Hilton has announced plans to open over 50 new hotels across 10 of its brands, making the country the company’s largest pipeline market in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Commenting on Hilton’s growth in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, said: “Saudi Arabia’s rapid evolution continues to provide exciting growth opportunities for Hilton, and we’re working closely with our owners to introduce more award-winning hospitality brands in existing and new locations throughout the country. These latest signings are strong examples of our diversified growth in up-and-coming, large-scale developments such as Laysen Valley in Riyadh and our commitment to unlock tourism potential in the secondary cities.” Hilton has accelerated its growth strategy in Saudi Arabia in recent years, announcing multiple signings as the company works towards its plans to increase its portfolio to more than 75 trading properties across the country. The latest of these signings include Conrad Hotels & Resorts entry into the heart of the Saudi capital with Conrad Riyadh Laysen Valley, which is set to open in 2025. Hilton’s growth continues in secondary cities, with the recent signings in Abha, Hilton The Point Residences and Canopy by Hilton The Point, both due to open in 2026. With plans to more than quadruple its presence in Saudi Arabia over the next few years, Hilton is working closely with leading owners and developers to enhance business and leisure travel destinations throughout the country.

Efficient air connectivity between the UAE and China witnessed over one million travellers from China in 2019. Post pandemic as the region awaits the return of Chinese travellers, “many Chinese now look for new destinations, they can include Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia etc.” shared Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, CEO China Outbound Tourism Research Institute and CEO Meaningful Tourism Center  with TBN at a recent interview. He further reiterated, “after three long years, China’s borders opened up again in early 2023. Business travellers and students started to go abroad immediately, leisure tourists had to renew their passports and in many cases are currently waiting for the processing of their visa application. Not more than half of the air routes from and to China have been re-established and air ticket prices are only slowly falling. As a result, in the first half of 2023, China’s outbound travel restarted slower than expected: Less than 25 million Chinese crossed the border, compared to 90 million in the first half of 2019.  Fortunately, all surveys and forward booking numbers show that the 100 million Chinese citizens affluent enough to travel long distance and the 200 million Chinese who can afford a trip within the region are eager and willing to spend their travel budgets as soon as it becomes possible again. In 2024 China will be again the No. 1 international tourism source market in the world. However, the needs and expectations as well as travel motivations and behaviour changed profoundly during the pandemic, with shopping, package tours and sightseeing losing out to activities, authentic experiences, local culture and gastronomy, special interest tours and the discovery of new destinations.”

Travelport announced that New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from British Airways is now live on the Travelport+ platform. With Travelport, British Airways is delivering simplified access to NDC content to agents, so that travel retailers can easily book and service NDC offers for their customers. The content is available as of today in the UK and Ireland and will be followed by a global rollout for Travelport+ users around the world. “We’re delighted that, together with Travelport, we’re now providing agents with a view of all our products and dynamic fares. With everything all in one place, we are empowering agents to take control of a wide range of content available to them for a more efficient and seamless booking experience,” said Ian Romanis, British Airways’ Director of Retail and Customer Relationship Management. The Content Curation Layer (CCL) within Travelport+ is driven by powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning capabilities in order to provide more accurate, relevant results for a faster, more streamlined booking experience for travel retailers. Agents using Travelport+ will be able to easily search, compare, book and service British Airways’ content all in one place, with access to a wide range of rich content, fares, and unique offerings with just a few simple keystrokes. “Now that we have more content from different sources live in Travelport+, like British Airways NDC, agents can easily manage all aspects of their clients’ travel within a single view of product features, dynamic offers and ancillaries,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport.  “Travelport+ was designed to revolutionize the way airlines distribute their products by connecting suppliers directly with travel agents around the world through one unified platform. Following …

