we work together to advance green innovation by connecting knowledge, technology, and compassion.”

Nguyen added that Vietjet is committed to partnering with international institutions to build a humane, prosperous, and sustainable future for generations to come.

Relevant findings and results

Led by Oxford Net Zero director Myles Allen, the study focused on the development and potential use of Geological Balance Fuel (GBF), an innovative form of aviation fuel.

With GBF, carbon emissions are offset through the long-term geological storage of CO₂, and initial findings suggest that it could provide a practical pathway for the aviation sector to achieve Net Zero emissions by mid-century.

The key advantage of this breakthrough lies in its cost-effectiveness and compatibility with existing global fuel supply systems, minimizing disruption and additional costs to current energy and fuel industries.

This joint study with Oxford Net Zero is part of Vietjet’s Fly Green campaign, its long-term sustainability strategy for a green future under a blue sky.

Over the past several year, Vietjet has expressed its commitment through the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon offset mechanisms, reforestation programmes, investments in renewable energy, and AI-driven operational efficiencies.

As a result, the airline has successfully reduced average emissions per passenger by 38 percent compared with previous-generation aircraft.