Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning & Monitoring at the Ministry of Tourism, Ageel Alshaibani, participated in the Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism organized by the COP29 Presidency and hosted a side event titled “Tourism, Climate Action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” at Saudi Arabia’s National Pavilion at the climate change conference.  Alshaibani highlighted the importance of aligning tourism with climate and sustainability objectives, and detailed how the Saudi initiative on the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) will drive this critical transformation. “Tourism has a unique opportunity to lead in advancing sustainable development,” said Alshaibani. “Through STGC, we are committed to creating a tourism sector that contributes positively to the environment, strengthens local communities, and provides a model for responsible growth. Our initiatives are designed to empower governments, businesses, and communities alike to take bold steps toward a sustainable future for tourism.” The Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism was hosted by COP29 Presidency, UN Tourism, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and UNEP, and gathered Ministers and high-level officials of more than 30 countries from across the globe to discuss the alignment of tourism policies and practices with climate action. Both the Ministerial Meeting and the side event hosted by Saudi Arabia showcased STGC’s mission as a multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiative organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry’s shift toward sustainable practices. Launched by Saudi Arabia, and to be headquartered in Riyadh, STGC will bring together governments, industry leaders, academia, and civil society to join forces to address the industry’s environmental footprint, protect biodiversity, and uplift tourism-dependent communities. Alshaibani’s remarks emphasized the need for comprehensive actions that can drive measurable improvements across the tourism sector. As part of …

The game changing Wynn Resorts Limited offered an update on the construction progress of its newest resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort in the United Arab Emirates. Wynn Al Marjan Island is located 50 minutes from the Dubai International Airport in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Construction has proceeded as planned with 55% of the structural concrete now complete. The concrete structure is complete up to the 26th floor of the main resort tower, with walls extending to the 29th floor. The construction team is completing one floor per week, working toward a topping off in December 2025. In the last 100 days, the resort tower grew by 44 meters. Wynn Design and Development (WDD), employing more than 90 talented architects, designers, and creative visionaries, is overseeing all facets of the project’s design and development. Wynn Resorts is unique in that it maintains its own full-service design and architectural team. There are currently 9,100 construction team members onsite, and more than 100 concrete trucks in place on the site per day. The resort will offer 1,542 rooms and well-appointed suites. To-date, the tower structure has been completed for 1,121 guest rooms, or 73% of the total. Fit out is underway in approximately 820 rooms – including walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. The elevator and escalator installation also began this month. Wynn Al Marjan Island will create a new category of luxury in the region through its unique collection of experiences. The twenty-two restaurants, lounges, and bars will range from high-energy social destinations to fine dining. Contributing to the atmosphere, a nightclub featuring the legendary “Only At Wynn” line-up …

At the recent Arabian Travel Awards, Pluto Travels secured the title of most promising travel company in 2024. Celebrating its 7th year, the Arabian Travel Awards acknowledge significant contributors to the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors in the UAE. This prestigious event lauds the tireless efforts of specialists that have bolstered the UAE’s flourishing travel and tourism industry. As a testament to its dedication to service, Pluto Travels has been operating for the last 17 years and has been serving a number of clients, including some very prominent names. Pluto Travel specialises in corporate and HNI travel. Further enhancing the travel experience for its patrons, Pluto Travels places an emphasis on 24 X 7 services to their customers. Bharat & Sapna Aidasani, founder and marketing director at Pluto Travels, expressed their joy at receiving the prestigious award and said,”This award is a testament to our collective effort. It’s your dedication and hard work that made this achievement possible. Together, we shine and succeed!”

