At the recent event by Department of Tourism in the Philippines, they shared the latest news from their very special retirement visa for expats in the GCC. Mervin A Magbuhat, Director Chief Client Relations and Program Development Division Marketing Department of Philippines Retirement Authority shared that they are presenting this new scheme to attract all interested in retiring in the Philippines. He shared that the requirements for the programme has been revised and with an investment of USD 20,000 a person above 50 years will be eligible to apply for this special visa which would be a gateway for the family as well to settle down in the Philippines.

The Saudi pavilion participating in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan has announced an unprecedented cultural and artistic program encompassing more than 700 events to introduce visitors to Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, mega projects and various economic opportunities. According to SPA, the Saudi pavilion at the expo will present Saudi Arabia’s past, transformational journey and vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. It will include a wide range of performances, such as traditional arts, classical music and fashion shows. Saudi chefs will present a mix of flavours inspired by different regions of the Kingdom, and Saudi musicians and artists will perform daily to highlight the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. A dedicated area for prominent figures will host various sessions and display a series of presentations to inform companies and investors of all the economic opportunities available in the Kingdom. More than 200 selections of souvenirs will be displayed in the gift shop, each a testament to authentic Saudi craftsmanship. Visitors from around the world will learn about AlUla City, located in north-west Saudi Arabia, which is home to dramatic desert landscapes, spectacular rock formations and some of the Middle East’s most significant ancient sites. Major Saudi projects will be highlighted, including NEOM, the land of the future; THE LINE, the 170-kilometre-long city that will be the future of urban living; Oxagon, which is redefining the traditional industrial model; and Trojena, the mountain resort of NEOM. The pavilion will also showcase aspects of ‘Green Riyadh,’ a revolutionary project that aims to transform Saudi Arabia’s capital into a green oasis by planting 7.5 million trees by 2030. This project aims to place Riyadh as one of the world’s top 100 most livable cities. …

Archer Aviation Inc. signed the framework agreement to accelerate Archer’s planned commercial air taxi operations in the UAE, slated to launch as soon as next year, including in-country manufacturing, operations and training across the region. This comprehensive agreement positions Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leaders in promoting urban air mobility, with plans to commence air taxi operations with Archer’s Midnight aircraft as soon as next year. Key components of Archer’s collaboration with ADIO include vertiport construction, operational enablement for air taxi operations in the UAE, and in-country manufacturing of Archer’s Midnight aircraft. Under the agreement, ADIO will also ensure local workforce development programmes for Emirati talent and facilitate the establishment of Archer’s international headquarters and Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. “This substantial agreement with Abu Dhabi is a pivotal moment for Archer’s commercialisation efforts across the Emirates, as it provides the catalyst with which to accelerate the launch of our electric air taxi service in the UAE as soon as late 2025. The agreement underscores Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to Archer and conviction to become a global hub for urban air mobility. With Abu Dhabi’s support, we are poised to continue leading the transformation of urban transportation in the Emirate and across the globe,” said Archer founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein. “Abu Dhabi is leading the way in accelerating the launch of electric air taxis globally, and ADIO is proud to partner with Archer as one of the world’s most innovative companies. We are excited to support Archer toward establishing its international headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and to develop a comprehensive investment framework that will accelerate its progress towards manufacturing and operating its Midnight aircraft in the UAE,” …

For the first time Philippines Department of Tourism conducted a special event to showcase their key health and wellness tourism partners to the GCC region. The first leg was kicked off in Abu Dhabi, second in Dubai and third in Riyadh. Dr. Paulo Benito S Tugbang, Director, Office of Product and Market Development, Department of Tourism Philippines shared that this has been an untapped tourism product which they want to present to the GCC travel trade to attract more visitors to indulge in the various healthcare facilities the nation is famous for. He reiterated, Filipino health workers are world renown when it comes to their care and dedication in the industry hence they want to further enhance travellers to first hand experience their services in their own country.

China Eastern Airlines has signed a milestone agreement with Amadeus for international NDC distribution. The deal sees the carrier become the first in the Mainland of China to sign for NDC distribution worldwide with Amadeus. Javier Laforgue, Executive Vice President, Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Amadeus, says: “China Eastern Airlines is an important and valued partner. The agreement signed today is a milestone for Amadeus, expanding our presence in the key Chinese airline market. The deal deepens our collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and will provide our global network of travel sellers with the ability to easily search, shop, and service product offerings from the airline.” With NDC technology, China Eastern Airlines will be able to provide richer, customizable content to travel sellers, supporting better upsell of its branded and ancillary products. With access to the full range of unique offers and product attributes, travel sellers across the globe will be able to grant travelers enhanced choice, provide best-in-class customer service, resulting in an improved traveler confidence. Travel sellers will, meanwhile, have further access to enriched China domestic airline content. Fu Jian, Vice President, Commercial Development, China Eastern Airlines says: “We want to provide our customers around the world with more choice and personalization when booking travel with us and NDC is one of the key enablers to do this. It is also an important initiative for China Eastern Airlines to accelerate the recovery of international traffic and enhance the expansion of its overseas sales channels. As an innovative leader in the travel technology space, Amadeus is a significant partner for China Eastern Airlines. We look forward to working with Amadeus to expand our reach around the world.” China …

