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Beijing Named Host City for ITB China’s MICE Meeting Point 2025, Signaling Deepened Strategic Cooperation

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and ITB China have announced a new strategic partnership to advance international cooperation in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. As part of this collaboration, Beijing will serve as the Official Host City of the upcoming MICE Meeting Point 2025, to be held on 11–12 September in China’s capital. The MICE Meeting Point is a curated two-day ConfEx event that brings together MICE decision-makers from across China and the world, including event organizers, industry associations, corporate buyers, and conference planners to connect face-to-face with global destinations, venues, service providers, and tech solution partners. The agenda features keynote speeches, panel forums, executive dialogues, product showcases, dedicated business booths, and curated networking sessions — all designed to provide participants with comprehensive insights into the latest trends across both China’s and the global MICE markets, foster cross-border collaboration, and seize emerging opportunities. “As the capital of China, Beijing plays a leading role in advancing the country’s opening-up and driving integration between culture and tourism,” said Mr. Guo Huaigang, Director General of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism. “We recognize the MICE sector’s powerful contribution to city branding, international engagement, and economic growth. The MICE Meeting Point offers a vital platform for global dialogue and cooperation. It will serve as a bridge to expand inbound tourism and inject fresh momentum into the further internationalization of China’s MICE industry. We are committed to deepening our partnerships with world-class professional platforms, telling Beijing’s story, and building a truly global business travel destination.” To highlight its prominent position as the Hosting City and enhance its global visibility, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism …

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Emirates resumes regularly scheduled operations after minimal disruption on 23 June

Emirates’ passengers experienced minimal disruptions to their travel plans after last night’s (23 June) regional events, with regularly scheduled flights resuming within a few short hours. The airline quickly activated its robust contingency and disruption plans, with no diversions, only a small number of cancellations and a few flights experiencing longer flight paths due to airspace congestion. Despite rapidly evolving regional developments, it’s been business as usual across the Emirates network. In the past two weeks, Emirates has maintained scheduled services by rerouting flights to avoid conflict zones, successfully serving over 1.7 million passengers on more than 5,800 flights across its global network and delivering certainty to their travel plans when they needed it the most, while upholding its commitment to safe, reliable travel. The airline took immediate action by suspending flights only to areas directly impacted by conflict while maintaining operations to all other destinations. Services to Amman and Beirut were briefly suspended but resumed quickly, demonstrating Emirates’ ability to nimbly adapt its operations while prioritising safety, and helping thousands of families start their summer holidays. The safety of Emirates’ passengers and crew is its absolute priority, and the airline would never fly if it was not safe to do so. Emirates continuously monitors developments, coordinates with aviation authorities, and assesses every potential risk to ensure all flights are safely rerouted away from conflict zones, all the while meeting the most stringent regulatory requirements. Throughout the last two weeks, the airline kept customers informed with regular operational website updates as well as on its social media channels, and reservations teams helped reaccommodate affected customers. As Emirates gears up for the busy summer travel season, it will continue to actively …

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Qatar Airways announces reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar

Qatar Airways can confirm the reinstatement of flights following the reopening of airspace in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers by minimising disruptions and offering the utmost care and support to all customers. As operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. We would advise passengers to check qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile application ahead of travel. The safety of our passengers and crew is the first and highest priority at all times.

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Carnival Cruise Line selects DXC Technology to power technology infrastructure

DXC Technology and Carnival Cruise Line announced a multi-year agreement to power the cruise line’s technology infrastructure. This partnership will support Carnival’s guest experience across its global fleet, as well as its portside and shoreside operations. DXC will deliver reliable and scalable IT services designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve employee productivity and help ensure a seamless, connected experience for millions of guests sailing annually with Carnival. “At Carnival, we’re committed to delivering memorable vacations for our guests, and technology plays a vital role in ensuring they have the best onboard experience,” said Sean Kenny, senior vice president and chief information officer at Carnival Cruise Line. “The DXC team demonstrates exceptional technical expertise, responsiveness and a clear commitment to delivering on our long-term vision. With them as our trusted partner, we’re investing in technology that strengthens the foundation of our operations to provide a great experience for our guests across our 29 ships globally and supporting our dedicated team members both shipboard and shoreside.” Through the partnership, DXC will manage Carnival’s core IT infrastructure across all operational environments including shipboard systems, shoreside offices and port facilities. Using an employee-centric delivery model, DXC will ensure that the tools and services provided are tailored to support both Carnival’s workforce needs and a consistent guest experience. Services will include workplace support, IT service management, infrastructure operations and security risk management – all delivered with enhanced cybersecurity, expert-level staffing, automation support and a scalable model across its operations. This approach is built to improve resilience and ensure operational consistency across the company’s global footprint. “This collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line represents a significant milestone for DXC as we continue to expand our footprint in the …

