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Mandai Wildlife Group celebrates another baby boom with almost a thousand newborns in 2024
There is more (wildlife) to love at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve as Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo collectively welcomed 998 babies across 143 species in 2024. This milestone surpasses the previous year’s record, which had set the highest number of births and hatchings in the past decade. 34 of the species are listed as threatened under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, including critically endangered species like the woylie and vulnerable species such as the giant anteater and West Indian manatee. Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “Every birth in our parks reflects the dedication of our animal care and veterinary teams, as well as the success of international breeding collaborations. With each new arrival, we reinforce our commitment to maintaining sustainable populations in our parks and contributing to long-term conservation efforts." Of the 143 species successfully bred by Mandai Wildlife Group last year, 23 are part of internationally managed breeding programmes like the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP). These programmes aim to maintain genetically healthy and sustainable populations of species under human care while supporting conservation efforts in the wild. Mandai Wildlife Group actively participates in over 190 programmes such as the EEP, with some of its animal care team members leading species management efforts as programme coordinators. Bundles of Joy at Singapore Zoo Singapore Zoo celebrated the births of five slender-tailed meerkat pups – twins residing at the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and triplets at Wild Africa. The sprightly pups mark the first births of the species since 2019. Adding to the list of crowd charmers is a female Linne’s two-toed sloth named Hope, and three oriental small-clawed otters. Another highlight was the arrival of Putri, a proboscis monkey whose name means ‘princess’ in the Malay and Indonesian languages. The second offspring to parents Malaka and Jeff, Putri can often be seen playing with her brother Bayu or clinging to her mum at the proboscis monkey habitat. Proboscis monkeys are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with wild populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for timber and oil palm plantations. The primate family also grew with the arrival of two Goeldi’s monkeys – the first infants in nine years – along with four ring-tailed lemurs and two emperor tamarins. The Goeldi’s monkeys and ring-tailed lemurs give a boost to their species’ EEP. In the realm of reptiles and amphibians, the endangered golden mantella and black-legged poison frog were among the key breeding successes. These species require highly specific water conditions for reproduction, and the animal care team achieved a breakthrough by studying and fine-tuning optimal water parameters. They also simulated natural seasonal changes such as adjusting temperatures and humidity to improve breeding successes. In a crucial step, eggs were carefully retrieved for assisted hatching, to maximise chances of survival. As a result, the tally of golden mantella hatchlings reached 31 – the highest in three years. Another key breeding effort focused on the Chrisangi leaf insect, a species native to Singapore, to establish an assurance colony as a safeguard against extinction and support conservation efforts. A Season of New Life at Night Safari 2024 saw a bounty of fawns at Night Safari. Among the additions were three Malayan sambar deer, five barasinghas, and a male hog deer, all of which have settled into their free-ranging habitats along the Safari Tram Adventure route. The arrival of three Turkmenian markhor kids also marked a milestone as the first offspring for the species in five years. Markhors, with their wide hooves, are perfectly adapted to the rocky, mountainous terrains which they inhabit in the wild. Guests onboard the Safari Tram Adventure can spot the young markhors balancing gracefully on rugged surfaces just millimetres wide, offering a captivating sight. Meanwhile, keepers also welcomed a male woylie at the Tasmanian Devil Trail. This is the fifth joey of this critically endangered species born at Night Safari since 2021. The joey, which initially stayed close to its mum after birth, is now growing bolder, curiously exploring its habitat and engaging in enrichment activities. Reasons to Rejoice at River Wonders At River Wonders, two special additions to the EEP – a giant anteater pup and a West Indian manatee calf – have captured the hearts of guests. Solana, the fifth pup born to Zapata and Iapura, has transitioned to a solid diet of ant eggs and boiled eggs. As she continues to get used to the presence of keepers, the playful young one often climbs onto mum’s back for comfort. Meanwhile, the shy West Indian manatee calf at the Amazon Flooded Forest has formed a friendship with a young female born in 2023. The two can often be seen grazing together. The latest calf, like her buddy, was bottle-fed by the aquarists and tended to round-the-clock as no nursing behaviour was observed from its mum. In other joyous news, River Wonders successfully bred the endangered Lake Titicaca frog in the same year it was first exhibited. The blue discus, a tropical fish native to South America, continues to thrive with 80 new members joining the school. A Flurry of Hatchlings at Bird Paradise Bird Paradise had a busy year with numerous hatchings from high conservation value species like the golden parakeet and yellow mantled chattering lory. To ensure their survival, eggs that were neglected or abandoned in the aviaries were safely retrieved and incubated at the Breeding and Research Centre. Newly hatched chicks are placed in a specially controlled environment, where they are hand-raised and gradually exposed to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, preparing them for release to the aviaries. Other notable hatchings included first-time hatchings for Mandai Wildlife Group, such as the blue-winged leafbird, Madagascar teal, and Meller’s duck as well as the first Nyasa lovebird and green honeycreeper hatchlings in over seven years. Keepers at Winged Sanctuary minimised their presence around the green honeycreepers as the chicks grew, only leaving food in the aviary at 6am each day. Bird Paradise also celebrated its first-ever penguin hatchlings with two gentoo penguin chicks born to first-time parents Riki and Peach, and one to parents Citrus and Enzo. The oldest, though relatively shy, has made friends of her own while the second, the only male, has gained a reputation as the most vocal and demanding. The youngest is the most adventurous of the trio. All three chicks have begun to sport adult plumage and can be seen waddling around their habitat, with their parents following closely behind.
