Posts in category: Travel Journal

Focusing on sustainability and actively promoting it is more than a nice thing to do; it is a must for any company to remain relevant and competitive in today’s world.

Our sustainability report for 2022, the first one we have produced, provides a comprehensive insight into the principles we stand by, steps we’ve taken to act more responsibly, a snapshot of where we are today, and how we intend to make improvements internally and along the supply chain in the coming year.

In our day-to-day work practices, interactions with partners and the communities we live in, and the priority we place on considering sustainability in every decision we take, we have made some great progress. But there is still a great deal more we can do, and this report also gives an indication of the direction we aim to take in the coming year.

Destination Asia’s Sustainability Report 2022 is available to view by clicking here.

Dubai’s leading destination management company recognised for designing and delivering an exceptional five-day event for BMW

Dubai, UAE, 22nd February 2023: Arabian Adventures Meetings, Incentives and Events (AAMIE) has won the prestigious SITE Crystal Award for Excellence in Incentive Travel, Africa and the Middle East for the third time.

The events arm of Arabian Adventures, the UAE’s leading destination management company, has been recognised for designing and delivering an exceptional, multi-city event for the top-performing employees of luxury vehicle manufacturer, BMW. Presented by The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), the SITE Crystal Award is considered the highest honour in the incentive travel industry.

Justine Thomas, Director of Arabian Adventures Meetings, Incentives and Events, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised with this prestigious award, particularly for an event that was organised in one of the most challenging periods in the industry’s history.

“Our teams worked around the clock to deliver an unforgettable experience with a bespoke programme, featuring the unique and varied landscapes of the UAE. The participants’ overwhelmingly positive feedback is a testament to our team’s dedication and efforts. We thank our partner for their trust and confidence in our services and look forward to continuing our successful cooperation.”

Guy Le Compte, Events Marketing Manager at BMW Belux, added: “We would like to thank the amazing team for all the hard work, incredible commitment, and dedication they showed putting this event together. We are beyond grateful for the fun and inspiring vibes, outstanding service, and special care we were able to enjoy. Thank you for a truly unforgettable experience!”

The victorious event saw over 120 attendees travel from BMW’s Belgium and Luxembourg offices to the UAE for an extensive series of multi-venue activities. Across five days, guests received a vivid and varied experience of the country.

Starting in Dubai, guests were provided the chance to take in the most incredible views of the city’s glittering cityscape and coastline with a sunset cruise, a helicopter ride from the iconic Atlantis, The Palm, and a first-hand experience of some of its most unique dining and entertainment venues.

The AAMIE team also managed to gain the group exclusive access to the Belgium and Luxembourg pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. This surpassed the client’s expectations of their request for an experience that combined the guests’ local culture with the UAE.

Following a successful ‘Dealer’s Convention’ conference, the final days of the AAMIE x BMW event culminated amidst the beautiful natural landscapes of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Showcasing the expansive desert beyond the UAE’s cityscapes, the group stayed at the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert and enjoyed a unique farewell dinner event from its incredible ‘Stargazing Platform’ venue, with a backdrop of rolling sand dunes.

In reaction to the extensive, multi-venue and multi-city event across its five days, 85 per cent of attendees stated that the UAE incentive ‘surpassed their expectations’.

This year’s SITE Crystal Awards, held in New York City, USA, has seen some of the fiercest competition so far, with travel, events and destination management companies from across the globe competing to take home the coveted trophy.

With sights like the Temple of Literature and the Old Quarters, a wander around Hanoi is a truly memorable experience. This experience delves a little deeper into the local culture by combining some unforgettably delicious tastes with hauntingly beautiful sounds.

Egg coffee may sound odd to a first-time visitor, but it’s a symbol of Hanoi and something everyone really must try. In a simple but cosy coffee shop with wooden chairs and tables, guests are treated to a one-hour hands-on workshop to make their own piping hot egg coffee.

This is a blend of egg yolks, condensed milk, cocoa powder and coffee made from the bracingly strong local beans, to make a creamy, luxurious drink that many people say reminds them of Italian tiramisu.

Next leg of the journey is a visit to a small house of celebrated musicians, which is virtually a miniature museum of traditional Vietnamese instruments. The host here comes from generations of flute makers.

He and his housemates are happy to chat about how they work, as well as a little of the music’s history. And they are, of course, delighted to regale their visitors with a performance of traditional Vietnamese melodies.