The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) unveiled a new and innovative suite of digital services, projects and initiatives during its participation in GITEX Global 2025 through the Ajman Government pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The move comes in line with the Department’s commitment to foster smart and digital transformation in the tourism sector and its continuous efforts to reinforce the industry’s position in the emirate. The Department’s participation in a globally renowned event signifies its dedication to leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to create a smart and sustainable tourism sector. The initiatives and technologies include interactive tools for generating images, videos, and 3D models, converting written ideas into visual or audio content. ADTD has also introduced an intelligent system for evaluating and categorising ideas and a comprehensive digital registry to track future initiatives. In addition, the Department is promoting collaborative innovation through a secure digital platform for submitting and assessing entries for the Tourism Innovator Award. This cutting-edge platform enables the community to express their ideas in different ways, and it fosters creative engagement and contributes to shaping a future tourism innovation pathway that supports the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. It also contributes to the goals of Ajman Vision 2030 to position the emirate as a smart and attractive global tourism hub. Commenting on ADTD’s active participation in GITEX Global 2025, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the ADTD, highlighted the Department’s commitment to fostering digital transformation in the tourism sector and boosting the adoption of advanced technological solutions that support sustainable development goals and strengthen Ajman’s tourism economy. H.E. Alhashmi said: “At the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, we are committed …

Ethiopian Airlines announced the reinstatement of its flight service to Port Sudan, Sudan, effective 15 October 2025. The airline will operate a daily flight to Port Sudan, with plans to increase frequency to twice daily from 1 November 2025. This move reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to strengthening connectivity across Africa and supporting trade, tourism, and business travel between Sudan and other African destinations. The reinstated route will provide passengers with more convenient travel options, improved scheduling flexibility, and enhanced access to Port Sudan’s economic and cultural hubs. Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its network across the continent, offering reliable, efficient, and customer-focused air services. Passengers can book flights via the airline’s official website, mobile app, or authorized travel agents, ensuring a seamless travel experience on this key African route. The restored service underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ role in promoting regional mobility and supporting Africa’s growing aviation and tourism sectors.

Dubai will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on 27 October at Madinat Jumeirah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Part of FHS World 2025, the summit will bring together over 350 leaders, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries to explore sustainable tourism development and investment  opportunities. Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Bench, the summit aims to strengthen UAE-Africa tourism ties and open avenues for investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and innovative tourism projects. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will lead discussions focused on sustainable and digitally driven tourism growth. The agenda features six panel discussions highlighting investment opportunities, public-private collaboration, fintech integration, and enhanced logistical connectivity to boost cross-border travel. A high-level ministerial roundtable will also convene more than 20 African ministers to explore ways tourism can drive economic growth and sustainable development. With Africa’s tourism sector expanding over 13% annually and attracting more than 74 million international visitors, the summit underscores the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact tourism investment across the continent.

Etihad Airways has officially launched its new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, further strengthening ties between the UAE and Ethiopia. The inaugural flight, which took off last week, marks a major milestone in Etihad’s network expansion and enhances connectivity between the two nations. The new service aims to support tourism, and cultural exchange, providing passengers with a direct link to Ethiopia’s capital, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing business opportunities. The route reflects Etihad’s strategy to expand its international footprint and meet rising demand for travel in the region. Passengers can expect modern aircraft, enhanced schedules, and high-quality service, whether travelling for business or leisure. With this addition, Etihad Airways continues to reinforce its position as a leading carrier in regional and international aviation, offering travellers new opportunities for connection and exploration.

Angola’s Ministry of Tourism and ITB Berlin officially announced their partnership for 2026. The country located in southwest Africa is the host country of ITB Berlin, which will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from 3 to 5 March 2026. At an official event today the Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Angola and Messe Berlin, the organiser of ITB Berlin, signed a partnership agreement. The signatories were Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola, and Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin. “We are delighted that Angola is the official host country of ITB Berlin 2026. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s diversity, culture and natural beauty on one of the world’s most important platforms“, said Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Angola. “With our new brand identity ‘Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life‘ we want to show how vibrant, diverse and authentic our tourism products are and invite the international travel industry to experience the rhythm of Angola with all their senses.“ “With its new brand identity and slogan ‘The Rhythm of Life’, Angola is sending a strong signal on the international tourism stage. It is a special honour for us to welcome this multifaceted country as the official host country for the sixtieth anniversary of ITB Berlin”, said Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin. “The partnership once again highlights ITB Berlin’s role as a platform that supports destinations in making their tourism potential visible on the world stage.“ “It is a great pleasure and honour to present Angola as the host country on the major tourism platform that …

