Flight searches for summer travel have climbed 7% compared to last year, with France leading the charge, experiencing a remarkable 35% increase in outbound travel searches, followed by Ireland, Canada and Saudi Arabia. Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also seeing strong momentum, highlighting robust travel intent across key markets. As international travel reaches a fever pitch this summer, Emirates’ latest analysis of global booking data* and search patterns reveals where travellers are dreaming of and escaping to in July and August, with a shift towards new cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-track locales. In 2025, a few breakout stars have emerged as the top summer destinations for Emirates, and they’re largely concentrated in the Far East, Indian Ocean and Europe. Vietnam has emerged as this summer’s ‘it’ destination, stealing the spotlight with a robust 61% leap in interest, and an uplift in booking demand. Emirates flies to three points in Vietnam with 25 weekly flights: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and in June this year, the airline launched services to Da Nang via Bangkok, with flight times that offer seamless connections to/from major European cities and key American hubs. Vietnam’s vibrant third metropolis is a gateway to a trio of UNESCO World Heritage treasures and over 3,000km of untouched coastline. For culinary adventurers, Vietnamese cuisine is a story in every bite. From bustling street food markets to hidden local gems, the country’s dining scene promises an unforgettable experience. Close behind, the island nation of Mauritius continues to charm travellers, with searches for flights rising 41% as the second most in-demand destination on the Emirates network this summer. The airline offers two convenient daily flights on its iconic A380s; while …

Wego’s latest search trends reveal that Cairo continues to lead as the most sought-after global destination for Kuwaiti travellers. The Egyptian capital combines cultural richness and accessibility, remaining a consistent favorite for short stays. Other popular nearby destinations this summer include Amman, Istanbul, Baku, and Tbilisi. Amman offers easy access to Petra and the Dead Sea, while Istanbul captivates with its bazaars and Bosphorus charm. Baku blends futuristic flair with Old City allure, and Tbilisi enchants with thermal baths, rich cuisine, and great value for money. Among these cities, airfares remained stable or declined in several destinations. Baku and Tbilisi recorded double-digit drops in average fares compared to last year’s summer, while Istanbul saw a decline of 8.28% year-on-year. Amman fares also edged down slightly, reflecting more accessible pricing for summer travellers. Wego unveils the most popular and budget-friendly short-haul destinations for Kuwait travellers seeking a quick summer escape. All featured cities offer visa-free entry or seamless e-visa applications, making them especially convenient for last-minute getaways.

Signature Cave Cappadocia is Wyndham’s latest addition in one of Türkiye’s most visited regions, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with all spaces including guest rooms, restaurant and lobby- located within a cave complex. Each of the 27 suites of the hotel highlights the region’s architectural traditions through stone interiors, antique carpets, and handcrafted furnishings, enhanced with modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, and, in select suites, private pools, hot tubs, or fireplaces. Nestled in the heart of Türkiye’s enchanting Cappadocia region, the newly opened Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection® by Wyndham, marks the debut of the first cave hotel by a global hospitality brand. Blending centuries-old architecture with modern comfort, the 27-suite property is the latest example of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to creating one-of-a-kind, experience-led stays in the world’s most captivating destinations. With approximately 9,300 hotels across more than 95 countries, Wyndham continues to expand its global footprint while offering travellers something truly unique. The hotel offers diverse dining options through its 68-seat cave restaurant, breakfast room, and terrace bar. Guests can enjoy authentic local specialties such as Sineson Tava and St. Theodoros Köfte made with recipes exclusive to the Ürgüp region or take in panoramic views of Mustafapaşa from the bar’s terrace. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its world-renowned fairy chimneys, awe-inspiring landscape, rock-cut churches and underground dwellings, Cappadocia has welcomed over 4 million visitors last year, including over 1 million staying guests. Owned and operated by Honest Holding, Signature Cave Cappadocia represents the group’s second Wyndham-branded property, following last year’s opening of Ramada Resort by Wyndham Pamukkale Thermal. “The Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham isn’t just another hotel opening, it’s a …

The growth of integrated resorts in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) is redefining the hospitality industry by blending luxury, entertainment, and culture into immersive destination experiences, as reported by experts at Arabian Travel Market. Experts predict that annual gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the UAE could reach between US$3 billion and US$5 billion, driven by the introduction of integrated resort developments. The upcoming launch in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to significantly boost tourism, with the emirate aiming to attract 3.5 million overnight tourists by 2030, generating thousands of employment opportunities. The highly anticipated opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027 marks a significant milestone for the region, reflecting a broader shift towards diversified tourism offerings. Similarly, the upcoming opening of a casino at Cinnamon Life’s City of Dreams development in Sri Lanka signals a shift toward regulated gaming as part of a holistic resort offering. At ATM 2025, panellists from across the hospitality, research and technology sectors, including Judith Cartwright, Founding & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Darren Bishop, SVP, Market Research and Strategy Consultant, Heart+Mind Strategies; and Edward Batrouni, Founder and Executive Director, Zenitech discussed how these resorts are shifting perceptions and driving demand from key source markets, including India, China, the GCC and Europe. Sanjiv Hulugalle, CEO, Cinnamon Life Hotel & Mall at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, also part of the expert panel, commented: “A sense of place is critical to making a successful integrated project and not making the casino the centre. You’ve got to really tap into the surrounding destination and not just centre yourself in the place you are. It makes the fabric, the texture, and …

Air Arabia announced the launch of its latest route connecting Sharjah with the German city of Munich. Starting 15 December 2025, the new non-stop service will connect Sharjah International Airport and Munich International Airport with daily non-stop flights, offering travelers convenient and affordable travel options between the UAE and one of Europe’s leading economic and cultural hubs. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: “The launch of our new non-stop service to Munich marks another important step in expanding our European network from the United Arab Emirates to key global destinations. Munich stands as one of Germany’s leading economic and cultural centers, offering strong appeal for both business and leisure travelers. This new route reflects our continued commitment to delivering affordable, value-driven travel options while advancing our long-term growth strategy. We look forward to welcoming our passengers onboard and offering them a seamless and comfortable travel experience”. The addition of Munich marks a strategic expansion of Air Arabia’s growing European network directly from its hubs in the UAE, which already includes key destinations such as Vienna, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, Warsaw (Chopin and Modlin), and Prague. This new route not only strengthens the airline’s footprint in Europe but also opens up greater opportunities for both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable and convenient connectivity. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Munich by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre, or through travel agencies. Air Arabia operates a modern fleet comprised of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft. The airline offers a value-added onboard experience with ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers …

Air Arabia announced the launch of new daily non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport to Warsaw Modlin Mazovia Airport, starting 20 December 2025. The addition of this new airport complements the airline’s existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience when travelling to the Polish capital. “We are glad to introduce a new service to a second airport in Warsaw, offering daily non-stop connectivity between the UAE and Poland,” said Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “This new service reinforces our commitment to providing customers with more travel choices and underscores the growing demand for affordable air travel between the two countries. The additional service at Modlin Airports alongside our existing service at Chopin Airport, enables us to further expand our reach across the Polish capital and its surrounding regions, providing even greater convenience to our passengers.” The new service marks Air Arabia’s continued growth in Poland, complementing its existing service to Warsaw Chopin International Airport and its direct flights to Kraków from Sharjah. Air Arabia now offers travellers even more flexibility and choice. The airline’s expanded network provides seamless, direct connectivity between the UAE and key cities in Poland, making it easier for business or leisure travellers. Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy …

As Travel & Tourism enters the height of the summer season, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a new report calling for a more balanced approach to managing tourism in popular destinations. While overcrowding is often seen as a tourism problem, many of the real pressures come from deeper issues such as underinvestment in infrastructure, poor planning, and fragmented decision-making. These challenges affect both residents and visitors and need joined-up solutions. Travel & Tourism supports one in every 10 jobs and nearly 10% of global GDP and is set to support one in three new jobs over the next decade. When managed well, it also fosters cultural exchange, global understanding, and environmental protection. But without smart planning, the benefits it brings could be at risk. WTTC’s paper, Managing Destination Overcrowding: A Call to Action, explains that there’s no simple fix to the problem and urges governments, local leaders, and businesses to work together to support both communities and visitors. In 2024, Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute nearly $11TN to the global economy and support 357MN jobs. That’s a huge success but it also means destinations must plan to manage growth responsibly. Annually, governments around the world accrue more than $3.3TN from Travel & Tourism businesses, equivalent to 9.6% of global tax revenues. The global tourism body urges governments to reinvest this sum in vital infrastructure, and solutions to relieve pressures on already very popular destinations. The report looks at some of the root causes of overcrowding in a small number of increasingly popular destinations across Europe and offers real-world solutions that can be tailored to local needs. From using better data and planning tools, to …

Dubai Travel & Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) has partnered with WingsWay Training Institute (IATA Authorized Training Center) to introduce a dynamic series of monthly Skill Enhancement Programs tailored exclusively for DTTAG members. This initiative aims to enable travel professionals in Dubai with skills and insights to be at the forefront of the competitive travel and tourism industry in the region. These monthly sessions are free for all DTTAG members. The inaugural session, “Top 5 Keys to Delight Your Customers,” is being followed by a program on “Strategic Negotiation Skills”. Both have received an enthusiastic response from attendees. The interactive workshops provide actionable strategies to the participants to elevate customer service and foster client loyalty. Every registered participant eagerly shows up and we saw a full house of excited learners. “DTTAG continues with its effort to bring value for its members and hence have collaborated with the award-winning team of WingsWay Training Institute” said Asim Arshad, President, at Dubai Travel & Tour agents Group. “This collaboration with DTTAG is a significant step towards our shared vision of continuous professional development,” said Shakir Kantawala, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, at WingsWay Training Institute. “By combining our expertise in skill-based training with DTTAG’s commitment to excellence in the travel sector, we are creating valuable opportunities for professionals to upskill, adapt, and lead in this competitive market.” This annual calendar of complimentary sessions, exclusively for DTTAG members, will be conducted monthly and will cover a diverse range of topics, including customer experience, digital transformation, sales strategies, negotiation skills, contract management and operational excellence. Each program is designed to provide immediate, real-world application to help participants drive performance and innovation within their organisations.

Miral signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canadian University Dubai (CUD), marking a new milestone in fostering academic exchange and practical learning in the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector. The collaboration will offer Canadian University Dubai students exclusive access to volunteering, internship, and research opportunities at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center. These hands-on learning experiences will be complemented by community-led initiatives that nurture real-world skills and industry readiness. The MoU was signed at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, by Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral, Iain Wilson, Senior Vice President Finance at Miral Experiences, and Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost of Canadian University Dubai. With its strong emphasis on environmental studies, this partnership with the Canadian University Dubai aligns perfectly with Miral’s CSR strategy of delivering meaningful, purpose-driven impact through education and community collaboration. Julien Kauffmann, CEO of Miral Experiences, said: “At Miral Experiences, we are proud to support initiatives that empower young talent by providing meaningful exposure to the entertainment industry. This partnership with Canadian University Dubai reflects our commitment to fostering future leaders through real-world experience, innovation, and purpose-led collaboration across our world-class attractions.” Taghrid Alsaeed, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications & Events at Miral, said: “We are proud of our collaboration with Canadian University Dubai that aims to nurture talent through enriching initiatives. It demonstrates our commitment to driving meaningful partnerships that create long-term impact through real-world work experience, educational entertainment and social initiatives. This aligns with our ongoing efforts to drive sustainable value within our community.” Dr. Adam Fenech, Provost of Canadian University Dubai, said:” We are delighted to embark on this …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has successfully concluded the “Future Investment Pioneers” program, a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping a select group of Omani students with the skills and knowledge needed to understand investment dynamics in the tourism sector. The 12-week program brought together 16 students from six leading academic institutions, including Sultan Qaboos University, and offered them a rich learning experience through interactive workshops, mentorship sessions, and hands-on activities. By nurturing their entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking, the program supports the broader vision of building a national talent pool capable of shaping the future of Oman’s tourism industry. Participants developed practical skills in product development, entrepreneurial thinking, and professional communication, while also exploring key topics such as investment analyzing and attraction, mechanisms of entering strategic partnerships, tourism product innovation, and return on investment analysis from an investor’s perspective. Commenting on the program, Mundher Al Moosawi, Director of Business Development at OMRAN Group, said: “This program reflects our commitment to nurturing future tourism leaders by offering a comprehensive experience that blends practical learning with investment thinking. We strive to inspire and empower youth to actively contribute to the sector’s sustainable growth and position Oman as a promising investment destination.” The program concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion that brought together experts from tourism, investment, and academia to explore opportunities for innovation in the sector, the importance of aligning education with market needs, and the critical role of young investors in shaping Oman’s economic future. As part of the closing ceremony, the winners of the program’s accompanying competitions were honored in recognition of student projects that stood out for their spirit of innovation and healthy competition. The winning participants received …