Jyoti Panchmatia, Regional General Manager, Travco, in a special interview with TravelTV shared that 2025 will see a growth in term sof cruise business in the Arabian Peninsula. “Cruise lines are planning itineraries for 2025 and 2026, reflecting a strong advance booking trend. There are two key aspects to this. The resort world’s positioning as a home port is primarily aimed at attracting both the local market and the GCC market. This includes two- and three-day cruises, offering a convenient staycation option that has become increasingly popular since COVID, with the term ‘workation’ gaining prominence. Additionally, we are introducing Celestial Cruises, which Travco represents in the local market. These cruises offer short, immersive experiences—ranging from two nights to three days—allowing guests to enjoy multiple destinations in a single trip, such as a breakfast in one location, lunch in another, and dinner in yet another. This new offering will provide exciting opportunities for outbound travel, with options to visit Mediterranean and Greek islands, fostering a fresh dimension to the cruise market from this region.” Overall, the cruise sector remains optimistic about long-term growth, particularly with expanded seasons and increased tourist activity expected from 2025 onward.

Air Arabia announced the launch of its new non-stop flights to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Starting 30th January, the new service will connect Sharjah International Airport with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with a frequency of three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: ” We are delighted to add Addis Ababa to our growing network of destinations. This new route reflects Air Arabia’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Ethiopia. By expanding our destinations from Sharjah, we aim to boost trade and tourism while continuing to offer affordable and convenient travel options to our customers.” This latest addition to Air Arabia’s growing network underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding connectivity between the UAE and Africa, facilitating increased opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment. Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of 81 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. Offering passengers, a value-added onboard experience, the aircraft is equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming, and ‘SkyCafe’ an onboard catering service at affordable prices. In addition, Air Arabia offers ‘Air Rewards’ an innovative and generous loyalty program through which passengers can earn, transfer, and spend points. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Addis Ababa by visiting Air Arabia’s website, or by calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

Plaza Premium Group (PPG), Egypt Aviation Services (EAS), and Cairo Airport Company (CAC) announced a strategic joint venture. They will manage six lounges across various terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI), leveraging PPG’s global expertise in creating award-winning airport hospitality experiences. Under this collaboration, PPG will manage, operate, and commercialise six lounges across various terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI), leveraging PPG’s global expertise in creating award-winning airport hospitality experiences. The Lounges will be rebranded as Plaza Premium Lounge by CAC and EAS. CAC has assigned the full management of CAC VIP Lounges to a joint venture formed between EAS and PPG, who have taken over six Lounges in Terminals 1, 2, 3 and the Seasonal Terminal of the Cairo International Airport. Furthermore, a new lounge by the F Gates of Terminal 3 is being developed. This landmark partnership marks the official market entry of PPG into Egypt, another important milestone in the company’s expansion in the MENA region, alongside its recent expansions into other key markets in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Kenya and Abu Dhabi. Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a pivotal hub for air travel in Egypt and the broader region, playing a significant role in the country’s economy and connectivity. It is the busiest airport in the country and Africa, handling 26.4 million passengers in 2023 and has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 125 destinations in 62 countries. “This unprecedented partnership with Egyptian Aviation Services (EAS), and Cairo Airport Company opens up exciting opportunities for our first entry into the Egyptian market through this strategic partnership, bringing our global standards and expertise in delivering award-winning airport hospitality experiences to Cairo. We are committed to our …

It was announced that Anantara Sharjah is slated to open in 2027. This 100-key collection will be set within the grounds of the upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort. Offering fully furnished residences designed to established Anantara styles and standards, these striking smart homes feature incredible views across the Arabian Gulf and UAE skyline plus access to the five-star facilities and services of the adjoining hotel.

voco Bonnington Dubai was awarded ‘Best Corporate Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Corporate Hotel of the Year award at the Arabian Travel Awards is an incredible milestone for voco Bonnington. This recognition validates the trust and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly to our corporate partners. This win is both a proud achievement and a motivating challenge, inspiring us to strive even higher. We believe that excellence is a continuous pursuit. Moving forward, we’ll continue to nurture our people and empower them to create memorable experiences for every guest.” Giacomo Puntel, General Manager, voco Bonnington

‘Discover Aseer’ one of the distinctive new destinations in Saudi Arabia’s tourism scene focusing on the cultural heritage and natural diversity of the region showcased its unique offerings for the first time at the third edition of Saudi Tourism Forum. Hatem Al-Harbi, Chief of Tourism at ASDA, said: “We are happy to announce the participation of ASDA through its tourist identity, “Discover Aseer”, for the first time at the STF to highlight Aseer’s unique offering as a tourist destination. We aim to create authentic and sustainable tourism experiences that strengthen our past and shape our future. Our participation today also sheds light on Aseer as an all-year-round tourist destination where the region aims to activate three seasons throughout the year, namely Spring, Summer and Winter seasons, in addition to its natural and cultural elements, various activities and activations, and ambitious future projects. We are also supporting and empowering destination companies, hospitality companies and owners of heritage villages, by enhancing their presence within the “Discover Aseer” pavilion to enhance tourism development opportunities of various kinds in the region.” By 2030, the region’s annual number of visitors is expected to reach 9.1 million, with 26 billion riyals contributing to tourism GDP. It also aims to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, both locally and internationally in the tourism sector, and will support opportunities that are aligned with the region’s economic and sustainable growth strategy.  

