Visit Qatar participates as the official title sponsor of Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar 2025 in West Sussex, United Kingdom. The event is a highlight of the British horseracing calendar and reflects Qatar’s continued interest in being part of the international sporting calendar, as well as its long-standing relationship with Goodwood Racecourse. The festival is known for being a prestigious event that attracts world-class horses and jockeys, as well as equestrian and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. An official delegation from Visit Qatar is in attendance, along with representatives from the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and key figures from the UK’s tourism and horse racing industries. This year’s event will also feature Qatari thoroughbreds, reflecting Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage. The 2025 edition will feature 13 group races, including three Group-1 events, along with curated daily experiences for guests. Visit Qatar has exclusive sponsorship of Group 1 and Group 2 races, including the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (July 29), the Qatar International Stakes and the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (July 30), the Qatar Nassau Stakes, the King George Qatar Stakes (August 1), and the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes (August 2). Key areas across the festival, including the Richmond and Lennox enclosures, will be adorned with Visit Qatar branding, reinforcing the brand’s presence throughout the event. Highlights of the sponsorship include a dedicated hospitality pavilion that showcases authentic Qatari culture and serves as a platform to connect with international partners and tourism industry players. Visit Qatar’s VIP Pavilion will host business partners, embassy representatives, Racing and Equestrian Club guests, as well as UK stakeholders and invited influencers. The sponsorship aligns with Visit Qatar’s broader strategy to raise brand visibility …

In a strategic leap forward in hospitality innovation, L’AZURE Hospitality has officially partnered with Shiji Group Enterprises to implement their cutting-edge Property Management System (PMS) across all their properties in NEOM, Riyadh, and Dubai. This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to reimagine guest experiences through seamless digital integration, operational excellence, and data-driven personalization. “At L’AZURE Hospitality, we view technology as an extension of thoughtful service. Partnering with Shiji Group empowers us to deliver smarter, more personalized journeys while enabling our teams to operate with elevated precision and agility,” shared Nuran Kilani, COO, L’AZURE Hospitality.

Emirates has officially launched its new daily service to Hangzhou, marking its fifth gateway in the Chinese mainland and the second new destination added in under a month, following Shenzhen. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented on the launch: “China has become one of the world’s leading aviation markets, and Emirates is proud to have played a role in its development. Adding two new gateways within just one month is a major milestone that underscores our deepening commitment to the Chinese mainland. This expansion also demonstrates the strong momentum our East and Southeast Asia growth strategy has gained over the past year. With rising demand, we’re optimistic our global network will continue connecting people, businesses, and economies across Asia and beyond. Emirates remains committed to delivering seamless, reliable connectivity between this dynamic region and the world. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and all our local partners for their invaluable support in enabling the successful start of this route.” Flight EK310 landed at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on 30 July to a warm welcome from local dignitaries, airport officials, and a ceremonial water cannon salute. Passengers on the inaugural flight from Dubai were treated to commemorative keepsakes including keychains, certificates, and Chinese tea tasting sets to mark the occasion. The inaugural flight carried passengers from across Emirates’ global network, including key markets like the UAE, Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil, as well as a VIP delegation led by Emirates’ senior management, and members of the international media. Operated by an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, flight EK310 departs Dubai at 0940hrs and arrives in Hangzhou at …

Emirates and IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint collaborations on programmes designed to meet the travel needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across global markets. The signing ceremony was attended by Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management; Matthew Jones, VP-USA, Emirates; Ashraf Baytam, Senior Manager Global Business Travel, Emirates; and Ryan Plemmons, Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts. Together, Emirates and IHG will explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and exclusive rewards to facilitate business travel. The hotel group will provide enhanced travel incentives and seamless integration with its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts around the globe. Present at the signing ceremony was Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, who commented: “With the SME segment playing a crucial role in fostering economic growth and creating jobs, Emirates is committed to supporting them with solutions and value-added propositions to meet their travel needs. We are pleased to collaborate with the leading hotel group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to explore programmes that will be mutually beneficial to our valued customers. Together we aim to extend valuable benefits to our customers in the SME sector, while expanding our customer base in this very important segment.” Mark Sergot, SVP, Global Sales, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Emirates to redefine business travel for Small and Medium Enterprises worldwide. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering exceptional value, seamless experiences, and exclusive rewards tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. By combining IHG’s hospitality expertise with Emirate’s global connectivity, we …

