After the huge success of Air India Express’s excess baggage promotion during the month of October, we’re pleased to announce the extension of the festive promotion on excess baggage from all Gulf countries to India with a few modifications. As part of this limited-time offer, customers can now enjoy 10 kgs of additional baggage allowance for a nominal fee of just AED 11 in the UAE, with similar pricing available across other Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain).  

Arsenale S.p.A., Italy’s leading company in the development of high-end hospitality experiences by rail, announced a major milestone in the creation of Dream of the Desert, the first ultra-luxury train Made in Italy that will operate in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026. The agreement establishes a strategic framework to support the financing for the development of the project, as well as contributing to its global positioning, marking a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s evolution as a global destination for experiential and sustainable tourism. Dream of the Desert will feature 33 luxurious cabins designed to host up to 66 passengers, combining the highest standards of Italian design and craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable innovation. The train will travel along an extraordinary 1,300-kilometer route from Riyadh to the north of the country, unveiling the Kingdom’s hidden natural and cultural treasures through an immersive journey that blends elegance, comfort, and discovery. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Arsenale S.p.A. and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) was signed during the opening day of TOURISE 2025, the leading international event for luxury travel held in Riyadh. In his statement, Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of the Tourism Development Fund said: “Our partnership with Arsenale marks a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to redefine global luxury tourism. Dream of the Desert is more than a world-class travel experience, it is a bridge between cultures, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage through the elegance of Italian craftsmanship. At TDF, we are proud to enable pioneering projects like this, which bring innovation, sustainability, and investment into the tourism sector while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a distinctive and inspiring destination for discerning travelers worldwide.” “With Dream of …

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly concluded with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, a momentous step taken by member states toward enhanced cooperation over the next 50 years. The Declaration reaffirms the Kingdom’s leadership in global tourism and its position at the heart of major, industry-changing decisions, as the ground-breaking Declaration is poised to play a central role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing sustainability, digital innovation, AI integration, and inclusive tourism economies. The Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism is a shared roadmap to guide the sector’s next half-century around sustainability, inclusion and AI-powered innovation. It underscores strengthening international cooperation, resilience, and the empowerment of local communities, setting a vision to ensure tourism remains a force for economic growth, cultural understanding, and environmental stewardship worldwide. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “From Riyadh, we move from declarations to delivery. The agreements signed here and the platforms we are launching will mobilize investment, upskill our people, digitize our SMEs, and protect culture and nature. As home to UN Tourism’s Regional Office for the Middle East, the Kingdom will continue to convene partners and deliver measurable outcomes, so tourism remains a bridge between nations and a driver of shared prosperity.” “The declaration’s adoption signals renewed determination among the international community to unlock the full economic and social value of tourism as we pursue the SDGs. It is also a vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s position as a facilitator of dialogue and a new hub for collaboration.” During the UN Tourism 26th General Assembly, delegates also ratified the appointment of Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais as …

Saudi Arabia hosted the inaugural edition of TOURISE bringing together over 50 tourism ministers, private investors, and NGOs from around the world. The event aims to create a platform where governments, private businesses, and organisations can collaborate on the future of global tourism. Saudi Minister of Tourism HE Ahmed Al Khateeb said the idea for TOURISE came from the need for a venue where regulators and investors can meet, plan, and build together. “The public sector regulates the industry, and the private sector invests and operates. We found no place where both could collaborate effectively and that’s why TOURISE was created,” he said He highlighted that tourism is more than travel, it includes airlines, airports, accommodations, mobility, food and beverage, and technology supporting the sector. “We found a gap,” he said, “a place where the public and private sectors can meet, invest, and innovate together. The conference comes as the tourism industry faces a projected global job gap of 40 million by 2034, with 357 million people currently employed worldwide. Saudi Arabia alone plans over $200 billion in tourism investments over the next five years, developing destinations like Neom, Red Sea, Iddiya, Dera’iya, and Jeddah. Speaking about technology and AI, he emphasised that while AI can digitalise services, human-to-human interactions remain essential. Al Khateeb stressed the sector’s potential for creating jobs for women and youth, particularly in smaller nations, cities, countries and islands. He encouraged private sector leaders to propose solutions for sustainable growth and employment.