Indian Travel Trade seek incentives for large groups and filmmakers in Kenya
Indian travel agents want Kenya to offer incentives to filmmakers and group travellers to increase visitor numbers to the destination. At a travel tradeshow in India organised by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and attended by 12 Kenyan travel trade companies, it was disclosed that meeting Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and filmmakers are the biggest segments Kenya would cash in on to increase its Indian visitor numbers. Cosmic Safaris Director Chetan Samani said incentives would push more numbers to Kenya. “Filming is a big thing in India and inquiries on MICE are also what we need to leverage to woo this market,” said Chetan. For a while, he pointed out, the increasing interest among Indian filmmakers in shooting locations in the country has been noted. This, he added, was an opportunity for Kenya to enhance top-of-mind awareness of the destination among the Asian community. Great movies, close to 80 international films have been shot in Kenya in the past with the India Film industry revealing that new film destinations experience an average of 45% increase in arrivals when a top Bollywood film with renowned actors is shot in destinations. Kenya is currently pitching camp in key cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata ahead of the annual Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) to be held in Mumbai from January 30 to 1 February 2025 at Jio World Convention Center to woo the Asian market. Some of the companies in the roadshow included Neptunes Hotels, Golden Holidays and Travel, Primate Tour, Atua Enkopo Africa, Blue Berry Travel, Safari Trails, Silverbird and Somak Safaris. Kenya is also relying on the increasing demand for groups and high-end travellers from India to increase the tourism pie from the Asian market which is currently ranked at 6th position as Kenya’s source market. According to KTB CEO June Chepkemei, the market has recorded a tremendous increase in arrivals after the COVID-19 pandemic to post a 12.4 percent growth last year with 106,863 arrivals up from 95,038 visitors recorded in 2023. Samani said India was promising good tidings with increasing interest for visitors to travel in 2025. He added that though Masai Mara remains a key attraction for the Indians, renewed efforts by KTB and travel partners to showcase diversity in product and experience offerings will bear fruits. Panari Group Manager expressed his optimism that the marketing programs in the market would further spur groups and MICE segments to consider Kenya amidst competition from other countries. “It is impressive that besides booking through destination marketing companies, groups, and MICE are also booking directly with the hotels who are also open to enhancing visitor experiences through safari tours,” said Asher. The recently launched Magical Kenya Trail Series that was recently flagged off from the Thomson Falls in Nyahuru, he pointed out, has added to the list of experiences the hotels in the region were packaging for clients. Safari Seekers Africa General Manager, Jazeera Suwani called on Indian travel agents to package Masai Mara tailored holidays off the peak season besides including other destinations to the Mara itinerary. “We encourage Indian travellers to book in advance for the Mara migration or book off-season to fully get the wildlife experience that Masai Mara and other destinations across the country have to offer,” said Suwani. She added that Indian travellers needed more empowerment in destination knowledge for better engagement with potential travellers to Kenya.
