Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Druk Asia launches MICE Bhutan; offers tailored services for events

Building on its expertise in luxury travel, Druk Asia, a leader in Bhutan’s bespoke travel market, has launched MICE Bhutan, a new division dedicated to bespoke event planning for business-leisure travellers to Bhutan. 
 
The move comes on the heels of Druk Asia being awarded the ‘Best Luxury Travel Specialist in Bhutan’ by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, a prestigious global award programme recognising the finest luxury goods and services worldwide.
 
As the official Singapore representative of Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair) and tour operator in Bhutan, Druk Asia handles every detail from ticketing and visa applications to the creation of personalised itineraries, ensuring a stress-free and enriching experience for discerning clients in search of the extraordinary.
 
MICE Bhutan offers tailored event solutions for corporate groups and business meetings, seamlessly blending luxurious retreats, team-building experiences, and cultural exploration for learning journeys. Clients will enjoy highly personalised itineraries, enhanced by thoughtful touches like customised mementos, chef’s table dining experiences, and private cultural performances.  With sustainability at its core, Druk Asia ensures every event is eco-conscious, creating memorable and meaningful moments for participants. 
 
To attract more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events to Bhutan, the Department of Tourism offers a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)  waiver of up to five nights for MICE participants, which applies to all visitors entering Bhutan. For any additional nights beyond the waiver, participants will be required to pay the SDF fee of $100 per night. This initiative allows attendees to extend their stay and explore the beauty of Bhutan, while also contributing to the country's sustainable tourism efforts.
 
“We believe that true luxury lies in extraordinary moments that stay with you and in discovering the soul of a place. Each travel itinerary is crafted with intention, weaving together Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes and its profound spirituality, creating a true sense of belonging in a place that feels like home, yet unlike anywhere else. The deep relationships Druk Asia has fostered over the years with local communities, artisans, and influential voices in Bhutan enable us to craft exclusive and authentic experiences. These connections grant us unparalleled access to the country’s hidden gems, ensuring that every event, meeting, and journey is enriched by the wisdom, hospitality, and unique perspectives of the Bhutanese. By nurturing these meaningful relationships, we create profound and impactful experiences that resonate long after the journey ends,” said Joni Herison, Managing Director, Druk Asia and MICE Bhutan.
 
Experience Bhutan’s finest
Founded in 2009, Druk Asia has established itself as the premier provider of tailored journeys that unveil the enchanting allure of one of the world’s most spiritual and unspoiled destinations.
 
Whether exploring ancient monasteries, trekking through untouched forests, or indulging in holistic wellness, travellers can trust Druk Asia to deliver transformative experiences that leave lasting impressions, it said.
 
With a mission to offer transformative travel experiences, Druk Asia has welcomed over 18,000 travellers globally, championing sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community impact through strategic partnerships and its C.A.T.A.L.Y.S.T framework. To further deepen travellers’ appreciation of Bhutan, the company has also published Bhutan Travelog, a pictorial travel guide designed as both an inspirational and practical resource for exploring the country.  A portion of the book’s proceeds supports local charitable initiatives, reinforcing Druk Asia’s commitment to uplifting Bhutanese communities and promoting positive social impact.
 
Druk Asia continues to redefine luxury travel, offering bespoke itineraries such as private helicopter tours, sketch tours, motorcycle tours or guided treks through the country’s serene wilderness, and a travel specialist to accompany guests ensuring their utmost comfort, privacy, and exclusivity, said a statement. - TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

DCT Abu Dhabi's tourism sector targets $16bn to economy

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said that the department's tourism sector aims to contribute AED62 billion ($16 billion) to the economy in 2025, with a projected increase of 13 per cent compared to 2024.
 
 The goal is for the sector to contribute AED90 billion to the emirate's non-oil GDP by 2030, reported WAM.
 
Speaking during a roundtable marking the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Al Mubarak said that in Q1 2025, international overnight hotel guests in Abu Dhabi grew by 4 perc ent year-to-date compared to Q1 2024, with India, China, Russia, and the UK remaining the top source markets.
 
He added that hotel occupancy in Q1 2025 reached 79 percent across the emirate and 82 percent in Abu Dhabi city.
 
Al Mubarak highlighted the role of Abu Dhabi’s cultural museums, including the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, alongside the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, in strengthening the emirate’s tourism offering.
 
Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, these museums are cultural and knowledge beacons reflecting the UAE’s values of coexistence and its diverse cultural identity.
 
He noted that continued investment in the cultural sector is guided by the vision of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE’s emergence as a global cultural centre.
 
He underscored Saadiyat Cultural District's significance as a cultural and historical treasure, with museums serving as vital centres for future generations. Al Mubarak pointed out that teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE's cultural diversity, fostering Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global arts and culture destination.
 
He announced the upcoming opening of three more museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District this year.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Royal M Abu Dhabi introduces sustainable hospitality

Royal M Hotel Abu Dhabi by Gewan is setting a new benchmark in sustainable luxury with a series of groundbreaking eco-friendly initiatives. Committed to redefining hospitality with responsible innovation, the hotel is spearheading environmental stewardship with pioneering projects that reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote sustainable dining.
 
Harnessing Solar Energy
 
With 180 solar panels generating 252 kilowatts of heat energy per hour, Royal M Abu Dhabi has transitioned to a fully solar-powered hot water system. This innovation cuts down electricity costs by approximately AED 300,000 ($81676) annually while reducing carbon emissions, reaffirming the hotel's dedication to renewable energy solutions.
 
Innovative Food Waste Management
 
Sustainability extends beyond energy and water at Royal M. The hotel has introduced an advanced food waste compressing system capable of reducing 25 kg of food waste to just 5 kg. This initiative curbs landfill contributions, minimises greenhouse gas emissions, and optimises operational efficiency, setting a new standard in responsible waste management.
 
Fresh, Home-Grown Ingredients
 
In a move toward sustainable gastronomy, Royal M Abu Dhabi has launched an in-house micro herb production initiative. By growing fresh, nutrient-rich herbs on-site, the hotel enhances its culinary offerings while reducing its carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation and packaging waste.
 
Sustainability Meets Entertainment
 
The Water Laser Show at Royal M Abu Dhabi exemplifies the fusion of sustainability and entertainment. This AED 1.5 million investment leverages energy-efficient laser technology to create a mesmerising experience while minimising water usage. -TradeArabia News Service