In-the-Issue

According to PwC’s recent report, Sports Industry Outlook 2025, we are looking at a US$ 600 billion industry in the Middle East, set to grow by 8.7 per cent by 2026. TRAVTALK speaks with industry experts. TT Bureau Sports tourism plays a pivotal role in the Middle East’s growth story, …

Abu Dhabi is establishing its status as a top global tourism destination. In an interview with TRAVTALK, Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, DCT – Abu Dhabi, shares details. Dr Shehara Fernando How many Chinese visitors came to Abu Dhabi last year? In 2024, we welcomed over a quarter of …

Dubai’s evolving destination offerings resulted in the city welcoming 9.88 mn international overnight visitors from January to June 2025 — a 6% increase vis-a-vis H1 2024. TT Bureau According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) data, markets in the proximity to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and …

The Middle East has become one of the most active regions in reaffirming its stance on tourism and sustainable transformation. This year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’, connects well with the region. Dr Shehara Fernando This year’s theme for World Tourism Day is a reminder that tourism …

One of the biggest challenges for all properties — especially for smaller properties which are forced to do more with less staff, a lower budget and new challenges — is how to increase the efficiency of their operations, revenue management and marketing strategies to boost bookings. Benjamin Verot, Founder, HotelMinder, …

The DCT Abu Dhabi will host the 68th Annual Convention & Exhibition of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) from 17–19 September 2025, further deepening its partnership with the India market. The convention aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to welcome 39.3 million visitors annually …

With more hotel rooms opening in the Middle East, it is important to ensure that the service standards remain not only relevant but also exceed the requirements of today’s travellers. In an interview with TRAVTALK, Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer, Rotana, talks about their latest digital transformation strategy and the …

Sushanth Nambiar, Cluster General Manager, Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel, and ibis Gate Abu Dhabi, speaks with TRAVTALK about the highly anticipated re-opening of the Pullman JLT lobby. ‘This refurbishment is more than a facelift — it’s a strategic reimagining of the guest arrival experience, blending sophisticated design, tech …

The 8th Annual Commercial Strategy Conference MEA of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East and Africa will take place on 25–26 November 2025 at the Conrad Dubai Hotel, with TRAVTALK as the media partner. The event will gather the region’s leading hospitality experts for discussion. TT Bureau …

Global tourism platform TOURISE has announced the members for its cross-sector Advisory Board, a powerhouse of industry titans guiding the platform’s strategic direction and shaping the agenda of the inaugural global summit taking place in Riyadh from 11–13 November 2025. The 14-member board brings together experts from various fields. TT …