The international travel and tourism community turned out in force at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with decision-makers from the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Türkiye, Bahrain, South Africa, Qatar, United States and China convening at Dubai World Trade Centre from 14–17 September. The 33rd edition of ATM drew regional and international markets to Dubai, with more than 55 destination stands and a strong cross-section of the travel and tourism industry, including tourism authorities, airlines and transport providers, hospitality brands, and technology companies throughout the four-day event.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:28:34 +0000

In an era when travellers increasingly seek more than simply a place to stay, serviced residences and extended-stay accommodation are playing an ever-greater role in the global hospitality landscape. Few understand this evolving market better than Vincent Miccolis, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at The Ascott Limited. With extensive experience across some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets, Miccolis is responsible for driving Ascott’s growth and strengthening its portfolio across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye – regions where demand for flexible, high-quality accommodation continues to gather momentum.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:20:44 +0000

TUI Airline, part of one of the world’s leading travel groups, and GO7, the growth platform for airlines, today announced an industry fi rst: TUI Airline is the fi rst carrier to go live with GO7’s airline-controlled connection model. The partnership enables customers to combine two fl ights in one smoother journey, including through-checked baggage, while allowing airlines to retain ownership of pricing, settlement, operations and the customer relationship.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:54:54 +0000

Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, today announced a strategic partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves, a Cape Town-headquartered hospitality management company, and the acquisition of a majority stake in Newmark under a phased ownership structure leading to full ownership over time.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:43:03 +0000

Grosvenor House Suites London, located on Park Lane, overlooking Hyde Park and in the heart of Mayfair, has announced the opening of Ember Cigars, a new cigar tasting lounge, marking the latest phase of the property’s ongoing enhancement programme. Located on the second floor, the lounge has been designed by Wimberly Interiors and introduces a dedicated cigar experience for both guests and non-residents. The opening follows the ongoing refurbishment of 32 suites and the introduction of a new concierge arrival space, further enhancing Grosvenor House Suites as a residential-style address in the heart of Mayfair. The addition of Ember Cigars expands the property’s offering with a private setting for socialising, informal meetings, entertaining and relaxed occasions.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:36:59 +0000

Transformative luxury retreat Patina Maldives, Fari Islands unveils a new stage of The Perpetual Journey, its ongoing programme of art, culture, wellness and conscious dining experiences. Highlights include acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Shezad Dawood’s inaugural Patina Art Residency, a junior football camp led by FC Bayern Munich coach Jonas Caryot and a three-day Diwali celebration bringing together chef Atul Kochhar, mixologist Giancarlo Mancino and DJ Sakré.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:33:26 +0000

Measures to ensure accessible, seamless, visa-free experiences could turn the Asia-GCC corridor into the next great growth engine for the Middle East’s travel sector, according to industry leaders speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The 33rd edition of ATM concludes today at Dubai World Trade Centre. Moderated by Sienna Parulis-Cook, Director of Marketing and Communications, Dragon Trail International, the session featured perspectives from Shahab Abdollah Shayan, Regional Director Asia Pacific, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Aaron Goldring, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics, Frederic Brohez, Chief Operating Officer, Pulse Hotels & Resorts, and Waad Melliti, Senior Business Manager, World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF).
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:31:47 +0000

A new link between Manchester and the Saudi capital of Riyadh launched this morning – with Saudi Arabia’s new digital-led airline Riyadh Air making the North’s hub airport just its fourth destination in Europe. The service will not only open up connections to Saudi Arabia for travellers from the North but will also give them access via onward connections to Riyadh Air’s network of destinations across Africa and Asia.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:18:24 +0000

The Elysium Collection, a new family of British hotels, spas and health clubs, is delighted to announce its first hotel, Elysium St Mawes, will open early 2027 on the waterfront of the idyllic seaside village St Mawes. The opening marks the restoration of the village’s first purpose-built hotel. Set opposite the quay on the South West Coast Path, the 56-bedroom hotel will feature a waterfront restaurant and café, six family rooms and a spa with an indoor thermal pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and two treatment rooms, creating a year-round coastal escape.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:13:22 +0000

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has recognised six exhibitors for outstanding stand design, creativity, technology and visitor experience at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 Best Stand Awards, taking place this week at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). An independent panel of industry experts judged the Awards, recognising exhibitors that went beyond visual impact to create engaging, functional spaces that support business conversations and bring their brands and destinations to life.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:09:31 +0000

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has recognised six exhibitors for outstanding stand design, creativity, technology and visitor experience at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 Best Stand Awards, taking place this week at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). An independent panel of industry experts judged the Awards, recognising exhibitors that went beyond visual impact to create engaging, functional spaces that support business conversations and bring their brands and destinations to life.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:09:11 +0000

Wynn Al Marjan Island, the world’s most anticipated destination resort, today unveils the Mayfair Apartment and Paris Apartment, two extraordinary accommodations that redefine the pinnacle of luxury hospitality. Set within the crown of the Resort Tower, they represent the highest and largest accommodations within Enclave, Wynn Al Marjan Island’s boutique hotel experience. Occupying the uppermost floors of the 70-story tower and spanning approximately 1,460 square meters each, the signature residences will offer soaring views of the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf. The Mayfair and Paris Apartments embody the highest expression of accommodations, with expansive scale, uncompromising privacy, and deeply personalized hospitality.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:58:23 +0000

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network.  The MOU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Her Excellency Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:48:53 +0000

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network.  The MOU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Her Excellency Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:48:31 +0000

Online travel channels are set to play an increasingly important role in the UAE travel market’s recovery, with online air penetration forecast to rise to 52% by 2030, according to new research from VIDEC presented at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. VIDEC’s GCC & Egypt Travel Market Sizing & OTA Benchmarking Study, 2019–2030 examines the fastest-growing travel segments, market projections and distribution trends shaping the UAE and wider region, including the growing influence of online travel agencies (OTAs).
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:41:34 +0000

The battle for visibility in AI-powered travel search begins long before a traveller types a prompt, according to Icelandair’s Director of Global Marketing, Gísli Brynjolfsson. His view is that airlines must build brands people already know, remember and feel something about if they want to be considered when customers turn to AI for travel advice. Brynjolfsson outlined the approach during a World Aviation Festival webinar on 7 September, titled “The secret behind Icelandair’s viral marketing campaigns”, ahead of his appearance at the event’s Marketing Summit in Lisbon next month.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:37:41 +0000

As the Middle East continues to reshape the global hospitality landscape, few markets are attracting as much attention from hotel investors, operators and developers as the region. Against this backdrop, FHS World Dubai provides an important forum for industry leaders to examine the forces driving growth, investment and transformation across the hospitality sector. In this exclusive Breaking Travel News Q&A, Siegfried Nierhaus, Managing Director of H World International MEIA, shares his perspective on the region’s rapidly evolving hotel market, the opportunities emerging for international hospitality brands and the changing expectations of today’s travellers.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:31:11 +0000

London Southend Airport and easyJet are today celebrating the inaugural flight to Munich. The first flight to the German city took off today and provides customers across Essex and the South East with even more choice at great value fares. Munich is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, world-famous food and drink scene, and proximity to the Bavarian Alps, making it an attractive destination for city breaks and those visiting Christmas markets.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:28:03 +0000

Emirates and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner on key initiatives advancing Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global destination for higher education, international students, and lifelong learning. The partnership supports the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy by enhancing student accessibility, strengthening international connectivity, and promoting the City of Students game changer and Study Dubai programme in key global markets.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:57:41 +0000

Emirates has signed on three more destination partners and is deepening relationships with travel technology and sporting platforms, cruiseliner companies, business councils and bank partners. The partnerships aim to widen the airline’s customer base and ability to build targeted propositions around the distinct priorities of each segment.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:53:23 +0000

The global hospitality technology provider, Unifocus, has announced the launch of its newest AI platform, Unifocus Claira. Unifocus Claira is an industry first end-to-end workforce management and operations platform, purpose-built to give hoteliers and above-property hospitality organizations complete visibility across the workforce lifecycle through one cohesive system.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:50:05 +0000

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading destination- and culinary-focused luxury cruise line, is opening for sale today 12 distinct segments of Oceania Aurelia’s inaugural 180-day Around the World voyage in 2028. Ranging from 10 to 19 days, each segment offers travellers a curated slice of the ship’s extraordinary global itinerary which departs Miami in January 2028 and includes an 18-day sailing from Los Angeles to Papeete, a two-week voyage from Sydney to Bali and a 12-day itinerary from Taipei to Tokyo.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:47:37 +0000

This winter, Zuma will make its Saint-Barth debut, opening in the heart of Gustavia in late November. Bringing its contemporary Japanese cuisine, signature energy, and distinctive style of dining to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations, Zuma Saint-Barth will offer a new social address for the island’s international crowd. Set against the backdrop of Gustavia’s harbour, Zuma Saint-Barth pairs sweeping views with an intimate setting designed to take guests seamlessly from sunset drinks through dinner and into late-night celebrations. Open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am, the restaurant will operate seasonally through April 2027, becoming part of the island’s glamorous winter social scene.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:38:37 +0000

