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 …
Read More »Decoding the overtourism dilemma
‘Threat’, ‘Hidden Cost’, ‘Great Danger’; these are just a few of the words recently featured in headlines around the world, highlighting one of the main challenges facing the global tourism industry today — overtourism. Increased affordability and accessibility of international travel, rise of low-cost airlines and proliferation of digital platforms …
Read More »GCC travellers flock East this summer, Asia reigns
Asia has firmly claimed the crown as the most sought-after destination for GCC travellers this summer. From the vibrant street life of Bangkok to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, Southeast Asia is capturing the imagination of globetrotters like never before. Dr Shehara Fernando A mix of affordability, accessibility, rich cultural …
Read More »Amadeus elevates its AI game
With decades of research behind it, Amadeus is now harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enrich the traveller’s journey and the agent’s role. In an exclusive conversation with TRAVTALK, Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, MD, Amadeus Gulf, sheds light on how AI is being layered into existing systems, improving efficiency and redefining how …
Read More »Diriyah eyes 5 mn Chinese visitors
Diriyah, a heritage-rich cultural destination of Saudi Arabia, made its debut at ITB China this year, underscoring the Kingdom’s strategic push to diversify its visitor base and attract international travellers from key source markets. Naif Hassan Awlia, Tourism and Engagement Director, Diriyah, highlights the destination’s growing appeal to Asian travellers. …
Read More »DTTAG, WingsWay tie up to upskill
Dubai Travel & Tour Agents Group (DTTAG) has partnered with WingsWay Training Institute to introduce a series of monthly Skill Enhancement Programmes. The programmes, tailored exclusively for DTTAG members and free for them, aims to enable travel professionals with skills and insights that will keep them at the forefront of …
Read More »Tourism powers 8.5% of Egypt’s economy
Developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) report states that the Travel & Tourism sector contributed EGP1.4tn to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5 per cent of the national economy. This was the highest-ever contribution from the sector to the national economy, with 2025 …
Read More »50% buy insurance for ‘peace of mind’
While global events and financial pressures continue to shape travel decisions, safety and peace of mind are emerging as top priorities alongside a growing appetite for group travel, new destinations and higher holiday budgets, finds the Allianz Partners Travel Index 2025, which surveyed 500 people in the UAE regarding their …
Read More »Travel Designer expands technological operations
Travel Designer Group has relocated its Technology Division to a brand-new, state-of-the-art office at Mondeal Heights, which also houses the company’s corporate headquarters. TT Bureau This strategic expansion comes as part of Travel Designer Group’s ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence and delivering best-in-class solutions to its partners worldwide. The …
Read More »Expedia TAAP launches its 2025 Summer Sale
What: Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) launches its Summer Sale for travel agent partners to take advantage of exclusive offerings of at least 25% off thousands of hotels in top global destinations. When: Travel agents can book until July 21, 2025, for travel through October 31, 2025. Why: With …
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