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voco al Khobar Marks Three Years of Success

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voco al Khobar, an IHG Hotel celebrated three years of growth and success, coinciding with the celebration of opening 100 other hotels of the voco brand around the world. Several officials, managers, and employees of the hotel attended a recent function in Alkhobar to mark the occasion.

M. Allaf, regional general manager of IHG and general manager of voco Riyadh, said: “We are celebrating three years of success and achievements at voco Al Khobar and look forward to many more similar achievements in the years to come, as we are committed to serving the community, improving the quality of life and well-being of guests, in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

As one of its most laudable achievements, the environment-friendly voco has taken up several sustainability practices and initiatives in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim at zero carbon neutrality by 2060.

voco makes use of large-sized containers for bathroom facilities to reduce plastic waste, and using glass water bottles, thus abandoning more than 300 plastic bottles in each guest room annually. Moreover, the hotel mattress padding is made of 100% recycled materials, and ventilated shower heads in the bathroom cut down water usage and energy consumption for heating water.

Allaf said that sustainability is central to voco, which is why the hotel is committed to continue taking action and launching initiatives to protect the planet and take care of all the communities in which it operates.

“One of the voco brand’s recent initiatives includes the opening of an EV station at voco Riyadh, which is in line with our sustainability goals,” he said.

The sensible traveler of today prefers environmentally-friendly hotels and therefore considers voco hotels to be an ideal and perfect destination for their stay, Allaf added.

The five-star hotel offers around 300 rooms and three dining choices including Horizon Restaurant, which serves international dishes all day, the Lebanese restaurant Naya, and the Indian restaurant Anardana. In addition to world-class facilities such as a swimming pool, five spa rooms, and two separate Healthclub facilities for men and women, sauna and jacuzzi to maintain the health of guests, in addition to the classic Moroccan bath.

Business guests can benefit from the 11 conference rooms for meetings and events, fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

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TUTTOFOOD 2026 IS SET TO WELCOME OVER 100,000 VISITORS TO MILAN’S VIBRANT STAGE, MARKING NEW MILESTONES IN INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

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An aerial view of the crowded, expansive halls of the TUTTOFOOD trade show in Milan, showing rows of exhibitor booths and numerous professional visitors walking the aisles, highlighting the event's scale

TUTTOFOOD, Southern Europe’s leading food business platform, taking place from 11 to 14 May 2026 in Milan, is set to deliver strong international growth in its 2026 edition. With 80% of exhibitors already confirmed, including a record-breaking 30% international presence, participation is expected to rise by 15–20% compared to the previous editions.

In 2025, the Exhibition established itself as a must-attend event on the European trade show calendar, attracting a significant presence of international TPOs and professional visitors from around the world. Top countries included United Arab Emirates, Spain, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, China, the USA, Canada, the Netherlands, and South Korea. The show welcomed 95,000 professional visitors from over 100 countries, with 3,000 international top buyers and 4,200 exhibiting companies from around 70 countries – nearly double the numbers from previous editions.

These outstanding data confirm the Exhibition’s role as a strategic hub connecting producers, distributors, and global markets.

The international outlook is reinforced by the partnership between Fiere di Parma, the host of the Exhibition, and Koelnmesse’s international network. This collaboration positions TUTTOFOOD within a broader trade ecosystem alternating with Anuga, and further enhances its internationalization and standing as a key global marketplace.

Antonio Cellie, CEO of Fiere di Parma said: “The strong results already achieved by the second edition of TUTTOFOOD reflect the energy and international appeal of Milan, a city that embodies innovation and connection. They show the power of strategic, system-wide collaborations. Alongside our key partnership with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, whose programs attract top global agrifood buyers, one of the Exhibition’s greatest strengths is the collaboration between Fiere di Parma and Koelnmesse, the organizer of Anuga in Cologne, held in alternate years to TUTTOFOOD.”

Cellie continued: “This alternating schedule will soon become a key reference point for global food business leaders, creating a unique model within the international trade fair landscape — a strategic platform linking Milan and Cologne, two European cities with deep trade fair traditions and a shared spirit of innovation. Together with Cibus, which in Parma during odd-numbered years celebrates Made in Italy and the excellence of Geographical Indication products, they form a truly global food galaxy.”

Six months ahead of the event, early confirmations from 34 countries further highlight the Exhibition’s international appeal and the strong business opportunities available across its pavilions.

In 2026, following the success of the 2025 edition held at Chic Nonna restaurant, TUTTOFOOD will once again host an exclusive networking event during the days of Gulfood. The event will take place in a central and prestigious location, offering a unique opportunity to connect with key players from across the global food industry. 

