Hire Now
Message Melinda
See how it works
Book Melinda with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Melinda is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Melinda
Melinda Healy is a journalist based in Sydney, Australia. She has 20 years of industry experience and has worked within the Australian and Middle Eastern media. Mel is a contributor for Conde Nast Traveler, Culture Trip and a destination expert for Telegraph Travel. She has written for publications including Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Etihad's Atlas online, Mandarin Oriental's MO Magazine, Beau Monde Traveler UK, The Times, The Independent, Ultratravel Middle East and Family Traveller (UK). Available for content and copy work no matter the topic.
Portfolio
Etihad Airways to launch flights from Abu Dhabi to Al Alamein, Egypt
Etihad Airways will launch a new direct flight service from Abu Dhabi to Al Alamein, Egypt, starting July 17, 2025. The service will operate twice weekly, offering a convenient travel option to the Mediterranean resort city known for its beaches and historical significance. The flights will be conducted using A320 aircraft, featuring both Business and Economy class seating. Etihad's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, expressed enthusiasm about adding Al Alamein to the airline's network, highlighting its appeal as a destination combining natural beauty and cultural history.
Italy's ITA Airways launches non-stop Dubai-Rome flights
ITA Airways has launched its first non-stop flight route between Dubai and Rome Fiumicino, marking its inaugural service to the UAE. The daily flights aim to boost tourism and trade between Italy and the UAE, leveraging the strategic importance of the Fiumicino hub for connecting various destinations. The launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures from ITA Airways and Dubai Airports. The route is serviced by the Airbus A321neo, offering three classes of service. This expansion complements ITA Airways' existing services to Riyadh and Jeddah, reflecting the airline's growing presence in the Middle East.
Arival study shows the state of the...
Arival's extensive study, 'The Global Operator Landscape: The State of Experiences,' highlights the current state and challenges of the travel experience industry. Despite the growth in online sales channels, a significant number of operators lack modern booking systems, potentially hindering growth. The study, conducted with partners like GetYourGuide and Viator, reveals that small and medium-sized operators dominate the market, with many new businesses emerging post-pandemic. However, the recovery has been uneven, with growth slowing in 2024. Online travel agencies now account for a significant portion of bookings, indicating a shift towards digital sales.
Abu Dhabi to host MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025
Abu Dhabi will host the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards in January 2025, marking the return of the live event after a hiatus. The event, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, aims to celebrate the region's culinary diversity and support the hospitality sector. Highlights include a thought-leadership forum, collaborative dining events, and special awards. The event seeks to inspire global culinary exploration and recognize exceptional regional talent.
Dubai’s One&Only The Palm hotel unveils Christmas programming
One&Only The Palm in Dubai is hosting a series of festive events and dining experiences for the Christmas season. Highlights include a Christmas Market, Christmas Eve dinners at 101 Dining Lounge and Marina, and the two-Michelin-starred Stay by Yannick Alléno, as well as a Christmas Day brunch and afternoon tea at ZEST. The events feature a range of culinary delights, from French cuisine to Italian specialties, curated by renowned chefs Yannick Alléno and Riccardo.
Travelex undertakes major expansion across UAE
Travelex is expanding its operations in the UAE by launching 13 new stores across Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports, increasing its total locations in the country to 60. This expansion includes doubling its presence at Zayed International Airport and adding new stores at Dubai International Airport. The move is in response to growing passenger demand and aims to enhance access to international travel money. Travelex's Managing Director, Batu Dölay, highlights the investment as a commitment to their UAE airport partners.
Emirates reinstates daily Dubai to Adelaide service
Emirates has resumed its daily flight service between Dubai and Adelaide after a four-year break, offering over 4,200 weekly seats. The service is expected to significantly boost South Australia's economy and tourism, with the potential to transport 220,400 passengers annually. South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas and Emirates' Executive Vice President Nabil Sultan emphasized the economic and trade benefits of this reconnection. Emirates plans to further expand its Australian network, reinstating a second daily service to Perth by December 2024.
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM welcomes first guests to Sindalah Island
NEOM's luxury island destination, Sindalah, has officially opened, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea development. Announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the island aims to boost luxury tourism and create jobs, with plans to accommodate up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028. NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr emphasized the project's role in supporting Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, highlighting the island's unique marine ecosystem and its strategic position as a gateway to the Red Sea.
India’s Leela Palace Udaipur hotel reveals high-end Arq villas
The Leela Palace Udaipur has launched an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villas under the brand 'Arq by The Leela', aiming to redefine Indian luxury hospitality. Located on Lake Pichola, these villas combine luxury with Indian heritage, featuring traditional design elements. The launch event was attended by notable figures from the film and creative industries. This unveiling marks the beginning of a series of Arq by The Leela spaces to be introduced across The Leela's portfolio.
Bahrain to host world’s largest culinary tourism event
Bahrain will host the ninth edition of the UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in November 2024, marking the first time the event is held in the Middle East. The forum, themed 'Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion', will gather over 400 participants, including top chefs and industry experts, to discuss the role of gastronomy in cultural diplomacy and economic diversification. Key topics include destination branding and sustainable practices in gastronomy tourism. The event is organized by the UNWTO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and the Basque Culinary Centre.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Melinda's
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Jun 2020
✓
Phone number
Verified Jun 2020
✓
Joined
Jun 2020