TUMBI Hotels has partnered with the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand for the opening of its flagship property in Dubai, TUMBI West Palm Beach Hotel. With an investment of more than AED375 million, the hotel redefines hospitality by blending wellness, sustainability, and sophistication in a breath-taking waterfront setting. Nestled on Palm West Beach, the hotel offers 171 elegantly designed rooms and suites with panoramic views of Ain Dubai, the Dubai Marina skyline, and the Arabian Gulf. The property embodies Ali Tumbi’s philosophy to “Live Life Well,” focusing on nurturing the mind, body, and soul. The hotel caters to a diverse range of guests, from travellers seeking premium experiences to health-conscious visitors prioritizing wellness and families looking for a serene retreat. With its prime location, the hotel is uniquely positioned to offer guests authentic experiences, providing access to top attractions such as Nakheel Mall, West Beach Boardwalk, and the thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark. Guests can also easily explore the iconic Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island. The 1.6 km beachfront promenade is a hub of entertainment, relaxation, and pet-friendly spaces, offering something for visitors of all ages. Whether lounging by the seaside, indulging in all-day entertainment, or exploring Dubai’s top destinations, TUMBI Hotels ensures a memorable stay for everyone. TUMBI West Palm Beach Hotel Dubai joins Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a gathering of independent hotels, each with an original, vibrant personality in destinations worth exploring. The partnership with Hilton underscores TUMBI Hotels’ ambition to set new benchmarks in hospitality, combining bold, stylish hotels with global expertise. “TUMBI Hotels are not just a place to stay—they are a sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-discovery,” says Ali Tumbi. “At our latest hotel, we are redefining the guest …

Philippine Airlines won the title of ‘Best Airline – Southeast Asia’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Arabian Travel Awards indeed had another successful run which was well attended by movers and shakers of the travel industry. Philippine Airlines is proud to have received this accolade. This is a testament to our continuous efforts to deliver not only safe but pleasant travel experience. This award motivates us to grow amid a more competitive and challenging aviation industry.”-Josh M Vasquez, Regional Head, EMEA, International Passenger Sales, Philippine Airlines

Eid is around the corner and Dubai is most certainly the best place to celebrate with family and friends as they expect more visitors this year visiting family and friends. TravTalkBreakingnews had a quick chat with Mohamad Feras, AVP Retail & Strategic Alliances, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment about their latest offerings to attract more visitors this Eid. Can you share some of the special programmes for Eid to attract more visitors? We have curated an unforgettable line-up of experiences across Dubai until 6 April, as part of the Eid in Dubai campaign organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in collaboration with government, semi-government, and private sector partners. Our programme spans cultural celebrations, A-list concerts, fireworks, family entertainment, shopping, dining, and much more. Families and friends can look forward to fireworks displays on the first two days of Eid at multiple locations, live concerts by both local and international stars, thrilling sporting events, and must-visit outdoor pop-ups like e& Beach Canteen. In addition, we’re offering world-class dining across Dubai’s top hotels, exclusive Eid stay packages, and a variety of family-friendly activities at iconic attractions. The city will also be buzzing with major retail promotions and grand raffles, giving visitors the chance to win incredible prizes. One of my personal favourite retail highlights this year is The Great Online Sale, which is now live until 30 March. In addition to the biggest-ever bargains of up to 95 per cent off and an extra day of discounts spanning four thrilling days, the citywide sale features the launch of Dubai’s all-new immersive shopping experience this year. This interactive virtual mall enables shoppers to digitally …

Malta Tourism Authority won the title of the ‘Most Innovative Luxury Travel Experience Campaign’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “The Arabian Travel Awards held special significance, recognising the achievements of our clients. The event’s organisation and entertainment were of top-notch quality! Congrats to ATA team. Securing an Arabian Travel Award 2023 is a significant emotional milestone.”- Glenn Johnston Vice President ME and Global Affairs – Representative of Malta Tourism Authority

Utravel announced the launch of Jovial Travels, a dedicated B2C subsidiary focused on crafting bespoke luxury holidays. This strategic expansion into the leisure travel market addresses the growing demand for personalized, high-end experiences among discerning travelers in the GCC. Built on the foundation of Utravel’s 20+ years of GCC expertise, Jovial Travels offers a seamless blend of innovation, exclusivity, and cultural insight. The brand’s user-friendly platform simplifies the planning of luxury vacations, providing access to exclusive resort stays, private villa retreats, and meticulously curated itineraries. With an initial focus on destinations like the Maldives, Jovial Travels aims to transform ordinary holidays into extraordinary experiences tailored to the unique preferences of each traveler. Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales, commented: “The modern traveler is increasingly seeking experiences that reflect their individuality. Jovial Travels is our response to this shift, blending Utravel’s decades of GCC expertise with a fresh, client-focused approach. We are excited to bring this vision to life and set a new benchmark for luxury travel in the GCC and beyond.” To ensure every journey is as unique as the traveler, Jovial Travels has established exclusive partnerships with world-class resorts and hotels, granting clients access to unique packages and unparalleled luxury. Additionally, the brand offers 24/7 personalized support, with a dedicated team of travel designers ensuring seamless experiences from the first inquiry to the final farewell. Whether it’s a private island escape or a culturally immersive retreat, Jovial Travels goes above and beyond to deliver unforgettable moments. The launch of Jovial Travels underscores Utravel’s commitment to innovation and excellence, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine high-end travel. By combining personalized luxury with regional insights, Jovial Travels is poised to …