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Wyndham opens new 5-Star Resort in Alanya in Turkey

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest five-star resort: Wyndham Alanya. Nestled along Türkiye’s scenic Mediterranean coast, the newly built resort invites guests to experience a blend of modern luxury, family-friendly amenities, and authentic local charm. Located just 20 kilometers from Alanya’s vibrant city center, Wyndham Alanya is perfectly positioned for a peaceful retreat or a base to explore Antalya’s most beloved resort destination. The hotel features 188 beautifully appointed guest rooms, ranging from standard to deluxe, superior, accessible rooms, and a luxurious king suite all designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers. From leisure-seekers to adventure enthusiasts, every guest at Wyndham Alanya will find something to love. The resort offers: • A full-service spa complete with a salt room, steam room, and traditional Turkish bath • Indoor and outdoor pools ideal for both relaxation and recreation • A state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and basketball courts for active guests • Four on-site restaurants, showcasing both local and international cuisines An Ideal Stay for Families Wyndham Alanya embraces its role as a destination for travelers of all ages, making it an ideal choice for family getaways. Dedicated children’s play areas and baby cot options ensure younger guests are well taken care of. For a memorable experience, families can enjoy gondola tours around the property; a unique activity that combines fun, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. Helping to make travel seamless, the resort also offers convenient airport and beach shuttle services, reflecting Wyndham’s commitment to comfort and accessibility for every guest, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. “With Türkiye set to welcome over 70 million international visitors in 2025, we’re thrilled to introduce Wyndham …

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Mozio and GoNexus Group announce strategic partnership to expand global ground transportation for B2B travel buyers worldwide

Mozio and GoNexus Group announced a strategic partnership to deliver a unified, scalable solution that expands and simplifies B2B access to ground transport worldwide. This collaboration marks a major milestone for NexusCube, the B2B marketplace of GoNexus Group, as it expands its offering through Mozio’s extensive supplier network spanning 3,500+ airports in 180 countries. Simultaneously, Mozio gains access to NexusCube’s diverse portfolio of mobility inventory —powered by Juniper Travel Technology’s robust, scalable infrastructure—ensuring seamless API integration across both systems. With over 17,000 B2B travel buyers—including OTAs, tour operators, and retail agencies—already connected to NexusCube, the partnership delivers instant access to a broader array of airport transfers, private vehicles, shuttles, and door-to-door transport services, now bookable across both systems. This partnership represents a deep commercial and technological alignment between Mozio and NexusCube. By merging inventories via seamless API connectivity, they create a unified, data-driven solution that simplifies access to ground transportation and empowers B2B partners to scale efficiently. “We’re thrilled to partner with GoNexus Group and its B2B marketplace, NexusCube, to expand our global reach through their dynamic distribution network of 17,000 B2B travel buyers worldwide,” said Nicole Kerr, CEO of Mozio. “Together, we’re making it easier for travelers to access reliable, door-to-door transportation wherever their journey takes them.” “This agreement positions us as one of the largest providers of experience and mobility services in the B2B world,” commented Roberto Bermúdez, Managing Director of NexusCube. “The connection with Mozio has been seamlessly developed thanks to Juniper Travel Technology’s scalable and robust infrastructure, which enables us to quickly integrate high-value partners and expand our product offering without limitations. Mozio’s innovative technology and global reach bring significant value to our marketplace, and we …

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Arabian Adventures upgrades core reservation platform to enhance speed and partner access

Arabian Adventures is upgrading its core reservation system as part of a strategic move to streamline operations and improve the booking journey for its global partners. The Dubai-based tour and safari operator is transitioning to Travel Studio by Open Destinations – a cloud-based platform designed specifically for DMCs. The system upgrade will enhance internal efficiency while introducing a more powerful B2B portal, which enables partners to create and confirm tailor-made itineraries in real time – including accommodation and all land arrangements. This significantly reduces manual processes and response times, empowering partners with greater flexibility and autonomy. Alaa AlKhatib, Vice President – Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, said: “This change is about removing friction – for our team, for our partners, and ultimately for the travellers we serve. Travel Studio will give us the tools to respond faster, automate more of our workflows, and provide our network with the freedom to build complex itineraries with ease and confidence. At Arabian Adventures, we are always committed to investing in the technology and infrastructure needed to scale efficiently – and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving travel landscape.” John Davies, CEO at Open Destinations, said: “We’re delighted that Arabian Adventures has chosen Travel Studio after an extensive selection process. Our market-leading reservations platform for large complex DMCs will provide the Arabian Adventures team a single, powerful platform that grows with them, helping to simplify operations, accelerate bookings, and deliver the very best customer experience.” The upgrade reflects broader shifts across travel trade, where technology has become a key differentiator – especially for DMCs responding to growing demand for faster turnaround times, seamless integrations, and more customised itinerary planning. As global travel rebounds …

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UTravel leaders recognised for exceptional 2024 sales performance

As the UAE continues to cement its reputation as a global epicenter for both corporate and luxury leisure travel, UTRAVEL is highlighting a significant recognition received at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. At the record-breaking event, which drew over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries, UTRAVEL’s Operations Manager Duleepa Naveen and Holidays Manager Fadi Abu Rashid were honored with the “Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024” award. This accolade celebrates their pivotal leadership and the company’s vital role in the sector’s transformation. This recognition comes as the GCC travel industry experiences unprecedented momentum, driven by surging demand for bespoke luxury holidays and the growing “bleisure” trend, where business and leisure travel seamlessly intersect. UTRAVEL’s standout sales performance in 2024, now validated on ATM’s global stage, directly reflects its ability to anticipate and meet the sophisticated needs of today’s travelers across both its B2B corporate travel solutions and through its dedicated luxury leisure arm, Jovial Travels. “Our recognition at ATM 2025 for ‘Excellent Performance in Sales for 2024’ is a powerful affirmation of our strategic direction and the collective effort behind it,” said Duleepa Naveen, Operations Manager at UTRAVEL. “UTRAVEL’s legacy in B2B travel has always been built on precision and collaboration. This very spirit, encapsulated by our philosophy ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,’ has been seamlessly extended to Jovial Travels, allowing us to connect with discerning leisure travelers seeking truly unique experiences.” Fadi Abu Rashid, Corporate Travel Manager, added: “This award is a shared triumph. It validates our team’s commitment to crafting tailor-made journeys that resonate with the evolving preferences of modern travelers in the UAE and beyond. …

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Average number of cruise days spent by ME increased by 125% : Tourism Economics

According to statistics outlined by Tourism Economics (An Oxford Economics Company) at a recent cruise industry panel discussion, between 2019 and 2024, global deployment in the industry increased by 25%, with a further 5% expansion achieved in 2025 so far. In the Middle East the average number of cruise days spent in the region has increased by an impressive 125%. The Caribbean, Europe and Asia-Pacific lead in terms of cruise deployment. Angelo Capurro- Executive Director, MSC Group’s Cruise Division said: “Last year, we welcomed a record 150 different nationalities and saw a particular increase in passengers coming from central Asia, driven by increased connectivity and better access to visas, combined with the appeal of the Middle East as a travel destination.”

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Summer travel shifts towards staycations: CEO Elaxiom Travel

Speaking with TTME Elmira Heshmati – CEO – Elaxiom Travel and Tours UAE shared that this year there has been a slight shift in the summer travel plans as travellers are opting for staycations and outbound trips to southeast Asian destinations. “Travellers are splitting their summer plans between staycations and outbound trips. Demands for wellness retreats within the UAE and across GCC drives a booming domestic market, however, outbound travel remains robust.  It’s hard to ignore the rapid growth of staycations with the influences of the social media connection between local travels and social media which has made people’s strong reliance on their unique features; storytelling, sharing experiences, going live from different locations, receiving feedback through comments, and real-time interactions.

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