Want to stay ahead of the curve when selecting a destination for your next meeting? Consider a fabulous new option nestled in the capital of Armenia. Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary, nature-heavy venue option? Marriott has just teamed up with Postcard Cabins to change the game when it comes to meetings in the great outdoors. Wish your attendees could just levitate from the airport to the meeting? A cool $660 million has just gone toward making that dream a reality. Read on for the latest in travel news, brought to you by Smart Travel.

Dubai Marks Progress in Tourism, Events and Sustainability in 2024

With nearly 15 million overnight visitors as of October 2024, Dubai has hit its stride as a top international destination for tourism, meetings and events. The city has also established a balanced appeal, with travelers from Western Europe (20%), South Asia (17%), and the GCC (15%).

Dubai has made a concerted effort to emphasize its capacity growth, and its average 77% occupancy rate across 152,532 rooms is evidence of this successful strategy. Investments have been made across hotel tiers, with luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation options making the city more accessible to a number of meetings and events profs.

These developments come as no surprise to those who’ve had their eye on Dubai; Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named it the #1 Global Destination for the third consecutive time this year, and it earned wins from World Travel Awards as a Leading Shopping Destination and World’s Leading Exhibition Destination 2024.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of Dubai’s development, with projects such as Dubai Can, which has saved over 25 million single-use plastic bottles, introduced 50 refill stations across the city and converted 220 hotels to plastic-bottle alternatives.

In a Landmark Moment for Outdoor Hospitality, Marriott Acquires Postcard Cabins Brand

Marriott International Inc. has acquired the Postcard Cabins brand, formerly known as Getaway. The outdoor hospitality brand was founded in 2015 with a mission to redefine the great outdoors experience and offer guests a unique opportunity to disconnect from daily life. They found success, with visitors logging over 40 million hours across Postcard Cabins’ 1,200+ cabins located in 29 outposts.

“In joining Marriott, we’re excited to bring the Postcard Cabins experience to a global audience seeking exactly what we offer—a place to slow down, disconnect from the everyday and invest in the relationships that matter most. What started a decade ago with a small group of believers in the power of spending free time in nature, has grown into a national movement, which we expect will only gather steam with Marriott’s expansive reach,” said Jon Staff, founder and CEO of Postcard Cabins.

Leeny Oberg, chief financial officer and executive vice president, development of Marriott International, seconded the excitement, saying, “Marriott has long been committed to offering incredible travel experiences for every trip purpose. As guests are increasingly interested in nature-immersive travel, we are excited to build on the incredible breadth of our portfolio and welcome Postcard Cabins to Marriott Bonvoy as we deliver more accommodations and experiences in awe-inspiring destinations.”

Flying Taxi Startup Raises $430 Million in Funding

Archer Aviation has brought its 2024 funding total to $660 million, following a combined $430 million contributed by investors that include Stellantis, United Airlines and Wellington Management, alongside 2PointZero, a subsidiary of IHP, which is the UAE’s largest public company. Archer Aviation has completed more than 400 test flights and has signed manufacturing contracts worth over $6 billion so far.

Meeting profs may soon be adding flying taxis to their attendee transport options, as the California-based company has unveiled plans for an air taxi network in Los Angeles in preparation for the 2028 World Cup, Super Bowl 2027 and 2028’s Summer Olympics. Archer is currently developing an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft they have dubbed “Midnight.” With space for a pilot, four passengers and luggage, you might soon find Midnight delivering guests to your event rather than Uber.

Armenia’s Capital Debuts New Five-Star, Award-Winning Luxury Destination

Seven Visions Resorts & Places, The Dvin has opened in Yerevan to thunderous applause, signaling a new era of Armenian luxury. Infused with the country’s signature charm and located within walking distance of iconic landmarks, The Dvin has already won the 2024 World Travel Award for World’s Leading Hotel Dining and Entertainment Experience—making it a top choice for on-trend meeting profs.

Guests can make their way to Saryan Street, world-renowned for its wine shops and art galleries, or visit Republic Square to take in the musical fountains and stunning architecture. Other must-sees include the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre as well as the Sergei Parajanov Museum. The Dvin also offers several signature restaurants serving up both Armenian and international cuisine, and features live jazz, Armenian cultural performances, celebrity appearances and a number of other entertainment options. With four meeting spaces that can accommodate from 180 to 3,000 guests, The Dvin is quickly making its mark as a top-tier events destination.

Sonesta Miami Airport Celebrates Completion of Five-Month-Long, Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation

After a five-month, multimillion-dollar renovation, Sonesta Miami Airport held its ribbon-cutting celebration ceremony this week. DiLeonardo’s design team led the project, which includes a complete transformation of the hotel’s 309 guest rooms, each appointed with luxurious touches of leather, neutral tones and modern art.

“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Sonesta Miami Airport,” said Alex Alvarez, the hotel’s general manager. “As an airport hotel, many of our guests are only with us briefly, but despite that, we wanted to create a space that feels welcoming and uniquely Miami. From the vibrant colors and textures in our guestrooms to the authentic local flavors on our menus, every detail was designed to immerse guests in the spirit of Miami. Our hotel is not just a place to rest between flights—it’s an experience where you can truly feel the energy and culture of the city, even if you’re only here for one night.”