Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb officially launched TOURISE , a bold new global platform designed to shape a new horizon and plot a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of tourism. Built for ambition and backed by vision, TOURISE will convene a dynamic cross-section of public and private sector industry giants for the first time. Visionary leaders with tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural expertise will be connected to tackle critical challenges, unlock transformative opportunities and set the agenda for a sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused. Along with global partners from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders, TOURISE is designed to unlock major, unprecedented deal flow, with high-value investment opportunities and access to breakthrough technologies set to be announced and activated through the platform. TOURISE is no ordinary event; it is a global platform structured for year-round impact at scale through digital collaboration, thematic working groups, and cross-sector partnerships focused on long-term sector transformation. This will include authoring a series of white papers and global indices focused on tourism, sustainability and global economy, co-developed with leading international organizations, setting new benchmarks for the tourism sector. The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, 2025. The program, which will also be livestreamed, will focus on four core themes: The Future of AI-Powered Tourism – Innovate or Fade; The Great Tourism Reset – Disruptive Business Models and Investment; Rebooting the Travel Experience – Upgrade in Progress; and Tourism that Works – for People, Planet, and Progress. A dedicated Innovation Zone will showcase breakthrough technologies and solutions from SMEs and mid to large corporations spanning AI, mobility, sustainability, and more …

An agreement was signed between Qatar Tourism, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the aim of coordinating joint efforts to implement the waterfront project in West Bay and Al Safliya Island. This strategic project marks a key milestone in the tender process for the development and operation of five distinct beach plots along Doha’s iconic waterfront in West Bay, as well as Al Safliya Island. The project is a significant step in Qatar’s efforts to develop its tourism infrastructure and expand leisure options. Expressions of interest were opened to regional and international developers and operators with experience in the implementation of major hospitality and leisure projects. The scope of the project includes the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of 5 dedicated beachfront plotsin the West Bay area, as well as Al Saflia Island. The project will include accommodation facilities, F&B outlets, and leisure facilities, contributing to the creation of an integrated beach destination accessible to all. Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar (IPA), has announced the opening of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the West Bay Waterfront Project and Al Safliya Island. The announcement was made on May 22, during the Qatar Economic Forum, in the presence of high-level representatives from the participating entities. The agreement was signed on behalf of Qatar Tourism by Mr. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development Sector, Mr. Saleh Al Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industry and Business Development Affairs, and Eng. Mohammed Masoud Al Marri, Projects Consultant on behalf of the Public Works Authority (Ashghal). H.E. Saad bin Ali …

Available on both iOS and Android wearable devices, the flynas smartwatch app provides guests with all their travel details in one place on a comprehensive details screen, where users can quickly navigate to any booking to check details or prepare for future journeys. The app also provides alerts and keeps travelers informed of trip updates. flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.flynas launched its smartwatch app further consolidating its leadership in providing innovative digital solutions to its guests, ensuring a seamless travel experience across its flights.  Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Greenview have launched a Global ESG Policy Tracker that enables Travel & Tourism businesses to stay ahead of rapidly evolving ESG-related regulation and policy around the world. Developed in collaboration with Greenview, a global leader in sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data solutions for the hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries, the WTTC-Greenview Global ESG Policy Tracker offers an online interactive dashboard, alongside comprehensive coverage of regional, national-level and state-level ESG policies. Users also benefit from clear regional and thematic policy summaries, quarterly updates to ensure the latest information is always at hand, and access to a dedicated advisory group to shape future developments of the Policy Tracker. The tracker is designed to support Travel & Tourism businesses to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and integrate sustainability considerations into core business decisions. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “ESG requirements are becoming more complex and more urgent by the day, and this partnership provides an essential tool to help companies not only comply with policy, but also lead the way in responsible, future-focused Travel & Tourism. The ESG Tracker offers timely, clear and actionable insights – helping them benchmark progress, anticipate change, and deliver on their commitments.” Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO of Greenview, added: “We are proud to partner with WTTC on this important initiative. Our expertise in ESG policy research and content management allows us to bring high-value, practical intelligence to hospitality leaders across the globe. “Together, we’re building a resource that will drive meaningful change and support long-term resilience across the sector.” The tracker marks a major milestone in the sector’s journey towards more sustainable and transparent operations and builds on …

