The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is poised to develop 362,000 new hotel rooms by 2030 as part of its US$110 billion hospitality sector transformation, according to data released ahead of the 2025 edition of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s ongoing and unprecedented expansion across infrastructure, real estate, tourism, and hospitality, in line with Vision 2030, is positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in the travel and tourism sector. This strategic growth is setting new industry standards while creating significant investment opportunities, enabling investors to actively participate in the country’s long-term economic transformation, according to industry experts. Oussama El Kadiri, Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure at Knight Frank, said: “Fueled by ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector presents a compelling investment landscape, evidenced by its record-breaking SAR 444.3bn GDP contribution in 2023, accounting for 11.5% of the national economy. This growth reflects the Kingdom’s strategic initiative to position itself as a leading global tourism destination. The sector’s rapid growth is further evidenced by the increase in international arrivals, which reached 30 million in 2024, up from 27.4 million in 2023. This upward trajectory, coupled with a strong investment pipeline, supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of attracting 70 million international visitors annually by 2030. El Kadiri further emphasized the impact of upcoming global events on Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. Major international events, such as the 2029 Asian Winter Games, World Expo 2030, and the FIFA World Cup 2034, are expected to drive further growth in tourism, hospitality, and related industries. These events will not only increase visitor numbers but also enhance Saudi Arabia’s global reputation as a premier destination for leisure, business, and mega-events. …

Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group signed a strategic partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to provide industry-led and reliable data-driven insights that support the sustainable growth of the travel industry as Knowledge Partner. As part of this collaboration agreement, in which The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group also takes part, both companies will give WTTC access to their comprehensive travel intelligence databases, offering in-depth data analysis and insights on key industry trends: air connectivity, traveller’s sentiment and interests, demand profiling, accommodation supply, and event impact analysis, among others. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Communications at WTTC, commented on the partnership, highlighting “Data-driven insights are critical to the sustainable growth of the Travel and Tourism sector. We are delighted to welcome Mabrian as a Knowledge Partner and look forward to leveraging their expertise, as well as The Data Appeal Company’s, to enhance our research and advocacy efforts.” “Joining this partnership with WTTC is a significant step in our mission to empower the travel and tourism sector with data-driven insights,” says Mirko Lalli, CEO at The Data Appeal Company. “It is also an opportunity to help industry leaders anticipate trends, optimise strategies, and drive more sustainable tourism development worldwide.” Under the agreement, signed by Mabrian with WTTC representatives in the most recent edition of ITB Berlin, WTTC’s research team will have access to the travel intelligence databases from both Mabrian and The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group and Mabrian, and their experienced pool of in-house analysts and consultants. These insights will support WTTC’s industry research initiatives, policy development, and thought leadership efforts, contributing to WTTC’s mission of fostering informed decision-making …

Wego announced its partnership with Waves, the innovative experience app and aggregator that seamlessly connects users with yachts and chalets. This collaboration brings an unparalleled luxury experience to travelers looking to explore coastlines, indulge in water activities, or celebrate special occasions in style. With this partnership, Wego customers can now easily book family friendly yacht trips ranging from 2 to 6 hours, accommodating an average of 25 guests for bespoke journeys across Dubai, Kuwait, Jeddah, and Qatar. Whether it’s a tranquil coastal escape, an adventurous boating experience, or an exclusive celebration, Wego and Waves together offer the perfect setting for unforgettable moments at sea. Mr. AbdulRahman AlSaadoon, CEO of Waves added: “By integrating Waves with Wego, we are bringing our world class yacht experiences to a broader audience. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to redefining travel by seamlessly connecting land and sea.” Waves has quickly established itself as a regional leader, beginning its journey in Kuwait before expanding to Qatar during the World Cup and further into Saudi Arabia and Dubai. The platform is known for its hassle-free booking experience, ensuring reliability, convenience, and premium service for all users. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “We are excited to partner with Waves to offer our customers exclusive luxury experiences. This partnership enhances our mission of providing travelers with unique, hassle-free travel options that go beyond conventional tourism.” Through Wego’s extensive reach and seamless technology, travelers now have easier access to Waves’ fleet of luxurious yachts, making premium water experiences more accessible than ever. The collaboration aligns with both companies’ missions to enhance travel convenience and elevate experiential tourism in the region. Travelers can now access …

Etihad Airways is strengthening its presence in Russia with a significant capacity increase on its Abu Dhabi-Moscow route, providing enhanced travel options between the Middle East and Russia. From 1 October, Etihad is adding a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), increasing the service to 21 flights per week. The expanded service operates on an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 8 Business and 150 Economy seats. In addition to the Moscow frequency increase, Etihad continues to expand its network with new routes planned for 2025, including a new service to Sochi, Russia’s premier resort destination on the Black Sea coast, starting from 29 May. The increased Moscow service creates better connections for travellers from Russia to Etihad’s expanding global network, particularly to popular destinations across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The triple-daily flights are perfectly timed to facilitate both business travel and leisure trips, giving guests the option to choose departures throughout the day to suit their schedules. For those looking to extend their journey, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme offers up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels, allowing travellers to experience the vibrant capital city’s attractions, from pristine beaches and cultural landmarks to thrilling theme parks and desert adventures.

Emirates announced plans to introduce newly retrofitted Boeing 777s on its second and third daily flights between Dubai and Riyadh, starting from 30 March and 7 May respectively. The airline aims to offer customers more opportunities to experience its latest generation Business Class seats, as well as highly acclaimed Premium Economy product, making it easier than ever to explore and connect to Dubai and beyond in style and comfort. The planned upgrades to the retrofitted Boeing 777s will make the Kingdom’s capital the first in the Middle East/GCC and among one of the few destinations in the airline’s network to be served exclusively with its latest retrofitted aircraft. Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777s will operate as follows: EK815 and EK816 operate with a refurbished Emirates Boeing 777 starting 30 March 2025. * From 7 May 2025, Emirates will operate the refurbished Boeing 777 on its third service, EK 817 and EK 818, starting with six flights per week; and from 11 August 2025, the aircraft will be deployed daily. * The newly refurbished Emirates Boeing 777, featuring the airline’s best-in-class products, was first introduced to Riyadh in October 2024 on flights EK819 and EK820. Following positive customer feedback and demand, Emirates is expanding its Boeing 777 premium products for a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The airline plans to increase its network of cities served by more of this fleet type in the coming weeks and months. The latest refurbished Emirates Boeing 777s include Premium Economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout, offering enhanced comfort and space. The upgraded Business Class cabin features a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access, providing even more privacy and convenience. Emirates’ refurbished aircraft …

Al Naboodah Travel was honoured with the title ‘Fastest Growing Travel Agency, KSA’at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “It is a wonderful experience. It is a moment of pride and recognition for all those who have worked hard, who have worked smartly, who have performed well. And I think this recognition will add a lot of value, confidence, and inspiration for all of us to do even better and better for the coming years. I am overexcited, and I am looking forward to winning more than three awards next year.”- Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel & Tourism Agencies

Accor announced the appointment of Islam Samad as Vice President Development, Middle East. Based in Jeddah, Islam will be instrumental in advancing Accor’s ambitious expansion strategy, reinforcing Accor’s leading position in the market and driving accelerated growth through strategic partnerships, high-value deals, and transformative development initiatives. A visionary leader with over 23 years of experience, Islam has played a pivotal role in shaping the hospitality landscape across the Middle East namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and United Arab Emirates. Renowned for his strategic insight and operational expertise, he has successfully led some of the most high-profile relationships in the region. During his last tenure, he was instrumental in launching over 100 new properties and negotiating landmark deals, cementing his reputation as a key driver of expansion and business success. With a deep understanding of market dynamics, Islam has a proven track record of identifying untapped opportunities and fostering strong relationships with owners and investors. In his new role, Islam will be based in Accor’s Jeddah office, reporting directly to Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. His focus will be on driving the Group’s expansion strategy, strengthening brand presence, and ensuring the seamless execution of Accor’s ambitious development plans, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt among other countries. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Islam brings a relentless drive for excellence, an attribute shaped during his early years as a professional swimmer representing Egypt on the international stage. His competitive spirit, resilience, and strategic mindset continue to define his leadership approach. A dedicated husband and father of two, he balances his professional success with a strong commitment …

