This week, LATTE chats exclusively with Sandrine Camia, the Deputy Director Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. Sandrine has had a spectacular career in luxury hospitality, with roles at ultra-luxury properties including Hotel Lutetia in Paris and Hotel Martinez in Cannes, both properties of the Taittinger Family.

She is the former Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication for Hotel Royal Riviera in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat and Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, before taking over as Director of Monaco Convention Bureau.

A savvy luxury marketer, Sandrine is familiar with Virtuoso and many advisors know her face from decades of attending Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, along with all the other major MICE & leisure shows around the globe.

We start our conversation with Sandrine, discussing the importance of the cruise sector for Monaco.

Sandrine, can you tell us how significant cruising is to Monaco? How many cruise visitors arrive to the Municipality by sea annually?

Cruising is a selective and high-value segment for Monaco. The Principality has implemented strict regulations governing the size of vessels, total number of passengers and crew, and environmental performance, to protect its coastline and urban environment. As a result, Monaco primarily welcomes smaller, upscale ships rather than mass-market liners.

Each year, Monaco welcomes around 200,000 cruise passengers — a relatively modest figure, but one that generates a significant economic impact for the destination, particularly for restaurants, shops, and local businesses, especially those in the Old Town and main visitor districts. There is also a growing number of pre- and post-cruise stays, as Monaco’s strategy focuses on attracting cruises that begin or end in the Principality, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with the destination.

What is it about the French Riviera and Monaco that lures cruise lines and passengers to your part of the world?

The Mediterranean is already a dream destination for cruise travellers — admired for its diversity of landscapes, art of living, gastronomy, and culture — and the French Riviera embodies all of that in one glamorous coastline. Within it, Monaco stands out as an unmissable stop, offering unique experiences and accessibility.

The Principality’s unmatched quality of service, particularly through its world-class hotels, its rich cultural and gastronomic scene, and the history of the Princely Family, which has reigned for more than 700 years, give Monaco an identity like no other port in the Mediterranean.

Nestled between the French and Italian Rivieras, Monaco’s compact size allows visitors to explore its many attractions entirely on foot from the harbour, discovering monuments, museums, gardens, shopping, and fine dining within minutes (even if a day is enough to experience all of Monaco’s facets).

With your stellar hospitality career to date, what do you think about ultra-luxury hotel brands entering the superyacht space (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, Aman)? And what new opportunities do these brands present for Monaco?

Thank you very much for the kind words.

I see it as natural convergence: iconic hotel brands bringing their signature service and lifestyle from land to sea. It’s a perfect fit for Monaco, where excellence, and tailor-made experiences are already part of the destination’s DNA.

We already see Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection turnarounds and calls scheduled for Monte-Carlo, and Four Seasons Yachts featuring Monaco in its inaugural Mediterranean programming. These products are completely aligned with Monaco’s positioning.

How is the destination evolving its cruise offering to cater for guests arriving by sea?

Three priorities:

1. Selective sizing & quality: Monaco targets ships under 250 meters and carrying less than 1,250 guests and crew combined, favoring premium and ultra-luxury lines that match the Principality’s positioning and offering

2. Sustainability: Monaco continues to advance its sustainability agenda, with shore power installation at the cruise pier set to be completed soon, allowing ships to connect to electricity and significantly reduce emissions.

3. Guest experience: Simple, easy city access; Curated tours beyond the clichés, alongside visits to Monaco’s must-see landmarks and coordinated calendars so guests step into Monaco’s year-round cultural and sport events.

Have you personally cruised, and if so, where and with which brands? And what was your most recent voyage?

I haven’t taken many cruises personally, but my most recent one was with Crystal last May, during the Virtuoso Overseas Symposium, which sailed from Barcelona to Monaco. Beyond its beautiful itinerary, that ship holds special meaning for a representative of the Monaco destination — it features several iconic Monaco brands on board, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Beefbar.

Beyond cruising, how is Monaco evolving to overcome overtourism and to appeal to day visitors, overnight stayers and villa guests?

