Whilst exhibiting at ITB China Shanghai, Yalago – revealed the latest hotel booking trends and the top destinations with Chinese travellers in 2024. In order of popularity, the choices are Dubai (UAE), Riviera Maya (Mexico), Bali (Indonesia), Singapore (Singapore), and Abu Dhabi (UAE). Yalago is recording the UAE as the most popular country for international hotel bookings from China in 2024 so far, with a 11% growth in booking value this year compared to January – May 2023. With 54% of global bookings from Chinese travellers for five-star hotels, its travel experts attribute this growth to the UAE’s access to luxury properties across a variety of landscapes, close to world-class attractions. Astrid Kastberg, General Manager at Yalago, commented: “China represents one of our fastest-growing source markets for international travel. With the luxury segment prominent, we are finding Chinese travellers booking a more extensive range of five-star hotels, including across the UAE’s cityscapes, islands, and beaches. Through our industry experience and global partnerships, we aim to support worldwide travel companies in offering significant savings to customers, with expertise in destinations including the UAE, and Indian Ocean. We are excited to improve the booking process to the Maldives, as we aim to promote this destination for a standalone stay, or as part of a wider trip.” As luxury beach breaks emerge as on trend, Yalago is launching a new system function to improve the booking process for Chinese travellers seeking to experience the islands of the Maldives in 2024. Yalago’s trade partners can now book a travellers’ hotel stay inclusive of its leading rates, alongside the domestic transfers by seaplane or speedboat required for onward travel, all in one sitting. One of …

Speaking with TravTalkME at ITB China, Amr Elkady CEO Egypt Tourism Authority shared that 2023 was a good year for Egypt as they received 230,000 visitors and they are looking at closing 2024 with 300,000 visitors from China. He reiterated that the Chinese leisure market has grown exponentially over the past few years and increase of air connectivity between the two destinations is one of the main reasons for the increase of travellers from China. Elkady shared that there are many programmes rolled out at present to ensure that there are more visitors inbound to Egypt and among them is a special incentive programme for the aviation sector, where if you fly from any destination to any of the airports in Egypt (apart from Cairo) the airline receives a cash incentive. Both B2B and B2C are kept updated with the latest facilities, programmes and interests to ensure that they make the most of the opportunities which lie ahead. Apart from the leisure travellers Egypt tourism is working on MICE and corporate travel especially from China, Elkady shared,”it is important that both parties meet the right contacts for MICE and corporate travel, as a tourism board we are looking at educating and providing the rightful platforms for the sectors. However, this will take longer but it will be a sustainable process when it comes to the market.”

At the Riyadh Travel Fair in Saudi Arabia it was announced that Amsa Hospitality and Luxury Hotelschool Paris signed a strategic partnership for joint operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks a significant step in elevating education within the hospitality sector. Under the new agreement, Luxury Hotelschool Paris will partner with Amsa Hospitality to review and certify training materials and conduct a “train the trainer” program across the Kingdom. This initiative is open to the entire hospitality sector and all interested hoteliers, extending beyond those employed at Amsa Hospitality.Earlier on at the Saudi Travel Market in February this year Amsa Hospitality announced the upcoming new academy for those in the hospitality industry. Globally recognized for its excellence in teaching and pedagogy, Luxury Hotelschool Paris is endorsed by over 300 leading corporate partners and international chains. Vocational training programs meticulously validated by Luxury Hotelschool Paris will enable Saudi hotel employees to master the subtleties of customer relations and enhance the customer experience, encompassing both values and techniques. Amsa Hospitality is a pioneering Saudi hospitality company aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and dedicated to integrating the rich, ancestral Arabian traditions of generosity and welcoming into the contemporary world. The organization’s new subsidiary, Amsa Hospitality Academy, aims to equip Saudi hoteliers with the skills needed to excel in the hospitality sector. Mohammad Alathel, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, said, “We are truly delighted to partner with such a world-renowned institution. The rigorous training programs of Luxury Hotelschool Paris will allow us at Amsa Hospitality to be proud of the service quality provided by our hotel employees. By forming a partnership with a high-end training entity, we …

The UAE has been ranked first in the region and 18th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, climbing seven places from its 25th global ranking in 2019. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasized that the UAE tourism, thanks to the forward-looking vision and directives of the country’s wise leadership, continues to excel at the regional and international levels, achieving outstanding results that reflect the country’s leading position in the global tourism and travel landscape. These accomplishments contribute significantly to achieving the targets of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to further the country’s position as the best tourist destination in the world by the next decade. H.E. said: “We expect our national tourism sector to continue its growth in 2024 in light of the pioneering tourism projects and initiatives that are being implemented by the country. This will be further supported by the UAE’s sophisticated infrastructure built in accordance with global best practices and outstanding tourism products and services that provide a unique experience for visitors and tourists from around the world.” H.E. added that the national efforts to formulate resilient tourism policies and enhance the sector’s contribution to the national GDP are continuing in line with ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. H.E. Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), commended the success of the UAE in strengthening its position on the global tourism map as one of the most attractive and safe travel destinations. This is the result of the implementation of an effective and comprehensive strategy by the UAE under the directives of its …

Speaking with Tourismbreakingnews.ae at ITB China, Amr Adawy-Vice President Commercial – EgyptAir shared that they will be increasing flights from Cairo to China and beyond as it is a very important market for them. Generating business from China helps the growth of tourism in Egypt as one of the most visited destinations, mainly due to their rich culture and heritage. “China is a very important market to all airlines, as it is one of the biggest outbound markets. Currently, we fly four times a week to Shanghai and we are hoping to increase it to daily flights and go a step beyond and add destinations such as Hong Kong as well. We currently operate to 4 cities in China and soon we will be adding two more cities to make it six.” He reiterated that the importance of the market is not only the main land China but beyond as there are many travellers from China and beyond who explore Egypt and they are looking at increasing the number of flights to make it one of the most lucrative, touristic destinations,

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama with 165 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, offering an elevated experience for business and leisure travelers. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is known for its dazzling mix of old and new, blending its ancient cultural heritage with modern architecture. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Al Hajar mountains and the Arabian Sea, Muscat is a gateway to Oman’s rich history and a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of culture and contemporary comforts. The city offers travelers numerous sights to explore, from Old Muscat, home to the blue-and-gold Al Alam Palace (Sultan’s Palace) to Oman’s largest mosque, the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to historic forts, bustling souks, and beautiful beaches. Nestled in the city center, Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama is the essence of style and comfort, providing easy access to Muscat’s must-see attractions and many shopping destinations. The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tranquil spa, and an inviting indoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a busy day. The hotel is conveniently located just 18km from the international airport, allowing guests to arrive at the hotel in roughly 15 minutes by car or taxi. The hotel offers several dining options, including Al Muzen which features international cuisine in a family-friendly setting and Friends Café in the lobby, ideal for quick bites. For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere, Casa Di Bacco presents an exclusive selection of spirits and cigars. The stylish pool bar offers breath taking panoramic city views, exquisite cocktails, and delectable snacks. With separate spa facilities for men and women, guests can indulge in luxurious massages and treatments, complemented …

Looking at the most lucrative market for the Middle East, ITB China had a good representation from the Middle East with tourism boards from Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia occupying a vast space at ITB China 2024. With a 60% increase in scale compared to last year, ITB China welcomes 13 new destinations on the show floor and quite many first-time commercial participants. The Maldives, as the Partner Destination, significantly expands its presence, showcasing diverse products and activities. ITB China 2024 has adopted the inspiring theme “Thrive in Transformation, Reach New Heights. Together”, reflecting the importance of adaptability and innovation in the travel industry, as well as the huge untapped potential of the Chinese travel market. ITB China launched at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center will run from 27 to 29 May, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup with over 600 exhibitors from more than 80 countries and regions, 1,000+ hand-selected buyers, and 240 media representatives. Mr. David Axiotis, Vice President China at Messe Berlin GmbH says: “This year’s ITB China will once again be a truly remarkable event. Since 2023, China’s travel market has been on a steady positive trajectory, and with the impact of improved visa policies and increased flight capacity, China’s travel market is showing strong signs of growth at the start of 2024. The buyer market this year is buzzing with even stronger demand and a much larger number of participants compared to last year. ITB China supports our global partners in finding their Chinese counterparts and reaching new heights for their China travel business in the coming years.” Copyright: ITB China ITB China 2024 Returns to Full Force, Matching 2019 …

