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Food, Latest News

10 smooth whiskies that deliver flavour without the burn

Not every whisky needs to be bold or complex to stand out. Some are designed for effortless drinking—smooth on the palate, balanced in flavour, and easy to come back to. Whether you’re stepping up from entry-level blends or looking for a reliable everyday pour, these whiskies offer the right mix of accessibility and character without overwhelming the senses. Sherry Platinum Whisky A smooth, easygoing blend that leans into approachable richness without going heavy. Crafted using Indian grain spirits and Scotch malts, it opens with light floral notes, moves into honeyed sweetness and soft vanilla, and finishes clean with a faint smoky edge. The texture is rounded and mellow, making it highly drinkable. Why it works: Balanced enough for neat pours, forgiving enough for mixers. Best for: Upgrading from entry-level blends without jumping price brackets. Blenders Pride Reserve Collection Whisky A familiar name, but the Reserve line adds more structure and depth. Expect oak-led warmth, dried fruit notes, and a fuller body, with a slightly richer mouthfeel than standard variants. The finish is smooth with a lingering woody note. Why it works: Reliable, slightly elevated, and widely available. Best for: Those who want consistency with a premium edge. Royal Stag Barrel Select Whisky Designed for a smoother, more rounded experience, this variant brings in subtle wood influence, mild spice, and a softer finish. It’s lighter on the palate, with minimal sharpness, making it easy to sip. Why it works: Easy palate, minimal burn, mass-premium positioning. Best for: Casual drinkers who want a smoother everyday option. 100 Pipers Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky A classic Scotch blend with gentle smokiness, honeyed sweetness, and light fruit notes. The profile is clean and balanced, with a slightly dry finish that keeps it refreshing. Why it works: Introduces Scotch character without overwhelming. Best for: First-time Scotch drinkers. Black Dog Triple Gold Reserve Whisky More layered than entry-level blends, this whisky offers caramel, toasted oak, and mild spice, along with a noticeably richer texture. The finish is longer and slightly warm. Why it works: Noticeable complexity without losing smoothness. Best for: Those stepping into richer blends. Jameson Irish Whiskey Exceptionally smooth thanks to triple distillation, with vanilla, toasted wood, and light nutty notes. The profile is clean, slightly sweet, and very approachable, with almost no harshness. Why it works: Universally approachable and versatile. Best for: Neat, on the rocks, or simple cocktails. Teacher’s Highland Cream Scotch WhiskyD A more peat-forward option in this list, offering malty depth with a smoky backbone. The smokiness is present but not overpowering, balanced by a slightly sweet malt character. Why it works: Adds character without going too niche. Best for: Those exploring smoky profiles. Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Whisky Light, elegant, and slightly sweet, with milk chocolate, apple, and vanilla notes. The body is smooth and well-balanced, making it easy to drink over longer sessions. Why it works: Easy-drinking and well-balanced. Best for: Long sessions without palate fatigue. Imperial Blue Super Grain Whisky A value-driven blend with soft grain sweetness, mild spice, and a light body. The profile is simple, with a quick, clean finish that doesn’t linger too much. Why it works: Accessible, simple, and widely popular. Best for: Everyday, no-fuss drinking. Signature Rare Aged Whisky A well-rounded blend that leans into dry fruit notes, gentle oak, and a subtly richer mouthfeel. There’s a mild sweetness upfront, followed by soft spice and a smooth, lingering finish, giving it more depth than standard everyday whiskies without becoming heavy. Why pick it: A noticeable step up from regular blends with a smoother, fuller profile. The appeal of these whiskies lies in their effortless drinkability. They’re smooth, consistent, and versatile—easy to enjoy whether it’s a quick pour or a long evening. If you’re looking for bottles that strike the right balance between ease and character, this list covers the essentials.

