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London, United Kingdom, April 13, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Lalique Beauty, part of the Lalique Group, rooted in the heritage of the iconic Lalique crystal house, has enlisted the expertise of DS Smith, an International Paper Company, and leading global provider of fibre-based and sustainable packaging solutions, to design and manufacture folding boxes and inserts in support of the launch of its new home fragrance collection, Tales of Light.

Packaging Design for Historic Craftsmanship

The Lalique Beauty, Tales of Light collection is the first to feature Lalique Beauty’s new visual identity. It is comprised of a set of six scented candles, including L’Escapade, L’Atelier, La Comédie, La Demeure, La Muse, and La Verrerie, alongside three exquisite diffusers.

The collection is uniquely inspired by the shape of the furnace at Lalique’s historic crystal works in Winger-sur-Moder, Alsace, and crafted at Lalique’s production site in Ury, France, a centre of excellence combining traditional savoir-faire and advanced technologies.

Lalique Beauty’s collaboration with DS Smith has enabled the historic house of artistry to incorporate sustainability at the core of a bespoke approach to packaging design for the new collection, and the packaging company’s expert design and implementation team have used FSC certified cardboard materials that are fully recyclable.

The corrugated inserts are coated with an anti-abrasion varnish to protect the delicately crafted glass candle jars. The cases are made from graphic board for high-quality illustration print with off-set printing, and carefully selected varnish. In addition, a graining process has been applied to provide a textured aesthetic that is reminiscent and emblematic of satin finished crystal, a type of crystal that has a soft, velvety texture, and translucent appearance.

The packaging design displays the new logo for the Tales of Light home fragrance collection, and it depicts swallows belonging to René Lalique, the founder of Lalique being let loose and freed from a symbolic historical circle, with the suggestion of the beginning of a new journey.

Sustainable packaging solution for the Lalique Beauty, Tales of Light collection:

• Protection – corrugated cardboard inserts to protect the delicate glass jars and anti-abrasion scratch varnish.
• Haute Couture Finish – the cases feature off-set printing, selective varnish, and a subtle graining that recalls emblematic and satin crystal from the House of Lalique.
• Embossed Logo – renewed and revitalised historical references within the illustration.

A spokesperson from Lalique Beauty comments: “With Tales of Light, we wanted to create a collection that reflects Lalique’s unique dialogue between light, material and craftsmanship, while embracing a more sustainable approach to packaging.”

Marie Labouret, Sales and Marketing Director, DS Smith Consumer France, concludes,
“We were thrilled and honoured for this opportunity to collaborate with Lalique Beauty on this new and very carefully crafted packaging for their Tales of Light home fragrance collection. The packaging solution is beautiful, and the exterior design is intended to evoke the elegance of the Art Deco era. We used our fully sustainable corrugated cardboard materials, and approached as we always do, with dedicated attention to detail”.

The new Tales of Light home fragrance collection from Lalique Beauty is anticipated to be available for purchase by consumers online, and in Lalique Beauty boutiques worldwide, from May 2026.

Through its purpose of and its company-wide and target-led sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to leading a transition to the circular economy, and to delivering innovative sustainable packaging solutions for customers worldwide.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 13, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Set along the banks of the River of Kings, Baan Phraya begins a new chapter in its distinguished culinary story. Once the residence of Phraya Mahai Savan and Khunying Luean Mahai Savan, the century-old house was known for its gracious gatherings, where Thai nobility and visiting dignitaries were welcomed with thoughtful hospitality and refined home-cooked feasts. Their warmth, generosity and deep appreciation of Thai cuisine shaped the character of the residence, a spirit that continues to define Baan Phraya today.

In 1986, several rooms of the residence were transformed by Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok into Thailand’s first Thai Cooking School, preserving original recipes and techniques while ushering in a new era of cultural exchange. Since then, the house has been thoughtfully restored, with its architectural charm from the reign of King Rama V carefully maintained. Today, Baan Phraya stands as a living testament to Thai heritage, its original teakwood and intricate fretwork reflecting the stories and traditions that have guided it through generations.

At the heart of its revival is Chef Phatchara ‘Pom’ Pirapak, whose culinary philosophy mirrors the legacy of the residence itself. Like Khunying Luean before her, Chef Pom is known for her precise craftsmanship and intuitive understanding of Thai flavours. As cultural custodian, she revives long-forgotten regional recipes through a contemporary lens. Her cooking honours traditional methods, from charcoal grilling and mortar pounding to the delicate craftsmanship of dok jok, while presenting each dish with a sense of modernity.

