The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) travel and tourism sector added $247.1 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, marking a 31.9 percent jump from 2019, according to new figures from the GCC Statistical Centre. Tourism’s share of GDP is forecast to reach $371.2 billion by 2034, accounting for 13.3 percent of the region’s economy. The sector also plays a vital role in job creation, with employment contributions valued at $4.3 billion in 2024—up 24.9 percent from 2019—and an estimated 1.3 million new jobs expected by 2034. The report, “Tourism in the GCC: A Gateway to Development and Sustainable Transformation,” highlights rising youth and women’s participation in the industry. Women represented 13 percent of the workforce in 2024, up 73.2 percent since 2019. Eco-tourism and intra-GCC travel are also on the rise, with natural reserves expanding and 19.3 million intra-regional tourists recorded in 2024.

Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, bringing a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route. The sold-out inaugural flight, EY222, touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata, India at 8.35pm on 24 September. All of Etihad’s eight return flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata will now be operated by the A321LR. The upgraded A321LR service reinforces Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market where it operates 183 flights per week to 11 destinations across India. The extensive network connects guests seamlessly between India and the Middle East, and conveniently onwards to Europe, Africa and North America. Kolkata, the capital and largest city of the West Bengal state, is an important gateway to India, with Etihad carrying more than 135k passengers annually between the city and Abu Dhabi. Kolkata holds the honour of being recognised as the cultural capital of India, welcoming visitors from around the world to explore the city’s rich heritage and artistic energy. As well as an increase in visitors travelling to India, Etihad is also catering to rising demand from corporate travellers as well as overseas students and those visiting friends and family. The state is also benefitting from an increase in investment in the IT and financial services sectors, which are also driving demand for corporate travel. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “India is an important market for Etihad and we’re incredibly proud to be in Kolkata to welcome our newest aircraft, the A321LR, on its inaugural flight to India. Whether choosing our luxurious First Suites, lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access and a window-view, or our next-generation Economy …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed a major vote of confidence in Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector, as its Members committed more than $8BN of new investment during the closing ceremony of the Global Summit in Rome. This landmark pledge, unveiled on stage before global leaders and industry executives, represents one of the largest ever investment commitments made at a WTTC Summit. The investment will supercharge Italy’s already thriving Travel & Tourism sector, strengthening its position as a world-leading destination and a magnet for sustainable growth.In 2025, Travel & Tourism is expected to inject $258BN to Italy’s economy and support 3.1MN jobs. Business travel has been a standout driver, with corporate visitors spending $30.8BN – an 18.1% increase on pre-pandemic levels. Italy also ranked as the seventh-highest business travel spender worldwide, while its booming MICE industry hosted almost 370,000 conferences and events in 2024, up 8.2% year-on-year. Against this backdrop of record performance, today’s $8BN commitment underlines the growing investor confidence in Italy’s infrastructure, hospitality, and wider travel ecosystem. These rising flows of capital are expected to boost connectivity and expand accommodation capacity, accelerate green and digital transitions across the sector, and create new opportunities for domestic and international investors alike. Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO, said: “Today’s announcement is a vote of confidence for Italy. More than $8BN of new investment from WTTC Members sends a powerful signal; Italy is not only a cultural icon but also one of the most exciting and resilient investment destinations in the world. These commitments will fuel job creation, sustainability, and innovation across the country’s Travel & Tourism sector.” WTTC Chair Manfredi Lefebvre added: “Today’s commitment reflects our unwavering belief in Italy’s potential as a leader in …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Jadeer Group for a new Hotel Indigo property in New Cairo. The signing strengthens IHG’s growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio in Northern Africa and adds another distinctive hotel to the Group’s presence in Egypt. The 120-room Hotel Indigo New Cairo is set to open in 2031 as part of Red (G), a mixed-use development featuring residences, retail, and hospitality offerings. Located on North 90 Street, one of New Cairo’s most prominent neighbourhoods, the hotel will be situated close to the New Administrative Capital and the American University in Cairo, as well as emerging business and leisure destinations. As one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Just as no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the hotel’s boutique design approach to locally inspired restaurants. True to the brand’s ethos, Hotel Indigo New Cairo will reflect the uniqueness of its neighbourhood, weaving the city’s rich heritage and contemporary spirit into every guest experience. Located in one of the capital’s most dynamic districts, the hotel’s design will celebrate its surroundings and embody Hotel Indigo’s promise of making travel inspiring through authentic, culturally rich experiences. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Egypt is a priority market for IHG, and we are excited to partner with Jadeer Group for a new Hotel Indigo in New Cairo. The area is rapidly emerging as a hub for business, education, and lifestyle, making it an ideal …

Visit Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Airways and under the auspices of Go Beyond, successfully hosted the Kuwait Roadshow at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait City. The tour served as a platform to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in Kuwait, promote upcoming tourism events, and provide opportunities for direct communication between hotels, destination management companies in Qatar and Kuwaiti travel agencies. It also encouraged tour operators to include Qatar in their tourism packages and regional programs. The event brought together more than 100 leading travel and tourism professionals and tour operators to discover the diverse tourism offerings Qatar has to offer, from short trips and winter holidays to stopover experiences. By highlighting the growth of leisure tourism offerings, the initiative has strengthened Qatar’s position as a leading regional tourism destination and supported the objectives of the Qatar National Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to promote destination awareness, promote seasonal travel, and contribute to economic diversification through tourism.

