GCC countries launch a Schengen-style visa, Mama Shelter will open its doors in Thailand and more...

GCC countries launch a Schengen-style visa
Monday, 4th August 2025

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has officially approved a Unified Tourist Visa, also known as the GCC Grand Tours Visa.

This would allow visitors to travel freely across six Gulf nations with a single permit. This streamlined visa has the potential to redefine travel in the region, encouraging longer stays and easing cross-border movement. The visa system is expected to go live by late 2025 or early 2026 >>

Hard Rock to bring Hotel & Residences to Ras Al Khaimah
3 Aug 2025 : Hard Rock International announces it is working with HR Hotel FZ LLC, a joint venture company between Malta-based db Group and RAK Hospitality Holding, to bring Hard Rock Hotel & Residences Ras Al Khaimah to the United Arab Emirates >>

KAYAK for Business partners with HQ
4 Aug 2025 : KAYAK for Business announced a strategic partnership with HQ, the enterprise ground-transportation solution trusted by Fortune 500 companies, new integration unlocks seamless car service booking for KAYAK for Business users >>

Mama Shelter will open its doors in Thailand in 2029
2 Aug 2025 : In the heart of Bangkok, Mama Shelter Bangkok Platinum will celebrate the city’s exhilarating urban energy and bring Mama’s signature exuberant joie de vivre to the capital >>

IHG welcomes its first voco to the Republic of Ireland
1 Aug 2025 : IHG announces the opening of voco The Club - Dublin Gateway, alongside partners, Nhance, the converted hotel will be fully rebranded by the end of summer 2025 >>

HIGHLIGHT ARTICLE

How Many People Lie to You as a CEO Every Day?
Monday, 4th August 2025

It's a well-known secret in leadership circles: being at the top can be a lonely experience, as a C-suite executive in the competitive hotel industry, you face immense pressure from owners and the board to drive growth and profitability >>

Sizing the Value of Group Business for Your Hotel
'Group business' is a catch-all phrase which has been applied by the hotel industry to block-bookings >>

Reshaping the Future: Key Dilemmas Facing Australia’s Hotel Industry Today
Exclusive Feature: According to the WTTC, the travel and Tourism contribution to the Global Economy in 2024 was in the range of US$11 trillion, with the sector generating one in every ten dollars worldwide and creating 348 million jobs globally >>

Making Waves : Rethinking Spa and Wellness Design for a Modern Era
As hoteliers, we understand the impact of creating extraordinary spaces that uplift the soul and nourish the senses, setting the tone for experiences that leave our guests feeling better for having stayed and spent time with us >>