Every plate is crafted with balance in mind, guided by appearance, aroma, taste, and emotion. The menu reflects the enduring identity of Thai cuisine, celebrating aromatic herbs, distinctive cooking techniques, and the subtle interplay of sour, salty, and sweet. Chef Pom’s commitment to authenticity is matched by her mindful approach to sustainability.

Ingredients are sourced from trusted local producers across Thailand, from the northern highlands of Chiang Mai to small community farms. A small organic garden beside the house offers fresh herbs and young shoots, some of which she incorporates into her dishes.

Among her signature dishes is a refined take on Tom Kha, with Prachuap Khiri Khan squid stuffed with young coconut and lightly grilled over charcoal. The galangal-infused broth, enriched with herbs from the house’s organic garden, is aromatic, creamy and comforting. Another highlight is the Grilled Surat Thani River Prawn, halved and grilled to reveal its natural sweetness, served with a tangy tamarind-chilli sauce and a rich tomalley reduction. Pickled watermelon rind, coloured with turmeric and roselle adds brightness.

Drawing inspiration from the residence’s past as Thailand’s first cooking school, the restaurant has been reimagined as an intimate setting for Chef Pom’s craft, where the connection between kitchen and table is central to the experience. Intricate fretwork, original architectural details and subtle references to the Vanda orchid, a symbol found in Phraya Mahai Savan’s writings on Thai plant decoration, honour the house’s heritage with a contemporary touch and set the tone for the guest journey.

The experience begins on the terrace, where guests are welcomed with Mha Hor, Thai Honeycomb Biscuits (Khanom Dok Jok). Mha Hor brings together tangy pineapple with caramelised pickled radish and roasted peanuts for a perfectly balanced bite. The Thai Honeycomb Biscuit, lightly scented with somsa, is paired with a tamarind and chilli paste for savoury depth, while the kombucha provides a refreshing counterpoint. A small palate refresher of savoury ice vine leaves with roasted rice and coriander and a glass of kombucha follow in the open kitchen before guests are guided to their seats for dinner.

Guests may experience Baan Phraya through two tasting journeys, available as a six-course menu at THB 3,400++ and an eight-course menu at THB 3,800++. Both menus begin with delicate opening bites such as Mha Hor and the house signature Thai Honeycomb Biscuit, before progressing through dishes that celebrate regional ingredients and time-honoured techniques. Highlights include Prachuap Khiri Khan squid in a galangal-infused coconut broth, marinated goby fish grilled in a coconut shell, and charred Khao Yai duck in green curry with sour grape and heart of palm. The extended eight-course experience further includes pressed watermelon with Nakhon Pathom bitter orange and grilled Surat Thani river prawn served with rich tomalley and young tamarind chilli paste, offering a deeper expression of Chef Pom’s ingredient-led approach to Thai cuisine.

Baan Phraya welcomes a new generation of guests with the same spirit that once defined the home: heartfelt service, refined Thai home cooking, and deep respect for tradition. Here, heritage is preserved through craft, and every meal offers a quiet appreciation of Thailand’s culinary culture.

Opening Hours:
Dinner: 6 – 11pm (9pm last order)
Fridays to Tuesdays

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 10, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Banyan Tree Krabi, a beautiful beachfront resort located on tranquil Tubkaek Beach, some 35 minutes’ drive from the town of Krabi, introduces their Songkran International BBQ Dinner from 6:30pm on 13 April featuring authentic Thai cuisine, sizzling barbecue bites and spectacular live entertainment to welcome in the Thai New Year. Highlights include a live carving station with slow-roasted Angus spare ribs and a live barbecue station with fresh local lobster, tiger prawns, mussels, veal sausage, BBQ beef skewers and grilled turmeric chicken. Daytime activities for guests at Banyan Tree Krabi include a traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony and for kids there will be free coconut ice cream in the afternoon. The evening peaks with live entertainment on the beachfront lawn. For reservations or more information, contact +66 075 811 888

Skykran for Songkran

On Meliá Chiang Mai’s 21st floor, signature MAI Restaurant & Bar marks the Thai New Year with a ‘Songkran Special Edition’ menu from April 11-17, 2026. Dishes range from spicy grilled scallop salad and baked black pork with Thai oregano to grilled Australian beef ribeye with fermented shrimp paste curry sauce. One level above, MAI The Sky Bar, will host “Skykran Festival” from April 13-15 with free entry. Perched on the 22nd floor, the 360-degree rooftop bar, with a glass bridge connecting its highest vantage points, will concoct Songkran-inspired cocktails accompanied by live music.

