Department of Tourism Philippines shared that United Arab Emirates was the top source market in 2023 with an increase of 419.8% followed by Saudi Arabia with 48.9%, Kuwait and Qatar. A special meeting was held with the DOT Philippines and travel trade industry partners on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2024. Christina Garcia Frasco – Secretary of Tourism – Department of Tourism Philippines shared that they are looking forward to receiving more tourists this year from the region with all their offerings.

On opening day of Arabian Travel Market  Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared that 2023 witnessed an increase of 28% travellers from the GCC region. Speaking with TravelTV Middle East she reiterated, “In 2023, we welcomed approximately 868,000 visitors from the Middle East, a notable 28% increased from previous years. For 2024, we are projecting that this number will rise to over a million, as we continue to strengthen our marketing efforts and enhance the travel experience tailored to Middle Eastern tourists.” “The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively engaging with the Middle Eastern market through strategic partnerships, tailored promotional campaigns, and participation in regional travel exhibitions, including this ATM event. We are focused on cultural exchange programs and have initiated marketing efforts that highlight Thailand’s diverse attractions, specifically catering to Middle Eastern travel preferences, such as halal tourism initiatives. This year, TAT has launched our new communication concept, ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End.’ This concept underscores our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for every traveler visiting Thailand. Our goal is to instill lasting memories and meaningful journeys that inspire visitors to become storytellers, sharing their unique tales of Thailand with the world. To engage Middle Eastern travelers in crafting their never-ending stories in Thailand, we will leverage Thailand’s ‘5F Soft Powers’—Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion. These elements will add value to our tourism products and services and offer meaningful experiences to Arab travelers.” “We have observed significant interest in health and wellness tourism from Middle Eastern tourists. With over 300 international standard hospitals and clinics, many equipped with Arabic interpreters, highly trained nurses, and doctors, Thailand offers advanced medical technology, reasonable costs, and …

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives surged by 15.3% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Expressing gratitude at Arabian Travel Market, the tourism authority thanked the industry for their support. Encouraging visitors to embrace the experience and sustainable opportunities, they urged travel industry to connect, and create meaningful relationships while enjoying the Maldivian hospitality.

The 31st edition of ATM 2024 kicks off in Dubai featuring over 2,300 exhibitors from more than 165 countries, new destinations, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia and expects over 41,000 visitors. Held under the theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting a pivotal area for the travel and tourism industry. From startups to established brands, ATM 2024 will highlight how innovators are enhancing customer experiences, driving efficiencies and accelerating progress towards a net-zero future for the industry. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market added: “ATM 2024 is gearing up for an exciting lineup spread across two stages, with the Global Stage returning alongside the new Future Stage. The conference agenda will feature key industry speakers from around the world and address the emerging trends that are fueling the travel and tourism sector’s growth.” Curtis added: “An eagerly awaited addition to ATM 2024 is the new Entrepreneurship-focused summit, which will delve into the role of travel start-ups in the Middle East economy, spotlighting their pioneering approaches. As entrepreneurship and innovation take centre stage, the exciting ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Emirates Group’s Intelak provides the perfect platform to celebrate the immense potential for innovators in the region and for brands to present their industry solutions.” The number of participating hotel brands for ATM 2024 has increased by 21% year-on-year, with a 58% rise in new Travel Technology products showcased. Several new destinations will be introduced at ATM 2024, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, while returning countries include Spain and France, among many others. Upticks across all key verticals with year-on-year growth across all regions participation including ME 28%, Asia and Europe 34%, and …

After its successful first edition in Oman last year, Marhaba France Spain’s second edition took place in the capital of the UAE – Abu Dhabi last weekend with 80 exhibitors from both destinations and over 130 buyers from across GCC. The two destinations are most popular among the GCC market as they have diverse offerings catering to the requirements of the GCC market. Speaking with Tourismbreakingnews.ae Daniel Rosado Director Spain Tourism shared, “from the Spain tourism office we believe that the best way to promote the destination is by mixing both private and public companies so we have many destinations and we club it with hotels, DMCs and shopping centers we get the perfect combination to sell the destination as a whole. This B2B event brings together buyers and suppliers and they connect to learn from each other about the way to go forward. We have 9 destinations coming together at Marhaba as well as ATM.” Karim Mekachera – Director – Atout France ME reiterated, “this is the second edition of Marhaba France Spain, first was held in Oman last year and it was a success, as you know both France and Spain complement each other as they both have luxury experiences to showcase to be added to the itineraries for agents. Our event is one of the best targeted events for the travel trade in the region.” Marhaba France Spain brought about networking opportunities with over 80 partners from both countries meeting with 130 plus agents across the Middle East – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt fostering great connections within two days of discovering the various offerings and opportunities to diversify their business.  

Dusit Hotels and Resorts will showcase the much-anticipated first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh and September reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Led by Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International, Dusit’s team of corporate executives will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world. This legacy, pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, continues to define the Dusit experience today. Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens. The spotlight will shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal. Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18. Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to …

Club Med will debut for the first time in the Middle East in Musandam, Oman. The 300 rooms’ resort will be an Exclusive Collection, the most exclusive and premium line of product of the Club Med portfolio. It offers a refined and authentically luxurious way of living, free from pretension and ostentatiousness while still catering to the standards and needs of an elevated clientele. Club Med Musandam will be carrying a strong flair of the Oman culture, the resort interiors, entertainment and even food and beverages will be inspired by the location, climate, and cultures of the region. The Club Med Exclusive Collection currently consists of 20 properties including: 5 Exclusive Collection Resorts, 10 Exclusive Collection Spaces, 4 Villas and Chalets, and 1 Sailing Yacht, the Club Med 2. Fun family activities creating a warm and inclusive environment together with quiet private spaces will co-exist in a complete vacation offer. For families, this will translate into world-class kids’ clubs with tailored facilities and certified staff for children of all ages, from 4 months old, inspiring curiosity, fun, and friendship. Activities and sports are an integral part of the Club Med DNA and expertise, and active guests can expect a diverse array of land and water activities. One will find sporting sites and professional staff (called G.Os “Gracious Organizers”) who aim to have you discover new sports or improve your skills. With an all-inclusive holiday at Club Med Musandam, holidaymakers can enjoy tennis, paddle tennis, beach tennis, archery, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and paddling over the water. For those looking for a wellness retreat, the Resort will offer a full holistic well-being experience with a real sanctuary to reconnect yourself with …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) has achieved a significant milestone, with 3,400 properties now verified across almost 80 countries. Designed to help hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings and raise the bar of sustainability across the global hospitality industry, this independent global sustainability verification programme is overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS. It empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from a hotel’s operations. This latest achievement marks a pivotal step forward in Travel & Tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as Germany, China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Spain, India, Madagascar, and Turkiye, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative. ‘Basics’ has now been adopted by hotels across all continents, signifying the eagerness from major hospitality players across the globe to move forward in their sustainability journey. In addition to its geographical expansion, Basics is strengthening the sector’s alignment on sustainability through new strategic partnerships. A key collaboration with BeCause is set to enhance relationships and visibility with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), providing an invaluable platform for hotels committed to sustainable operations. This initiative reflects WTTC’s dedication to facilitating meaningful connections within the industry, promoting a unified approach to sustainability. Basics has achieved full alignment with Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism facilities, meaning all Green Key certified hotels are now in full compliance with Basics and can obtain Basics verification with no extra effort. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is …

Traveazy Group is set to revolutionize the landscape of business-to-business (B2B) travel solutions with an exclusive unveiling at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, held from May 6th to 9th in Dubai. Attendees of this prestigious event are cordially invited to visit Traveazy Group’s stand to witness firsthand the future of B2B travel technology. As a leading online travel company, Traveazy Group is proud to announce the strategic relaunch of its subsidiary, Holidayme, as a premier provider of comprehensive travel solutions for travel providers globally. This transformative pivot marks a significant milestone in Holidayme’s journey, positioning the brand as a game-changer in the B2B travel sphere. Through cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Holidayme is set to redefine industry standards, empowering travel agents and service providers to unlock new opportunities and drive growth in the competitive travel market. At ATM 2024, Traveazy Group will unveil a suite of innovative products designed to elevate the capabilities of travel businesses. Geet Bhalla, Founder & CEO of Traveazy Group, expresses his excitement about the upcoming unveiling, stating, “We are thrilled to showcase the future of B2B travel solutions at ATM 2024. This event represents a unique opportunity for travel businesses to discover how our innovative products can drive their success in the global marketplace. We look forward to welcoming attendees to our stand and demonstrating the transformative power of Holidayme’s B2B offering.” Traveazy Group invites all attendees of ATM 2024 to visit their stand and explore the possibilities of partnering with a visionary leader in the travel industry. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to be a part of the future of travel solutions. For more information, visit www.holidayme.com or …

Air India commenced flights on the busy Delhi-Dubai route using its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft in the airline’s bold new livery on 1st May 2024. With this, Air India’s flagship aircraft marked its international debut and Air India becomes the only carrier to operate the A350 between India and Dubai. Air India celebrated the occasion with pre-departure ceremonies, with guests at both airports presented with A350 memorabilia. At Dubai airport, Mr Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Dubai, Mr Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO, Dubai Airport and Mr Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority lit the ceremonial lamp the inaugurate the aircraft’s first departure from Dubai. Air India’s A350-900 aircraft features a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats: 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and other amenities, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens that offer more than 2,200 hours of entertainment content from around the world. Air India started inducting the A350s earlier this year as part of the 470 new aircraft order that Air India placed a year ago. Air India currently operates a total of 72 flights a week to Dubai from five Indian cities, of which 32 flights are from Delhi.