The China Visitors Summit (CVS) is thrilled to announce TRAVTALK as a valued media partner for our upcoming CVS Middle East event in Dubai, September 5-6 and Doha September 9-10, 2024. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group and producer of CVS, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Since CVS’s inception in 2008, we’ve collaborated with various media partners to enhance the summit’s reach and value for travel suppliers. By partnering with a diverse array of media outlets, CVS provides a unique platform for travel suppliers to amplify their messaging and connect with a broader audience, fostering new business development opportunities.” TRAVTALK, a pioneering English B2B travel trade media company in the UAE for over two decades, offers a comprehensive suite of services, including the monthly printed magazine TravTalkME, the daily news website www.tourismbreakingnews.ae, and the innovative online news capsule www.traveltvmiddleeast.news. Audience and Coverage: TRAVTALK’s audience comprises industry decision-makers such as company owners, CEOs, directors, and senior management across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Their B2B print and electronic formats reach audiences throughout the UAE, GCC, and the wider Middle East region, including travel agents, tour operators, hospitality establishments, airlines, and more. Daily Updates and Partnerships: In addition to their comprehensive coverage, TRAVTALK provides daily updates via WhatsApp, delivering four key breaking news items from Monday to Friday. They have established media partnerships with prestigious industry events such as ATM, WTM, Riyadh Travel Fair, and ITB Berlin, among others.

Sabre Hospitality announced a multi-year renewal with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, following the hotel franchisor’s highly successful adoption of SynXis Property Hub, Sabre Hospitality’s property management system (PMS). With seamless integration to SynXis Central Reservation System as a single source of truth, SynXis Property Hub increases operational efficiency by reducing the time to execute routine tasks and allows hoteliers to access their property from anywhere through cloud-native technology. In a landmark achievement that showcases the decade-long partnership between the two companies, Sabre and Wyndham teams successfully migrated more than 5,000 Wyndham hotels to SynXis Property Hub, including the transition of 550 in a single record-breaking month, nearly one year ahead of schedule. This early completion is complemented by the migration’s efficiency, which reduced the expected transition downtime for the Wyndham properties by 34%, ensuring successful management of day-to-day operations. This milestone not only highlights an innovative leap, but also sets a new industry standard for large-scale technology migrations. “Completing this migration nearly a year ahead of schedule is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration,” said Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Through our work with Sabre, thousands of Wyndham hotels now benefit from groundbreaking efficiencies, further enhancing their ability to serve guests and deliver great experiences day-in and day-out.” Strickland highlighted some of the immediate benefits of this migration for Wyndham properties and their daily operations. “For instance, service desk interactions have decreased by 50% compared to the legacy system after just 30 days of adoption. Additionally, by equipping our housekeeping with mobile solutions, we’ve increased clean room availability for guests by up to 15%. We’ve also streamlined the reservation delivery and …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sharply criticized the increase in German aviation taxes, which will weaken the German economy and damage aviation’s ability to decarbonize. On 1 May, German taxes on flying increased by 19% to between EUR 15.53 and EUR 70.83 per passenger, depending on the route. The tax will make Germany less competitive in key economic areas such as exports, tourism, and jobs. It will further affect Germany’s air transport recovery from the pandemic, which is one of the slowest in the EU. Germany’s international passenger numbers, for example, are still 20% below pre-pandemic levels. “When Germany’s economic performance is anemic at best, denting its competitiveness with more taxes on aviation is policy madness. The government should be prioritizing measures to improve Germany’s competitive position and encouraging trade and travel. Instead, they have gone for a short-term cash-grab which can only damage the economy’s long-term growth,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. IATA also warned that the tax increase will hamper the industry’s efforts to decarbonize. Aviation has a goal of reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are vital to this effort. The German government coalition agreement originally stated that revenues from aviation taxes would directly fund production of SAF, but this commitment has been broken. In addition, weakening the German air transport industry with this tax makes it harder for airlines to invest in SAF, in a more fuel-efficient fleet and other decarbonization efforts. Furthermore, the German government appears sympathetic to the European Taxation Directive which would add a tax on jet fuel. “The German government appears to have an unhealthy obsession with aviation taxes. On top of increasing the passenger tax, …

