The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. Tune in tomorrow 16 December at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients. Register in the link below : https://event.webinarjam.com/n7kng/register/6v7qri5xg

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia has announced the appointment of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy as the new Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), effective 8 December 2025. He takes over from Datuk Dr. Yasmin Mahmood and will lead the board’s strategic direction at a crucial time as the industry aligns its efforts for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. With over 30 years of public service and tourism leadership, Datuk Manoharan brings deep experience across international promotions, advertising, digital strategy, product development and corporate communications. His tenure as Director-General of Tourism Malaysia and his long-standing role driving Malaysia’s tourism growth in South Asia—particularly India, one of the country’s strongest inbound markets—position him well to strengthen global partnerships ahead of VM2026. His appointment is expected to enhance coordination across trade stakeholders and accelerate Malaysia’s promotional activities as the country prepares for a major tourism push in 2026.

Al Ain has been named the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026’ by the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism during its 28th session in Baghdad, Iraq. The announcement was made during the participation of a high-level UAE delegation led by His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, representing His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The selection highlights the growing international appeal and competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism ecosystem, reaffirming Al Ain’s position as a premier heritage and cultural destination. Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Bin Touq said: “Being named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026 is a significant milestone for the UAE. It reflects the qualitative progress achieved through our leadership’s strategic vision, which recognized early the importance of investing in tourism as a driver of future economic growth. This recognition further strengthens the UAE’s standing on the global tourism map.” He added: “This achievement supports the goals of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, aimed at strengthening the national tourism identity, attracting 40 million hotel guests annually, and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP to AED 450 billion by 2031. We remain committed to building a more diversified and sustainable tourism ecosystem – driven by innovation, service excellence, and strong public-private partnerships.” H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The selection of Al Ain as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026 reflects its rich heritage, inspiring cultural sites, and exceptional natural landmarks, which solidify its position as a unique regional and global destination. This achievement gives us an additional boost to move forward in achieving …

Ethara, the organisers of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced that the 2025 race week broke attendance records with a combined total of 339,000 fans across events. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 featured the three-way title battle between the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, contributing to the record 203,000 attendance at Yas Marina Circuit – a near 6% jump from 192,000 in 2024. In addition to the on-track drama — ending with with Verstappen winning the race and Norris claiming his first drivers’ title — the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme drew a record 136,000 fans (an increase of nearly 9% from 2024 attendance of 125,300) across four nights of Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts featuring Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry, and Official After-Parties with Idris Elba, Calvin Harris and Keinemusik. Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO, Ethara, said, “This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be remembered for decades with the F1 title battle unfolding under the floodlights of Yas Marina Circuit. At Ethara, we’re proud to have delivered the weekend befitting such a historic occasion. We welcomed more fans than ever, underpinned by a world-class entertainment programme and innovations to the fan experience including the introduction of new hospitality concepts, new on-site activations, and enhanced Abu Dhabi-wide ticket inclusions – all contributing to an unforgettable event. Abu Dhabi has once again proven it’s the ultimate destination for the F1 season finale.” Among the new offerings this year was extended track access for the fans, including two public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks on Thursday. Capped by Benson Boone’s dazzling performance at the After-Race Concert, Thursday became …

Shaza Hotels has announced the official opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, marking the group’s first branded property in the Kingdom of Bahrain and expanding its growing footprint across the GCC. Designed for families, business travellers, and leisure guests, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brings a fresh and distinctive hospitality experience to one of Bahrain’s most dynamic districts. The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co, a prominent Bahraini investment company and owning entity of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain, senior leadership from Shaza Hotels, valued corporate partners, travel trade professionals, and key business associates. Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated: “The opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain represents a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy and underscores our long-term commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain. As one of the region’s most dynamic markets, Bahrain continues to demonstrate strong demand for differentiated hospitality experiences. With Mysk Al Fateh, we are introducing a contemporary lifestyle product that reflects our brand’s dedication to thoughtful design, cultural resonance, and exceptional guest experiences. We believe this property will not only elevate our presence in the GCC but also contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s vision for a diverse and thriving tourism sector. We look forward to working closely with our partners to establish Mysk Al Fateh as a leading address for families, business travellers, and long-stay guests.” Commenting on the partnership, Ghazi Abdulla Nass, Chairman of Nuzul Masaken Real Estate Development Co., said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Mysk Al Fateh Bahrain in collaboration with Shaza Hotels. This property represents our shared vision of developing hospitality assets that combine quality, comfort, and innovation. …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched two new e-learning modules for its Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform. The Official Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan in Abu Dhabi online modules are designed to equip travel trade industry professionals with the insights and tools they need to deliver exceptional travel planning and guest experiences and further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading year-round destination.  The e-learning platform provides travel trade industry professionals with an extensive range of destination-related information about the emirate and has become one of DCT Abu Dhabi’s most successful trade engagement initiatives. The new Abu Dhabi Pass and Ramadan content has a strong focus on destination insights that ensure agents have the necessary understanding they need to promote the region and what it has to offer. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “These new modules reflect how the Experience Abu Dhabi Experts Platform continues to evolve and how we prioritise providing our partners with practical, hands-on tools that make a real difference to how they sell the destination. Whether it’s helping them package the emirate’s leading attractions through the Abu Dhabi Pass or giving them the cultural insight to guide visitors respectfully during the holy month, this expansion ensures the knowledge they gain translates directly into stronger product design, more memorable experiences, and greater visitor satisfaction.” Issued by DCT Abu Dhabi’s official digital pass for Abu Dhabi offers guests savings of up to 50% across more than 70 of Abu Dhabi’s top attractions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi. The module provides an overview …

