Saudi Arabia has set new records in tourism recording its highest surplus in the travel account of the balance of payments in 2024 estimated at SAR 49.8 billion—a growth of approximately 7.8% compared to 2023. This impressive performance was driven by a 13.8% increase in inbound visitor spending compared to 2023, with total inbound visitor spending reaching an estimated SAR 153.6 billion in 2024, according to balance of payments preliminary data issued by the Saudi Central Bank. The Ministry of Tourism explained that the significant growth in the travel account surplus in 2024 reflects the efforts of the Ministry and other entities of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem to strengthen the tourism industry and its contribution to national economic growth. It also underlines the successful measures taken to elevate the sector to global leadership by implementing best practices in tourism development, enhancing tourism services and products, and promoting strong collaboration with all government entities to support the development of the tourism sector—while advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

flydubai and Boeing announced an agreement to retrofit 21 of flydubai’s 737 MAX aircraft with larger Boeing Space Bins. Each Space Bin can accommodate up to six standard-sized bags per bin by turning a bag on its edge, an increase from four bags per bin compared to a standard bin. “Since commencing operations in 2009, we have remained dedicated to investing in product innovation and elevating our passengers’ inflight experience. By having Boeing’s larger Space Bins on our 737 MAX aircraft, this will provide our passengers with added convenience and increased storage space that rivals the experience offered on a wide-body aircraft,” said Daniel Kerrison, Senior Vice President of Inflight Operations at flydubai. “Passengers are making the connection between bin capacity and the extra room they need and expect for their carry-on bags,” said Doug Backhus, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance at Boeing. “We are proud to partner with flydubai to bring Space Bins capability to their existing 737 MAX fleet.” The carrier is served by a young and efficient fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft, 59 of which are 737 MAX aircraft. flydubai has built a growing network of more than 130 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.

Oman Air has announced the extension of its popular Muscat-Moscow service to operate year-round. Building on the route’s success and increasing demand between Russia and Oman, the airline will now offer up to three weekly flights between May and September, complementing its existing winter service, which includes up to six flights per week from October to April. His Excellency Eng. Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and IT, and Chairman of Oman Air, said, “The introduction of summer flights marks a return to full-year operations in Moscow, further strengthening Oman Air’s presence in this key route and underscoring the importance of the Russia-Oman corridor for tourism, trade and cultural exchange. As the airline continues to invest in strategically relevant markets, we are pleased to support Oman’s broader vision for global engagement and economic diversification.” Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, added, “Moscow has proven to be a high-performing route in our network, and its year-round operation enables us to meet growing demand across all seasons while reaching a broader market. This expansion strengthens connectivity for our guests, supports our wider network strategy by linking Russia to destinations across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa via Muscat, while also contributing positively to Oman’s tourism goals.” For the summer schedule, flights between Muscat and Moscow will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays during May and June, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from July to September. The service will be operated by the latest generation B737 Max-8 aircraft featuring two cabin classes – Business and Economy. Guests can look forward to the airline’s renowned Omani hospitality and award-winning service, offering a seamless experience throughout the year.

In response to popular demand and consistent route performance, Oman Air has announced the return of its double-daily flights between Muscat and London, starting 26 October 2025. The second flight will initially be added on four days of the week, providing greater convenience and choice to guests, while enhancing connectivity to key onward destinations served by its oneworld Alliance partners, particularly in North America. By summer 2026, the airline will be operating 14 return flights per week from Muscat to London. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “We’re proud to restore our double-daily service to meet the robust demand from our guests. London has always been a cornerstone of our international network, and the UK represents one of our largest inbound tourism markets, so this enhancement not only strengthens our presence on this key route but also supports Oman’s wider tourism ambitions. As we continue to grow, and particularly as we prepare to join oneworld, we remain focused on unlocking market potential, while consistently delivering an exceptional travel experience.” The enhanced schedule will see two daily flights on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, offering guests increased opportunities for same-day connections to the US and other long-haul destinations. The service will be operated by the latest generation B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring Oman Air’s signature three-cabin configuration: Business Studio, Business Class and Economy Class. For the newly added schedule, the outbound flight will depart from Muscat at 01:40 and arrive in London at 05:55, while the return flight will depart from London at 08:25 and arrive in Muscat at 19:35.

