Visit Qatar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with flynas Airways to boost travel between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate to explore opportunities to operate additional flights between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with hosting major events and tournaments, including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™. The partnership will also focus on launching joint marketing campaigns aimed at promoting Qatar as a destination for visitors from the Saudi Arabian market. This agreement reinforces the solid foundation of cooperation between Visit Qatar and flynas, especially in the areas of enhancing air connectivity and implementing joint promotional campaigns during peak travel seasons. Through this partnership, both parties will continue to provide seamless travel experiences and enhance tourism between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, along with senior Visit Qatar officials, while flynas was represented by Mr. Stéphane Majer, Chief Commercial Officer, and Mr. Abdulelah Al Eidi, Vice President of Sales.

Minor Hotels  announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Soma Bay Hotel Company SAE to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand in Egypt. The first project under this partnership is expected to be announced later this year. Located in Soma Bay, a coastal resort destination on the Red Sea in Egypt, this self-contained, 2,500-acre community is just 45 km south of Hurghada International Airport. Set on a picturesque peninsula, Soma Bay offers a wide range of leisure activities, including diving, windsurfing, and sailing, making it a premier destination. The emerging resort destination also features one of the largest naturally occurring spas and thalassotherapy offerings in the region, where guests can experience a range of seawater-based treatments designed to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness using the healing properties of the Red Sea’s mineral-rich waters. Anantara is set to bring its signature luxury experience to Soma Bay with a new resort and branded residence complex, details of which will be announced soon. Since 2001, Anantara has offered immersive, authentic travel experiences that connect guests to the unique culture, people, and stories of each destination. With over 50 properties across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean, Anantara’s hotels and resorts are in vibrant cities, tranquil beaches, deserts, and jungles, providing warm, Thai-rooted hospitality and creating unforgettable memories for every traveller. Soma Bay Hotel Company, based in Egypt, operates in the hospitality sector and owns several luxury properties along the Red Sea. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented, “We are thrilled to expand the global reach of Minor Hotels with our entry into the Egyptian market. …

SanJeet Director DDP Group moderated an insightful session titled, ‘Wellness and celebratory tourism’ with three industry experts at the Arabian Travel Market. Paul Stevens, COO, MEA and Turkiye for Accor Hotels and Resorts Management, Eddy Tannous – COO – Rotana Hotels and Kathryn Moore – Managing Director Spa Connectors joined in the panel discussion where it was shared the growth of the industry, the many revenue aspects surrounding this multi-billion dollar business which happens to still need a new interface in the age of discovery and to be relevant to the customers.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, through its agency Tourism Malaysia announced that Malaysia welcomed 194,440 tourists from Middle East region in 2024. Tourism Malaysia also launched “Visit Malaysia”  (VM2026) latest video which highlights surreal experiences in Malaysia. The Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. The delegation consists of 82 different organizations, which include five (5) state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations alongside one airline. The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “Our multipronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia’s visibility, enhance destination accessibility and elevate our tourism offerings.” The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world. Adopted as the campaign’s official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination. Official VM2026 theme song, titled “Surreal Experiences” captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer. Malaysia is eager to welcome 45 million international visitors and to achieve RM270 billion (USD60.8 billion) in tourism receipts by 2025. …

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visa to facilitate further increases in international tourism inflows and elevate the visitor experience across the city. The MoU will harness Visa’s data-driven insights to optimise marketing campaigns, streamline tourism services, and deliver tailored promotions for visitors. The collaboration aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and tourism, and highlights the robust public-private partnerships that continue to drive the tourism sector’s exceptional growth, evidenced by a robust Q1 performance in 2025. Dubai welcomed 5.31 million international overnight visitors in the first three months of this year, up 3% on the same period last year. The MoU was signed at the Dubai stand at ATM by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC – Visa. Under the agreement, Visa will support DET’s strategic objectives by leveraging VisaNet – the world’s largest global payments network – to provide in-depth data-driven insights into visitor journeys, spending behaviours, customer preferences, seasonal trends and digital adoption. These analytics will empower DET to craft targeted marketing campaigns and customer-centric initiatives, ensuring seamless and enriching experiences for tourists. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Visa has been a driving force behind Dubai’s vibrant tourism ecosystem, empowering travellers with seamless, secure, and innovative payment solutions at every step of their journey. This collaboration brings …

Visit Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Satguru Travel to position Qatar as a preferred destination for African travellers and expand its presence across the continent. The MoU was signed by  Saleh Al Nisf, Middle East and Africa Senior Manager- International Markets, Visit Qatar, and Prakash Lalchandani, Vice President of Satguru Travel Group. Under the agreement, Visit Qatar and Satguru Travel will collaborate on the development of integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns, leveraging Satguru’s extensive regional network, whilst also sharing market insights to better target and attract African visitors.

The Arabian Travel Awards, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, is set to return for its landmark eighth edition on 25th November 2025. This invite-only event will bring together the region’s top leaders and innovators to honour outstanding contributions that continue to define the Middle East’s global travel identity. A symbol of credibility and industry recognition, the Arabian Travel Awards has become a trusted benchmark for excellence across the GCC. Backed by TravTalk Middle East and TravelTV News, the 2025 edition will feature awards across four dynamic segments: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards, and Partner Awards—each designed to spotlight individuals and organisations leading change and driving growth. This year’s award categories include industry benchmarks such as Best Business Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel, reflecting the diversity and depth of the region’s tourism ecosystem. Winners are selected through a transparent, online voting system, ensuring credibility and inclusiveness. Speaking on the occasion, San Jeet, Mentor, Arabian Travel Awards, noted: “The awards this year come at a pivotal time. With the region witnessing historic growth and tourism becoming a strategic economic pillar, it’s more important than ever to recognise those leading the way. From sustainability champions to digital disruptors, the Arabian Travel Awards is a tribute to those redefining the future of travel in the GCC.” In a testament to its growing influence, the 2025 edition welcomes Embassy Suites by Hilton as its Hospitality Partner, marking the brand’s debut in the UAE. Ziad Tantawi, Cluster General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton, said: “As Embassy Suites by Hilton makes its debut in the …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced that Sharjah attracted approximately 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2023. This growth highlights the continuous development of the tourism sector in Sharjah. The announcement was made during a press conference held today with the participation of SCTDA alongside more than 25 government and private entities at the “Sharjah Pavilion” during Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The authority revealed key statistics for Sharjah’s tourism sector in 2024, noting that Russian guests ranked first with over 270,000 guests, representing an 18% increase compared to 2023. Indian guests came second with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise compared to 2023. European guests saw a 16% increase compared to 2023, reaching over 100,000 guests, while Chinese guests surged to over 60,000 guests, an exceptional increase of 828% compared to 2023. Among Arab countries, Oman topped the list of hotel guests in Sharjah, accounting for 6% of total guests in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5%, Egypt at 4%, and Syria and Iraq at 3% each. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the latest developments from the authority, including the official launch of Sharjah’s new tourism brand campaign “Visit Sharjah.” The campaign focuses on showcasing Sharjah’s diverse tourist destinations, blending heritage, adventure, natural beauty, and modern experiences. It emphasizes the emirate’s ability to offer varied experiences catering to different types of travellers who are seeking adventure, tranquillity, family entertainment, or cultural immersion. The campaign also spotlights major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and other annual highlights that create memorable moments …

As part of its strategic expansion plan to strengthen inbound tourism to the UAE, Al Rais Travel announced the appointment of a Representative Office in India. This initiative aims to significantly increase the number of Indian visitors to Dubai and the UAE. The announcement comes in conjunction with Al Rais Travel’s participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expanding its global network and building new partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators across India, one of the UAE’s key source markets. Commenting on the expansion, Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel and Prem Sagar, General Manager, said: “Establishing a Representative Office in India is a strategic move to enhance our presence in one of the most vital tourism markets for Dubai and the UAE. We aim to forge strong partnerships with the Indian travel trade and offer tailored, high-quality travel solutions that meet the expectations of Indian travelers and support the growing momentum of travel between our two nations.” India remains one of the largest source markets for inbound tourism to the UAE, driven by deep-rooted cultural, economic, and tourism ties. Through the new office, Al Rais Travel will provide direct support to travel agents and tour operators across India, while launching innovative promotional campaigns and creating bespoke travel packages designed specifically for the Indian market.

Dubai International (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million guests in the first quarter of 2025, maintaining strong momentum and reinforcing its position as the world’s leading international airport. The performance reflects both Dubai’s growing appeal as a global destination and DXB’s continued role as the gateway of choice for millions of travellers. Traffic was up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2024, despite a record-breaking Q1 last year. January alone saw the highest monthly traffic ever recorded at DXB – welcoming 8.5 million guests – an achievement made possible not just by infrastructure, but by the coordinated effort of thousands of people behind the scenes. India retained its position as DXB’s top destination country, with 3 million guests, followed by Saudi Arabia (1.9 million), the UK (1.5 million), Pakistan (1 million), the US (804,000), and Germany (738,000). At the city level, London led with 935,000 guests, followed by Riyadh (759,000), Jeddah (627,000), Mumbai (615,000), and New Delhi (564,000). Leisure travel also surged during the quarter, driven by a seasonal peak at the start of the year, Eid holidays, and spring break, with double-digit increases in traffic to destinations such as the Czech Republic (+30.6%), Vietnam (+28.6%), and Spain (+20.2%). Cargo volumes registered a minor contraction of 3.6% year-on-year during the first quarter, with DXB handling 517,000 tonnes of cargo. While the numbers tell one story, it’s the people behind DXB’s peak performance who continue to make the real difference. Across its terminals, the dedication, quick thinking, and guest-first mindset of the entire oneDXB community – from Dubai Airports’ teams to its government partners, airlines, and commercial operators – plays a critical role across every touchpoint, turning operational excellence into exceptional guest experiences. …