Dubai-based Lokalee, an AI-powered content platform for hotels and holiday homes, has partnered with UXE Security Solutions for the integration of Lokalee into the smart property access app Keyless. Keyless is a premier solution for seamless access management for property owners, managers, and guests, eliminating the need for physical keys altogether by transforming a smartphone into a key. It is a unique ecosystem that offers convenience, sustainability, and security for both hosts and their guests, creating a safe and secure environment. The app is launched in association with the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. With the embedment of Lokalee’s innovative content platform, the Keyless app takes a significant step forward in improving the overall guest experience for the short-term rental industry in Dubai. Lokalee’s AI-powered content enables guests to browse and book everything the property and Dubai as a destination has to offer, sourced by Lokal Curators and supported by global partners. Designed to make life simpler and more convenient for guests, Lokalee’s user-friendly platform include features such as digital concierge, tailored itineraries for guest activities, easy access to useful local services, AI trip planner, and a live chat for support. “The partnership with UXE Security Solutions is of significant importance to us, as it validates Lokalee’s standing as a trusted player in the growing holiday home industry. Being approved as a partner in the Keyless app aligns with our mission to innovate the guest experience while also meeting Dubai’s strict regulatory guidelines,” said Samir Abi Frem, CEO of Advanced Digital Technology and Lokalee.

Diriyah Company unveiled the unique and innovative concept design for The Arena in Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh. The iconic 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue marks a crucial milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a key driver in Saudi Arabia’s vision for cultural and economic growth. This announcement is part of the USD 63.2 billion masterplan that underpins Diriyah’s development, redefining cultural and lifestyle offerings within Riyadh. It has been crafted by London-based HKS Architects to create a technologically advanced, globally significant arena that embodies the essence of its surroundings, geology, and culture. The announcement was made by the Diriyah Company at MIPIM in Cannes in the presence of the UK Minister of State for Business and Trade, Lord Dominic Johnson of Lainston. Located in the heart of The City of Earth, the 76,000 square meter Arena aims to establish itself as the premier venue in the Middle East, serving as a tourism hallmark, drawing visitors from across the globe and completely transforming the region’s events landscape. Commenting on the announcement, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company said: “The Arena in Diriyah is a cornerstone element of our mission to blend tradition with innovation. It exemplifies Diriyah’s unique lifestyle offering that harmonizes community, culture, and natural connection, setting a new standard for world-class destinations rooted in Saudi heritage.” Inspired by the natural geology surrounding Diriyah and capturing the traditional Najdi architecture motif spanning centuries of heritage, the venue will possess the ability to seamlessly transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession. Its state-of-the-art design will ensure exceptional acoustics and optimal viewing angles from every …

A groundbreaking statistical framework, developed under the leadership of UN Tourism, has been adopted by all 193 UN member states. The Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) thus becomes the internationally agreed reference framework for measuring the economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism. The adoption by the UN Statistical Commission at its 55th session marked a historical milestone towards harnessing the full potential of the sector, providing a solution to the pressing need for a harmonized methodology to effectively assess the sustainability of tourism. “Tourism is a powerful force for positive change when managed responsibly and sustainably,” says Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary General. “The adoption of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism marks a paradigm shift, going beyond GDP by enabling the measurement of what matters most to people and planet.” The adoption of the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism marks a paradigm shift, going beyond GDP by enabling the measurement of what matters most to people and planet Collaborative effort This achievement is the fruit of a seven-year UN process led by Austria and Spain as co-chairs of the UN Tourism Committee on Statistics, with Saudi Arabia and Seychelles as co-vice chairs. Under auspices of the Committee, the Framework was developed thanks to the extraordinary work of the multistakeholder Expert Group on Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism composed of 40+ countries and 30+ international and regional organizations including the UN Statistics Division, the International Labour Organization (ILO), subnational authorities and observatories, academia and others. The work involved technical guidance from an Editorial Board chaired first by the Philippines and then by Canada, as well as extensive engagement and consultation with …

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) successfully showcased Dubai’s diverse destination proposition alongside 56 key partners and stakeholders at the recent Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) trade show, 5-7 March 2024. This was the 32nd time that Dubai had exhibited at one of the world’s leading travel trade shows, which this year attracted almost 100,000 attendees. Demonstrating the breadth of the city’s tourism offering to global travel industry leaders and professionals, DET was joined in Berlin by co-exhibitors from across the tourism ecosystem including government entities, hotels, tour operators and destination management companies (DMCs), and among them were Address Hotels + Resorts, Atlantis Dubai, Banyan Tree Dubai, Museum of The Future, and, for the first time, flydubai. Participating at major international trade shows such as ITB Berlin is a key element of DET’s marketing strategy to promote Dubai to a global audience and grow inbound visitation from both traditional and emerging overseas markets. In 2023, Dubai welcomed a record 17.15 million international overnight visitors, representing a 19.4% YoY growth compared to the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022. The German market played a crucial role, contributing significantly to Dubai’s tourism success, with a remarkable 36% YoY growth and 574,979 overnight guests in 2023. At its stand in Berlin, the Dubai delegation engaged with travel trade professionals from around the world and welcomed top politicians and industry leaders including Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Franziska Giffey, Berlin Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises; and Julia Simpson, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “As Dubai continues its growth …

AI and technology seem to make waves in the industry, speaking at the recently concluded TTME’s International Women’s Day celebrations,  Mona Faraj Managing Director – HSMAI ME, CEO – ExploreTECH and Founder of Insight Out Consultancy shared the importance of technology and how it makes our work more efficient. A question she asked the audience was “how many of you came without using the google maps to the venue” to which she answered that a few years ago there may have been only a few hands but today in order to make our journey smoother we use the maps. “AI is there to make us better people, that’s what its all about and that’s my opinion. I think hospitality and travel industry, we are typically slow adopters of technology. Airline does it way before us and so does other industries but when it comes to hospitality and travel we are slow adopters. Yes, we are all about the human interaction and we are all about being hospitable as a human but AI or technology in general is there to make us spend our time on serving the guest versus doing all the transactional, time consuming activities that we do day in day out. Did anyone come here without using google maps? If we would have asked this question 15 or 20 years ago a few hands would have gone up.” She further reiterated that a recent article shared that even the watch industry is transforming so AI is moving in the same way but faster than we adopted to internet of things. She opined that in hospitality and travel there are so many technology providers that can help in different …

Reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for cruise tourism, Emirates has renewed its partnership with TUI Cruises for the upcoming two cruise seasons. The renewed partnership with TUI Cruises was signed to underscore the airline’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to offer seamless travel experiences, both in the air and on the ground through its dedicated cruise terminal check-in areas and with the collaborative support of its partners in Dubai. Emirates will closely work with TUI Cruises to offer dedicated flight options that closely align with upcoming cruise schedules, ensuring a smooth transition from air to sea for its customers. The airline will also explore enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International (DXB) and Port Rashid, leverage insights to improve services on the ground, and provide dedicated support teams for cruise passengers. Currently, the port’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest single covered cruise terminal facility, is capable of handling 14,000 passengers a day. In addition to coordinated operations and exploring marketing synergies, the partnership will focus on developing exclusive luxury packages and experiences that showcase the best of Dubai and the region’s TUI Cruise programmes. The MoU with TUI Cruises was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline; and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Emirates is proud to play a vital role in supporting Dubai’s status as one of the world’s best cruise destinations. This is a result of many years of work to build a maritime infrastructure that is second to none, outstanding tourist attractions and landmarks, and unparalleled air connectivity coupled with streamlined on ground customs and handling facilities …

