Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has reached a milestone of 100 combined open and pipeline hotels in Saudi Arabia following the signing of an agreement with a fund managed by SEDCO Capital for a 1,100 room Courtyard by Marriott in Makkah. The property will be situated within the Holy City’s landmark Masar destination which is owned, developed and operated by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction.  Expected to open in 2030, Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar is anticipated to deliver the brand’s signature blend of exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and purposeful design.
at Fri, 21 Nov 2025 07:52:54 +0000

TAP recorded a positive net profit of 126 million euros in the third quarter of this year and made a profit of 55.2 million euros in the first nine months of 2025. Until September (9M25), TAP carried a total of 12.7 million passengers, which represents an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2024 (9M24). The number of flights operated registered a slight year-on-year growth of 0.7%, in line with the previous period. Capacity increased 3% compared to 9M24, while RPKs grew 4.6%, resulting in a 1.3 p.p. improvement in Load Factor, which reached 84.2% in 9M25.
at Fri, 21 Nov 2025 07:49:52 +0000

Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today unveiled Oceania Sonata, the latest expression of the brand’s signature blend of intimate, luxurious experiences. Set to debut in 2027, the vessel will be the first of four 1,390-guest ships in the new Sonata Class, representing the next chapter in the line’s continued evolution of its intimate, luxurious ships. Marking the ninth vessel in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Oceania Sonata will embark on her maiden voyage in August 2027. A true masterpiece of design, she will deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences at sea, anchored by the brand’s hallmark passion for gastronomy and its legacy of serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:23:19 +0000

Saudi continues to inspire travelers from around the world, a country where every destination tells a different story, from ancient civilizations carved into sandstone to coral-framed coastlines and palm-shaded oases. According to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest data, Saudi welcomed 60.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025, maintaining strong growth momentum across both domestic and international tourism. Total tourism spending reached approximately SAR 161 billion, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.  Saudi’s tourism sector continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification and shaping Saudi’s global tourism landscape. From UNESCO heritage sites to untouched coral reefs and world-class cultural events, these six destinations showcase the very best of Saudi - each offering a unique experience that blends history, authenticity, and innovation
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:17:20 +0000

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal continues to set new benchmarks in sustainable luxury, unveiling the UAE’s largest thermodynamic solar system, a milestone that reaffirms the resort’s position as a leader in responsible hospitality and innovation.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:51:08 +0000

Event industry foundation Meeting Needs has agreed a £5,000 donation to support relief work in Jamaica following the devastating damage to the island by hurricane Melissa.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:42:01 +0000

Travellers in the United States are expected to holiday in a variety of popular hotspots this coming Thanksgiving, gathering in warmer climates, flying into regional airports and choosing direct routes that make each trip smoother
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:21:57 +0000

Why is it that preparing for a trip often feels more stressful than the trip itself? You book the flights, dream about poolside snacks, and then suddenly you’re deep in a group chat about who’s packing the sunscreen and who’s watching the neighbor’s cat. Somewhere between the to-do lists and the endless piles of “just in case” clothes, the excitement starts to fade. What should feel like a break becomes another job, complete with logistics, timelines, and way too many questions.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:29:45 +0000

Antigua and Barbuda are gearing up for a landmark year in tourism, unveiling an impressive slate of developments, major anniversaries, cultural festivals, and luxury openings—solidifying their position as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations. The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority used World Travel Market 2025 to spotlight both the island nation’s rapid progress and its strategic vision for 2026.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:05:02 +0000

As the hospitality industry accelerates into an era defined by intelligent innovation, few forces loom larger than artificial intelligence (AI). Once a distant concept, AI has rapidly become an everyday catalyst reshaping how hotels engage guests, optimise operations, and drive commercial success. With adoption moving from experimentation to strategic integration, the industry enters a pivotal moment, one that will take centre stage at next week’s HSMAI Middle East & Africa Commercial Strategy Conference (CSC MEA).
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:01:57 +0000

For 15 unforgettable years, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has turned speed, innovation and family fun into an engineering marvel beneath its iconic red roof. This November, the award-winning theme park will commemorate its milestone anniversary with a high-octane, month-long festivities packed with exclusive entertainment and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The celebration will transform every corner of the park into a living tribute to Ferrari’s storied legacy. Guests can look forward to lively performances and in-park entertainment that bring the vibrant energy of Italian piazzas to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, complemented by special anniversary-themed F&B offerings available throughout the month.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:50:36 +0000

At Dubai Airshow 2025, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced a comprehensive suite of technical, training, and travel partnership agreements designed to rapidly scale its operations and enhance the passenger experience. These pivotal collaborations encompass a major expansion of its A321neo fleet support through new engine orders and state-of-the-art pilot simulators, technology and comprehensive maintenance & digital operations for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners. An array of strategic travel MoUs signed with key agencies align to cement Riyadh Air’s position as a digital-native, future-focused airline, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:48:38 +0000

Boeing and flydubai announced today the airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its fourth 737 MAX purchase. The agreement for 75 orders and 75 options will enable flydubai to modernize its fleet and further expand its growing network.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:45:16 +0000

Boeing and Gulf Air announced today the airline has finalized a firm order for 15 787 Dreamliners with options for three more as the Bahrain-based carrier looks to further develop its international network. The order adds three Boeing 787s to the airline’s commitment this July(opens in a new tab) and brings Gulf Air’s order book to 17 of the versatile widebody jets. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow by Martin Gauss, chief executive officer of Gulf Air, and Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:43:37 +0000

Etihad Airways will deploy Viasat’s next-generation connectivity solution, Viasat Amara, across its entire fleet as part of its ongoing commitment to deliver a world-class guest experience. The expansion, announced today by the Abu Dhabi-based airline and Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, builds on a successful multi-year collaboration. Onboard Etihad aircraft, Viasat will power high-speed connectivity that enables guests to access streaming subscriptions on personal devices, to view Live TV on the aircraft seatback IFE screens—providing a variety of news and sports channels for guests’ enjoyment—and to utilize applications for social media scrolling, browsing, shopping, and more.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:41:08 +0000

The Emirates and flydubai partnership exemplifies industry-leading collaboration, seamlessly connecting millions of travellers across an extensive global network while rewarding Emirates Skywards members through the joint loyalty programme.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:39:55 +0000

Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Emirates and Rolls-Royce today at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates will perform Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines powering its own A380 fleet from 2027. Emirates has also extended the TotalCare service agreement with Rolls-Royce for its A380s into the 2040s. Emirates will build a new facility with the first induction forecast from 2027. Emirates will complete fan case repairs at the facility, and Rolls-Royce will maintain module repair capability within the global network.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:37:19 +0000

flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) announced at the Dubai Airshow an agreement to deploy GE Aerospace’s SaaS advanced flight operations software solutions, Safety Insight and FlightPulse, across its entire fleet. The integration will enable flydubai to improve operations by leveraging advanced analytics to enhance flight safety and efficiency
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:35:06 +0000

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced launching the “Literature Journey” initiative, aimed at reinforcing Saudi cultural content and supporting the production of Saudi litterateurs, through reproducing and publishing it on flynas’ social media accounts, as part of the company’s sustainability and social responsibility programs that adopt initiatives with a sustainable impact on society. flynas has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abdullah bin Idris Cultural Center to collaborate in the field of culture. Under the agreement, the center will nominatie literary texts for the initiative, and flynas will digitally reproduce and promote the content across its digital platforms.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:55:01 +0000

Peruvian heritage eco-lodge El Albergue Ollantaytambo has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Small Sustainable Destination 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:51:59 +0000

Cruise provider Ecoventura has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Guest Experience 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:49:12 +0000