Travelport announced that it has renewed its multi-year agreement with United Airlines. As part of the agreement, Travelport will continue to provide travel agencies around the world real-time access to United’s wide selection of travel content, products, and services. Travelport will also continue to collaborate closely with the carrier to support United’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) initiatives and deliver a world-class, modern travel retail experience. Simplified access to United’s NDC content and servicing capabilities launched several months ago with a successful early adopter program and is anticipated to be available to all of Travelport’s agency customers in August. With this extended rollout, Travelport-connected agencies will be able to easily search, compare and book United’s NDC offers, as well as service NDC bookings, including modifications and cancellations. While all Travelport customers will have access to United’s NDC content, agents using Travelport+ will be able to access a wide range of United’s rich content, fares, and unique offerings all in one place, enhanced by the Content Curation Layer (CCL). This Travelport+ feature minimizes manual tasks using powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) capabilities to provide agents and travelers a more modern retailing experience with faster search responses, more relevant results, and greater accuracy. “We’re laser-focused on modern retailing and making new content sources, like NDC, easier for travel agents. Our partnership with United Airlines provides a streamlined booking experience with simplified access to United’s dynamic offers and ancillaries to our agency network anytime, anywhere,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport. “Our NDC solution is designed to support travel retailers with complete end-to-end servicing that goes beyond the booking process, allowing agents to easily manage trip changes on …

Etihad Airways announces its new destination in the United States, with four weekly flights to Boston commencing on 31 March 2024. This addition connects one of the United States’ most vibrant and dynamic cities to the ever-expanding Etihad network. “We are delighted to introduce flights to Boston, which opens up Abu Dhabi to visitors from the American Northeast and across the United States,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We eagerly await welcoming guests to our extraordinary home as well as offering them access to our growing global network. As one of America’s most culturally diverse and thriving cities, visitors from Abu Dhabi will relish exploring its rich heritage and experiencing Boston’s renowned hospitality. Expanding US Gateway: This will be Etihad’s fourth US gateway, complementing services to Chicago, New York, and Washington, along with flights to Toronto in Canada. The addition of Boston further solidifies Etihad’s commitment to providing passengers with enhanced connectivity between the United States and Abu Dhabi. In addition to providing nonstop access to the Boston market, Etihad will offer convenient connections to cities throughout North America through its partnership with jetBlue. This partnership allows travellers to enjoy a seamless and hassle-free travel experience, unlocking numerous travel possibilities across the continent.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is elevating its passenger’s airport experience with the introduction of innovative digital wayfinding. QR Codes are leveraged to provide easy to use wayfinding solution through different digital touchpoints conveniently located across the airport’s expansive terminal. Whether trying to navigate from ORCHARD to LampBear, wanting to try one of the many dining or retail experiences at the airport or finding a departure gate, passengers will experience frictionless wayfinding. The QR Codes are available across the airport through Flight Information Display Screens, Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks and other key touchpoints, to further assist passengers with their wayfinding requirements. The new digital solution is compatible with all mobile devices and passengers can seamlessly connect to Hamad International Airport’s next generation Wi-Fi to use this service. Commenting on this new digital service, Mr. Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Hamad International Airport said: “We are constantly reviewing and evaluating our multiple digital touchpoints for passengers to ensure we meet their requirements. By investing and utilizing the latest innovative technological solutions and listening to global passenger requirements at our airport, we will continue to set and exceed industry standards.” Digital Concierges located at ORCHARD include information about retail and F&B offering, flight information, relaxation and rejuvenation options and attractions at the airport. Travelers can scan the QR code to navigate to their chosen point of interest on their mobile. The airport has also introduced the Passenger Digital Assistance Kiosks which are located at the North Plaza of the airport, and around the iconic LampBear to further enhance passenger experience. As part of the airport’s digital transformation strategy, Hamad International Airport is constantly investing in the latest technology …

Radisson Hotel Group is expanding its presence in Morocco with the opening of Radisson Blu Residences, Saidia, its eighth hotel in the country. The hotel comprises 13 contemporary units made up of suites, studios, and apartments with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the region’s renowned landscapes. Fully equipped with modern appliances and amenities, expansive living areas and kitchens, the residences provide unparalleled comfort whether traveling alone or with a family. Guests can enjoy the two large pools to cool off from the sun, take a stroll along the pristine beach known as the “Blue Pearl” for its crystal blue waters, or explore the beautiful Mediterranean flora. For the ultimate relaxation, guests have access to the spa and traditional Moroccan hammam at the adjacent Radisson Blu Resort, Saidia Beach for an authentic Moroccan experience.

