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Marriott and Al Ali Property Investments to Bring Moxy to Al Barsha Dubai by 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has partnered with Al Ali Property Investments (API) to introduce Moxy Hotels to Dubai’s vibrant Al Barsha district. The transformation of an existing property into Moxy Al Barsha Dubai is set to be completed by the summer of 2025, following a comprehensive refurbishment and rebranding process. This new addition will represent Moxy’s debut in the UAE, bringing the brand’s signature industrial-chic design, lively social hubs, and dynamic programming to the heart of one of Dubai’s most energetic areas. Since its launch a decade ago, Moxy Hotels has disrupted the traditional hospitality model, positioning itself as a trailblazer in the upper midscale lifestyle segment with over 135 properties in more than 25 countries. The Moxy brand is known for its playful and unconventional approach to hospitality, catering to a global audience seeking modern, affordable accommodations with a lively atmosphere. The Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will feature contemporary, smartly designed rooms ideal for youthful, adventure-driven travelers. Guests can expect vibrant public spaces, immersive local experiences through bold programming, and communal areas that invite social interaction and collaboration. The hotel will also offer a variety of spaces where guests can work, relax, and connect with others. Jassim Al Ali, Managing Director of Al Ali Property Investments, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “Moxy Hotels is a perfect match for Dubai’s dynamic Al Barsha district, offering an energetic and stylish hospitality experience. The opening of Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will be a valuable addition to our diverse property portfolio, and we’re excited to continue working with Marriott International on this new venture.” Conveniently located, Moxy Al Barsha Dubai will be easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and the nearby metro station. It will be just minutes from the Mall of the Emirates, popular public beaches, and key business hubs such as Dubai Media City and Internet City, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers.

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Intercity travel and international tourism see growth in year-end surge

Online travel agency firms are observing a shift in consumer preferences, with year-end travel data highlighting a surge in both intercity bookings and international tourism. According to data from Yatra Online, international bookings are increasing for destinations like Dubai, Bali and Thailand during Christmas and New Year, while long-haul destinations such as London, Paris and Istanbul continue to be popular among Indian travellers. Travellers are gravitating towards culturally rich destinations that offer a diverse mix of experiences, including beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions, explained Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO, ixigo. Elaborating on the trend, he added, “For the first time, Maldives has not featured in the top 10 most-searched destinations for year-end travel, signalling a shift towards more varied and immersive vacations, moving away from traditional hotspots.” Despite this broader trend, some exceptions remain. In India, Goa remains a top choice, with bookings expected to increase by 12-15 per cent compared to last year, says Sabina Chopra, COO of Corporate Travel at Yatra Online. In addition to traditional vacation spots, there has been a noticeable rise in spiritual travel. More travellers are opting for spiritual journeys over leisure getaways. Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer at AbhiBus, shared that “for every leisure traveller, six are opting for spiritual journeys,” highlighting this emerging trend. Spiritual destinations are growing in popularity, indicating a shift from the usual beach and resort-driven travel.

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Lemon Tree Hotels Expands with the Opening of Lemon Tree Resort in Thimphu, Bhutan

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the opening of its newest property, Lemon Tree Resort, located in Thimphu, Bhutan. This marks the second Lemon Tree property in the capital city and the country, following the success of its first property. The resort offers 60 well-designed rooms along with a luxurious villa, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including Citrus Café, a multi-cuisine coffee shop, and Slounge, a vibrant recreation bar. For business and event needs, the resort features spacious banquet areas with a connecting pre-function zone, as well as modern meeting rooms. A dedicated kid’s room ensures that younger guests remain entertained while parents unwind. In its first phase, 48 rooms and a villa have officially opened to guests. The second phase will include the remaining rooms, alongside a fitness center, a heated swimming pool, and Fresco, a rejuvenating spa designed to enhance the guest experience. The resort’s design harmoniously integrates with its surrounding environment, nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual tranquility, and the resort reflects this connection to nature. Visitors can explore nearby landmarks, including the iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue, which overlooks the city, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s rural culture and traditions.