Saudi welcomes first group of Chinese tourists from Jin Jiang International with the launch of Radisson Hotel Group’s Welcome China Program in the country
沙特接待锦江国际集团组织的首个中国旅游团 丽笙酒店集团于沙特推出针对中国游客的特别服务 沙特成为中国公民出境团队旅游目的地为两国打开双边旅游合作新契机 The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) is thrilled to announce the arrival of the first group of Chinese tourists, organized by Jin Jiang International, a prominent tourism and hospitality company in China. This historic moment follows the signing of the Approved Destination Status (ADS) agreement between Saudi and China, enabling Chinese travel agencies to promote group tours to Saudi and simplifying visa procedures for Chinese tourists. 中国–2023年11月1日：沙特旅游局宣布日前接待了第一批中国游客。这批游客由中国知名旅游酒店企业锦江国际集团组织。对沙特而言，这是一个历史性的时刻。在此之前，中国将沙特列入公民出境团队旅游目的地名单，中国的旅行社因此可以组织旅游团前往沙特。沙特方面也为中国游客简化了签证申请手续。 The first group of Chinese tourists consists of senior executives from esteemed organizations, including Shanghai Tourism Industry Association, Jiangsu Tourism Association, China International Tourism Service (Jiangsu), China International Tourism Service Wuxi, Tongcheng Travel, Tuniu.com and Jin Jiang Travel who spent a total of 5 days 4 nights in Riyadh and Jeddah enjoying a variety of curated experiences, such as visiting Masmak Fortress, Diriyah, Saudi National Museum, Nofa Safari, Al Rajhi Grand Mosque, Kingdom Tower, Jeddah waterfront, Al Balad and Tayebat Museum. 中国首个访沙旅游团由中国旅游行业知名企业的高级管理人员组成，包括上海市旅游行业协会、江苏省旅游协会、中国国旅江苏国际旅行社、中国国旅无锡国际旅行社、同程旅行、途牛和锦江旅游网等。该旅行团在利雅得和吉达逗留了五天四晚，参加了一系列精心设计的活动，游览了马斯马克堡 (又称马斯马克宫)、德拉伊耶老城、沙特国家博物馆、诺法野生动物公园、Al Rajhi大清真寺、吉达塔 (又称国王塔)、吉达水滨、巴拉德老城和泰伊巴特博物馆等景点。 Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said “We are delighted to welcome the first group of Chinese tourists from Jin Jiang International to Saudi. This is a significant moment for us, as we have been working relentlessly to develop and diversify our tourism offerings and attract more visitors from China and other Asian markets. We believe that Saudi has a lot to offer to Chinese travelers, who are looking for new and authentic experiences.” 沙特旅游局亚太市场总裁Alhasan Aldabbagh表示：“我们非常高兴接待锦江国际集团组织的首批中国游客。对我们来说，这是一个非常重要的时刻。过去一段时间，我们一直在努力开发多元化的旅游资源，希望从中国和亚洲其他市场吸引更多游客。我们相信，沙特能够为中国旅行者提供丰富精彩的选择，满足他们对地道旅游体验的渴望。” Ms. Xu, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Tourism Trade Association, said “We are highly passionate about this visit to the mystical Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our hope is to bring back to Shanghai the Saudi culture, history, and warmth that we will see, hear, taste, and experience during our visit. We aim to share these enriching experiences with more members of our association. By collaborating with Jin Jiang, we wish to pave the way for Shanghai tourists to visit Saudi." 上海市旅游行业协会秘书长许婷说，“此次能够访问神秘的沙特王国，我们感到非常振奋。我们希望将我们在此行中看到、听到、尝到和体验到的沙特文化、历史和热情带回上海。我们将同我们协会的会员分享此次丰富精彩的体验。我们希望通过与锦江合作的方式，为上海游客到沙特旅游铺平道路。” Ms. Maria Zheng, CEO of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Travel Co., Ltd. adds “In a significant milestone, on 17 October, the first tour group from China arrived in Riyadh, officially opening the first chapter of Jin Jiang's group travel to Saudi. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding, Jin Jiang International and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) set the framework for discussion to evaluate and explore potential collaboration in destination promotion.” 上海锦江国际旅游股份有限公司首席执行官郑蓓补充说，“10月17日是一个重要的里程碑日期，这一天中国的首个旅游团抵达了利雅得，正式开启了锦江访沙团队旅游的第一个篇章。锦江国际集团与沙特旅游局签订了谅解备忘录，为后续评估和研究目的地推广方面潜在的合作可能性搭建了一个基本框架。” Jin Jiang's subsidiary, Radisson Hotel Group, recently introduced the "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Welcome China Program" to ensure Chinese guests feel comfortable while travelling to Saudi and Europe. At each participating hotel, Chinese guests will find a range of features and amenities designed and curated for them specifically, to provide them with an excellent experience and make them feel at home. 锦江子公司丽笙酒店集团前不久推出了“沙特王国欢迎中国游客计划”，以此确保中国客人到沙特和欧洲旅行时，能够尽享舒适。每一个参加此计划的酒店都为中国客人专门准备了一系列的特色服务与用品，打造宾至如归的体验。 New tailored offerings cover the full guest experience, from collateral such as welcome letters and menus being available in Chinese, to guests having the ability to pay for anything with Chinese Union pay cards. In the guest rooms, small touches like the provision of tea kettles and a selection of Chinese teas are included. The participating hotels also feature a range of new Food & Beverage options for Chinese speaking travelers, including the addition of traditional dishes like congee, noodles, and dumplings to a curated selection of dishes available as part of the daily breakfast service. Additionally, a WeChat concierge service is now available in six Radisson Hotel Group hotels in Saudi. 