Food, Latest News

This National Chai Day, Explore Bold Flavours, Wellness and Regional Favourites

Tata Tea Premium- Desh Ki Chai  Tata Tea Premium continues to celebrate India’s diverse tea preferences with its unique “Desh Ki Chai” proposition. With customised blends, state-specific packaging and localised communication inspired by regional pride, the brand delivers a tea experience rooted in local tastes while backed by a trusted national legacy. Availability: Now available across major retail stores and leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Tata Nutrikorner. Tata Tea Agni Extra Josh – India’s First Tea with Added Natural Caffeine Designed for today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Tata Tea Agni Extra Josh brings consumers a unique tea blend with added natural caffeine for an energising experience. Building on the brand’s iconic “Josh Jagaye Har Roz” proposition, the blend delivers an extra burst of refreshment and energy, making it the perfect companion for active mornings and demanding schedules. Availability: Now available across major retail stores and leading e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Tata Nutrikorner. Organic India Masala Black Tea – Bold Flavour with a Refreshing Twist For those who enjoy a strong and aromatic cup of chai, Organic India Masala Black Tea combines robust black CTC tea with warming spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, clove and black pepper for a refreshing and flavourful experience. Rich in antioxidants and crafted with certified organic ingredients, this blend delivers a mindful tea-drinking experience in every sip.   Availability: Now available across leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Organicindia.com. Organic India Tulsi Masala Chai – A Comforting Cup with Ayurvedic Goodness Organic India Tulsi Masala Chai blends robust Assam black tea with Tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg and mace for a rich and flavourful cup. Crafted with certified organic ingredients and 100% whole herbs, this invigorating blend helps support immunity, relieve stress and provide antioxidant protection, making it the perfect addition to your everyday wellness ritual. Availability: Now available across leading retail stores and e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and Organicindia.com.

Food, Latest News

Coffee Gets a Sparkling Upgrade, Third Wave Coffee x Schweppes India Launch Espresso Tonics

From citrusy kicks to peachy refreshment, the new limited-edition range reimagines how coffee is enjoyed this summer. Coffee gets a sparkling new identity this summer with the launch of a range of espresso tonics. Third Wave Coffee, one of India’s leading coffee-first QSR brand, has teamed up with Schweppes India, one of the country’s leading premium mixer brands, to bring a fizzy twist to the coffee experience. A fusion of specialty coffee and tonic, the lineup features the bold and minty Espresso Turbo Tonic, the fruity Peach Espresso Tonic, and the zesty Citrus Crush Espresso Tonic. The partnership blends Third Wave Coffee’s passion for innovation with Schweppes’ legacy of premium mixer heritage enjoyed globally for over two centuries. Together, the brands are serving up a contemporary take on coffee that’s perfect for long summer afternoons, café catch-ups, and moments that call for something out of the ordinary. Speaking about the collaboration, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said: “At Third Wave Coffee, we see cafés increasingly evolving into spaces where consumers come not just for comfort and familiarity, but also to discover unique and elevated offerings. Our collaboration with Schweppes India brings together two brands that share a common vision of crafting premium experiences for modern consumers. With this espresso tonic range, we wanted to reimagine how coffee can be enjoyed during summer by bringing together bold espresso notes with the crisp, lively character of sparkling mixers. The result is a contemporary, flavour-forward range that captures the spirit of experimentation, indulgence, and summer refreshment that today’s consumers are looking for “ From Coca-Cola India, Sobhanjeet Rath, Senior Director, Marketing added, “For over two centuries, Schweppes has stood for premium refreshment and refined taste. This collaboration with Third Wave Coffee brings that legacy into an exciting new space, pairing the signature sparkle of Schweppes Tonic Water with the intensity of specialty espresso. It’s a bold new taste experience crafted for a discerning consumer.”  Whether in the mood for something zesty, punchy, or smooth with a sparkling edge, the limited-edition menu has something to match every summer vibe: Espresso Turbo Tonic – Bold espresso paired with citrusy sweet-tang notes and finished with a minty cool touch for a smooth yet refreshing sip. Punchy Peach Espresso Tonic – Juicy peach flavours layered over a bold espresso base, elevated with a squeeze of lime for a sweet, punchy refreshment. Citrus Crush Espresso Tonic – A vibrant blend of orange and grapefruit lifted with sparkling espresso tonic for a bold citrus kick. The espresso tonic range, starting at INR 315, is available at Third Wave Coffee cafés across India.