According to Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024. The city now offers more hotel rooms than major capitals such as London, New York City and Bangkok, and as of this month, Dubai has a hotel room capacity of over 150,000. Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors during 2023, with the average length of stay also increasing. According to Deloitte, occupancy peaked at 88% in February. Elsewhere in the region, STR figures show that Riyadh is leading the way in terms of hotel supply growth, offering an additional 28,465 rooms, a 134% increase. Meanwhile, Doha has doubled its hotel inventory over the past decade, with a current supply of 39,968 rooms. Recent data from global research companies indicates a bright future for the GCC hospitality industry, with insights from Deloitte and STR demonstrating sustained growth as tourism continues to be a key priority for regional governments. The upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a premier global event in travel and tourism, will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders when it takes place from 6 to 9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. “As the hospitality landscape in the GCC region continues to evolve, the data paints a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. ATM 2024 will feature a wide range of hospitality brands from around the world, and we are pleased to report that there has been a 21% increase in exhibition space dedicated to hotel brands this year, demonstrating strong interest and demand,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. Curtis added: “IHG Resorts is the …

Marriott International signed an agreement with NEOM to open its second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia. Anticipated to open in Trojena, a year-round mountain destination located in the northwest region of the country, the property will offer a complete escape into a private world of luxury. Designed for the most discerning travelers seeking a bespoke experience, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are tucked away in handpicked corners of the world. Highly personalized service is centered around human connection while the design is reflective of the vision, experiences, and natural environment of the destination, allowing for an immersive stay. Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Middle East, Marriott International said, “Ritz-Carlton Reserve features a portfolio of exclusive properties that offer an intimate and transformative experience rooted in heartfelt care and human connection. Together with NEOM, we look forward to bringing this ultra-luxury experience to Trojena. This signing also marks an important addition to our portfolio in Saudi Arabia where we continue to see a strong demand for our luxury brands.” The resort is expected to feature 60 expansive one-to-four-bedroom villas. Plans also include a range of amenities including a lavish spa, swimming pools, and multiple culinary venues. Situated in a remote area of Trojena, the resort is expected to offer an idyllic escape complete with expansive views across the desert and mountain ranges of the destination. “Trojena is a rare destination, and we are delighted that Ritz-Carlton Reserve has hand-picked the mountains of NEOM for their next property. Together we will create an experience that can’t be recreated anywhere else. Our visitors and residents will experience a sanctuary that will capture the magic of Saudi Arabia, embracing ultimate luxury in an unforgettable location,” …

The Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) invites you to connect with the Middle Eastern travel trade at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. Together with Visit Maldives, 250 partners representing 123 travel and tourism establishments are promoting the Maldives. The event is scheduled to be held from 06 -09 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Maldives will be featured at a 517.5 sqm 4-side open double-decker stand, captivating visitors with a fully immersive experience. Breathtaking visuals showcasing the Maldives’ unique offerings will be on display, transporting the visitors to our island oasis. Adding to the ambiance, the stand will be further enhanced by a Maldivian sun feature that transforms throughout the day, reflecting the ever-changing colors of the Maldives’ magical atmosphere. ATM 2024 fosters industry collaboration and our stand will be a hub for engaging activities. The event provides a significant platform to engage in meetings with key travel trade representatives and explore destination presentations highlighting the Maldives’ unparalleled safety, luxury, and unique island formations. Additionally, media interviews will be conducted at the stand, and a captivating 360-video booth will whisk you away on a virtual Maldivian adventure. A cultural performance area will round out the experience, providing a taste of Maldivian traditions. The event also assists industry members in showcasing their products and experiences. Visit Maldives seeks to maintain a strong destination presence and collaboratively promote the Maldives as the Middle East’s leading travel haven. A separate ‘Maldives Media Press Event’ will also be held on the sidelines of ATM. The speakers for the event are Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, …

SAUDIA has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionize the travel industry by embracing digital innovations. In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, Saudia’s Travel Companion is set to change how travelers interact with the airline and redefine the standards of digital travel. The Travel Companion offers personalized and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilizes image-supported responses. The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with transportation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey. In the next stages, Saudia will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions. Through an always-on Travel Companion accessible via a telecom e-SIM card enabled by Saudia, users can enjoy global access without relying on other internet providers. Furthermore, users can purchase data packages for additional applications, ensuring continuous access to the platform’s services. The ultimate goal of the Travel Companion is to become the top app for travelers, providing unparalleled travel information. With aspirations to become the go-to platform for various services beyond flight bookings, the Travel Companion will aim to distinguish itself in the airline industry. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Travel Companion, a game-changer in the airline industry that will revolutionize the digital travel experience. This platform, resulting from our ongoing collaboration with …

Riyadh is set to host, from April 28 to 30, the Health Tourism Future Forum which is organized by the Health Tourism Club and the Health Tourism Association in partnership with the Global Health Tourism Council (GHTC) according to SPA. Talking about the event, Health Tourism Association Chairman of the Board of Directors and Health Tourism Club President Ahmed Al-Arej said it will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, and will highlight the Kingdom’s tremendous development in the medical field. He said that the event will attract local and international medical bodies and specialists, providers of health-care services and accreditation centers in the public and private sectors, which will showcase their products at an exhibition to be held on the sidelines of the forum. The event will feature specialized discussion panels, workshops, and business sessions that focus on promoting major projects in the tourism, hospitalization, and health-care sectors, and providing options and destinations for those seeking treatment and hospitalization from various countries of the world.