The Madinah Region Development Authority announced a strategic partnership with Almosafer to enhance tourism in Madinah. Unveiled during the Saudi Tourism Forum 2025, this collaboration aims to position Madinah as a premier destination for visitors from within the Kingdom and beyond. The partnership leverages Almosafer’s extensive travel services and diverse marketing capabilities to accelerate tourism growth in Madinah while delivering enriching and varied experiences for visitors. Almosafer’s market expertise and digital solutions will provide a seamless cultural and entertainment experience at competitive prices through its comprehensive portfolio for corporate, governmental, and individual clients. This initiative aligns with efforts to elevate Madinah’s tourism offerings and attract a broader audience locally and internationally. Commenting on the partnership, Mr Bandar Naqro, General Manager of Strategic and Corporate Communications at the Madinah Region Development Authority, said: “The unique historical and cultural heritage of Madinah makes it one of the most visited cities in the Kingdom, especially with the development of numerous archaeological sites and the activation of diverse tourism destinations. Our partnership with Almosafer will strengthen the city’s offerings and marketing initiatives, contributing to increased visitor numbers and enriched experiences, thereby achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.” Muzzammil Ahussein, CEO of Almosafer, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Al Madinah Region Development Authority to help evolve and further promote one of the Kingdom’s most culturally rich heritage sites. Almosafer’s on-ground expertise, innovative technological solutions, and extensive reach enable us to offer a bespoke holistic experience for travellers from across the world. We look forward to further positioning Madinah as a wholesome tourist destination that provides an immersive cultural experience that is bound to be an unforgettable core memory for visitors. Saudi Arabia’s rich …

Air India won the ‘Best Airline South Asia’ award at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the “Best Airline-South Asia” award was crucial for us, as it greatly enhances the public perception and signals to our customers that Air India is on an upward growth trajectory and is a trusted brand, as we’re continuously improving and innovating in areas like product, customer service and technology. The impact of winning goes beyond just the media coverage and public attention. It’ll put us on a path of sustained growth through enhanced loyalty, expanded partnerships, improved customer experience, and a stronger global presence. The key steps hereafter would be to focus on maintaining the high standards that earned Air India the title while investing in long-term growth, customer loyalty, and innovation. It’s about ensuring that Air India continues to meet or exceed the expectations of our customers and the industry moving forward.” Kaizad Pesi Postwalla, Head – International Sales Americas and GMEA, Air India Limited

“According to UN, Sports tourism currently generates around 10% and estimated reach 17% within the next few years,” shared HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa – Chairman Sharjah Tourism and Development Authority.  “Worldwide, according to the UN, tourism’s contribution to the global economy is projected to increase from 10% to 17% within the next seven years. This highlights the immense potential of sports tourism and its growing importance. Destinations that are prepared and proactive should capitalize on their assets and strategically host more sports events to align with their objectives and drive economic and social benefits. Sports tourism fosters partnerships, generates significant outcomes, and promotes sustainable practices. For example, in Sharjah, hundreds of sports events are held annually, showcasing the sector’s potential as a future growth driver. Sports tourism is not only sustainable and healthy but also beneficial for future generations. It has no apparent downsides and should be a key focus for any destination aiming to move in the right direction.” As the emirate of Sharjah hosts the third edition of ‘Sharjah Week of the Stars’ to take place from 10 -13 January 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The third edition returns cementing its place as an annual tradition and a growing platform for sports and cultural celebration organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with the International Football Development Association (IFDA), bringing together legendary athletes and a rich lineup of activities that showcase Sharjah’s role as a global hub for culture, tourism, and sports. The detailed program of ‘Sharjah’s Week of the Stars’ …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) achieved significant milestones in 2024, serving 52.7 million passengers, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The airport continues to strengthen its role as a key global hub for airlines and passengers. Aircraft movements also rose to 279,000, marking an 10% year-on-year increase, while a total of 2.6 million tonnes of cargo handled, a rise of 12% compared to the previous year. Additionally, the airport managed 41.3 million bags, reflecting a 10% increase in baggage handling efficiency. According to the Airport Council International’s “ACI” Airport Industry Connectivity Report 2024, Hamad International Airport was the highest-ranked airport in the Middle East for connectivity, providing passengers some of the best connection options through its award-winning facilities. In 2024, Hamad International Airport welcomed over 4 million travellers every month, reflecting its capacity to manage high volumes efficiently. Local passenger traffic grew by 16% – for the first time faster than transfer traffic – driven by Doha’s increasing appeal as a tourist destination and the joint-efforts with Qatar Tourism to attract charter services. Notably, the airport handled over 12 million point-to-point passengers. The airport expanded its global network in 2024 to 197 destinations, with 55 total airlines operating from Hamad International Airport, including new airline partners like China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Akasa Air. Its hub carrier Qatar Airways added numerous destinations to its network including Osaka, Hamburg, Lisbon and Toronto. Passenger volumes showed strong growth across both eastern and western markets. Traffic to China surged by 87%, while emerging markets in Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, also demonstrated robust growth. Mature European markets, including the UK, Germany, Spain, and France, achieved …