此类服务与用品覆盖客人在酒店住宿期间的方方面面，包括中文的欢迎信和菜单，以及使用银联卡支付等。在客房内，客人还会发现电热水壶和精选茶包等贴心安排。参加此计划的酒店还为说中文的旅客准备了符合他们口味的餐饮选择，包括在日常早餐中新增加米粥、面条、饺子等中华传统美食。此外，沙特的六家丽笙酒店集团旗下酒店现在开始提供微信礼宾服务。 Basel Talal, Managing Director Saudi, Kuwait & Levant, adds “As China is on the verge of becoming the world’s largest travel market, offering a wealth of opportunity and potential for international destinations, Radisson Hotel Group has identified several opportunities to realize the potential of the Chinese market in EMEA and more specifically in Saudi. Key initiatives have been defined, including a tailored “KSA Welcome China Program” alongside co-branding a selected number of hotels in Europe. These projects are positioned to not only improve awareness of our Chinese and Radisson Hotel Group brands in Saudi and China respectively, but also to provide an optimal Yes, I Can service to Chinese travelers”. 丽笙酒店集团沙特、科威特与黎凡特地区董事总经理Basel Talal补充说：“中国即将成为全球最大的旅游市场。这对国际旅游目的地而言意味着大量的机会和潜力。丽笙酒店集团已经在欧洲、中东和非洲发现了一系列拓展中国旅游市场的机会，尤其是在沙特。我们已经相应推出了重要的举措，包括制定“沙特王国欢迎中国游客计划”，以及与欧洲的一批精选酒店展开联合品牌营销活动。这些项目不仅有助于扩大我们中国品牌和丽笙酒店集团品牌在沙特和中国的知名度，同时也将丽笙酒店集团卓越的‘Yes I Can! 是，我行！’服务带给中国旅客。” Jin Jiang Travel offers unique tour packages showcasing the hidden gems of the Saudi, and the company is committed to enhancing the professionalism of hospitality and tourism employees by offering training courses in both China and Saudi. 上海锦江国际旅游股份有限公司设计了独树一帜的旅游套餐，向中国游客展现沙特的文化历史珍宝。该公司将通过培训课程，提升中国与沙特的酒店与旅游业务线员工的专业能力。 Saudi Tourism Authority STA is dedicated to strengthening cooperation with Jin Jiang International and other Chinese travel agencies to promote Saudi as a safe and appealing destination for Chinese tourists. 沙特旅游局致力于强化与锦江国际集团及其他中国旅游企业的合作，向中国游客宣传沙特安全、迷人的旅游环境。 Discover more about Saudi’s tourism offerings on the Visit Saudi website. 垂询沙特旅游资源的更多信息，请访问沙特旅游官方网站Visit Saudi。 About Saudi Tourism Authority Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries. To learn more please visit www.VisitSaudi.com 关于沙特旅游局 沙特旅游局（STA）成立于2020年6月，负责在全球范围内宣传推广沙特的旅游目的地，运用各种项目、套餐和商业支持，开发沙特的旅游产品、服务和体验。沙特旅游局的职责还包括开发沙特独特的资产和目的地，主办和参与行业活动，并在当地和海外推广沙特的旅游品牌。沙特旅游局在世界各地设有为38个国家服务的16个代表处。 垂询更多信息，请访问www.VisitSaudi.com。
dnata Travel Group unveils ATM Dubai stand representing UAE’s booming travel industry in 2023
Dubai’s longest serving travel provider is showcasing the full spectrum of the UAE travel industry, from corporate travel solutions to attractions and more, as its local brands eye further global expansion. dnata Travel Group, a global travel services provider based in Dubai, is returning to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with a stand designed to showcase the full spectrum of the far-reaching UAE travel industry in 2023. From attractions to airport services and beyond, its new design and increased capacity reflects a continuing local and international demand for travel, and the company’s plans to expand its global reach this year. Located in the Middle East pavilion, the dnata Travel Group’s stand has an increased capacity to welcome representatives from across global markets, as its brands focus on plans to bring Dubai-based travel services closer to the world. To support visitors, the team is unveiling an innovative activation enabling them to identify how best to partner with the Group to meet specific travel-related needs. dnata Travel Group brands with an enhanced presence on its stand for 2023 include Arabian Adventures, the UAE’s leading destination management company (DMC), tour and safari operator. Its team is showcasing a colourful state-of-the-art dune buggy as part of a brand refresh. The Group’s DMC operation is looking to expand across the Middle East in 2023, as tourism to regional destinations grows, and the UAE continues to prove a top-choice location for multi-centre travel bookings to take in highlights of the region and beyond. John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group commented: "Across the dnata Travel Group, the number one travel destination of choice throughout our 60-plus year history up till today, continues to be the UAE. We are proud to have supported the growth of travel to and from this part of the world. Our strategy for our local brands is to continue to expand across the Middle East and the world, and we are delighted to welcome the global travel industry to our stand at the Arabian Travel Market 2023." Yalago, one of the world’s fastest-growing global leisure wholesale specialists, will discuss international growth plans including expanding its teams and global accommodation inventory. priohub, the digital B2B attractions marketplace, and Gold Medal, the largest travel consolidator in the Middle East, aim to connect with local and international