The annual Discover Europe Travel Summit returns to Dubai, offering an immersive experience into the enchanting landscapes and diverse cultures of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. More than 100 partners from the three countries – representing states, cities, hotels, and tourist attractions – will be present, fostering connections and collaboration on 4th and 5th May in Dubai. This two-day event represents a pivotal opportunity for the European nations to showcase their unique attractions, forge strategic partnerships, and strengthen ties with GCC travel professionals. The Discover Europe Travel Summit serves as a vital prelude to Arabian Travel Market, the region’s largest travel exhibition, offering a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on key industry trends and emerging technologies. With an impressive agenda comprising more than 4,000 curated meetings and an attendance of at least 120 buyers in the culture and luxury travel sectors of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the summit is poised to facilitate fruitful discussions and unveil exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration within the tourism sector. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) GCC, commented, “We’re excited to showcase the innovative experiences Germany offers travellers from the GCC. From breathtaking mountain adventures to cutting-edge wellness retreats, Germany caters to the most discerning traveller.” “Germany is committed to sustainable travel practices, offering travellers from the GCC eco-friendly experiences while minimizing environmental impact. The Discover Europe Travel Summit allows us to showcase these initiatives and collaborate with partners to create extended itineraries that encourage travellers to stay longer and explore the rich diversity of our regions,” she added. Michael …

IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement with Refad Real estate investment & development company part of Abdulhadi AlQahtani, sons group Company to bring Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar to Saudi Arabia by September 2027. In line with its commitment to fostering collaboration between its partners, TDF has facilitated the recent signing that will contribute to the sustainability of the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism industries. Developed as part of the Refad project, which is set to become the most iconic mixed-use lifestyle destination in Eastern Province, Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar will feature more than 200 keys of hotel rooms and serviced apartments in the vibrant corniche district of Al Khobar. As one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo properties offer a gateway to some of the world’s most inspiring locations. Just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, taking inspiration from the area around each hotel to inform all aspects of the guest experience, from the hotel’s boutique design approach to locally inspired restaurants. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Al Khobar boasts a vibrant tapestry of economic vitality, cultural richness and scenic beauty, and offers a serene retreat for leisure seekers. With the upcoming Refad mixed-use development that will shape Al Khobar’s leisure, entertainment and hospitality offering, we are confident that Hotel Indigo & Residences Al Khobar will meet the varied preferences of guests. He added: “This strategic addition not only fuels our growth in KSA but also reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in key markets. With the Kingdom having increased its 2030 visitor target …

Middle East region will become the tourism powerhouse by 2030 as the region will have almost half a million keys by 2030, shared Turab Saleem Partner – Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory – MENA Knight Frank At an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East at the Future Hospitality Summit in Saudi Arabia. “It started off with Dubai leading followed by Qatar, Abu Dhabi and now Saudi Arabia in terms of hotel rooms. Travellers will have more options to select from the whole of Arabia with the GCC countries which will have a total of one million keys by 2030, making it a tourism hub.” Currently there are 320,000 keys in the pipeline in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and if you take the whole region the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait will also have additional keys which will make the Middle East region as the powerhouse of tourism. With the ease of visa to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it has become a hub for international travel. The government has invested in infrastructure as well as talent, as they have partnered with various international universities to provide the education necessary to develop the talent of the industry.  Saleem further pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s main goal was to diversify the non-oil sector by 2030 to add 10% to the GDP, and they are in the right direction going towards the goal as already 4% has been added to GDP by the end of last year.

Sigmund introduces “Travel & Tourism RFP HUB” its latest innovative solution to revolutionise the way tourism professionals find new business. Sigmund has streamlined the process of wading through government, NGO, aid and tourism board websites in search of various RFPs for business and made it function as “Tinder for Tenders!” The new hub consists of opportunities for professionals who offer Consulting (sustainability, accessibility, development), Marketing (web, social, app, advertising, PR) and Research (branding, surveys, data analytics). Speaking with Tourism breaking news, Ally Stoltz Labriola, Director Sigmund shared more details on this exciting new platform. Labriola shared, “Sigmund’s new A.I.-powered RFP Hub makes finding travel and tourism contracts more efficient and affordable than ever before–at just $129 per year. Any tourism professional who signs up can access the hub. It caters to those offering consulting, marketing, or research services to entities like governments and NGOs that issue RFPs.” Among its unique features is that, “the hub is affordable, powered by A.I, and is tailored specifically for the travel and tourism industry, eliminating the need to sift through unrelated RFPs from other industries.” She reiterated how it helps in marketing, research, and analytics from a tourism marketing perspective, and how it can generate new business. “The RFP Hub provides marketing, research, and analytics consultants with specialized access to relevant RFPs in the tourism sector, helping them identify opportunities that match their expertise and utilize their skills to win contracts and expand their business. The annual subscription is $129 USD. A special rate for TravTalk readers of $99 USD for the first year is available with the code TravTalk99 at checkout.” In conclusion, she shared that, “a minimal investment can yield significant returns. Winning even one …