Qatar Travel Mart returns for its third edition from 25th to 27th November 2024 with 300 exhibitors from 60 countries a significant increase from the last edition. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of Nextfairs shares with TTME more details of this year’s focus to position Qatar as a premier travel hub. The central themes for QTM 2024 revolves around sustainable tourism, luxury experiences, and cultural exploration. Our goal is to position Qatar as a premier travel destination while emphasizing the increasing demand for environmentally responsible tourism. The event aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which seeks to harmonize economic growth with environmental sustainability. As luxury travel is expected to reach a market size of $546 billion by 2028, we are committed to blending luxury with authenticity, creating transformative travel experiences. Cultural exploration is also a key focus, particularly as 85% of travelers now prefer destinations that offer immersive and genuine cultural experiences. This year, QTM 2024 anticipated to feature 300 exhibitors from 60 countries, a significant increase from previous editions, reflecting the event’s growing influence. Our hosted buyers program is bringing in 300 high-value buyers to connect with exhibitors, enhancing networking opportunities. We’re expecting a total of 12,000 visitors which is a new attendance record for the event, along with local and international media personnel covering the event. QTM 2024 will span 15,000 square meters, marking a significant milestone by doubling the size of last year’s event. This expansion reflects Qatar’s growing prominence as a global tourism hub and addresses the rising demand for international travel in the region. With 300 hosted buyers expected, exhibitors will benefit from numerous business opportunities and the potential for substantial B2B deals, enhancing international …

Under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the 11th edition of the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum (SITTF) scheduled to take place on 25th November at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Held under the theme “The Future of Tourism: Digitisation, Health, and Safety”, the forum will gather experts from the travel and tourism industry, sharing insights on how digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping the tourism industry, through a series of panel discussions and engaging workshops to further delve into the challenges and opportunities that exist within the travel and tourism sector. The anticipated forum is set to feature notable keynote speakers, welcoming the likes of Abdalla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman, Ahmed Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), HE Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, United Nations Tourism, and other industry representatives. The forum will address the transformation of consumer behaviour driven by digital platforms and the importance of data-driven decision-making for understanding market trends and elevating travel health and safety protocols and governance. Additionally, the event will cover trends and innovations in the use of artificial intelligence machine learning to personalise travel experiences while ensuring compliance with health measures. It will emphasise collaboration among various stakeholders to integrate new travel protocols goals and share success stories from the sector, including how travel and tourism entities can be better prepared to mitigate health and safety challenges in a sustainable way. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)  launched the second edition of its groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing the number of global Travel & Tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27% in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction. Launched at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report reveals, 53% of the 250 leading Travel & Tourism businesses analysed have now set climate targets, a significant increase from 42% in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was created. Among these businesses, one third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, underscoring their dedication to meeting rigorous emissions reduction benchmarks. Notably, the number of companies adopting SBTi targets has more than doubled since 2021, signalling an accelerated effort by the sector to align with global climate standards. Developed in collaboration with Accenture, endorsed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this second edition of the roadmap underscores the urgency of climate action as the sector works towards net zero by 2050. Building on the foundation of the original roadmap launched in 2021 at COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, the latest edition addresses the escalating environmental impacts on tourism. It introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework, including new target corridors to guide Travel & Tourism businesses in setting ambitious, actionable climate targets. The roadmap highlights that there is no ‘one size that fits all’ solution, as each industry faces its own challenges, with some able to meet their net zero targets earlier than others. A major focus of the updated roadmap is improving sector alignment and transparency, particularly as demand …

Kuwait Airways participated in the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow held recently, as part of the delegation from the State of Kuwait, represented by the President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and in the presence of Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan and an accompanying delegation of KAC officials. The airshow was attended by exhibitors and partners from across the aviation industry, including around 223 civil and military delegations representing more than 56 countries and 60 regional and international companies. Additionally, more than 135 local, regional, and international companies showcased exhibits across exhibition halls, airport spaces, chalets and five international pavilions. The Kuwait Airways pavilion during the exhibition witnessed successful participation and attendance from visitors, hosting various officials and aviation enthusiasts. This provided a platform for the company to showcase its latest products and services, in addition to the extent of development of technology and methods adopted in KAC’s fleet. The pavilion also highlighted KAC’s role as a distinguished national carrier with its legacy of notable achievements since 1954 to the visitors and attendees present. The President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah emphasized on the importance of the Bahrain International Airshow and its significant role in bringing together large number of aviation companies and experts in the industry from the region and around the world under one platform. At the same time, he congratulated His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the tremendous success achieved by the exhibition and attaining the highest levels of excellence, whether in terms of organization, or the presence …

SAUDIA Group announced the launch of “Nartaqi” program, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting and enhancing local capabilities. The program was unveiled during the second edition of the Local Content Forum under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, along with His Excellency the Director General of SAUDIA Group Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, in direct coordination with the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA). “Nartaqi” represents a pivotal part of the Group’s new strategy, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to foster a thriving national economy. The subsidiaries of SAUDIA Group are working in unison to achieve the core objectives of “Nartaqi” program. These objectives focus on maintaining leadership in the aviation industry localization efforts, partnering with stakeholders to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector capabilities, and sustainably increasing the contribution of local content to the aviation sector through swift-execution initiatives. Additionally, the program aims to improve the internal and external perception of the Group and its suppliers’ local content footprint. Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah, Chief Transformation Officer and Local Content Head at SAUDIA Group said: “SAUDIA Group has designed the holistic roadmap for “Nartaqi”. The program is structured into three phases: the design and construction phase, which focuses on securing essentials, updating processes and procedures, and developing initiatives; the implementation and development phase, which measures and maximizes impact; and the sustainability assurance phase, achieved through collaboration with partners”. Through “Nartaqi” program, SAUDIA Group prioritizes local manufacturing of aviation parts and components, transforming raw materials into aircraft parts and localizing technical and logistical services. This effort spans the entire supply chain, including supplier network …

Emirates Skywards is once again sharing exclusive offers across Skywards Miles Mall, Skywards Everyday, The Bicester Collection and Emirates Skywards Hotels. This season travellers can multiply Miles earned while enjoying world-class hotel stays, shopping at some of the most popular brands online and instore, dining, or unwinding at the best spots across the city. From high-street fashion, beauty, electronics, to health and wellness – there’s something for everyone with Skywards Miles Mall. Starting from today members can earn: 30% bonus Miles on all purchases made with no minimum spend until 5 December 2024. 2,000 bonus Miles on first online purchase with a Visa card, when you spend a minimum of AED 185 until 31 March 2025. Enjoy a shopping spree with Farfetch, AliExpress, Mothercare, Apple, Pottery Barn, Harvey Nichols and Bath & Body Works. Members can also spend Miles on Gift Card vouchers starting from only 2,000 Miles. Members can rack up Miles at more than 300 partners with Skywards Everyday. Simply download the app and save up to five Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card numbers to earn Miles with every tap. Earn four times the Miles on a first Skywards Everyday transaction made with a Visa debit or credit card.* Skywards Everyday recently partnered with Gate Avenue, DIFC, where members can earn 1 Mile for every AED 3 spent with more than 70 retail outlets and restaurants including Cole Haan, Cara Jewellers, La Petite Ani by Chef Izu and more. For every AED 50 spent at Gate Avenue, DIFC visitors can enter a draw for a chance to win up to 100,000 Miles. The offer is valid until 5 December 2024. Earn Miles while shopping at some of the world’s leading …

Emirates has announced a fifth weekly flight on its Dubai – Antananarivo route, starting 13 December 2024 for a period of four weeks to meet demand from holidaymakers during the busy travel period. The additional weekly flight on Fridays will provide more capacity from the world’s fourth largest island nation to more than 1,800 seats in each direction per week and will support seasonal demand for travel.  Following the success of the launch of services to Madagascar in September, Emirates’ increase of capacity on its Dubai/Seychelles/ Antananarivo route will help the airline to meet market demand and allow customers to enjoy greater flexibility, choice, and connectivity, when planning their travel. The additional weekly frequency on the two linked services will operate as EK707 and EK708 in a 3-class configuration. Tickets can be booked immediately on emirates.com, Emirates World retail stores, the Emirates App, and through travel agencies. Boosting connectivity to the Seychelles and Madagascar provides more convenience for customers travelling between these countries and other popular destinations in Emirates’ network including the UAE, Sri Lanka, France and other select points in Europe, UK, mainland China and the U.S. With Madagascar’s populations being comprised of communities originating from Sri Lanka, France, China, and India, to name a few, the boosted capacity is expected to meet demand from travellers flying to these countries. Nationals of Seychelles can also enjoy the convenience of visa-free travel to Dubai, making it a popular destination for holidays and short stopovers. Travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, thanks to regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs and complemented by a wide selection …