The Forum will be held on 19 November 2025 under the theme “New Waves of Tourism Spectrum”, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This year’s forum will bring together senior government officials, global experts, and leaders in the tourism, travel, and technology sectors to discuss key issues and innovative solutions shaping the future of tourism. The event is organized in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This year’s forum will focus on the pivotal role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector, while striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and preserving authenticity in innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading experts worldwide on the impact of digital platforms on consumer behavior and the importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing visitor and traveler experiences. The sessions will also feature case studies and research highlighting how AI technologies can improve visitor services. Additionally, discussions will emphasize the importance of investing in strategic partnerships between government entities, private sector organizations, and technology companies to foster innovation and ensure sustainable tourism practices that support the sector’s growth. The forum will also explore the importance of investing in tourism innovation and its role in supporting the growth and expansion of startups. Leading experts will share their perspectives on the challenges faced by startups in the tourism and travel sector, as well as opportunities to drive innovation and achieve success. Discussions will focus on key factors that startups need to expand, including access to funding and support, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging modern technologies. The forum will also highlight the …

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the first WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will convene global travel leaders in Riyadh from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The event will unite over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, serving as a catalyst for partnerships, innovation, and investment. It will offer a platform for industry leaders to focus on inbound and outbound travel conversations by exploring the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, including mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences. The landmark event will connect international and Saudi travel communities to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets. Set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism targets, which include a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing rapidly, driven by significant government investment and a national diversification strategy. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the sector will contribute more than US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025, accounting for over 10% of GDP and supporting 2.7 million jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the country’s success in attracting new visitors and investment. The Ministry of Tourism recently announced record-breaking results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which attracted more than 32 million domestic and international visitors, representing a 26% increase compared with summer 2024. Tourist expenditure during the period reached SAR 53.2 billion (US$14.2 billion), marking a 15% year-on-year growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, …

Mantis – Accor’s conservation-focused hospitality brand – announced the signing of Basiqat by Mantis, an eco-luxury resort in Al Uyaynah, 40 minutes from central Riyadh, developed by design&build in partnership with GIB Capital and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF). The hotel development, Basiqat by Mantis, will comprise two distinct sites, with the entire complex scheduled to open at the end of 2026. It will feature a total of 218 keys, including 90 suites, 66 villas, 10 Zad Palace Suites, and 52 desert tents. The amenities will include thoughtfully designed dining venues, landscaped gardens, a full hydro spa with separate male and female facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, beauty salons, a yoga pavilion and a health café. The development will also include a souk, a dedicated kids club and event and conference spaces, offering a combination of luxury and cultural immersion for families, travellers and corporate guests alike. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the world, transforming into a must-visit destination for luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts. Driving this transformation, pioneering hospitality brands such as Mantis are turning ambition into reality offering guests immersive encounters with Saudi Arabia’s landscapes, culture, and heritage while setting new benchmarks for sustainable and experiential adventure. True to Mantis’ philosophy of harmony between Man and Nature, Basiqat will champion sustainable, cultural and authentic connections with the environment. “The signing of Basiqat by Mantis marks an exciting milestone in our journey across the GCC,” said Craig Erasmus, CEO, Mantis Collection. “This project embodies our philosophy of responsible luxury, expressed through design and experiences that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage. Basiqat by Mantis …