ATS Travel and Payhound announced a groundbreaking understanding to enable ATS Travel to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for all its services. This new development marks a significant milestone in the Middle East’s travel industry, making ATS Travel the first large-scale travel management company in the region to adopt cryptocurrency for both corporate and leisure travel transactions, informed Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director of ATS travel on the sidelines of the travel industry leading event Private Luxury Barcelona, from Private Luxury Events. Under this historic arrangement, ATS Travel’s clients – many of whom are high-net-worth individuals from across the Middle East – will now have the flexibility to pay for a wide range of travel services, including airline tickets, luxury travel, holiday packages, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Exhibitions, and Events) services, and more, using leading cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, informed Sharif. This initiative is poised to be a game changer in the travel industry and reflects the region’s growing interest in digital currencies and blockchain technology, added Sharif. This collaboration is the first of its kind for a company of ATS Travel’s scale and prestige in the Middle East, setting a new benchmark for the industry. With a focus on innovation and forward-thinking business solutions, the understanding with Payhound enables ATS Travel to meet the demands of a tech-savvy, digital-first clientele, particularly those accustomed to high-end services. The implementation of crypto payments is expected to significantly enhance the customer experience by providing seamless, instant, and secure payment options while eliminating the delays and costs typically associated with traditional banking methods, informed Sharif. Payhound, headquartered in Malta, is a fully regulated crypto payment provider with a proven …

BNW Developments has joined forces with Taj to bring its iconic Wellington Mews brand to the UAE. This partnership signifies Taj’s first foray in the UAE into branded residences under the brand, bringing its renowned legacy of luxury hospitality to the flourishing Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. By partnering with BNW Developments, known for its unwavering commitment to architectural magnificence and luxury, Taj will deliver an unparalleled 5-star living experience to residents in Ras Al Khaimah for the first time. Investors can now expect to enjoy the quintessential Taj experience that defines the concept of Tajness, complete with world-class amenities and the impeccable service that has made Taj a global leader in luxury hospitality. Building upon the success of projects like the Taj Wellington Mews in Mumbai and Chennai, Taj will now bring its expertise to Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah for the very first time in collaboration with BNW Developments, the ultra-luxury real estate developers in the UAE. Taj also confirmed that this launch is only the start—much more awaits, with new project announcements on the horizon, as they partner with BNW Developments to reshape the very definition of hospitality and luxury. After BNW’s multiple successful launches in Al Marjan Island, this partnership further sets the stage for BNW’s upcoming collection of ultra-luxury projects in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, establishing its position at the pinnacle of high-end real estate development in the UAE. Gracing this historic occasion were the luminaries who played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life— Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman & Founder, BNW …

Emirates will expand the list of cities served by its refurbished Boeing 777 to Seoul, South Korea starting 14 April* and London Stansted in the UK from 7 May*, as aircraft sporting upgraded cabins roll out of Emirates’ retrofit programme and into scheduled service. Emirates’ four-class Boeing 777 will launch on flights EK324/325 between Dubai and Seoul, operating three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The upcoming deployment makes Seoul the second East Asian destination to receive Emirates’ upgraded Boeing 777 retrofitted aircraft, including its award-winning Premium Economy and newly configured Business Class cabin, offering customers more choice and a better experience in the skies. By July 2025, travellers flying eastbound with Emirates will have access to more than 3,150 weekly seats in Premium Economy on a mix of Boeing 777s and A380s across six key destinations in Southeast and East Asia, including Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka, Singapore, Seoul, and Shenzhen. London Stansted joins London Heathrow and Edinburgh as the third UK destination to showcase the airline’s latest generation products and elegantly refreshed cabin interiors. In addition to London Stansted, Emirates’ network of European destinations served by the four-class Boeing 777 includes Brussels, Geneva, Zurich, Vienna, and Athens. The retrofitted Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft features a four-class configuration, including Emirates’ signature Premium Economy cabins, which combine accessible luxury with comfort. The aircraft also boasts the new Emirates 777 Business Class, with seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration for maximum privacy ensuring aisle access for every passenger, fully flat beds, and personal mini-bars. On some aircraft, First Class passengers can experience the exclusive Gamechanger suites, offering unparalleled luxury, opulent comfort and signature design touches. Customers across all cabins will enjoy upgraded …