Sav announced a strategic alliance with Travelwings.com to reinforce its “Save Now, Buy Later” approach, encouraging users to plan financially responsible travel while avoiding the pitfalls of high-interest credit. This collaboration allows Sav users to earn up to 7% value-back on travel bookings with Travelwings.com when they achieve their travel savings goals. It enhances Travelwings.com’s engagement with financially conscious travelers, optimizing inventory planning, and offering deeper insights into customer needs. The UAE has seen nearly 40% rise over the past decade in individuals overleveraged on credit, with some paying interest rates of up to 30% on missed payments. Sav’s model offers a financially sustainable alternative, encouraging users to save in advance toward travel goals, enjoy debt-free vacations, and build disciplined savings habits with rewarding outcomes. “We are thrilled to partner with Travelwings.com, to blend our innovative financial solutions with their exceptional travel offerings,” said Mithil Ajmera, Chief Operating Officer at Sav. “This collaboration not only rewards users for smart financial planning but also deepens engagement and loyalty for both brands. Together, we’re setting a new standard for responsible spending that benefits users now and in the future.” Users can visit the webpage featuring their desired travel package to access these benefits. Each package page includes the option to use Sav for savings. Users can fill in the required details and scan a QR code to create their travel savings goal. “Partnering with Sav allows us to provide a travel experience that aligns with our customers’ financial well-being,” said Albert Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Travelwings.com. “With Sav’s support, our customers can plan ahead, save, and enjoy exclusive benefits without incurring high-interest credit.” As Sav and Travelwings.com continue to explore …

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region. The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects. The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes. Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the …

Hilton and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay in the heart of Manama, marking the brand’s debut in Bahrain. The landmark signing will bring Waldorf Astoria’s signature service and sophisticated accommodations to Bahrain Bay, one of the capital’s most exclusive districts. A refined haven in the heart of the city, Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms and apartments. Continuing the brand’s globally renowned seamless service, each guest will be assigned a Personal Concierge who will meticulously attend to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will be located next to The Avenues – Bahrain, a premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination which includes a mix of luxury retail, high-street shopping and entertainment areas. It will also be in close proximity to Bahrain Financial Harbour, the country’s main commercial district, and will have easy access to the highways which connect Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Mr. Mohammed Alshaya, his team and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate to introduce Waldorf Astoria to Bahrain for the first time. As Bahrain continues to grow and diversify its tourism offerings, we see tremendous opportunities to expand our portfolio. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will embody the luxury and excellence that travelers expect from our globally renowned brand. We eagerly anticipate the opening of this magnificent new property in the coming years.” Building on Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence, the hotel will offer a carefully curated range of food and beverage options including a brasserie, a specialty rooftop bar and the brand’s famed Peacock …

Amsa Hospitality Academy announced a new partnership with King Khalid University for the launch of a joint training program. Launched in November, an inaugural cohort of 20 university graduates has begun vocational training at the soon-to-open Mercure Khamis Mushait, the first internationally branded hotel in the Aseer Province city of Khamis Mushait. The agreement, signed by Dr. Reham Mashat, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at King Khalid University, and Mohammad Mandili, Chief People Officer at Amsa Hospitality, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and the private industry. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing graduates with hands-on experience. Amsa Hospitality Academy, the vocational training arm of the eponymous Riyadh-based hospitality company, made its debut earlier this year. It was developed in partnership with Luxury Hotelschool Paris, a globally recognized institution known for its pedagogical excellence and collaborations with leading hotel brands. The training materials, certified and reviewed by Luxury Hotelschool Paris, help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. Muin Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to pilot our training program with such a prestigious institution as King Khalid University. This partnership demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to nurture Saudi talent and contribute to the goals of Vision 2030.” Through its collaborations with various institutions, Amsa Hospitality Academy aims to train over 400 individuals by the summer of 2025.

marhaba has seen the biggest, 65% growth in passengers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a solid demand from business travellers this year. marhaba is gearing up to assist a record 500,000 travellers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports this festive season, offering a range of convenient services to ease their journeys*. Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations, said: “As more travellers head home or embark on holiday trips this festive season, demand for seamless airport services continues to rise. Whether reuniting with loved ones or heading off on new adventures, our marhaba team is here to make every journey smoother and more enjoyable with our range of personalised services. Our helpful agents look forward to contributing to a memorable experience for both leisure and business travellers, at every stage of their journey.” In 2024, marhaba has experienced a significant surge in demand for its premium airport hospitality services, with passengers from the UAE, UK, India and USA leading the way in enhancing their airport journeys. Key highlights include a 43% increase in USA passengers choosing marhaba’s Meet & Greet, Lounge, and Chauffeur Services, reflecting a growing preference for convenience among long-haul travellers who prioritise time and comfort. marhaba’s personalised approach to hospitality also continues to resonate with elderly passengers and families, particularly among UAE customers travelling in large groups. marhaba’s services are often booked by relatives eager to provide their loved ones with a smooth airport experience. Key markets for such bookings include India with over 20,000 passengers taking advantage of marhaba’s services every month. marhaba’s services are designed to offer maximum convenience …

Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of its new service to Nairobi marking the airline’s latest milestone in a remarkable year of network expansion. Operating through the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport, the service creates a vital connection between the UAE’s capital and one of Africa’s most dynamic cities. “The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways. “As both Abu Dhabi and Kenya experience remarkable tourism growth and set ambitious targets for the future, this route creates valuable opportunities for both destinations. The service strengthens the important ties between our regions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub while providing enhanced access to Kenya’s thriving tourism market.” The launch comes at a significant time for Kenya’s tourism sector. With visitor numbers expected to reach 3 million in 2024 and targets of 5 million visitors in the coming years, Kenya’s tourism industry is on a strong growth trajectory. The Nairobi launch follows the successful introduction of services to Antalya, Bali, Boston, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Mykonos, Nice, Qassim, and Thiruvananthapuram in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, Etihad will continue its expansion with thirteen new destinations: Warsaw and Prague in June; Al Alamein and Atlanta in July; Taipei in September; Medan, Phnom Penh, and Krabi in October; and Tunis, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Algiers in November. The Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route connects two destinations known for their distinctive offerings. Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with its blend of modern attractions and rich heritage, from the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Louvre Abu …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the growth rate of international tourist arrivals with over 61% in the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to a press release issued by UN Tourism in December 2024. Through the Ministry of Tourism’s plans and strategies, this consistent performance and continued success in the tourism sector underlines the efforts of all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem aimed at achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists also reflects travelers’ confidence in the Kingdom’s attractive and diverse tourism offering, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global tourist destination. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had advanced 15 positions in the global ranking of inbound tourist spending, leading the upward movement among the top 50 countries and ranking 12th globally in 2023 compared to 2019. Additionally, the Kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

Qatar Airways is set to re-launch daily flights to Canberra driving connectivity and increased competition for the benefit of Canberrans and Australian customers. The daily flights to Canberra will operate via Melbourne to the airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport, in Doha, which has consistently been voted the World’s Best Airport, as well as offering travellers a world-class stopover experience with seamless connections to more than 170 destinations across the Qatar Airways global network. The flights, commencing in December 2025, will be operated by Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring the airline’s award-winning Q-suite Business Class cabin* and complimentary high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for all passengers. Qatar Airways ceased operations to Canberra during the global pandemic, making this announcement a significant milestone for the airline as it reconnects to the city, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the surrounding regions. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are delighted to be able to serve Canberra once again. The nation’s capital, the political heart of Australia, rightly expects to be served by a range of international airlines, and I am proud that we are able to play our part in that. Whether travelling for business, government services or leisure, our commitment to Australia, and to Canberra, is one that we know will bring much needed healthy competition to the market and greater choice for passengers.” Canberra Airport CEO, Mr. Stephen Byron, highlighted the significance of the recommencement of services, highlighting its importance for the region. “The return of Qatar Airways marks an exciting and pivotal moment for Canberra and our surrounding regions. This service not only provides over a million residents access to a global network spanning more than 170 destinations but also …

Dan Company announced the signing of a contract with Abdulmohsen Al-Tamimi Contracting Company to develop Dan’s flagship destination in the Al-Ahsa Governorate, under its local hospitality brand “Tuaja Luxury Resorts”. Spanning 1.8 million square metres, the resort will feature 201 accommodation units, from hotel rooms to high-end villas, some with private pools. Every aspect of the resort is carefully designed to reflect the unique character of Al-Ahsa, offering diverse experiences catering to guests’ needs in agri tourism, ecotourism, and Adventure tourism.  The project marks a milestone in the company’s mission to enhance the tourism sector and elevate the quality of services in the hospitality sector in the Kingdom by developing resorts that combine sustainability, innovation, and authentic hospitality. The project also contributes to strengthening Al-Ahsa’s position as an attractive destination for both local and international tourism. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kroud said “We are pleased to announce the new resort, which aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its hospitality and tourism offerings locally and internationally and reaffirms our commitment to contribute to the development of the tourism sector by leveraging the Kingdom’s enchanting natural landscapes and showcasing it’s rich natural diversity through agri, eco, and adventure tourism.” He added: “It is our pleasure to partner with Abdulmohsen Al-Tamimi Contracting Company, a leading company in the Eastern province to develop our flagship project under the TUAJA LUXURY RESORTS brand. This collaboration reflects our shared vision for the future and commitment to excellence. Together, we look forward to Tuaja Resorts becoming a symbol of sustainability and innovation in the Kingdom.” The project is a pioneering initiative that highlights the Al-Ahsa region’s stunning natural beauty and rich …

December marks the arrival of the festive season, where traditions, celebrations, and shared joy shape the essence of destinations worldwide. While some cherish the warmth of home, others are drawn to the allure of exploring new cultures and vibrant holiday experiences. Jamaica emerges as the ultimate destination for those seeking a tropical twist to their festive celebrations. Renowned for its lively spirit, exquisite cuisine, unparalleled hospitality, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking natural beauty, the island promises a delightful escape. As holiday events light up the country, celebrate the merry season with lively beachfront parties pulsing with island beats or with soulful gospel concerts and heartwarming church services that highlight the island’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. For families, activities like Christmas light displays and carol singing infused with reggae rhythms create magical moments to cherish. Tourists can also attend midnight mass services across the island to experience the spiritual warmth of the season. Boxing Day Celebrations include cricket matches, family gatherings, and outdoor concerts. Christmas markets and fairs are a great avenue to experience the local culture and connect with the people of Jamaica. December also heralds the much-anticipated 2025 Kingston Biennial, hosted by the National Gallery of Jamaica—the Caribbean’s largest and oldest public art museum. This prestigious event highlights leading artistic talent from Jamaica and the broader region, celebrating the vibrant creative heritage of the island. No Jamaican Christmas is complete without indulging in the island’s culinary delights. Guests can savor dishes like curried goat, roasted breadfruit, Gungo rice and peas, and escovitch fish, paired with Christmas favorites like rich Jamaican Christmas Cake soaked in a mix of spices and the refreshing sorrel drink – a hibiscus-infused beverage spiced with …