Here’s TTGmice’s weekly round up of MICE developments outside of Asia.
Dubai: W Dubai – The Palm opens in Jumeirah
W Dubai – The Palm has opened on a man-made island in Dubai, the Palm Jumeirah. The 350-key hotel offers over 2,000m2 of events space, including a 1,215m2 Great Room with an oval shape and rotating walls that let in (or block out) the Arabian sun. The Green Room serves as a holding area for events and weddings.
A highlight at the hotel are the multiple pools that sit in a wave-like pattern in the centre of the Escape to form the W brand’s iconic Wet Deck experience directly facing a beach. Facilities include a spa – with 10 treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, “experiential showers”, a hammam and a couples’ suite – and fitness centre. There are six F&B concepts at the hotel, including by renowned chefs Massimo Bottura and Akira Back. SoBe (short for South Beach) is an adults-only rooftop bar inspired by Miami vibes.”
Nairobi: First Africa Protected Areas Congress to take place in November
The first Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC) was announced at Nairobi National Park’s historic Ivory Burning Site. Set to take place from November 18 to 23, APAC 2019 was conceived as a way to position Africa’s protected areas within the goals of economic and community well being as well as seek commitment from African governments to integrate protected areas in the African Union’s agenda 2063 strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the entire continent.
The congress is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates who will deliberate on homegrown ways to secure a sustainable future for Africa’s protected areas, people and biodiversity while showcasing homegrown examples of practical, innovative, sustainable and replicable solutions that harmonise conservation and sustainable human development.
“Today we launch the Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC), the first ever continent-wide gathering of African leaders, citizens, and interest groups to discuss the role of protected areas in conserving nature and promoting sustainable development. This landmark forum organised by the World Commission on Protected Areas and the International Union for Conservation of Nature provides us with a platform for holding honest discussions on the future we want for our protected areas and seek solutions to the persistent and emerging problems” said tourism and wildlife principal secretary Margaret Mwakima.
Rome: First patisserie-themed boutique hotel opens
The First Roma Dolce – by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, a new patisserie-themed boutique hotel, is set to open its doors in March 2019. Situated on Via del Corso in Rome, the hotel is housed within a classic 19th-century building designed by Giuseppe Valadier, known for creating the elliptical design of Piazza del Popolo.
The boutique hotel will be home to 23 suites and guestrooms, with views of the bustling Via del Corso and amenities including in-room fitness equipment. Guests will be welcomed by homemade pastries in their room upon check in, to be enjoyed as they peruse the pastry-inspired books in their room.
A patisserie-style restaurant will serve sweet treats from the pasticceria during the summer, while offering gourmet experiences such as chocolate tastings in winter. The restaurant will also serve a classic English afternoon tea, alongside an all-day dining menu of light cuisine.
Other highlights include specialist services such as a personal shopping consultant who will be on hand to assist guests with purchases.
