Novotel Deira Creekside and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue announce the launch of their NOVO25 campaign. Inspired by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE, NOVO25 is all about embracing fresh beginnings, fostering connections, and creating positive change. Under the pillar “It’s Time to Unwind or Bond”, this yearlong campaign invites guests to come together, strengthen family ties, and be part of building a stronger, more connected community. Get ready to dive into an array of exciting experiences designed to inspire, entertain, and engage. From learning new skills to supporting sustainability, NOVO25 has something for everyone. “We’re incredibly excited to launch NOVO25 and invite our guests to join us in a year of meaningful experiences designed to help families and friends unwind, bond, and create lasting memories,” said Nishan Silva, Regional General Manager, Dubai & Emirates North, UAE “This campaign reflects our deep passion for sustainability in hospitality and our unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community. NOVO25 goes beyond offering fun and surprises; it is about nurturing relationships, championing sustainable practices, and playing our part in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for both our guests and the world around us.” As part of their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, both hotels are proud to collaborate with Project REEFRAME, led by FREESTYLE DIVERS, in a vital coral reef restoration project in Fujairah. This ambitious initiative aims to restore and rebalance ocean and coral reef ecosystems, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and raising awareness about ocean conservation. Through this collaboration, the hotels are reinforcing their dedication to environmental responsibility and the well-being of our …

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving the customer journey. According to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more personalised guest services. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and gain actionable insights that can drive business success.” On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats …

Marriott International, Inc. and Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) announced an agreement to bring a luxury resort and residential development under The Luxury Collection brand to Ras Al Khaimah. Situated within Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship development, the project is anticipated to blend the brand’s authentic take on luxury while providing residents an elevated and exceptional living experience. The Luxury Collection Resort in Al Marjan Island is anticipated to comprise 466 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, along with 29 expansive villas. Design plans for the resort include multiple dining venues, a spa, fitness center, kids club, swimming pool, and padel court. The property is also slated to feature more than 3,500sqm of meeting and event space, including a 1,300sqm ballroom.

Rove Hotels announced the opening of its newest property, Rove Al Marjan Island. Situated on the idyllic beachfront of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and just an hour from Dubai, Rovers (guests) can enjoy the familiar, fuss-free Rove service with an added element of sun-kissed adventure. Brimming with local culture, dynamic dining spots, and pristine white sandy beaches, this is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled family vacation. Well connected, the property offers easy access to five international airports and is located just five minutes from the UAE’s first integrated resort with gaming, which is set to open in 2027. Bringing their signature Rove charm to one of the UAE’s most sought-after destinations, the hotel is perfect for staycations as well as long-term stays, offering Rovers the chance to explore the Emirate’s rich culture and an endless array of exciting activities. Developed by Marjan and with asset management provided by Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the property features 441 rooms with two types of Rove Rooms with all the usual comforts. Guests can choose between island vistas or stunning sea views, with 30% of the rooms interconnecting, making it ideal for families. Whether planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Rove Hotels ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience. The hotel design creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere with interiors inspired by local culture. Beyond aesthetics, Rove Al Marjan Island embodies the brand’s strong commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the property adheres to Ras Al Khaimah’s Green Building Regulations (Barjeel). It implements numerous eco-friendly initiatives, including eliminating single-use plastics, providing refillable water bottles in every room and F&B outlets, and composting 100% of food waste. These efforts are …