Saudi Arabia-based Adeera has signed a new agreement to use transformative travel technology, Amadeus Digital Media. Through advanced omni-channel advertising strategies, Adeera’s brands will be able to better target travelers at the moments they are most likely to book, across paid search, display, and social media. Thomas Grunder, Chief Commercial Officer at Adeera, says: “Using Amadeus’ market intelligence, we will be able to refine our outreach and offer travelers more compelling reasons to choose Adeera. The ability to integrate marketing, distribution, and data insight into a single platform stands out as a significant advantage. “Beyond the product, we appreciate the partnership approach with Amadeus and the opportunity to grow together as Adeera’s brands are being built. This mix of technology and collaboration provides us with the foundation we need to achieve our ambitious growth goals.” Adeera is working to transform hospitality in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the kingdom’s rich tradition of hospitality through locally inspired brands. As hospitality marketing evolves, the brand, backed by the Public Investment Fund, will harness data and technology, not just to reach travelers, but to truly understand and inspire them. Jan Tissera, President, International, Global Accounts and Destinations, Hospitality, Amadeus adds: “By using the data-driven marketing capabilities of Amadeus Digital Media, Adeera can seamlessly launch and optimize campaigns across multiple channels, ensuring its properties are visible to travelers at key decision-making moments. “Recent campaigns using Amadeus Digital Media have helped hotels and destinations achieve double-digit growth in direct bookings and occupancy, while lowering marketing costs. Together, we can set new benchmarks for excellence by creating meaningful, personalized experiences that connect with each traveler.”

Pullman Hotels & Resorts announced its brand transformation and vision for the future — a milestone designed to inspire, energize, and strengthen Pullman’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic hotel brands. The brand transformation marks a bold new era for Pullman Hotels & Resorts. The refreshed hotel experience introduces a new design language, energizing guest experiences, and a renewed approach to meetings and social gatherings. “Pullman’s transformation marks the start of an exciting new era,” explains Benoît Racle, Global Brand President, Premium, Accor. “This is a complete reimagining of how Pullman connects people and ideas. Each hotel becomes a place of exchange, where energy, culture, and creativity collide. It is a privilege to unveil this new chapter at TOURISE — a global stage that mirrors our own ambition to shape the future of travel — and marks the beginning of a movement that will continue to unfold across our hotels worldwide.” With more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries and 70+ additional addresses in the pipeline, Pullman continues to expand its reach across key markets in the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and Africa. The next phase of the transformation will be brought to life through new flagship openings, including Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Guadeloupe, Pullman Kolašin Breza in Montenegro, and Pullman Tokyo Ginza in Japan, which exemplify the brand’s forward-thinking approach to design, connection, and creativity. Executives unveiled a first look at the transformation this week at TOURISE, a landmark new global platform launched by the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) that aims to reshape the future of tourism. Designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, TOURISE unites governments, investors, and global brands to …

Sharjah Airport has introduced a new Home Check-In service that lets passengers complete check-in procedures, get boarding passes, and hand over luggage from home before heading to the airport. The initiative, aimed at easing congestion and saving time, allows travellers to proceed straight to passport control upon arrival. The service can be booked via the airport’s website, hotline (800745424), or the “SHJ Home Check-In” mobile app, and must be scheduled at least eight hours before departure. A dedicated team from Sharjah Airport will visit passengers’ homes, workplaces, or hotels to complete all formalities, including baggage collection. Available initially across selected areas in Sharjah, the service caters especially to families and business travellers looking for faster and more convenient airport experiences. Packages start at AED145 for one to two bags (Coral), AED165 for three to four bags (Silver), and AED185 for up to six bags (Gold), with an additional AED20 per extra bag. Sharjah Airport Authority said the move aligns with its goal of enhancing passenger comfort and efficiency through technology and service innovation, as part of its broader strategy to modernise travel experiences across the emirate.  

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Riyadh is set to host the inaugural edition of the TOURISE Summit (TOURISE 2025), organized by the Ministry of Tourism from November 11 to 13. TOURISE aims to shape the future of global tourism, fostering its growth and sustainability. It brings together leading figures from key sectors that intersect with tourism, such as technology, aviation, entertainment, education, sustainability, and media. Discussions will seek to develop innovative, actionable solutions that enable the tourism industry to address future challenges and thrive over the next five decades. Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE Ahmed Al-Khateeb expressed his profound gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince for his generous patronage, which, he noted, expands the event’s reach and influence. He emphasized that this patronage reflects HRH the Crown Prince’s unwavering support for the tourism sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030. He noted that “work is progressing on all fronts to empower our vital sector, which continues to demonstrate its readiness and competitiveness day after day.” He underscored that Saudi Arabia ranked first among G20 countries in international tourist arrivals for 2024 and led globally in growth of tourism revenues from inbound visitors. TOURISE 2025 will feature a dynamic agenda of discussions, panels, and interactive experiences built around four key axes: addressing challenges, seizing growth opportunities, stimulating major investments, and shaping future policies. Sessions will also explore the rapid transformations shaping the tourism sector, including artificial intelligence in tourism, bold investment models, innovative travel experiences, and sustainable tourism that balances people and the planet. (Spa)

Chedi Hospitality has signed a management agreement with Al Seeb Real Estate Development for the forthcoming Chedi Private Residences Downtown, an exclusive new address that will bring the brand’s essence A Voyage UnboundTM to the vibrant heart of Dubai. The new development follows the remarkable success of The Chedi Private Residences Sheikh Zayed Road, which achieved 65% sales within months of its launch earlier this year. Building on that momentum and following the recent unveiling of The Chedi Residences Wadi Safar in Saudi Arabia, The Chedi Private Residences Downtown underscores Chedi Hospitality’s continued expansion with partners who share its values of excellence, trust, and cultural authenticity. “Our trajectory is clear — Chedi Hospitality is embracing its evolving role as a global house of refined living experiences,” said Stephan Schupbach, Chief Executive Officer of Chedi Hospitality. “Our legacy gives us strength, but our future is what drives us. The Chedi Private Residences Downtown reflects not only our continued vision for thoughtful growth but also the strength of our celebrated partnership with Al Seeb Real Estate Development. Together, we share the same pursuit of excellence and authenticity that defines The Chedi experience. Each new signing, whether a hotel or a residence, embodies our commitment to creating living experiences that are deeply personabale yet globally resonant, refined, connected, and timeless.” Mahesh Kalwani Vice Chairman of Al Seeb Real Estate Development, added: “Our collaboration with Chedi Hospitality has always been defined by trust, respect, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. We are proud to work together again with Chedi Hospitality on a project that represents excellence in both form and spirit. The Chedi Private Residences Downtown will set a new benchmark for refined living …

The 26th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly opened in Riyadh, marking a historic first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the largest Assembly since UN Tourism was founded 50 years ago. Around 160 delegations from member states including ministers, senior officials, and leaders from across industry and civil society are coming together to celebrate five decades of international collaboration under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future.” The Assembly is hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, with extensive cooperation and planning alongside UN Tourism and a wide range of partners. This collaboration underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to advancing the industry and facilitating impactful dialogue on the global stage. For half a century, UN Tourism has advanced economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and peace through travel. With the sector’s rapid digital transformation reshaping how people discover, book, and experience destinations, this year’s Assembly focuses on ensuring AI serves people and places supporting jobs, small businesses, destination stewardship, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over the coming days, delegates will participate in four plenary sessions, numerous meetings of seven specialized committees, and the 124th and 125th sessions of the Executive Council – the organization’s highest executive body. The agenda is designed to foster discussions on how artificial intelligence and digital transformation can accelerate sustainable, inclusive growth and deepen international cooperation in tourism. His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Saudi Arabia is proud to welcome the world to the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly as we celebrate 50 years of UN Tourism’s global cooperation and shared progress. This week marks a defining moment for our industry — a chance to shape how tourism grows in the decades …