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa, further strengthening its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in the lively Sahafa District, the new hotel blends modern luxury with Saudi hospitality and marks another step forward in the Group’s strategic expansion, with over 50 hotels now in operation and under development across the Kingdom. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa is a striking architectural landmark, offering 171 stylishly appointed rooms and suites with extensive views of the King Abdullah Financial District and northern Riyadh skyline. Just 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, the hotel enjoys proximity to key leisure and business attractions, including Riyadh Boulevard, King Salman Social Center Park, and Vox Cinema Riyadh Park. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences. Al Diwan Restaurant offers international cuisine and themed nights, while The Terrace Restaurant and Lounge, will feature Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant open-air setting. Al Multaqa Café welcomes guests to unwind with freshly brewed coffee and handmade pastries in a relaxed lobby atmosphere. Hazem Ibrahim, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa, commented “We’re thrilled to welcome guests to a destination that truly captures the spirit of modern Riyadh. From our carefully designed rooms to our world-class culinary and meeting experiences, every detail has been created to exceed expectations. Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Al Sahafa blends the city’s vibrant energy with the comfort and excellence that define the Radisson Blu experience.” With a dedicated Kids’ Club catering to children aged 4 to 10, and a fully equipped fitness center, the hotel ensures a well-rounded stay for all guests. The Sidra Grand Ballroom spans 560 square meters for …

Biannual World Parity Monitor reveals the scale of price pressure on hotel direct channels — and where hotels still hold the advantage. In 75% of hotel rate searches, at least one OTA displays a lower price than the hotel’s own website — a stark finding from the H1 World Parity Monitor 2025 by 123Compare.me. Chronicling the first six months of 2025 — the H1 World Parity Monitor looked at parity on a per-search basis — discovering OTAs undercut the hotel’s own website in 33% of comparisons. The hotel direct channel beat third parties in 45% of cases, while parity was maintained in just 22% of occasions. But when all available offers for the same room are taken into account — an average of more than 20 per search — the picture shifts dramatically: in three out of four searches, at least one OTA shows a lower rate than the official site. Mapping rate integrity across leading global destinations and shedding light on the behaviors putting the direct channel under pressure — the biannual World Parity Monitor interestingly concluded that the share of searches where OTAs publish lower rates has remained stable compared to 2024. In both January and April, undercutting occurred in 35% of cases. By June, this figure dropped to 28% — the lowest value so far this year. Mobiles amplify the rate parity issue — OTAs undercut the official site in 38% of searches, versus 31% on desktop. Faster decision-making, exclusive discounts, and optimized user experiences make mobile a more vulnerable space for hotels. According to Roberto Gobo, Director of Digital Strategy and Technology at Valamar, these disparities often stem from operational blind spots: “Disparity mostly happens when …

Air Arabia announced the expansion of its flight services to Bangkok, Thailand with the addition of a third daily flight starting from 26 October 2025. The increase to three daily flights between Sharjah International Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to offering its customers enhanced connectivity, greater convenience and more flexible travel options between the UAE and Thailand. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are glad to expand our service to Bangkok, which reaffirms our ongoing commitment to meeting customer demand and strengthening connectivity to key global markets. We remain dedicated to enhancing the travel experience of our customers while also contributing to the growth of trade and tourism ties between the UAE and Thailand”. Enabling passengers to experience convenient and affordable travel opportunities, Air Arabia operates a modern fleet of 83 Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft, the most efficient and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin. In addition to ‘SkyTime’, its complementary in-flight streaming service, and ‘SkyCafe’, its onboard menu. Passengers can also benefit from ‘Air Rewards’, the most generous loyalty program in the region. Customers can now book their direct flights from Sharjah to Bangkok by visiting Air Arabia’s website, calling the call centre, or through travel agencies.

Etihad Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines have launched a frequent flyer partnership agreement. The agreement enables members of both Etihad Guest and the Azul Fidelidade programme to earn and redeem their respective loyalty currency on either carrier. Etihad Guest members can redeem their miles on flights, worldwide hotel stays and holidays, or shop from a variety of products from the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Azul Fidelidade member miles can be spent on hotel stays, car rentals, products and services at Azul Fidelidade Shopping. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Signing this frequent flyer agreement with Azul Brazilian Airlines is both exciting and significant for Etihad Guest. The partnership opens up Azul’s impressive network for our members to be rewarded for their travel adventures, offering more ways to earn and redeem their miles when exploring destinations across the Americas. We also look forward to welcoming Azul Fidelidade members onboard Etihad Airways, showcasing our signature Emirati hospitality and offering them the ability to earn or redeem their miles when they choose to travel across our rapidly expanding global network, also bringing more people to our home in Abu Dhabi.” The partnership transforms how members explore South America. Etihad Guest members can now use their miles to discover Brazil’s cultural capitals – from the bustling streets of São Paulo to the colonial charm of Salvador and the beaches of Recife. The agreement also unlocks Azul’s routes to popular destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Curaçao, creating new possibilities for onwards travel throughout the Americas. For Azul Fidelidade members, the partnership opens doors to Etihad’s rapidly expanding network. Members can earn miles exploring Asia’s emerging destinations including Krabi’s pristine beaches, Phnom Penh’s vibrant night …

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Integrated Tourism Complex project in Salalah, Oman, with a total investment of AED764.5 million, underscoring its ongoing commitment to enabling key development projects in the tourism sector. The project aligns with the Fund’s broader strategy to foster sustainable growth in partner nations through high-impact projects that promote economic diversification and strengthen tourism infrastructure. Spanning across a total area of 2.5 million square meters in Jinawf, Oman, the development aims to significantly enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure and capacity through the construction of world-class hospitality facilities. Additionally, the project promotes the national goal of economic diversification and reinforces Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub regionally and globally. Attending the investment’s groundbreaking ceremony ceremony was attended on the Omani side by His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, and the Manager of Dhofar Municipality. Representing Abu Dhabi Fund for Development were Eng. Rashid Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Investment Sector, and Eng. Mohammed Al Hamedi, Technical and Admin Support Manager. Reinforcing the project’s role as one of the most significant UAE investments in Oman’s tourism sector. The first phase of the project spans approximately 604,000 square meters, including the construction of a luxury resort which comprises over 120 rooms and chalets, as well as the developments of the marina, the rehabilitation of coastal and beachfront areas, and the implementation of essential infrastructure works, including roads and public utilities. These integrated components aim to deliver a seamless visitor experience, enhancing Salalah’s tourism profile and contributing significantly to the sector’s sustainable development. H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi …

Dubai International (DXB) welcomed 46 million guests in the first six months of 2025, marking its busiest first half on record. The 2.3% year-on-year growth underscores DXB’s resilience, the continued strength of Dubai’s aviation sector and the airport’s ability to maintain high performance despite temporary regional airspace disruptions in May and June. This achievement reinforces DXB’s vital role in connecting Dubai to the world and supporting the city’s broader economic progress. In the second quarter alone, DXB served 22.5 million guests, an increase of 3.1% over the same period last year. April emerged as the busiest month of the quarter and the most active April on record, with 8 million guests passing through the terminals. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “DXB’s continued growth through a period of regional challenges highlights the strength of Dubai and the UAE, the agility of our operations, and the commitment of our airport community. The oneDXB mindset once again enabled us to manage disruption while elevating the guest experience and ensuring seamless global connectivity. As we enter the second half of the year, travel activity is expected to accelerate, beginning with the late-summer peak and leading into a winter season filled with high-profile events across entertainment, sport, and business. A standout moment will be the Dubai Airshow 2025, which is set to surpass previous records and showcase the bold vision shaping the future of aviation and aerospace. Based on our performance to date and a positive outlook, we expect the annual traffic to reach 96 million this year, bringing us closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone.” Average monthly traffic in H1 stood at approximately 7.7 million, with daily volumes averaging 254,000. January was …