Category Archives: Agents

The Royal Commission for Makkah City & Holy Sites (RCMC) has signed a strategic agreement with Almosafer, part of Seera Group, to strengthen the tourism ecosystem in Makkah and enhance the overall pilgrim and visitor journey. Through this collaboration, Almosafer will work closely with RCMC to showcase Makkah’s unique cultural and spiritual heritage while introducing innovative, technology-enabled services designed to deliver a seamless, world-class experience for visitors from within Saudi Arabia and around the world. The partnership leverages Almosafer’s integrated travel services platform and diverse portfolio of brands to curate enriching experiences for Makkah’s millions of annual visitors. This includes: ● Mawasim, Almosafer’s Hajj & Umrah tour operator, which will enhance religious travel services and pilgrim facilitation. ● Discover Saudi, its destination management company, which will design and promote Umrah+ itineraries that combine spiritual rituals with cultural, historical, and leisure experiences in Makkah. By integrating Almosafer’s market expertise, digital technologies, and global marketing capabilities with RCMC’s vision for destination development, the agreement aims to introduce authentic yet elevated experiences that align with international standards while respecting the sanctity of Makkah. Khalid Kurdi, GM-DMO said: “This agreement with Almosafer reflects our commitment to developing Makkah’s tourism offering in a way that protects its sacred identity while embracing excellence in visitor experience. Together, we will deliver services that are authentic, innovative, and deeply respectful of the city’s spiritual significance.” Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer (Part of Seera Group), added: “We are honoured to partner with the Royal Commission for Makkah City & Holy Sites. Makkah holds global spiritual significance, and through this collaboration, we aim to design integrated solutions and signature experiences that meet the highest international tourism standards while honouring the …

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has set a firm target for Jamaica’s tourism industry to be fully back in operation by 15 December 2025. To deliver on that goal, the Ministry has activated a high-level Hurricane Melissa Recovery Task Force and a companion Tourism Resilience Coordination Committee (“Tourism Cares”) to synchronise public and private sector action. “Recovery cannot be left to chance. We are aligning marketing, communications, infrastructure repairs, aid, logistics, and every enabling support behind a single objective: full industry operation by December 15,” said Minister Bartlett. “Progress will be tracked through the Ministry of Tourism with regular public updates, so workers, visitors, and partners can plan with confidence,” he added. The Recovery Task Force is chaired by John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, with Minister Bartlett serving as Chairman Emeritus. The Task Force comprises a distinguished cross-section of public and private sector leaders, including Hon. Tova Hamilton, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism; Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC); and Jennifer Griffith, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism. Also serving on the Task Force are Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI); Ian Dear, Board Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo); Donovan White, Director of Tourism; Jessica Shannon, Chief Experience Officer at SRI; and Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA). They are joined by Wayne Cummings, former President of the JHTA and Chief Executive Officer of Arya Holding Jamaica; Wade Mars, Executive Director of TPDCo; Dr. Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF); Tanikie …

Gama Aviation has confirmed major progress in the construction of its new Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Sharjah International Airport, a purpose-built facility set to redefine operational efficiency and client experience in the Middle East. Representing a significant multi-million-dollar investment, the project reinforces Gama Aviation’s long-term confidence in the UAE and the wider region, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued expansion of business aviation services across EMEA. “Our investment in Sharjah underlines our confidence in both the emirate and the region’s aviation future,” said Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation. “It supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 framework by delivering world-class aviation infrastructure and creating high-value employment, while giving our clients an efficient, well-connected alternative to more congested hubs. Sharjah’s pro-business environment and accessibility make it an ideal location for a new generation of business aviation services.” Sharjah’s strategic appeal has strengthened further following the announcement of Dubai International Airport (DXB)’s planned closure and the future consolidation of operations at Dubai World Central (DWC). With operators and owners now assessing long-term alternatives, Gama Aviation’s investment in the BAC positions Sharjah as a credible, high-quality option offering both proximity and efficiency. Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the Business Aviation Centre occupies a site of over 80,000 square metres within the Sharjah International Airport estate. The development supports the emirate’s infrastructure and diversification objectives, aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030 roadmap for sustainable growth and connectivity.

Qatar Airways Holidays announced the launch of its exclusive travel packages for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, giving football fans from around the world the opportunity to experience the excitement of one of the region’s most anticipated tournaments. Following Qatar’s successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ marks another milestone in the country’s journey as the home of world-class football. The tournament will take place from 1-18 December 2025, bringing together 16 national teams from across the Arab world for a celebration of sport, culture, and unity. Through these packages, Qatar Airways Holidays offers fans the convenience of customisable travel solutions, including return international flights with Qatar Airways, premium accommodation at 4- and 5-star hotels, and Category 1 or Category 2 match tickets for selected fixtures. Guests can tailor their experiences to cheer on their favourite teams, while enjoying warm hospitality, exciting local events and activities , and dedicated airport transfers. Additional information can be found at qatarairways.com/fifaarabcup25. Privilege Club members can collect Avios and Qpoints on the flights and packages and have the option to save by booking with Cash + Avios. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar continues to uphold its reputation as a world leader in connecting sports and hospitality. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will once again showcase our ability to bring the region together through football, while offering international fans the chance to experience first-hand Qatar’s culture, passion, and excellence. Through Qatar Airways Holidays, we look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world to be part of this unique celebration and experience all the …

The Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett is assuring all visitors currently on the island that their safety remains the top priority as the country continues its comprehensive preparedness and response efforts for Hurricane Melissa. The Tourism Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC), activated under the Ministry of Tourism, is fully operational and serves as the central coordinating hub for all activities within the tourism sector related to the hurricane response. The Centre monitors development, coordinates communication, and ensures a seamless flow of information between hotels, attractions, trade and other key stakeholders, transportation providers, and relevant government agencies. The TEOC consistently liaises with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and other key partners to guarantee that all tourism entities are following established safety protocols. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every visitor on the island is safe and supported during this period. “The safety and security of our visitors are paramount. Through the coordinated efforts of the TEOC and our industry partners, we are ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to protect and assist every guest. Jamaica’s tourism sector is built on strong partnerships and resilience, and those values are guiding our response currently.” The Minister has indicated that there are approximately 25,000 visitors on island and, “It’s all hands-on deck to ensure the safety of our visitors and locals alike.” As part of the collaborative response, hoteliers across the island are offering distress rates to assist visitors who may need to extend their stay, and shelter spaces have been made available for those requiring a safe place during the passage of the …

dnata Representation Services (dRS) has announced an exclusive collaboration with Visa to promote curated resort and hotel offers to a highly targeted group of high-net-worth (HNW) travellers across the Gulf. Partner establishments will be integrated into Visa’s concierge and benefits platforms, which serve as sophisticated and personalized travel and lifestyle channels for this customer segment. The collaboration is timed with the launch of the Visa Private card, a new offering designed for individuals with at least $1 million in investable assets or monthly salary of AED 100,000 or more. Eligible cardholders will have exclusive access to value-adds such as upgrades, preferred rates, and bespoke experiences offered by select, premium hotel partners. Some of the participating properties include Club Med’s extensive network of all-inclusive resorts, Villa Le Corail in Nha Trang, Vietnam, City of Dreams in Limassol, Cyprus, Seehof Davos in Switzerland, and 369 Degrees Hotels & Maisons across France, among others. The move reflects a growing shift in how luxury travel is discovered and booked by the region’s wealthiest travellers. Instead of relying on traditional digital channels and travel agents, HNW clients are increasingly turning to concierge services embedded within their financial institutions – platforms that prioritise privacy, curation, and trust. “This collaboration is about meaningful access, not just visibility,” said Rakhi Purohit, head of dnata Representation Services. “Our hotel partners are connecting with a highly selective customer base through a trusted and exclusive environment. These travellers don’t browse – they expect seamless, premium service delivered where they already are.” “With dnata Representation Services, Visa Private is giving high net worth cardholders access to exceptional destinations with the privacy and personalization they value,” said Yuri Topunov, VP & Head of …

The UAE’s MICE market is forecast to grow to US$9.26 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 8.96%. The Saudi Arabian market is projected to reach US$5.33 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.93%. Together, these markets are expected to drive the Gulf’s emergence as one of the world’s most dynamic business event regions, supported by major tourism development programmes, strong air connectivity and the growing appeal of the Middle East as a platform for global trade and innovation. According to Mordor Intelligence, the region’s meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to expand at pace as investment in large-scale venues, infrastructure, and international partnerships accelerates. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, IBTM @ ATM will return to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in 2026, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May, with a dedicated business events hub in Hall 3. This expanded space emphasises the show’s strategic focus on the global business events sector and highlights the Middle East’s position as one of the fastest-growing regions for meetings and events worldwide. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, produced in partnership with Tourism Economics, also indicates a continued rise in business travel across the Middle East, with the region’s share of global corporate travel spending forecast to increase from 2.5% in 2024 to more than 3% by 2030. This is being supported by the steady recovery of international demand, improved air connectivity and the continued development of business tourism infrastructure. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The expansion of IBTM @ ATM reflects the strength and ambition of the Middle East’s business events sector. By …

Oman Air has signed an agreement with H.E. Sayyid Ibrahim bin Saeed Al Busaidi, Governor of Musandam, to support the Musandam Winter Season 2025/26. The agreement was formalized yesterday by the company’s Deputy CEO, Hamood Al Alawi. The carrier will play a key role in promoting the season, aimed at highlighting Musandam’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tourism potential. The collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to supporting Oman’s domestic tourism strategy and strengthening its global visibility as a destination of choice. The Musandam Winter Season 2025/26 is expected to draw both domestic and international visitors, showcasing the region’s unique attractions, from fjords and mountain landscapes to cultural experiences and adventure activities. Through this partnership, Oman Air seeks to reinforce its role in advancing Oman’s tourism ambitions and contributing to the success of one of the country’s most anticipated seasonal events.

Visit Qatar, in collaboration with Qatar Airways and under the auspices of Go Beyond, successfully hosted the Kuwait Roadshow at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuwait City. The tour served as a platform to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in Kuwait, promote upcoming tourism events, and provide opportunities for direct communication between hotels, destination management companies in Qatar and Kuwaiti travel agencies. It also encouraged tour operators to include Qatar in their tourism packages and regional programs. The event brought together more than 100 leading travel and tourism professionals and tour operators to discover the diverse tourism offerings Qatar has to offer, from short trips and winter holidays to stopover experiences. By highlighting the growth of leisure tourism offerings, the initiative has strengthened Qatar’s position as a leading regional tourism destination and supported the objectives of the Qatar National Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to promote destination awareness, promote seasonal travel, and contribute to economic diversification through tourism.

The Middle East has become one of the most active regions in reaffirming its stance on tourism and sustainable transformation. It is quite ironic that we celebrate World Tourism Day today 27th September under a theme so relevant in this region. Over the past few years the Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest growing tourism hubs driven by national visions, megaprojects and its expanding hospitality sector. This year’s celebration is a reminder that tourism is more than just about destinations and experiences, it is stewardship of cultural heritage, preservation of natural landscapes and most importantly empowerment of local communities. We have witnessed over the years how the Middle East has been setting new benchmarks by aligning tourism with green mobility, renewable energy, eco-conscious hospitality and digital innovation whilst it remains deeply rooted in heritage and traditions. The Middle East has set a great example as it has become a catalyst for sustainable transformations, balancing growth with responsibility to create a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future for global travel. TTME spoke with the leaders in the industry about their plans for this year. Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC): World Tourism Day is a celebration of Travel & Tourism’s power to inspire, connect and create lasting prosperity. This year’s host, India, embodies the spirit of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, showing how investment in sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation and resilient communities can drive growth that endures. By uniting vision and action, we can protect cultural and natural treasures, empower communities and drive prosperity. Together, we can ensure Travel & Tourism remains a force for good for generations to come. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of Saudi …