Hilton announced the opening of Signia by Hilton Amman in Jordan, marking the brand’s international debut and first property outside the U.S. Strategically located in the Shmeisani business district, the property offers a sought-after location for business and leisure travellers in the heart of Amman. Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The opening of Signia by Hilton Amman marks a pivotal moment for Hilton in the region, as we debut the brand outside the U.S. Amman’s role as a central business hub, with its proximity to Jordan’s cultural landmarks, makes Signia by Hilton a great fit for this destination. The property offers guests a sophisticated stay, coupled with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and the personalised service the brand is known for. As we continue with our plans to double our footprint in Jordan in the coming years, this latest opening is an integral part of our robust strategy to expand in the Middle East and introduce more of our award-winning brands to the region.” Signia by Hilton Amman blends modern grandeur with sophisticated style, and is strategically located near some of the city’s main headquarters and banks. For visitors looking to explore the city’s cultural and historic venues, the popular Prince Hashem Bird Garden and Haya Cultural Centre are less than one kilometre from the hotel, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre are a short drive away.

With the global events industry projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the period 2024-35. According to Allied Market Research, the global events industry looks set to register impressive growth over the coming decade, with the total market value on course to pass $2.5 trillion by 2035. Conferences, trade shows and exhibitions are indispensable for many businesses, offering a vital opportunity to increase their visibility and meet clients and partners face-to-face. Research shows that corporate events, in particular, continue to support millions of jobs worldwide, delivering a staggering $1.6 trillion in global GDP annually. In Dubai alone, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment grew by 25% in 2023, making ATM 2025 the ideal launchpad for IBTM@ATM. IBTM@ATM will provide a gateway to the lucrative business events sector throughout the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “This year’s theme of enhanced connectivity is particularly relevant to the evolving business events sector, which thrives on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Through IBTM@ATM, we are strengthening our commitment to adding value to our exhibitors and attendees by creating a dynamic community where suppliers and buyers can engage in meaningful networking, business exchange sessions, and a high-impact content programme. By leveraging our unique insights, we aim to facilitate connections and unlock new opportunities that drive long-term growth within this thriving market segment.” IBTM@ATM will bring together suppliers and buyers from across the business events sector, connecting meeting planners, association buyers, professional conference organisers, incentive buyers, destination management companies (DMCs), …

Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates a record-breaking 1,422,021 million visitors in 2024, marking its highest attendance since its grand opening and bringing the total visitor count to over 6 million. This achievement showcases the museum’s dedication to creating meaningful cultural connections through world-class exhibitions, engaging educational initiatives, and immersive visitor experiences. Reflecting its global appeal, international visitors made up 84% of total attendance, with UAE residents comprising the remaining 16%. Across all visitors—both international and residents—China and Russia led with 12% each, followed by India (7%), and France and the UK (6% each). This underscores the museum’s broad reach as well as its cherished role within the local community.

Visit Qatar successfully concluded its first roadshow in Kuwait, held in partnership with Go Beyond, the leading representative agency supported by Gulf Travel. The tour provided an exclusive platform to promote Qatar as an exceptional destination for leisure and business tourism, highlighting its distinctive offerings, including short breaks, winter vacations and stopover experiences. The tour brought together several key partners in Qatar’s tourism sector, including Qatar Airways and some of Qatar’s finest hotels. along with 150 industry leaders from prominent tour operators and travel agents in Kuwait. Attendees participated in productive networking sessions that contributed to building strategic working relationships. Attendees also witnessed a personalized presentation that showcased Qatar’s diverse tourism landscape, world-class attractions, and its growing role as a major travel hub in the region. To add to the excitement, the tour also included a special draw, where the winners received two nights at the participating hotels. Kuwait is one of the main markets for Visit Qatar, with Doha welcoming more than 170,000 visitors from Kuwait in 2024, looking for a world-class tourism experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Qatar welcomes visitors arriving by land, air or sea, where citizens of 102 countries can enter without a visa. Just a short trip can allow visitors to enjoy Qatar’s winter season, spend time in luxury resorts and keep up with vibrant cultural offerings and experiences, all in close proximity to the heart of Doha. GCC travellers can also take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on a variety of services and offers through the ‘Visit Qatar Pass’, available on the Visit Qatar app. Visit Qatar Pass offers its users discounts ranging from 30-50% across a wide range of categories, including food …

Dubai welcomed 18.7 million international visitors in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023. The hospitality sector continues to thrive, recording an average hotel occupancy rate of 78% across 832 hotel establishments, offering a total of 154,000 rooms. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE shared, “This achievement is the result of strong collaboration between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our private sector stakeholders. Their concerted efforts have raised Dubai’s status as a premier global tourism hub and reinforced its position as the world’s best city to live, work, and visit – perfectly aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”