Almosafer and Amadeus have strengthened their partnership with a renewed commitment that sets a new benchmark for AI-powered innovation, automation, and content exchange across the travel ecosystem, which was announced at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh. This new phase of collaboration will focus on pushing the boundaries of travel technology to deliver smarter, more personalised, and touchless journeys, reinforcing both companies’ support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a global tourism hub. At the heart of the partnership is the use of Amadeus’ AI and data analytics capabilities to unlock hyper-personalised offers, predictive recommendations, and tailored travel options for Almosafer’s customers. Enhanced content distribution will ensure that global travellers can access rich, localised inventory curated by Almosafer, matched to their preferences and powered by AI-driven insights. In hospitality, the collaboration will strategically activate Amadeus Value Hotels (AVH), enhanced with machine learning for dynamic hotel content curation to deliver more accurate, transparent, and high-quality accommodation options. In parallel, airport services will evolve with opportunities to integrate AI-enabled digital check-in, smart boarding passes, and predictive disruption management directly into Almosafer’s platforms – creating a seamless end-to-end journey. The companies are also advancing innovation in payments through Amadeus Outpayce, collaborating to bring virtual card solutions to scale across the ecosystem. By leveraging Outpayce’s capabilities, the renewed partnership aims to deliver greater efficiency, trust, and automation in travel payments, unlocking new value for both suppliers and partners. Building on years of collaboration across distribution and advanced travel solutions, Almosafer and Amadeus are now taking their partnership further with an ambitious focus on NDCX adoption. Almosafer intends to lead the way in the Kingdom by scaling NDC …

Bringing the public and private sector together over three days the inaugural future of tourism event titled, TOURISE concluded establishing new benchmarks. The event welcomed 9654 delegates from across the world. At the closing ceremony HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that the inaugural event conducted 1150 meetings with 67 sessions with 130 plus speakers. He further shared that the second will be held in March 2027 after listening to the comments and suggestions. It was one of the most unique events which provided the visitors to experience first hand some of the key projects coming up in the future in Saudi Arabia, some of the hidden gems hitherto unknown. The event brought together over 50 tourism ministers, private investors, and NGOs from around the world. The event aims to create a platform where governments, private businesses, and organisations can collaborate on the future of global tourism. The minister further iterated that the event was the fruit of two years of planning to bring about a new form of event which brings in players which support the tourism ecosystem.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia (MoT) and TOURISE 2025, Shaza Hotels has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for four new projects – Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, Mysk Residences in Riyadh and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels – 3 & 4 in Makkah – during the inaugural TOURISE 2025 summit, held from 11 to 13 November 2025 in Riyadh. The signings represent a significant step in Shaza Hotels’ expansion across the Kingdom and underscore the brand’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision 2030 to advance tourism and destination development. Shaza also announced an ambitious pipeline of USD 950 million worth projects across the globe in key destinations like Maldives, Turkey, Kuwait, Indonesia, Iraq, USA, Kenya and Libya at TOURISE 2025. Shaza proudly partners with region’s reputed investment houses like Al Rajhi Investments Saudi Arabia, Adante Realty LLC Oman and FSM Hospitality Company Saudi Arabia in bringing these projects live and functional. Commenting on the development, Mr. Simon Coombs, President and CEO of Shaza Hotels, said: “We are pleased to be part of TOURISE 2025 under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism for the signing of four new MoUs that reflect the strength and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape. Each project – Mysk Residences Riyadh, Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels – 3 & 4 in Makkah – has been conceived to address distinct guest segments, from business and leisure travellers to long-stay residents and pilgrims. These partnerships underline Shaza Hotels’ expanding presence in the Kingdom and our commitment to working with visionary owners to deliver authentic experiences and world-class hospitality.” “Each of these four developments has been strategically conceived to harness key …

Celestyal has expanded the shore excursion programme for its upcoming new-for-2025 ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries on its second ship to visit the region, Celestyal Discovery. New tours include experiences in Ras Al Khaimah – as the cruise line makes it maiden visit to the port – and additional options in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The 1360-guest Celestyal Discovery will officially launch the line’s new three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ cruises from 12 December 2025, sailing roundtrip from her winter homeport in Abu Dhabi. Ports of call include maiden visits to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in addition to Doha, Qatar; Khasab, Oman; Dubai, UAE; and Sir Bani Yas Island. Prices for three nights start from $367.44; four nights from $433.26pp; and from $749.32pp for the seven-night itinerary. Fares include all meals, soft drinks, WiFi, port fees and gratuities. The shore excursion programme has a range of half-day, full-day and two-day options. It also offers ‘Authentic Encounters’, which provide experiences with local people and attractions, and smaller group sizes. Highlights include: • ‘Journey to the Soul of Ras Al Khaimah’: A guided tour through the diverse landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah, starting with a scenic drive through desert dunes, followed by a visit to the royal camel racing stables, an Emirati date farm and a mountain village. Full-day tour from ($260pp ( • ‘Ras Al Khaimah and Suwaidi Pearls Farm, Authentic Encounter’: Starting with a tour of the House of Pearls by Suwaidi Pearls, including a journey on a traditional pearl fishing boat, and visiting Dhayah Fort and Ras Al Khaimah’s Old Town. Full-day tour from)$123pp ( • ‘Dubai from its Eye’: Starting with a scenic drive to Zabeel Palace, the residence …

