Djerba, Tunisia - Only a dozen pilgrims turned up Friday at this year's Jewish pilgrimage on Tunisia's island of Djerba amid heightened security concerns after a deadly attack last year and as the Israel-Hamas war rages in Gaza.The pilgrimage to the Ghriba synagogue, Africa's oldest, usually draws thousands of pilgrims...

Alberta's tourism sector, with attractions resonating with GCC travelers, aims for a $25 billion visitor economy by 2035, says Joseph Schow in an exclusive interview with TRENDS.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only high-income economies to rank among the top 10 most improved economies between 2019 and 2024, a WEF report says.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, has announced the expansion of its eVisa program to tourists from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados and Grenada.Nationals of these three countries can now apply for a visitor visa to Saudi either electronically or...

Dubai, UAE -- Dubai welcomed 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March 2024, an 11 percent rise over the 4.67 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023, according to data published by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel...

Dubai, UAE - The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Mart, 2024, taking place from May 6 to May 9, is poised to welcome over 2,300 exhibitors and representatives from more than 165 countries, with 41,000 attendees expected. The theme of this year's event is ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship.’The...

Ajman, UAE - The Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) kicks off in Ajman from May 6 to May 9, celebrating the emirate's cultural heritage, vibrant events, and array of tourism offerings."ATM 2024 marks a pivotal moment for Ajman as we unveil our commitment to Ajman Vision 2030," Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi,...

NEOM, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NEOM to collaborate on developing legislation, regulations, and technology in marine tourism.The partnership will promote the sharing of expertise and enable the implementation and activation of joint initiatives. The aim is to enhance...

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, is set to showcase its latest offerings and attractions and unveil Saadiyat Island’s forthcoming ‘Elevate Your Senses’ campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.Scheduled to take place from...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia has called for a "real commitment to a two-state solution that is a credible, irreversible path to a Palestinian state".At the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development aimed at dialogues to tackle the most pressing geopolitical, social and...

Business travelers worldwide are drawn to the GCC countries due to their rapidly growing economies, strategic geographic locations, and ambitious infrastructure development plans.

GCC region is a hidden gem, offering a distinct blend of Arabic culture and history, Fahim Jalalli, CEO of Kanoo Travel, tells TRENDS in an exclusive interview.

Tourism industry accounts for 9 percent of GCC region's GDP and it is expected to grow annually at 7.7 percent. Trends looks at some of the influential industry players driving this growth.

TEHRAN, IRAN – Iran and Iraq will launch the first maritime passenger transport line within the next two months, an official at Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) said.The chief executive of the organization noted that an expert-level meeting was held by the Iraqi side with a focus on the...

DUBAI, UAE – Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC)  Mahir Julfar said that the DWTC's performance in 2023 was outstanding, welcoming 2.47 million participants - a 25 percent surge in visitor numbers compared to 2022.‘’This achievement was propelled by the successful staging of 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and...

Dubai, UAE--Dubai received 3.67 million overnight visitors in January-February 2024, with an increase of over 18 percent year-on-year (YoY), figures released by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) showed.According to the DET's Tourism Performance Report for January-February 2024, Dubai recorded 1.77 million international visitors in January, and 1.9 million...

Abu Dhabi, UAE -- Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is collaborating with Dustour Marine Wooden Boats Trading Establishment to establish a new state-of-the-art project to support the Emirate’s coastal development in line with urban, social, recreational and economic expansion plans.The Musataha agreement was signed during the Abu Dhabi Department of...

Emirate's new tourism strategy aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from $13.34 billion in 2023 to $24 billion by 2030.

GCC countries collaborate on comprehensive tourism strategy, leading global recovery post-pandemic with remarkable growth rates and ambitious plans for sustainable development.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port.This initiative aims to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to various ports along the North Red Sea.The introduction of these two new services is...

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with over 100 properties in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye (MENAT), announces on Sunday the soft opening of Dar Rayhaan by Rotana, Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia.The opening is in line with...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's tourism sector contributed to a record-breaking $36 (SR135 billion) in spending by international visitors. The surge, reported by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), represents a substantial 42.8 percent increase from the previous year.The Kingdom's remarkable performance in tourism was further highlighted by its leading...

Flights to Al Jouf Airport and Red Sea Airport to start from April 18.

Doha, Qatar-- Qatar is looking to develop "plans and strategies" to streamline procedures and regulations in order to solve solve all obstacles facing the sector and align its development with the state's overall progress.This was stated by Chairman of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali bin Saad Al Kharji at a...

Dubai, UAE-- Outbound travel from China is estimated to almost double this year, compared with 2023 and will only be 22% below its peak pre-pandemic numbers of 155 million tourists in 2019, who spent over $250 billion overseas, according to Oxford EconomicsFull recovery is expected to materialise in 2025, with...

Dubai, UAE - As China's outbound tourism steadily rebounds from the pandemic's impact, the Middle East is emerging as a preferred destination for Chinese travelers, alongside traditional hotspots like Thailand and Malaysia.Data from online travel agencies including Ctrip, Tongcheng, Tuniu, Mafengwo, and Zuzuche indicates a significant rise in Chinese tourists...

ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project. The initial excavation symbolizes the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues' engineering expertise.This milestone...

Dubai, UAE -- Atlantis Dubai becomes the first resort destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to gain the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, following the successful certification of Atlantis Aquaventure in 2023.The CAC designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and...

ALULA, SAUDI ARABIA – Situated in the heart of Old Town here, Dar Tantora Hotel offers guests a chance to step back in time. Housed in beautifully restored mudbrick buildings, the hotel is imbued with the region's rich history and culture.The Old Town, with its origins going back over 700...

Dubai, UAE -- More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from May 6-9.ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56 percent bigger than last...

As the only  bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is the initial concern for the oil-rich kingdom, which is snapping up high-profile sports events in an attempt to sweep away its conservative image and entice foreign investment.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) revealed on Sunday the launch of Dragon Ball theme park.The park will set new standards in the entertainment industry, offering anime fans, families.  Nestled within Qiddiya City, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this never-seen-before anime theme...

Dubai, UAE--Dubai welcomed 1.77 million international tourists in January 2024, an increase of 21% compared to 1.47 million visitors in the same period of 2023.According to the Dubai Tourism Performance Report for January issued by the Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Western Europe ranked first in terms of source...

Diriyah, Saudi Arabia -  Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for "The Arena in Diriyah," a monumental 76,000-square-meter lifestyle facility set to redefine the region's cultural and entertainment landscape. Designed by London-based HKS Architects as part of a $63.2 billion masterplan, the arena aims to become the Middle East's premier venue destination,...

Dubai, UAE -- Dubai hotels achieved a 3.4 percent year-on-year growth in occupancy levels, reaching 90.8 percent, according to preliminary data for February released by CoStar, a provider of global real estate information, analytics, and online marketplaces.Other key metrics also showed positive growth, with the average daily rate (ADR) increasing...

BERLIN, GERMANY – Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Trip.com Group have announced a significant global partnership, which will drive greater inbound tourists to Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 program.The joint effort aims to bring over 350 thousand additional tourists to Saudi over the course of the agreement.STA...

Sharjah, UAE-- Nearly 400,000 visitors from Europe have traveled to Sharjah during last year, marking a notable 28 percent increase compared to the previous year, with Europeans constituting 27 percent of the total visitor count.Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) made the announcement during its press conference on Wednesday...

Toll usage revenue rose 11.7% YoY to US$502million.

DUBAI, UAE – Dubai International Boat Show has wrapped up following a hugely successful week of high-value boat sales, important discussions addressing industry developments, groundbreaking agreements and partnerships set to shape the future of the yachting world.The exhibition, which concluded on Sunday, is recognized as one of the most influential...

SAMAWAH, IRAQ – Far from the hustle and bustle of major cities, young Iraqis are increasingly taking advantage of a renewed sense of safety to explore the country's serene desert getaways.Sheltering amidst the golden dunes, Ghadanfar Abdallah and his friends gather around a flickering campfire in the Samawah desert south of...

The Kingdom drew praise for this achievement from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Motivated by this success, the country has now set a new ambitious target of 150 million tourists by 2030.

Manama, Bahrain--Bahrain will support Arab tourism in order to enhance social, cultural and historical integration among Arab people, according to Fatima bin Jaafar Al Sairafi, Bahrain's Minister of Tourism.According to the minister, this would raise the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development.In a statement to the...

"The UAE's dedication to innovation and international partnerships as vital to enhancing its position on the global economic stage, bolstering the national economy," he adds, observing significant strides in diversifying the economy beyond oil through investments in tourism, technology, renewable energy, and financial services.

Overall, Israel's GDP grew by 2.0 percent in 2023, short of the 2.3 percent projection made by the Bank of Israel after the war's outbreak in October, the Central Bureau of Statistics figures showed.

SHARJAH, UAE - The Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) held a meeting to discuss points to be raised on the policy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), during the next session.A number of key issues related to stimulating economic growth and enhancing...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia topped the UN Tourism’s ranking for the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among large destinations, achieving an increase of 56%, according to the World Tourism Barometer report released last month.The kingdom recorded a remarkable tourism recovery rate of 156%...

Jeddah, UAE--The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) has signed a partnership agreement with the International Strategic Management (ISM) company to achieve growth and innovation within the tourism sector in Arab countries. The agreement comes as an extension of the ATO’s efforts to develop and enhance the tourism industry in the Arab...

Turkey and Egypt cut ties in 2013 after Sisi, then Egypt's defense minister, ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Turkey and part of the Muslim Brotherhood movement. At the time, Erdogan said he would never speak to "anyone" like Sisi, who in 2014 became president of the Arab...

Sharjah, UAE--The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in the investment field and developing mechanisms for promoting the joint efforts aimed at supporting the business community in Sharjah and Oman.The two sides explored promising opportunities...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia drew 27 million foreign tourists in 2023 and has more than doubled its goal for the end of the decade, an official said on Tuesday.The announcement came less than five years after the Gulf kingdom fully opened up to tourism and as fears persist that...