With an impressive 15% increase in overnight stays from GCC travellers in 2023, totalling 1,297,256, Germany reinforces its position as a premier global destination. The fourth quarter of 2023 alone showcased a remarkable resurgence to near pre-pandemic activity levels, with 263,985 overnight stays, mirroring 97.44% of the figures from 2019. The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) announced a stellar performance for Destination Germany, reflecting a robust recovery trajectory and heightened appeal among travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.  2023’s success builds on the momentum from 2022, when GCC visitors to Germany more than doubled, underscoring the region’s growing fascination with Germany’s cultural and sustainable tourism offerings. Germany’s rich calendar of events, including the eagerly anticipated European Championship 2024 from June 14 to July 14, promises to further elevate its status as a premier cultural travel destination. The championship, along with more than 300 cultural events themed around football, exemplifies Germany’s innovative approach to blending sports, culture, and sustainability, aiming to attract even more international visitors in the current year. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, shares her optimism: “Our 2023 performance is a testament to Germany’s magnetic appeal and our steadfast commitment to hospitality. Our growth from the GCC region, our third-largest overseas market, highlights the multifaceted appeal of Germany. “Germany’s allure for travellers from GCC is multifaceted, offering an enriching blend of stunning natural scenery, exclusive shopping experiences, and dynamic urban environments. This diversity not only underscores Germany’s universal appeal but also speaks volumes of our commitment to hospitality and inclusiveness.” Building on the momentum of the previous year’s remarkable performance, GNTO is eager to advance its sustainable tourism initiatives under …

According to research by Oxford Economics, outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be 22% below its peak pre-pandemic numbers of 155 million tourists in 2019, who spent over $250 billion overseas. Full recovery is expected to materialise in 2025, with the Middle East being the first region globally to recover its Chinese inbound market. Underscoring that prediction, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 6-9 May, is set to welcome twice the number of Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals, compared with its 2019 show. China lifted its covid-related travel restrictions on 8th January 2023, allowing Chinese tourists to travel abroad, without having to quarantine upon their return. Bookings for overseas travel during Chinese New Year, soared by 540% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from the Chinese travel site Trip.com. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market commented, “Last year, some analysts were predicting that the Chinese outbound market would recover to around six million per month by the summer of 2023, driven in part by the pent-up demand especially from young, affluent Chinese. “However, that rebound wasn’t as great as many tourism professionals had hoped for and now analysts are confident that this year, we could see Chinese visitor numbers double year-on-year, with major destinations in the Middle East recovering quicker than any other internationally, especially for luxury travel. “That sentiment has also been borne out by the latest spending data for the 2024 Chinese New Year. According to Chinese payment platform Alipay, the number of Chinese overseas transactions were 7% higher than those recorded in 2019. …

Dubai Holding announced that it has partnered with leading global lifestyle and leisure hospitality company Ennismore to introduce its iconic Delano brand to the UAE. Opening later this year at the waterfront destination Bluewaters Dubai, Delano Dubai will be a luxurious destination marked by attention to detail, craftsmanship and personalised experiences. The launch of Delano Dubai forms part of a landmark agreement signed between Dubai Holding and Ennismore in 2023 to introduce a unique luxury lifestyle experience in Dubai, and follows the opening of Banyan Tree Dubai at Bluewaters Dubai late last year. Amit Kaushal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Holding, said: “The launch of Delano Dubai underscores our commitment to setting new standards of excellence in luxury hospitality and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading international tourism hub. Together with the recent opening of Banyan Tree Dubai, we are proud to mark another milestone in the evolution of Bluewaters Dubai as a luxury lifestyle destination. Our collaboration with market leaders like Ennismore and Banyan Group will continue to focus on welcoming new brands to Dubai and further enrich the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape.” Delano Dubai will feature 251 guestrooms, including 84 suites, some with private pools, exceptional culinary and mixology experiences, an ocean-front swimming pool, and ultimate discretion on a secluded corner of this island retreat. Guests will be able to discover four distinctive food and beverage concepts, including a collaboration with Paris Society for a unique restaurant and pool club, a patisserie, and a Levantine-inspired destination restaurant. Sharan Pasricha, Founder & Co-CEO, and, Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO of Ennismore, said: “When Delano launched in Miami in 1995, it traded traditional, gilded luxury for something far more modern and understated, …

