The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media (ADTCM) has strengthened its strategic presence in the European market by signing a distinguished cooperation agreement with Coral Travel, one of the leading tour operators in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This agreement reflects a carefully planned marketing approach aimed at consolidating Ajman’s position as a preferred destination for European travellers, diversifying its source markets, and enhancing its competitive presence in high-value, high-spending tourism segments. The agreement was inked virtually, with His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of ADTCM, signing from the Department’s headquarters, while Hicabi Ayhan, Director Product Management at Coral Travel, signed from Berlin, Germany. The signing took place in the presence of the Department’s representative office participating in ITB Berlin, the world’s leading platform for the travel and tourism industry. The agreement establishes a practical framework for including the Emirate of Ajman within Coral Travel’s portfolio of promoted destinations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This will be achieved through integrated marketing campaigns targeting specific traveller segments, the development of tailored travel packages based on in-depth analysis of European consumer behaviour, and the empowerment of travel agents and sales partners with marketing tools and insights that enhance Ajman’s visibility at points of sale. Both parties will also collaborate in analysing demand indicators and travel trends across Central European markets, as well as in designing flexible tourism products that respond to market dynamics and align with the growing demand for destinations offering cultural depth, beachfront experiences, and family-oriented activities within a safe and high-quality environment. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi stated that the Department adopts a strategic approach focused on building long-term partnerships with leading international tour operators, strengthening Ajman’s position as a …

Hesen Al Musafer Travel wins ‘Best Tours and Excursion Provider’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia 2025. “I’m very happy for this award, as it represents so much for us in the Saudi Arabia market. It is my pleasure to receive this recognition at the ceremony, and I feel truly honored and grateful. This award is not just a reflection of our work, but also a celebration of the growth, opportunities, and achievements in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. I am proud to be part of this journey and excited to continue contributing to the sector’s success.”- Khaled Abdo ALdhabab, Business Development Manager, Hesen Al Musafer Travel.

TravTalkME in conversation with Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO of (PATA) Pacific Asia Travel Association about the current situation in the Middle East shared, “As a not-for-profit trade association, our foremost priority is the safety and wellbeing of our members and partners. We have reached out directly to those in affected destinations to express our solidarity and to better understand their immediate needs. While airspace closures are already disrupting travel flows, the situation represents a broader humanitarian and economic crisis with global implications.” Hamid further added in terms of the support provided by PATA for travel trade, “We are initiating a committee to gather on-the-ground updates and facilitate the sharing of clear, verified information—similar to the coordination role we played during the COVID-19 pandemic. The disruption is already affecting major industry gatherings, including the ITB Berlin, with implications for members across Asia Pacific and the Middle East.” At this point of time, it is important to come together, hence Hamid reiterated, “Travel depends on peace and stability. As PATA marks its 75th anniversary, we are reminded that tourism itself is a product of stability and cooperation. This may be the moment for global tourism associations to come together and call for de-escalation, constructive dialogue, and responsible leadership.”    

The Maldives will take center stage as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, presenting the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the island nation in the Indian Ocean to the global travel industry at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. The partnership was officially sealed during ITB Berlin 2026: Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives (MMPRC) and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed the agreement during an official photo ceremony at the Maldives’ stand in Hall 5.2. “We are delighted that, 10 years after their first appearance as Host Country, the Maldives will once again take center stage at ITB Berlin. This long-standing partnership underscores the importance of ITB Berlin as a global platform and highlights the Maldives’ prominent role in the international travel industry. In 2027, we look forward to showcasing the Maldives’ extraordinary beauty and diversity, while also demonstrating how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand,” explained Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. Abdulla Ghiyas (Chairperson, Visit Maldives Corporation), Ibrahim Shiuree (CEO and Managing Director, Visit Maldives), Deborah Rothe (Director of ITB Berlin), Dr Mario Tobias (CEO of Messe Berlin), David Ruetz (Senior Vice President of Messe Berlin) (from left to right) A Global Stage for an Exceptional Destination With more than 1,000 islands, turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives rank among the most iconic long-haul destinations worldwide. The country stands for exclusive resort experiences, authentic local island tourism and warm hospitality. As Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, the Maldives will present the full diversity of its tourism offering: from luxury resorts and boutique properties to diving experiences, water sports, wellness retreats and …

RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global leader of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, announced the strategic unification of Adara and Sojern into a single global entity operating under the Sojern brand, creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive source of travel intent data. By combining products, talent and data assets under a single brand, the unified platform will deliver predictive traveler insights and multichannel engagement at global scale. This deliberate alignment brings together complementary strengths while preserving the expertise and customer value each organization has built, deepening product depth and data moats to reinforce differentiation in the global travel technology landscape. Bhanu Chopra, Founder and Managing Director, RateGain, said, “Our mission is to simplify growth for travel brands by unlocking the full potential of integrated data. Adara joining Sojern under one roof, represents a defining step in that journey. We are creating a platform that combines deep travel-intent intelligence with global media activation and performance capabilities, delivering a unified growth engine designed to set new benchmarks for the industry.” “We’re proud to have Adara join our ranks, and even further increase our capability to deliver on the demands of the rapidly evolving travel marketing industry,” said Mark Rabe, CEO of Sojern. “By uniting our people, data, and technology under the Sojern brand, we are creating an undeniable powerhouse that connects marketing, distribution, and revenue decisions. This alignment allows us to focus on what matters most: helping our customers navigate a complex travel landscape and capture every opportunity for growth.” Sojern will retain the Adara workforce under newly organized leadership. These changes are part of a multi-stage, strategic alignment being undertaken as RateGain creates the industry’s most comprehensive …