Michelin celebrated the city’s culinary excellence like never before at Dubai’s fourth MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, held at Address Sky View. The event revealed 119 establishments, covering over 35 cuisine types, which made it into this year’s selection, showcasing the city’s booming gastronomic scene. For this fourth edition, The MICHELIN Guide Dubai recognizes two new One MICHELIN Star restaurants, and two new Three MICHELIN Star restaurants, as well as five new Bib Gourmand establishments. “Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and excellence,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.” As demonstrated by Trèsind Studio’s historic achievement of earning Three MICHELIN Stars in its fourth appearance—making it the first Indian restaurant worldwide to earn the Guide’s highest accolade—Dubai embraces a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the world’s gastronomic passions. With the city now home to 119 MICHELIN-recommended establishments, it stands as a beacon for food lovers, drawing them to experience the very best of the world’s culinary traditions, all within one dynamic destination.” Whatever a restaurant’s cuisine style, concept or location, whether they are luxury fine dining restaurants or street food eateries, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors use the same five criteria all around the world: the quality of the ingredients; mastery of cooking techniques; the harmony of the flavors; expression of the chef’s personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The launch of the fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, including the naming of the city’s first Three MICHELIN …

According to Cavendish Maxwell report, Oman is currently home to around 270 hotels and resorts, with 24,000 rooms between them,more than half are in the Upscale, Upper-Upscale and Luxury segments. Another 5,800 rooms across 35 hotels and resorts are set to come online by 2030, with 54% in the Upper Upscale and Luxury segments, suggesting a shift towards high-value tourism. Tourism is on the increase in Oman, reflecting growing demand and confidence from international visitors and domestic travellers. Oman’s four airports handled 14.5 million passengers in 2024 – a year-on-year increase of 2.5%. Muscat and Salalah handled 12.9 million and 1.5 million passengers respectively, highlighting Muscat’s role as the country’s primary air travel hub, and Salalah’s strength as a seasonal destination. Hotel guests and revenue surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with 2.15 million guests staying at Oman’s 3-5 star hotels in 2024 – a 3.6% jump on 2023. Hotel revenue rose 6.1% to 243 OMR. With guest numbers continuing to rise, Cavendish Maxwell predicts a positive but stable outlook for the country’s tourism sector. Hotel occupancy rose by an average 2.4% in 2024, with the Upper Midscale and Midscale segments seeing the biggest jumps: 11.1% and 8.9% respectively. Average Daily Rates – ADRs – reached 53.4 OMR, with the Upper Midscale and Midscale sectors recording increases of 3.8% and 5.7% respectively.

One&Only One Za’abeel, the ultra-luxury urban resort redefining Dubai’s skyline, has partnered with Dubai Mall Personal Shopping by ELITE to offer suite guests a curated, appointment-based styling and personal shopping experience. This collaboration bridges the worlds of luxury retail and refined hospitality, allowing guests to enjoy high fashion and personal service, undisturbed from the comfort of their suite or in the heart of Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall. Available exclusively for suite guests, the experience offers access to expert stylists from Dubai Mall Personal Shopping by ELITE, who tailor a fashion edit to each guest’s individual style, designer affinities, and lifestyle needs. Guests may choose to enjoy a private consultation within their suite or at the discreet ELITE Lounge in Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall. A roundtrip luxury transfer is arranged for those visiting the lounge, and curated selections are delivered directly to the resort to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. To further elevate the offering, the experience includes a choice of select treatments at the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, the resort’s cutting-edge wellness destination. With science-backed treatments, advanced diagnostics, and a holistic approach to wellbeing, the Hub offers guests an unparalleled urban retreat. From its record-breaking architectural design to world-class dining and curated lifestyle experiences, One&Only One Za’abeel continues to redefine modern luxury in the city. This new collaboration with Dubai Mall Personal Shopping by ELITE invites suite guests to discover a more tranquil, elevated way to shop in Dubai – where style, service, and serenity converge.

