The Philippines, a nation blessed with 7,641 islands, invites explorers and adventurers to embark on a remarkable odyssey through its diverse and breathtaking island destinations. Each island possesses its own unique allure, promising unforgettable experiences that will leave travelers in awe. Palawan: A Paradise Untouched Prepare to be spellbound by Palawan, hailed as the “World’s Best Island” by numerous prestigious travel publications. Palawan’s crown jewel, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing an underground network of caves and awe-inspiring rock formations. El Nido and Coron offer unrivaled beauty with their stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, making them perfect havens for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Boracay: Tropical Bliss Redefined Boracay, a small but globally renowned island, entices visitors with its powdery white sands and azure waters. Feel the gentle sea breeze as you stroll along White Beach, indulge in exhilarating water sports, or witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in a myriad of colors. Boracay’s vibrant nightlife, exquisite dining, and luxurious resorts make it a complete paradise for those seeking relaxation and entertainment in equal measure. Cebu: A Tapestry of Heritage and Adventure The island of Cebu seamlessly blends history, natural wonders, and thrilling activities. Explore the bustling city of Cebu, where modernity harmonizes with Spanish colonial heritage. Visit Magellan’s Cross and Fort San Pedro, remnants of the island’s colonial past. Journey to the captivating Chocolate Hills in Bohol, home to over 1,200 mounds resembling giant chocolate drops. Dive into the azure waters of Moalboal or Malapascua Island for encounters with majestic marine creatures like thresher sharks and sea turtles. Siargao: The Surfer’s Paradise Renowned as the surfing capital of the …

In a significant move poised to redefine the Saudi Arabian tourism landscape, ELAF Group, a leader in the Kingdom’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sector, announced a strategic partnership with global destination management trailblazer, EXO Travel Group. This collaboration will lead to the inception of EXO Saudi Arabia, a venture designed to amplify the allure of Saudi Arabian tourism on the global stage. The historic contract was signed by key representatives from both organizations in the historical district of Jeddah, amidst a host of distinguished personnel from the Ministry of Tourism, Elaf’s directorial board and executive team, and delegates from SEDCO Holding. This agreement not only embodies the consummation of an earlier pact between Elaf and EXO but also aligns seamlessly with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to bolster tourism influx into the Kingdom and cultivate sustainable growth in this pivotal sector. EXO Saudi Arabia’s genesis signifies ELAF Group’s ambition to craft a reputable destination management organization, fueled by a synergy of expertise, robust global alliances, and an unyielding commitment to provide innovative travel experiences, state-of-the-art technology, and sustainable travel practices. Dr. Abdulraouf Mohammad Mannaa, Chairman of the Board of Directors at ELAF Group, commented on this occasion by saying: “Our key priority is to contribute to the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We have been working towards forging long-standing relationships with leading international tourism companies and agencies to boost this sector and attract more tourists, further positioning KSA as a leading global destination that provides exceptional experiences that satisfy the needs of visitors from across the globe. The partnership contract signed with EXO Travel to establish EXO Saudi Arabia is a …

The First Group is extending its presence in the GCC with the launch of a new dedicated hotel management division, which will provide third-party management services to owners and investors looking to maximise the commercial potential of their hotel and hospitality assets. With a proven track record of launching and operating some of the UAE’s most successful upscale hotels and homegrown F&B brands, The First Group will leverage its proven expertise to offer best-in-class services and solutions to maximise the revenue-generating potential of clients’ assets. “We’re proud to launch our new third-party hotel management business and are committed to setting the benchmark for excellence in one of the world’s top hospitality markets. Our goal is to ensure that every property we manage operates to its maximum potential, remains adaptable to the latest market trends, and delivers exceptional guest experiences and strong financial returns for our partners,” said Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group. The launch of this dynamic new operation coincides with The First Group being appointed to manage the prestigious ZOYA Health and Wellbeing resort in Al Zorah, Ajman. ZOYA, which is the region’s first fully integrated wellness resort, offers a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. The agreement reflects The First Group’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of upscale hotels and lifestyle destinations while providing exceptional experiences to its guests and strong returns to its partners. “ZOYA Health and Wellbeing Resort marks our 17th management agreement in the region. We are truly excited to bring our all-encompassing hospitality management approach to the wellness sector. Our team of highly experienced property managers, hotel operations and F&B professionals work in sync to elevate the performance of …