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi’s contemporary French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu introduces the latest chapter in its celebrated ‘Rendez-vous’ dining series with an exceptional culinary collaboration on Sept. 25-26. Chef Charles Degrendele of Le Beaulieu, the 125-year-old French fine dining institution, joins forces with Christian Chu, owner and Chef Patron of the Prague-based MICHELIN-starred restaurant LEVITATE and the Czech Republic’s first MICHELIN-starred chef of Vietnamese origin. Born in Hoa Binh, Vietnam, and later establishing his career in Europe, Chef Christian brings a distinctive approach that blends Nordic techniques, seasonal ingredients sourced locally and internationally, and refined Asian influences drawn from his Vietnamese heritage.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:35:08 +0000

Digital travel platform Agoda has begun the beta rollout of its new AI Assistant, designed to help travelers turn their travel ideas into personalized, bookable trips. Available initially to a select group of Agoda mobile app users, the AI Assistant marks a new chapter in how travelers can plan, book, and manage an entire trip in one place.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:33:22 +0000

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, together with Central Group Capital, the fund management arm of Central Group – one of Thailand’s leading international conglomerates – today announces the signing of Rixos Water World Phuket, marking the debut of Rixos, the pioneer of the luxury all-inclusive concept, in Thailand. Bringing Rixos’ distinctive all-inclusive offering to a new destination, the signing underscores Ennismore’s continued focus on Asia as a key growth region for its all-inclusive platform.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:15:04 +0000

Villa Argentina reopened today following an extensive renovation of one of the city’s most iconic hotel complexes. Located just moments from Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, the hotel brings together contemporary Croatian architecture and design with its carefully preserved cultural and artistic heritage, Mediterranean gardens and spectacular views of the city walls and the Adriatic Sea. The renovation encompassed more than 10,000 square meters. Together with Villa Orsula, the renewed complex now comprises 109 rooms and suites, combining its distinctive historic character with the highest standards of luxury hospitality.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:11:33 +0000

Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has introduced four distinct categories for its 17 suite types. The new Oceanview, Veranda, Residence, and Villa categories will provide their own set of comforts, with every suite continuing to include Silversea’s signature benefits. Residence and Villa guests will also gain a new selection of benefits, extending the brand’s personalised service across Silversea’s intimate fleet. The new benefits apply to sailings departing on or after 1 January, 2027.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:06:35 +0000

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend & Awards is coming back to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for its fourth showcase in the destination, marking another landmark chapter in IIFA’s global journey. The highly anticipated 27th Edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards returns to Abu Dhabi in 2027 and will take place at the iconic Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:58:54 +0000

Luke Dale Roberts opens Boscia at Tswalu: built into the earth, beside an ancient forest, under celestial skies. The five-course menu is led by head chef Dillan Kannemeyer and his team. Luke Dale Roberts’ classical European training and Asian influences sit alongside venison, tsamma melons, Kalahari salt, local dates and wild rosemary. Preservation is at the centre of the kitchen’s philosophy. Meat is predominantly sourced, as much as 90 percent, from a butcher based in the Kalahari itself. South African wine pairings and non-alcoholic herbal infusion pairings are available throughout. At the close of the evening, guests are collected beneath a large boscia tree that gives the restaurant its name. By then, the restaurant has receded to a narrow strip of light behind them, and the night sky has widened overhead. “Tswalu got under my skin very quickly. There is enormous respect for the landscape, for conservation, for creating something meaningful rather than simply impressive. At this stage of my career, that matters to me.” – Luke Dale Roberts Every object on the table was commissioned for a specific dish, emerging from conversations between the chefs and South African artists and craftspeople including Conrad Hicks, Roché Muller, Wim Botha, Anton Kock and Hadley Craig. “Tswalu has always been a place that rewards patience. Boscia is an expression of that same philosophy. Nothing about it is obvious. Everything about it, we hope, is worth the journey.” – Jonathan Oppenheimer A dinner at Boscia is included for guests staying two or more nights at Tswalu. From October 2026, Boscia will also open to the public for Saturday lunches. Bookings open on the first of each month at 08h00 for the following month. For Saturday lunch reservations: book through Dineplan or contact boscia@tswalu.com. For in-house guest reservations: reservations@tswalu.com.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:53:14 +0000