ECOFRY, a provider of high-performance cooking oil solutions for hospitality venues, has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Small Sustainable Organisation 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:45:59 +0000

Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Bahrain City Centre Hotel & Residences, introducing a new era of residential-style living and world-class hospitality in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Ideally located in the heart of Manama’s Al Seef District, this new property blends the comforts of home with the sophistication of Hilton hospitality. Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, officially inaugurated the property. The opening marks a new milestone in Bahrain’s luxury hospitality scene.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:43:11 +0000

Finnair, the Official Airline of Santa Claus, landed at Manchester Airport yesterday with a very jolly customer on board, as it officially starts the countdown to Christmas. The most famous Finn, Santa Claus, flew with Finnair from Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi to Manchester, via Finnair’s home hub in Helsinki. His stopover in Manchester will be the only European leg of his international tour, spreading Christmas joy around the world. Touching down in Manchester for a pre-Christmas festive visit, Santa Claus was spotted disembarking the Nordic carrier’s A320, before jingling through Terminal 2, a new location for Finnair and collecting his Christmas presents from baggage reclaim.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:42:42 +0000

As Abu Dhabi enters a standout moment in its cultural and social calendar, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), in partnership with Darna Rewards by Aldar and The Galleria Al Maryah Island, announces the launch of Unlock Luxury Rewards. This exclusive two-week experience, running from 1 to 14 December 2025, brings an unmatched luxury rewards experience to the capital’s leading retail destination. Arriving during a month marked by flagship events, from Eid Al Etihad and the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to the debut of Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week and the return of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, the initiative responds to a growing demand for elevated retail experiences among residents and international visitors alike.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:38:54 +0000

The latest report from Arival – the leading authority for the tours, activities and experiences industry – reveals a major shift in how younger travelers plan and spend.  Events – from music festivals and cultural performances to live sports – are no longer add-ons; they’re the reason for the trip. Arival’s Event-Driven Traveler report, which was based on an online survey of 2,400 US and European travelers (France, Germany, Spain, and the UK) was conducted in fall 2024.  Respondents qualified as “event travelers” if they had taken a leisure trip at least 100 miles from home in the past year, stayed overnight, and attended a performing arts or sporting event.  The study explored their behaviors, preferences, and attitudes around event attendance, trip planning, and spending.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:36:13 +0000

Katanox, the hospitality industry’s financial infrastructure for direct distribution and payments, and Selfbook, the AI-native booking and payments platform powering the industry’s fastest-growing Direct Distribution Network (DDN), today announced a strategic partnership designed to unify how hotels manage bookings, payments, and settlements in an increasingly agentic world. By combining Selfbook’s modern payment and booking experience with Katanox’s real-time financial and distribution infrastructure, the two companies are creating a more connected and reliable foundation for hotels, travelers, and travel sellers.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:33:59 +0000

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, unveils its unique collaboration with Finnish design house Marimekko in Greater China. As part of JW Marriott’s marketing campaign “Stay in the Moment”, the partnership brings together Marimekko’s joyful artistry and JW Marriott’s mindful approach to luxury. Through a series of immersive experiences, including “Blissful Stay”- themed rooms and suites, pop-up installations, afternoon teas, and creative workshops, the collaboration offers a playful encounter between mindful luxury and bold prints and colors, creating a visually delightful and uplifting experience for the senses. “We are honored to partner with Marimekko to present a new perspective on modern luxury,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “This collaboration brings together bold prints and colors and serene luxury, creating an environment filled with optimism and energy that allows our guests to feel both joyful and revitalized.”
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:30:02 +0000

Minister Bartlett will lead a Tourism Recovery Tour of Ocho Rios to highlight the phased reopening of Ocho Rios hotels, attractions and local businesses, focusing on responsible and people-centred recovery efforts. It is the first in a series of tours of tourism destinations, designed to demonstrate operational readiness, job protection, and support for small businesses as Jamaica’s tourism sector recovers.
at Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:28:36 +0000

For the first time, the World Tourism Film Awards will take place in Portugal, with the city of Guimarães chosen to host the 37th edition of this prestigious international event, scheduled for 4 and 5 December. The initiative is organized by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) and the Guimarães Municipality, with the support of Tourism Porto & North of Portugal, and recognizes the best audiovisual productions while highlighting the role of video as a strategic tool for promoting destinations, products, and tourism services. The official awards ceremony will be held at Teatro Jordão, in Guimarães, on 5th December, bringing together tourism professionals, creative agencies, production companies, media from across the world, as well as national and international guests from countries such as Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Morocco, among others
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:43:37 +0000

Croatian tourism capital City of Dubrovnik has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Destination 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:40:09 +0000

Dubai has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable City 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:38:35 +0000

Hospitality provider Aitken Spence Hotels has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative 2025 by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:36:30 +0000

A handful of pioneering airlines have already taken control of FX on their websites, improving the booking experience by enabling passengers to choose to pay in their preferred currency
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:33:17 +0000

Cottar’s Safaris, Africa’s oldest family-run safari company, is proud to announce the launch of Mara, an AI-powered Safari Travel Assistant designed to support both guests and trade partners, alongside the launch of its new website – together bringing a century of safari heritage to life and making it easier, smarter, and more engaging to plan journeys to Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Cottar’s Bush Villa in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:27:03 +0000

Iniala Harbour House, Malta’s only Forbes Five-Star and two Michelin key hotel, is thrilled to announce the launch of La Maison, its most exclusive and unique accommodation to date. Designed to feel like a personal residence rather than a hotel room, this three-bedroom townhouse offers a masterful blend of private luxury and the impeccable service guests would expect from a world-class hotel.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:21:42 +0000

Emirates and Air Canada today announced a commitment to expand and extend their strategic partnership, building on the success of a three-year-old agreement between two of the world’s leading airlines. Since launching their strategic partnership in 2022, the airlines have already served more than 550,000 customers, connecting travellers across 56 codeshare routes linking Canada, the U.S., Dubai and key destinations around the globe. The carriers have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend the reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership until December 31, 2032. The renewed agreement will deepen their cooperation, lead to enhanced services for customers and cargo shippers, and create the potential for new gateways within Canada in the codeshare network.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:35:39 +0000

Building on almost three decades of strong and successful partnership, Emirates and South African Airways are further enhancing their relationship, working towards a reciprocal codeshare agreement, ahead of the busy peak travel season.  With single ticket fare and hassle-free baggage handling, Emirates customers will be able to enjoy seamless access from Johannesburg to three domestic points in South Africa – Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), and a further thirteen regional points in Africa including Abidjan, Accra, Botswana, Dar es Salaam, Kinshasa, Windhoek, Lagos, Lusaka, Lubumbashi, Harare, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, and Mauritius. The codeshare will enable Emirates to tap into feeder traffic from South Africa, and regionally alongside long-haul connecting passengers from the UK and US.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:33:03 +0000

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, today announced orders for 8 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines, at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Worth US$ 3.4 billion at list prices, this top-up order will boost the airline’s A350-900 fleet to a total of 73 units when all deliveries are completed. To date, Emirates has received delivery of 13 A350 aircraft. Emirates’ additional A350-900s ordered today are expected to be delivered during 2031.
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:25:10 +0000

Cheval Collection, the UK-based, award-winning luxury hospitality company specialising in top quality serviced apartments, has signed an agreement with KSA’s Ladun Investment Company to open a second site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the group’s presence in the Kingdom and reinforcing its commitment to growth in Middle East. Set to open in 2028, the new-build property will operate under the Cheval Maison brand, with around 150 luxury, contemporary studios, one bed and two bed apartments, with a focus on long-stay and residential. There will also be a gym and pool, with public memberships available, along with a selection of food and beverage outlets. Construction is expected to begin in 2026
at Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:21:19 +0000