Hotels, Latest News

Joint Appointment Announcement | voco Amritsar by IHG Hotels & Resorts Announces the Appointment of Leadership Roles

Set in one of North India’s most prominent spiritual destinations, voco Amritsar has announced the appointment of key leadership roles across its management team. The appointments bring together experienced professionals across operations, sales, finance, engineering, human resources, and security, who will play a pivotal role in delivering exceptional guest experiences while strengthening the hotel’s position in North India. Sunit Rana as Director of Sales Sunit Rana brings 19 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise spanning sales strategy, market development and brand positioning across luxury and upscale segments. Over the course of his career, he has been associated with leading hospitality brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Pride Hotels, Sarovar Hotels and Chokhi Dhani Group. Throughout his career, Rana has played a key role in driving brand value, implementing strategic sales initiatives, strengthening market presence and supporting revenue growth. At voco Amritsar, Sunit will serve as Director of Sales, where he will lead the hotel’s sales strategy with a focus on market expansion, brand positioning and revenue generation. Roshan as Director of Finance and Business Support Roshan brings over a decade of experience in financial management within the hospitality industry, with expertise in financial planning, budgeting, compliance, and operational efficiency. Prior to joining voco Amritsar, he was associated with IHCL Goa and has also worked with leading global hospitality brands including Hilton and Marriott International. Throughout his career, he has developed strong expertise in financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, cost optimization, audit compliance, and cash flow management. He has also implemented internal control frameworks, improved reporting efficiencies, and partnered closely with operational teams to enhance overall profitability and performance. At voco Amritsar, Roshan will oversee the financial operations of the property, while supporting strategic business growth in line with IHG’s global standards. Saurabh Singh as Executive Housekeeper With over 15 years of experience in housekeeping operations, Saurabh Singh joins voco Amritsar as Executive Housekeeper. With a strong background in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, guest comfort and operational efficiency, Saurabh will be responsible for overseeing housekeeping functions while ensuring seamless service and an elevated guest experience across the property. During Saurabh’s professional journey, he has been associated with leading hospitality brands including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Le Méridien, and have also contributed to prestigious pre-opening projects such as Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort and Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi. His expertise includes team leadership, quality control, guest service excellence, and operational management. Shivendra Singh as Director of Human Resources Shivendra Singh has been appointed as Director of Human Resources, bringing in over 12 years of experience in human resource management within the hospitality sector. With expertise in talent management, employee engagement and organisational development, Shivendra has played a key role in building high-performing teams and fostering positive workplace cultures across hospitality organisations. In this role at voco Amritsar, Shivendra will lead the hotel’s human resource function, focusing on strengthening the people strategy, supporting talent development and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment in alignment with IHG’s people-first philosophy. Narendra Yadav as Chief Engineer Narendra Yadav brings over 14 years of experience in hospitality engineering and technical operations, with expertise spanning electrical engineering, preventive maintenance, energy conservation, audit compliance and engineering operations management. He has been a part of the pre-opening team at voco Amritsar, where he has played a key role in establishing engineering systems, operational processes and compliance standards for the property. Prior to this, he served as Engineering Manager at Holiday Inn New Delhi Aerocity, where he successfully led major renovation projects while overseeing Quality & ISO and BSA audits. His professional journey also includes key roles with Le Méridien Hyderabad, Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport, MHRS Indore, and Courtyard by Marriott Agra. Over the years, he has been recognised for his contributions to the Best Executive of the Year award, along with multiple Executive and Associate of the Month accolades. With this experienced leadership team in place, voco Amritsar is well positioned to deliver distinctive hospitality experiences while strengthening its presence in one of North India’s most prominent cultural and spiritual destinations. Radhika Chhetri as Front Office Manager Radhika Chhetri brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with expertise in front office operations, guest relations and hotel operations management. She began her hospitality journey through the IHG Academy and has since built strong experience across leading hospitality brands. Prior to joining voco Amritsar, Radhika was associated with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) where she spent six years working across brands including Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. She has also gained valuable exposure with globally recognised hospitality brands including Marriott and Accor. At voco Amritsar, Radhika will oversee front office operations with a focus on delivering seamless guest experiences and maintaining the brand’s service standards. Faizan Malik as Security Manager Faizan Malik joins voco Amritsar as Security Manager, bringing extensive experience in security operations, risk management and hospitality security leadership. Prior to entering the hospitality sector, he served with Delhi Police Department (MHA) for over 8.5 years, including assignments at the District Magistrate Office and as Personal Security Officer to the SDM Shahdara. Over the years, he has been associated with leading hospitality and corporate brands including The Leela Palace New Delhi, Radisson Blu Kaushambi Delhi NCR, Regenta Suites by Royal Orchid, Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, Ramada Encore by Wyndham, and M3M Corporates (Abante Management pvt. Ltd.). In addition to this, his professional credentials include certifications as a Certified Security Professional and Certified Protection Professional, a Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster management, Certified first-Aid trainer, a Diploma in Fire Management, and an NCC ‘C’  Certificate from the Indian Army. At voco Amritsar, Faizan will lead the entire hotel’s security operations with a focus on ensuring a safe and secure environment for guests and colleagues while upholding the brand’s operational standards.

