Tag Archives: 2024

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030. Commenting on the Emirate’s achievements, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year. Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities.  

Gewan Hotels and Resorts wins ‘fastest growing hotel management company’ at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Arabian Travel Award is an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone at Gewan Hotels & Resorts. It’s 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’s also a moment to reflect, grow, and push the boundaries of excellence. Winning is not the end—it motivates us to deliver even more, focusing on personalized service, sustainability, and ensuring every guest’s stay is truly special,” Ahmed Hassib, Chief Executive Officer, Gewan Hotels & Resorts

The eighth edition of MOTN Festival(Mother of Nation Festival) wrapped up its largest season, with more than 259,000 visitors attending across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche over the past one month. This year’s MOTN Festival, held under the theme Out of This World, featured various rides, engaging entertainment, diverse culinary cuisines and family-friendly games. The 31-day festival offered more than 350 experiences for its visitors. The eight edition of the MOTN featured the Out of This World Museum that aimed to provide young visitors an immersive journey through carefully curated and artistically designed rooms. The festival also included a Giant Ferris Wheel, a video game-inspired Five Nights at Freddy’s maze and the Space Flight wind tunnel. The festival also featured the MOTN Theatre, the MOTN Basketball Hub, the Ninja Kidz Action Park, Skill Games, a Community Stage, a DJ Booth, a Space Park, and arts and crafts stations. The festival showcased a diverse array of innovative and award-winning international and homegrown food concepts, with more than 30 vendors across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche. Regional artists also performed at this year’s festival, including Hamad Al Ameri; Asaad Al Bathari; Balqees; Eida Al Menhali; Harbi Al Ameri; Oumaima Taleb; Ayed Youssef; Muslim; Siilawy; A5RASS; and Mohammad Hamaki, who closed the year with a New Year’s Eve concert.

It was announced that Riyadh Season 2024 achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 16 million visitors, according to Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Advisor Turki AlalShikh on SPA. Launched in October, the Riyadh Season has captivated audiences with its diverse range of events and newly introduced areas, attracting visitors from the Kingdom and abroad. Its exceptional success is attributed to a wide variety of offerings, including boxing and wrestling matches, international concerts, unique dining experiences, scenic gardens, and innovative entertainment zones. The record-breaking attendance was further bolstered by the mid-term break of the second semester, which featured the unveiling of the “Dunes of Arabia” area, popular among camping and winter atmosphere enthusiasts. Additionally, the “Boulevard Runway” area drew aviation enthusiasts, further enhancing the season’s appeal.

voco Bonnington Dubai was awarded ‘Best Corporate Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Corporate Hotel of the Year award at the Arabian Travel Awards is an incredible milestone for voco Bonnington. This recognition validates the trust and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, particularly to our corporate partners. This win is both a proud achievement and a motivating challenge, inspiring us to strive even higher. We believe that excellence is a continuous pursuit. Moving forward, we’ll continue to nurture our people and empower them to create memorable experiences for every guest.” Giacomo Puntel, General Manager, voco Bonnington

Movenpick Al Marjan Island wins ‘Best family friendly Resort in Northern Emirates’ at the 7th edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “This award strengthens our position as a leader in urban lifestyle hospitality and showcases the excellence of our team. It sets a new benchmark in the industry, inspiring others to elevate their offerings and innovate.” Nina Mohamed, Director of Marketing & Communications, Movenpick Resort Al Marjan Island  

ATS Travel was awarded, ‘Pioneer in the Middle East for sustainable business travel management at the 7th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel shared, “Winning the Arabian Travel and Cargo Awards is incredibly significant as it has become a prestigious benchmark within the industry. The recognition is not only a testament to the excellence of the winners in their respective categories but also serves as a validation of their consistent efforts and contributions to the travel and cargo sectors. As the awards have evolved into an industry standard, they are eagerly anticipated each year. For all of us, this recognition is a tremendous morale booster and a powerful source of motivation to continue raising the bar. It also serves as an inspiration to others striving for similar recognition, fostering a sense of healthy competition and progress throughout the industry.”    