The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Gidori – an exclusive private golf community which hosts luxury hospitality, premium residences, and a range of sports and leisure amenities that offer an unmatched living experience. Located along the enchanting Gulf of Aqaba coastline, Gidori effortlessly combines world-class golf and active leisure, encapsulated in an ultra-modern community for guests and residents. The progressive architectural centerpiece is a beach-front complex with a spectacular cantilevered structure. Rising from the coastal landscape, it will house 190 luxury sea-view apartments alongside a range of dining experiences, signature retail stores and garden spaces. Gidori’s 18-hole championship golf course sweeps inland through low hills and rocky outcrops, challenging golfers at all levels and featuring innovative design, exquisite coastal views and advanced technology. The elegant clubhouse will provide sophisticated hospitality for players, while the golf academy will offer expert advice and coaching and will service the traditional game as well as the next generation of e-sports. Placed along the golf course is a limited series of 200 individually designed and highly desirable private villas and homes. Visitors to Gidori can also stay in the 80-room boutique luxury hotel, which provides a variety of uniquely designed rooms and distinctive contemporary suites. The hotel includes restaurants and lounges, a well-being spa, a gym, multiple swimming pools and an exclusive theatre for curated entertainment. Gidori’s surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, on and off-road cycling, and scenic walks. The beach club will offer relaxed hospitality and entertainment, with an extensive selection of water sports for all ages and experiences. Come nightfall, observation platforms will provide unrivaled viewing opportunities of the night skies Aligned with NEOM’s commitment to conservation and …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced a partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts. This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in enhancing Oman’s wellness tourism sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 objectives to diversify its economic resources and promote sustainable development. OMRAN Group and Santani Wellness Resorts will collaborate to develop and operate two exclusive wellness resorts located in the serene landscapes of Jabal Shams in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate and in Dhofar Governorate with 182 total keys. These luxury destinations are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, offering a sanctuary for transformative wellness experiences while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability. Santani, Jabal Shams will be the region’s first Astro – Wellness Resort, where guests will experience a multifaceted tailored and customised programmes focused on destressing, rejuvenation, and learning, by the award-winning Santani experiences in design, sustainability, community engagement, food, and service. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated, “This partnership with Santani Wellness Resorts is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Oman’s position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism and wellness. By integrating Santani’s world-renowned wellness philosophy with Oman’s unique natural beauty and cultural heritage, we are setting new standards for luxury and sustainability in the region.” The collaboration is expected to create significant economic benefits, including job creation, and will serve as a model for sustainable development and wellness tourism in Oman and beyond. The resorts will offer a range of wellness programmes, including stress management, detox, yoga, and weight management, tailored to individual needs, and designed to promote holistic well-being. Vickum Nawagamuwage, Founder and CEO of Santani Wellness Resorts, expressed his delightenthusiasm for the joint venture, stating, “We are honoured …

dnata Travel revealed that bookings with UAE travellers for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr break this April have more than doubled in volume compared to 2023 levels. In previous years, the UAE-based travel agency has seen a close-to-equal split between the choice for a staycation or travelling internationally with UAE residents during the first Eid break. The split is weighing heavier this year towards outbound travel at 60% of all bookings, compared to 40% for local stays. The most popular destinations for holiday bookings over Eid al-Fitr 2024 from the UAE are Maldives, Thailand, Italy, Mauritius, and the USA, respectively. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “An extended break is anticipated for Eid celebrations this April, and travellers are making the most of the opportunity with bookings being made further in advance and to long-haul destinations including across Asia and the USA. “The Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives and Mauritius, alongside Thailand, are popular for travellers year-round with tropical climates and accessibility to the UAE. This year, Italy and the USA are trending for the Eid break compared to 2023. Travellers are heading to the Italian cities of Rome and Venice, whilst in the US, stays in New York City and Las Vegas are proving most popular.” The dnata Travel team is launching a range of bespoke holiday packages for UAE travellers with last-minute availability remaining across the Eid al-Fitr break this April. Highlights include five-star stays with airport transfers and meals included across popular destinations in the Maldives, Seychelles, Hong Kong, and Bali, alongside an extensive tour of Sri Lanka’s top sights, amongst other attractive holiday package offers.

At the recently concluded panel discussion celebrating women’s day with TTME, Namratha Rose – Marketing and Partnership Manager at Spain Tourism GCC shared that the travellers today are more open to discover and explore new destinations than before, “there has been significant development in GCC and from 2022 there has been a massive increase of travellers seeking different experiences, people are not restricting themselves and this opens us more opportunities.” She expressed this on the outlook of the region at the special panel session conducted to celebrate International Women’s Day by TTME at the Screening Room at Paramount Hotel Dubai.