IDeaS’ Cruise Revenue Management System (RMS) uses advanced data analytics and automation to predict demand, execute dynamic revenue strategies, boost profitability and maintain a competitive edge for cruise operators. By embracing cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies outlined in the eBook, cruise operators can optimize pricing and inventory management to increase profitability and outperform competitors. IDeaS announced its latest Lessons in Revenue eBook, “Data-Driven Revenue Management in the Cruise Industry: Navigating the Groundswell,” to help cruise organizations navigate today’s challenging operating environment while capitalizing on opportunities to optimize revenue.  The recent surge in cruise demand presents substantial opportunities for growth, yet cruise lines face significant challenges, including intensifying competition, labor shortages, inflated costs and delayed adoption of revenue technologies. The eBook highlights key capabilities and challenges facing cruise revenue leaders, and shares ways cruise organizations can leverage revenue management technology to maximize the potential of their voyages as they chart their course into the future. Crystal Pernici, global director – Cruise RMS, IDeaS, said: “Cruise operators are becoming increasingly aware of the potential—and the value—of revenue strategies guided by revenue optimization technology. By basing their decision-making on data-driven insights rather than personal experience or selective reporting, cruise leaders are opening up their vessels to a new range of revenue opportunities.”

Barceló Hotel Group announced the rebranding of Occidental Al Jaddaf to Barceló Al Jaddaf and its upgrade to 5-star. This rebrand marks the Spanish hospitality group’s first Barceló Hotel in the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the group’s focus on delivering exceptional guest services to the GCC market, characterised by the elevated service and personalised attention that defines the Barceló brand. Barceló Al Jaddaf ticks all the reasons why of the Barceló Hotels & Resorts DNA: an excellent location, a singular and purposeful design, a stay that never fails to surprise with all the must-haves and nice-to-haves, with a defined character, attitude and social vibes, healthy gastronomy with local flavours and genuinely local experiences. Ideally located just minutes from Dubai’s cultural and business landmarks and Dubai International Airport, Barceló Al Jaddaf caters to the diverse needs of both leisure and corporate travellers. The property boasts 365 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring contemporary interiors that blend elegance with modern amenities. Barceló Al Jaddaf stands out by offering guests a uniquely tailored experience through attentive service, curated dining and leisure offerings that reflect the vibrant energy of the city. The standout feature of the Barceló Al Jaddaf rebrand is B-Heaven, a chic Mediterranean fusion restaurant with arresting views, a carefully curated menu and a privileged location in the hotel, by the swimming pool, giving it an “urban beach club” vibe and ambience. B-Heaven is making its debut in the GCC, having already garnered acclaim at other Barceló properties worldwide. Offering a refined space for both relaxation and social gatherings, B-Heaven provides a 180-degree panorama of Dubai’s Skyline, serving as an urban retreat by day and an elegant and lively haven by night. …

Emirates has announced it will ramp up operations to Barcelona with the addition of a third daily flight starting from 26 October 2025. The added service will meet market demand and offer customers greater connectivity to/from the coastal city as well as access to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong and Singapore. Customers can look forward to the airline’s award-winning service and industry-leading products across all cabins including regionally inspired meals, premium beverages, and up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on ice – the airline’s inflight entertainment system. Emirates currently serves Spain with 28 weekly flights utilising a fleet mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft, including: 14 weekly flights to Madrid; and 14 weekly flights to Barcelona including 7 weekly flights from Dubai to Mexico City via Barcelona. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores.

This year’s 28th edition of Dubai Summer Surprises will have over 200 hotels participating with 4000 plus retail outlets. The countdown is on: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 is set to take over the city for its epic edition from 27 June to 31 August, transforming the emirate into the ultimate summer destination with exceptional savings, endless excitement, and amazing new adventures. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do, see, shop, and savour for 66 non-stop days. From life-changing raffles and incredible discounts to world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and headline concerts, DSS delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether a resident, a visitor, or travelling in from across the UAE. The jam-packed DSS calendar of events was unveiled at a special press preview event held today at the iconic Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the founding property of Jumeirah, characterised by its iconic wave-like architecture and renowned façade. The preview event showcased a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new DSS experiences and returning festival favourites, showcasing summer as the best-value time of year to experience Dubai across every preference and price point, with endless reasons to stay, play, shop and celebrate together. For the first-time ever, DSS brings a brand-new shopping experience with three specially curated retail seasons designed to keep the city buzzing. Summer Holiday Offers kicks off the celebrations from 27 June to 17 July, brimming with exclusive promotions, family-friendly deals, and the first round of spectacular raffles across Dubai’s top malls. Then comes the most thrilling shopping moment of the season: the Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 …

