One of the travel industry’s most highly-regarded events, The Phocuswright Conference, returns this November unveiling a fresh and ambitious theme: “Game On.” This marks a bold new direction for the event, inviting C-suite leaders, innovators, and investors to tackle the most pressing challenges transforming global travel. The “Game On” theme signals a defining moment; a fast-moving, competitive landscape fueled by breakthrough technologies, seismic shifts in consumer behavior, and a renewed demand for strategic clarity. The 2025 event – taking place from 18-20 November  confronts these forces head-on, offering curated insights, unscripted exchanges, and data-backed perspectives to propel the industry forward. “This is not business as usual,” said Eugene Ko, Marketing and Communications Director at Phocuswright. “‘Game On’ is a defining statement; it’s an invitation to push limits and boundaries, rethink strategies, and challenge every assumption. We’re gathering the minds who won’t settle for predictable – they’re the ones with the power to transform travel. This is where the next era of travel gets written.” This year’s agenda features a dynamic mix of research-driven strategic sessions, startup and investor networking, and off-the-record discussions designed to provoke fresh thinking and build actionable strategies. Phocuswright has already secured some of the leading names in travel as speakers, with many more to be confirmed:

The desert ultramarathon, organized by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) and Experience Jordan Adventures, and renowned as one of the world’s most challenging endurance races, will bring together approximately 650 runners from across the European Union, marking a significant boost to Jordan’s tourism season in November and highlighting the unique landscapes of Wadi Rum. In a major announcement for Jordan’s tourism sector, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, and CEO of the Global Marathon Des Sables (MDS), Cyrilie Gauthier, held a press conference in Amman to officially launch the fifth international edition—and the first ever in the Middle East—of the Marathon des Sables, scheduled to take place in Wadi Rum from 1 to 8 November 2025. In her remarks to the press, Minister Annab said, “Hosting the Marathon des Sables for the fifth time in Jordan firmly cements our country’s position as a premium adventure travel destination. Over the past decade, Jordan has made significant strides in shaping its adventure tourism landscape, investing in trails, infrastructure, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with our nature, culture, and heritage. From the world-renowned Jordan Trail, which spans more than 650 kilometers through diverse terrains and communities, to this iconic race set against the magnificent backdrop of Wadi Rum, Jordan continues to spotlight the richness and variety of its outdoor offerings.” The minister underlined that marathon tourism “has become a strategic pillar in our destination planning. It aligns with global trends in wellness and ‘live tourism,’ offering immersive, shareable experiences that resonate with cultural athletes, runners who view the sport as a way to connect, explore, and reflect shared values.” “Events like the Marathon des Sables bring athletes whose immersive experiences turn …

According to Cirium, flynas achieved the leading position in CO2 efficiency in the Arab world. The leading LCC joined the list of the top 15 performers globally, with its CO2 emissions reaching 61.5 grams per ASK (Available Seat kilometers) on its flights in 2024, representing a 1.6 percent decrease compared to 2023 levels, according to the report. The report indicated that flynas’ total CO2 emissions amounted to 1.5 million tons in 2024, the lowest total among the top 15 companies on the global list. flynas achieved a reduction in emissions despite a 25.2% increase in flights during the year, the second-largest increase in the number of flights among the top 15 performers on the global list, according to the report. flynas ranked first among Arab airlines in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in 2024, according to the annual “Cirium Flight Emissions Review”, the trusted benchmark for flight emissions calculations for the global aviation sector. The report, issued by Cirium, the world’s most trusted source of aviation analytics, ranked flynas 14th on the global list of the top 100 airlines in reducing emissions worldwide, highlighting the effectiveness of flynas’ sustainability policies. The common factors among the efficiency-leading airlines are investing in fleet renewal, maximizing seat density where market allows, and optimizing operations, according to the report. Last month, flynas took delivery of the 5th new A320neo aircraft since the beginning of the year, raising the share of this next-generation model to 58 planes in flynas’ all-Airbus fleet, which currently consists of 64 aircraft. Last July, flynas signed an agreement with Airbus to purchase 160 new aircraft, including 30 A330neo wide-body aircraft and 130 single-aisle aircraft, bringing the volume of its aircraft orders …

Sharjah Airport recorded strong operational growth during the first half of 2025, with the number of passengers rising to 9,110,397, an increase of 10% compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 8,313,811 passengers. Aircraft movements also increased by 4.3%, reaching 54,953 compared to 52,695 movements during the first half of last year. His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, affirmed that these positive results are the outcome of continued investments aimed at meeting the expectations of all passengers in collaboration with various strategic partners. The goal remains to position Sharjah Airport among the top five airports in the region and reinforce its leadership in delivering advanced services and a safe, seamless travel experience. His Excellency also pointed out that the growth trajectory is expected to continue in the coming period, especially with ongoing expansion projects set to increase the airport’s capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027. He added: “Sharjah Airport continues to align with Sharjah’s aspirations to be a preferred destination for travel, tourism, and business, through our ongoing commitment to implementing ambitious development plans. These plans focus on enhancing infrastructure and smart services while embracing the latest technologies and sustainable practices. This contributes to strengthening the confidence of passengers, airlines, and cargo operators, delivering a fully integrated travel experience in line with the highest international standards and supporting our contribution to sustainable development and investment growth across the UAE and the wider region.” Sharjah Airport Authority continues to implement comprehensive development projects, driving this growth through an expanding network of destinations and a steadfast focus on delivering an exceptional travel experience while maintaining operational excellence. The airport boasts a …

Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, in partnership with Taiba, a Saudi forward hospitality company announces the relaunch of two iconic properties in the heart of Madinah: Millennium Al Aqeeq and Millennium Taiba. Strategically located steps from Al-Masjid An-Nabawi, both properties offer a spiritually enriching stay experience for Umrah pilgrims, families, and travellers seeking premium comfort rooted in Islamic hospitality. “These properties are more than key assets in our portfolio—they are landmarks of faith, connection, and culture,” said Ali Hamad Lakhraim Al Zaabi- President of Millennium Hotels MEA. “Our partnership with Taiba ensures that every guest, whether a pilgrim, traveler, or visitor, is welcomed with a seamless, enriching experience rooted in the values of Islamic hospitality and cultural reverence.” Following an extensive enhancement of service and guest touchpoints, the hotels will offer upgraded digital booking journeys, enhanced dining concepts, and customized services for religious travellers. Sultan Bader Al-Otaibi, Chief Executive Officer, Taiba, commented: “This strategic relaunch embodies our shared vision with Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East & Africa, to deliver world-class hospitality experiences that honor the spiritual significance of Madinah. At Taiba, we recognize the profound responsibility that comes with serving pilgrims and visitors to one of Islam’s holiest sites. Through this partnership, we are raising the standard of religious hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, reverence, and service excellence. This initiative is a key milestone in our broader commitment to support the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination for religious tourism”.

Hyatt saw over 42,000 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) enquiries in the Middle East in 2024, an increase of 5.2% compared to 2023, driven by a growing demand for authentic cultural experiences embedded into business trips. Hyatt’s UAE properties accounted for almost 24,000 of these enquiries, amounting to a 6.6% growth year on year. Meanwhile, Hyatt’s properties in Saudi Arabia witnessed over 7,000 MICE enquiries, up 10% versus 2023. The UAE market saw the highest number of MICE enquiries throughout the entirety of the Middle East, reflecting the popularity of Hyatt’s portfolio amongst business travellers. Exceptionally equipped for hosting large-scale events and conferences, Grand Hyatt Dubai offers event planners one of the largest exhibition centres in a hotel in the Middle East and Africa region, with 5,000 square meters of space and the capacity to hold 3,000 attendees. Across the property, the conference, meetings and events facilities combine to a total of 12,000 square meters. This comes as global business travel spending is projected to reach $1.64 trillion in 2025, up from $1.48 trillion in 2024, according to the Global Business Travel Association, signifying strong momentum for the continued recovery and growth of the segment. With global spending expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2028, the ways in which travel companies are agile in responding to evolving customer demands is critical. Paul Dalgleish, VP Sales, Revenue and Business Development EAME, said: “We are increasingly seeing business travellers look to make the most of trips by bolting on days to experience local surroundings. While business travel is well and truly back, there remains an undertone of cautious spending from travellers and companies, meaning this segment is more than ever about getting …

Kuwait to officially start rolling out tourist visas to residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on arrival, announced First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Kuwait, HE Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, on Sunday according to the publication of the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, local media. This will allow any foreign national residing in a GCC country and holding a valid residency permit to get access to Kuwaiti as a tourist. According to the decision, applicants must hold a residence permit in a GCC country valid for at least six months to qualify for the visa-on-arrival issuance. The visitors will be issued a tourist visa on arrival directly at the port of entry. This measure, which will be taking effect immediately, follows a 2008 regulation governing the entry to GCC countries for tourism purposes.

Chef Faisal Albaradie – Executive Chef at Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort and Wyndham Residences, The Palm shares with TravTalk ME. When it comes to feeding a global audience, Chef Faisal walks a delicate line – balancing authenticity with accessibility. Tourists arrive hungry for both adventure and comfort, and the challenge lies in giving them a taste of the unfamiliar without overwhelming their palate. Curating menus that appeal to such diverse tastes is more than a culinary task -it’s an act of storytelling, diplomacy, and intuition. 1. Start with Local Authenticity The heart of any memorable dining experience is authenticity. Tourists crave food that reflects the soul of the destination. It’s important to begin with what’s honest – local ingredients, traditional techniques, and stories that are rooted in the place. Whether it’s a spice blend passed down through generations or a dish tied to local customs, authenticity offers a sense of discovery and depth. Yet, authenticity doesn’t mean rigid traditionalism. It’s about capturing the essence of a place and making it accessible to a broader palate. Layer Familiarity for Comfort While authenticity draws tourists in, familiarity keeps them comfortable. A well-curated menu often speaks two culinary languages: one native and one global. This doesn’t mean watering down traditional dishes, but rather adding subtle, familiar touches that bridge cultural gaps. A dish might incorporate regional flavors but be presented in a format international guests understand – grilled skewers, a rice bowl, or a warm flatbread wrap. The goal is to let the flavours challenge gently, not alienate. Design for Cultural Sensitivity and Shareability When creating dishes for a culturally diverse audience, flavour comes first – but respect follows closely. Chefs must ask …

Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al Ahsa – a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al Ahsa underscores Dusit International’s continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region. It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year. Located just 30 minutes by car from Al Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation. Designed by Cairo-based El Ghoneimi Architects, the resort’s masterplan draws inspiration from the desert’s timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree. Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness centre with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500 sq m ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travellers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids’ pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment. Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures …

Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from the 1 October 2025. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source. Emirates’ new regulations include: • Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours. • Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard. • Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted. • All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available. • Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you. • Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule). Why is Emirates making this change? After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, and their function is as a portable battery pack designed to recharge devices on the go. The batteries contain lithium ions …