Royal M Hotel By Gewan Abu Dhabi won the title ‘Best Business & Leisure Hotel, UAE’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Gewan Hotels & Resorts. It is a testament to our team’s hard work, passion, and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. This recognition fuels our confidence and inspires us to aim even higher, constantly innovating to delight those who choose us. It is also a moment to reflect, grow, and push the boundaries of excellence.” -Ahmed Hassib, CEO, Gewan Hotels & Resorts

Millennium Lakeview Hotel has officially opened its doors in Dubai Investment Park. Formerly known as Copthorne Lakeview Hotel, this newly rebranded destination in Dubai Investment Park marks an exciting new chapter, offering a perfect balance of accessibility, comfort, and contemporary elegance. Strategically located just a 10-minute walk from the nearest metro station, a 14-minute drive from Expo City, and 20 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Millennium Lakeview Hotel provides effortless connectivity to Dubai’s key attractions, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Ahmed Anis, General Manager of Millennium Lakeview Hotel, Dubai, commented: “The transformation of Millennium Lakeview Hotel is a pivotal milestone in our journey. Our goal is to set new benchmarks in hospitality within Dubai Investment Park, ensuring our guests experience unparalleled comfort and service. This rebranding aligns with Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA’s strategic vision to enhance its properties and continuously evolve to meet the expectations of today’s discerning travellers.” “As part of Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, we remain dedicated to upholding the brand’s high standards while integrating timeless elegance with the tranquillity of our lakeside setting. Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate and refine our offerings, staying at the forefront of hospitality trends and exceeding guest expectations.” Set against a stunning waterfront backdrop, Millennium Lakeview Hotel offers a range of accommodations designed for comfort and style. Guests can choose from Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Premium Rooms, and Executive Suites, as well as newly renovated apartments that blend modern aesthetics with cozy interiors. Whether for short stays or extended visits, the hotel provides a welcoming retreat with thoughtfully curated amenities. Embracing its picturesque surroundings, the hotel’s rebranded identity celebrates the essence …

Etihad Airways’ new service to Atlanta, which is set to launch four-times a week on 2 July, is proving so popular that the airline has decided to make it a daily flight from 1 November. The frequency increase on the route between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is the UAE’s only non-stop connection to Atlanta and will provide even greater flexibility and convenience for travellers. The service will be operated using the airline’s latest Airbus A350-1000 featuring 44 Business class seats and 327 economy seats, promising extraordinary experiences and award-winning service for guests in all cabins. Jurriaan Stelder, Senior Vice President Network and Alliances at Etihad Airways, said: “Since announcing our flights to Atlanta in November, we’ve seen great interest from guests, and that’s why we have decided to step up to daily flights on this already very popular route. “Connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest by passenger volume, with our growing global network means seamless one-stop connections to some of Atlanta’s most popular South Asian destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Karachi. It also offers more opportunities for guests to visit our wonderful home Abu Dhabi as part of a stopover break or a longer holiday.” Fares from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta start at AED 1,925 in Economy and AED 10,010 in Business Class*. Atlanta, Georgia’s dynamic capital, is a bustling metropolis and a major hub for business, technology, and transportation. The city blends Southern hospitality with a vibrant cultural scene, offering everything from professional sports and craft breweries to exceptional dining and entertainment. Beyond the city, Georgia is home to charming small towns, scenic landscapes, and a deep, diverse history waiting to be …

Kuwait Airways announced a strategic move to strengthen its international network and meet the growing demand for flights between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Kuwait Airways announced an increase in the number of flights to and from London by 16 flights per week. This increase in flight frequencies provides customers with more flexible and convenient options for traveling between the two countries. The President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah emphasized the importance of increasing the number of flights to and from London due to the growing demand from travellers. He noted that this decision was made in coordination and cooperation with the civil aviation authorities at London Heathrow Airport, who facilitated all necessary procedures to support the increase in flight frequency between the two countries. Al-Humoud stressed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is committed to providing all means of support to Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of the State of Kuwait, and to enhancing its reputation as a distinguished carrier in the region. He highlighted that the increase in the number of flights is part of the ongoing efforts to contribute to the development of the aviation system in the company. Al-Humoud valued the strong and historic relations between the State of Kuwait and the United Kingdom across various levels, including economic, social, cultural, and others. He highlighted the longstanding and distinguished relationship between the two countries, particularly at the level of political leadership. Al-Humoud pointed out that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s recent tireless efforts to open up prospects for joint cooperation between the State of Kuwait and countries …

SNTTA announced the renewal of its General Sales Agency (GSA) Agreement with Emirates Airline. The renewal marks a significant milestone in SNTTA and Emirates’ longstanding collaboration, aimed at delivering innovative and customer-centric travel solutions across Sharjah. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Chairman of SNTTA and musafir.com, commented: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Emirates, reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in travel services. Together with Emirates, we look forward to delivering superior travel experiences that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” This partnership renewal reaffirms SNTTA’s exclusive role as Emirates’ General Sales Agent in Sharjah, building on a relationship that has consistently delivered exceptional service and connectivity. Both organizations are committed to leveraging their combined expertise to offer innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of travelers in the region.