The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media (ADTCM) has signed a strategic agreement with Germany-based Vtours, aimed at enhancing the promotion of the Emirate of Ajman in the Federal Republic of Germany and expanding international partnerships to support sustainable tourism growth, further reinforcing Ajman’s position as a competitive destination in European markets. The agreement was signed virtually, with His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of ADTCM, signing from the Department’s headquarters in Ajman, while Sabine Jordan-Glaab, CEO Vtours, signed from Berlin during her participation in ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. The signing took place in the presence of representatives from the Department’s office attending the exhibition. The agreement coincides with the presence of the Department’s representative office at ITB Berlin, reflecting its commitment to strengthening its international presence and building high-impact partnerships with leading global tourism and travel companies, while leveraging major international platforms to create new avenues of cooperation that support Ajman’s tourism sector. The agreement aims to develop joint marketing programs to promote Ajman in the German market, enhance the inclusion of the Emirate within Vtours’ travel packages and product offerings, and implement targeted marketing campaigns based on detailed insights into German traveller preferences. It also includes organising professional workshops and meetings with travel agents and tour operators, in addition to exchanging data and expertise related to travel trends and visitor behaviour, thereby increasing the effectiveness of promotional efforts and strengthening Ajman’s competitiveness in the European market. Furthermore, the agreement covers the organisation of familiarisation trips for media representatives, content creators, and tourism stakeholders, highlighting Ajman’s cultural, natural, and tourism assets to further position the emirate as a comprehensive destination that blends …

Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai is proud to announce the completion of the renovation of its iconic Oud Metha Ballroom and the enhanced Al Nakheel Meeting Rooms, reinforcing the hotel’s position as one of Dubai’s most trusted destinations for unforgettable events. Blending timeless elegance with modern event functionality, the refreshed Oud Metha Ballroom brings together generous scale, seamless accessibility, and understated sophistication, reimagined for today’s experiential celebrations. Centrally located yet discreet, the venue features a separate private entrance, valet access, and thoughtfully designed guest circulation, ensuring every arrival feels elevated, private, and intentional. A defining highlight of the ballroom is its hydraulic stage, a powerful storytelling feature that creates dramatic reveal moments, from bridal entrances and keynote unveilings to luxury brand and automotive launches. Supported by production-ready infrastructure and generous ceiling height, the ballroom is designed to host everything from refined weddings to high-impact corporate events with ease and confidence. For decades, the Oud Metha Ballroom has held a special place in Dubai’s social scene, welcoming generations of families, corporates, and institutions who return to celebrate life’s most meaningful milestones. In a world where connection is increasingly rare, it remains a place of reconnection, where people gather to share moments that matter. “The Oud Metha Ballroom has always been more than an event space; it is part of the social heritage of Mövenpick Bur Dubai and a venue where generations have celebrated their most important milestones,” said Damir Kartal, Cluster General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai. “With this renovation, we are proud to elevate the ballroom and our meeting rooms into a future-ready destination that reflects modern expectations, while staying true to what defines Mövenpick: generosity, …

AlMosafer International Travel & Tourism wins ‘Best OTA’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia 2025. “Winning this award reinforces Almosafer’s leadership in the Saudi travel market and reflects a strong focus on local customer needs. It strengthens trust and momentum as we continue enhancing service quality and seamless experiences for travellers across the Kingdom and beyond.”- Mohamad Habhab, Senior Director, Almosafer International Travel & Tourism

According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, more than 2,000 flights to and from major Gulf airports have been cancelled, reflecting the scale of operational disruption across the region. Chapman Freeborn maintains an active global crisis response framework and has been arranging emergency passenger and cargo charter flights, including evacuation missions, amid ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East and disruption to global aviation routes. In response to the current situation, Chapman Freeborn has worked in collaboration with government ministries and authorities across multiple countries to deliver critical air support. These operations include: • Emergency passenger and cargo charter flights, including evacuation missions • Time-critical cargo movements through bespoke charter solutions • Strategic routing and operational coordination across disrupted air corridors • Rapid-deployment charter options to maintain global continuity for our clients The company works closely with airlines, civil aviation authorities, governments, and humanitarian organisations to ensure every mission is carefully coordinated and every aircraft deployed with precision. With airspace restrictions shifting hour by hour, Chapman Freeborn’s global flight support and charter teams are operating 24/7 to provide clarity, safe routing, and uninterrupted operational continuity. “During periods of geopolitical uncertainty, speed, flexibility, and reliable operational planning are critical for our clients,” said Saska Gerasimova, Group Chief Executive Officer at Chapman Freeborn. “Our global teams remain ready to support airlines, cargo operators, and governments with safe, compliant, and responsive charter solutions as conditions continue to evolve, with a constant focus on protecting lives and safeguarding operations.” For urgent assistance related to evacuations or emergency air charters, Chapman Freeborn’s crisis response team is available 24/7:

In 2027, Radisson Collection will introduce Egypt to its premium portfolio, with the opening of a new resort in Port Phoenice on the Red Sea. Surrounded by pristine coral reefs and untouched coastline, Port Phoenice will be a new, waterfront community featuring Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice, alongside luxury residences, a golf estate, retail centres and more. A playground for water enthusiasts, this 294-room resort will offer world class diving and snorkeling, serene private beaches, sunset sails, plus a dedicated diving centre, three pools, and beachfront restaurants.