In Monaco, we do not view tourism as a problem of “overtourism” in the usual sense, because welcoming visitors is at our core : Monaco was created for tourism in 1863, and we have been a land of hospitality for more than 160 years.

Our approach is holistic: the offer is tailored for day-visitors and overnight guests and the local community and residents are comfortable with the rhythm because it is managed, high-quality and respectful of the destination. We don’t aim for mass volumes; our focus is on experience, balance and value.

For business tourism, we already host over 300 major events annually, which smooths seasonality, supports mid/low season stays, and underlines that Monaco is a destination year-round, not just at peak holiday times.

Do Monaco’s famed hotels provide enough high-end rooms in peak season? Is there room for more luxury inventory or new ultra-luxury brands?

We’re not in a situation of saturation. Monaco’s hotels undergo regular, thoughtful renovations to maintain the highest standards, with projects often focused on larger rooms and more suites rather than simply increasing capacity.

These ongoing enhancements reflect Monaco’s constant pursuit of excellence and consider the needs of both high- and ultra-high-contribution individual guests and the business and group segment, which remains essential to the destination’s year-round appeal.

Here are a few examples of recent renovations:

The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was entirely revamped in 2019, a complete transformation that reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading palace hotels.

Other major projects are ongoing or recently completed: the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach, and Fairmont Monte-Carlo, each enhancing their offering through extensive renovations or new suite collections.

Given Monaco’s hotel mix — already composed of over 80% four- and five-star properties — future developments will continue to prioritise quality over quantity. There is still room for new openings, particularly in neighbouring municipalities, where several lifestyle-oriented four-star projects are planned. These will complement the Principality’s offer, catering both to the leisure segment and, importantly, to the meeting & convention market, especially following the 6,000 m² expansion of the Grimaldi Forum.

Is Monaco’s culinary scene keeping up with visitor demand? Latest dining venues and “out-of-towner” experiences?

Monaco is, without a doubt, a gourmet destination. It offers an extraordinary variety of dining options — from Mediterranean to Italian, French, Belgium, English and Asian influences — with a strong commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce and a genuine “farm-to-plate” philosophy.

It boasts the highest concentration of MICHELIN-starred restaurants per square kilometer in the world — 13 stars spread across 8 restaurants — an exceptional figure that perfectly reflects the destination’s passion for gastronomy.

In recent years, Monaco’s culinary landscape has also become increasingly vibrant and festive, with the arrival of international lifestyle dining concepts that add a new dimension to its gourmet appeal.

Here are some of the most recent openings — and truly, not a single season goes by without a new restaurant or bar opening in Monaco:

· Amazónico Monte-Carlo : a lively, jungle-inspired concept blending dining, music and late-night energy.

· Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, already two MICHELIN stars, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary flair.

· Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno, showcasing the chef’s signature modern French cuisine and relaxed refinement.

· L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, a gourmet Japanese restaurant by master chef Yoshinori Shibuya, newly opened in 2025 at the Hôtel Hermitage, offering an exceptional omakase-style experience that has already earned two MICHELIN stars.

· Blue Bay – Marcel Ravin, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: two MICHELIN stars, reopened in 2024 after a stunning redesign and now offering exclusive chef’s table formats.

· The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, completely reimagined, remains the beating heart of Place du Casino.

· Marlow, a new English dining concept bringing a modern, cosmopolitan energy

· Jondal Monte-Carlo, which launched its first Monaco season this summer at the Monte-Carlo Beach, will reopen for the 2026 summer season, continuing its relaxed yet elegant Mediterranean spirit.

Coya Monte-Carlo and Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo, both established for several years, have become essential fixtures in Monaco’s festive dining scene — Coya with its vibrant contemporary Peruvian cuisine and lively atmosphere, and Nikki Beach with its rooftop setting at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, overlooking both the Grand Prix hairpin and the Mediterranean Sea.