customers and suppliers, as part of growth plans for 2023. marhaba, part of dnata’s Airport Operations division, is representing its award-winning global lounge experience at the event, alongside DUBZ powered by dnata, showcasing its increasingly popular Dubai-based home check-in, baggage delivery, and other services ensuring a smoother airport experience. Representatives from across the wider dnata Group will be on-hand throughout the event to meet industry partners and customers, while some of the dnata Travel Group team are excited to share insights and experiences in the following conference sessions during the event: Jason Hooper, Head of Digital Solutions, dnata Travel Management, on a panel organised by Sabre on ‘The Main Trends Impacting Travel in 2023 and Beyond’ (3rd May), and Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, speaking at a panel on ‘The Success of Tourism for the UAE: 30 Years On...’ (3rd May).
Blue Safari Seychelles leads the way in Manta Ray conservation
Blue Safari Seychelles is now taking its unique signature snorkelling experience to a new level – all in the name of science. One of the most magical encounters for travellers to the outer islands is with Mantas and guests learn all about the key conservation project from the on-site marine biologist before heading out to swim with these enigmatic rays. The project prior to 2022 has relied on photo-ID but a major new development has been acoustically tagging 20 Mantas and taking genetic samples from 25 of the gliding giants, all to protect this fragile species. After three years of planning and collaboration with partners from around the world, and two and a half years of fundraising, the project is coming to fruition. Its aims are: To investigate the spatial ecology of the reef Manta Rays around the Alphonse group of atolls, using the 68 underwater receivers situated around the outer reefs and inner lagoons which will detect the high-frequency pings emitted by the tags on the Mantas as they swim past. To look at how the Mantas are inhabiting the atolls, the acoustic data will be overlaid with tidal and weather data to look at the conditions that affect their movements. To look at what factors influence their movement patterns and residency times around the atolls at different stages of life in male and female Mantas; their primary critical habitats will be identified which will help influence local conservation management decisions. To track Mantas tagged on Alphonse as they show up on the receiver array at D’Arros, St Josephs, and some other northern Amirante islands such as Poivre. This will give definitive data on how often these Mantas travel around the Amirante chain and use different habitats, a mystery until now! To contribute genetic samples to an Indian Ocean-wide genetic study looking at connectivity throughout the region, again with significant international conservation implications for Mantas. Inspirational encounters with the world’s largest ray are one of the most compelling and unforgettable delights of joining Blue Safari Seychelles on the journey of a lifetime. Its conservation team is dedicated to offering guests a chance to not only swim with the incredible Mantas in the water but also give an immersive experience learning about how to identify them through the unique spot patterns on their bellies and observe how they feed using their iconic horn-shaped fins. This most recent development sits within the national Seychelles Manta Ray Project (SMRP) which Blue Safari are a key partner of in collaboration with The Manta Trust, Save Our Seas Foundation, and other partners around the Seychelles. Dr Lauren Peel oversees the SMRP and expert tagger, Luke Gordon, who is head of Manta Trust Fiji, flew out to assist Blue Safari Seychelles with its exciting three weeks of fieldwork and train the team on the ground in tagging and sampling techniques. The acoustic tags are about the size of a cigar and sit outside the Manta; a tagging pole injects a skin anchor into the muscle tissue of the Manta and a strong thread connects that to the outside tag. Anyone swimming alongside the Alphonse Mantas for the next few months can spot the tags immediately as they have been painted with bright blue anti-foul paint. The genetic samples have been collected using the same pole but instead of inserting a tag, the tip extracts a tiny piece of tissue; in all 23 different Mantas have been sampled and Blue Safari Seychelles has taken care not to sample and tag the same Manta, to minimise stress. The new Manta Acoustic Tagging project has been 100 percent funded by guest donations, without which it would not have been possible. The next download of data from the receivers will be in