RX officially announced the launch of WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). WTM Spotlight is a new brand and launch within the WTM portfolio, designed to focus on a specific market and create invaluable opportunities for regional and international exhibitors and visitors. Participants can engage in a mix of inbound and outbound conversations, forging meaningful connections with industry leaders and travel professionals while immersing themselves in the destination’s culture. Commenting on the announcement, Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, said: “WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia represents an exciting new chapter for the WTM portfolio. By creating events that delve deeper into a specific market, we offer regional and international stakeholders, as well as travel professionals, an unparalleled opportunity to build essential relationships, gain richer insights, uncover future travel trends and discover innovative new ways to connect the world. Ultimately, these shared experiences and cultural insights lay the foundation for long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. “Saudi Arabia is the perfect location to launch this concept – its tourism sector is one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing in the world, and WTM Spotlight will play a pivotal role in supporting its development as a destination by connecting the world to Saudi, and Saudi to the world.” Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation in tourism under Vision 2030, demonstrating the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and position itself as a leading global tourist destination. Tourism is a key element of this strategy, with a national target for the sector to …

Between 30 June and 31 August 2025, SalamAir operated 962 flights between Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah, compared to 658 flights in 2024, marking a 46% increase year-on-year. Seat capacity also expanded by37%, rising to192,540 seats in 2025. Almost 70% of passengers were Omani citizens, highlighting the popularity of Salalah as a national destination during Khareef. SalamAir supported this surge by introducing a special 48 OMR round-trip fare exclusively for Omanis, making travel more affordable and accessible for families and individuals eager to experience Dhofar’s unique beauty during the season. SalamAir announced record results during the Khareef 2025 season in Salalah, celebrating a successful summer that reflects the growing strength of domestic tourism, the airline’s expanding role in connectivity, and its contribution to Oman’s wider economic diversification goals. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said: “Khareef 2025 has been a remarkable success story for SalamAir and for the Sultanate. These results are proof of the airline’s commitment to connecting Oman affordably, while supporting the growth of Salalah as one of the region’s most celebrated destinations. We are proud to play our part in bringing more people to Dhofar to enjoy its natural wonders, traditions, and hospitality. This season’s achievements reflect not only SalamAir’s growth but also the incredible appeal of Salalah during Khareef.” The achievements of Khareef 2025 also demonstrate the untapped potential of Oman’s domestic travel market. SalamAir continues to strengthen its role as a leading low-cost carrier in the region, bringing visitors to the Sultanate, supporting local tourism, and opening new opportunities for Omanis. Looking ahead, the airline remains committed to further expansion and to the long-term development of Salalah as an operational base, ensuring that Dhofar benefits from year-round …

flydubai announced a new interline agreement with TAROM expanding seamless travel options for passengers between the UAE, Romania, and key European destinations. The partnership will enable flydubai customers to connect via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to 15 destinations on TAROM’s network, including Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris. Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, said the collaboration strengthens connectivity across Eastern and Central Europe, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “This agreement allows customers to enjoy simplified itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through check-in for baggage to their final destination,” he added. TAROM’s General Manager, Costin Iordache, said the partnership is a natural step in enhancing regional and international connectivity, offering safe and convenient travel choices. flydubai has operated flights to Bucharest since 2012 and currently runs double daily services. The airline will expand further in Romania with new flights to Iași starting 19 September 2025. flydubai’s network spans more than 135 destinations across 57 countries.

Oman Air is highlighting its digital-first approach at the flagship technology exhibition. The airline is using the platform to demonstrate its role as a modern, innovative carrier and share insights on the transformative impact of digitalisation in aviation. During the conference, Oman Air’s Commercial and Digital teams discussed the airline’s digital journey, which has enhanced guest experiences, streamlined ancillary services, and enabled smarter retailing. Chief Commercial Officer Mike Rutter emphasised that these initiatives reflect Oman Air’s strategy to make travel simpler, smarter, and more rewarding, while supporting the growth of Oman’s digital ecosystem. Key digital initiatives include the launch of a new online booking platform, Oman Air Holidays, revamped website and mobile app, flexible fare bundles, and the revitalization of the Sindbad loyalty programme. Direct sales have risen to over 70%, reducing reliance on third-party channels. The airline is also using AI to improve customer service and booking processes. COMEX 2025 runs until 11 September at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre, where visitors can explore Oman Air’s innovative digital solutions at its dedicated booth.

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council said that the hotel revenues have exceeded year on year and occupancy hit 80.5% during the first six months of this year. Speaking at the third meeting he shared : “Hotel establishment revenues in the country surpassed AED 26 billion in the first half of this year, marking a 6.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rate hit 80.5 per cent during the first six months, reflecting sustained growth in this vital sector, the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, and supporting the objectives of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to raise the sector’s contribution to the national economy to AED 450 billion by the next decade.” His Excellency added: “Through the Emirates Tourism Council, we continue our efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the country by fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors and launching innovative initiatives and projects. These efforts not only drive tourism growth but also create exceptional travel experiences, offer unique opportunities to Emirati talents, and strengthen our national tourism identity on the global stage.” The Emirates Tourism Council held its third meeting of 2025, chaired by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Council, and attended by the chairpersons and directors general of the local tourism authorities across the UAE. During the meeting, H.E. affirmed that the UAE’s tourism sector continues to perform exceptionally under the guidance of the wise leadership, which prioritizes its development as a strategic driver of non-oil GDP growth and …

Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 to Hangzhou, China on its daily service from 26 October 2025. Coming just three months after its inaugural service, the deployment reinforces Emirates’ steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding experience for travellers to and from its newest destination in Chinese mainland. The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK310 which departs from Dubai International Airport at 04:15hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at 16:00hrs; the return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 00:10hrs, landing in Dubai at 06:10hrs.* Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Over the last year we have made significant investments in our operations to Chinese mainland, creating meaningful impact through the launch of brand-new destinations and providing an elevated in-flight experience with our latest products. Introducing the A350 to Hangzhou is the natural next step, as we continue to bring the latest and greatest that Emirates has to offer to China’s skies. The A350 is an exciting addition to our fleet mix, adding a new dynamic to our existing operations in China. We look forward to welcoming passengers from Hangzhou on the new Emirates A350 soon.” The A350 is the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, complementing the existing line-up of Boeing 777s and A380s, both of which serve Chinese mainland. Kitted out in the airline’s latest signature interiors, the A350 features sleek and spacious cabins, with extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes. Designed around customer comfort, the aircraft features seamless technology touchpoints and ground-breaking inflight entertainment to elevate the passenger experience. The deployment of the A350 also introduces Premium Economy to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates premium offering to and from the city. …

As the Official Airline Partner of FIFA and the Authorised Travel Package Provider, the leisure arm of Qatar Airways will offer fans a seamless solution covering flights, accommodation, official match tickets, and transfers. Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar, said the airline is committed to delivering “exceptional packages” that support fans worldwide, ensuring a smooth journey from their homes to the stadium. The FIFA World Cup 26, featuring 48 teams and 16 Host Cities, is expected to be the largest in history. Packages include ticket-inclusive and refundable options under the ‘Follow My Team Series,’ along with Gold and Silver packages for knockout and final rounds. Fans can also benefit from Category 1 match tickets, prime-location hotels, and match-day transfers. With over 170 gateways and global partnerships, Qatar Airways aims to connect football enthusiasts to the world’s biggest sporting event with unmatched convenience.

This collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive travel solutions to corporate clients across the region. Under this agreement, DW Travel will serve as Uniglobe’s preferred travel partner in the Middle East, providing end-to-end travel management services to Uniglobe’s clientele. This partnership leverages DW Travel’s regional expertise and Uniglobe’s global network to offer clients seamless and efficient travel experiences. Uniglobe Travel is a globally recognized travel management company (TMC), representing a network of independently owned and operated corporate travel agencies that collectively generate over USD 5 billion in annual revenue. While each agency operates autonomously, all adhere to Uniglobe’s high standards of professionalism, ensuring consistent service quality across markets. With a strong local presence in 60 countries and servicing clients in 90, Uniglobe currently manages travel programs for more than 10,000 corporate organizations worldwide. “We are excited to enter this strategic partnership with Uniglobe Travel,” said Bader Ahli, Director of DW Travel. “This collaboration not only strengthens our position in the corporate travel sector but also expands our ability to deliver world-class, tailored travel solutions to clients across the Middle East. By combining our deep regional expertise with Uniglobe’s global reach, we are set to redefine the corporate travel experience, offering seamless, efficient, and highly personalized services for businesses of all sizes. Whilst DW Travel has experienced 37% revenue growth year over year, our hope is that this partnership will provide opportunities for us to accelerate our growth even further in the future.” Patrick Hooft, President of Uniglobe BI and EMEA, commented, ‘Partnering with DW Travel is a pivotal step in strengthening Uniglobe’s presence in the Middle East. Their deep regional expertise and commitment to excellence perfectly complement our global network. By combining our …

As the first-ever Kimpton in the region, the 212-room luxury lifestyle hotel brings the brand’s sophisticated yet playful approach, refined design, socially engaging spaces and human-centered hospitality, to the heart of Riyadh’s most dynamic neighborhood. Founded in San Francisco in 1981, Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has become a globally celebrated brand known for its design-led hotels that serve as vibrant community hubs. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks a significant step in the brand’s strategic expansion into the region, catering to the growing demand for authentic, design-led luxury experiences. The debut of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh marks the brand’s exciting expansion into the Middle East, offering a fresh, design-led approach to hospitality in the Kingdom. Rising gracefully across 16 floors, the hotel blends contemporary elegance with the brand’s playful personality. Guests can expect thoughtfully curated spaces, from breezy skywalk access to the metro to in-room yoga mats, luxury bedding, and mini-bars stocked with locally inspired treats. Whether travelling for business or leisure, every stay is enriched with unexpected touches that make the experience distinctly Kimpton.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its 2025 roadshow in India, with events held in Mumbai on September 3 and New Delhi on September 5. The initiative aimed to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a preferred destination for Indian tourists and expand strategic partnerships with key players in India’s tourism sector. The roadshow featured events at Mumbai’s St. Regis and New Delhi’s Leela Palace, attended by around 90 Indian business partners in each city, alongside media representatives. The Sharjah delegation included leading public and private sector partners such as Air Arabia, Emirates Airlines, Al Zajil Tourism, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Shurooq, Golden Tulip Hotel, and Centro Sharjah Hotel. The tour highlighted Sharjah’s top attractions and showcased its refreshed tourism brand, “Visit Sharjah,” through a promotional video and interactive experiences, including virtual reality displays. SCTDA announced four strategic partnerships with Indian tourism companies—Royal Tours, Riya Holidays, Thrillophila, and TravClan—and launched consumer campaigns with platforms like Amazon and Inshorts.Sharjah continues to see growing interest from India, recording a 38% increase in Indian hotel guests in the first seven months of 2025, reinforcing its status as a top tourism market.