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
81 percent of Saudi population attends cultural events, activities in 2024: GASTAT
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia --Â Nearly 81.6 percent of Saudi individuals visited at least one cultural event or activity in 2024, according...
Arts & Culture
Business
Red Sea Global launches Saudi’s first seaplane company
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA - Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations -...
- Fly Red Sea aims to transport guests to various resorts scattered among the islands of Red Sea Destination.
- These resorts include St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, Ritz Carlton Reserve, which would be inaugurated later in 2023
Geostrategy
Visa-free Russia travel on the horizon for Saudi, Oman, Bahrain, Malaysia, Kuwait
Sochi, Russia -.Starting in 2024, travelers from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia and Bahrain may no longer need tourist visas...
- Russia and China have been ready to receive groups of visa-free tourists on a reciprocal basis
- Visa-free group tourism was also launched between Russia and Iran on August 1
Business
Hotels in UAE generate revenues of US$7bn in first seven months, says minister
ABU DHABI, UAE - In the first seven months of the year, hotel establishments in the UAE generated revenues of...
- Hotel establishments in the country hosted 16 million guests in in the first seven months of 2023, said the UAE economy minister.
- Some 56 million hotel nights have been booked while the occupancy rate reached 75 percent from January to July.
Geostrategy
Saudi Arabia to enhance air connectivity to over 250 destinations by 2030
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - A delegation led by President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin...
- The Kingdom plans on carrying 330 million passengers annually and raising freight capacity to 4.5 million tons by 2030.
- Saudi Arabia and the Dominican Republic also signed agreements on air transport services between the two countries.
Geostrategy
Russia plans visa-free travel with Latin American countries
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – A senior Russian official said that they intend to move towards visa-free travel with all countries of...
- The Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Latin American Department said that visa-free travel with all Latin American states is an achievable goal.
- The statement on visa-free travel was made by the senior diplomat on the sidelines of the "Russia - Latin America" conference.
Arts & Culture
Producer Baz Luhrmann to be head of jury at Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 Â
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Red Sea International Film Festival has said that internationally renowned writer, director and producer Baz...
- The festival's third edition will take place from November 30 to December 9 in Jeddah.
- The event will showcase movies from filmmakers from the Arab region, Asia and Africa.
Economy
Innovation steers Middle East through tourism swings
Facing tourism seasonality challenges, the region diversifies offerings, enhances infrastructure, and collaborates, for year-round success despite temperature fluctuations.
- The Middle East combats tourism seasonality and temperature challenges with innovative strategies for consistent year-round appeal
- Using diversified tourism, improved infrastructure, and collaboration, destinations can maximize off-peak season benefits in the region
Geostrategy
China grants Approved Destination Status to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – China on Tuesday granted Approved Destination Status (ADS) to the Gulf Kingdom. The bilateral agreement, signed...
- The bilateral pact allows Chinese citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia in group tours in addition to facilitating greater ease of access.
- ADS will drive greater connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China and unlock new opportunities across the tourism ecosystem.
Arts & Culture
Chinese President Xi Jinping declares biggest-ever Asian Games open
Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the 19th Asian Games in a colourful ceremony in Hangzhou, launching a two-week sporting extravaganza...
- In front of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other visiting leaders, Xi officially opened the Games at the 80,000-capacity Hangzhou Olympic stadium.
- The theme of the ceremony was water and it also celebrated Hangzhou's ancient history and landscape.
Geostrategy
$15m paid in compensation to passengers in 2021-22 in Saudi Arabia, says GACA
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) said that national airlines in the Kingdom have issued...
- These compensations were given primarily to deal with issues such as delays, loss of luggage, flight cancellations.
- GACA aims to ensure that passengers are well-informed about their rights and can easily obtain refunds as per the regulations.
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
Company News
Latest News
Tunisian Jewish pilgrimage sees low turnout amid security fears
Djerba, Tunisia - Only a dozen pilgrims turned up Friday at this year's Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia's island of Djerba...
Alberta seeks to charm the world with a solid tourism growth plan, says Minister Joseph Schow
Alberta's tourism sector, with attractions resonating with GCC travelers, aims for a $25 billion visitor economy by 2035, says Joseph...
‘Over 91 percent of travel bookings are now online’
Digitalization is revolutionizing travel, and data analytics is hyper-personalizing the sector, notably in GCC's growing business tourism, says Pallav Singhvi...
Business
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Business
ATM 2024 in Dubai to host 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries
Dubai, UAE - The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Mart, 2024, taking place from May 6 to May 9, is...
- ATM 2024 has seen a 21% year-on-year increase in participating hotel brands, alongside a notable 58% rise in new Travel Technology products on display
- New destinations will be introduced at ATM 2024, including China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, while returning countries include Spain and France, among many others
Business
Ajman seeks strategic alliances at Arabian Travel Market 2024
Ajman, UAE - The Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) kicks off in Ajman from May 6 to May 9, celebrating...
- Ajman has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, reflecting its growing appeal and popularity among domestic and international travelers
- International arrivals have seen a remarkable 29% increase in 2023 compared to 2022, with international visitors constituting 60% of Ajman's total arrivals
Business
Business and leisure combo drives GCC tourism boom
Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious...
- The region has positioned itself as a hub for a diverse range of travelers, including job seekers, investors, artists, and even those merely passing through
- The GCC is becoming a hub for major cultural and entertainment events, from art exhibitions and live concerts to sports events