MAKKAH: The Movenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah claims to be the first hotel in the holy city to receive the ‘Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point’ (HACCP) Certification. “The certification endorses our stand on the importance of quality standards and safe food handling especially for religious tourists,” said Omar Boujlid, GM, Movenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower, Makkah. Religious tourism is the cornerstone for Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Research statistics state Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector generated about $7 billion in annual revenues in 2009, and visitor traffic is expected to grow by 6.5 percent annually from over 12 million in 2009 to over 15 million in 2013.

JEDDAH: Rosewood Corniche is now Qatar Airways’ preferred hotel for all of its travelers to Jeddah. The declaration from the carrier quickly followed an announcement that, after a thorough two-year study, Rosewood Corniche is among a handful of Jeddah hotels to be awarded official five-star status by the Saudi Commission of Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). The SCTA has also taken part in ATM in Dubai to encourage investment in tourism projects in the Kingdom as well as to promote travel in the country. Rosewood Corniche has taken home the award for Saudi Arabia’s Leading Hotel for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards, as well as adding Saudi Arabia’s ‘Leading Business Hotel’ to their award cabinet.

DUBAI: Qatar Airways has claimed key international awards, winning three accolades at two award ceremonies in Dubai. The Doha-based carrier retained its ‘Leading Business Class Airline in the Middle East’ title as voted by travel industry professionals in the World Travel Awards, an honor that the airline has now held for five consecutive years. The airline’s innovative exclusive Premium Terminal for First and Business Class passengers at Doha International Airport was named ‘Leading Airport Lounge’ in the Middle East. The two awards were presented at a ceremony held at The Address in Dubai. Meanwhile, the carrier is forging ahead with global expansion. 

RIYADH: The Asia Live Food Festival kicked off at Riyadh Marriott Hotel this week, offering for the first time specialty food and beverages from Tokyo, Beijing, Bangkok and other famous Asian culinary destinations under one roof.  The festival, which will be open until May 15, was formally opened at a glittering ceremony organized at the Mosaic Restaurant of Riyadh Marriott Hotel here. “This time, Riyadh Marriott has come-up with a unique and a fresh theme called Asia Live in association with Doha Marriott,” said Khaldoun Hayejneh, general manager of Riyadh Marriott, while speaking at the inaugural function.