The Jamaica Tourist Board continues with its “Discover Jamaica” webinar series for GCC-based travel professionals. The next session will take place on the 19 November at 13:00 UAE Time. Designed exclusively for travel agents in the Gulf region, this session provides a comprehensive overview of Jamaica as a viable destination, equipping agents with the knowledge they need to confidently sell the island. The webinar will cover essential facts about Jamaica, including its key resort areas – Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, Port Antonio, and the South Coast, highlighting their unique selling points, top hotels and resorts, and must-see attractions, from Dunn’s River Falls to the Blue Mountains. This webinar is a valuable resource to help travel agents design unforgettable Caribbean itineraries for their clients.

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the launch of the first ever direct flight from Europe to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) conducted by beOnd, the world’s first premium leisure airline. The new route establishes a direct link between Europe and The Red Sea and AMAALA, offering European travellers seamless access to the world’s most exciting new luxury and regenerative tourism destinations. Guests will enjoy beOnd’s signature premium experience and RSI’s world-class design, meticulously shaped by innovation and a deep respect for the natural surroundings. The launch was celebrated with a special signing ceremony at TOURISE Global Tourism Summit in Riyadh, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the strategic partners driving this new era of luxury travel. “The launch of this direct route from Milan marks a defining moment for Red Sea Global and our destinations. It not only strengthens our connection with Europe, but also reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary, luxury experiences. Together with our partners at beOnd, we are opening a new gateway to the Saudi Red Sea coast, ushering in the next chapter of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 journey,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. RSI, operated by daa International, is the gateway to The Red Sea and AMAALA destinations, developed with sustainability at its core. Developed by RSG, the airport and destinations are the cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambition to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 (updated from an original target of 100M). They are also supporting the Kingdom’s vision to increase tourism’s contribution to GDP, which has already shot from 3% to 7% since the launch of Vision 2030. Tero Taskila, CEO and Chairman of beOnd, stated: “We’re proud to be the first airline …

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion of AED 10 billion is set to deliver 140,000 square metres of event space and is in its final stages and on track for completion, signalling readiness to welcome world-leading mega exhibitions from early 2026.  This includes 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion space, integrated with the existing complex to support up to 50,000 visitors per day. Set to host two of the most influential global events, Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), this milestone underscores DWTC’s continued commitment and investment in expanding Dubai’s events capacity and infrastructure. DEC is on course to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031, strengthening Dubai’s ability to meet the world’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) demand. The temporary pavilions, provide additional capacity and flexibility for Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026. These pavilions connect directly to the main halls and central arrival plaza, with outdoor F&B terraces and activation zones enhancing the overall visitor experience. Convenient pedestrian access links the pavilions to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Following the conclusion of the Q1 2026 mega events, the pavilion areas will transition back into construction for the next phase of expansion. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre represents Dubai’s proven capability to deliver large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact. Readiness of the expanded venue, in record time, reflects the seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, from infrastructure …

Valor Hospitality Partners and King Khalid Tourism & Hospitality Campus University have signed a cooperation agreement designed to develop talent and strengthen hospitality capabilities across the Aseer region. This partnership goes beyond academic collaboration; it represents a shared investment in empowering Saudi youth and supporting the Kingdom’s tourism transformation under Vision 2030. Rooted in the cultural richness of Abha and the broader Aseer community, the partnership bridges education and industry through structured internships, training programmes, applied learning, mentorship, guest lectures, research collaboration, and defined employment pathways and create a career for the Saudi nationals. The focus is to equip Saudi students not only with operational skills, but with the confidence, leadership mindset, and cultural authenticity needed to shape the future of Saudi hospitality and the rest of the world. Valor Hospitality brings to the Kingdom its globally established fully integrated management and operations solution and its distinctive philosophy, “A Whole World of Local,” which blends international standards with local identity to create meaningful guest experiences and unlock long-term value for communities and investors. Julien Bergue, Co-Founder and Managing Partner – Middle East, Africa & Asia at Valor Hospitality Partners, said: “This partnership goes to the heart of who we are. We are not only operators, but we are also enablers of growth. By working alongside King Khalid tourism & hospitality University, we are supporting and empowering a new generation of Saudi hospitality professionals who carry both world-class training and the warmth of authentic Saudi and middle eastern hospitality. The Kingdom’s tourism future will be shaped by its people, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.” Jana Bader, Country Head of Business Development (KSA) and Regional Director of PR & …