Sabre Corporation announced that BermudAir has successfully implemented Radixx®, Sabre’s low-cost carrier (LCC) passenger service system (PSS), to support its growing operations. As part of a multi-year agreement, BermudAir deployed Radixx Res®, Radixx Insight®, and Radixx EzyCommerce®, enabling BermudAir to optimize reservations, streamline operations, and enhance the traveler experience. The flexible, cloud-based solutions will support BermudAir’s rapid expansion by improving passenger processing, delivering data-driven insights, and enabling seamless digital retailing. “Radixx’s advanced retailing capabilities empower airlines to deliver personalized offers and smooth booking experiences, driving ancillary revenue and increasing customer satisfaction,” said Darren Rickey, Senior Vice President, Global Airline Sales and Account Management at Sabre. “We are excited to partner with BermudAir as they continue to grow and redefine air travel to and from Bermuda.” With Radixx’s next-generation technology, BermudAir can further refine its digital capabilities, providing a seamless, intuitive booking process, faster passenger handling, and greater operational efficiency. The partnership underscores Sabre’s commitment to powering airlines with intelligent, adaptable solutions that enable agility in a competitive market. “Delivering a consistent and efficient travel experience for our customers is our top priority, and having the right technology partner is essential to achieving that,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO at BermudAir. “Radixx offers the flexibility and scalability required to streamline our operations, enhance the booking experience, and drive efficiency. With a successful implementation, we are well-positioned for future expansion.” In addition, BermudAir recently integrated with Sabre’s Global Distribution System (GDS), broadening its reach within the travel trade sector and making its flights more accessible to travel agents and corporate bookers worldwide. Since launching in September 2023, BermudAir has established itself as a premier regional carrier, providing year-round connectivity between Bermuda and …

beOnd announced it will offer to customers in Munich and Dubai its award-winning beOnd service between the two cities. Since 2024, beOnd has flown guests in the airline’s signature luxury leisure cabin between Munich and the Maldives. Today’s news is an expansion of service connecting customers in Germany and the United Arab Emirates. “Linking Munich with Dubai aligns perfectly with our strategic vision, driven by significant customer demand. Munich residents seek Dubai’s luxurious resorts and vibrant tourism, while Dubai residents look forward to Munich’s cultural heritage and scenic beauty,” said Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd. beOnd offers all-lie-flat seating and private jet–inspired service curated for today’s discerning leisure traveller. This elevated experience reflects beOnd’s global brand campaign, Redefining Travel, which places wellness, design, and destination-inspired hospitality at the heart of the journey. Initially, the airline will operate twice-weekly flights from Munich Airport Franz Josef Strauss (MUC) to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Additional destinations in Germany may follow in 2025. beOnd will operate the flights under “fifth freedom” rights. This approval—granted by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and Germany’s Luftfahrt-Bundesamt—underscores the strong regulatory support beOnd continues to receive. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the MCAA and Luftfahrt-Bundesamt for their confidence in beOnd. We also thank Velana International Airport in Malé and Munich Airport for their collaboration,” Taskila said. This milestone follows beOnd’s recent approval to operate flights between Switzerland and Dubai, expanding its premium leisure network across key European markets.

Serravalle Designer Outlet has been named the best outlet center in Europe in the 2025 edition of the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe (OCPRE), curated by the real estate consulting firm Ecostra and the French research institute Magdus. The report is based on an annual survey conducted across Europe among international brands, focusing on the economic performance of individual stores within various outlet centers. In addition to providing a comprehensive ranking of centers based on their economic performance and the evaluation by tenants of the operators’ performance, this year – for the first time since 2016 – the importance of specific criteria related to location and ownership in the decision to lease outlet space was analyzed. “We are thrilled to learn that Serravalle has been ranked as the most successful outlet center in Europe by our business partners,” commented Matteo Migani, General Manager of Serravalle Designer Outlet. “In the year we celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary, a journey marked by excellence and innovation in the retail sector, we are proud to receive this recognition, which highlights how much our strategic partnerships are valued by our tenants.” The success is not limited to Serravalle: McArthurGlen’s centers in Roermond and Málaga also ranked second and third, respectively, further consolidating the group’s leadership in the European outlet landscape. In recognition of these results, Magdus also awarded McArthurGlen the prestigious title of “Best Outlet Operator in Europe 2024.” In total, eight McArthurGlen centers placed in the top 20 in Europe: Serravalle (1st), Roermond (2nd), Málaga (3rd), Cheshire Oaks (6th), Castel Romano and Noventa di Piave (tied for 8th), Parndorf (10th), and York (11th). Last December, McArthurGlen also received the prestigious “Silk Road 2024” award at the …

