Expedia released its 24th Vacation Deprivation report, which takes a deep dive into the UAE market, for the first time following the brand expansion launch. UAE Millennial residents have a higher percentage of vacation deprivation than Gen Zers, 50% compared to 35% to the latter group. It also shows that over half of Millennials surveyed are full-time employees. However, Gen Zers globally are more vacation deprived than any other generation. “Despite receiving more than six weeks of annual leave from their employers and using all of it UAE residents still feel vacation deprived” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations. “Millennial workers have difficulties planning a vacation -57% feel overwhelmed by the process and find booking travel stressful because they never know if they’re getting a good deal. There’s so much choice that contemplating travel options can become a major mental burden. Our minds want shortcuts, that’s why the Expedia app helps travelers with every step of their travel journey.” While UAE Millennials overall take time off less frequently, more than half of Gen X workers (33%) go six months or more between holidays. Only 5% of Millennials allow themselves a break from work every month. For today’s youngest workforce, Gen Z, the biggest thing holding them back is saving for a big trip this year. While being money-conscious is not exclusive to any particular generation, it’s most prevalent in Gen X with (34%) saying they much prefer saving their money for a more fulfilling trip, versus just 29% of Millennials and 27% of Gen Zers. UAE Millennial residents are not as vacation deprived as other Europeans and leave the fewest amount of days behind International vacation …

The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) announced that Dr. Abdelrazzak Arrabiyat, the Managing Director of JTB, has been elected as the Chair of the Affiliate Member Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) Affiliate Member Committee (on Matters Related to Affiliate Membership). This prestigious appointment underscores Dr. Arrabiyat’s dedication to fostering global tourism and his commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. Dr. Abdelrazzak brings to the position a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in the tourism sector. His election is a testament to his visionary approach and the trust placed in him by the international tourism community. As the new Chair, Dr. Abdelrazzak has pledged to expand the affiliate membership, strengthen collaboration among members, and enhance coordination for the benefit of the committee. Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat stated: “I am deeply honored to be elected as the Chair of the Affiliate Member Executive Council of the UN Tourism Affiliate Member Committee. This role presents a unique opportunity to work closely with our global partners to advance the interests of the tourism industry. I am committed to increasing our affiliate membership and fostering a spirit of cooperation and innovation within our community. Together, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring a prosperous future for all members.” Dr. Arabiyat’s vision includes leveraging the collective expertise of the affiliate members to address the pressing issues facing the tourism sector today, including the impacts of climate change, the need for sustainable tourism practices, and the recovery from the global pandemic. By prioritizing these areas, he aims to build a more resilient and dynamic tourism industry that benefits both local communities …

UN Tourism Ambassadors joined in celebrating the establishment of 2027 as the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. At the Organization’s headquarters in Madrid, the UN Tourism leadership welcomed the Ambassadors to Spain of 24 Member States to look ahead to the seminal year. They included His Excellency Farrukh Tursunov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, which sponsored the Resolution for the year ahead of its adoption by 86 Member States at the UN General Assembly in February. Rosario Sánchez Grau, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, host country of UN Tourism, was also present to mark the occasion. The adoption of the Resolution to proclaim 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was a joint achievement. So it is only right we come together today to celebrate it welcoming the dignitaries, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The adoption of the Resolution to proclaim 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was a joint achievement. So it is only right we come together today to celebrate it. The year will allow us to make clear tourism’s unique ability to drive development and opportunity, while also stressing the need to ensure that the sector’s growth is sustainable in every way and resilient enough to weather future shocks and challenges.” The UN General Assembly Resolution calls on “UN Tourism to facilitate the organization and implementation of the International Year, in collaboration with Governments, relevant organizations of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders.”