The Forum will be held on 19 November 2025 under the theme “New Waves of Tourism Spectrum”, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This year’s forum will bring together senior government officials, global experts, and leaders in the tourism, travel, and technology sectors to discuss key issues and innovative solutions shaping the future of tourism. The event is organized in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This year’s forum will focus on the pivotal role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector, while striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and preserving authenticity in innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading experts worldwide on the impact of digital platforms on consumer behavior and the importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing visitor and traveler experiences. The sessions will also feature case studies and research highlighting how AI technologies can improve visitor services. Additionally, discussions will emphasize the importance of investing in strategic partnerships between government entities, private sector organizations, and technology companies to foster innovation and ensure sustainable tourism practices that support the sector’s growth. The forum will also explore the importance of investing in tourism innovation and its role in supporting the growth and expansion of startups. Leading experts will share their perspectives on the challenges faced by startups in the tourism and travel sector, as well as opportunities to drive innovation and achieve success. Discussions will focus on key factors that startups need to expand, including access to funding and support, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging modern technologies. The forum will also highlight the …

As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 agenda, the first WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will convene global travel leaders in Riyadh from 29 September to 1 October 2026. The event will unite over 450 exhibitors, 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 international hosted buyers, serving as a catalyst for partnerships, innovation, and investment. It will offer a platform for industry leaders to focus on inbound and outbound travel conversations by exploring the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism, including mobility, hospitality, technology, sustainability, and visitor experiences. The landmark event will connect international and Saudi travel communities to explore the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding inbound and outbound tourism markets. Set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism targets, which include a 10% GDP contribution from tourism by 2030, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will take place at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing rapidly, driven by significant government investment and a national diversification strategy. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the sector will contribute more than US$119 billion to the national economy in 2025, accounting for over 10% of GDP and supporting 2.7 million jobs. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Saudi Arabia recorded the world’s highest growth in international tourism spending during the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the country’s success in attracting new visitors and investment. The Ministry of Tourism recently announced record-breaking results for the “Saudi Summer” 2025 programme, which attracted more than 32 million domestic and international visitors, representing a 26% increase compared with summer 2024. Tourist expenditure during the period reached SAR 53.2 billion (US$14.2 billion), marking a 15% year-on-year growth. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, …

Mantis – Accor’s conservation-focused hospitality brand – announced the signing of Basiqat by Mantis, an eco-luxury resort in Al Uyaynah, 40 minutes from central Riyadh, developed by design&build in partnership with GIB Capital and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF). The hotel development, Basiqat by Mantis, will comprise two distinct sites, with the entire complex scheduled to open at the end of 2026. It will feature a total of 218 keys, including 90 suites, 66 villas, 10 Zad Palace Suites, and 52 desert tents. The amenities will include thoughtfully designed dining venues, landscaped gardens, a full hydro spa with separate male and female facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, beauty salons, a yoga pavilion and a health café. The development will also include a souk, a dedicated kids club and event and conference spaces, offering a combination of luxury and cultural immersion for families, travellers and corporate guests alike. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reforms, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to the world, transforming into a must-visit destination for luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts. Driving this transformation, pioneering hospitality brands such as Mantis are turning ambition into reality offering guests immersive encounters with Saudi Arabia’s landscapes, culture, and heritage while setting new benchmarks for sustainable and experiential adventure. True to Mantis’ philosophy of harmony between Man and Nature, Basiqat will champion sustainable, cultural and authentic connections with the environment. “The signing of Basiqat by Mantis marks an exciting milestone in our journey across the GCC,” said Craig Erasmus, CEO, Mantis Collection. “This project embodies our philosophy of responsible luxury, expressed through design and experiences that celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage. Basiqat by Mantis …

Almosafer and Amadeus have strengthened their partnership with a renewed commitment that sets a new benchmark for AI-powered innovation, automation, and content exchange across the travel ecosystem, which was announced at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh. This new phase of collaboration will focus on pushing the boundaries of travel technology to deliver smarter, more personalised, and touchless journeys, reinforcing both companies’ support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a global tourism hub. At the heart of the partnership is the use of Amadeus’ AI and data analytics capabilities to unlock hyper-personalised offers, predictive recommendations, and tailored travel options for Almosafer’s customers. Enhanced content distribution will ensure that global travellers can access rich, localised inventory curated by Almosafer, matched to their preferences and powered by AI-driven insights. In hospitality, the collaboration will strategically activate Amadeus Value Hotels (AVH), enhanced with machine learning for dynamic hotel content curation to deliver more accurate, transparent, and high-quality accommodation options. In parallel, airport services will evolve with opportunities to integrate AI-enabled digital check-in, smart boarding passes, and predictive disruption management directly into Almosafer’s platforms – creating a seamless end-to-end journey. The companies are also advancing innovation in payments through Amadeus Outpayce, collaborating to bring virtual card solutions to scale across the ecosystem. By leveraging Outpayce’s capabilities, the renewed partnership aims to deliver greater efficiency, trust, and automation in travel payments, unlocking new value for both suppliers and partners. Building on years of collaboration across distribution and advanced travel solutions, Almosafer and Amadeus are now taking their partnership further with an ambitious focus on NDCX adoption. Almosafer intends to lead the way in the Kingdom by scaling NDC …

Bringing the public and private sector together over three days the inaugural future of tourism event titled, TOURISE concluded establishing new benchmarks. The event welcomed 9654 delegates from across the world. At the closing ceremony HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of tourism Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that the inaugural event conducted 1150 meetings with 67 sessions with 130 plus speakers. He further shared that the second will be held in March 2027 after listening to the comments and suggestions. It was one of the most unique events which provided the visitors to experience first hand some of the key projects coming up in the future in Saudi Arabia, some of the hidden gems hitherto unknown. The event brought together over 50 tourism ministers, private investors, and NGOs from around the world. The event aims to create a platform where governments, private businesses, and organisations can collaborate on the future of global tourism. The minister further iterated that the event was the fruit of two years of planning to bring about a new form of event which brings in players which support the tourism ecosystem.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia (MoT) and TOURISE 2025, Shaza Hotels has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for four new projects – Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, Mysk Residences in Riyadh and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels – 3 & 4 in Makkah – during the inaugural TOURISE 2025 summit, held from 11 to 13 November 2025 in Riyadh. The signings represent a significant step in Shaza Hotels’ expansion across the Kingdom and underscore the brand’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision 2030 to advance tourism and destination development. Shaza also announced an ambitious pipeline of USD 950 million worth projects across the globe in key destinations like Maldives, Turkey, Kuwait, Indonesia, Iraq, USA, Kenya and Libya at TOURISE 2025. Shaza proudly partners with region’s reputed investment houses like Al Rajhi Investments Saudi Arabia, Adante Realty LLC Oman and FSM Hospitality Company Saudi Arabia in bringing these projects live and functional. Commenting on the development, Mr. Simon Coombs, President and CEO of Shaza Hotels, said: “We are pleased to be part of TOURISE 2025 under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism for the signing of four new MoUs that reflect the strength and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape. Each project – Mysk Residences Riyadh, Shaza Riyadh Stables Resort, and Mysk Al Haramain Hotels – 3 & 4 in Makkah – has been conceived to address distinct guest segments, from business and leisure travellers to long-stay residents and pilgrims. These partnerships underline Shaza Hotels’ expanding presence in the Kingdom and our commitment to working with visionary owners to deliver authentic experiences and world-class hospitality.” “Each of these four developments has been strategically conceived to harness key …