The Department of Tourism (DOT) foresees a robust recovery for Philippines Tourism, underpinned by the encouraging figures in the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, as compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added share of tourism to the Philippine economy, as measured by the GDP, was estimated at 6.2 per cent for 2022. The TDGVA last year amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion, 36.9 per cent higher as compared with the PHP 1.00 trillion in 2021. Internal tourism expenditure, combining inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, saw a growth last year, tallying PHP 1.87 trillion in 2022, a 131.2 per cent growth from the PHP 810 billion in 2021. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted the DOT’s commitment to sustain last year’s gains through its seven-point agenda to be pursued by the Marco’s administration. “We are elated by the figures enclosed in the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts. We ascribe last year’s gains to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., vision, which inspired the DOT, and all players making up the tourism value chain and allowed the Philippines to achieve greater heights,” Secretary Frasco said. “As we continue to ride the wave of travel resurgence coming out of COVID, we in the DOT, acknowledge the initiatives to make the Philippine Tourism sustainable and resilient for the next several years,” she added. The 2022 PTSA showed inbound tourism expenditure posted the growth out of the different forms of tourism expenditure, recording PHP 368.67 billion last year compared with PHP 27.63 billion in 2021. Inbound tourism expenditure, referring to the expenditure of non-resident visitors or those foreign and Filipinos permanently residing abroad, contributed 5.9 per cent to …

Inflight Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai, two unforgettable indoor adventure destinations in the region, promise residents and visitors to the UAE a truly extraordinary experience in a temperature-controlled environment. From July until September, guests can enjoy exclusive packages from Deep Dive Dubai where they can save a lot! Inflight Dubai is an exhilarating experience that simulates the feeling of freefall in a controlled indoor environment. Suitable for all experience levels from five years old and above, guests can experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at Inflight Dubai. The wind tunnel allows you to defy gravity in a safe and secure environment. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. The feeling of ‘flying’ is incredible as participants control their movement by adjustments made to their body position. It offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure, allowing individuals the chance to experience the thrill of freefall. Experienced divers and intrepid beginners are welcome to explore an underwater wonderland at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool. With a 60-meter depth, the pool boasts a ‘sunken city’ with its abandoned urban streetscape, allowing divers to explore this modern Atlantis-like immersive zone and discover intricate details guaranteed to make every dive feel unique. Certified instructors offer introductory courses, scuba diving lessons, and certification opportunities. Open daily from 9:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Seize the opportunity this Eid Al-Adha to try something new, push your limits, and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Inflight Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai eagerly await families, friends and couples to provide them with the ultimate indoor summer experience to beat the heat. Deep Dive Dubai packages Package 1: “Beat the Heat” Introducing the “Beat the …

Qatar Tourism revealed that the country welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during the 2022/2023 cruise season (December 2022 – April 2023), representing an increase of 151% compared to the same period last season (100,500 visitors). Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination supported by a variety of leading tourist attractions and a range of exciting festivals and events. This significant growth in total visitors is particularly significant given that this year’s cruise season started later than usual (i.e. in December instead of October), as Doha Port welcomes floating hotels to accommodate visitors and fans coming to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™™. Of the cruise ship visitors received this season, 20 per cent were part of the partial transformation flights from which Doha was the starting and returning point, an increase of 790 per cent compared to the 4,172 passengers who came on these cruises during the previous season. Qatar also received 54 cruise visits during the 2022/2023 cruise season, whether transit or round trip, representing an increase of 59% compared to last year. Qatar’s cruise sector has shown great resilience and remarkable growth, and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar has seen a steady increase in the total number of cruise ships received and the number of visitors on board, and the cruise sector promises further growth in the coming seasons. Qatar’s growing cruise sector has become a key pillar of the country’s efforts to achieve the objectives of its long-term tourism strategy, as evidenced by the comprehensive refurbishment of Doha Port, which can now receive two superships at a time and up to 12,000 visitors per day arriving on cruises. Commenting …

NEOM announced that global leader in superyacht concierge and maritime agency services, BWA Yachting, will establish an office at its luxury island development Sindalah. Appointed as the ‘Key partner superyacht agency in NEOM,’ BWA Yachting’s office will provide services for the world’s most spectacular luxury vessels, as Sindalah becomes the Red Sea’s long-awaited first ultra-prime superyacht destination. Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, Sindalah will define a new dimension of exquisite bespoke travel. The island will be the first of NEOM’s assets to be unveiled, in the process introducing the world to how the project envisages the future of civilization. Offering its inhabitants an idyllic luxury lifestyle, Sindalah is one of NEOM’s 39 islands that will be home to a world-leading yachting ecosystem with more than 5,000 berths. BWA  Yachting will assist operations at Sindalah’s international superyacht marina, providing world-class services to the island’s clientele. The office will be staffed by the BWA Yachting team which has decades of experience in the industry to support captains, managers and crews with everything they need to manage a superyacht, from customs and clearance procedures to provisioning, logistics, shipping, concierge and financial services. Onboarding the BWA Yachting team will ensure a seamless premium experience for customers as Sindalah becomes the new destination on the yachting calendar with six months of winter sun a year. Commenting on the partnership, Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Development and Islands Officer at NEOM, said: “Sindalah will redefine the luxury island experience and become the most sought-after yachting destination in the world, offering six months of winter sun and less than a day’s sail from the ports of the Mediterranean. …

Kuwait Airways held a bilateral meeting with Turkish Airlines to consolidate relations between the two sides and to discuss commercial aspects related to exchange under the common codeshare agreement. This meeting was held in the presence of Kuwait Airways’ delegation in the city of Istanbul, and headed by the Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan along with accompanying officials. Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan stated, “We are pleased to meet the CEO of Turkish Airlines, Mr. Bilal Ekşi and his accompanying delegation. The focus of the meeting was to strengthen bilateral relations between Kuwait Airways and Turkish Airlines through a codeshare agreement and ways to develop this agreement to include new prospects in the interest and benefit of the two companies, as well as to increase the destinations between the two networks.” Al-Dukhan added, “The meeting complements the plans of Kuwait Airways to expand the horizons of cooperation with important airlines such as Turkish Airlines, in line with the company’s objectives in linking Kuwait to the world through such partnerships and discussions and to achieve them.” Al-Dukhan pointed out that Kuwait Airways is moving towards developing and improving all its services, many of which have been launched since the beginning of this year, in response to the requirements of its esteemed customers and coinciding with the commencement of the summer season and the increase in travel and passengers in Terminal 4. Kuwait Airways has launched 105 flights per day, operating to 60 destinations around the world with its new and diversified fleet.   Al-Dukhan emphasized the extent of relations between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Turkey, pointing out that the partnership was part of this …

Tom Cruise returned in style to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal, where key parts of the movie were shot, ahead of the film’s Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental tomorrow night. The star of the highly anticipated seventh instalment of the Mission: Impossible franchise arrived on the first flight into the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. In celebration of the film, Tom Cruise unveiled custom Mission: Impossible livery on an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner. As the official airline of the movie, Etihad will now carry the movie branding on this aircraft as it flies to destinations worldwide. Midfield Terminal’s iconic structure was also decorated with a similar theme to recognise its role in the movie, with one of the film’s most thrilling and technically complex action scenes having been shot on the building’s 315 metre roof. The movie marks the first time that the terminal’s interior will be seen by the public when it releases in cinemas on July 13, 2023. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One also features purpose-built sets at the airport, including an Etihad First Class Lounge, as well as scenes set in the stunning Liwa Desert. Elena Sorlini, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said:“We are delighted to welcome Tom Cruise, the cast and crew of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One back to Abu Dhabi. We’re proud of our role in the film and our contribution to Abu Dhabi as a destination that attracts global talent. The scenes showcased in the movie are a testament to the architecture, scale and design of the iconic Midfield Terminal, which is inspired by the cultural elements …

The past few weeks saw a hike in airfares especially in the UAE. As an expat populated destination, the short breaks are always popular, and this continues year on year. Hitherto known destinations, have become the best escapes for the UAE travellers over the past few years. Georgia started off this campaign offering visa on arrival for residents of the UAE. Following them, other destinations too wanted a piece of the business, hence employed similar tactics to attract this huge expat market by ensuring they provide either visa on arrival or visa free for any nationality with a resident visa from the UAE. However, connectivity is a concern with the rise of the air ticket pricing, yet the number of travellers hasn’t really reduced, especially in the case of the Asian sectors. When it comes to holiday destinations such as Turkey which is a key outbound getaway for UAE travellers the pricing went up to almost 6k return, and Asian destinations, especially India was at a staggering 3k plus. Many travellers opting to spend time with their families back in India over the Eid holidays, are seen to be taking smarter ways by checking in from Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah. No matter the price, travellers in the UAE would always take a chance to travel. Some travellers have also become smart in the sense that they pre-plan their travel dates almost six months prior so that they can partake in some of the best deals. What are the criteria for all this drama? What becomes of the families who wish to travel? Is there a balance between supply and demand? Well, we spoke with some of the key agents who …

Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, in association with Majid Al Futtaim Malls, announced the return of the Dubai Summer Surprises exclusive 12 Hour Sale. One of the most anticipated shopping events of the season, the sale will take place on 29 June, from 10am to 10pm, with incredible offers of up to 90 per cent off over 100 participating brands and outlets across a number of iconic Majid Al Futtaim shopping malls across the city.  Dubai Summer Surprises is an annual festival that brings joy and cheer to many, during this unique season in the city. Immerse yourself in summer fun with upbeat concerts, exciting raffles and all sorts of entertainment, dining and shopping offers for all ages. Shoppers can plan ahead and make the most out of this deal taking place within the stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me‘aisem and City Center Al Shindagha. What’s more, customers spending AED 300 and above can also enter into a draw to get the chance to win 1 Million SHARE points and become the 12 Hour Sale SHARE Millionaire. To participate, Majid Al Futtaim SHARE rewards members can use the SHARE application to scan their shopping receipts for a minimum of AED 300 in a single or cumulative purchase. This will automatically earn an entry into the lucky draw, taking place on 6 July. Get ready for the ultimate summer extravaganza filled with incredible surprises, unmissable retail offers, diverse culinary delights and endless entertainment this Dubai Summer Surprises, running from 29 June to 3 September. For more information, visit @CelebrateDubai and @StyledByDubai on social media channels, and mydss.ae. Dubai Summer Surprises is supported …

Saudi Arabia commits to sustainable tourism by launching for the first time in Hajj, self-driving vehicles to transport pilgrims. The Transport General Authority, for the first time, is launching the trial of self-driving electric buses to serve the pilgrims this Hajj season. It aims to provide innovative modern technologies for sustainable and environment-friendly transportation. The initiative is part of the authority’s efforts to offer multiple transportation options, making it easier for the pilgrims. The self-driving buses utilize artificial intelligence, cameras, and surrounding sensors to operate without human intervention along a predefined route. They gather information during movement and analyze it to make necessary decisions, aiming to enhance passenger experience and ensure safety. Each bus has 11 seats, operates for 6 hours per charge, and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h. The service aims to facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and assess the feasibility of using these technologies during Hajj. It also aims to establish the necessary requirements for their commercial operation in coming years. This falls within the role of the authority in providing different and diverse transportation options, as well as adopting modern technologies and smart mobility solutions to assess their suitability and contribution to providing a unique transportation experience for Hajj pilgrims. It aims to ensure smooth and comfortable transportation and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind. — SPA

Abu Dhabi’s unique culture is central to plans to increase overall visitation to more than 24 million, from 18 million in 2022. DCT Abu Dhabi’s research reveals that culture was the primary reason for travel for almost half (47 per cent) of international tourists. With the rise of the culture-seeker segment, about 4 million visitors are expected at DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites this year – more than one million additional visitors compared with the previous year. His Excellency Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the plans to promote and protect the emirate follow a strong 2022 performance that demonstrated innovation, resilience and integration of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors. His Excellency Al Hosani said: “With culture at the heart of everything we do, we have set bold and ambitious targets for 2023 as we promote, protect and progress Abu Dhabi and share it with the world. We are proud to share some of our 2022 results, which powerfully demonstrate how we re-ignited the engine of growth through resilient culture and tourism sectors, with visionary leadership and key partnerships across the different creative industries. “We are progressing Abu Dhabi by creating new job and career opportunities and enabling growth across the culture sector throughout the culture and creative industries (CCI) while enabling business and leisure tourism to thrive. Our purpose is to share Abu Dhabi with the world and enrich lives.” With the promotion and protection of culture central to its mandate, DCT Abu Dhabi is building on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, to strengthen national identity, nurture talent, create better awareness of Emirati heritage and …