Latest News, Travel

zingbus launches Chyll as bookings to offbeat destinations surge 90% year-on-year

India’s leading intercity mobility platform, zingbus, has launched Chyll, a packaged travel offering that combines intercity bus travel, last-mile connectivity, curated stays, and local guides into a single booking experience. The launch comes amid rising demand for experiential and offbeat travel across India, with bookings to such destinations on the zingbus platform growing by over 90 per cent year-on-year. The momentum is further supported by the government’s continued focus on tourism infrastructure, regional connectivity, and intercity transport expansion under the Union Budget 2026–27. Designed to simplify leisure travel beyond just ticket booking, Chyll offers integrated intercity travel with end-to-end services including intercity bus travel & last-mile connectivity, handpicked stays, guided experiences, and on-ground assistance. Travellers heading to destinations such as Jibhi or Shangarh often need to separately arrange local transport, accommodation, and discovery experiences after reaching a transit point. The platform brings all these elements together into one seamless checkout flow. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Co-founder of zingbus  said, “The bus ticket was never the full journey. For travellers heading to offbeat destinations, the real challenge begins after the booking. Chyll has been designed to simplify that entire journey through one integrated booking experience, from seamless last-mile connectivity to reliable stays and meaningful local experiences.”  The offering builds on zingbus’s existing last-mile connectivity service, Offbeat, which currently operates across 80+ locations spanning six states and two union territories. Chyll has launched initially in Jibhi and Shangarh, with plans to expand to additional destinations across North and South India in the coming months. Unlike traditional ticketing platforms focused only on transportation, zingbus is expanding its role across the entire travel journey through an asset-light, franchise-led model that includes mobility, stays, and local experiences. The platform also offers Rentals, enabling families and groups to book entire buses for community and leisure travel. zingbus has facilitated over 10 million journeys across 300+ cities in 20+ states through partnerships with more than 60 operators and continues to expand its electric bus network across high-demand corridors. With Chyll, zingbus aims to move beyond ticketing and build a more connected, end-to-end intercity travel experience for India’s growing base of leisure traveller.

Personality, Latest News, Shopping

AJIO LUXE Debuts in Delhi NCR with Its First-Ever Store at Ambience Mall

The launch further strengthens the mall’s growing portfolio of premium and luxury brands AJIO has launched its first-ever AJIO LUXE store in Delhi NCR at Ambience Mall, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s offline retail expansion journey. The launch brings AJIO LUXE’s curated luxury and premium fashion experience to one of North India’s most prominent shopping and lifestyle destinations. Designed as an immersive and contemporary retail space, the store features a curated mix of premium international and Indian labels across fashion, footwear, accessories and lifestyle categories. The launch reflects the growing demand for elevated and experience-led shopping among consumers in Delhi NCR. The addition of AJIO LUXE further reinforces Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj’s positioning as a preferred destination for premium and bridge-to-luxury retail brands. Over the past few months, the mall has witnessed the launch and expansion of several leading fashion, lifestyle and global brands, further strengthening its premium retail ecosystem and appeal among aspirational consumers. Speaking on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said: “Luxury retail today is increasingly driven by immersive and experience-led environments where consumers can engage with brands beyond conventional shopping. AJIO LUXE’s first store in Delhi NCR at Ambience Mall Vasant Kunj aligns perfectly with this evolving consumer mindset. The brand brings together contemporary luxury, curated fashion and aspirational experiences, making it a strong addition to our premium retail portfolio. We continue to focus on strengthening the mall’s luxury ecosystem with brands that resonate with evolving consumer preferences and global retail trends.” With a strong focus on curation, aesthetics and customer experience, AJIO LUXE aims to redefine premium fashion retail by blending digital-first sophistication with immersive offline engagement. The launch is expected to resonate strongly with fashion-conscious consumers, luxury enthusiasts and young aspirational shoppers across the region. Over the years, Ambience Mall has emerged as one of Delhi NCR’s leading lifestyle destinations, offering a diverse mix of luxury retail, fashion, dining and entertainment experiences. The mall’s growing premium retail portfolio includes renowned brands such as The Collective, Brooks Brothers, Kapoor Watch Company, True Religion, Diesel, and Tira among others. The arrival of AJIO LUXE further enhances the mall’s luxury retail ecosystem and reinforces its appeal among affluent and aspirational shoppers across the region.

Hospitality, Latest News

GymNation Secures $100 Million Investment From HPS, part of BlackRock, To Accelerate Expansion

One of the largest private credit investments ever made into a GCC-born, founder-led consumer brand. GymNation, the GCC’s fastest-growing gym operator, has secured a $100 million private credit facility from certain funds, entities and/or accounts managed, advised or controlled by HPS Investment Partners, LLC (“HPS”), part of BlackRock-  the world’s largest asset manager, in one of the first regional investments of its size since the Iran conflict commenced. Founded in the UAE in 2018 by Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki, and Ant Martland, GymNation was built on a simple mission: to make world-class fitness affordable and accessible to everyone. Since opening its first gym in Al Quoz, Dubai, GymNation has grown to become the Middle East’s largest low-cost gym operator, with close to 50 locations and over 200,000 members across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. “Securing $100 million of growth capital is a transformational milestone for GymNation and provides the platform for us to expand our footprint across the GCC and beyond.  What was most encouraging throughout the process was the conviction shown by HPS and all stakeholders involved, who despite the challenging geopolitical environment, never lost confidence in the business or the long-term prospects for the region. The GCC has created a world-class entrepreneurial environment which, as a UAE homegrown startup, we are proud to represent,” said Loren Holland, CEO & Founder, GymNation. “The GCC represents one of the most exciting and highest growth fitness markets in the world right now, and we are proud to being playing our part as we continue to make fitness affordable and accessible to all. We also believe the GymNation brand and unique business model is transferable into other international markets, and we will soon be announcing our first expansion outside of the GCC, into Asia, which will represent an exciting new chapter of growth” he added. This $100 million facility ($75m committed with a $25m accordion) is the latest and most significant chapter in a capital journey that has attracted increasingly sophisticated institutional investment at every stage. In 2023, the founding team led a management buyout, acquiring full control of the business with the support of Ruya Partners and Tricap Investments, two regional partners whose early conviction laid the foundation for what followed. The transaction also marks a successful exit for existing financing partner Ruya Partners who played a pivotal role in supporting GymNation’s management buyout and expansion into Saudi Arabia. The refinancing by HPS reflects GymNation’s rapid growth and evolution into a scaled regional platform capable of attracting global institutional capital. The investment will be deployed across three priority areas. First, continued expansion across the GCC, with a pipeline targeting 100+ locations in the next three years, building on GymNation’s established presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain and supported by a new regional headquarters in Riyadh. Second, further investment in GymNation’s proprietary technology platform, the data, AI, and machine learning infrastructure behind GymNation’s industry-leading unit economics. Third, international expansion beyond the GCC, as GymNation evaluates new markets where demand for affordable, high-quality fitness is strong and the category remains significantly underpenetrated. More than 50 members of GymNation’s senior leadership team have been granted participation in the company’s long-term incentive equity plan, reinforcing alignment between management and shareholders as the business enters its next phase. Tatsu Partners acted as lead debt advisors to GymNation on the transaction while DLA Piper served as legal advisors. PwC provided financial due diligence and tax advisory services. Eight years on from a single gym in Al Quoz, GymNation has become one of the GCC’s defining entrepreneurial success stories. The transaction’s completion against a backdrop of heightened global volatility speaks to the strength of those fundamentals and the conviction of its institutional partners.

Food, Latest News

TWH Hospitality Launches Its Second Nazeer Foods Restaurant in Zirakpur; Brings Tricity’s First Authentic Old Delhi-Themed Fine-Dine Mughlai Experience

TWH Hospitality has officially launched its second Nazeer Foods restaurant at Pooja Plazzio, Zirakpur, further strengthening its growing hospitality footprint in North India. The newly launched fine-dine destination is being positioned as Chandigarh–Tricity’s first authentic Old Delhi-themed Mughlai restaurant, bringing together heritage-inspired interiors, premium hospitality, and the legendary flavours of one of North India’s most recognized Mughlai food brands. Founded over four decades ago, Nazeer Foods has built a strong legacy in Indian Mughlai cuisine and remains widely known for its authentic recipes, traditional cooking style, and loyal customer base across Delhi-NCR. The Zirakpur outlet marks a significant step in taking the iconic brand experience beyond Delhi while maintaining the essence of Old Delhi’s culinary culture. The newly launched restaurant has been designed with a premium dine-in concept featuring warm hospitality, Mughlai-inspired aesthetics, elegant seating, and a refined ambience aimed at families, professionals, and food enthusiasts seeking an elevated dining experience in the Tricity region. The launch also follows TWH Hospitality’s earlier strategic announcement regarding its partnership with Nazeer Foods for hospitality and culinary expansion. The company had previously announced the integration of Nazeer Foods’ kitchen operations at its Goa hospitality venture, enabling premium Mughlai cuisine offerings and online food delivery operations in the region. With the successful expansion now reaching Zirakpur, the group is aggressively strengthening its hospitality and restaurant vertical. Speaking on the expansion, the management stated that the response to premium Indian dining concepts continues to grow rapidly in emerging lifestyle destinations such as Zirakpur and Chandigarh–Tricity. The company further shared that it is now actively evaluating additional expansion opportunities across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi/NCR through both fine-dine and high-street hospitality formats. TWH Hospitality, the hospitality venture backed by ICCPL Group, has been steadily expanding its presence across cafés, resorts, and premium food ventures. The group has previously gained visibility through ventures such as Boho By The Beach Resort and The Boho Box Café in Goa, while simultaneously strengthening partnerships with established food and hospitality brands. The Zirakpur outlet is expected to become a key culinary destination for residents of Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and surrounding regions looking for an authentic Mughlai fine-dining experience rooted in Old Delhi’s rich food heritage.

Latest News

Global Design Forum Brought Together International Designers in Türkiye’s Cultural Capital, İstanbul

İstanbul, the vibrant global metropolis of Türkiye, supported by a vast infrastructure that includes 41 congress centres, 225 art galleries, and a wide range of design programmes across 27 universities, stands as a true cultural and artistic hub. This rich ecosystem has enabled the city to host an average of over 20 international arts and design events each year, bringing together diverse creative voices from around the world. Building on this strong foundation, the city continues to expand its global cultural presence. One of the latest highlights is the Global Design Forum İstanbul, which took place for the first time on May 13–16, 2026. As it joins the city’s dynamic programme of international events, the forum further reinforces İstanbul’s role as a meeting point for the global design community within its uniquely layered cultural landscape. Four-Layered Experiences Across Four Days The Global Design Forum, hosted by the Victoria & Albert Museum as part of the London Design Festival for over 15 years, stands as a leading international thought-leadership platform in the design world. The İstanbul edition of the event, supported by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, among other international stakeholders, aims to spotlight Türkiye’s creative-industry potential globally and position İstanbul as a dynamic hub on the design stage. Curatorial approach shaped by Melek Zeynep Bulut, grounded in “site-specificity”, the Global Design Forum İstanbul is conceived not merely as an event programme but as “a performance within the city.” This performance unfolds through four distinct layers of experience. In “Placemaking,” the first leg of the programme, a series of temporary design installations will be placed across the Topkapı Palaces Complex and unique corners of the Historic Peninsula. Produced through collaborations between universities and both local and international design studios, these installations will transform the city into an open-air laboratory for design research. Under the theme “Rethinking”, an international design competition will be held to reimagine İstanbul’s garden culture. On the other hand, the “İstanbullar” programme, implemented through a narrative approach, builds an interactive network in which the city’s creatives can contribute visually, audibly and editorially. At the heart of the program, the forum is framed around the theme “Worlds in Contact”. Exploring what design means in an era of interconnected crises, the forum features a two-day lineup of sessions, presentations, and discussions bringing together international and local designers, thinkers, and artists. İstanbul: Sui Generis City of Arts, Culture and Design İstanbul has long inspired artists and designers with its unique energy, shaped by the many civilisations and cultures it has hosted throughout history. The city stands as a compelling place where history, craftsmanship and contemporary design converge. Renowned for its breathtaking historic architecture, İstanbul is also home to a new generation of talented designers and artists, as well as well-established cultural institutions. Its vibrant creative scene is further enriched by a wide range of international events, from large-scale festivals to independent art initiatives, including the İstanbul Biennial, Contemporary İstanbul, İstanbul Music Festival, CI Bloom, and İstanbul Film Festival. The city’s creative landscape requires slow discovery, revealing a rewarding experience with a wide range of things to explore, from architectural landmarks that shape İstanbul’s creative rhythm to cool neighbourhoods where tradition and innovation meet. Moreover, the lively metropolis’s dynamic arts scene unfolds this year with many planned events, ensuring unparalleled cultural experiences.