Building on the record 18.72 million international overnight visitors achieved in 2024, Dubai has continued its upward trajectory in 2025, with 15.70 million international visitors welcomed between January and October, a 5% year-on-year increase. Hotel performances have also remained strong, with average occupancy reaching 79.4%, compared to 77% over the same period last year, and the average daily rate rising 6% to AED 531. Revenue per available room stood at AED 421, a 9% YoY growth, underscoring robust demand across all market segments. At the end of October, there were 152,875 available rooms across 820 establishments. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hosted its second and final City Briefing of 2025 on 9 December, bringing together more than 1,200 stakeholders from across the hospitality, aviation, retail, and F&B sectors, as well as government entities and members of the media, to reflect on the collective progress being made across the destination, and the roadmap for further growth and enhancements. In the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the latest edition began with a comprehensive presentation from His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, which focused on the city’s achievements and growth strategy for 2026. Held at Global Village, courtesy of Dubai Holding Entertainment, the latest edition of the bi-annual stakeholder engagement platform featured an enhanced interactive format that underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. DET and industry leaders participated in presentations, a panel discussion and fireside chat that examined collaborative efforts …

Oman Air hosted an official signing ceremony with Fun & Sun to formalise their new strategic partnership aimed at expanding direct access between Moscow and Salalah. The partnership forms part of Oman Air’s broader commitment to enhancing point-to-point connectivity and supporting Oman’s growing tourism sector. Expected to draw thousands of visitors during its inaugural season, the initiative contributes directly to Oman’s national tourism objectives and supports the continued development of Dhofar as a year-round destination. The seasonal charter flights between Moscow and Salalah will operate between 26 December 2025 and 9 May 2026. Meanwhile, the airline, which flew more than 200,000 guests into Salalah during khareef’s peak period alone – a 15% increase over 2024 – continues to work closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality to promote the destination and support sustainable growth in domestic and inbound tourism. The event brought together senior representatives from both organisations, including Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, and Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun. Journalists from the Russian media and members of the local Omani media were also in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony, Mike Rutter, CCO of Oman Air, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that strengthening direct routes from high-potential markets such as Russia aligns with the airline’s long-term commercial strategy and ongoing transformation. Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun added, “Salalah is rapidly emerging as one of the most desirable winter-sun destinations for Russian travellers. Through this partnership, we are opening the door to a new chapter of growth and strengthening the bridge between our markets.” Oman Air’s ongoing focus on point-to-point growth has resulted in an increase …

The Arabian Travel Awards concluded its First Edition in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in recognising and honouring top achievers within the Kingdom’s fast-growing travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. The event celebrated trailblazers, innovators, and organisations whose contributions are driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a world-class global destination. With the Kingdom’s tourism landscape evolving at record pace under Vision 2030, the inaugural edition aimed to spotlight excellence across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, technology providers, tourism boards, and service partners — shaping the future of travel in the region. The event was supported by TravTalk Middle East as the official media partner, bringing regional coverage and industry visibility to the award winners, participating brands, and the broader travel community. TravTalk Middle East’s partnership reinforces the shared mission of empowering industry talent, encouraging innovation, and amplifying Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential to global audiences. The First Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia represents the beginning of a new chapter — one that celebrates success stories, elevates standards, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading tourism hub.

Hessa Almazroa, General Manager Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry and the first Saudi woman to launch and manage a hotel in the Kingdom, has been chosen as the DDP Face of the Future. With over 20 years of experience, Almazroa has excelled in hotel operations, strategic marketing, and guest experience enhancement. As General Manager of Novotel Riyadh Sahafa, she led the hotel’s opening and growth with vision, service excellence, and inspired team leadership. Earlier, she also steered Novotel Alanoud, Novotel Suites Olaya, and served as GM, PR & Communication, Al Hokair Group, launching the acclaimed CSR programme “Ataa”. A dedicated advocate for women in leadership, she also serves as Deputy Vice Chairman of the Hotels Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce.