Saudi Arabia, UAE climb WEF Tourism Index despite Middle East conflict disruption
Saudi Arabia jumps 17 places since 2019 on workforce reform and Vision 2030 investment, while the UAE tops the world...
Business
A shadowy tourism deal puts one of Egypt’s last wild shores at risk
Thousands signed a petition to "Save Hankorab" after discovering a contract between an unnamed government entity and an investment company...
Economy
Business
TOURISE 2025: Riyadh to host premier summit for sustainable tourism
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has officially unveiled TOURISE, a groundbreaking global platform set...
- The inaugural TOURISE 2025 event will take place in Riyadh from November 11-13, bringing together public and private sector leaders, experts, and investors.
- Nominations will be accepted via an online portal, with winners announced at a dedicated ceremony during the platform.
Business
Blending AI with a Human Touch: Al Rais Travel Eyes the Future of Tourism
Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India...
- We’re adopting a hybrid model that blends AI-driven data analysis with human interaction to deliver personalized and authentic travel experiences, Mohamed Al Rais tells TRENDS
- Dubai has evolved from a regional hub to a global one, offering a complete tourism ecosystem—from leisure and business to medical and MICE travel, he adds
Interview
The New Travel Mindset: Local Living and Smarter Tech
From immersive local experiences to AI-powered personalization, Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, shares key trends shaping the future of travel.
- Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are growing heavily from this region as connectivity improves.
- Europe remains strong, but even in Europe, they're exploring more. Before, it was much more London only.
Opinion
Future-proofing hospitality asset value needs financial rigor with emotional intelligence
The GCC’s luxury hospitality sector has become a global benchmark, yet behind every polished facade lies an increasingly complex financial...
- Real estate-backed assets that offer a blend of long-term capital appreciation and recurring revenue are especially attractive in today’s market, says Victor.
- Guests increasingly want to know what a hotel stands for: how it treats its staff, where it sources its ingredients, and whether its promises around sustainability hold up.
Business
Layali Diriyah: Blending scents of history, culture, global flavors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Surrounded by the natural emblem of palm trees, Layali Diriyah during Ramadan radiates a distinctive ambiance,...
- The ambiance merges ancient heritage with modern luxury, creating a memorable atmosphere for visitors
- Guests enjoy a fusion of authentic traditions and contemporary elements, complemented by diverse international cuisines
Economy
GCC is rewriting the narrative on cultural diplomacy
Partnerships with institutions like the Victoria & Albert Museum, Venice Biennale, and Hollywood productions elevate the GCC’s cultural landscape.
- Events like Art Dubai, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi solidify the UAE’s role as a global cultural hub
- AlUla, Red Sea Film Festival, and Jeddah’s Hayy Jameel are transforming the Kingdom into a creative powerhouse
Interview
Tech and sustainability drive Singapore’s smart tourism vision
To realize its vision for “smart tourism”, Singapore Tourism Board is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and...
- STB’s Tcube, a hybrid innovation space launched in 2021, has helped tourism businesses introduce tech solutions, including Al, into their operations.
- More than 1,100 tourism companies have benefited from Tcube programs. Its Singapore Tourism Accelerator has supported 47 start-ups to develop 58 industry solutions across 6 cohorts
Geostrategy
The Transformative Power of Travel
The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in...
- The UAE’s We the UAE 2031 national development blueprint positions tourism as a key driver of economic growth, targeting a $123 billion contribution to GDP.
- Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places tourism at the core of its diversification efforts.
Arts & Culture
81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
- The survey said that 85.3 percent attended at least one entertainment event or activity.
- The data showed that 65.8 percent of individuals visited parks and gardens, 40.5 percent attended national celebrations.
Business
‘Authenticity, experiences, culture, generational and solo travel to lead tourism trends’
Visit Saudi, experience the warmth, generosity and hospitality of the people, Jerry Inzerillo tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.
- Visit Saudi, experience the warmth, generosity and hospitality of the people, Jerry Inzerillo tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview
- Cultural and heritage tourism is on the rise, with travelers seeking genuine local experiences, from food to historical sites, her adds
Saudi Arabia, UAE climb WEF Tourism Index despite Middle East conflict disruption
Saudi Arabia jumps 17 places since 2019 on workforce reform and Vision 2030 investment, while the UAE tops the world...
Business
Company News
Latest News
Oman sees hospitality industry revenue fall 3.5%
The National Centre for Statistics and Information says domestic guest have supported the Oman's hotels.
The New Travel Mindset: Local Living and Smarter Tech
From immersive local experiences to AI-powered personalization, Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, shares key trends shaping the future of travel.
Interview
Future-proofing hospitality asset value needs financial rigor with emotional intelligence
The GCC’s luxury hospitality sector has become a global benchmark, yet behind every polished facade lies an increasingly complex financial...
Opinion
Layali Diriyah: Blending scents of history, culture, global flavors
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Surrounded by the natural emblem of palm trees, Layali Diriyah during Ramadan radiates a distinctive ambiance,...
Business
Most Read
Interview
Tech and sustainability drive Singapore’s smart tourism vision
To realize its vision for “smart tourism”, Singapore Tourism Board is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and...
- STB’s Tcube, a hybrid innovation space launched in 2021, has helped tourism businesses introduce tech solutions, including Al, into their operations.
- More than 1,100 tourism companies have benefited from Tcube programs. Its Singapore Tourism Accelerator has supported 47 start-ups to develop 58 industry solutions across 6 cohorts
Geostrategy
The Transformative Power of Travel
The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in...
- The UAE’s We the UAE 2031 national development blueprint positions tourism as a key driver of economic growth, targeting a $123 billion contribution to GDP.
- Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places tourism at the core of its diversification efforts.
Arts & Culture
81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
- The survey said that 85.3 percent attended at least one entertainment event or activity.
- The data showed that 65.8 percent of individuals visited parks and gardens, 40.5 percent attended national celebrations.