NEOM Hotel Division has joined The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance- its 50th member. Consisting of now 50 members, the Alliance works to address critical challenges impacting the planet, people, and places worldwide. NEOM Hotel Division, which is focused on creating and operating hotels of the future that have sustainability at their core, shares the Alliance’s belief that collaboration is the key to unlocking solutions for the hospitality sector and paving the way for a more sustainable future. One of NEOM Hotel Division’s key contributions will be piloting the groundbreaking Net Positive Hospitality Academy, a sustainable training system launched in Q4 of last year. This innovative online platform equips the industry with scalable knowledge assets, tools, and modules, empowering hospitality professionals with the skills and resources necessary to drive meaningful change across the industry. Glenn Mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer of the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “I am thrilled to welcome NEOM Hotel Division to the Alliance, especially as our 50th member. Together, we can make a tangible impact on the hotel industry. NEOM Hotel Division is at the forefront of our industry’s sustainability innovation journey to lead all hotels towards Net Positive Hospitality. Additionally, they mark an important milestone as our first member headquartered in Saudi Arabia.” Chris Newman, Executive Director at NEOM Hotel Division, said: “We are excited and honored to be joining the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. We share the same commitment to the principles of environmental responsibility and sustainable and regenerative practices. The Net Positive Hospitality Academy has the potential to have a wide-reaching impact across our industry. Central to the Academy is collaboration – real progress can only be made by working together and we look …

The Spanish hotel chain Palladium Hotel Group strengthens its international presence with its arrival in the Middle East with The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences. This new project, announced in partnership with Al Marjan and Almal Real Estate Development, will feature 442 hotel rooms and residential units under the brand The Unexpected Hotels & Residences. Inspired by the iconic Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, this collection focuses on guest experience and introduces the branded residences segment. Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the development will include a sophisticated beach club, exquisite restaurant, and captivating infinity pool, all adjacent to the Wynn Resort Island and overlooking the picturesque Arabian Gulf. The Unexpected Hotels & Residences will keep the innovative spirit of Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, preserving its visual identity with recognizable elements like its typography, characteristic color, and iconic hummingbird. This new venture aims to elevate luxury and exclusivity to a new level, in line with the demands of today’s discerning travelers.

Emirates hosted an exclusive tour of its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft at Osaka Kansai International Airport, this week, showcasing the highly popular Premium Economy product that was launched on the Osaka-Dubai route recently. The product launch in Osaka follows the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin on flights to Tokyo Narita in December 2023. The Emirates’ Premium Economy launch event was attended by Marwan Alnaqbi, Deputy Head of Mission, UAE Embassy and Hayato Shingu, Executive Officer Deputy Chief Commercial Office, Kansai Airport Authority as well as Emirates’ trade partners and the local media. The aircraft tour provided trade partners and media guests with an exclusive opportunity to experience Emirates’ newest product firsthand. All the guests also toured the airline’s upgraded First and Business Class cabins as well as refreshed interiors. The introduction of the enhanced four-class A380 aircraft underscores Emirates’ steadfast dedication to continuously expand its offerings for the Japanese market, and reaffirms the airline’s longstanding commitment to deliver an unparalleled travel experience for the Japanese travellers. “Since the introduction of the Premium Economy cabin on our Dubai/Narita route, we’ve seen overwhelmingly positive response from the Japanese travellers who experienced the product. The inclusion of Osaka in our Premium Economy network signifies our commitment to expanding the product offerings for Japanese customers. With more than 10,200 passengers having experienced our product since it was launched in Tokyo Narita in December 2023, we’re confident that Emirates’ Premium Economy will receive an equally positive response in Osaka as it sets a new benchmark in travel standards in Japan, redefining comfort and luxury with its meticulous design and unparalleled service quality.” said Satish Sethi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Japan. Within the four-class configuration of …

Türkiye’s national flag carrier has launched its 14th destination in the United States, bringing its passengers together with the unique beauty of Denver. Having started its operations to the Americas in 1988 with flights to New York, Turkish Airlines has expanded its flight network to include Denver as the 14th destination in the United States of America. Starting from last week Turkish Airlines schedules 3 flights a week to Denver, its 347th destination in 130 countries. From July 9, 2024, the frequency will increase to 4 flights a week, thereby contributing to the tourism and trade volumes between the two countries by transporting thousands of passengers annually on the Istanbul-Denver route. Commenting on the new route, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines, Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: “We are delighted to add a new route to our expanding flight network. We began our operations to the Americas on August 26, 1988, with flights to New York via Brussels, and 6 years later, on July 16, 1994, we began direct flights to New York. Today, we are proud to fly directly to 14 destinations in the United States, including Denver. This new route will offer our passengers the opportunity to discover the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul and our country.” Denver, the capital and largest city of the state of Colorado, attracts many domestic and international travelers with its cultural attractions and as a host for various sports events. The flag carrier will operate flights between Istanbul Airport and Denver International Airport with special launch prices. With tickets purchased by July 3, 2024, Turkish Airlines passengers can benefit from prices starting at 787 USD, for travel dates between …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts  announced the opening of  The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, marking the debut of the brand in Oman. The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort features 250 lavishly appointed guest rooms and suites including one-to-three-bedroom duplexes, offering expansive ocean, golf course or city views. Guest rooms feature private balconies, walk-in wardrobes, large bathrooms and luxurious amenities and are filled with natural light by floor-to-ceiling windows. The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a personalised hallmark of the brand for more than a century, ensures that each guest’s individual preferences are anticipated at every turn. Blending local heritage, avant-garde design and the timeless glamour of the St. Regis brand, the resort, developed by Alfardan Group, introduces the signature hallmarks born at New York’s finest address of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, to the region’s luminaries. “The debut of the St. Regis brand in Oman marks a significant milestone as we continue to grow our portfolio of the best addresses around the world,” said Jenni Benzaquen, SVP The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. “Oman is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, pristine landscapes and warm hospitality. We look forward to inviting guests to experience this thriving leisure destination, coupled with the anticipatory service and cherished rituals for which the St. Regis brand is renown.” Located in the heart of Al Mouj, one of Oman’s most exclusive neighbourhoods known for its luxurious beachfront living, the exquisite resort is a gateway to the captivating cultural wonders of Oman including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Al Hajar Mountains, the natural pools of Wadi Shab, and the crystal water of Daymaniyat Islands. The resort is positioned on the tranquil shores of …

Etihad Airways celebrated the start of its flights to Jaipur, India offering guests four non-stop services a week, enhancing connectivity between one of India’s cultural treasures, and the rest of the world, via Abu Dhabi.Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “With the resurgence of outbound travel from India, we are thrilled to start four weekly flights to Jaipur, a significant cultural and commercial centre. By establishing this crucial air link with Rajasthan, we aim to meet the increasing demand from travellers in and around the region, providing them with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and seamless connectivity to our extensive global network, while delivering a remarkable flying experience.” From exploring the historic forts and palaces to indulging in the vibrant culture and culinary delights, Jaipur offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Travellers from Northwest India will benefit from the non-stop service with seamless access to Etihad’s expanding network and frequent connections through Abu Dhabi’s global links. The new route enables more visitors to explore the emirate’s rich history and vibrant culture. Moreover, passengers will experience the exceptional facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, Etihad’s new home, which sets new standards for travel comfort and service excellence. Travellers flying from Jaipur to the United States can take advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring a hassle-free journey. The start of the Jaipur service further underlines Etihad’s deepening commitment to the Indian market where the airline has increased its capacity by a third over the past 12 months. The flights will be operated with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, offering Etihad’s award-winning service to …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors made two announcements, one was to bring in an upper midscale brand hotel on Al Marjan island in Ras Al Khaimah with 300 – 350 keys and the second was the launch of a new Development Advisory Vertical designed to provide hospitality developers with a comprehensive services package that will include essential support throughout the entire development process. Under the new Development Advisory Vertical, Stirling Hospitality Advisors will coordinate the project on behalf of the owner from concept ideation to development and construction, until the hotel is fully operational. Commenting on the launch, Tatiana Veller, Managing Director at Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We have successfully positioned ourselves within the heart of the action in Ras Al Khaimah, and are delighted to be able to capitalize on the huge opportunities that are available here, and the rapid market growth. With our expertise and resources, we hold the keys to successful hotel development. We’re excited to launch our new development advisory vertical, further cementing our leadership in the industry.” Under the new vertical, the hotel development process will start with Stirling Hospitality Advisors assisting the investor with concept creation, feasibility study, hotel operator/brand search, and negotiation. Following this, the expert team will continue overseeing and coordinating all stakeholders throughout the development process, anticipating potential problems that a first-time developer might not foresee. Led by Michael Bagdasarov, Senior Advisory Manager at Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the team has already begun servicing clients under the new vertical with two projects underway. This includes a complete development advisory services agreement with BB Holding for an upper-midscale branded hotel on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, with approximately 300-350 keys. Having successfully helped BB …