The Barbequed Streets of Samui

Tiered into a lush hillside and hosting its own secluded beachfront, Banyan Tree Samui’s 88 pool villas – each with a private infinity pool – provide a haven of calm and quietness during this carnavalesque week. Every evening from April 11 to 15, award-winning restaurant Saffron, which was listed in last year’s MICHELIN Guide, will feature a Songkran set menu. On April 13, the resort will host a Streets of Samui BBQ Buffet Food Market from 7pm, which will also include a traditional Thai dance performance. And every evening from April 13 – 15, The Edge restaurant will offer a special Floating Breakfast buffet.

Make Ice Cream, Not War

At INNSIDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, festivities this Songkran range from a traditional water-pouring ceremony and a long-drum parade to mango bites and temple-style ice-cream. The hotel will offer a complimentary ‘Songkran Fun Flow’ corner for in-house guests with mango bites and local dips such as sweet fish sauce dip and sweet shrimp paste dip, from April 13-15 at The Kites Eatery. The hotel will host the ceremony and parade and offer ice-cream, made by shaking metal tubes filled with flavoured drinks in a container of ice and salt, on April 15 from 1-4pm. Employees will also don creative Songkran styles as part of a contest.

Pool Parties and Beats in Pattaya

Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s LAY Beach Club will usher in the Thai New Year with pool parties, live DJs, a foam cannon, dancers, fire shows and more. The Songkran Pool Party will be held from April 13-15 from 3-9pm. The Lay Beach Club Foam Pool Party on April 16 and 19 from 2-11pm will feature a foam cannon, dancers, and a fire dance show. Day bed and cabana deals on April 13, 14, 15 and 19 and table drinks packages ranging from cocktail towers to beer buckets on April 16 will be on offer.  Entry to all of these events is free except for April 16, with online tickets priced at 250 THB or 500 THB per person at the door inclusive of one drink. The parties will be held in collaboration with sponsors Chang and Mekhong, with Dreamland’s DJs spinning the decks on April 16 and 19.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 9, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / AirAsia MOVE proudly welcomes Mr. Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya as Country Representative for AirAsia MOVE in Thailand. Mr. Chattan previously served as Deputy Governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), where he played a pivotal role in shaping Thailand’s tourism strategies across key global markets.

Widely recognized as one of Thailand’s most respected tourism leaders, he brings deep policy-level experience, strategic market insight, and a strong international network that will further strengthen AirAsia MOVE’s leadership and partnerships in Thailand and the region.

Welcome aboard, Mr. Chattan

About AirAsia MOVE
AirAsia MOVE is the ultimate travel app for flights, hotels, and more, designed to take you everywhere you want to go. It envisions travel complemented by a community-led experience through features such as airasia chat, games, gifting, and a strong loyalty program that rewards users across its expansive ecosystem.

AirAsia MOVE’s ecosystem includes OTA services such as flight bookings from over 700 airlines, including the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier AirAsia and 900,000 hotels world-wide plus ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance, duty-free shopping and more, underpinned by integrated financial services by BigPay. It has been recognised by World Travel Awards as ‘Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2023’ in its first nomination in the OTA category.

Both AirAsia MOVE and BigPay are part of MOVE Digital, the digital arm of Capital A Berhad.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that the PATA Annual Summit 2027 will be hosted by the Sanya Tourism Board (STB) in Sanya, China, from May 17–19, 2027.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “The Sanya Tourism Board has been an active and valued PATA member, and we have had the privilege of working closely together to successfully deliver a number of regional initiatives. Building on this strong track record, combined with world-class facilities and a diverse destination offering spanning culture, wellness, community-based tourism, and year-round sunshine, Sanya is exceptionally well-positioned to host the PATA Annual Summit. We look forward to collaborating closely with Sanya to bring the 2027 Summit to life.”

“Hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2027 in Sanya is a great honour and a significant opportunity to showcase our city’s unique tropical coastal charm to the global travel community,” said a spokesperson from the Sanya Tourism Board. “As a premier destination offering pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and world-class facilities, we are committed to promoting sustainable tourism development. We look forward to welcoming delegates from around the world to experience Sanya’s warm hospitality and to fostering meaningful collaborations that will drive the future of travel in the Asia Pacific region.”