For out-of-towners, Monaco offers an exceptional range of seasonal and immersive experiences — from beach clubs, including the new Monte-Carlo Beach by Jacquemus concept, to exclusive wine tastings following the reopening of the legendary Hôtel de Paris wine cellar, one of the largest private hotel cellars in the world, housing over 350,000 bottles. All of this, of course, within walking distance of their hotel or the pier.

Monaco is once again playing host to the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in 2026. How important are events like ‘The Summit’ and other hospitality conferences to Monaco?

Events like the Forbes Travel Guide Summit are extremely important for Monaco — they perfectly align with the Principality’s core values of excellence, hospitality, and innovation. Monaco was the first destination outside the United States to host the Summit earlier this year, and we are very proud to welcome it back in February 2026. It brings together some of the world’s most influential leaders in luxury travel and service, which resonates deeply with Monaco’s positioning.

More broadly, business tourism is one of the pillars of Monaco’s year-round activity, representing nearly 30% of all hotel room nights sold in the Principality. Every year, we host more than 300 professional events, including major international congresses that have been established here for over a decade. The recent 6,000 m² expansion of the Grimaldi Forum further strengthens our capacity to welcome large-scale, high-quality gatherings.

In 2026, Monaco will also host the MICHELIN Guide ceremony and continue to welcome prestigious global events such as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year. All of these reinforce Monaco’s role as a true hub for international business events.

Your role must see you travel the globe frequently. How many days are you on the road? Carry-on or checked?

I’m on the road about once a month for must-attend forums such as Virtuoso Symposium, ILTM shows, and others. My role also involves regular international roadshows organised by our overseas promotion offices (we have one in Australia and six others across three continents).

I’m not a light packer — I’m a girl who loves her outfits and likes to have options, so I always end up taking a bit more than necessary. But I do keep a spare outfit in my cabin bag, just in case my suitcase decides to travel on a different itinerary!

Besides Monaco (Nice, more specifically), what is your favourite city to fly into, and why? When were you last there?

I’ve been travelling since I was a child — my father worked for Air France, so travel has always been part of my life. My favourite city to fly into is New York, the first city I ever discovered with my father. I’ve been back more than 50 times, both for work and for pleasure. I just love the city’s energy and rhythm — everything feels a little larger than life, and it still manages to surprise me every single time I go back.

I also have many friends in New York, people I’ve known for years, most of them travel industry professionals. That’s one of the things I love most about my job — it allows me to meet incredible people from all over the world and to connect with different cultures and perspectives.

As for my most recent long-haul trip, it was to Australia two months ago — and I promise I’m not saying that just because this is an Australian publication! It was a truly unforgettable family journey exploring Sydney, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef — one of the most remarkable travel experiences I’ve had in recent years.

Finally—this is ‘LATTE’ afterall—what’s your favourite coffee beverage?

I don’t like my coffee too strong — even though in Monaco, as in nearby Italy, people usually drink it ristretto. I prefer a smooth, balanced espresso, That might also be because I’ve learned to appreciate American coffee, which is much lighter — and a bit more forgiving first thing in the morning!

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Luxury Escapes has launched two new Signature Series tours to two of Europe’s most popular culinary destinations, Spain and Italy in 2026. The trips’ introduction comes off the back of recent Luxury Escapes travel trends data revealing Italy and Spain are among the top five European countries Australians plan to visit in 2026.

Luxury Escapes’ 2025 bookings show Italy up 70% and Spain 30% in TTV, with significant growth in both destinations.

Research shows Australians are sophisticated food lovers, with 42% choosing “fine dining” as one of the indulgences that they would like to be treated to during their holidays so Michelin dining features as tour highlights.

Former MasterChef judges and TV personalities, Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan will host two Signature Series tours back-to-back, 12 days tapas testing their way around Spain, from Barcelona to Madrid, followed by 11 days in Italy, starting in Rome and ending in Milan.

