According to Cavendish Maxwell the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia contributed 11.5% to its GDP in 2023, when tourist arrivals surged to 27 million in 2023, surpassing Vision 2030 targets. It also states that in addition to this growth in numbers, international tourists are staying longer and spending more. They spent 57% more year-on-year to reach $60.62bn in 2023. This was almost five as much per visitor as the much more numerous domestic tourists. Their spending also grew, by 21.5%, to reach $38bn. Spending of this magnitude has resulted in tourism climbing rapidly in economic importance within the Kingdom; it currently stands around 11.5% as a proportion of GDP. Tourism has also generated the sought-after jobs: by 2022, 879,815 people worked in the industry,5 but 436,000 jobs were added last year alone.6 Considering both direct and indirect employment, one in five jobs now depends on the industry.

At a special interview with TravelTV Middle East Amir Golbarg Senior VP Operations MEA Region Minor Hotels shared that the travel trade partners are of paramount importance as they build destinations when opening hotels. “travel trade is of paramount importance to us and we like to be destination builders. We like to create and add new destinations onto the map, and that’s one thing we work very closely in terms of, in particular with our Anantara brand, which is all about being indigenous sustainable luxury. And when you go in and you want to penetrate and create a new destination on the map, you’ve got to work with the travel trade. You’ve got to work with the local governments and the entities. And for us, you know, it’s the whole geosystem of travel coming together. We are an anchor and an establisher that’s going to create the demand. But the demand needs to be known, and to be able to get that voice heard, that’s where the travel trade is key. And you need to bring the entire geosystem together, and one without the other cannot function. So for us, travel trade as a whole has many components that many, unfortunately, look at it in silos. And I think in today’s world, we’ve gone from global back to local. And when you go back to local, then you need to look at who do you need to work with domestically to build the destinations up or to rebuild the perception of the destinations. So for us, that’s a key component, and travel trade plays a significant role in us building destinations.”

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Turab Saleem – Head of Hospitality – Knight Frank shared that 25million people in the region are somehow one way or another directly or indirectly engaged with travel and tourism sector, He further shared that in the UAE alone around 900,000 jobs are mainly in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector. He shared, “travel and tourism contributes to the revenue across the GCC with UAE  touching 220 billion worth towards the overall economy. The GDP contribution has now gone to 11.7 percent, which historically is one of the highest. Same goes to Saudi. Saudi has achieved milestone which has reached to 444 billion Saudi Riyal in 2023, which is also one of the highest one. And it is 11.7 percent of the total GDP contribution. So which shows how these economies are diversifying and moving towards hospitality and tourism reliance.” He further stated, “1 to 2 jobs out of every 10 jobs belongs to this sector. So this sector is helping in diversification overall in KSA, UAE, and rest of the region. Taking as an example of UAE, jobs around 890,000 to 900,000 jobs are contributed by travel and tourism. In Saudi, the numbers are very high. It’s now reached to 2.5 million of the jobs are from this sector. Regionally, it’s 25 million people in the region are somehow one way or another directly or indirectly engaged with travel and tourism sector.”

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East Paul Griffiths CEO Dubai Airports shared that they expect 93million passengers by the end of the year according to the latest forecast. “We’re ahead of schedule. And what we’re hoping is to see 93 million. That’s the projection. We’ve had a very strong first half this year. We’re hoping to get to 93 million by the end of the year. And 100 million, I think, may be a couple of years away. It’s interesting. Every time we revise our forecast, it’s always in the upward direction. So that’s a very positive trajectory. Well, I think the thing is the attractiveness of Dubai.” adding further on the future of travel, he reiterated, “If you can halve the time it takes a customer to get through the airport, you’ve got double the capacity without building anything, which is really good. And, of course, it’s a much better passenger experience. So the future of travel, I think, is about using technology to remove all of the legacy process that we all suffer when we go on plane trips. So that really is the key to the future of travel through airports.”  