The Luxurist, the world’s first all-in-one B2B luxury travel ecosystem, is expanding into key global markets, including Gulf Cooperation Council, Spain, Mexico, Australia and South Africa. The company is also now officially integrated into Bedsonline, the retail arm of HBX Group (HBX.MC), granting access to travel agents worldwide to its portfolio of luxury and premium travel products. Launched in early 2025 and already live in the US, Canada, UK, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, The Luxurist leverages innovative travel technology to connect best-in-class travel advisors with extraordinary properties via a seamless interface designed exclusively for the luxury segment. Aiming to establish a new reference point in the B2B luxury &premium travel market by offering: ● Dedicated concierge team available 24/7 ● Real-time inventory management and booking confirmation ● Privileged rates and exclusive amenities for discerning clients Now part of HBX Group’s retail distribution, The Luxurist will be accessible to a wider network of luxury travel advisors with an impressive portfolio of over 5,000 handpicked luxury properties across +200 countries. “Integrating The Luxurist into HBX Group’s retail platform is a major milestone. Our unique value proposition – exceptional concierge service and exclusive privileges – is now accessible to all HBX Group partners worldwide via web and API.” said David Amsellem, CEO of The Luxurist. “We are expanding into Spain, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and Gulf Cooperation Council with a platform that reflects the elevated standards expected in luxury travel. We are not just providing access, we are providing an ecosystem of excellence.” “Luxury travel is the fastest-growing segment in our industry” said Nicolas Huss, CEO of HBX Group. “With The Luxurist, we are investing in the future of high-end travel services. By …

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marriott International which aims to further boost the city’s international visibility, diversify the destination offering, elevate guest experiences, and nurture next-generation industry talent. The MoU extends the long-standing collaborative efforts between DET and Marriott International, and marks another important step in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East & Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, the MoU reinforces their commitment to accelerate the growth of the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The MoU sets the foundation for potential collaborations whereby Dubai will be prominently promoted to guests worldwide through Marriott International’s portfolio of hotels. In addition, potential joint marketing initiatives including multi-channel advertising, high-impact social media campaigns, and influencer collaborations will spotlight Dubai’s unique attractions, cultural heritage, and exceptional experiences, aiming to drive wider international awareness and visitor demand. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, said: “The growth and resilience of our tourism sector is driven by robust strategies and the collective commitment of forward-thinking partners such as Marriott International. The new MoU is inspired by visionary leadership to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and hospitality innovation. By leveraging the reach and expertise of one of the world’s most prominent hotel groups, we are amplifying Dubai’s global profile and delivering richer experiences to our …

Emirates and Uber have announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore ways to make journeys more seamless, effortless and rewarding for travellers. This includes enhancing the on-ground mobility experience for Emirates customers, while offering Skywards members loyalty benefits when using the Uber platform across select markets within the Emirates network.* Through this partnership, Emirates and Uber will work towards introducing several initiatives to offer travellers more seamless and effortless journeys. These include; Developing an integrated booking experience  that combines Uber Rides Vouchers with flight bookings for easier airport transfers or in-city rides. Additionally, Emirates and Uber will explore offering Uber rides to and from the airport for select Emirates customers, supporting a complete door-to-destination experience. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber. The partnership will explore strategic opportunities to closely collaborate on offering Skywards members in the UAE the opportunity to earn on rides or redeem their miles for Uber app credits or vouchers. Emirates Skywards will also explore ways for members in the UAE to benefit from earning Miles on Uber rides across select markets  in the Emirates network. Another area of collaboration will include exploring opportunities around Last Mile delivery initiatives for Emirates Courier Express, leveraging Uber’s advanced technology platform and vast network of global Delivery partners to enhance customer reach, speed and efficiency. Adnan Kazim said: “Emirates is excited to join forces with Uber as part of our commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences. In the months ahead, we’ll closely work together to leverage our combined capabilities in travel and technology to expand …

According to a recent report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of ATM, tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa are on track to more than double between 2025 and 2030. The number of tourism nights, specifically from China to the Middle East, is expected to grow by 189% through 2030, and APAC source markets are set to account for the largest share of business nights in the region, with India, in particular, gaining importance. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “More than 60% of travellers are booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40% are influenced by digital platforms such as TikTok. Interestingly, film and television are also playing a significant role, evidenced by a rise in bookings to Thailand following the popularity of The White Lotus.” The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth, with spending on international travel forecast to hit US$2.5 trillion and domestic travel to reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International. Outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61% of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75% of bookings set to be made online. The Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, is key to ensuring the emirate’s strategic success in APAC markets, with a focus on market segmentation and storytelling. By tailoring messaging for platforms such as the video-sharing website Bilibili and the social networking and e-commerce platform Red Note, and leveraging strong air links through carriers like Emirates and flydubai, Dubai’s tourism authorities continue to …

Visit Qatar launches ‘Scoop on the Sea’ event as a new summer experience on the shore of West North Bay to attract visitors. This summer event held daily on the shore of West North Bay from 18 June to 13 August 2025. Based on a concept inspired by the world of ice cream, the event offers a variety of activities suitable for the whole family, including interactive competitions and live sports and entertainment shows. The event includes a busy programme, where the water festival includes kitesurfing and boarding shows, a rowing fashion festival, as well asunique activities such asFoam Family Party , and a virtual reality experience to simulate Formula 1 cars, where visitors can enter a cockpit that simulates Formula 1 racing with virtual reality technology. The ecosports competition allows participants to compete on stationary bikes designed to convert kinetic energy into usable energy. Theair show also includes a series of smoke and flags shows. Daily entertainment programs includecarnival games, air jumping park, photo corner and open sports sessions.Interactive activities include pedestrian shows on long sticks, children’s shows, mime shows, musical performances, family challenge track, sand castle building competitions, trips to Safliya Island, bodyweight movement competitions, volleyball and basketball tournaments. Visitors will also have a variety of food and beverage options available throughout the event. The event will be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays, and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends (Friday and Saturday). The entrance fee is QAR 35 for adults on weekdays and QAR 50 on weekends, with free entry for children under 12 years old and seniors over 60 years old. Tickets can also be purchased through the event website.

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with Landmark Group to deliver greater value and flexibility to travellers across the GCC through Shukran, Landmark’s award-winning loyalty programme. Through this collaboration, Almosafer customers across the GCC can earn Shukran Points on travel bookings made through Almosafer’s online travel platforms. Additionally, customers can transfer their Almosafer Points to Shukran Points, providing them with even more options for utilising their travel rewards. Shukran Points can be redeemed across Landmark Group’s extensive retail network, including Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Home Centre, Splash, Lifestyle, Shoemart, and Emax – creating a seamless connection between travel and everyday lifestyle benefits. Pallav Singhvi, VP of Consumer Travel at Almosafer, said: “Our goal has always been to deliver a seamless and enriching experience for our travellers. This partnership with Shukran allows us to add even more value to each journey booked through Almosafer, while also expanding our benefits ecosystem to include one of the region’s most trusted loyalty programmes.” James Dickson, Chief Product Officer at Landmark Group said; “We’re thrilled to extend Shukran’s reach through our partnership with Almosafer. Shukran is built to reward customers for the lifestyle choices they make every day, and this collaboration is a significant step forward in offering even greater flexibility and value to our members.” The partnership reflects Almosafer’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more rewarding travel experiences across the region. -ENDS- About Almosafer Almosafer is the Middle East’s leading travel brand offering consumers seamless user experiences for domestic and international travel bookings through its omni-channel offerings across state-of-the-art online platforms, call centre, WhatsApp and retail locations. Providing hotel booking options for over 1.5 million properties around the globe, flight bookings on over 450 airlines, domestic …