flyadeal has expanded its portfolio of products and services with the introduction of travel insurance packages through Saudia Arabia’s leading insurer, Tawuniya. From as little as SAR12 for a single journey or SAR19 round trip, travellers can have the comfort of securing cover to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, missed flights, baggage loss, and personal accidents. The airline’s latest offering can be purchased as an additional service on flyadeal’s website, www.flyadeal.com, or Mobile App. Travel insurance is the latest in a series of product enhancements introduced by flyadeal in recent weeks. These include Hold Fare enabling customers to lock their ticket price for 24 hours to avoid potential fare fluctuations while still deciding whether to book; and the launch of Adeal Membership, an annual domestic travel initiative that offers fixed monthly ticket prices for an annual premium. Abdullah Adel Alahmadi, flyadeal Ancillary Product Manager, said: “Travel insurance is always a safety net in times of need, providing peace of mind, and both financial and emotional relief in the event travellers face issues which require immediate assistance. “There is the assumption that travel insurance is cost prohibitive. This is not the case. In partnering with leading insurance provider Tawuniya, we are able to provide value added cover to suit individual needs from as little as SAR12 for a single journey.” One of the fastest growing airlines in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East, flyadeal has already embarked on an aggressive expansion this year. New routes have launched connecting Dammam with Tabuk, Najran and Yanbu, alongwith services from Riyadh and Jeddah to the Jordanian capital, Amman, and Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi. Effective 19 June 2025, flyadeal will embark …

Accor,  Valor Hospitality Partners and ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai),have strengthened their partnership with the launch of a six-hotel cluster in Dubai Deira Waterfront as part of the Deira Enrichment Program. Under the new agreement, the six-hotel cluster with 999 keys will be managed by Valor Hospitality Partners. This expansion integrates three well-established Accor properties under the ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio, and Mercure brands, along with three new properties that will be branded as Novotel, ibis Styles, and Mercure in Dubai. The cluster officially opened 1 April 2025, further solidifying Accor’s position in Dubai’s hospitality sector, addressing the growing demand for quality midscale and economy accommodations, expanding Valor’s current management portfolio in the UAE, and further cementing a commitment to operational excellence and financial efficiency. With a diversified portfolio, this expansion caters to distinct traveler needs, with Adagio meeting the demand of extended stays, Mercure delivering locally inspired experiences, ibis Styles providing design-driven affordability, and Novotel seamlessly blending business and leisure. “Focusing on strategic, sustainable and exponential growth is the driving force of our partnership with ICD and its wholly owned property developer Ithra Dubai,” said Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner – Middle East, AMEA at Valor Hospitality Partners. “This intensifies our firm commitment to the UAE and Dubai Hospitality Sectors, both well known for their innovation and excellence. The project also reflects our belief in our new slogan, ‘A Whole World of Local,’ which underscores our dedication to being closely connected to our partners and communities in the UAE, the Middle East, and wherever we operate.” For Accor, the expansion aligns with its long-term vision for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. “Strengthening our collaboration with ICD reaffirms …

Malé was the top dropped destination, followed by Jeddah and Mumbai for UAE travellers, with customers saving an average of £264 (AED 1,228) per trip to Malé. In Saudi Arabia, Cairo, Istanbul, and Baku were the most frequently dropped destinations in March, with travellers saving an average of £142 (SAR697), and some deals offering up to £828 (SAR4064.47) in savings. Dubai and Amman also appeared as top dropped destinations for Saudi-based travellers, reflecting strong intra-Gulf travel demand. Meanwhile, international routes from Saudi Arabia with the highest savings—though less frequent—included Malé (£732, SAR 3,593), Casablanca (£576, SAR 2,627), Kuala Lumpur (£553, SAR 2,714), Washington D.C. (£491, SAR 2,410) and Munich (£415, SAR 2,040). Skyscanner has officially introduced DROPS, its brand-new feature to help travellers in the Middle East find the best deal for their 2025 travels. During its initial pilot phases, Malé was ranked as the number one destination for the biggest average flight cost savings among UAE passengers in January, while Cairo topped the list for Saudi Arabia in March. DROPS is an exclusive app-only feature that uses push notifications to provide relevant, timely and personalised flight drops, giving travellers more reasons to search and book via the app time and time again. Wednesday was the most popular day for DROPS in the UAE, with 38% of early bird deals published before 9:00am**, while in Saudi Arabia, DROPS were released consistently throughout the day, with Monday emerging as the most active day—highlighting the differences in user behaviour and travel planning patterns across both markets. The UAE also remained a highly attractive destination for international travellers. In Germany and India, Dubai ranked second for biggest price drops, with average savings of …