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will underscore the pivotal role of connectivity in shaping the future of tourism with the theme: “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity” when it returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025. In light of the unprecedented growth within the global travel and tourism sector, ATM 2025 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Bringing together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel sectors, ATM provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities, allowing participants to explore the latest trends, innovations, and developments worldwide. This international presence enables diverse perspectives to come together, fostering a rich cross-border collaboration and innovation environment. Each year, ATM highlights specific aspects of travel that will shape the sector’s future, and this year’s theme will explore how the future of tourism is defined by connectivity across borders, industries and communities. Commenting on the theme for ATM 2025, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Connectivity extends beyond technology. It also involves creating communities that serve as important centres for trade and tourism. By working together and embracing innovation and better connectivity, ATM is paving the way for the future of travel. This ensures that tourism in the coming years is more sustainable, inclusive, and closely linked with global economic growth.” In July 2024, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported that the city had welcomed a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2024. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this figure represents a 9% increase from the same period in 2023. Dubai’s tourism …

Over 850 Emirates commercial team members from around the world convened in Dubai this week for the airline’s Passenger Sales Conference 2024 under the banner of ‘Next Era – Equip, Embrace, Excel’. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “We have big plans for Emirates, and the Passenger Sales Conference lays out the blueprint around how we will collectively activate commercial pathways and execute on the company’s strategic growth plans – through recalibrating our strategies, seizing emerging opportunities, developing new products, bolstering team dynamics and leveraging the latest technologies.” This biannual event was the airline’s largest ever commercial gathering. The Passenger Sales Conference has become a springboard for the airline’s executive commercial leadership to engage, embolden and inspire teams around their strategy and vision for the future, as Emirates ramps up its fleet, network, products, and readies itself for the next ‘era’ poised for even more growth. The packed programme of speakers representing the full spectrum of the airline’s business, aviation and tourism industry heavyweights, and a dose of inspiration from motivational speakers and best-selling authors set the tone for an extraordinary four days. Recognising individual and team achievements across the commercial organisation, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group also presented the coveted Chairman Sales Award. He continued: “We’ve stood in the face of unexpected business challenges together and turned disruption to our advantage by moving nimbly towards every opportunity available to achieve outstanding results. And we’re only getting started. Our growth trajectory will accelerate in the coming years in line with Dubai’s D33 ambitions, and our teams are focused and committed to continue generating extraordinary value for …

As travelers from the GCC seek new and extraordinary vacation destinations, Jamaica stands out as a haven of luxury, privacy, and unforgettable experiences. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality, Jamaica is the ultimate Caribbean destination for discerning travelers. From high-end resorts offering world-class amenities to exclusive cultural and historical experiences, Jamaica invites GCC travelers to discover a new level of luxury in the heart of the Caribbean. Luxury Stays in Jamaica For those seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity and comfort, Jamaica offers a selection of premier resorts tailored for luxury travelers: Round Hill Hotel and Villas is nestled along the coastline in Montego Bay and boasts of private villas with personal pools, beachfront views, and dedicated concierge service. With a history of hosting international celebrities, Round Hill combines understated elegance with modern luxury. Zoëtry Montego Bay is a tranquil sanctuary renowned for its holistic approach to luxury. This boutique resort offers a blend of modern wellness with timeless elegance, featuring private suites with plunge pools, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. With its beachfront setting and commitment to wellness, Zoetry provides a haven for travelers seeking relaxation in an opulent environment. Half Moon, Jamaica’s highest rated resort spans across 400 acres and offers unparalleled luxury with its beachfront suites, private villas, and championship gol f course. Guests can indulge in spa treatments at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa, take part in a variety of water sports, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Unforgettable Cultural Experiences Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Jamaica is a place where travelers get the unique vibe and heritage that the island has to offer: Luxury travelers to Jamaica …

