NEOM kicked off the China leg of its global ‘Discover NEOM’ tour with its showcase in Beijing and Shanghai, with over 500 senior business and industry leaders in attendance. The tour began in Beijing on April 15, followed by Shanghai on April 17. Organized in partnership with CCPIT Beijing and CCPIT Shanghai, the events included a series of presentations by NEOM’s leadership team, showcasing on-the-ground progress and milestones to date, as well as details of NEOM’s various economic sectors. The events highlighted opportunities for Chinese companies to engage and invest in NEOM, with a number of companies expressing significant interest and discussing tangible next steps with NEOM leadership. The agenda also included a construction-focused forum that explored the vast number of opportunities available for Chinese construction companies. Over 100 companies participated in the forum and heard about the current onsite construction progress across NEOM and its regions. A private showcase, entitled ‘Discover NEOM: A New Future by Design’, was a highlight of the events, providing guests with an immersive experience that explored THE LINE, the 170-kilometer-long city that will be the future of urban living; Oxagon, which is redefining the traditional industrial model; Trojena, the mountain resort of NEOM, and finally, Sindalah, a luxury island destination in the Red Sea that will be open to the public later this year. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO, NEOM, said: “We are grateful to CCPIT Beijing and CCPIT Shanghai for supporting our visit to China and for the opportunity to present NEOM’s vision. To date, NEOM has already engaged with over 15 major Chinese businesses and invested in a number of Chinese startups to support the growth and diversification of NEOM. Collaboration with China will continue …

New reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft highlights the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of Travel & Tourism. The final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence from WTTC entitled “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritises safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption. Launched during the global tourism body’s participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, these reports mark significant milestones in WTTC’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in customer experiences through the safe and trustworthy integration of AI. “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)” delves into the potential risks associated with AI deployment and offers strategies for establishing frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness. From addressing bias and discrimination to ensuring human oversight of AI systems, this report empowers organisations to harness the power of AI responsibly. In the fourth and final instalment, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” WTTC provides a detailed overview of the AI ecosystem across key countries and international organisations. It shows how policymakers are navigating the AI landscape and shaping regulations and strategies to foster AI innovation, while ensuring its ethical and responsible use. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The insights provided in these reports demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic tool that can personalise customer experiences, drive sustainable improvements, and shape the future of Travel & Tourism. “AI is already being used across our …

The Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb minister added that Saudi Arabia successfully welcomed over 27 million international tourists in 2023, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop plans and strategies to host more than 70 million international tourists by 2030. Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, led the Saudi delegation participating in the UN General Assembly Sustainability Week held at the UN headquarters in New York City. UNGA President Dennis Francis and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili attended the event. According to SPA, during the opening session, the minister highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts over the past two years, serving as the Chair of the Executive Council of the UNWTO, to enhance the representation of the travel and tourism sector in international forums. Al-Khateeb also indicated that this support has contributed to launching initiatives in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, such as the Best Tourism Villages award, the Tourism Open Minds initiative, and the formation of a team to redesign the future of tourism. Moreover, he noted that Saudi Arabia’s efforts have led to the inclusion of the tourism sector in the agenda of the UNGA Sustainability Week. He emphasized that under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has become one of the most promising and attractive tourist destinations globally. He noted that the Kingdom topped the UNWTO’s list of major tourist destinations in terms …

Al Mal Real Estate Developments announced the launch of a new hospitality project Ushuaia in Experienced Hotels & Residences on Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island managed by Palladium Hotels Group. The luxury hotel and residential development features more than 422 hotel rooms and fully equipped residential units with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Hotel and residential facilities include a distinctive beach club, bars, fine dining, as well as skyline pools near Wynn Resort. Al Mal Real Estate Development has appointed Palladium Hotels Group to manage its new project on Al Marjan Island, which consists of two divisions, The Inn Exposed Al Marjan Island and The In Experienced Al Murjan Residences, within the portfolio of the renowned Ushuaia in Experienced Hotels & Residences. The well-known Spanish hotel operator has over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry, managing more than 40 hotels in seven countries under the name of 9 different brands. Founded in 2011 on the island of Ibiza, Ushuaia in Experienced Hotels & Residences is distinguished by its luxury entrepreneurial projects, providing guests with unparalleled exclusive experiences and services, including the unique harmony of music and entertainment. Comprising two hotels and the world-famous Ibiza Club, the project in Ibiza is set to join the brand’s portfolio as part of the project at the end of the 2024 season, and the new luxury hotel features exquisite garden design, state-of-the-art technology, VIP services, diverse culinary experiences, as well as world-class musical entertainment experiences. Al Mal Developments will bring the iconic Ushuaia in Experienced Hotels & Residences brand concept to Al Marjan Island with its recently launched collection, The In Experienced Hotels & Residences, to enhance the region’s hospitality …

UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) started its 20th anniversary year on a high note, reporting robust Q1 results across all key performance indicators. Exceeding expectations, total hotel revenues for Q1 2024 jumped to US$649 million, up 17% compared to Q1 2023, while total room nights picked up 20% and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) across its portfolio of 800 hotels nudged up 2%. The GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme continued to grow in popularity, with new enrolments increasing 28% in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. At the same time, redemptions of the programme’s rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), rocketed 109% year-on-year, led by members based in Spain, Singapore and China respectively. Further underlining the success, the total cross-brand revenue, driven by members staying in a different brand to where they enrolled, increased 32% to $86.2 million in Q1, with hotel brands benefiting the most including Anantara, Kempinski, Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL. Since launching just over two years ago, D$206 million have been issued to GHA DISCOVERY members, and with D$1 equal to US$1, which has created a stimulus for travel within the alliance, and has helped drive more direct bookings for hotels, which are up 40% on GHA channels over 2023. Nearly two-thirds of those direct bookings are now made on the GHA DISCOVERY app. Q1 2024 also demonstrated some key market and member trends: International stays made by the 26 million GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members dominate: 68% of hotel room revenues were generated by international stays, led by properties in the Maldives (99% of revenue from international stays), Thailand (94%) and Hong Kong (86%). US and UK members highly influential: 72% …

Choice Hotels EMEA announced the launch of its global agreement with Miles&Smiles, the frequent flyer program of Turkish Airlines, unlocking an array of new rewards for over 63 million Choice Privileges members worldwide. This initiative empowers Choice Privileges members to seamlessly convert their earned points into Miles&Smiles Miles, in 1,000 points increments starting at 5,000 points, at a ratio of 5 points to 1 Mile. Frequent flyers can redeem their Miles for award tickets from Turkish Airlines and its partner carriers, as well as for cabin upgrades and extra baggage allowances. In addition, members shopping via Turkish Airlines’ online shopping platform shopandmiles.com can use their Miles to purchase products and services from the airline’s wide array of program partners. Commenting on the new partnership, Nick Bosworth – Director of Marketing, Brand and Loyalty at Choice Hotels EMEA – said: “Our Choice Privileges program has long been celebrated for providing members with a quick and easy path to earning and utilising points for rewards they truly care about. Today, we are excited to enhance our reward options by introducing Miles&Smiles, offering our members an opportunity to turn their points into unforgettable travel experiences with Turkish Airlines.” Choice Privileges members can earn points for their point-eligible stays at over 7,000 hotels worldwide. These include participating Cambria®, Clarion®, Clarion Pointe®, Comfort®, Econo Lodge®, Everhome®, MainStay Suites®, Quality®, Rodeway Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Suburban Studios®, and Ascend Hotel Collection® properties in Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. In the Americas, members can also accumulate points at Radisson Individuals®, Radisson Collection®, Radisson Blu®, Radisson, Radisson RED®, Park Plaza®, Park Inn by Radisson®, and Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson properties.*  

Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors in 2023 following a series of exhibitions that complemented the museum’s permanent collection.  International visitors represented 72 per cent of footfall, with the majority coming from key growth markets including Russia, India, France, the US, China, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan and the UK. The remaining 28 per cent of visitors were UAE residents. The museum also hosted visits by more than 500 officials and dignitaries, including Heads of State, ministers, ambassadors, internationally recognised artists and world-renowned celebrities. The museum also witnessed an increased number of visitors to the Children’s Museum and greater engagement with its school and university programmes. His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Louvre Abu Dhabi was established as part of our duty to deliver exceptional cultural institutions and experiences for all residents and visitors to the emirate. We are proud to see the impact that this museum has had in its six years of operation, with continually increasing visitor numbers reflecting the strength of its collection, special exhibitions, and community programmes.” Manuel Rabaté, Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “It is inspiring to witness such growth in visitation, a testament to how Louvre Abu Dhabi is showcasing Abu Dhabi’s rich and diverse cultural landscape. Our museum weaves together the power of collaboration and intercultural dialogue, offering our visitors a glimpse into diverse civilisations and artistic traditions. The interest from our visitors, reflected in the numbers achieved, combined with our unique storytelling, showcases our commitment to excellence in the global cultural landscape.” 2023 saw the opening of five exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi, including Bollywood Superstars: A …

KlasJet has entered a contract with Marabu Airlines. The agreement, spanning from April to November, will see KlasJet leasing two Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft will be utilized for flights from Munich Airport (MUC) to the most popular summer holiday destinations, building on the success of their ad-hoc collaborations from the previous summer. Augustinas Riskus, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer at KlasJet, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “After a series of successful collaborations with Marabu Airlines last summer, we are excited to take this partnership to the next level, this long-term contract is a natural progression of our relationship. We look forward to continuing to support Marabu Airlines in providing exceptional travel experiences to their clientele.” Axel Schefe, CEO at Marabu Airlines, also commented on the evolving partnership: “The transition from spontaneous agreements to a long-term partnership with KlasJet reflects our confidence in their ability to meet our needs and exceed expectations. Our experience working together has set a solid foundation for this collaboration, enabling us to offer even more quality and reliable services to our passengers. We are pleased to solidify our relationship with KlasJet and anticipate a productive cooperation that will benefit our valued passengers.” Currently, KlasJet operates a 14-aircraft fleet consisting of 5 Classic Boeing 737 and 1 BBJ Boeing 737 with capacities ranging from 23 to 68 seats, and 8 Boeing 737-800 NG with a capacity of 186 or 189 passengers for ACMI leasing. KlasJet is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI providers (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), operating a fleet of 212 aircraft. The group also provides a range of aviation services including, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and …

Dubai Parks and Resorts has launched its new website with a focus on enhancing the customer experience. With a unique, streamlined, easy-to-use interface, guests can effortlessly navigate the website to discover the various attractions, accommodations, and dining options available at the destination. Recognizing the increasing use of mobile devices for planning and bookings, the website is fully optimized for smartphone, tablet and desktop access to ensure a seamless and responsive experience. The new simplified booking journey makes it easier for guests to plan their visit and purchase tickets with just a few clicks at Dubai Parks™ and Resorts, home to MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai Theme Park, LEGOLAND® Water Park, LEGO® themed LEGOLAND® Hotel, LAPITA™ Hotel, Autograph Collection, RIVERLAND™ Dubai, and the upcoming Real Madrid World theme park. The launch of the new website aligns with the park’s commitment to enhancing guest experience and reflects Dubai Parks™ and Resorts’ dedication to innovation and customer service excellence.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is hosting a three-day Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah starting April 22nd. The forum will bring together government officials, travel agencies, pilgrimage companies, and businesses from various sectors like healthcare, transportation, and technology. This prestigious event, held under the patronage of the Governor Prince Salman bin Sultan Al Saud, will take place at the King Salman International Convention Center. The forum is a key part of Saudi Vision 2030, showcasing the country’s commitment to improving the experience of Muslim pilgrims (Umrah performers) and visitors (Ziyarah) coming from all over the world. Attendees can expect lively discussions about new ideas and projects to enhance the pilgrimage journey. There will also be an exhibition featuring innovative products and services from participating companies. The Ministry itself is expected to unveil exciting new initiatives and partnerships designed to revolutionize travel to Makkah, Madinah, and other important religious sites. This isn’t just a local event – it’s a global one! The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to making the pilgrimage a truly enriching and unforgettable experience, aligned with the goals of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030. Organizers aim to create a welcoming and spiritually uplifting experience that meets the highest international standards. The forum will be a meeting point for decision-makers, industry experts, and investors, fostering collaboration between local and international organizations. To learn more about the forum, including the agenda and how to participate, visit umrah-ziyarah.com