At the recent celebration of International Women’s Day by TTME, CEO and Founder of Elaxiom Tourism Elmira Heshmati shared that post covid has taught the world that tourism is the way forward and the most resilient. “Today we see the results as travel bounces back and it is the largest contributor which not just helps boost the economy of every country but also provide job opportunities, benefit communities as the infrastructure is also well planned out. Tourism is the most resilient industry when you compare it to other industries. It is the most long lasting one when compared to other industries. We are also very lucky to live in a country where various destinations are also promoted and tourism contributes to the economy and boosts the communities in every country.”

Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay has officially opened its doors and is welcoming guests to the vibrant heart of the city. Catering to the ‘Experienced Traveller’, the hotel collectively houses 120 extraordinary studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, each a testament to contemporary design and functionality. From spacious rooms completed with balconies to fully equipped kitchenettes and upscale amenities, every corner is crafted to foster a sense of community and home. A community-based property, Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay offers not only accommodation, but a wholesome stay experience designed to give modern travellers a sense of belonging while on the road. Conveniently located among Dubai’s most iconic landmarks— including Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Canal —Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay serves as a hub for both business and leisure activities. The property is only a fifteen-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, further ensuring seamless connectivity for guests transiting through the emirate. Dedicated open spaces also offer an extensive range of experiences to refresh guests. Pool facilities and a world-class spa are available to enjoy at leisure, while ‘The Social’ – an evening gathering that brings patrons complimentary light bites and drinks multiple times a week – encourages genuine connection and laid-back interactions between those staying at the hotel, furthering the brand’s vision to build communities through its international properties. For guests craving either relaxation or productivity, the Fitness Room and The Den provide all the necessary amenities. Whether breaking a sweat on state-of-the-art equipment or unwinding in the soft-furnished lounge and library, every moment reflects the hotel’s commitment to bringing people together and creating a stay that feels a little more likehome. Staybridge Suites Dubai Business Bay also offers a …

According to Wego data, international flight bookings from the UAE for travel in February have surpassed the numbers during the same period last year by 70.1%. The consecutive occurrence of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, and spring break in 2024 is anticipated to encourage the same YoY leap in bookings for trips scheduled in the coming months. Wego revealed the top travel trends for Ramadan 2024 in the UAE.  Wego has noted a spike in demand for flight and hotel reservations from the UAE in the lead up to the festive season. As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, Wego data showed that airfares to some destinations may get even more expensive this year. The average airfare to the Philippines, a favored destination for UAE travelers, is now AED 1,331.93, compared to AED 895.56 in 2023. Meanwhile, YoY average prices for flights to the UK and Germany have risen by 23.88% and 60.42% respectively. Wego anticipates that ticket prices for popular destinations will continue to climb, especially with more families potentially planning getaways during the holidays. Surge in hotel occupancy and room prices Amidst a bustling month teeming with significant events like the Gulfood trade show, Dubai Duty Free tennis championships among others, Dubai has observed an uptick in hotel occupancy rates in February 2024, with bookings on Wego surpassing last year’s figures by 23.2%. Concurrently, the average Dubai hotel room rates have experienced a YoY surge of 20.3%. Dubai hotel occupancy and daily rates may still move in an upward trajectory through the next few months, as Wego’s data indicates that demands for staycations among UAE residents also typically grow during Ramadan weekends and Eid al Fitr holiday. High travel …