Located in the southern part of China’s Hainan Province, Sanya is a tropical coastal destination covering approximately 1,921 square kilometres and offering diverse attractions. The city is recognised as a major modern tourism destination, known for its tropical climate and luxury resorts with world-class amenities. Sanya’s natural landscapes range from the white-sand beaches of Haitang and Yalong bays to the Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park and the Wuzhizhou Island. Moreover, Sanya boasts a culturally rich and charming urban scene, where visitors can experience its delightful gastronomy and rich cultural heritage.

In recent years, STB has observed growing travel demand from visitors from Central Asia, alongside continued efforts to expand air connectivity and strengthen partnerships. In November 2025 alone, Sanya recorded over 2.24 million overnight domestic and international visitors, underscoring its strong potential to contribute to the sustained growth of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry.

Brief Overview of PAS 2027

The PATA Annual Summit 2027 is structured as a three-day programme, centred around a one-and-a-half-day conference addressing key issues impacting the Asia Pacific travel and tourism ecosystem. The main programme comprises the Association’s Executive Board and Board meetings, a PATA Chapter meeting, a PATA Youth Symposium, and technical tours.

Further details on the PATA Annual Summit 2027—including event theme, session topics, and speakers—will soon be announced.

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Surat Thani, Thailand, April 07, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Anurak Lodge, a 19-key nature-based ecolodge located on the edge of Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand, has published its 2025 Impact Report.

The report outlines Anurak’s progress towards principles guided regenerative tourism by the ‘4Cs’ of conservation, community, culture and commerce, a framework developed by sustainable tourism advocacy body The Long Run.

The impact statement demonstrates how the lodge is embedding sustainability in all aspects of its operations. A key milestone in 2025 was the completion of a full year of consistent measurement of electricity, water and waste. The ecolodge also maintained its Travelife Gold Certification, reflecting adherence to internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The report shows that Anurak Lodge advanced its “Rainforest Rising” initiative, restoring land for oil palm cultivation at the lodge. For previously used food and pollination purposes, birds and insects prefer indigenous plant species such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and. In 2025, 30 native cowa mangosteen trees were planted by guests staying at Anurak Lodge as part of Rainforest Rising.

Over the last 16 months, the lodge expanded its on-site gardens with 18 herb and vegetable varieties for garden-to-table guest dining. The vegetables and herbs are nourished by compost from a newly purchased HASS Food Waste Composter. The machine processes 10 kg of kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost within 24 hours.

Community impact remains central to operations. Some 82% of staff are hired locally. The lodge invests in and development, covering topics ongoing training from regenerative tourism to environmental management. In addition, Anurak Lodge supported five community initiatives in 2025, contributing to education, conservation and local cultural activities in surrounding villages.

George Newling-Ward, Lodge Manager, said: “We are encouraged by the progress made in 2025, particularly in building strong foundations through measurement, staff engagement and aligning with standards set by Travelife.”

There is more to be done. “Challenges with soil health remain, especially, water retention and reducing waste, such as plastics. We are measuring inputs and outcomes our regenerative which helps us advance tourism goals,” said Newling-Ward.

Regenerative tourism aims to enhance or improve a place through tourism, not just mitigate negative2026 and beyond, impacts.

In Anurak Lodge plans to focus on improving soil moisture through drip irrigation and composting, expanding forest restoration efforts, and deepening both guest and community engagement.

Guest activities at Anurak Lodge include guided forest hikes, bamboo rafting, cycling, and relaxing at the ecolodge, which offers spectacular’s Hornbill restaurant mountain views.

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London, United Kingdom, April 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The UK restaurant and hospitality sector is no stranger to headwinds. From fluctuating supply costs to the lingering effects of a volatile economic climate, the industry has faced an era of unprecedented pressure. Yet, even as margins tighten, some groups are finding that the most resilient way forward is through meaningful connection—to their heritage, their community, and to global causes that resonate with their guests.

This April, COYA Mayfair is demonstrating how a luxury brand can balance commercial reality with social impact. Through their annual Mama Quilla celebration—inspired by the Andean moon goddess and protector of women—they are leveraging their platform to support UN Women UK. It is an example of how “giving back” doesn’t have to be a separate, costly endeavor, but can be seamlessly integrated into the very craft of hospitality.