Red Sea Global (RSG) officially opened Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Designed by renowned golf course architect Brian Curley and managed by Golf Saudi, the par-72, 7,400-yard course offers a distinct coastal links experience that celebrates the island’s natural topography. Eighteen holes wind through native mangroves and sweeping dunes before drifting along the Red Sea shoreline in typical links fashion. The course was designed for minimal environmental interference, reflecting RSG’s regenerative tourism values. “The opening of Shura Links is a landmark achievement in the Kingdom’s pursuit of global leadership in sports and tourism. It reflects the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores PIF’s commitment to unlocking new sectors that diversify our economy and elevate the quality of life. Situated at the heart of The Red Sea, Shura Links is more than a world-class golf course — it is a powerful realization of how this unique destination can be transformed into an engine for investment, luxury tourism, and sustainable opportunities for future generations,” said H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi. A Social Hub Anchored by a Beachfront Clubhouse A vibrant focal point for golfers and visitors alike, the beachfront clubhouse serves as the heart of social life at Shura Links. Inspired by native flora and fauna, the clubhouse offers panoramic views across the eighteenth green and features elevated dining, retail, and relaxation areas designed to enhance the visitor experience. “Shura Links sets a new benchmark for the game of golf in the region. It’s more than just a course – it’s a place to connect, challenge yourself, and experience the full beauty of The Red Sea. This is another …

The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is set to establish a Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East. This pioneering initiative will support the development and harmonization of legal and regulatory frameworks for tourism across the region. The Tourism Law Observatory for the Middle East will serve as a knowledge hub and digital platform that systematically collects, organizes, analyses, updates and disseminates tourism-related laws and regulations in the region, with the support of a network of individual experts and academic collaborators. It will also issue publications, recommendations, and organize conferences and seminars on topics of special interest. The initiative aligns with the broader mandate of UN Tourism’s Tourism Law Observatories, a flagship initiative endorsed by the 25th General Assembly. These Observatories represent a long-term, large-scale initiative led by UN Tourism to be developed across its five different regions, with a view to fostering the progressive harmonization of Tourism Law at the international level, thus enhancing legal security and benefiting all tourism operators. As the first of its kind in the region, the Tourism Law Observatory represents a milestone for UN Tourism, reflecting its commitment to support Member States of the Middle East in addressing key challenges and complexities of tourism legislation.

Etihad Airways will relaunch seasonal flights to Zanzibar from 14 June until 6 September 2026, Etihad will operate four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar, giving travellers the perfect gateway to palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant Swahili culture. Zanzibar becomes Etihad’s 30th destination announced this year, reinforcing the airline’s ambitious global expansion. The decision to return has been facilitated by Etihad’s larger and more complete European network, with multiple double-daily services now feeding Abu Dhabi. With two major European banks creating efficient connections in both directions, Zanzibar is now more accessible than ever for guests from Europe and the GCC. The seasonal service taps into strong summer demand for the destination from across these regions and complements Etihad’s growing global network. Flights will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320, offering Business and Economy cabins designed for comfort on the medium-haul journey. “Zanzibar is the perfect summer escape and we are thrilled to welcome it back to our growing network,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “From world-famous beaches and spice markets to rich history and culture, Zanzibar has something for everyone. We know it’s a destination our guests have been eager to see return, and we can’t wait to connect them to this unique island paradise.” Part of Tanzania’s idyllic archipelago, Zanzibar is celebrated for its UNESCO-listed Stone Town, spice plantations and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. From diving in coral reefs to exploring centuries-old alleyways, the island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery. The island also serves as a gateway to East Africa’s iconic safari destinations, making it an ideal twin-centre holiday with the Serengeti or Kilimanjaro. With Palma de …

His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shared “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & Tourism – no other sector can claim that. Saudi Arabia shows what vision and investment can achieve, with over 649,000 training opportunities, and a workforce that is nearly 50% women.” The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched a landmark report, revealing that while the sector is on course to support one in three new jobs worldwide by 2035, demographic and structural shifts could create a workforce shortfall of more than 43MN people if left unaddressed. The report, Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce, which focused on 20 economies, launched at the global tourism body’s 25th Global Summit in Rome and developed with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is based on extensive global research, including a large-scale survey of business leaders and in-depth interviews with WTTC Members and other key stakeholders.    

Accor signed a master development agreement with BinDawood Investment, through its dedicated hospitality arm Al Qimmah, to develop and manage a portfolio of over 3,000 keys across Saudi Arabia, including landmark projects in the Holy Cities. The first phase will feature four flagship projects, including a new-build 288-key Swissôtel in Jeddah, which will be strategically located near King Abdulaziz International Airport and is set to open in 2029. Simultaneously, Madinah will welcome a new-build 1,015-key Mövenpick property in the northwest of the city, offering excellent connectivity via the Abu Bakr Al Siddiq road and convenient access to the Holy Mosque, also opening in 2029.The agreement solidifies BinDawood Investment role as a leading investor in the Kingdom’s hospitality transformation, confirming its alignment with the nation’s tourism plans for the decades ahead. As part of the agreement, Accor will introduce its premium, midscale, and economy brands across a diverse range of developments, spanning city hotels, serviced apartments, resorts and properties designed to serve religious tourism. Further bolstering Accor’s presence in the Holy Cities, Makkah will see the transformation of two existing properties. The ibis Styles Makkah Mesfalah, an 801-key economy hotel less than 2 km south of the Holy Mosque, will undergo a full renovation to provide enhanced accessibility for pilgrims, with reopening scheduled for 2027. Similarly, the Mercure Makkah Shesha, a 1,078-key midscale hotel conveniently located near the Mina pilgrimage site, will also undergo a complete renovation, welcoming guests in 2027. Following the announcement of the agreement, Dr. Abdulrazzaq Bindawood, Chairman said: “Through BinDawood Investment and its subsidiaries, we are proud to be shaping a new chapter in the Kingdom’s hospitality journey. Our partnership with Accor underscores our commitment to becoming …