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind two of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, has announced that its flagship destination, The Red Sea, has been accepted into Virtouso’s ® exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising over 2,300 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. Set to welcome its first guests in 2023, The Red Sea will join Virtuoso’s elite network of the world’s finest hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. These prestigious partners are recognized for not only delivering world-class services and experiences but also for providing superior offerings and rare opportunities to clientele. “Set among desert canyons, dormant volcanoes and unexplored islands, we are pioneering a unique relationship between luxury tourism and the natural environment at The Red Sea. By committing to putting people and planet first, we are enriching the surrounding environment and giving new meaning to the concept of responsible development. Working with Virtuoso, we’ll showcase the distinct benefits of regenerative tourism, while bringing our unparalleled guest experiences to travelers from all over the world,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia across 28,000 square kilometers of pristine lands and waters, The Red Sea will be home to a host of prestigious luxury brands, including Ritz Carlton Reserve and Miraval resorts – the first to operate in the Middle East. While staying at some of the world’s most iconic hotels, visitors to The Red Sea can enjoy diverse activities across the full spectrum of retail, sport, entertainment, health and wellness – from desert safaris and spa days to sailing and diving. A key attribute of the new partnership is The Red …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Saudi insurance company, Al-Rajhi Takaful have signed an agreement ensuring that guests traveling from the Kingdom have access to a comprehensive travel insurance policy which they can secure online. This partnership highlights SAUDIA’s commitment to expanding its after-sales services while enhancing passengers travel experience. The signing took place at SAUDIA’s Headquarters, in the presence of Captain Ibrahim Al-Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, and Mr. Saud Ghonem Bin Ghonem, CEO of Takaful Al-Rajhi Insurance Company. Under this agreement, SAUDIA guests traveling from the Kingdom to various parts of the world will be equipped with a comprehensive travel insurance. SAUDIA guests will receive special prices on the travel insurance. The service can be used digitally during the completion of travel procedures through SAUDIA’s website (www.saudia.com) and smart phone application, the link will then direct users to the Al-Rajhi Takaful system to complete the process and benefit from a range of services, including cases of emergencies and claims. Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA said: “At SAUDIA enhancing guest experience and providing them with the best services is one of our main priorities. This includes our partnership with introducing Al Rajhi Takaful as we are witnessing increasing demand, indicating that what distinguishes this service is the ease of transition between SAUDIA and Al Rajhi Takaful systems. This agreement ensures the facilitation of the travel insurance purchasing process, while providing direct support to our guests to ensure their comfort and guarantee a travel experience worth repeating. These services, among others, are constantly reviewed and evaluated, while utilizing guests’ feedback to undertake developments that meet their expectations”. Saud Ghonem Bin Ghonem, CEO of Takaful Al-Rajhi said: “This agreement aligns with the …

The 13th edition of the Riyadh Travel Fair with TravTalkME  as media partners concluded in the Saudi capital of Riyadh yesterday. It is a significant annual event where the leading travel and tourism companies in Saudi Arabia with GCC And Other International Companies / Countries gather with exhibitors representing tourist promotion authorities and tourist companies at the Arab and International levels. This year Kazakhstan, South Africa, The Royal Commission of Al Ula and many other key partners held special B2B sessions to present their destinations to the travel trade. This year’s event attracted over 200 exhibitors from 30 countries. Another significance this year was the many interactive sessions in most pavilions which provided exciting give aways and prizes. Amala Tourism had their stand adorned with some beautiful birds and other species which attracted many visitors. Speaking with TravelTVNews, Nawaf Khalid, General Manager Amala Tourism shared that in keeping with the Saudi Vision 2030, they will be opening a special family destination 200km from Riyadh, with an animal sanctuary, 186 key resort, man made lake and many other exciting activities for both domestic and international visitors. He further reiterated that within the next two years, the project will be completed and travellers will be able to enjoy the destination.

Hilton announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) towards exploring cooperation opportunities between the two entities and developing creative content, with the aim of attracting visitors from key markets across the Middle East and Africa to the Kingdom. Signing this MoU comes as part of the STA’s ongoing commitment and efforts to forge strong partnerships with key players in Saudi Arabia’s tourism ecosystem, working closely with these partners to promote destinations in the Kingdom and provide inspiring tourism experiences. This most recent partnership also highlights Hilton’s presence and growth in Saudi Arabia, where it currently operates 16 hotels – with another 51 in the pipeline and plans to grow its portfolio to more 75 hotels in the coming years. “We are very excited to sign this agreement, which comes in alignment with Hilton’s longstanding relationship with the Saudi Tourism Authority over the years and is a reiteration of our commitment towards the tourism sector in the Kingdom,” Ajami said. “Through this partnership, we aim to attract travellers from the Middle East and Africa who are looking to explore the Kingdom’s diverse tourism offerings while staying with a global hospitality brand they know and trust.” “This Memorandum of Understanding with global hospitality leader, Hilton, aligns with our strategy to partner with key international brands and corporations that are working in alignment with our vision, attracting new segments of regional tourists and helping us achieve our 2030 objectives,” said Abdulkarim Al-Darwish, CEO of the Middle East and African Markets, STA. Hilton’s portfolio in the Kingdom includes iconic properties such as the Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr al Sharq, Conrad Makkah, Jeddah Hilton and Hilton …

Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays and the Saudi Tourism Authority are excited to announce a new strategic partnership. This cooperative endeavour focuses on promoting tourism in Saudi Arabia to UAE residents. Under this agreement, Al Rostamani Travel and the Saudi Tourism Authority will work together to showcase the natural wonders, cultural heritage, and unmatched hospitality of Saudi Arabia to travelers from the UAE. The goal is to create unparalleled travel experiences, fostering deeper connections and understanding between the two nations. The partnership aims to offer UAE travelers the chance to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, including the awe-inspiring rock formations of Al Ula, the bustling streets of Riyadh, the tranquil Red Sea coast, and the breathtaking archaeological marvels of Madain Saleh. Al Rostamani Travel and the Saudi Tourism Authority are committed to providing seamless travel experiences that exceed expectations with tailor-made itineraries, curated tours, and exceptional customer service. Bimal Jain, General Manager of Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays, and Khalid Khan, GCC Trade Director for the Saudi Tourism Authority, officially signed the agreement at the Arabian Travel Market event. Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in Al Rostamani Travel, the organization acknowledges the significance of this partnership in supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision to establish itself as a leading global tourism destination. By leveraging their expertise and resources, both entities will work towards raising awareness about the incredible tourism offerings of Saudi Arabia and inviting UAE travelers to embark on unforgettable journeys. As this collaboration unfolds, the public can look forward to more exciting updates and initiatives to showcase the wonders of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry. Al Rostamani Travel and the Saudi Tourism Authority are determined to create memorable …

Dubai Business Events (DBE) has kicked off its participation at IMEX Frankfurt 2023, bringing its largest ever delegation of co-exhibitors from across the city and engaging in a full schedule of engagements and interactions with buyers, industry partners and stakeholders, with over 1,000 meetings expected over the course of three days (23-25 May). The strong presence at IMEX is underlining the contribution business events are set to make towards achieving the goals of the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The city’s official convention bureau, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, is once again highly visible at the major industry trade show, which is being attended by over 4,000 meeting planners from around the world. DBE has been joined by 35 co-exhibitors from across the city’s business events ecosystem, including hotels, venues, attractions, destination management companies and airlines. Among them are Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates, Expo City Dubai and various hotels groups. Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai this January, D33 aims to double Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: “Dubai’s business events ecosystem continues to be an important driver of not only increased visitation to the city and tourism-related GDP, but also the development of key sectors and the growth of the wider knowledge economy. The city’s robust presence at IMEX presents a strong message to the global industry that Dubai can provide them with a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge, professional development and networking. From association congresses and corporate meetings …

Philippine Tourism is currently participating at the Riyadh Travel Fair in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with their valued travel and tourism partners to portray the many diverse offerings to the Middle Eastern travellers. Her Excellency Myra Paz Valderosa Abubakar, Undersecretary, Department of Tourism speaking with TravelTV Middle East shared the importance of the Middle Eastern markets and their focus on halal tourism. “Middle East market is a very important market for us and we are participating at the Riyadh Travel Fair as we are focusing on Muslim friendly travel from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East. Recently, in the Philippines we passed the Memorandum circular where in accommodation establishments could be Muslim friendly recognized so that they can get certificates so its very easy for our accommodation establishments in Philippines to be Muslim friendly recognized, we have 6 guidelines to follow and then 5 percent of the total number of rooms in an accommodation establishment in the Philippines should be Muslim friendly. So what do we mean by Muslim friendly, so each room will have the direction sticker (the kibla) that is very important, in our front desk, we encourage at least one Muslim employee to be able to greet our Muslim guests coming in and we have asked them to make available at the front desk a list of the prayer times as normally when you come from another country time changes so at least you have a copy of that so that you will be able to know what time to follow for prayer. Also, a list of masjids in the area or mosques so if they want to go for Friday prayers …