February when preliminary analysis will show which Mantas have stayed around and what they have been up to. The project has a planned three-year timeline after which all the data will be fully analysed, reports and papers compiled, and increased conservation management put in place. The results of the project will be highly valuable for the protection of poorly studied Manta populations in other small island states where pressures on these creatures may be higher. Globally Manta Rays are facing significant threats; at least 15,000 Mobulid Rays are caught by the global tuna fishery alone every year as by-catch and a further 150,000 are killed for their gills which are used in Chinese traditional medicine. Both species are listed on the IUCN Redlist and on the CITES appendices but there is still a considerable illegal trade in their gills, as Mantas are incredibly slow to reproduce and their populations have decreased more than 30% in the last 25 years, the need to protect these remote, untouched populations has never been greater.
Safari Holding signs exclusive PropTech deal with HITEK
UAE-based smart property management solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, has signed an exclusive five-year partnership agreement with Riyadh-based Safari Holding. The contract which was signed at the Safari Group’s head office in Riyadh, allows the Saudi company to offer a suite of smart technology solutions including CAFM, IoT, BMS, energy and carbon management solutions, all developed by HITEK’s in-house technology team, exclusively to building owners and property managers, as well as other FM service providers and consultants, throughout the Kingdom. In May 2021, the Middle East FM Association (MEFMA) estimated that the Saudi FM market was worth approximately USD20 billion, roughly 55% of the total GCC FM spend. However according to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the value of the Saudi FM market will grow to USD34.86 billion by 2028 and Safari executives reckon that PropTech’s market share will be worth over USD1.7 billion. Commenting at the signing ceremony, Eng. Salim Al-Aydh, Group CEO at Safari Group said. “Residential, commercial and industrial real estate development in the Kingdom is expanding at a phenomenal rate and we have identified three specific issues, which need to be addressed when delivering optimal IFM solutions. “Firstly, the expanding geographical spread of real estate across Saudi Arabia, secondly the fact that hundreds of new, smarter buildings will be coming to market over a relatively short period of time and thirdly, supporting the government’s commitment to net zero. “This in our view requires advanced methods of FM which we believe can only be driven by the best technological solutions which our partner HITEK has afforded us.” Established in 1984, the Safari Group which employs over 12,000 people, owns 16 businesses, with FM and construction at its core, operating out of offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, as well as other locations throughout Saudi Arabia. Safari has an impressive portfolio of FM clients including, Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah Medical City – Riyadh & Jeddah, the Ministry of Interior Riyadh, the Kingdom Tower as well as Riyadh airports and King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah. “Advanced digital solutions can now integrate with any existing technologies such as BMS and can activate a variety of bespoke solutions remotely, linking smart and sustainable buildings with a digitally connected workforce. So, it is essential that we adopt technological solutions such as HITEK to capitalise on these opportunities. “The services that we will be providing will benefit both owners and tenants in large buildings, complexes and compounds. Through digitalisation they will be able to create efficiencies and reduce costs. We believe this is the future of technology driven IFM and we are excited to roll this out,” added Ali Saleh Al Sagri, Commercial COO at Safari Group. HITEK is a home-grown PropTech company, part of the Farnek group, which was founded in the UAE in 1980. Farnek was an early adopter and has consistently invested in technology, focusing on digitalising its operational and supporting business functions. SAAS-based HITEK solutions connect people, assets and spaces from multiple remote sites, using flexible, scalable and analytical platforms, for cleaning, security, maintenance and sustainability, so they could be centrally managed and monitored by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Management Systems (BMS), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies. It also supports operational efficiencies, staff welfare, and sustainability while saving clients significant amounts of money by reducing manpower costs by up to 17%, utility cost by 30% and enhancing asset life cycle by transferring from traditional FM operational management to HITEK’s smart management. “Safari Holding is a leading Saudi conglomerate, focused on FM and construction. It is well-established and highly respected, with expertise in robotics, AI and advanced automation. There is significant potential for PropTech in the Kingdom and Safari provides us with an ideal partner. “Our strategy is for HITEK to become the undisputed market leader in the PropTech space and to extend our reach across the GCC countries and further into the Levant and Africa,” said Markus Oberlin, Group CEO, Farnek. HITEK’s 24/7 command and control room or ‘nerve centre’, is located at Farnek’s state- of-the-art centre in Dubai. Being 5G and Wi-Fi 6 enabled, HITEK can take advantage of increased bandwidth, ultra-low latency and enhanced security. “This will allow us to rollout digital, connected and unified transformative applications of technology that not only uplift the face of FM digitalisation, but also offer enhanced efficiency, as technology advances, interfacing with all aspects of FM,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK.
Phu Quoc United Center welcomes the first group of tourists with vaccine passports to Vietnam
Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province welcomed the first international tourists to Vietnam in the "new normal" after nearly 2 years frozen due to the COVID pandemic. A Vietjet Air flight brought more than 200 Korean tourists to Phu Quoc to experience a 5-day and 4-night vacation at one-stop-destination Phu Quoc United Center. The welcome ceremony was held at Phu Quoc International Airport with the participation of the General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh, Deputy Director of Vietnam Civil Aviation Department Vo Huy Cuong, leaders of Kien Giang Province and ministries, as well as representatives of Vietjet Air, Vinpearl Joint Stock Company and Marketing Highland Travel Company. The tourists can perceive a safe and hospitable Vietnam right from the moment they are welcomed on board with many interesting activities and surprises during their flight with Vietjet Air. In addition to that, they will join a special journey to explore and experience the one-stop destination Phu Quoc United Center - a world-class ecosystem of tourism, experience, discovery, shopping, festival and arts with the highest safety standard. Upon entry, travellers must go through airport health screening and install IGOVN and PC-COVID mobile applications before moving directly to the resort. All tourists will stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Phu Quoc, which has been allowed to welcome international guests in separated zones. Here, they will have time to relax and experience a "travel bubble" journey at Phu Quoc United Center which has been customized for them: staying in 5-star hotel rooms and villas, exploring sport and entertainment activities at Vinpearl Golf, VinWonders theme park, Vinpearl Safari, Corona Casino and the sleepless city of Grand World Phu Quoc. All tourists must have quick COVID-19 tests on the first and last day of their vacation. With negative test results, they can visit, entertain, dine and shop in designated zones at Phu Quoc United Center. Throughout the journey, travellers are always advised to monitor their own health and ensure compliance with the "5K message" (Masks, Disinfection, Distance, No gathering, Health declaration) and disease prevention measures. To ensure the maximum peace of mind for each visitor, in addition to strictly complying with the guidelines in the implementation plan for the vaccine passport program, all units of Vinpearl continue to keep the 24/7 three-layer shield of maximum control, ensuring the strictest internal hygiene regulations compared to international standards while implementing an advanced set of safety standards. All staff who serve the tourists with vaccine passports must follow the rule of "3 on-the-spot": isolated to ensure the highest safety, having all contact schedules monitored and body temperature checked at the beginning and the end of their working day. Considered as the opening event for the vaccine passport pilot program in Phu Quoc in particular and in Vietnam in general, this is an important start marking an acceleration in efforts to recover the national tourism industry as well as national economic development in the new context. After this first group of tourists on November 20, 2021, Phu Quoc expects to receive 20 international flights per month in the upcoming time.
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit opens for business
Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the signing of its first Radisson branded hotel in South Africa, the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit. Radisson is Radisson Hotel Group’s fourth brand and 13th hotel to open in South Africa. This achievement brings Radisson Hotel Group’s African portfolio to almost 100 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Centrally located two kilometres outside the town of Hoedspruit, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers guests the chance to explore renowned tourist destinations such as the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit will be the only international upscale hotel in the Lowveld and in close proximity to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park, the key driver of tourism in the area. This two million-hectare, world-renowned park, features 16 ecosystems and the Big 5 (Africa’s greatest wild animals, more specifically the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.). Elie Younes, executive vice president & chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group, said: “Radisson Blu remains the largest upper upscale international brand in South Africa, thanks to the great efforts of our teams and the trust of our business partners We are thrilled to introduce the Radisson brand to South Africa with our first safari-inspired hotel in the country. The hotel will be the perfect complement for our other hotels in South Africa.” The new 138-room hotel is scheduled to open early 2022, comprising of rooms and suites, coupled with Radisson’s Scandinavian-inspired hospitality and unique brand features. Guests will be able to indulge in local and international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant. Drinks can be enjoyed at the bar and coffee lounge overlooking the infinite and tranquil landscape as well as the pool bar and traditional lapa, with the majestic Drakensberg as a backdrop. Gerrit Jan van der Grijn, CEO of the Lowland Group, developer and owner of the hotel, said, “It is an honour to be partnering with the Radisson Hotel Group to introduce the Radisson brand to South Africa and welcome the first safari-style hotel to the Group’s African portfolio. The hotel will most certainly uplift the area with the credibility that the Radisson Hotel Group brings as the first international hotel brand in the region. We look forward to a flourishing and long-standing partnership with the Group and together opening the doors in 2022.” The hotel will boast an expansive meeting and events area which will include contemporary and versatile venues, from a conference centre to various meeting and board rooms which lead onto a spacious pre-function area and a business center.
A very fine hotel rises in Muscat
The city of Muscat is best known to travellers as ‘a very elegant town with very fine houses’ due to building policies that enforce cleanliness and traditional design elements. Portuguese 16th-century admiral Afonso de Albuquerque, to whom the quote is attributed, would agree with international hotel owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels that the Omani capital would be the best site for a 250-room hotel. The Thailand-based company recently joined forces with Safari International Group to develop the new AVANI Muscat Hotel under its vibrant, upscale AVANI Hotels & Resorts brand. Minor’s initial properties in Oman opened in late 2016 under the luxury brand Anantara: Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort on the Saiq Plateau in the north, and Al Baleed Salalah Resort by Anantara in the Dhofar region in the south. AVANI Muscat Hotel will rise at the progressive residential area of Seeb, a 15-minute drive from Muscat International Airport, in 2020. The hotel will connect via sky bridge to the Al Araimi Boulevard Mall, which opens in 2018 with more than 250 retail and dining outlets, a medical centre and a 10-screen cinema complex. The new property will unfold in two phases at a total development cost of US$50 million. The first phase will be the main hotel, with 160 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, an AVANI Pantry, a 1,000m² ballroom, eight meeting rooms, a rooftop lounge, a swimming pool and health club. The second phase will open two years later to offer a total of 90 serviced apartments, including studios, one- and two-bedroom units, plus two 175m² three-bedroom apartments. Muscat, capital city of Oman (credit to SuzyT of Pixabay) ‘We are delighted to be partnering with Safari International Group to develop this exciting new addition to Muscat’s hotel scene,’ shared Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive officer of Minor Hotels. ‘Seeb will become a significant hub as Muscat grows westwards. We are confident AVANI will represent a great fit in this fast developing neighbourhood.’ Ramzy Fenianos, vice president for development in EMEA of Minor Hotels echoed this, adding: ‘We are pleased to be partnering with Safari International Group on the new AVANI Muscat Hotel as they already have experience in the hospitality sector in Oman, specifically in Muscat where they own and have operated another property since 2012. We will be able to leverage on the group's existing market knowledge and expertise.’ ‘The Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a major growth in the tourism sector,’ explained Ismail Al-Tubi, owner of Safari International Group. ‘Located in a lively commercial area, the new AVANI will be the gateway to the vital tourism and entertainment sectors that the country needs, especially with the opening of the new Muscat International Airport, which is expected to receive more than 12 million passengers a year.' Minor Hotels’ portfolio spans 157 hotels and resorts across 24 countries. The group currently operates 13 Middle Eastern properties across its Anantara, AVANI, Tivoli and Oaks brands.
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