The Spain tour features a paella cooking class and churros tasting in Madrid, while the Italy tour includes foodie golf-cart tours through the cobbled streets of Rome and a visit to the iconic Dario’s famous butcher shop.

“Our Signature Series tours have been the fastest selling product we’ve ever had,” says Adam Schwab, Luxury Escapes Co-Founder and CEO.

“Our members absolutely love the behind-the-scenes access to incredible talent like Matt and Gary who personally design the itinerary and experiences. Plus, with everything done for you, it’s a stress free way to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Schwab adds.

Long-time lovers of Italian and Spanish cuisine, Preston and Mehigan have travelled extensively throughout Spain and Italy, including a recent two-week reconnaissance visit to design the Signature Series itinerary.

The Spain Signature Series Tour will depart on 23 August 2026 and is priced from $17,499* per person. The Italy tour will depart Rome on 8 September 2026 and is priced from $15,499* per person.

Both tours are inclusive of all internal transfers, luxury accommodation, behind-the-scenes guided tours, select meals, and exclusive access to culinary experiences designed and personally hosted by Preston and Mehigan.

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Fiji’s tourism industry is undergoing a transformation, redefining itself as a premier destination for luxury travellers, according to Tourism Fiji Trade Engagement Manager Juliet Miall.

Speaking at a recent Tourism Fiji event aboard luxury yacht Mischief, Miall reflected on how far the nation has come in repositioning itself as a high-end destination. “When I first started at Tourism Fiji, luxury was not really a thing because we got judged on the number of people that go to the country,” she said.

However, luxury travellers spend more in destination, she pointed out, saying that this reality prompted her to try to shift the focus. “I wanted to be judged by the top-level luxury that we can bring to Fiji,” she said. “And I think we’ve done that really, really well.”

Fiji’s luxury offering has matured significantly now with between 10 and 12 “true luxury” resorts, according to Miall. “In the old days, Turtle Island was the only luxury resort in Fiji, and now we’ve got just so many beautiful resorts,” she told LATTE.

“We’re seeing a lot more luxury going to Fiji. It used to be like, ‘I’m not going to just Fiji,’ but now it’s, ‘I’m going to Fiji,’ and people are proud to talk about that at their barbecues or cocktail parties.”

From the famed Coral Coast to world-class island resorts, Fiji is now home to “beautiful luxury properties,” she continued.

“Six Senses is at the top of its game with that, and now we can introduce accommodations with ships like Mischief — it doesn’t get any better, and it’s so close, it’s so easy, it’s family friendly. It’s everything you know and love about Fiji.”

The expansion of Fiji’s high-end market has also attracted new demographics, particularly multi-generational families. “Grandma and grandpa pay to take all the kids to Six Senses,” Miall noted.

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Arctic and Nordic operator Luxury Action has unveiled a fresh visual identity, with the rebrand coinciding with several strategic developments within the company.

These include the establishment of a professional board, the expansion of its expert team, and the launch of the Luxury Action Alliance — a collective of brands united by a shared commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and excellence.

It currently includes Luxury Action DMC, Octola, Reindeer Manor and the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, each offering distinctive ways to explore and connect with the Arctic and Nordic regions. Together, they represent a holistic approach to meaningful, high-end travel – one that celebrates both individuality and respect for the natural world.

In line with this, the new identity acts as a symbol of the company’s evolution, vision and enduring passion for the North, according to CEO Henry Valle.

“Our refreshed identity reflects how far we’ve come while staying true to our roots,” he said. “This new chapter truly captures Luxury Action’s essence – the values we live by and the journeys that stay with our guests long after they return home.”

At the heart of Luxury Action’s philosophy are four core values that continue to define its work: Meaning Above All; Absolute Individuality; Respect for the North; and True Transformation.

It comes as the company reported “significant growth”, with Valle appointed as CEO last month to support this and a new professional board of directors also put in place. Founder Janne Honkanen stayed on as the sole owner and a member of the board.

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Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has been named in National Geographic‘s ‘Best of the World 2026‘ list of the “most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year”.