Rotana La Reserva, a five-star private country estate set across 200 hectares in the hills above Manacor enters a new chapter this month. The storied property unveils its thoughtful evolution, encompassing reimagined interiors within its 17th-century manor house and a collection of new experiences across the vast estate that invite guests to explore its land, flavors, traditions and rural rhythms.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:45:58 +0000

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has entered into a strategic partnership with Plaza Premium Group (PPG), a global leader in integrated airport hospitality experiences, to introduce enhanced travel benefits for CentaraThe1 members and create added value across both brands’ loyalty programmes.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:41:42 +0000

Legacy Hotels Holding, a leading regional hospitality group, is accelerating its growth plans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with four new properties across the UAE, Egypt and Georgia signed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. These signings bolster the group’s portfolio and drive its expansion with approximately 20 additional hotels and more than 1,200 keys as it works towards its target of 65+ hotels by 2027.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:35:51 +0000

As the Middle East, Africa and emerging global markets continue to reshape the hospitality landscape, independent hotel management is taking on a new significance. At the forefront of this evolution is Aleph Hospitality, the Dubai-based hotel management company founded by Bani Haddad, which has built a growing portfolio across some of the world’s most dynamic destinations. In this Breaking Travel News Q&A, Bani Haddad discusses the changing dynamics of hotel investment and management, the opportunities emerging across the Middle East and Africa, the evolving expectations of owners and travellers, and why flexibility and local expertise are becoming increasingly important in a rapidly transforming global hospitality sector.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:26:07 +0000

Allo Beirut, the Lebanese dining concept owned and operated by Prime Blackspoon Holdings, is entering its next phase of regional growth as it celebrates eight years since its launch in Dubai. The milestone comes at a time of significant expansion across the GCC and wider Middle East, alongside the continued evolution of its brand experience and guest journey. Founded in 2018, Allo Beirut has grown from a single homegrown restaurant into a recognized regional concept, bringing the authentic flavors, energy, and nostalgia of Beirut to guests across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:23:23 +0000

A wellness retreat aboard Orient Express Corinthian, designed by architect and Artistic Director Maxime d’Angeac, during a transatlantic crossing. A restorative pause dedicated to calm and regeneration, offering an invitation to reconnect with what truly matters. Ocean Rebirth builds on the partnership between Orient Express Sailing Yachts and Guerlain, whose expertise is already brought to life on board through the Spa.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:11:36 +0000

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has signed a management agreement with Trading Construction Works Organization to operate Avani+ Hanoi, a 310-key hotel in Hanoi’s Bach Mai Ward. Scheduled to open in 2028, the hotel forms part of a mixed-use precinct anchored by Hinode City, a new lifestyle mall, alongside 1,099 residential and serviced apartments. Located at the intersection of Minh Khai and Kim Nguu Street, the development benefits from a vibrant neighbourhood and convenient transportation links with the city’s Old Quarter a 10-minute drive away.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:05:33 +0000

Farnek, the UAE’s leading smart and green facilities management (FM) company, has witnessed a sharp increase in enquiries over recent months, for the complete outsourcing of entire hotel departments – rather than the traditional supplementary staffing model. With continued disruption to air connectivity and regional uncertainty, hotel owners and operators across the UAE are re-examining the cost and efficiency of every function they manage in-house. This new trend marks a structural change in how UAE hospitality operates. Historically hotels kept a core team in-house for maintenance, housekeeping, stewarding and guest services and only used FM partners during peak periods.
at Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:02:51 +0000

The Middle East’s travel and tourism community must prioritise aviation infrastructure and data-informed decision-making in preparation for a swift post-conflict rebound, according to ministers and industry experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026. The 33rd edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre until Thursday 17 September. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO), Schubert Lou, CEO, Trip.com, H.E. Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon, and H.E. Nicola Amanda Bernstein, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Republic of Seychelles, met on ATM 2026’s Global Stage to discuss post-conflict connectivity and explore ways to future-proof operations. The session was moderated by Thomas Shambler, Head of Business, ITP Media Group.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:59:40 +0000

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled the next generation of its global lounge experience, beginning with a transformed London Heathrow Lounge in summer 2027 and marking the start of a wider expansion of Etihad lounges around the world. The Heathrow lounge will be the first to introduce Etihad’s new Beyond Borders design language to the ground experience, beginning a new design cycle that will increasingly connect the airline’s lounges and aircraft through a recognisable Etihad look and feel.
at Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:20:40 +0000