Valor Hospitality Partners announced expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by extending its operations in the Kingdom, in line with its Vision 2030 in having tourism account for 10 percent of the GDP. “Expanding into Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone for Valor Hospitality Partners and presents an unparalleled opportunity for investors in the Kingdom,” stated Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner for Valor Hospitality Partners, overseeing the Middle East, CIS, and Central Asia regions. “Our flexible and comprehensive management model is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the Middle eastern and Saudi market. As the only international full-service firm in the Middle East, we empower investors to optimize their returns through cost-effective solutions, operational efficiencies, and our deep expertise in hospitality management.” With an estimated 600,000 hotel rooms in development across the GCC, the hospitality sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Valor Hospitality Partners is uniquely positioned to support investors, Funds, developers and hotel owners in this dynamic market. The company’s strategic approach not only elevates hospitality standards but also aligns Valor with the Vision 2030, enabling investors to capitalize on the rapid growth in tourism and hotel development in Saudi Arabia. “Our focus and our expertise help properties to distinguish themselves, attracting more guests and enhancing their asset visibility,” added Bergue. “By delivering exceptional quality standards and optimizing operational value, we ensure sustained growth and maximized returns for hotel owners. Our tailored solutions provide investors with the tools to navigate and excel in the evolving hospitality landscape of the GCC.” Tapan Piplani, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Business Development Director …

dnata Travel has reported a 21% increase in the average booking value for in-store services in 2024 compared to the previous year. Walk-in services at its 13 retail outlets across the UAE remain the most popular way for residents to book travel, driven by a rise in demand for more complex itineraries. This summer, multi-location trips across Europe were particularly popular, combining train and self-drive travel. France, Italy and Switzerland were frequently included in these itineraries, which featured multiple stops across one or several countries. Tailor-made itineraries in Asia also gained traction throughout the year, with bookings typically including multiple stops within a single country. Hotspots across Thailand and Sri Lanka are especially sought after, with a notable spike in demand for Vietnam compared to previous years. Cruise itineraries, offering multiple stops across different countries, are also seeing steady growth, with dnata Travel anticipating even higher demand as the GCC cruise season approaches this winter. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “Multi-destination itineraries are trending, as travellers look to experience the best of a region or country in one extended trip. “Many of our customers prefer to book these complex journeys in-store, where our travel experts can provide personalised advice on destinations, hotels and the latest offers. We offer a one-stop solution, where travellers can book everything from flights and hotels to car rentals, tours and insurance. “One of the highest value in-store bookings in 2024 was a summer trip across France, taking in Paris and Cannes, then on to Monaco. Our travel experts arranged the flights, accommodation, private transport and guided tours, all with a fashion theme, in one sitting. This luxurious itinerary featured …

Air Samarkand has launched a new once-weekly service between the Uzbek capital of Tashkent and Al Ain. The aircraft offers 12 spacious business class seats and 182 comfortable economy class seats to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Al Ain is the fourth-largest city in the United Arab Emirates and the largest inland city in the UAE. It is a significant cultural center, playing an important role in the country’s history. “We are excited to add another destination and a new country to our flight map, which we are confident will become popular among both tourists and business travelers,” said Zafar Butaev, CEO of Air Samarkand. This latest development follows the expansion of services to Istanbul earlier in September, to three return flights a week, and marks the continued and steady expansion of Air Samarkand’s route network. In late July the carrier began flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support religious pilgrims, increasing the frequency to five per week by September – with two services departing from Samarkand and one each week from the Uzbek cities of Termez, Fergana and Namangan. Air Samarkand also serves Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam, using Airbus A321neo and A330-300 aircraft. Flights to Al Ain are operated in partnership with the tour operator EasyBooking, which is providing quick and convenient transfers from Al Ain Airport to selected hotels in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. At the initial stage, flights will operate once a week on Sundays: • Departure from Tashkent: 10:40, arrival in Al Ain: 13:20 (local time). • Departure from Al Ain: 15:00, arrival in Tashkent: 19:40 (local time). Known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its lush greenery, with city oases, …