National Geographic says the ‘Best of the World’ is “the definitive guide to the top destinations to visit in 2026”.

“From Rwandan safaris to Pittsburgh museums, this year’s edition encourages readers to rethink how they travel, embracing deeper connections with nature, culture and communities,” the esteemed, Washington D.C.-headquartered travel publisher said.

The fabled Red Centre landmark is the only location in Australia featured in the 25 most diverse destinations globally, handpicked by National Geographic’s global community of editors, travel contributors and international partners.

National Geographic has positioned Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa in the same field of other destinations such as The Dolomites in Italy, Yamagata Prefercture in Japan, Türkiye’s Black Sea Coast and the Basque Country of Spain. Or cities and towns including Manila in the Philippines; Beijing, China; Banff, Québec and Vancouver in Canada; Rabat in Morocco, and Hull in Yorkshire, England. And even entire countries; namely Dominica in the Caribbean; South Korea and Fiji.

In fact, Fiji and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa were among only four destinations that made Nat Geo’s ‘Best in the World’ grade, located in the Southern Hemisphere, alongside Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

Four U.S. locations were also in the Top 25. They were North Dakota’s Badlands, Pittsburg in Pennsylvania; Maui in Hawaii and Route 66 (in Oklahoma), which celebrates its centennial in 2026.

National Geographic says its curated selection of ‘Best of the World’ destinations aspires to “inspire travellers,” and includes “something for everyone: families, foodies, animal lovers, adventurers and more”.

“This year’s list stands apart by featuring destinations that celebrate distinctive cultural moments, one-of-a-kind events and experiences, awe-inspiring natural wonders and sustainable travel.”

“At Nat Geo, we know that travel has the power to inspire and transform us,” said Nathan Lump, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic.

“In this year’s Best of the World, we especially wanted to highlight unexpected destinations that the algorithms are probably not serving you — for instance, Uzbekistan’s Khiva or Rwanda’s Akagera National Park,”

“Of course, we know that not every trip can be an off-the-beaten-path adventure, so we were mindful to include some surprisingly compelling places that are also more easily accessible. Whatever kind of traveller you are, our goal is to ensure we’re sharing fresh ideas that help you connect with that feeling of discovery and joy that comes from a great travel experience.”

Of the top 25 destinations, National Geographic’s Readers Choice winner was Banff, Canada.

View the full Best of the World 2026 list, with more details, here.

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Following on from the Australian launch of the Come Find Your Joy campaign from South African Tourism (SAT) earlier this year, the tourism body is promoting the destination as a safe, ethical, and affordable choice for Aussie travellers.

Addressing one of the most common concerns, SAT’s Acting Country Manager and Marketing & Communications Manager Yana Shvarts offered reassurance at a recent Club Med event in Sydney. “We get asked this question – is South Africa safe? And we say, of course, it’s safe, as long as you are smart about it, like you would be in any major city destination,” she said.

Travellers are advised to “stay aware” and to enjoy the well-worn tourist paths where “you won’t have any problems.”

Shvarts also pointed out that top-tier tourist facilities are designed to keep guests comfortable and secure. “The top hotels, lodges, Winelands and, of course, Club Med, make your safety and security top priority,” she said. “So you can comfortably rest assured that you’re safe and secure and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime.”

In addition, Shvarts stressed that South Africa welcomes those who travel with a conscience, with ethical wildlife tourism is front and centre of the offering. “It’s very important for South African Tourism that you’re travelling ethically with regard to wildlife,” she stated.

She outlined clear red flags to avoid. “Any ethical place will not have performing animals,” she stressed. “It won’t let you touch baby wild animals, predators or cetaceans… and it won’t let you walk with elephants or predators.”

Instead, visitors are encouraged to experience animals in their natural habitats. “The best way to see wildlife is in the wild, in their own environment, on their own terms,” Shvarts added.

And for Australians concerned about cost, South Africa offers unbeatable value. “The wonderful thing about South Africa is that the value for money is really second to none,” Shvarts explained. “Wining and dining will cost you about a third to a quarter of what it does here in Sydney.”

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Atout France is highlighting France’s regions and overseas territories as it promotes the message that “France is not only Paris.”

At a media event in Sydney this morning, timed to coincide with the start of Luxperience 2025, tourism representatives highlighted France’s breadth of offering, as part of a broader strategy to diversify visitor experiences and distribute tourism more sustainably.

“Tourism in France is also many destinations in mainland France, many landscapes, and also the overseas territories, including New Caledonia and French Polynesia,” said Sydney-based French Consul General Gilles Barrier.

This renewed focus on underexplored regions is part of a multi-pronged approach to showcase France as a year-round, sustainable, and inclusive destination. Barrier confirmed that France is aiming to be the world’s most sustainable destination by 2030.

“There are many, many reasons to come to France for tourism,” he added. “And it’s not just Paris.”

Dominique Maulin, Atout France Regional Director Asia-Pacific, reinforced this approach, explaining how high-speed trains are being used to encourage regional travel. “With more than 3,000 kilometres of high-speed train in France, it’s very important for us to promote that,” she said.

By promoting the strength of France’s rail network, Atout France hopes to support regional experiences like agrotourism, cycling tourism and events.

To help travellers plan beyond Paris, Atout France has launched a new AI-powered itinerary planner named MarIAnne, an ever-evolving offer that will guide travellers toward less crowded, authentic destinations.

Meanwhile, Maulin shared that burgeoning demand from Australian travellers is already translating into record-breaking visitation. This northern hemisphere summer saw a 30% increase in the number of Australians that visited the destination.

The spike builds on a strong 2024 in which France hosted the Olympic Games, showcasing the destination to the world. Improved air access has also played a key role in boosting numbers, she continued, particularly highlighting Qantas’ recently launched Perth-Paris direct service.

“We have many, many connections,” Maulin said. “All these connections give so many options.”

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The town of Arzachena, located on Sardinia, Italy, made history by officially receiving Blue Zone certification—”a milestone cementing its place on the global longevity map,” the destination said.

While wellness enthusiasts may already be familiar with Ogliastra, a Blue Zone where longevity has long been tied to centuries of shepherding traditions, just over two hours away, Arzachena presents “a strikingly different story.” After decades of research, longevity expert Professor Gianni Pes discovered that the development of Costa Smeralda has greatly improved local living conditions, contributing to longer, healthier lives among the town’s residents.

Arzachena’s Qualifications

Pietro Mereu, founder and artistic director of the Longevity Fest and director of the documentary Finding the Blue, offered insight into Arzachena’s transformation. “Our working hypothesis is that, until the 1960s, the population of Arzachena was very similar to that of Ogliastra,” he said. “Both populations shared the socio-economic profile of many small Sardinian towns, characterized by a predominantly agro-pastoral economy, a frugal diet, sheep-breeding and subsistence agriculture.

“However, with the emergence of an economy dominated by high-end tourism and related services, yielding per-capita income levels well above the Sardinian average, employment opportunities for residents expanded significantly. This reduced out-migration and attracted in-migration from other parts of Sardinia, mainland Italy and abroad. Consequently, today’s population combines elements of small-community social cohesion with cosmopolitan exposure. This profile probably led to the emergence of exceptional longevity in a context marked by economic modernization, migration and global connectivity,” meaning better nutrition, health services, hospitals, etc.

Expanding Influence

With this development, Mereu expects Ogliastra to become the most important Blue Zone in the world. He explained that “Okinawa’s longevity is no longer the highest—for well-known reasons relating to lifestyle changes in recent generations,” and that Ogliastra’s influence—as evident in the certification of Arzachena as a Blue Zone—is expanding.

The announcement was made at the annual Longevity Fest, which took place 5-7 September. The event gathered leading voices from international scientific communities to explore and debate the topic of longevity, while offering the public access to the latest longevity-focused innovations and solutions.  

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A trio of brand-new high-end resorts will debut in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea in the coming weeks, as the luxury destination prepares for a soft opening of Shura Island.

Phase one of the launch includes the debut of SLS, EDITION and InterContinental hotels, alongside Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, Shura Links.

Red Sea Global, the developer of the regenerative tourism destination, say the moment marks a “major milestone” as it strives to making Vision 2030’s ambitions for national transformation a reality of the people of Saudi Arabia.

“As the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Island represents everything Red Sea Global stands for: bold ambition, deep respect for nature, and a commitment to redefining tourism in Saudi Arabia and beyond. With the soft opening of Shura in the coming weeks, we move closer to achieving our mission to set new standards in regenerative tourism, while realising Vision 2030,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

The upcoming resort openings include:

• SLS Red Sea features 150 luxurious rooms and villas, including beachfront and overwater options, with curated cultural, wellness, and leisure experiences.
• The Red Sea EDITION will offer 240 elegantly designed rooms, including 53 suites, a world-class spa, multiple dining destinations, and access to watersports and golf. The Red Sea EDITIONS’ website indicates the property will take guests arriving 12 October 2025.
• InterContinental The Red Sea Resort; a five-star barefoot luxury escape with 178 rooms and 32 suites, five dining venues, a spa, event spaces, and a design inspired by the surrounding coral reefs.

Shura Island will be home to 11 resorts, all of which are slated to open in the coming months. When fully completed, the island will offer pristine natural landscapes, luxurious amenities, high-end food and beverage and retail, signature experiences and cultural programs.

The remaining eight resorts – on track to open in the coming months – include: Faena; Fairmont; Four Seasons; Grand Hyatt; Jumeirah; Miraval; Raffles; and Rosewood.

Meanwhile, Shura Links will also open this month, offering a world-class golfing experience that combines challenge, design, and sustainability. As Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, Shura Links offers spectacular views and a course designed to blend natural desert landscapes with lush fairways. The course is easily accessible from all Shura Island resorts, as well available to guests and residents at other resorts at The Red Sea.

See www.visitredsea.com.

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Tourism Fiji has officially appointed Dr. Paresh Pant as its new CEO, following an extensive global recruitment process.

He succeeds Brent Hill, who recently returned to Australia to take up the position of CEO for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in tourism, hospitality, and aviation, Dr. Pant brings a wealth of expertise to the role. No stranger to Tourism Fiji, he previously served in senior roles at the organisation, including as Regional Director in both New Zealand and Australia.

“I am honoured to be entrusted with this role at a time when Fiji continues to shine as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations,” Pant said.

“Tourism is at the heart of Fiji’s economy and identity, and I am committed to building on our strong foundations to ensure long-term, sustainable growth that benefits our communities, industry partners, and the nation as a whole.”

Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji Board Chair Ilisapeci Matatolu highlighted his track record and connection to Fiji. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Pant back to Tourism Fiji at a pivotal time for the industry,” she said.

“His proven record of driving growth in key markets, combined with his deep understanding of Fiji’s tourism landscape, made him the clear choice for this role. He not only brings a wealth of global experience but also a genuine passion for Fiji and its people.”

Matatolu added that the Board looks forward to working with him to strengthen Fiji’s brand globally, grow visitor numbers, and ensure communities benefit from tourism.

The appointment was also welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka.

“On behalf of the Fiji Government, we welcome Dr. Pant as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Fiji,” he stated. “This appointment comes at a crucial time for the industry, as we chart a course towards long-term growth. I am confident Dr. Pant will bring in strategic leadership and vision to further strengthen Fiji’s global brand while supporting a more resilient and competitive tourism industry.”

Dr. Pant holds a PhD in Tourism Strategy & Aviation Management from Griffith University, Australia, along with postgraduate qualifications in commerce and marketing from New Zealand institutions.

He will officially step into the CEO role in mid-October 2025.

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