EaseMyTrip.ae has announced significant expansions that further solidify its presence in the Middle East. The company has launched Easy Trip Planners Limited in Saudi Arabia, establishing it as a fully owned subsidiary and marking its official entry into this pivotal market. This new venture enhances EaseMyTrip’s global footprint, underscoring its strategic commitment to growth in key international regions. As part of its expansion, EaseMyTrip’s UAE subsidiary is also poised to strengthen its Middle East presence through a strategic investment in two new Dubai-based entities: Ease My Trip Tours L.L.C. (EMT Tours) and Ease My Trip Holiday Homes L.L.C. (EMT Holiday). EMT Tours will focus on both inbound and outbound tour operations, while EMT Holiday will cater to the growing vacation home rental market. These new initiatives not only broaden EaseMyTrip’s service offerings but also enhance its regional diversification, positioning the company for continued success and growth in the Middle East. Mr. Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “This is a significant milestone in our growth story as we expand our global presence and diversify our services. Our entry into Saudi Arabia and expansion in the Middle East, reflects our commitment to offering seamless travel experiences across the globe. We are confident that our technological expertise and customer-centric approach will help us grow rapidly in these regions and contribute to the growth of the global travel and aviation sectors.” He further added, “As we continue to scale, our focus remains on leveraging innovation to create unmatched value for our customers and stakeholders. We are determined to strengthen our position in the global travel ecosystem, foster economic growth, and enhance connectivity in both emerging and developed markets.” EaseMyTrip is set …

Celestyal has launched four new 14-night repositioning cruises, as part of its winter sun season in the Arabian Gulf. The sailings feature two new countries for the brand, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and four maiden calls: Aqaba in Jordan, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Muscat in Oman and Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt. The itineraries also mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break. A new 14-night ‘Ancient Athens to Amazing Abu Dhabi’ itinerary will be available across the two-ship fleet. Celestyal Journey will depart Athens on 22 November 2025, calling at Port Said, with maiden calls to Sharm El Shiekh, Aqaba, Jeddah and Muscat, followed by Dubai, arriving back into Abu Dhabi on 6 December 2025, in time for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. She then departs on her ‘Desert Days and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’ sailing on 07 December, taking in the race weekend before embarking on the first ‘Desert Days’ itinerary of the season. Celestyal Discovery will depart Athens on 28 November 2025, charting the same course with an additional call at Kusadasi, Turkey, arriving for her maiden call into Abu Dhabi on 13 December 2025, ahead of its inaugural winter season sailing the new-to-2025 three-, four- and seven-night ‘Iconic Arabia’ itineraries and homeporting in the Arabian Gulf for the next three years. The two returning 14-night ‘Amazing Abu Dhabi to Ancient Athens’ cruises will also feature across both ships. Celestyal Discovery will cruise from Abu Dhabi on 6 March 2026, charting the same return course and arriving back into Athens for the summer Greece and Mediterranean season. Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 March 2026. All four cruises …

GymNation, the homegrown UAE fitness brand, has announced the launch of the world’s first in-gym hotel, The GymNation Hotel. The new hotel concept provides the perfect spot to reset between sets or crash after a late-night workout – without the need to head home to recover. Available to book directly with GymNation, this isn’t your average hotel, it’s a premium recovery station built for gym bunnies who are ready to spring into action or to take away any excuse from the reluctant gym goers. Have you ever been accused of living in the gym? Well now you actually can. Think dumbbell-shaped towels for that extra fitness flair and a “Press for Protein” button to deliver a fresh protein shake straight to your bed. No time for lounging? Fire up your TV for a quick “Gymflix” fix while you stretch or foam roll. The GymNation Hotel isn’t about hitting snooze, it’s about resetting fast so you can get those gains. Commenting on the launch, Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, said, “We’re always looking to innovate and on a recent trip to Riyadh, where, a new idea came to us. While most hotels provide gym facilities, why aren’t there any gyms that provide hotel facilities?” The new hotel launch from GymNation comes as health and fitness continues to boom across the Middle East and gym penetration rates experiencing the fastest growth in the world, with KSA leading at 16.8% CAGR (2020-2023) and UAE at 5.8%. A recent study[1] also found that 90% of travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia are proactively working out when they go on a trip. The GymNation Hotel concept is designed to provide a potential new …

Golden Sands Hotel and Residences wins ‘Sharjah’s Leading Four Star Hotel’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Golden Sands pioneered the concept of hotel apartments in the region. We were the first to introduce the idea of Hotel Apartments in Dubai. With continuous efforts to improve our rooms, facilities and services and among the many Dubai hotels, we are proud to present such furnished apartments that meet the guests requirements and make their lodging experience memorable. The award was received by Mohammad Khoori, Cluster General Manager, Golden Sands Hotel and Residences

Dubai International (DXB)  expects over 3.6 million guests in total to pass through its terminals during the Eid travel peak from 26 March to 7 April. The busiest day of the period is forecast for Saturday, 5 April, when 309,000 guests are expected. Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift. With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy. To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease. Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. In collaboration with airline, service and commercial partners, and government authorities, Dubai Airports is working to ensure seamless guest flows across all touchpoints throughout the holiday period.