The 2024/2025 cruise season witnessed  360,000 cruise visitors, reception of 87 ships, achieving a growth of 19% compared to the previous season, including 5 additional cruise ships that made their first trips to Doha Port, and 13 departure and return flights. Partial shift passengers – starting or ending their journey in Qatar – accounted for more than 10 per cent of total visitors, reflecting the country’s position as a major hub for cruise tourism in the region. Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar organized a closing event at Doha Old Port, celebrating the successes of the 2024/2025 cruise season, in recognition of partners and contributors in this vital sector. The event was attended by officials from Qatar Tourism and Mwani Qatar, as well as strategic partners from the public and private sectors in the marine tourism sector and media representatives. This honor comes in recognition of the fruitful cooperation between government agencies and private sector partners, which contributed to achieving an exceptional season that strengthened Qatar’s position as a prominent destination on the marine tourism map in the region and the world.. Omar Al Jaber, Head of Tourism Development at Qatar Tourism, said: “During the 2024/2025 cruise season, the focus was on targeting total and partial transformation flights, with Doha being the main destination for its flights in the region, with 13 full transformation flights and 43 partial transformation trips. This is only the beginning of further cooperation and strategic partnerships with international cruise ship operators. He added: “During this season, we were keen to provide an integrated experience for visitors, which began before their arrival at Doha Port by promoting Qatar as a distinctive destination for marine tourism, and continued …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz in Saudi Arabia, a new hotel in Riyadh’s vibrant Al Malaz district. The hotel will house 115 contemporary rooms and suites spanning 11 floors, complete with marble bathrooms, high-speed internet, and satellite television for increased comfort and convenience. Its room categories include: 64 king rooms, 24 queen rooms, 16 twin rooms, and 10 downtown-facing suites, ensuring an extensive selection of stay options to anticipate diverse guest needs and preferences.The Open Lobby offers a vibrant communal space, designed with the needs of the modern traveller in mind, where guests can relax and connect with friends, family or other guests. The public space includes a contemporary media lounge to unwind with friends, a coffee bar for a chat over a quick bite, and an e-lounge for those who need to catch up on the day’s news or work, while still being part of its social vibe. Guests will be able to enjoy a ‘bright place to connect’ with stylish and contemporary accommodation near iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Faisaliyah, Kingdom Tower, King Abdullah Park, and Al Masmak fortress. Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz is a 30-minute drive from King Khaled International Airport, a short walk from Riyadh Metro station and centrally located near the Riyadh’s dazzling neighborhood, financial, historical, and recreational areas. Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz will feature three dining destinations: The Palms Restaurant, a cozy, all-day dining restaurant with a wide array of fresh dishes; Sky Lounge, a casual relaxed restaurant offering International and Levantine cuisine; and Lobby Aroma Costa Café, a charming coffee and sweet treat bar in the lobby. The property also includes a pool …

Emirates and Air Mauritius have renewed their longstanding partnership which includes a reciprocal codesharing agreement on select routes beyond the gateways of each partner airline, as well as cooperation on frequent flyer programmes and cargo handling services. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Mauritius, formalising a mutual collaboration agreement which was first established in 2003 following the launch of Emirates’ services to the island nation, and later renewed in 2013 with an enhanced codeshare agreement on expanded routes. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said: “Our strategic, long-standing partnership with Air Mauritius continues to provide customers of both airlines with travel benefits such as seamless connections on select routes, ability to conveniently using a single ticket for the entire journey, as well as opportunities to earn and redeem rewards on both frequent flyer programmes. “Now in its 23rd year, our partnership with the national carrier has allowed us to continuously provide value to the island nation, through our passenger operations, cargo handling capabilities and more, with tangible contributions that have helped build a strong and sustainable tourism economy. We would like to thank the authorities and stakeholders for their unwavering support in making our operations possible. We are proud of the achievements made so far and we look forward to giving back more to this important destination, which we have connected to more than 128 points in our in our global network.” Kremchand (Kishore) Beegoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius said: “The renewal of our longstanding partnership with Emirates marks an important milestone for Air Mauritius. Emirates is one of our key strategic partners, and this enhanced agreement further deepens the strong relationship between our two airlines. …