Latest News

WTM Spotlight Riyadh to accelerate growth of the Kingdom’s rapidly growing MICE industry

Saudi Arabia’s MICE market is projected to surpass US$5 billion by 2031 as Vision 2030 investments position the Kingdom among the world’s leading business events destinations WTM Spotlight Riyadh will also highlight opportunities across Saudi Arabia’s outbound MICE sectors, offering global destinations direct access to a rapidly maturing outbound market as planners increasingly prioritise strategic, ROI-driven international programmes WTM Spotlight Riyadh will make its debut from 8 – 10 September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, the Kingdom’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments within its tourism ecosystem. Against this backdrop, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will serve as a global platform to showcase the country’s expanding capacity to host world-class business events, bringing and connecting international planners with opportunities across the Kingdom. According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia’s MICE market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.82% through to 2031, reaching US$5.65 billion, reflecting the Kingdom’s substantial investment in venues, aviation, hospitality, and supporting infrastructure.  Government spending on business event venues reached US$1.3 billion in 2023 across Riyadh and Jeddah alone, while millions of square metres of new exhibition space, thousands of hotel rooms and expanded airport capacity are being delivered to meet growing delegate demand. Underscoring the scale of growth in the MICE market across the wider MENA region, the Saudi Tourism Society has outlined an industry forecast projecting US$100 billion in 2035, with Saudi Arabia ranked among the region’s top three destinations for business events. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX, commented: “Saudi Arabia’s MICE sector is entering a period of extraordinary growth. With market value projected to exceed US$5.5 billion by 2031, business events are pivotal in accelerating tourism development, driving demand for premium hotels, and strengthening international partnerships. “WTM Spotlight Riyadh provides a focused platform to showcase the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding event infrastructure and connect global planners with on-the-ground stakeholders.” Globally, the MICE market is expected to reach over US$3 trillion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights, with Saudi Arabia becoming an increasingly influential outbound MICE market. As Saudi companies expand globally and diversify their operations in line with Vision 2030 priorities, the demand for international meetings, corporate travel programmes, and large-scale incentive experiences is growing rapidly. This shift is changing how Saudi organisations handle international events and incentive travel. Corporate planners are shifting from traditional reward-based incentive models toward more strategic, performance-focused programmes aimed at boosting employee engagement, building global partnerships, and achieving measurable business results. As a result, destinations are increasingly judged not just by their prestige or size but also by their operational efficiency, accessibility, cultural richness, and capacity to foster meaningful corporate engagement. For international destinations, convention bureaux, hotels and event venues, this development offers a significant opportunity. Saudi companies are looking for destinations that offer sophisticated event infrastructure, upscale hospitality, streamlined logistics, and curated cultural experiences that meet the expectations of a new generation of globally minded Saudi executives and professionals. WTM Spotlight Riyadh will act as a dedicated platform for international exhibitors to connect directly with this rapidly growing market. By bringing together Saudi corporate travel organisers, procurement specialists, event organisers, and incentive agencies, the event will enable global destinations and suppliers to showcase their venues, services, and event solutions directly to decision-makers shaping the Kingdom’s outbound MICE programmes. “Saudi Arabia’s outbound MICE sector is rapidly evolving, with corporate planners moving beyond traditional incentive travel towards more strategic, ROI-driven international programmes that support business growth and employee engagement,” said Curtis. “WTM Spotlight Riyadh will offer direct access to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding MICE procurement pipeline, allowing global destinations, venues, and hospitality brands to connect with corporate buyers and decision-makers who are driving the Kingdom’s growing outbound meetings and incentive travel market,” she concluded. As part of the dedicated conference programme, the discussion will explore what event organisers and incentive buyers need from Saudi Arabia, where the Kingdom’s business events ecosystem can continue to mature, and how business events can generate long-term tourism and destination value under Vision 2030. By bringing together inbound and outbound MICE opportunities, WTM Spotlight Riyadh, which will take place from 8 – 10 September at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC), will underscore how Saudi Arabia is influencing the regional and global business events ecosystem.  To register your interest in attending WTM Spotlight Riyadh, please click here. For exhibitor enquiries, please click here.

Vibrant Colours is an Indian registered publication catering to the travel, tourism, embassy and hospitality sector. The magazine is published under the global publication group  Prime Communication from New Delhi, India. Launched in 2019, the magazine was conceived with a vision to serve and celebrate the ever-growing travel trade and tourism industry across India and beyond.

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