Baheej Tourism Development Company, a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company owned by PIF, and the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, signed a strategic agreement with Kerten Hospitality at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh to manage Baheej’s hotel in Yanbu under the premium Cloud 7 brand, an innovative hotel and residence lifestyle brand known for its vibrant designs, dynamic check-in lobbies, healthy food options, and curated retail boutiques. This strategic collaboration signifies ASFAR’s commitment to enhancing the hospitality sector and demonstrates the company’s ability to leverage its extensive network for the benefit of its partners and subsidiaries. Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to taking an innovative approach to shaping modern hospitality offerings and its dedication to fostering vibrant communities reflects Baheej’s dedication to not only uplift the hospitality experience in Yanbu but also to positively impact the local community and tourism sector. Dr. Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, the Saudi tourism investment company stated, “Baheej’s collaboration with Kerten Hospitality underlines our core principle: empowering partners and subsidiaries through our expansive network. ASFAR is committed to cultivating alliances and co-investing with private sector entities, both local and global, to accelerate the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and enrich communities in promising cities across the Kingdom in alignment with Vision 2030.” Through a focus on integrating local culture and promoting environmental sustainability in its operations, Baheej seeks to elevate Yanbu’s appeal as a destination while fostering economic and social development in the region. This initiative is a testament to Baheej’s commitment to creating spaces that celebrate the community and the environment, ushering in a new chapter in the story of Yanbu’s hospitality landscape. Norah Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej Group, expressed …

Speaking with TravelTV Middle East at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, Haitham Mattar – Managing Director MEA and South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts shared that this week is among the busiest in Riyadh with World Economic Forum and Future Hospitality Summit taking place simultaneously in the city of Riyadh. He reiterated that the hotels are enjoying a great return as they are operating in full swing. IHG Hotels and Resorts is the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with many properties in Mecca, Madinah and Riyadh. Mattar reiterated that the government of Saudi Arabia’s flexibility in visa has created many visitors to explore the kingdom and the MICE and event sector has grown exponentially over the past few months. He reiterated that the city of Riyadh has seen multiple events over the past few months which has brought in visitors from across the globe. Their foot print has been growing right throughout the past few years and they will focus more in the Kingdom in bringing new brands to the kingdom and introducing their brands across the different cities.

Rua Al Madinah Holding has signed an agreement with Hilton to open three hotels comprising of over 1600 keys at Rua Al Madinah mega-project, including Conrad Rua Al Madinah, DoubleTree by Hilton Rua Al Madinah, and Hilton Garden Inn Rua Al Madinah. Located at the area east of Al Masjid Al Nabawai, the Prophet’s Mosque, Rua Al Madinah aims to create a distinctive modern and urban environment, underpinned by the religious and cultural significance of the Holy City of Madinah. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Rua Al Madinah and signifies the debut of the luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand in Madinah. Moreover, the agreement is set to create more than 1,100 jobs, opening doors and providing career opportunities for Saudis. Commenting on the signing, Ahmed Al Juhani, Chief Executive Officer, Rua Al Madinah Holding, said: “We are excited to announce our agreement with Hilton, which will significantly enhance Rua Al Madinah with a suite of multi-ranged accommodations. This hotel management agreement marks a crucial step in elevating the experience of Madinah’s local and international visitors. Our company strives to achieve the objectives of our project, aimed at contributing to increasing visitor capacity and delivering an unparalleled experience”. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The signing of Rua Al Madinah properties signals a milestone in Hilton’s ongoing expansion across Saudi Arabia. The hotels will further strengthen Hilton’s footprint in the Kingdom and consolidate our presence in Madinah, catering to the thousands of visitors and pilgrims who travel through Madinah every year. As we quadruple our presence in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, we continue to work with our partners to introduce Hilton’s award-winning brands …