Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is poised for an unprecedented summer season, with the official launch of the "Saudi Summer 2025" program, themed "Colour Your Summer." The initiative, unveiled today by Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA),...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, has officially unveiled TOURISE, a groundbreaking global platform set to transform the future of the tourism industry. The inaugural TOURISE 2025 event will take place in Riyadh from November 11-13, bringing together public and private sector leaders, experts, and...

Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais unveils a tech-human hybrid approach to personalize travel experiences — and announces a strategic India office to tap into Dubai’s largest source market.

For travel and tourism companies based out of the Middle East, utilizing technology to optimize the content creation process, and enabling content editing for Arabic language is crucial. This empowers them to target their core segment and showcase their fluent communication to specific micro markets, leading to better dividends.

Dubai, UAE - Gen Z travellers in the UAE are reshaping the future of tourism, prioritizing cultural immersion, sustainability, and digital convenience, according to new research by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The study, conducted by YouGov, found that nearly two-thirds (63%) of Gen Z respondents prefer accommodations that reflect local...

Dubai, UAE: The Arabian Travel Market, which will take place from Apr 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will bring together professionals and leaders from all travel sectors and verticals including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury and corporate travel sectors. At a press conference, RX Global,...

The GCC’s luxury hospitality sector has become a global benchmark, yet behind every polished facade lies an increasingly complex financial reality. Costs are rising, investor expectations are shifting, and technological disruption continues to redefine both guest expectations and operational models. At the heart of this transformation is a simple but...

Tourism has long been celebrated for its economic benefits, driving 9.1 percent of global GDP at just over $9.9 trillion in 2023, supporting nearly 330 million jobs worldwide, fostering cultural exchange and uniting nations besides serving as a powerful engine for economic growth and development.Yet, beneath the glossy surface lies...

Muscat, Oman -- Travel and tourism sector's contribution to the Gulf's GDP by the end of 2024 reached approximately 11.4 percent, with a value of $247.1 billion. The latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) indicated that the growth rate...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Diriyah Company has collaborated with Pantone to produce "Diriyah Tan," a color that embodies the essence and deep-rooted spirit of the history of Diriyah, the City of Earth. The unique color was inspired by Diriyah's land, reflecting this destination's significance as a leading cultural and tourism...

Abu Dhabi, UAE --  Hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately AED 45 billion ( $12.24 billion) in 2024, reflecting a 3 percent year-over-year growth, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council. Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78 percent last...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector achieved a record surplus in the 2024 travel account, reaching SAR49.8 billion ($13.27bn), a 7.8% increase over 2023, according to a Tourism Ministry press release. The release said that this surge was fueled by a 13.8 percent increase in inbound visitor spending...

To realize its vision for “smart tourism”, Singapore Tourism Board is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and augmented reality to enhance visitor experiences.

The framework for future-proofing tourism revolves around three core pillars: People, Planet, and Purpose. This vision is particularly evident in the GCC, where a people-first transformation is taking place.

Humanity is on a tech-fueled trajectory. Data and informed predictions are inspiring, showing how AI is reshaping economies, smart cities are rising, and boundaries are dissolving.

Visit Saudi, experience the warmth, generosity and hospitality of the people, Jerry Inzerillo tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.

The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) is driving innovation in hospitality training through technology, vocational education, and industry collaborations. With digital platforms like ‘Dubai Way’ and partnerships with Coursera and top hotels, DCT is equipping a skilled workforce to support Dubai’s growth as a global tourism hub.

WTTC research shows that, having endured estimated losses of $4.5 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020 alone, travel and tourism has recovered and is set to reach new heights. The travel sector is expected to continue to grow, creating over 100 million new jobs, adds the author.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The number of employees in tourism-related activities in Saudi Arabia increased by 5.1 percent in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 959,175, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).GASTAT's Tourism Establishments Statistics bulletin for the second quarter of...

Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah seeks to welcome 3.5 million tourists annually by 2030, says Raki Philipps, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.In his address at a recent forum in the northern emirate, Phillips highlighted that tourism is Ras Al Khaimah’s fastest growing sector, contributing 5% to the GDP...

The global tourism industry has turned the clock back to 2019 before COVID created a massive hole in worldwide passenger travel, mostly born out of health safety concerns. In 2023, UN Tourism tracked 1.3 billion global arrivals, up from 975 million a year earlier, near 2019 figures of 1.475 billion.

The rapid, ongoing expansion of global tourism has brought with it opportunities for communities around the world to share cultures and knowledge. This growth brings new and diversified economic prospects while supporting efforts to preserve local cultures, and protect the environment. However, traditional tourism models often prioritize maximizing short-term economic...

"Growth at all costs no longer an option," says world-renowned tourism policy, planning and development expert Dr Marina Novelli in an interview.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's planned futuristic mega-city known as NEOM announced on Sunday the opening of its "first physical showcase": a luxury Red Sea island featuring restaurants, hotels and yachting berths.The opening of the island, known as Sindalah, comes amid persistent doubts about NEOM's viability and ahead of a...

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to enhance customer service through chatbots, personalized recommendations, and dynamic pricing. Hotels and travel companies use AI to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and trends, providing personalized experiences that improve customer retention and engagement.

Twice a month, TRENDS MENA's Opinion Hub will deliver exclusive insights from top travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality leaders in the Middle East and Africa.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Riyadh is currently hosting the third Seasonal Dates Exhibition, a major economic, social, and tourist event. Organized by the National Company for Agricultural Services, the exhibition is being held at Al-Rabwa Markets in the Al-Rabwa neighborhood, east of Riyadh, and will continue daily until the end...

Doha, Qatar - Qatar has emerged as the leading player in the Middle East tourism sector, boasting an impressive 147% increase in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels, as reported by UN Tourism. This growth positions Qatar ahead of its regional competitors, with Saudi...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, particularly the leisure and holiday segments, witnessed substantial growth in 2024.In a statement marking World Tourism Day, observed every year on September 27, the ministry said that the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists between January and July 2024, a 10 percent...

The kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2024, leading G20 nations in tourism growth for the period.

While Europe and Americas have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, the Middle East's growth outpaces all other regions, UN World Tourism Organization says.

Saudi Arabia isn't aiming to be the next Dubai but is forging its own unique path in tourism," Aradhana Khowala tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.

Dubai, UAE -- Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) has confirmed that 25 percent of visitors to Dubai are repeat visitors, reflecting their satisfaction with the experience the city has to offer.Speaking at a keynote session on the second day of the Dubai AI and Web 3 Festival,...

Tourism is a major contributor to the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, the IMF notes in its 2024 Article IV Consultation report. Tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023.

Sydney, Australia - Australian airline Qantas scrapped its non-stop Perth to London flight Thursday, saying the decision was taken as a "precaution" due to tensions in the Middle East.The flight, usually a non-stop 17-and-a-half hour journey, will now refuel in Singapore, allowing it to carry a full load of passengers on...

Dubai, UAE - Dubai has reinforced its position as a global tourism leader by welcoming a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2024, marking a 9 percent increase from the 8.55 million visitors during the same period in 2023. The achievement is aligned with the...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented two pioneering initiatives that focused on training human resources in working in luxury coastal resorts and travel agencies according to the best international practices.One of the initiatives targeted 1,059 trainees working...

Dubai, UAE -- Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024, a 9 percent increase over the 8.55 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2023, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).Following a landmark 2023, when the city...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi Red Sea Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, has launched the "Seas of Excellence" training program to improve the quality of tourism services and adopt international best practices to deliver a luxurious coastal tourism experience.Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb attended the launch...

New York, US -- Luxury hospitality group Equinox Hotels has announced plans for the opening of Equinox Resort Treyam, one of Magna's twelve destinations, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Magna's destinations, including Treyam, are part of NEOM, the evolving regional development, taking shape in northwest Saudi...

Manavgat, Turkey - The baby loggerhead sea turtles emerged from their eggshells and began their first challenge in life: a wobbly dash across the sand to the moonlit waters of Turkey's Mediterranean coast -- sometimes with a helping hand from volunteers.It is a perilous journey into the unknown for the sea...

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights the upcoming launch of a tourist visa aimed at drawing more international visitors while speaking at a conference reviewing the 2024 summer tourism program.

Taif, Saudi Arabia - Taif and its serene towering mountains, nestled deep within the majestic Sarawat Mountains, serve as a bridge connecting tourism and recreation. During summer, they form a distinct boundary between the Tihamah and Sarawat regions, a simple equation evident in meteorological data and rainfall patterns. This region...

Oregon's tourism strategy focuses on year-round visitation, sustainability, and regenerative travel, aiming to optimize economic impact while preserving natural beauty and cultural heritage, Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson tells TRENDS in an interview.

Sharjah, UAE -- Sharjah's renowned landmark and award-winning family-friendly destination, Al Noor Island, has secured its place among the top 10 attractions in the Middle East by winning the prestigious 'Best of the Best' title for 2024 on the leading travel-review platform TripAdvisor.Developed and managed by the Sharjah Investment and...

GCC tourism's GDP contribution will rise from $130 billion in 2023 to over $340 billion by 2030, driven by aviation growth and infrastructure investments.

Dubai, UAE -- The Mastercard Economics Institute has revealed in its latest Travel Trends 2024 report a major shift in the travel industry this year, characterized by a significant increase in travel spending and strong growth in traveler traffic.This latest global report provides comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of the travel...

Hospitality industry revenue in Qatar is expected to witness the highest growth rate in GCC until 2028, Alpen Capital has said in a report. Qatar’s hospitality sector is projected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% (from $0.9bn in 2023 to $1.5bn in 2028). The growth...

Washington, United States -- Virgin Galactic on Saturday successfully completed its last spaceflight before heading into a two-year pause on commercial operations to upgrade its fleet, as the space tourism company seeks to finally turn a profit."Galactic07 is back on terra firma, now as astronauts!" the company said on X after...

Oman witnesses a 16.4% growth in passenger traffic in early 2024The Sultanate of Oman’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth in the initial four months of 2024. According to the data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the country witnessed a significant surge in both passenger traffic...