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, …
Read More »China fuelling Abu Dhabi tourism
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 …
Read More »Dubai gets 10 mn visitors in H1 2025
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 …
Read More »Sustainability leads tourism transformation
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 »DCT Abu Dhabi to host TAAI meet
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 …
Read More »TOURISE names its board members
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 …
Read More »GNTO launches halal guide for GCC
The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has launched the Germany Halal Travel Guide, a dedicated resource designed to support Muslim travellers in planning seamless, culturally respectful journeys throughout Germany. The guide can be downloaded free of charge from a dedicated microsite hosted on the official Germany Travel website. TT Bureau …
Read More »Seychelles calls on UAE trade
Tourism Seychelles together with TRAVTALK showcased its strategy and growth plans to key stakeholders from the UAE’s travel trade at an exclusive Power Breakfast. TT Bureau Tourism Seychelles Middle East, along with TRAVTALK, recently hosted an exclusive Power Breakfast at Pullman Hotel Deira Dubai, bringing together key figures from the …
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 »KSA crosses 100 mn tourist mark again
The Ministry of Tourism has released its 2024 Annual Statistical Report on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key indicators of tourism activity and underlining the sector’s continued growth following the significant progress recorded in 2023. For the second consecutive year, the Kingdom crossed the 100 million tourist mark, …
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