Tag Archives: 2025

Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia 2025 offered a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the importance to modernise hospitality education to meet the growing demands of the sector. The overarching theme centered on the critical importance of investing in human capital, addressing talent shortages, and enhancing the appeal of hospitality careers to young people. The discussions repeatedly emphasized the need for collaboration between educational institutions, industry operators, and government bodies to create sustainable pathways for talent development and retention. Several insights emerged about the integral role of education, leadership, and culture in shaping the future of hospitality in Saudi Arabia and globally.  A recurring theme was the urgent need to modernize hospitality education to meet the growing demands of the sector. Speakers highlighted the inadequacies of traditional educational formats and proposed innovative approaches, such as technology-enabled training, shorter courses, and integrating hospitality education into secondary schools. Vocational training and continuous professional development were underscored as essential components for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. The discussions also stressed the significance of sustainability in attracting and retaining talent, with younger generations increasingly seeking employers with clear sustainability practices and purposes. This calls for educational institutions to update their curricula to reflect modern sustainability practices. Leadership and organizational culture were identified as pivotal factors in enhancing employee engagement and retention. The speakers emphasized creating work environments where employees feel a sense of belonging, respect, and opportunities for growth. Transparent remuneration and development pathways were highlighted as vital in retaining talent, especially in competitive markets. The concept of inverting the organizational pyramid, placing frontline employees at the top, …

Qatar’s tourism sector kicked off 2025 with strong momentum, welcoming more than 1.5 million international visitors from January to March, driven by an integrated tourism strategy that combines major events, strategic partnerships and diverse tourism experiences that meet the aspirations of different visitors. Visitors from the GCC (36 per cent), followed by visitors from Europe (28 per cent) and Asia and Oceania (20 per cent) led the way, reflecting Qatar’s growing position as an attractive tourist destination in regional and international markets. Visitor arrivals were distributed by air (51%), land (34%) and cruises (15%), highlighting the effectiveness of Qatar’s diverse reach strategy. Eid Al Fitr 2025 recorded the highest tourist arrivals during the festive period in the past three years, with 213,500 visitors arriving over an eight-day period, an increase of 26% compared to 2024, and visitors from the GCC constituting 49% of the total visitors, recording an annual increase of 18%, while hotel occupancy reached 77%, recording an annual growth of 10%. This growth was accompanied by strong performance across the hospitality sectors, with average hotel occupancy reaching 71% and 2.6 million hotel nights sold, reflecting a significant increase in demand driven by key events such as the Qatar Web Summit, Doha Jewellery & Watches and Qatar International Food Festival. H.E. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, President of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of Visit Qatar, said: “The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 reflect the strength of our long-term strategic approach to developing the tourism sector. By deepening collaboration locally, regionally and internationally, we continue to diversify target markets, enhance visitor experiences, and cement Qatar’s position as a vibrant year-round tourism destination. We are delighted to welcome 1.5 …

The Arabian Travel Awards, one of the Middle East’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality, is set to return for its landmark eighth edition on 25th November 2025. This invite-only event will bring together the region’s top leaders and innovators to honour outstanding contributions that continue to define the Middle East’s global travel identity. A symbol of credibility and industry recognition, the Arabian Travel Awards has become a trusted benchmark for excellence across the GCC. Backed by TravTalk Middle East and TravelTV News, the 2025 edition will feature awards across four dynamic segments: Personal Awards, Business Awards, Trending Awards, and Partner Awards—each designed to spotlight individuals and organisations leading change and driving growth. This year’s award categories include industry benchmarks such as Best Business Hotel, Best Green Hotel, Best Destination Management Company, Best B2B Travel Portal, and Best Luxury Hotel, reflecting the diversity and depth of the region’s tourism ecosystem. Winners are selected through a transparent, online voting system, ensuring credibility and inclusiveness. Speaking on the occasion, San Jeet, Mentor, Arabian Travel Awards, noted: “The awards this year come at a pivotal time. With the region witnessing historic growth and tourism becoming a strategic economic pillar, it’s more important than ever to recognise those leading the way. From sustainability champions to digital disruptors, the Arabian Travel Awards is a tribute to those redefining the future of travel in the GCC.” In a testament to its growing influence, the 2025 edition welcomes Embassy Suites by Hilton as its Hospitality Partner, marking the brand’s debut in the UAE. Ziad Tantawi, Cluster General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton, said: “As Embassy Suites by Hilton makes its debut in the …

With just under a month to go before the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia gets under way, investors, developers, government decision makers and regional hospitality leaders are gearing up for three days of networking, learning, debate and deal making in Riyadh with TravTalkME as media partner. Nearly 300 investors – almost one in four of all delegates – attended last year’s event, which created more than US$1.1 billion worth of business opportunities and saw 17 deals signed. With KSA’s hospitality and tourism transformation in full swing in line with Vision 2030, the stage is set for a wealth of new partnerships, signings and collaborations at FHS Saudi Arabia 2025. In the run up to FHS Saudi Arabia, I spoke to leaders from Taiba Investments, Al Khozama Investment Company, Baraka and AlNahla Group for their take on investing in KSA. Read on for insight on where these investors are heading, the importance of hospitality projects to Saudi’s overall real estate offering, how tourism targets can be met and what excites them most about KSA’s future tourism offering. With unprecedented expansion in real estate, tourism and hospitality in KSA, the opportunities for investment are seemingly endless. What are investors focusing on in terms of location and asset class? Taiba Investments is looking to solidify its position in the hospitality and real state sectors and aiming for sustainable growth by expanding in key hubs like Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to elevate KSA’s status as a premier global destination. The company is looking to strategically expand its portfolio with several hotel openings, such as Rixos Obhur Jeddah, Makarem Burj Al Madinah, Crowne Plaza Takhassusi, Sheraton Madinah, Novotel Madinah and Riyadh Marriott Hotel Mursalat. …

AROYA Cruises announced the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries set to begin in June 2025. Homeported in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA will sail to some of the region’s most popular European cruise destinations, marking a major milestone in the cruise line’s growth and regional expansion. The new itineraries feature 7-night voyages to ports in Turkey and Greece, blending iconic destinations with AROYA’s Arabian inspired experience. Beginning on 21st June, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later that month. In July, the itineraries expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August. One of the new itineraries will be dedicated entirely to Turkish coastal cities, offering guests an immersive experience along the country’s breathtaking shoreline. The remaining sailings will blend stops in both Turkey and Greece, with a particular emphasis on Bodrum and other iconic ports along the Turkish Riviera. Since its maiden voyage in December, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, offering guests a Remarkably Arabian experience rooted in Saudi hospitality and the spirit of Hafawa. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of world-class experiences, from a spacious main pool area and a theatre with nightly entertainment, to wellness facilities that include a snow room and advanced spa treatments. Designed with families in mind, the ship features a zip line, water slides and one of the largest kids’ zones at sea, while culinary enthusiasts can explore 12 restaurants and 17 lounges and cafes offering a curated selection of Saudi and international cuisine. For guests seeking added exclusivity, the Khuzama experience offers access to spacious suites, private dining and personalized butler …

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving the customer journey. According to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more personalised guest services. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and gain actionable insights that can drive business success.” On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats …

Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector continues on an upward trajectory, with the Kingdom welcoming 30 million international visitors in 2024, representing a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year. This impressive growth will be under the spotlight at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM), where Saudi Arabia will present its latest tourism milestones, showcase new projects and highlight its vision to become a premier destination. ATM 2025 will feature several prominent exhibitors from the Kingdom. In addition to the Saudi Tourism Authority, returning exhibitors include SAUDIA, flynas, Qiddiya Investment Company, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, Taiba Investment, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Fairmont Hotel, Cruise Saudi, and L’azure Hospitality. First-time exhibitors this year include flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Diriyah Company, Aseer, BAAN Holding Group, Makkah Hotel & Towers, Alhussam Tourism, and StayKSA. These exhibitors, along with many others, will be highlighted in a dedicated Saudi Land hall, an expanded version of last year’s ATM Saudi Village, which will be representative of the Saudi Arabian culture, heritage and tourism, while reflecting the upward trajectory of the Kingdom’s travel industry, which has seen Saudi Arabian exhibitor presence increase by 16% this year. Recent research conducted by VIDEC, on behalf of ATM, has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable status as the largest and fastest-growing economy within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached an impressive USD 1.1 trillion, translating to a per capita GDP of USD 32,500. This positions the nation as one of the most significant and influential markets in the region.

The fourth edition of  Cruise Travel Mart 2025, Middle East’s premier cruise trade event concluded with over 200 travel agents from across the UAE. Ashok Kumar, Convener of Cruise Travel Mart shared that this has become one of the main B2B events which provide an opportunity for travel agents to connect with partners on one on one basis. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises.

The Middle East’s premier cruise trade event, Cruise Travel Mart 2025, returns for its fourth edition on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, at the Al Bader Ballroom, Shangri-La Dubai. Established in 2022 by leading GSA heads of the region’s top cruise lines, the event has grown into a vital platform for fostering industry collaboration, raising awareness, and equipping travel agents with the insights needed to drive cruise sales. With an exclusive focus on cruise travel, Cruise Travel Mart 2025 will gather over 100 top-tier travel agents from the UAE and neighbouring GCC markets, alongside senior representatives from the world’s most prestigious cruise lines. Participating CTM member cruise lines include Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar Cruises. Cruise Travel Mart is the Must-Attend Cruise Trade Event Dedicated Cruise Focus – Unlike broader travel trade shows, Cruise Travel Mart is solely dedicated to cruise tourism, ensuring tailored discussions and strategic collaborations. High-Quality Networking – The event attracts key decision-makers from leading travel agencies, providing exhibitors with an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen industry relationships. Strategic Brand Exposure – Cruise lines will showcase their unique offerings through interactive exhibits, presentations, and direct engagement with stakeholders. Exclusive Industry Insights – Participants will gain valuable perspectives on market trends, customer preferences, and sales strategies shaping the cruise sector. Market Expansion & Growth – Cruise Travel Mart serves as a gateway for cruise brands looking to enhance their presence and operations in the Middle East. Extensive Media Exposure – Through partnerships with leading travel trade media, the event will feature press releases, media interviews, and comprehensive coverage before, during, and after …

With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world. International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events. This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.” The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators. Last year, ATM …