Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Mohammed Al Athel – Managing Director – Amsa Hospitality shared that their aim is to deliver 500 keys over the next few years, focusing on the mid- scale within the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”Amsa hospitality’s mission is to be the leading company in the Kingdom, where we focus on mid-to-economy scale within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As we speak we have delivered an approximate 780 keys, and the aim is to deliver 5000 keys within the next 10 years.”

On 15th January, 2025, The Land of Legends will open its doors to its newest attractions: Türkiye’s first Nickelodeon Land, and first and only Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in the country. With three brand-new, fun-filled areas, a new hotel and the chance to meet Nickelodeon characters, the new attractions will immerse guests in a Nickelodeon adventure. The new Nickelodeon Land will open at The Land of Legends, Antalya, which is a one-stop shop full of adventure, offering guests of all ages the chance to experience dizzying heights, thrilling rides, and top-class entertainment all in one place, whatever their age. The first Nickelodeon development in Türkiye marks a significant step forward for the Turkish tourism industry and The Land of Legends. The brand’s global significance means the new opening – earmarked for January 2025 – is a key project and investment for Türkiye. The collaboration between The Land of Legends and Paramount Global’s Nickelodeon, one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands, reflects the growth of the Turkish hospitality and entertainment industry. NEW for 2025 – The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Land and Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Antalya Opening 15th January 2025, Nickelodeon Land consists of three unique areas – the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants, intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy, and the open-air Adventure Bay PAW Patrol. Across the new development, guests will experience thrilling experiences, from riding the giant Jellyfish Jam swing in Bikini Bottom, to experiencing an adventure through space in the Star Trek: Wild Galaxy 5D cinema and flying high in Skye’s Flyers helicopter-style ride. At Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, each guest will live out their own legend and have the …

Taiba Investments unveiled a strategic partnership with Hilton to bring the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand to the holy city of Madinah. Signed during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World in Dubai, this agreement underscores Taiba Investments’ ongoing expansion into the high-end hospitality market and further reinforces the company’s commitment to elevating Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector by partnering with world-renowned hospitality companies such as Hilton. Commenting on the partnership, Sultan Al Otaibi, CEO, Taiba Investments, said: “This agreement marks a pivotal moment in our strategic growth, reflecting our unwavering commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s hospitality offering across diverse segments. Our collaboration with Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts will elevate tourism and hospitality by delivering an extraordinary guest experience in line with the “Pilgrim Experience Program”. This project not only reaffirms our leadership in the sector but also highlights our dedication to Saudi Vision 2030 by providing world-class accommodation that honor the Kingdom’s rich heritage.” Set to open in 2028, Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will mark the debut of the award-winning brand in Madinah, introducing its unparalleled standards of luxury and signature service to the holy city. Uniquely situated on the northern side of the Prophet’s Mosque (PBUH), the hotel boasts exclusive, direct views of the holy site and is only a few minutes’ walk away. Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Taiba Investments through this remarkable project. Saudi Arabia remains one of our fastest-growing markets where we plan to grow our footprint to exceed 100 hotels in the coming years. Waldorf Astoria Al Madinah will bring the brand’s timeless hospitality and elegant service …

Visit Qatar announced the launch of its new global campaign ‘Amaze Yourself’, which marks an important step towards achieving its strategic goal of attracting more than six million visitors annually and establishing Qatar as a must-visit destination by 2030. The campaign invites travellers from families, couples and friends to embark on a trip to Qatar to explore unexpected new and unforgettable experiences. This initiative sets Qatar apart from other tourist destinations by highlighting its unique landmarks and experiences, each designed to celebrate lifelong moments and memories that visitors carry with them. The campaign showcases a wide range of Qatar’s attractions, offering many relaxation and adventure experiences in a warm, safe and inclusive environment, from the natural beauty of the enchanting Banana Island to the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif, and the excitement of driving over the dunes. The campaign, which features a contemporary version of the classic Bobby Hub song Sunny, has been launched in 10 international markets across a variety of media outlets, including television, social media, digital channels, press kits and outdoor advertising. Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is geographically located at the crossroads of East and West, making it an ideal and accessible destination. It is only a 6-8-hour flight from most major cities in the world, with access to more than 177 destinations in the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All this makes Qatar an ideal choice for visitors looking for a stopover or a short vacation during which they enjoy a family atmosphere, a safe environment and a bright sun throughout the year. The campaign aims to strengthen Qatar’s global profile and promote its unique landmarks and …

Speaking at Future Hospitality Summit World in Dubai, HE Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE shared that they target 16% contribution from tourism to GDP by 2031. HE Al Marri further shared that they are on track with the demand and supply and that they target over 450biliion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry over the next seven years. Further iterated the need to increase room nights especially by combining medical and wellness tourism. “We are targeting over 450 billion dirhams worth of investments in the hotel industry itself to come in in the next seven years. We are looking at increasing the number of keys, increase the amount of hotels, offers, products coming in. We’re looking at it from a different line. We’re looking at medical tourism, wellness tourism. These are kind of the two topics now that’s really going on in the tourism aspects, but they are segregated. They talk about medical tourism on a separate note, and they talk about wellness tourism on a separate note. To me, wellness and medical has to be combined. I look at it that way because the most important thing is the nights per stay, the tourists who stay in the country. Today, there are about 3 to 4 nights per stay. We want to increase that to 7 nights, 8 nights. That’s the dream for any interest of tourism.”

Accor announced the signing of Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, the latest addition to its portfolio of premium hotels in partnership with Gulf Hotels Group. The signing ceremony was held during the Future Hospitality Summit. This agreement marks the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay as the Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, a strategic move to strengthen the hotel’s competitive position in Dubai’s dynamic hospitality market. Gulf Hotels Group stands as one of the most respected and pioneering hospitality companies in the Middle East and Africa. With a history spanning over five decades, Gulf Hotels Group is synonymous with luxury, innovation, and service excellence. The rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is another step in Gulf Hotels Group’s mission to uphold its legacy while adapting to market demands and opportunities. Gulf Hotels Group has been managing the property for several years, and with this rebranding, the Group will continue to manage and oversee the hotel’s operations, ensuring the same level of excellence for which it has become renowned. The hotel will now benefit from Accor’s global reach, loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, and brand recognition, further enhancing its appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Set to open in 2025, the hotel brings Grand Mercure’s modern flair and passion for local culture to the city’s vibrant Downtown and Business Bay areas – strategically positioned near Dubai International Airport, financial and business districts, as well as key leisure hubs and tourist attractions. Featuring a prime location with views over the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown will offer 270 keys comprising 239 rooms and 31 suites ranging from standard, deluxe, superior and grand deluxe. The hotel provides …

RAK Properties has expanded its partnership with Minor Hotels to introduce the upcoming Anantara Branded Residences on Mina al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. The signing ceremony took place during the Future Hospitality Summit, marking another significant milestone in RAK Properties’ vision to position Mina Al Arab as a leading global destination for luxury island living within a vibrant community hub. This expanded collaboration, part of RAK Properties’ broader strategy of integrating renowned international hospitality brands, reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal to investors and residents seeking high-end living. By integrating world-class brands like Anantara, RAK Properties demonstrates its commitment to sustainable developments that enhance the emirate’s allure for luxury living and tourism. This represents a milestone in the expansion of the company’s premium real estate portfolio and supports Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for luxury waterfront living. The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Residences promise an unparalleled lifestyle, where the tranquillity of traditional Thai design will meet the tropical allure of Ras Al Khaimah. Residents will enjoy the epitome of luxury living, complete with world-class amenities, private infinity pools, expansive terraces, and direct access to the pristine shoreline — all within the comfort and privacy of their own sea-view apartment or overwater villa. The development will include around 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas. JT&P has been appointed as the lead designer, ensuring the project’s architectural excellence and seamless integration into the natural surroundings. Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, said: “Our continued partnership with Minor Hotels is a key milestone in expanding our luxury portfolio. The Anantara brand aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class, sustainable developments that highlight the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah. …

The existing partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will be strengthened with the announcement that Qatar Airways Group intends to acquire a minority 25% equity stake in Virgin Australia from Bain Capital (subject to FIRB approval). A deeper strategic relationship between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will drive increased competition in Australian aviation. This will ensure Australian consumers have access to even better value airfares and greater choice. Domestic competition in Australia is dependent on Virgin Australia thriving through the inevitable ups and downs of aviation. Qatar Airways Group’s strategic investment will provide access to the critical scale and expertise of a world leading global airline. The minority stake also serves as a cornerstone investment ahead of an anticipated return of Virgin Australia into public ownership and the opportunity that would provide for Australians to share in Virgin Australia’s future. The equity investment by Qatar Airways Group will unlock new areas of cooperation with Virgin Australia, all of which will help to drive additional consumer and economic benefits. Subject to ACCC authorisation this cooperation will enable Virgin Australia to launch flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha, connecting seamlessly into Qatar Airways’ global network. These extra flights will open up more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Australian travellers. The proposed wet lease services will begin in mid-2025, allowing Virgin Australia to assess the longer-term merits and viability of wide-body aircraft flying while providing Australians with greater local competition for their long-haul travel needs in the near-term. The expanded codeshare and collaboration arrangement will provide access to a greater range of international destinations with improved schedules and frequencies, increased earn and …

According to Cavendish Maxwell the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia contributed 11.5% to its GDP in 2023, when tourist arrivals surged to 27 million in 2023, surpassing Vision 2030 targets. It also states that in addition to this growth in numbers, international tourists are staying longer and spending more. They spent 57% more year-on-year to reach $60.62bn in 2023. This was almost five as much per visitor as the much more numerous domestic tourists. Their spending also grew, by 21.5%, to reach $38bn. Spending of this magnitude has resulted in tourism climbing rapidly in economic importance within the Kingdom; it currently stands around 11.5% as a proportion of GDP. Tourism has also generated the sought-after jobs: by 2022, 879,815 people worked in the industry,5 but 436,000 jobs were added last year alone.6 Considering both direct and indirect employment, one in five jobs now depends on the industry.

At a special interview with TravelTV Middle East Amir Golbarg Senior VP Operations MEA Region Minor Hotels shared that the travel trade partners are of paramount importance as they build destinations when opening hotels. “travel trade is of paramount importance to us and we like to be destination builders. We like to create and add new destinations onto the map, and that’s one thing we work very closely in terms of, in particular with our Anantara brand, which is all about being indigenous sustainable luxury. And when you go in and you want to penetrate and create a new destination on the map, you’ve got to work with the travel trade. You’ve got to work with the local governments and the entities. And for us, you know, it’s the whole geosystem of travel coming together. We are an anchor and an establisher that’s going to create the demand. But the demand needs to be known, and to be able to get that voice heard, that’s where the travel trade is key. And you need to bring the entire geosystem together, and one without the other cannot function. So for us, travel trade as a whole has many components that many, unfortunately, look at it in silos. And I think in today’s world, we’ve gone from global back to local. And when you go back to local, then you need to look at who do you need to work with domestically to build the destinations up or to rebuild the perception of the destinations. So for us, that’s a key component, and travel trade plays a significant role in us building destinations.”