IDeaS and services successfully deployed its G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) to help maximize profitability at the luxurious flagship resort, ERTH Abu Dhabi. Inspired by the UAE’s heritage – past, present and future – and former home of the UAE Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, ERTH Abu Dhabi entered a new chapter in its journey in 2021 with its reinvention as an independent luxury resort, event venue and recreational center in the capital. ERTH, meaning legacy in Arabic, features 237 elegant rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas as well as a wide range of restaurants and lounges, 2,800 square meters of meeting and events space including its signature ballroom, extensive wellness, sport, fitness and leisure facilities and a 9,000 sqm Central Production Unit that can cater up to 100,000 meals per day. The rollout of the IDeaS revenue management solution will enable the hotel team to further automate and optimize its processes backed by advanced technology. Benefits of the partnership include:    

The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), in partnership with Beautiful Destinations, has launched the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai – a pioneering professional development initiative aimed at setting new, global benchmarks for travel content creation and meeting the rising demand for skilled marketing talent within the tourism sector. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), said: “The launch of this innovative programme with Beautiful Destinations is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in the tourism sector. By providing a dedicated space for content creators, we aim to amplify Dubai’s global appeal and further solidify our position as the best city to visit, live, and work in. “This aligns perfectly with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and our vision to make Dubai a leading global city for business and leisure. Thanks to a diverse range of offerings and experiences, Dubai provides an unrivalled platform for capturing creative, engaging content, and we look forward to working with Beautiful Destinations and content creators from around the world to amplify their storytelling globally.” “Dubai is a leading innovator in tourism marketing – a likeminded partner that shares our future-focussed vision” comments Jeremy Jauncey, CEO and Founder, Beautiful Destinations. “The travel industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in how destinations attract visitors. Leading research shows that 76% of travel decisions are now influenced by social media content , yet only 24% of tourism and hospitality brands have in-house teams capable of creating the calibre of content that drives engagement. The Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai directly addresses this gap by cultivating a new generation of specialised …

Novotel Deira Creekside and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue announce the launch of their NOVO25 campaign. Inspired by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE, NOVO25 is all about embracing fresh beginnings, fostering connections, and creating positive change. Under the pillar “It’s Time to Unwind or Bond”, this yearlong campaign invites guests to come together, strengthen family ties, and be part of building a stronger, more connected community. Get ready to dive into an array of exciting experiences designed to inspire, entertain, and engage. From learning new skills to supporting sustainability, NOVO25 has something for everyone. “We’re incredibly excited to launch NOVO25 and invite our guests to join us in a year of meaningful experiences designed to help families and friends unwind, bond, and create lasting memories,” said Nishan Silva, Regional General Manager, Dubai & Emirates North, UAE “This campaign reflects our deep passion for sustainability in hospitality and our unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community. NOVO25 goes beyond offering fun and surprises; it is about nurturing relationships, championing sustainable practices, and playing our part in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for both our guests and the world around us.” As part of their commitment to sustainability and community engagement, both hotels are proud to collaborate with Project REEFRAME, led by FREESTYLE DIVERS, in a vital coral reef restoration project in Fujairah. This ambitious initiative aims to restore and rebalance ocean and coral reef ecosystems, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and raising awareness about ocean conservation. Through this collaboration, the hotels are reinforcing their dedication to environmental responsibility and the well-being of our …

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving the customer journey. According to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more personalised guest services. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and gain actionable insights that can drive business success.” On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats …

Marriott International, Inc. and Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) announced an agreement to bring a luxury resort and residential development under The Luxury Collection brand to Ras Al Khaimah. Situated within Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship development, the project is anticipated to blend the brand’s authentic take on luxury while providing residents an elevated and exceptional living experience. The Luxury Collection Resort in Al Marjan Island is anticipated to comprise 466 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, along with 29 expansive villas. Design plans for the resort include multiple dining venues, a spa, fitness center, kids club, swimming pool, and padel court. The property is also slated to feature more than 3,500sqm of meeting and event space, including a 1,300sqm ballroom.

Rove Hotels announced the opening of its newest property, Rove Al Marjan Island. Situated on the idyllic beachfront of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah and just an hour from Dubai, Rovers (guests) can enjoy the familiar, fuss-free Rove service with an added element of sun-kissed adventure. Brimming with local culture, dynamic dining spots, and pristine white sandy beaches, this is the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or a fun-filled family vacation. Well connected, the property offers easy access to five international airports and is located just five minutes from the UAE’s first integrated resort with gaming, which is set to open in 2027. Bringing their signature Rove charm to one of the UAE’s most sought-after destinations, the hotel is perfect for staycations as well as long-term stays, offering Rovers the chance to explore the Emirate’s rich culture and an endless array of exciting activities. Developed by Marjan and with asset management provided by Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the property features 441 rooms with two types of Rove Rooms with all the usual comforts. Guests can choose between island vistas or stunning sea views, with 30% of the rooms interconnecting, making it ideal for families. Whether planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Rove Hotels ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience. The hotel design creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere with interiors inspired by local culture. Beyond aesthetics, Rove Al Marjan Island embodies the brand’s strong commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the property adheres to Ras Al Khaimah’s Green Building Regulations (Barjeel). It implements numerous eco-friendly initiatives, including eliminating single-use plastics, providing refillable water bottles in every room and F&B outlets, and composting 100% of food waste. These efforts are …