Tag Archives: 2025

Book your voyage secured its title as the ‘Fastest growing B2B travel portal’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards.  “Thanks a ton for keeping motivation high with such events. Being in second consecutive year, it is important we need to keep going and achieve third one also. This is now a vision to move forward with more responsibilities and full trust in those who believe Book Your Voyage.”Ajaysinh Atalia, CCO, Book Your Voyage.

Tourism Malaysia clenched the title of  ‘Best destination Marketing Initiatives’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Tourism Malaysia is honoured to be the Platinum Partner of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. We are delighted to stand alongside industry leaders in celebrating excellence across the region’s vibrant travel landscape. Our heartfelt congratulations to Durga Das Publications and the entire organising team for once again delivering this prestigious event.” Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director – Tourism Malaysia

Aseer region was recognised as the ‘Fastest growing GCC tourism destination’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning the Fastest Growing GCC Tourism Destination award is a proud milestone for Aseer, and a clear reflection of the long-term vision driving the region’s transformation under Saudi Arabia’s national tourism agenda. This recognition highlights the strength of our natural and cultural assets, the maturity of our tourism governance, and the impact of the partnerships that enable sustained growth across the ecosystem.” Hatem Al-Harbi, Chief of Tourism – Aseer Region – Aseer Development Authority.

ITVAR GSA Travel LLC clenched the title as ‘Fastest growing GSA’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “We are honored to receive the Arabian Travel Award for the third consecutive year—an achievement that reflects our continued commitment to excellence and the collective efforts of our dedicated team. This recognition is a proud milestone for ITVAR’s Non-Air Division, and we proudly share this award with every team member who contributes to our success. Looking ahead to 2026, ITVAR plans to expand its destination representation portfolio, strengthen its presence across the GCC, East Africa, and Southern Africa, and launch more data-driven B2B campaigns, hybrid roadshows, and strategic partnerships. Our focus remains on sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering measurable value to our partners.” Pier Angeli Astano, Head of Representations – Non Air

Golden Sands Hotel Apartments walked away with the title ‘Most comfortable hotel apartments’ at the 8th edition of the  Arabian Travel Awards 2025″Winning the Arabian Travel Awards is a significant recognition of our commitment to providing warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed stays for our guests. This award reinforces our focus on comfort, quality, and reliable service. As we look ahead, we aim to further enhance the guest experience, adopt smarter solutions, and continue improving every aspect of our offerings.” Marouf Diab, Director of Operations 

Gewan Hotels and Resorts was recognised as ‘Fastest growing hotel management company’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “Winning this award is a remarkable milestone for MD Hotel by Gewan and a testament to our unwavering commitment to service excellence and guest satisfaction. This recognition celebrates the dedication of our entire team and inspires us to continue elevating our standards in the year ahead.” The award was received by Emad Ibrahim, Hotel Manager; Omar Al Yafeai, Owner’s Representative; and Marwa Fechtani, Corporate Director – Marketing and Communications, MD Hotel by Gewan

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai won ‘Best Destination Wedding Resort at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards held recently at Embassy Suites by Hilton business bay. An idyllic island escape, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is a distinctive beach resort nestled on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, set against the sparkling Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s shimmering skyline. Leave the world behind and sink into the welcoming embrace of ‘Tajness’ and an array of exotic experiences. With luxurious accommodations, seven outstanding restaurants and bars, an award-winning spa and the longest pool on the East side of the Palm island, a stay at our resort is a constant voyage of discovery, serenity and celebration. Our 258 elegant guest rooms are tranquil retreats with breath-taking views from their own private balconies, and subtly decorated in hints of blue and gold to reflect the colours of the sea. For the ultimate in luxurious hideaways, pick one of our 67 lavish suites – some with Jacuzzis on panoramic private terraces.

Ethara, the organisers of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced that the 2025 race week broke attendance records with a combined total of 339,000 fans across events. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 featured the three-way title battle between the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, contributing to the record 203,000 attendance at Yas Marina Circuit – a near 6% jump from 192,000 in 2024. In addition to the on-track drama — ending with with Verstappen winning the race and Norris claiming his first drivers’ title — the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme drew a record 136,000 fans (an increase of nearly 9% from 2024 attendance of 125,300) across four nights of Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts featuring Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry, and Official After-Parties with Idris Elba, Calvin Harris and Keinemusik. Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO, Ethara, said, “This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be remembered for decades with the F1 title battle unfolding under the floodlights of Yas Marina Circuit. At Ethara, we’re proud to have delivered the weekend befitting such a historic occasion. We welcomed more fans than ever, underpinned by a world-class entertainment programme and innovations to the fan experience including the introduction of new hospitality concepts, new on-site activations, and enhanced Abu Dhabi-wide ticket inclusions – all contributing to an unforgettable event. Abu Dhabi has once again proven it’s the ultimate destination for the F1 season finale.” Among the new offerings this year was extended track access for the fans, including two public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks on Thursday. Capped by Benson Boone’s dazzling performance at the After-Race Concert, Thursday became …

The Arabian Travel Awards concluded its First Edition in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in recognising and honouring top achievers within the Kingdom’s fast-growing travel, tourism, and hospitality sector. The event celebrated trailblazers, innovators, and organisations whose contributions are driving Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a world-class global destination. With the Kingdom’s tourism landscape evolving at record pace under Vision 2030, the inaugural edition aimed to spotlight excellence across airlines, hotels, travel agencies, technology providers, tourism boards, and service partners — shaping the future of travel in the region. The event was supported by TravTalk Middle East as the official media partner, bringing regional coverage and industry visibility to the award winners, participating brands, and the broader travel community. TravTalk Middle East’s partnership reinforces the shared mission of empowering industry talent, encouraging innovation, and amplifying Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential to global audiences. The First Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia represents the beginning of a new chapter — one that celebrates success stories, elevates standards, and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading tourism hub.

Daniel Ponzo Group Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group entered the Gallery of Legends at the First Edition of the Arabian Travel Awards in Saudi Arabia. Ponzo is a distinguished global travel executive with over 30 years of leadership across Europe and the GCC. As Group Managing Director of Zahid Travel Group in Saudi Arabia, he has played a pivotal role in transforming corporate, luxury, and destination management during a defining era for the Kingdom. An Italian-Swiss leader based in Jeddah, he speaks five languages and is known for driving growth, operational excellence, and digital advancement. He built Zahid Travel Group’s destination management arm from inception, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions. Passionate about cultural connection and innovation, Ponzo continues to shape the future of travel across the region.