Osaka, Japan witnessed 305% search increase from UAE as for Emiratis or UAE nationals it is visa on arrival and Japan introduced the e-visa system for expatriates who live in the UAE making it one of the most sought after destinations over the past few months. Taking the second place in travel searches by UAE travellers Antalya saw an increase of 273% followed by Tokyo Japan with 250%, Rome took the 4th position with 154% and Berlin at 5th position with 96%. In terms of the experiences that were booked by travellers cultural and personal experiences were some of the rising trends seen.

Buyers from 18 international markets are taking part – the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, the USA – the UK’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor market, as well as from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Nordic countries, South Korea and Switzerland. National tourism agency VisitBritain is gearing up to welcome more than 120 international travel buyers for a series of educational visits across Britain, as part of its flagship ‘Showcase Britain 2024’ trade event. The educational visits, underway from 27 January, are a mix of three-to-five-day itineraries to destinations across England, Wales and Scotland, showcasing to buyers and travel media the latest tourism products across Britain and the fresh and exciting experiences for visitors to come and enjoy this year. VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: “We are delighted to be showcasing Britain’s outstanding destinations, tourism products and experiences to international buyers and travel press, highlighting the very best of our nations and regions to broaden travel itineraries and drive bookings. From the beauty of our coast and countryside, the vibrancy of our cities and cultural attractions to our world-class dining and accommodation, buyers will experience first-hand the quality of our tourism offer alongside the warmest of British welcomes. I know that the international buyers and media will return home in no doubt about the outstanding quality of tourism products and experiences available right across Britain.” VisitBritain’s in-country teams have worked in partnership with destination management organisations and destination management companies across England, Scotland and Wales to develop tailored itineraries* for each inbound market. The hosted visits are part of the national tourism agency’s ‘Showcase Britain’ trade mission, which gets …

THE RIG. world’s first adventure tourism destination to be built on an offshore platform in the Arabian Gulf which will redefine the sea sports and leisure experience while celebrating the legacy of Saudi Arabia’s rich oil and gas heritage seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences. THE RIG., launches its Masterplan, an ambitious and unprecedented vision for tourism that will redefine adventure tourism in the world. The project is in line with PIF’s strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, directly and indirectly contributing to employment opportunities, and diversifying the economy. THE RIG. is inspired by the design of offshore oil platforms, to celebrate the legacy and heritage of Saudi Arabia’s long oil and gas history. The unique hospitality and adventure experience will span a gross floor area of over 300,000 square meters, located 40km from the coastline, near Al Juraid Island and Berri Oil Field in the Arabian Gulf. THE RIG. will seek to attract over 900,000 annual visitors by 2032, appealing to a wide range of domestic, regional and international audiences, including adrenaline seekers, explorers, balanced holiday makers, and relaxation seekers. The range of hospitality, leisure, entertainment and accommodation options provided by THE RIG. include three hotels totaling 800 rooms, along with 11 restaurants, an extreme sports and adventure park, a world-class marina, and helipads. THE RIG. will feature a wide variety of water activities, including a diving center, in addition to an amusement park, splash park, an E-sports center, an immersive theater and multi-purpose arena. THE RIG. will also celebrate the Kingdom’s rich oil and …

Riyadh Season and Saudi Airlines to create new entertainment zone to provide a unique experience with specialized aircraft that perform commercial tasks other than transporting passengers in the air. This brings delight to travelers who enjoy the travel rituals without going too far. These planes are equipped to offer an entertaining experience and serve delicious meals. More information will be available and announced later. H.E. Advisor Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GeA) has announced the start of construction of the new BLVD Runway, as one of the Riyadh Season zones, in cooperation with Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia). The zone offers fresh adventures on five planes. The new zone allows visitors to enjoy a variety of cuisines from renowned restaurants. Additionally, the zone features thrilling activities such as a horror themed experience on an airplane. The announcement came after GEA CEO Eng. Faisal Bafarat and Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer Khaled Tash in the presence of H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, signed an MOU. This agreement is a joint effort between Riyadh Season and Saudi Airlines to create the zone.  

72% of UAE travellers would attend concerts in a different country according to the latest research from Skyscanner. 38% of UAE travellers would fly short haul to see their favourite artist live. As the year begins, the travel trends are changing immensely. The terminology used is ‘Gig tripping’ which is one of the new travel vibes revealed. Catching their favourite artist abroad is the way forward in 2024. If international artists will not be playing in Dubai, the UAE travellers will opt to travel to whichever country the artist will perform. With some superstars announcing big international tours, there is more interest now in travelling abroad to catch a show.

Al Faisaliah Hotel has officially rebranded as Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh. This marks Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s debut in the Kingdom, bringing the brand’s prestige and legendary service to a landmark in the heart of Riyadh. To mark this significant milestone, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Al Khozama Company’s Chairman, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khaled Al Saud, and Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, as well as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s senior leadership including Chief Operating Officer, Christoph Mares, Chief Commercial Officer, Joanna Flint, Area Vice President Operations, Michael Koth, and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, Richard Johnson. As part of the ceremony, the hotel’s signature fan designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al Faisal was unveiled, a stunning creation that draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich history, dynamic present and compelling future. Khalid Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer of Al Khozama Investment, said, “The Al Faisaliah district, a defining presence in Riyadh’s skyline since 2000, forms an indelible part of the community’s collective memory. With the arrival of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to the Kingdom, the iconic property is poised to add even more excitement to the capital and Al Faisaliah district, promising every visitor a uniquely elevated and enriched experience.” The hotel’s General Manager, Richard Johnson, stated, “We are honoured to continue Al Faisaliah Hotel’s legacy as an iconic hotel and lifestyle destination, whilst reaffirming Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to the region. Our mission is to bring the exceptional to life, putting our guests right in the heart of luxury, business, prime dining and exploration, complete with the impeccable service that Mandarin Oriental is known …

The official inauguration of JW Marriott Hotel Muscat was celebrated in a grand celebration concurrent with the Sultanate of Oman’s 53rd National Day and in alignment with the National Tourism Strategy 2040, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) heralds the completion of Phase I of Madinat Al Irfan East. This event marks the introduction of the globally acclaimed JW Marriott brand to Oman, signifying a momentous stride in positioning Oman as a leading global tourism destination. The inauguration ceremony was graced by His Excellency Salim Mohammed Al Mahruqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, along with esteemed dignitaries, OMRAN Group officials, and key figures in Oman’s tourism industry. JW Marriott Hotel Muscat, a 5-star facility with an investment of approximately 47 million Omani Rials, encompasses 304 rooms and suites. As part of the Marriott Bonvoy international hotel chain, it is the first JW Marriott branded hotel in Oman. Strategically located in the heart of Madinat Al Irfan East and directly linked to the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), the hotel is poised to offer exceptional experiences to its guests, significantly contributing to Oman’s tourism sector. His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahruqi remarked on the completion of Phase I of Madinat Al Irfan East, stating that it represents a pivotal stage in the urban development of the city, creating a vibrant tourist destination that celebrates Omani identity. With comprehensive facilities like the OCEC, designed to global architectural and environmental standards, this development aligns meticulously with Oman Vision 2040’s objectives to promote sustainable tourism development, economic diversification, and preservation of natural resources. Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group, remarked, “This project is a direct reflection of our …

It was revealed by Skyscanner findings for 2024, that 63% of UAE travellers sleep better on holiday. One of the key travel vibes for this year is called ‘Destination Zzz’ According to the report, sleep tourism is a growing trend in a world that feels busier and harder to switch off from. Some of the other trends revealed is the fact that travellers between 18 to 24 years of age prefer to take a polaroid camera on holiday and the new term used is ‘Analogue Adventurers’ – according to the findings 26% of UAE 18 -24 year olds bring the polaroid camera and 37% of UAE travellers are checking their work email, struggling to switch off from work. More trends to be revealed this week.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks the opening of the first Radisson Individuals hotel in Saudi Arabia, further solidifying the Group’s growing footprint in the region and Saudi Arabia, with a portfolio of 43 hotels in operation and development in the country, and five hotels in the city of Jeddah. Jeddah is known for its beautiful Red Sea coastline, Al-Balad, the historic UNESCO heritage site with gorgeous coral architecture, narrow alleys, and bustling souks, the world’s tallest fountain, the King Fahd’s Fountain, Tahlia Street, known for its prime shopping, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Formula 1), and for being a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. For adventurous souls, scuba diving offers a thrilling opportunity to explore fascinating underwater wonders like the Chicken Wreck. Strategically located in the prime area of Al Hamra, Vivid Jeddah Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals is near many corporate businesses and just a short walk from Jeddah Corniche. King Abdulaziz International Airport, the busiest international airport in Saudi Arabia, is the largest hub for Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, and is only 22 kilometers away and a 26-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel boasts 339 elegantly designed rooms, including 30 exquisite suites, and a magnificent royal suite, providing guests unparalleled luxury and comfort. The rooms in the sea tower offer the most breathtaking views, allowing guests to witness stunning sunsets and indulge in mesmerizing sea vistas. The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Jasmine Restaurant, where you can greet the day with unexpected culinary delights the Vivid Lounge Café in the …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrated the inauguration of its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Turkistan, one of the most important and historic cities in central Asia. The new route reaffirms the airline’s commitment to unlocking an eclectic mix of travel opportunities for both residents and visitors of the UAE and Kazakhstan. Flights to Turkistan will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with tickets already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, available in the Arabic language, with fares starting as low as AED 179*. The national airline is currently flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi, including three in Kazakhstan, and providing hassle-free, point-to-point travel for adventurous travellers across the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond. A gem in the heart of Kazakhstan, Turkistan is a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty and testament to the country’s diverse heritage. Boasting architectural marvels, such as the revered Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site that echoes the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture; Turkistan offers an immersive cultural experience. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the surrounding landscapes, from the scenic beauty of the Sayram-Ugam National Park to the tranquil waters of the Sasykkol Lake with warm Kazakh local delicacies and age-old traditions awaiting. Basking in glorious year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family-friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings, and exciting attractions, offers visitors a warm welcome and breathtaking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and …