Buyers Program

TUTTOFOOD 2026 will feature an exceptionally rich Buyers Program organized in cooperation with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, bringing together more than 3,000 top national and international professionals, carefully selected to ensure high-value business matching opportunities. The program will involve leading Italian retail chains, supermarkets, cash & carry operators, discount stores, organized distribution groups, and commercial catering professionals, representing all the key players across the food distribution chain.

Internationally, qualified buyers will arrive from across Europe, Middle East, North and South America, the ASEAN area, China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, with further top-level participation expected from Oceania, South Africa, and Central Asia.

A special emphasis in 2026 will be placed on the foodservice sector, engaging key decision-makers from restaurant chains and hotels. The enhanced focus on the on-board catering area will further expand opportunities for networking and cross-sector dialogue, confirming TUTTOFOOD as a leading global platform for the food industry.

A New, More Accessible Exhibition Layout

TUTTOFOOD 2026 will feature a more compact and visitor-friendly layout, designed to enhance navigation and product discovery. Italian and international exhibitors will be showcased side by side across 90.000 sqm of net exhibition space – 15% more than in 2025 spread across 10 pavilions. This designfosters cross-market engagement and makes it easier for buyers to explore the full spectrum of the food offering.

Two multi-level pavilions will host the packaged food hub, with product distribution carefully organized to create an immersive visitor experience. 

The packaged food hub will extend across multiple interconnected pavilions, offering a comprehensive journey through every segment of the food industry. From dairy and deli products to frozen foods, seafood, and proteins, the exhibition will present a wide variety of categories, with grocery playing a central role across several pavilions.

The upcoming edition will shine a spotlight on emerging, largely unexplored agri-food business segments, driving global consumer trends closely tracked by TUTTOFOOD.

Key pavilion highlights will include a dedicated Beverage section featuring the fifth edition of Mixology Experience — an area within the pavilion where the concept of Beverage Pairing serves as the common thread linking the project to TUTTOFOOD — along with spaces dedicated to innovation in the fresh and processed fruit and vegetable sector.

The revamped Tutto Fruit & Veg area will bring together categories and trends from around the world, including fourth and fifth range products, exotic produce, berries, and processed products, with the participation of highly qualified professional visitors from the fruit & vegetables industry.

Among the key new highlights of the 2026 edition of TUTTOFOOD is the launch of a dedicated special area focused on the organic segment, which is experiencing strong growth across major distribution channel. The special area is called TuttoBio by Natexpo and is conceived as an international organic pavilion gathering certified organic production from Europe and beyond. TuttoBio is designed to bring together supply-chain stories, innovation, and professional networking to the show. The project stems from an international cooperation between Fiere di Parma and SPAS, the organizer of Natexpo, the leading global trade show for organic products based in France.

The experience will be completed by thematic spaces devoted to bakery and snacks, confectionery and coffee, celebrating the diversity and excellence of packaged food from around the world.

This new configuration will streamline visitor orientation and enhance the overall experience of product discovery.

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Hospitality

RISING ABOVE THE ORDINARY: SKYDIVE DUBAI CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

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A tandem skydiver and instructor from Skydive Dubai descending under a parachute above the clear blue water and the iconic Palm Jumeirah islands, showcasing the unparalleled view

For 15 years, Skydive Dubai has transformed Dubai’s skies into a global stage for adventure, innovation and world-class skydiving. Today, millions around the world associate Dubai’s skyline not only with its architectural icons, but also with the unmistakable sight of parachutes floating over the Palm Jumeirah and the desert horizon, a scene that has attracted thrill-seekers from more than 100 countries.

Since its inception, Skydive Dubai has completed upwards of 475,000 tandem skydives, welcomed over 100 celebrities and VIPs, and marked 300 plus sky-high proposals. Today, a team of 95 expert instructors from 35 countries continue to build on that legacy every day, contributing to one of the world’s most iconic skydiving operations.

Beyond tandem skydives, Skydive Dubai is also a hub for professional skydivers and recreational jumpers from around the world. Its Desert Campus serves as a dedicated training centre and launchpad for solo-skydiver progression, including learning how to skydive through the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course. Here, new students train alongside seasoned athletes, touring national teams and visiting professionals, forming a vibrant community built on skill, mentorship and a shared passion for the sport.

This pioneering spirit mirrors Dubai’s own narrative of turning ambition into possibility. Over the years, Skydive Dubai has been at the forefront of major aerial showcases, from international parachuting championships and swoop leagues to record-setting formations and technical jumps involving balloons, wingsuits, helipads and landmark buildings. It has also collaborated with beyond 200 global brands on bespoke projects, brought to life by expert instructors, pilots and operations teams. These defining moments have strengthened Dubai’s standing as a global centre for innovative aerial pursuits and continue to draw international audiences and adventure travellers. This leadership is further demonstrated by Skydive Dubai’s long-standing collaborations with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism on high-visibility projects.

“Marking 15 years is a significant milestone for us, reflecting our journey in helping dreams quite literally take flight. Across the Palm Dropzone, the Desert Campus and our wider ecosystem, we have seen how Skydive Dubai contributes to Dubai’s reputation for distinctive, world-class experiences. The legacy of rising above the ordinary is evident in every skydive and every project, each one raising the bar even higher. Our commitment to safety, disciplined operations and continuous innovation remains central to how we welcome people into the sport and support Dubai’s standing as a leading destination for adventure and aerial pursuits,” said Mohammad Javad, Executive Vice President of Leisure at Shamal Holding.

A fitting expression of that commitment is seen in Skydive Dubai’s most recent collaboration with Dubai Shopping Festival, where a female skydiver suspended 1,000 feet above Dubai completed a BASE jump onto Kite Beach. The world-first stunt, performed from a powered airship over an urban skyline,  saw her travel past major landmarks on a minimalist wooden swing built specifically for the challenge. She spent six hours suspended beneath the airship, with routes that included six km over water and the longest stretch covering 14 km from Nad Al Sheba to Kite Beach. The feat adds to Skydive Dubai’s archive of technical, visually striking projects that have become closely associated with the city.

Skydive Dubai’s wider ecosystem includes Inflight Dubai, one of the region’s indoor skydiving facilities where both first-time flyers and seasoned athletes practice and refine body-flight skills. It also includes Gyrocopter by Skydive Dubai, offering guests a unique scenic flights over Dubai’s coastline in two-seater aircraft piloted by certified experts.

Skydive Dubai has set industry benchmarks for safety, expertise and operational excellence, elevating the profile and professionalism of the sport. It contributes to play a distinctive role in Dubai’s adventure landscape, welcoming residents and visitors eager to experience the emirate from a different perspective.

Today, it remains one of the world’s most sought-after skydiving destinations, celebrated by seasoned athletes and first-time jumpers alike, a testament to 15 years of rising above the ordinary.

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DIVE INTO DUBAI’S FRESHEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AT THE WATERFRONT MARKET

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A vibrant, colorful display of fresh whole fish and various seafood arranged on ice at a counter within the Waterfront Market, showcasing the wide variety of catches

This winter, Dubai’s largest food market, the Waterfront Market, invites residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the flavours of the sea at its Seafood Festival, taking place from 10 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.

Known for its exceptional variety and unbeatable freshness, the Market comes alive with a packed month of culinary offers, live entertainment, seasonal décor and exciting giveaways. Highlights include:

  • During the Seafood Festival, enjoy exclusive offers from all Waterfront Restaurants, including Paluto Restaurant, BOAT Seafood Restaurant, Yahya Seafood Restaurant and Aylla Seafood Restaurant and Cafe
  • Roaming entertainment every weekend, Friday to Sunday, featuring Live roaming music, bubble shows and face painting.
  • A vibrant Festive Tree crafted with a seafood theme, bringing a unique seasonal centrepiece to the Market.
  • Spend AED 200 or more at the fish market or Waterfront restaurants and receive a complimentary insulated cooler bag perfect for beach days, picnics or weekend getaways and enter the draw to win prizes worth up to AED 5,000 for five winners, each receiving AED 1,000 in Waterfront Market fresh produce.
  • Kids can enjoy a fun and educational experience with the Kids Foodie Explorers Passport and Little Rollers trolleys, collecting stamps, discovering new ingredients and receiving a certificate and small prizes along the way.

With over 500 seafood traders offering 260+ varieties from 14 countries, and a live seafood section with 25 varieties sourced from the UAE, Australia, Japan, Korea and Canada, the Market is known for its unmatched freshness, quality and variety. This season’s highlights include Hamour, shrimp, King Fish, Tuna, King Mackerel and Seabream, alongside a wide selection of other fresh catches.

For an even more hands-on experience, the Market-to-Table journey allows customers to select seafood directly from the fish market, have it cleaned onsite, and enjoy it freshly prepared by chefs at the waterfront restaurants – grilled, fried, steamed or crafted into rich curries and soups. From unbeatable seafood and vibrant family fun to scenic waterfront moments, the festival offers a celebration that is fresh, festive and full of flavour.

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