Japan National Tourism Organization announced the remarkable resurgence of inbound tourism to Japan from GCC. The first half of this year saw 13,537 GCC nationals visiting Japan. Remarkably close to the 2019 figure of 13,582, this signifies a strong revival of interest in Japan among GCC travelers. Moreover, countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain have outperformed their 2019 visitor numbers, showcasing the robust recovery of inbound tourism from these markets.* June 2023 witnessed a significant milestone, with Japan welcoming 2,073,300 international visitors, equivalent to 72.0% of the June 2019 figure. This marked the first time since January 2020 that Japan surpassed two million visitors in a single month, signaling a promising rebound for the country’s tourism industry. The cumulative number of international visitors to Japan during the first half of 2023 reached an impressive 10,712,000, surpassing ten million visitors. This accomplishment reflects the resilient revival of Japan’s tourism sector, highlighting the country’s enduring allure for global travelers. Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai office, expressed his satisfaction with the recovery of tourism from the GCC countries. He attributes the rebound to the recent introduction of visa waiver arrangements and online visa applications in some GCC countries, coupled with the total lifting of COVID-related border control measures in April. Furthermore, close collaboration with airlines and travel agencies in the region has further promoted Japan as a preferred leisure destination. KOBAYASHI Daisuke, Executive Director of JNTO Dubai Office, “As summer unfolds, Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke invites all visitors to Japan to partake in the exciting festivals and outdoor events that await them. For an unforgettable summer festival experience, he recommends visiting the Tohoku region in …

Wego has teamed up with Moroccan National Tourist Office. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego said: “We are excited to embark our partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office. This partnership is set to inspire and captivate travelers worldwide, igniting a sense of wanderlust. We recorded over 39% increase in the number of searches to the country in 2023 in comparison to the same period last year, with over 2 million searches so far. We are looking forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with the board.” Morocco offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers during the summer. For history and culture enthusiasts, exploring the ancient medinas of cities like Marrakech and Fes is a must. Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, admire stunning architectural masterpieces like the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit historical sites such as the iconic Jardin Majorelle. Nature lovers can embark on an adventure to the Sahara Desert, where they can experience the magic of camel trekking, spend a night under the starry desert sky, and witness mesmerizing sunsets over the golden dunes. Beachgoers can head to coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir, where they can relax on pristine sandy beaches, try water sports like surfing, or savor delicious seafood. Food enthusiasts can indulge in the aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, sampling tagines, couscous, and traditional mint tea in local restaurants or joining cooking classes to learn the secrets of Moroccan culinary delights. With its vibrant markets, captivating landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Morocco offers an unforgettable summer experience for travelers of all interests.  

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, the first Marriott Hotels resort in the UAE, has unveiled its spectacular collection of premium Suites and Penthouses. Each a secluded haven with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline.  In the Presidential Suite, a newly imagined experience awaits guests as they elevate beyond the everyday. Accommodating up to six guests, the 400-sq-m sanctuary features a private bar and entertaining area, spacious living and dining areas and dynamic bathroom experiences with sauna. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and panoramic views over Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai. Offering elevated amenities, the Royal Penthouse boasts sweeping city and sea views and an expansive private outdoor terrace with a private jacuzzi. Sleeping up to six, this lavishly appointed penthouse offers distinguished amenities complete with thoughtful design elements to ensure guest enjoyment is a priority. In-suite comforts include a fully equipped bar and entertainment area, kitchen with Lavazza coffee machine and a spacious master suite with a separate lounge. The enhanced bathroom experience with walk-in showers and large baths complemented with Maison D’asa amenities and a private sauna, is not to be missed! Meanwhile, the allure of the Palm Penthouse lies in its expansive terrace offering the ideal entertaining area with outdoor bar, sun deck, premium cabanas, jacuzzi and alfresco dining spaces. Sleeping up to six guests, in-suite comforts include Maison D’asa amenities, walk-in showers and large baths. A fully equipped bar and entertainment area adorns the living room along with a kitchen with Lavazza coffee machine and a stunning master suite with a separate lounge. Other Suites unveiled at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai include the Palm Suite, Executive Suite and Palm Family …