Emirates and Viva Aerobus signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to Mexico boosting access to a 21 domestic points in Mexico, while enjoying the convenience of a single baggage policy utilising both airlines on a single ticket. The interline agreement also unlocks more international routes for Emirates customers, providing 20 convenient flight options connecting six points in Mexico and some popular American cities. Interline tickets are now on sale for travel effective immediately. Travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates app, and preferred travel agencies. Travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Mexico City can choose to fly to 21 additional domestic destinations such as Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara and Monterrey, to name a few. The interline network also includes direct flights from US points including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Miami to select Mexican destinations, Additionally, travellers from Mexico City can conveniently fly direct to Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York JFK or San Antonio. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are pleased to activate an interline partnership with Viva Aerobus to deepen our reach into Mexico, beyond Mexico City. This new partnership provides our customers with more choice to suit their travel plans and enables customers to seamlessly fly to a host of unique destinations in Mexico. Emirates customers can also now fly directly between select US points and cities in Mexico. This new offering is in line with our Fly Better promise and convenience that can be felt by our customers when flying with us and we look forward to further developing the partnership in the future to elevate its benefits to our …

Explora Journeys announced a strategic partnership in Saudi Arabia with ITL World aimed to bring bespoke luxury travel experiences to discerning Saudi travelers, combining Explora Journeys’ sophisticated cruise offerings with ITL World’s regional expertise. Travellers have the chance to immerse themselves in cosmopolitan, European luxury at sea. On every journey, guests can enjoy elegant suites with a private ocean-front terrace, nine unforgettable inclusive culinary experiences, high-speed Wi-Fi via Starlink connectivity, vibrant entertainment & ocean-inspired wellness. With this partnership, ITL World will leverage its extensive network and expertise in travel management to introduce Explora Journeys’ unique offerings to a broader audience in Saudi Arabia enhancing the luxury ocean travel options available to discerning travelers. Speaking on the backdrop of the Saudi Aramco Travel Show 2024, Angelo Capurro, Executive Director, Explora Journeys, said, “We are delighted to partner with ITL World, a company that shares our vision of providing truly transformative travel experiences. This collaboration will allow us to bring our unique journeys to a wider audience in the Middle East, offering them the chance to explore the world in unparalleled luxury.” Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing, ITL World, added, “Our partnership with Explora Journeys underscores our commitment to offering the best in luxury travel to our guests in Saudi Arabia. We are excited to combine our local expertise with Explora Journeys’ exceptional offerings to create unique and memorable travel experiences.” Setting a new standard in luxury ocean travel, Explora Journeys, offers discerning travellers the perfect blend of discovery and sophistication, combining celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the essence of exploration. With overnights and longer stays at destinations, guests can delve deep into local cultures …

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services have signed a contract to extend their longstanding partnership in providing ground services for passengers at Zayed International Airport. This agreement aims to further enhance the passenger experience by offering advanced and seamless services.This announcement coincides with Abu Dhabi Airport’s recent passenger traffic results, which witnessed a significant growth of 35.6% demonstrating the strong demand for travel. Both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to improve operational efficiencies, safety, and the quality of ground handling services, ultimately providing a world-class experience for travellers passing through Zayed International Airport. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We are delighted to extend our existing partnership with Etihad Airport Services through this agreement. Together, we have continuously provided seamless, high-quality services to our passengers. Our recent passenger numbers demonstrate our incredible growth trajectory. As we continue to expand with more airlines and destinations, we are confident that Etihad Airport Services is the right partner for managing our ground handling operations. In this new chapter, our shared values and commitment remain resolute, in achieving excellence in every aspect of the airport experience.” Jubran Albreiki, General Manager at Etihad Airport Services said: “”This agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. By leveraging our world-class ground handling services and expertise, we aim to complement the state-of-the-art terminal and deliver a seamless journey to our customers at Zayed International Airport.” Etihad Airport Services, a fully owned subsidiary of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, will provide a comprehensive range of ground handling services. These include but are not limited …