Miral Abu Dhabi, announced the development of two beaches at Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day-to-night destination on Yas Island. Complementing the existing lifestyle and leisure offerings at the destination, the beaches will span a length of 280 meters each and a combined total of 560 meters. Located on the west side of the pier, the West Beach has been designed as a family destination and will feature beachside play areas for children, world-class dining outlets, food trucks, pedestrian walkways, as well as rest and recreation facilities. East Beach, located on the east side of the pier and just across the award-winning Etihad Arena, will feature outdoor fitness spaces and sports zones for beach football and volleyball. Open seating areas, coupled with a sunset lounge, will allow visitors to experience a variety of sports, entertainment, and music events. Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer, Miral, said: “We are pleased to enhance our leisure and lifestyle offerings at Yas Bay Waterfront with the announcement of two beach developments. These upcoming experiences are an extension of our vision to enrich the diverse and unique experiences available to visitors on Yas Island, positioning it as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment while further contributing to Abu Dhabi’s wider tourism growth.” The beaches will serve as an exciting addition to iconic leisure and lifestyle experiences at Yas Bay Waterfront, home to over 20 al fresco restaurants and cafés, world-class nightlife concepts, a floating beach club, an award-winning concert arena, luxury hotels, and an expansive promenade. Both developments will be located minutes-away from Yas Island’s award-winning attractions and experiences, including SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; Warner Bros. World™ …

IBM announced their collaboration with Riyadh Air, the digital-native airline currently scheduled to commence operations in early 2025, to revolutionize the airline’s travel experiences. The airline plans to introduce next-generation, channel-fluid guest and traveler interactions, tapping into IBM Consulting’s open ecosystem of business partners and deep industry expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology and operations. Today, IBM hosted a signing ceremony, announcing the collaboration at the 3rd edition of LEAP 2024, the international technology conference held annually in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; in the presence of Tony Douglas (Chief Executive Officer, Riyadh Air) and Arvind Krishna (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, IBM) and executive management from both entities. “We’re on a mission to shape the future of air travel at Riyadh Air,” said Tony Douglas, CEO at Riyadh Air. “By teaming up with IBM, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation to create a transformed passenger experience that is more seamless, personalized and sustainable. From AI-powered check-in systems to immersive in-flight entertainment, we’re leveraging the latest technologies to make air travel more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.” Committed to delivering unique, intelligent and hyper-personalized guest journeys, Riyadh Air will harness IBM Consulting’s expertise across generative AI, experience orchestration, marketing and customer engagement platforms, mobile, web and in-flight applications. All of these capabilities will be accelerated through the proven, collaborative engagement model of IBM Garage, to help craft guest experiences that are culturally enriching across the travel journey, on ground or in the air. “We’re excited to extend our collaboration with Riyadh Air, working together to revolutionize the way people experience travel,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO at IBM. “We will combine user-friendly design, cutting-edge technology, and a shared commitment …

The UAE Cabinet approved an amendment to the executive regulations of the federal law governing citizenship and passports. Among the key revisions, the Emirati passport’s validity period has been extended from 5 to 10 years for individuals aged 21 and above. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, made the announcement on social media platform X after the Cabinet meeting.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcomed 2.47 million participants in 2023, marking a remarkable 25% increase in visitation compared to the previous year. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year. The impressive increase in visitors reflects the strength of DWTC’s diversified content-rich calendar, led by 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences. These events collectively attracted 1.56 million attendees, marking a substantial 33% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, representing an unprecedented 60% growth year-on-year. These industry-leading events and exhibitions saw a participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, representing a remarkable 45% increase over last year. An unprecedented 78% of these exhibiting companies were international (41,864), further reinforcing DWTC’s ability in consistently drawing both new and repeat international participants. The surge in foreign business attendees furthers the aspirations of the D33 Agenda, to propel Dubai to be a top three global economic city by 2033. The diversity of DWTC’s robust events calendar was further reinforced with its consumer and leisure events portfolio growing last year to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events collectively attracting over 850,000 visitors. Commenting on the outstanding results, H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength. Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business. The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum …