The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), in partnership with Beautiful Destinations, has launched the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai — a professional development initiative aimed at setting new, global benchmarks for travel content creation and meeting the rising demand for marketing talent within the tourism sector.

Collaboration between the creative and client service teams is vital. Striking the right balance between creative freedom and brand limitations requires mutual understanding, deliberate strategy and clear communication, say Matte BLK's Senior Art Director, Thato Moatlhodi and Group Account Director, Fredine Swigelaar. 

Engen has hosted a launch event for the reimagined Engen Xtreme lubricants range at The Galleria in Sandton on Tuesday, 15 April. Industry professionals, mechanics and key media were treated to a preview of the brand's new look and enhanced product performance.

The World Out of Home Organization (WOO) has gained 14 new members from different industry sectors and areas of the world. The new members come from every continent, and WOO says it now has more than 270 members from around the world. 

The One Club for Creativity has announced the global finalists in the ADC 104^th Annual Awards, including 13 from the Middle East and Africa. The ADC Annual Awards is the world's longest continuously running awards programme, recognising global excellence in craft and innovation in all forms of advertising and design.  

Pnet has launched the 'Haibo!' marketing campaign to address the frustrations small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMEs) face in recruiting and hiring, as well as to showcase how its platform offers localised solutions to these headaches. 

The Mark Awards, a platform for celebrating creative excellence in advertising and brand communications, has announced Salt Africa as the official sponsor of the Jazz After Party, set to take place on the evening of the awards ceremony in Franschhoek.

According to FNB's Orsheran Singh, "Gamification needs to feel like a natural extension of the brand, not a bolt-on." Joreke Kleynhans from media update spoke to him about different aspects surrounding gamified marketing in this Q&A.

Most companies think they are listening to their customers because they conduct interviews, collect feedback and compile reports filled with quotes and anecdotes. But true qualitative research isn't about gathering statements — it's about uncovering what customers don't say outright, says Liezel Jonkheid, Director and Founder of the Consumer Psychology Lab. 

Ster-Kinekor, in partnership with Heineken® South Africa, has announced the two winning teams who will represent South Africa at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025. These young creatives have earned the opportunity to compete in the Young Lions Competition taking place in Cannes, France, from Monday, 16 June.