Small Gestures, Large Impact
What makes the Mama Quilla initiative particularly relevant for today’s trade is its accessibility. COYA isn’t asking the industry to reinvent the wheel; they are showing how small, collective actions at the table can lead to significant results.

Throughout the month, COYA is proving that purpose-led initiatives can actually enhance the guest experience:

Strategic Product Alignment: £1 from every bottle of water sold at their Mayfair and City locations is donated directly to UN Women UK.

Story-Driven Craft: The exclusive ‘Huaca de la Luna’ cocktail (£1 of which is donated) celebrates a women-led distillery, La Diablada Pisco, founded and run by two sisters.
Value-Added Programming: On Saturday 25th April, COYA Mayfair will host an immersive evening of entertainment featuring an all-women lineup of performers and DJs, creating a high-energy “party with purpose.”

A Blueprint for the Trade
By choosing to support an organisation that ensures women and girls have access to safety, choice, and a voice, COYA is aligning itself with a mission that has universal resonance.

The Industry Call to Action
The Mama Quilla initiative serves as a reminder that we are stronger when we collaborate. Supporting a cause like UN Women UK doesn’t require a massive overhead—it requires a creative approach to what the industry already does best: providing food, drink, and community.

As we look toward the rest of 2026, we are calling on more restaurants, hotel groups, and wider travel & tourism industry to join UN Women UK initiatives. Whether through fundraising or systemic collaborations, the hospitality sector has the power to fund the movement for a safer, more equitable world.

COYA has set the table. Now, it’s time for the rest of the industry to take a seat, and take action.

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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Red Sea Global (RSG), the real estate developer and pioneer of regenerative tourism, has secured EarthCheck’s internationally recognized Sustainable Destinations certification for The Red Sea, making it the first destination in Saudi Arabia to achieve the accolade.

The certification is awarded to destinations that demonstrate leadership in sustainable tourism. It evaluates the environmental, social, and economic performance of an entire destination, not just individual hotels and attractions. This means that every element of The Red Sea, from design to operations, community impact, and conservation practices, have been assessed by independent third-party auditors.

“The EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations program is recognized worldwide for its rigorous, science-backed process. Achieving this certification demonstrates our commitment to setting new global benchmarks and confirms that our approach is delivering real, measurable impact for people and the planet,” said Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at Red Sea Global.

Within its report EarthCheck called out several areas where RSG is exceeding global best-practice benchmarks. This includes energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, driven by RSG’s decision to power the destination by renewable energy 24 hours a day. It also called out the destination’s water savings rate, supported by minimal irrigation for landscaping, and low levels of waste to landfill, which EarthCheck found to be almost 75% better than its best practice level.

The audit also highlighted initiatives where RSG is operating beyond best practice for the good of local communities. This included its upskilling and education programs, such as the English for Tourism Program, which provides local people with the skills they need for career opportunities in the tourism sector. It also mentioned RSG’s Jewar app, which provides a two-way communication platform for sharing job opportunities, events, and programs, as well as a channel for residents to provide feedback and share their perspectives.

Stewart Moore, CEO and Founder of EarthCheck, said: “RSG is recognized as a pioneer in regenerative tourism. Through our audit of The Red Sea destination, we have seen this commitment clearly in action. We were also encouraged by the breadth of initiatives that go well beyond compliance — including the rescue and protection of marine turtles in the Red Sea, and strong, practical support for economic opportunities in local communities. Alongside this, becoming the world’s largest destination powered by renewable energy is a remarkable achievement. Together, these efforts make The Red Sea a standout example within EarthCheck’s Sustainable Destinations program.”

The Red Sea will now receive an annual audit. If it can demonstrate continual improvement for the next 10 years, it will be designated as a Platinum Certified destination – an accolade that has only ever been achieved by two destinations globally.

RSG welcomed its first guests to The Red Sea in 2023 and now operates 10 resorts, as well as Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which receives regular flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Milan, Dubai, and Doha. This year, Shura Island, the heart of The Red Sea, is opening its first resorts, as well as Shura Links, an 18-hole championship golf course.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / lebua Bangkok, the world-renowned vertical destination, marked a historic milestone for Thailand as the setting for the first-ever wingsuit jump in Bangkok, in collaboration with Red Bull and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The extraordinary feat was performed by renowned wingsuit pilot Miles Daisher, bringing global attention to Bangkok’s skyline while reinforcing the city’s emergence as a destination for world-class experiences.