Grand Hyatt Dubai announced it has officially opened the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark, with 16 signature attractions, from a wave pool with a sand beach, to a meandering lazy river, to the region’s first FlowRider® triple surf simulator, and two slide towers including the iconic Boomerango slide, the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark is designed for every kind of adventure. Whether seeking thrill, fun or relaxation, guests can retreat to private luxury cabanas with plunge pools or spend time together in the dedicated family zone, complete with shaded loungers, playful water features, and spaces created for comfort and connection. “The opening of our new waterpark marks a significant milestone for Grand Hyatt Dubai, as it elevates our leisure offerings and transforms the property into a truly unique destination, where large-scale events, exceptional hospitality and unforgettable leisure experiences seamlessly come together,” commented Fathi Khogaly, Managing Director, Grand Hyatt Dubai and Area Vice President, Hyatt, Dubai. “This remarkable chapter in our journey reflects our continued commitment to innovation and excellence, and we are very proud to unveil the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark – enhancing our guests’ experience in new and exciting ways.” Overlooking the waterpark activities is La Palma, a vibrant destination restaurant offering serene views of the Dubai skyline, shimmering lagoons, landscaped gardens, and a lively family-friendly venue, where every meal becomes part of the fun. More than an attraction, it is a unique experience where Hyatt’s renowned hospitality meets playful adventure and grand leisure. Turning a long-awaited vision into reality and creating a memorable chapter in its iconic 22-year-old story, as the city’s ultimate urban resort. Set across 20,000 sqm within its 37-acre estate, in the heart of Dubai and surrounded by Downtown’s …

TOURISE, the bold global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, announced that it has catalyzed investment portfolios totaling USD 113BN at the inaugural Summit in Riyadh. The milestone reflects TOURISE’s mission to unlock high‑value deal flow by convening public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability to set a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of global tourism. The announced portfolio investments span the full breadth of the visitor economy: luxury retail, next‑generation hotel accommodation, large‑scale integrated, experience‑led developments, wellness, destination and lifestyle offerings, talent development, and AI‑powered platforms. Collectively, these commitments set a new standard for what’s possible, and what’s required, to meet future tourism needs and redesign the traveler journey. Just some of the international and local companies who announced their portfolios as part of the USD 113BN include: Melia Hotels, BWH Hotels, GOCO Hospitality, Cenomi, Radisson, Earth Hotels, Delonix & Ocean Link, AlFozan Holding, Al Kathiri Holding, Alothaim, and Knowledge Economic City. By combining hard infrastructure with human capital, and fusing data, design, and hospitality, these investments will unlock new value across the tourism ecosystem, create new job opportunities, and deliver unforgettable, purpose‑driven experiences at scale. Above all, many were Saudi focused, cementing the Kingdom’s international competitiveness and desirability as a leading global travel destination, where culture, innovation, and world‑class service come together, and signal to partners and investors that this is where the next era of tourism growth is be built. Investment ushers in the next chapter of the global tourism economy His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of TOURISE, commented “TOURISE has been the catalyst that brings investors, policymakers, and innovators to the same …

After the huge success of Air India Express’s excess baggage promotion during the month of October, we’re pleased to announce the extension of the festive promotion on excess baggage from all Gulf countries to India with a few modifications. As part of this limited-time offer, customers can now enjoy 10 kgs of additional baggage allowance for a nominal fee of just AED 11 in the UAE, with similar pricing available across other Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain).