Visit Qatar is set to participate in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, taking place from 4–6 November 2025 at ExCeL London. As one of the world’s leading global travel and tourism exhibitions, WTM serves as a strategic platform to spotlight Qatar’s diverse tourism offering, strengthen partnerships, and attract new business and investment opportunities in line with the country’s national tourism strategy. Leading a strong delegation of 48 partners, including hotels, resorts, and destination management companies, Visit Qatar will present the country’s expanding tourism ecosystem within the dedicated Qatar Pavilion, located at Stand S8-210. The Qatar Pavilion will feature a striking two-level design covering 700 sqm with an additional 150 sqm mezzanine, offering engaging spaces for networking and business meetings. The stand will immerse visitors in Qatar’s rich culture and modern experiences through a series of creative activations and showcases. Highlights include a range of engaging and interactive activations including a dedicated cultural zone featuring live demonstrations of calligraphy, Kohl and perfume making, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Qatari traditions and craftsmanship. Guests will also enjoy a taste of Qatari hospitality through the Qinwan coffee and dates experience. To further enhance visitor engagement, a special 4D immersive activation will bring Meryal Waterpark to life through multi-sensory visual, audio, and water effects, providing an exhilarating preview of one of Qatar’s newest attractions. In addition, a dedicated Qatar Calendar showcase will offer insights into the country’s upcoming events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. WTM London 2025 continues to be one of the travel industry’s most significant global gatherings, connecting professionals from across the world to discuss the future of the tourism industry. Through its participation, Visit Qatar reaffirms its …

Dubai’s hotel inventory grew to almost 152,300 rooms across 818 hotels in the first eight months of 2025, with occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) also increasing compared with the same period last year, according to new research by leading real estate advisory group, Cavendish Maxwell. Between January and August, premium segments accounted for the majority of supply, with 54,100 rooms in the 5-star category and 43,400 in 4-star hotels. Together, they made up almost two thirds (64%) of Dubai’s total hotel stock, the company said. Cavendish Maxwell’s report, released to coincide with the Future Hospitality Summit World, comes as Dubai’s tourism sector reaches another new high, with 12.54 million international visitors in the first 8 months of the year – up more than 5% on the same time in 2024. Vidhi Shah, Director, Head of Commercial Valuation at Cavendish Maxwell, said: “Dubai’s hospitality market has performed strongly so far in 2025, with passenger traffic, international visitor numbers, occupancy rates, and average daily rates all rising compared with the same period last year. This growth is supported by the city’s safety, accessibility, diverse offerings and vibrant calendar of events, with Government-led initiatives and new attractions further enhancing Dubai’s appeal. “As we enter the peak travel period and the height of Dubai’s events season, with Eid Al Etihad and the festive season looming large, international visitor arrivals are conservatively forecast to reach 19.5 million by year-end, while hotel occupancy for the rest of 2025 is expected to reach 78.5%. Average daily rates are also projected to rise, driven by ongoing leisure and business travel, the expansion of premium hotel supply, and Dubai’s status as a leading global luxury destination.”

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025. The summit, held in Dubai under the theme ‘Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth,’ witnessed extensive participation from over 350 leaders, ministers, senior government officials, decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries. The summit, held as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and in collaboration with The Bench, was attended by His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council; His Excellency Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of Angola; His Excellency Amadou Ba, Minister of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism of Senegal; His Excellency Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism and Arts of Zambia; Her Excellency Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa; Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy of Nigeria; His Excellency Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire; His Excellency José Luís Sá Nogueira, Minister of Tourism and Transport of Cabo Verde; Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for the term 2026–2029; Her Excellency Yomna Elbahar, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt; His Excellency John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife of Kenya; Jonathan Worsley, Chairman and CEO of The Bench; along with a number of senior investors and global chief executives in the tourism and hospitality sectors at regional and international levels. In his opening speech at the summit, H.E. Abdulla …

Accor  has renewed its long-standing management agreement with Munshaat Real Estate Projects for Pullman Zamzam Madinah, one of the most prominent premium hotels in the heart of the Holy City. The renewal reflects a trusted partnership and shared commitment to elevating service, design, and operational excellence in one of Saudi Arabia’s most visited destinations. Under this renewed collaboration, the 834-key property will embark on a four-year phased renovation program aimed at redefining the standards of premium pilgrim hospitality. The transformation will touch every aspect of the guest journey, from fully redesigned rooms and suites to upgraded restaurants, public spaces, and wellness facilities ensuring a seamless blend of contemporary comfort, spiritual serenity, and the Pullman brand’s hallmark of stylish connectivity. The project supports Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing Madinah’s position as a key destination within the Kingdom’s plan to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030. “Pullman Zamzam Madinah has long been a cornerstone of our portfolio in the Holy Cities,” said Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific at Accor. “Our renewed partnership with Munshaat Real Estate Projects reinforces our mutual confidence and commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences for pilgrims and travelers alike. This transformation will enhance the hotel’s positioning and contribute to Madinah’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for faith, culture, and discovery.” Eisa Al Eisa, Chief Executive Officer at Munshaat Real Estate Projects commented: “For years, Pullman Zamzam Madinah has been a trusted home for pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque. This new chapter symbolizes our dedication to continuous improvement and sustainable growth. Together with Accor, we are investing in the future of Madinah’s hospitality landscape and supporting the Kingdom’s …

The Jamaica Tourist Board will host an exclusive webinar for GCC travel professionals on 29 October at 13:00 UAE time, highlighting the island’s premier luxury hospitality offerings. Discover the top five recommended stays, dining experiences, and activities in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios – from private villas and select restaurants to immersive cultural tours and close-to-nature activities. Attendees will also receive tips on crafting bespoke itineraries for clients, including a sample getaway. Whether catering to families or high-net-worth travelers, this session is a gateway to selling Jamaica with confidence.

Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) Bahrain, has entered into a joint venture agreement with MFive Services, a UAE-based specialist in housekeeping and cleaning solutions for the hospitality sector, jointly owned by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) and Metro Global, to establish MFive Services in Bahrain, a company that will set new international standards of excellence in outsourced housekeeping operations. This strategic partnership represents a turning point in the evolution of professional housekeeping services in the Kingdom, setting a new benchmark for high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective services tailored for hotels, resorts, and serviced residences in Bahrain. The agreement was signed by Gulf Hotels Group, Metro Global Pte Ltd, and Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) during an official signing ceremony in Dubai. The ceremony marks a major milestone in advancing outsourced hospitality services in the Kingdom, setting the stage for a new standard of operational excellence. Founded in 2010 in the UAE, MFive Services has become one of the region’s leading providers of outsourced housekeeping and cleaning solutions, delivering services to over 60 hotels across the UAE, including several operated by major international hotel brands. The company’s success lies in its ability to combine specialized staff training, operational efficiency, and scalable systems that ensure consistent quality and cost optimization. Through this new venture, MFive Services aims to elevate the housekeeping outsourcing model in Bahrain by offering fully managed solutions that encompass staffing, supervision, quality assurance, and operational support. The business model delivers a complete, turnkey housekeeping department on an outsourced basis, providing the full team, from executive housekeeper to room attendants, along with daily supervision, training, operating supplies, and equipment, all aligned with each hotel’s own standard operating procedures and service levels. Quality …

Aristara AI announced the launch of its multilingual digital assistant at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World, providing delegates with real-time access to information and updates throughout the event. Accessible directly through WhatsApp, the assistant enables participants to ask questions about panel sessions, speakers, venues, and schedules in more than 50 languages. In addition, The Bench, organizers of FHS World, will be able to send important notifications to ensure delegates enjoy a seamless summit experience. Founded in Los Angeles by a team of hospitality and technology leaders, Aristara is an AI-driven company transforming hotel operations and guest engagement. Its platform delivers intelligent automation, real-time personalization, and measurable efficiencies that increase both guest satisfaction and profitability. FHS World also marks Aristara’s official entry into the Arabian Gulf, a key growth region for the firm. Rosanna Wang, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Aristara, said: “We are honored to introduce our technology at FHS World in partnership with The Bench. This is an ideal platform to showcase how AI can enhance event engagement. It also represents an exciting beginning for Aristara in the Arabian Gulf, where we see tremendous opportunities to support hoteliers and event organizers with innovative solutions.”

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a new incentive programme for investors designed to stimulate hotel development in future high-growth areas in the city. Under the initiative, hotel establishments covered by this decision will be reimbursed 100% of the Dubai Municipality fee on room sales and the Tourism Dirham for a period of two years after opening. The initiative applies to new hotels, resorts, hotel apartments, and other facilities approved by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and located within Dubai South, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Parks, and the Dubai Islands. This follows the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No. (68) of 2025 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approving the initiative. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “The launch of this hotel incentive programme, on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks an important new phase in the development of Dubai’s hospitality ecosystem, expanding its footprint in emerging areas of the city, and ensuring we can maintain our strong tourism growth trajectory. Our commitment to public-private partnerships and a diversified market approach continue to be at the heart of our tourism strategy, and this new programme is a testament to our ongoing efforts to further enhance our world-class infrastructure and expand our diverse accommodation portfolio, supporting our goal of making Dubai the best city to visit, live, work and invest in.” His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman …

With TravTalk ME as the media partner Future Hospitality Summit World 2025 (FHS World) begins today 27 -29 October 2025 which will see the world’s leading minds in hospitality investment gather at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. FHS World, widely recognised as the Middle East’s premier hospitality investment forum, will see 300+ investors in attendance with more than USD$ 5 trillion asset under management, 40 percent of them coming from non-GCC countries. Together, these decision-makers span a wide spectrum of capital sources, from investment companies and family offices to sovereign funds, REITs, and private equity firms. Their presence at FHS World underscores a renewed appetite for investment, not just in established hubs like Dubai and Riyadh, but across Europe, the GCC, Asia, and North Africa, where destinations such as Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are gaining momentum. Delegates will have access to unrivalled networking and deal-making opportunities, enabling direct engagement with investors all actively searching for the next wave of hospitality ventures.

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region. The three hotels will be located within Barr Al Jissah, an iconic waterfront luxury development on Muscat’s coastline. Surrounded by rugged mountains and secluded beaches, Barr Al Jissah combines natural beauty with world-class hospitality experiences – making it a timeless destination for leisure visitors, wellness seekers, families, and business travellers, all within 40 minutes of Muscat International Airport. Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the Sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage, and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million tourists annually to the Sultanate by 2040. Together with The Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.” Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Zubair Corporation, added: “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the Sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr Al …