In-the-Issue

FITUR 2023, the 43rd edition of the international tourism fair, was organised in IFEMA Madrid, Spain, from 18 to 22 January. The largest tourism networking event in the world brought together more than 120,000 professionals and 90,000 visitors from 131 countries. Travel trade from GCC present at the fair targeted …

According to new data UNWTO, more than 900 million tourists travelled internationally in 2022 – double the number recorded in 2021, though still 63 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels. Every global region recorded notable increase in international tourist numbers, even as the Middle East enjoyed the strongest relative increase. …

Travellers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are planning to spend more on holidays in 2023, with most in both markets (93 per cent) planning to go away, and more than two-thirds in each market (66 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 69 per cent in the …

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has partnered with Kazunion, one of Kazakhstan’s largest tour operators, to operate four commercial charter flights a week from two cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty and Astana) to Qatar via FlyArystan from January to …

Connected to The Avenues, the country’s largest retail, entertainment and lifestyle destination, the ultra-luxury Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is excited to welcome GCC travellers. When staying at the property, guests can treat themselves to an impressive array of shops, restaurants and entertainment options, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is an unrivalled destination for …

Luxury travel has been evolving over the years, especially in the Middle East region, where it is a way of life. The past two years brought out new trends in the luxury segment with the new generation of travellers also stepping into this niche segment. They are ready to pay …

Cruises used to be known as the more exclusive discerning mature traveller experiences, but over the past few years cruises have been changing their course of action to ensure that they tap different market segments, especially the GenZ market, setting their mark on boarding cruise ships. Lakshmi Durai, CEO, CruiseXplore, …

It is apparent that cruising will emerge with a brand new outlook. Marta Cambiaggi, Business Development Manager New Markets, Sales & Marketing, Mediterranean New Markets, UK, East Europe, Africa and ME, Costa Crociere S.p.A, shares views with TRAVTALK. Shehara Rizly How do you see cruise tourism picking up in this …

With the emirate of Sharjah introducing new attractions, destinations, leisure sites, and hotels as part of its development plans, Shurooq has been instrumental in the emirate’s transformation. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO, Shurooq, shares about their contribution to the development of Sharjah and more in a conversation with TRAVTALK. Could …

Hajj and Umrah tour operator Mawasim, part of Almosafer, Seera Group’s travel platform, has recorded strong growth in Umrah bookings, with its new offices in Indonesia and Pakistan driving significant growth in pilgrim arrivals. The two countries are also the top international markets for Umrah bookings for Mawasim in 2022. …