Leaping from a plane high above the city, Daisher soared across Bangkok’s skyline at speeds of up to 260 km/h, passing lebua Bangkok—home to its iconic golden dome and acclaimed Sky Bar and Sirocco—before landing with pinpoint accuracy on a cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Selected among Bangkok’s most prominent high-rise landmarks, lebua Bangkok was chosen as a key location for this project—underscoring its status as one of the city’s most recognizable and distinguished destinations.

The historic achievement was made possible through a collaboration between Red Bull, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and lebua Bangkok, reflecting a shared vision to push boundaries and present Thailand in a bold, contemporary light.

“As the world’s first vertical destination, we have always believed that extraordinary experiences deserve an extraordinary stage,” said Narawadee Bualert, President & CEO of lebua Bangkok. “This collaboration is proof that lebua is not just part of Bangkok’s skyline; it is where the world’s most iconic moments choose to land.”

For Daisher, the experience was equally memorable. “To actually fly past lebua Bangkok was a dream come true,” he said. “This historic feat was a collaborative triumph, and the support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, local authorities, and my Red Bull family was everything.”

This landmark collaboration not only showcases the possibilities of extreme sports in an urban environment, but also reinforces lebua Bangkok’s position as a destination where globally significant moments unfold—complemented by its award-winning dining and world-class bars high above the city.

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AlUla, Saudi Arabia, April 01, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Marking a monumental step in its sustainable development and tourism ambitions, AlUla has produced more than 1 million native seedlings that will be integrated into the fabric of the Saudi destination.

This undertaking, achieved through the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank, underscores the Royal Commission for AlUla’s (RCU) commitment to restoring the destination’s natural environment while shaping how visitors experience it.

To date, more than 140,000 native plants have been deployed across projects outside AlUla’s nature reserves, including tourism developments, cultural sites and visitor infrastructure. The initiative encompasses the landscaping of heritage sites such as Hegra, Dadan and AlUla Old Town, the design of public spaces and outdoor experiences, and across AlUla’s portfolio of five-star boutique luxury resorts, where environmental design helps elevate the guest experience.

This programme aligns with AlUla’s ambitious strategy to rehabilitate 65,000 hectares of degraded land by 2030. The ecological restoration effort is the foundation of ongoing rewilding and conservation efforts involving species such as the critically endangered Arabian Leopard, the Arabian Oryx and Red-necked ostriches, supporting AlUla’s emergence as a leading destination for nature and wildlife tourism.

For thousands of years, native plants have played a crucial role in shaping life, trade and identity in the region. Archaeological evidence shows how past civilisations relied on plants for food, medicine, construction and daily life, reflecting an enduring connection between people and landscapes.

AlUla, at the heart of the ancient Incense Road, was also renowned for trading exotic and aromatic plant products. Traversing vast geographical distances, trade borne of the region’s natural bounty enabled the ancient cities of Hegra – Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Dadan to flourish. Today, thanks to the AlUla Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank’s initiative, visitors can travel various locations within the destination for a window into AlUla’s ecological past.

During his visit to AlUla in February 2026, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales participated in the destination’s landscape-scale restoration programme, planting an acacia tree inside Sharaan National Park, joining over half a million other native saplings planted in AlUla’s flagship protected area to date.

Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said:

“Tourism development in AlUla is guided by a simple principle: what we build must be true to place. The integration of native flora and fauna across our hotels, heritage sites and visitor experiences ensures that our destination authentically embraces its natural environment and cultural history.

“This is a purpose-led endeavour to restore and preserve local identity for generations. By embedding native biodiversity into the design of the destination, we are creating more meaningful and authentic encounters for visitors while strengthening the long-term sustainability of AlUla as a global tourism destination.”

Naif Al Malik, Vice President of Wildlife and Natural Heritage at RCU, added:

“The Native Plant Nursery and Seedbank is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure for ecological restoration across AlUla. By cultivating and deploying native species adapted to our environment, we are restoring habitats, strengthening ecosystem resilience and supporting biodiversity at scale. These efforts are grounded in science and long-term stewardship, ensuring that environmental restoration supports not only conservation outcomes, but also the sustainable development of local communities and economy.”

RCU’s integrated approach aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, demonstrating how environmental stewardship and tourism development can be delivered in parallel. By connecting conservation, culture and visitor experience, AlUla continues to position itself as a leading model of responsible destination development on the global stage.

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