The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest Assembly since UN Tourism was founded 50 years ago. Around 160 delegations from member states including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from across industry and civil society are coming together to celebrate five decades of international collaboration under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” The Assembly is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, with extensive cooperation and planning alongside UN Tourism and a wide range of partners. This collaboration underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the industry and facilitating impactful dialogue on the global stage. For half a century, UN Tourism has advanced economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and peace through travel. With the sector’s rapid digital transformation reshaping how people discover, book, and experience destinations, this year’s Assembly focuses on ensuring AI serves people and places supporting jobs, small businesses, destination stewardship, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the coming days, delegates will participate in four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialized committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council – the organization’s highest executive body. The agenda is designed to foster discussions on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth and deepen international cooperation in tourism. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Saudi Arabia is proud to welcome the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as we celebrate 50 years of UN Tourism’s global cooperation and shared progress. This week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism grows in the decades …

The 2025/2026 cruise season will run from November to May, and Qatar is expected to receive 72 cruises, including 40 partial shift flights, 15 departure and return flights, and 3 cruises arriving in Qatar for the first time. This season, the cruise terminal, operated by Mwani Qatar, will welcome a number of world-renowned ships such as MS Seven Seas, Navigator and Celestial Discovery, as well as the Arroya Cruise, which is visiting Doha for the first time, underscoring Qatar’s growing position as a leading destination for global cruise tourism. Qatar Tourism and Qatar Ports have announced the start of the new cruise season 2025/2026, with the arrival of the luxury cruise ship MSC Eurebia at the Cruise Terminal at Doha’s Old Port. Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar has established itself as a major hub for cruise tourism in the region, with the cruise sector becoming a vital component of Qatar’s tourism strategy. The growth of the cruise industry is the result of an integrated strategic vision led by Qatar Tourism, in close collaboration with Mwani Qatar and all partners. We are committed to continuing our quest to provide an exceptional experience that embodies the spirit of authentic Qatari hospitality and meets the highest international standards.” For his part, Mr. Abdulrahman Saad Al Baker, Director of the Cruise Ship Terminal at Mwani Qatar, said: “The launch of the 2025/2026 cruise season represents a continuation of the success of the cruise sector in the State of Qatar, and confirms the readiness of the cruise terminal managed by Qatar Ports and its commitment to providing high-quality services that keep pace with the highest international standards. …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced that it is updating the Abu Dhabi Hotel Classification Manual to reflect travel trends and deepen relationships with stakeholders by providing guidance on quality standards. The manual establishes clear standards in categories from housekeeping to soundproofing to safety, and is used to determine a hotel or resort’s star rating from one to five stars. First produced in 2007, featuring mandatory minimum criteria and rating criteria, the manual was updated in 2018 to add a guest experience index, mystery shopping and product designators. The new edition is designed to build on this work and add further refinements, creating a global benchmark for hospitality excellence and guest experience. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The updated Hotel Classification Manual will deliver on Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 by positioning Abu Dhabi as a thought leader in global hospitality regulation and enhancing the emirate’s alignment with international benchmarks while showcasing unique service excellence elements. It provides granular detail and guidance that chart a clear path for hotels as we meet the strategy’s goal of increasing visitors by more than half between 2023 and 2030.” The updated manual will have changes in three main areas. It will reflect current global best practices, expand category definitions to widen coverage to more hotels and resorts, and introduce accolades to recognise hotels that exceed expectations in specific areas. Visitors, hotels and investors will all benefit from the update: visitors through elevated and more consistent hotel experiences, hotels through new opportunities to differentiate their offering via specialised classifications, and investors through streamlined infrastructure requirements that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s …

IDeaS has signed a master service agreement with Adeera Hospitality in Saudi Arabia. The agreement provides a framework for Adeera Hospitality to implement IDeaS solutions across the entirety of their upcoming luxury properties in Saudi Arabia. Wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Adeera Hospitality is a hotel management company responsible for developing distinctive new Saudi hospitality brands. Adeera’s ambitious plans include launching a portfolio of 60+ all-new hotels among multiple brands over the coming five years. IDeaS was selected as Adeera Hospitality’s strategic partner for its best-of-breed solutions, proven expertise, and reputation for reliability and scalability. The adoption of IDeaS G3 RMS will enable hotels and resorts managed by Adeera to optimize their revenue strategies through powerful forecasting, precision pricing and effective inventory management capabilities. The first hotel in the roll-out is the Grand Hotel King Fahd Financial District in Riyadh, scheduled to open in 2026. Thomas Grundner, Chief Commercial Officer of Adeera Hospitality, said“Our partnership with IDeaS represents a significant step forward in establishing Adeera’s commercial framework. As we gear up to unveil a new era of Saudi-born hospitality brands, it is crucial that our hotels implement cutting edge data intelligence and revenue management from the very beginning. IDeaS technology and expertise will empower us to enhance pricing strategies, improve forecasting accuracy and elevate performance throughout our expanding portfolio guaranteeing that we provide tangible value to our owners and outstanding experiences to our guests.” Adeera Hospitality was particularly drawn to IDeaS’ advanced Group Evaluation functionality, which enables rapid assessment of a group’s total value as well as the impact of any potential displaced business. Additionally, the breadth of IDeaS’ forecasting and dynamic revenue optimization capabilities offers the flexibility for …

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and its partners concluded a high-impact showcase at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025. STA harnessed rising interest from the global travel trade, signing nine new MoUs and strategic agreements with industry leaders and global brands, and held more than 500 meetings with key industry players. In addition, twenty-seven MoUs and agreements were facilitated between Saudi partners and international organizations to accelerate growth, boost global awareness, and enhance international connectivity. STA captivating the global travel trade with Saudi’s Unreal Calendar of world-class events and entertainment and its iconic destinations – from the ancient wonders of AlUla and the pristine Saudi Red Sea, to the cultural energy of Jeddah and the dynamic spirit of Riyadh. Saudi’s presence at WTM demonstrated its commitment to building meaningful global partnerships, unlocking new investment opportunities, and delivering world-class tourism experiences, driving the next chapter of tourism growth. Over three days, 71 Saudi partners connected with the international travel and tourism trade at the immersive “Saudi Land” pavilion, presenting a broad selection of bookable products, new travel packages, and flagship experiences such as luxury openings at Shura Island and the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City. A highlight of WTM 2025 was the inaugural DMO Awards at Saudi Land, designed to honor destination management organizations for their excellence and authenticity demonstrated during the event. Diriyah received the ‘Best Authenticity’ Award for its outstanding incorporation of authentic Saudi elements. Qiddiya was honored with the ‘Best Operational Excellence’ Award in recognition of its exceptional service delivery, strong product knowledge, and effective use of digital tools. Finally, Al Madinah earned the ‘Best of Show’ Award for delivering the most exceptional overall performance, combining authenticity, operational …

Mandarin Oriental announced the opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the Group’s second property in the city. Located within Wasl Tower, an architectural masterpiece on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental’s signature blend of Asian heritage and local character to the heart of Downtown Dubai, curating a vertical boulevard where hospitality, culture and commerce unite. The urban property features 259 elegant guestrooms and suites, 224 private residences and 10 dining venues, all crowned by a rooftop helipad designed for discreet VIP arrivals. Developed in partnership with Wasl Hospitality, the hotel sets a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in the city. Designed by UNStudio and engineered by Werner Sobek, Wasl Tower is defined by its sculptural twisting form and the region’s tallest ceramic façade. Innovative ceramic fins enhance airflow and support natural cooling, whilst integrated energy-efficient technologies position the building as a model for sustainable vertical living. The interiors, by London-based G.A Group, draw from Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage and the dynamic character of Downtown Dubai. The hotel’s guestrooms and suites feature warm, understated palettes and custom furnishings, alongside expansive views of the Arabian Gulf or the Dubai skyline. A curated art collection runs throughout the property, featuring works by regional and international artists in hues inspired by the desert landscape. Sitting atop the hotel, are The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai — the brand’s first residential development in Dubai, set to launch in 2026 — offering a lifestyle defined by privacy, service and skyline views. Dining is at the heart of the hotel’s experience, beginning with Yù & Mì, a modern Chinese bar and restaurant inspired by the cultural energy of 1960s Hong Kong. At the forefront, Yù serves …

Unveiled at World Travel Market (WTM) London, this renewed collaboration through Amadeus Digital Media aims to significantly boost visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi, targeting over 60% growth through Amadeus’ platforms compared to the previous year. The new initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI-powered programmatic campaigns to target travellers who are actively seeking their next destination. A key focus is to engage new consumers who may not have previously considered Abu Dhabi as a travel destination, thereby expanding the emirate’s global appeal. By increasing exposure to a wider consumer base and driving booking conversions, this collaboration is expected to bring substantial benefits to Abu Dhabi’s key industry stakeholders, such as hoteliers and travel agents. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our long-standing partnership with Amadeus has been instrumental in showcasing Abu Dhabi’s diverse offering to a global audience. This expanded collaboration is pivotal to our journey to achieve the ambitious goals set out in our Tourism Strategy 2030. By harnessing Amadeus’ advanced technology and extensive reach, we are not only aiming for escalated growth in visitor numbers but also strategically building destination awareness in new and emerging markets.” Campaigns stemming from the renewed partnership will strategically target diverse consumer segments, ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage, thrilling adventures, family-friendly attractions, and stunning coastal landscapes are prominently featured worldwide. Jan Tissera, President, International, Global Accounts and Destinations, Hospitality, Amadeus, added: “Our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi exemplifies our shared commitment to transforming travel through data-driven insights and innovative technology. By combining Amadeus technology and market intelligence with DCT Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach, visitor outreach can be refined to create meaningful, personalized journeys that truly …

The Emirates Tourism Council held its fourth meeting of 2025, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The Council discussed the completion of the “Tourism Data Update” project in collaboration with the relevant federal and local entities. The project aims to establish a comprehensive national platform for tourism data, ensuring accuracy and transparency in measuring performance indicators. The platform will facilitate seamless sharing of data among all relevant entities. Participants reviewed a range of new tourism projects scheduled for implementation in 2026 as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s growth and competitiveness. Participants also followed up on the progress of recommendations and outcomes from the previous meeting. H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the UAE has placed significant focus on developing the tourism sector as a key pillar of national economic growth. The country has implemented sustainable policies, strategies and projects in this vital sector, offering outstanding and unique tourism experiences for visitors from around the world and achieving major milestones that have reinforced the UAE’s leadership among regional and global destinations. The meeting was attended by the heads and directors general of the country’s local tourism entities, alongside representatives from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre. H.E. said: “The Council’s new tourism projects and initiatives represent a significant milestone in enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the tourism sector. They support our national efforts to highlight the diversity of tourism, develop comprehensive tourism offerings, and establish a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure for tourism data in the UAE, in line with international best practices. They also contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as the world’s best tourism destination and building a sustainable tourism sector, in …

Visit Qatar and Experience Oman announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening regional tourism cooperation and promoting multi-destination travel between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman. The announcement was made during Visit Qatar’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2025, one of the world’s leading trade and tourism exhibitions. Under this new strategic partnership, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman will develop integrated tourism packages and joint promotional initiatives aimed at encouraging visitors from key international markets, particularly from Asia and Europe, to explore both destinations in a single trip. Italy, Spain and China will prepare pilot markets for the implementation of the concept of joint cooperation. The announcement was made in the presence of Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism. Experience Oman was represented by H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and  Shabib Al Maamari, CEO of Visit Oman. The partnership will also include joint promotional tours, unified participation in major international tourism events and exhibitions, as well as cooperation with major travel and tourism companies to develop and market joint packages for the two destinations that combine the cultural, heritage and luxury experiences of Qatar and Oman. The partnership reflects the two municipalities’ shared commitment to strengthening regional tourism links, increasing visitor numbers, and highlighting the Gulf region as a unified and world-class destination. By enhancing co-marketing opportunities and improving tourism connectivity, Visit Qatar and Experience Oman are positioning the region as a destination of choice for global travellers seeking unique experiences.

Almosafer has expanded its strategic partnership with VisitBritain to further promote Britain as a top destination for Saudi travellers. The partnership, formalized during the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, reinforces the ongoing collaboration between the two entities, aligning with growing demand and stronger travel links between Saudi Arabia and Britain. VisitBritain’s research shows strong interest among GCC travellers in exploring destinations beyond London, from Britain’s idyllic coast and countryside to its vibrant cities, cultural and sporting events, royal heritage, film and TV locations, and luxury experiences. This partnership with Almosafer is set to showcase the nations and regions of Britain and to develop a new portfolio of high-value packages featuring signature experiences found only in Great Britain. Oxford Economics data shows that Britain remains one of the top 10 destinations for Saudi travellers and continues to see robust year-round demand. Through this partnership, Almosafer will highlight the most exciting and trending destinations across Britain with bespoke offers, targeted campaigns, and travel experiences designed to showcase the country’s culture, heritage, and modern appeal to Saudi audiences. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “Our continued collaboration with VisitBritain underscores our shared commitment to enriching travel experiences for Saudi travellers. The United Kingdom remains a timeless favourite, offering a unique blend of heritage, diversity, and contemporary experiences. Together with VisitBritain, we look forward to deepening engagement with Saudi travellers and showcasing the best of Britain through our platforms and tailored offerings.” Gary Robson, VisitBritain Director for Europe, Middle East & India, said: “We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with Almosafer to inspire more visitors from Saudi Arabia to choose Britain. Saudi travellers are among our highest-spending international visitors, and this collaboration is a …