The Dubai Travel and Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) has been restructured with the appointment of Asim Arshad, CEO, Orient Travel, as the President of the Group along with Sumit Acharya, Managing Director, BCD Travel, as the Vice President. Industry stalwarts from leading travel agencies have been included in the Excutive …

In the attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, our region in Asia Pacific and Middle East reacted swiftly. However, the hospitality industry is reaching out to the needy. It’s simply enhancing the interaction from pure service to an unforgettable human gesture, says Diane Thorsen, Hospitality Design Director, Gensler. Our …

International tourism was down 22 per cent in Q1 and could decline by 60-80 per cent over the whole year with 67 million fewer international tourists up to March, which translates into US$ 80 billion in lost exports. UNWTO has outlined three possible future scenarios depending on how the crisis …

Today more than half Accor branded hotels worldwide are closed, likely over two thirds in the coming weeks. The abrupt deterioration in the situation has prompted the Group to take drastic actions across its global operations; hence it has launched ‘ALL Heartist Fund’, a COVID-19 special financial program. In these …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) launches a range of far reaching support initiatives, aimed at its hospitality, leisure and development partners, during the peak of COVID-19 crisis and to lay the strong foundations for future recovery. In a move that further reflects the emirate’s ‘ONE RAK’ commitment to …

Strengthening its portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rotana adds another property set – DAMAC Towers Arjaan to be open soon in Riyadh. The twin tower featuring 448 luxury rooms is company’s seventh property in the Kingdom and is one of the finest architectural landmarks of the region, offering …

SITA predicts how ultra-fast 5G networks will bring major change for airports, airlines, and passengers. As per CSS Insight data, 5G will be a game-changer for the aviation industry with projected growth to reach around USD 4.2 bn by 2026. The potential for innovation is huge and airports, airlines, and …

The Al Naboodah Group with over 60 years’ experience in business and more than 45 years in the travel industry, will take steps to expand its business opportunities across KSA, UAE, UK, Canada, Turkey and Azerbaijan over the next few years. Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO of Al Naboodah Travel shares …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) updated its analysis of the financial impact of the novel COVID-19, a public health emergency on the global air transport industry. IATA now sees 2020 global revenue losses for the passenger business between $63 billion and $113 billion (in a scenario where COVID-19 is …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced stellar visitor figures for 2019 with arrivals up almost 4 per cent to 1.12 million and RevPAR recorded at an impressive $114.90, amongst the highest in the region. This was reflected by the strong yearly occupancy rates, averaging at 74 per cent. …