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Global Railway Travel Industry Set for Skyrocketing Growth Prediction in 2025

The global railway travel industry is on the brink of unprecedented growth, fueled by technological advancements, increased urbanization, and a shift toward sustainable transportation. According to recent industry reports and projections, railway travel is becoming a cornerstone of global transport, contributing to environmental conservation, economic development, and enhanced connectivity. The integration of cutting-edge technologies is revolutionizing railway systems worldwide. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global smart railway market was valued at USD 16.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 40.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2022 to 2030. These advancements include: IoT and AI Integration: Enhancing operational efficiency and passenger services. Predictive Maintenance: Reducing downtime and operational costs through real-time monitoring. High-Speed Rail Developments: Offering faster, more competitive alternatives to air travel for short to medium distances.

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Daily helicopter services launched on Pithoragarh-Almora route for INR 2,500

In a bid to boost tourism in the region, Heritage Aviation, which is a famous helicopter service provider in India, has introduced daily helicopter service on the Pithoragarh-Almora-Pithoragarh route in Uttarakhand. This will offer visitors an exciting way to explore the otherworldly beauty of the towns. Both the hill towns in Uttarakhand are known for their natural beauty and attracts offbeat travellers mostly in search of remote and far-from-the-madding-crowds kind of locations in the lap of nature. With this new service, the service provider aims to enhance regional connectivity and make these far-off towns more easily accessible. The newly introduced helicopter services are set to change the world of travel. Earlier, the firm had introduced services connecting Champawat, Munsyari, and Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. Now, Almora, another prominent hill town, has been added to the list, making it more accessible than ever. The Pithoragarh-Almora-Pithoragarh route, also a part of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, seeks to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable. This initiative is expected to open up new opportunities for tourism. This is the best way to explore the untouched grounds and hidden gems in Uttarakhand. The flights will operate twice a day. The first flight will depart from Pithoragarh at 10 AM in the morning, followed by a return flight from Almora at 10:20 AM. The second flight will depart at 1:40 PM from Pithoragarh, with the return flight leaving Almora at 2:05 PM. These chopper services are operated using 7-seater helicopters.

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World’s longest underwater ‘megatunnel’ to cut 21-hour coastal drive into half

Norway is preparing to build the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel, known as The Rogfast, at an estimated cost of $46 billion (£36 billion). Reports add that the tunnel is scheduled to open in 2033, and that this groundbreaking structure will span 16 miles and reach a depth of 1,300 feet beneath the sea, connecting Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland county. By doing away with the need for ferries and drastically cutting down on commuting times along the E39 coastal highway, the Rogfast tunnel is set to transform transport between southern and northern Norway. The tunnel will save travellers up to 11 hours by reducing the 680-mile trip from Kristiansand to Trondheim by 30 miles, which currently takes about 21 hours. The tunnel is anticipated to see 6,000 vehicle usage per day, allowing for more seamless links to large cities such as Bergen and Stavanger. The underwater journey is only going to take 35 minutes, despite its record-breaking size. Funding for the project is partially supported by the government, covering 40% of the costs, with a proposed £30 toll for users. Rogfast project leader Oddvar Kaarmo highlighted the tunnel’s importance, stating, “The port at Mortavika is exposed, and ferries are often diverted during winter due to bad weather. Once the tunnel is ready, we won’t depend on weather conditions to keep the route open.” He further stressed that logistics play a larger role than tunneling in completing this complex endeavor. There have been large-scale infrastructure projects in Norway before. Connecting Lærdal and Aurland in Vestland county, the 15-mile Laerdal Tunnel is currently the longest subaqueous road tunnel in the world. At a cost of £90 million, the tunnel was finished in 2000 and serves as a vital non-ferry connection between Bergen and Oslo. As a tourist destination, it provides travellers with an unforgettable experience across the Flåm fjord and the Aurlandsfjellet plateau. Notable features include the Snow Road and the 800-year-old Borgund Stave Church, which is often suggested by Visit Norway.

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