Paramount Hotel Dubai has been honored with the Best 5-Star Lifestyle Hotel award at the prestigious seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. The event celebrated the visionaries and pioneers driving excellence in the Middle East’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, underscoring the region’s commitment to becoming a global tourism leader while balancing luxury and sustainability. This award celebrates Paramount Hotel Dubai’s unique approach to luxury, blending Hollywood-inspired artistry with exceptional service to create a cinematic experience that’s both immersive and memorable. It reflects Paramount Hotels’ dedication to building a legacy that redefines hospitality—where every guest is celebrated as a “star” within an ambiance that captures the magic of Hollywood. A statement by Dean, SVP of Hospitality for DAMAC Hotels and Resorts, “It’s a great honor to be recognized among industry leaders. This award is a tribute to the creativity, hard work, and commitment of our exceptional teams at Paramount Hotel Dubai. It reinforces our vision to redefine luxury and elevate the art of hospitality, delivering experiences that resonate long after our guests have left.” Pascal, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, added, ‘We are proud to be recognized among leaders in travel and tourism. This accolade reaffirms our commitment to ‘for the creative, by the creative’—crafting extraordinary experiences where every detail, from cinematic design elements to immersive moments, transports our guests from the silver screen to real-life wonder. We are thrilled to bring this recognition home and will continue to set the stage for unforgettable stays, where our guests are the stars of their own Hollywood-inspired journeys’. With 2025 on the horizon, Paramount Hotels is set to continue its ascent in the luxury hospitality space. Paramount Hotel Dubai will …

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, the Middle East (+29% compared to 2019) continued to enjoy record growth this nine-month period, while Europe (+1%) and Africa (+6%) also exceeded 2019 levels. A total of 60 out of 111 destinations surpassed 2019 arrival numbers in the first eight to nine months of 2024. Some of the strongest performers in arrivals during this period were Qatar (+141% versus 2019) where arrivals more than doubled, Albania (+77%), Saudi Arabia (+61%), Curaçao (+48%), Tanzania (+43%), Colombia and Andorra (both +36%). UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong growth seen in tourism receipts is excellent news for economies around the world. The fact that visitor spending is growing even stronger than arrivals has a direct impact on millions of jobs and small businesses and contributes decisively to the balance of payments and tax revenues of many economies.” Global tourism set for full recovery by end of the year with spending growing faster than arrivals. Around 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, as the global tourism sector recovered 98% of pre-pandemic levels. According to the report, a full recovery from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history is expected by the end of the year, despite economic, geopolitical and climate challenges. The Americas recovered 97% of its pre-pandemic arrivals (-3% over 2019). Asia and the Pacific reached 85% of 2019 levels as compared to a 66% recovery in 2023. Asia and the Pacific has experienced a gradual though uneven rebound in arrivals since the region reopened to international travel in 2023. The summer season in the Northern Hemisphere was generally strong, with arrivals worldwide reaching 99% of pre-pandemic values …

Qatar has been emerging as a premier cruise tourism destination, where residents and citizens of the GCC are invited to explore the rich tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula through luxurious cruises departing from Doha. Qatar’s 2024/25 cruise season presents a unique opportunity to experience the region’s most dynamic cities, including Doha, Oman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, all from the comfort of world-class vessels such as Costa Smeralda and Norwegian Dawn, as well as Celestyal’s maiden voyage which homeports in Doha. These cruises are designed to offer a blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing passengers to experience the unique cultures and landscapes of multiple Arabian cities. Costa Smeralda, with its 20 decks and extensive array of amenities—including 11 restaurants and a family-friendly water park—promises a luxurious journey for all ages. Celestyal Journey provides an intimate setting with wellness facilities and diverse entertainment options, ensuring that every guest feels catered to. Norwegian Dawn returns to the Gulf with an impressive selection of dining venues and activities, perfect for families seeking both comfort and engagement. By booking an Arabian cruise departing from Doha, visitors can elevate their experience by arriving early to explore Qatar’s vibrant tourism landscape, which includes renowned retail, dining, and entertainment options that cater to all ages and interests. The Mina District, where the cruise terminal is located, boasts charming streets, delightful dining options, and various entertainment venues. Its prime location near Doha’s key attractions, including the National Museum of Qatar and Museum of Islamic Art, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Qatar. Convenient transportation, such as the ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Doha Bus, facilitates easy exploration of iconic landmarks, including Souq Waqif …