Middle Eastern travellers, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are increasingly embracing cross-generational travel, with families spanning grandparents, parents, and children exploring destinations together. The trend reflects a growing desire to create lasting memories, combining leisure with meaningful experiences, said Jarrod Kris, Head of Destination Partnerships APAC, Skyscanner, at ITB Asia. Mountain escapes are emerging as a major draw, with 89% of Saudi travellers planning summer or autumn trips to mountainous regions. Destinations like Hokkaido in Japan, Turkey, Armenia, and Da Nang in Vietnam are gaining popularity, offering an alternative to traditional ski-season holidays and appealing to travellers seeking escapism. Younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials, are driving demand for diverse and adventurous experiences. Searches for Shanghai surged 285% year-on-year, while Da Nang rose 260%, reflecting growing interest in culturally rich destinations. Faster visa processing for countries like China is making Asian destinations more accessible, further boosting travel trends. With strong connectivity from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to Europe and Asia, Middle Eastern travellers are expected to continue exploring a wide range of destinations in 2026, blending family bonding with adventure, culture, and immersive experiences.

The First Group Hospitality, together with guest experience and operations platform Inntelo AI, announced a partnership with the goal of enhancing guest experiences across its growing hotel portfolio. Following a successful implementation at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, The First Group Hospitality will integrate the Inntelo AI system across all properties, including the highly anticipated Ciel Dubai Marina – Vignette Collection by IHG, soon to be the world’s tallest hotel. Through Inntelo, guests will enjoy an intuitive, AI-native concierge experience that connects requests, service delivery, and personalisation across every stage of their stay. Directly from their phones, guests can request additional amenities, order room service, make restaurant reservations, and even book local excursions – all powered by cutting-edge conversational and agentic AI. Guests can also access services through phone calls, voice commands or WhatsApp messaging in over 40 different languages. The partnership with Inntelo reflects The First Group Hospitality’s broader strategy of embedding artificial intelligence across its operations. The third-party hotel operator already leverages AI to support various areas of its business, including revenue forecasting, rate optimisation, restaurant reservations, customer satisfaction monitoring, and team scheduling. This collaboration extends The First Group’s innovation roadmap, connecting guest-facing AI with real-time operational intelligence and data-driven decision-making. “The First Group has always been at the forefront of innovation, carefully evaluating and implementing the latest solutions; having worked with Inntelo AI over recent months, we are incredibly excited and ambitious about how this cutting-edge AI technology sets us apart in the hotel management field,” said Tom Stevens, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations, The First Group Hospitality. “This partnership with Inntelo AI will ensure every guest interaction, from arrival to departure, is powered by intelligence, efficiency, and …

Oman Air has set a new benchmark in its journey towards becoming a digital-first organization, achieving a 91% direct channel share in Oman during September. With nearly all flight bookings originating from its hub made directly though Oman Air’s own touchpoints including the website and mobile app, it’s a milestone that sets the airline apart from its global peers. By encouraging customers to book directly, Oman Air can offer a more personalized and seamless booking experience, and the lowest available fares, while reducing distribution costs – creating benefits for both the airline and its guests. As part of a major commercial transformation, the airline has significantly increased direct channel sales across its network from 25% in 2024 to over 65% in 2025. The result highlights the growing appeal of the airline’s online platforms and the success of its enhanced user experience and digital marketing initiatives. During a recent promotional campaign, Oman Air recorded almost 15,000 website visits within a 30-minute period, the highest traffic volume ever recorded by the company. “Reaching 91% direct channel share is more than a technological milestone, it reflects how our guests are embracing a more connected travel experience, and how we as an airline are able to meet that demand,” said Mike Rutter, Oman Air’s Chief Commercial Officer. “While digitalisation is an ongoing journey, less than two years ago Oman Air was well behind its peers, and these results show how far we’ve come in a short time. Our focus now is on building smarter systems and capabilities that enhance efficiency and deliver an even more seamless, connected guest experience across every touchpoint.” Another recent digital milestone for the airline was the launch of Oman Air …

The Jazan Municipality is actively implementing various development and recreational projects in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These include the maintenance and rehabilitation of 556 municipal and tourism facilities, encompassing 16 waterfronts, 235 public parks, 115 walkways, and 190 sports grounds. As Saudi Arabia journeys towards its Vision 2030, these efforts aim to showcase the region’s natural beauty while enhancing its appeal to tourists. The municipality emphasized that these projects are designed to create modern recreational spaces that meet the needs and aspirations of both residents and visitors, support tourism growth, and improve the urban environment, aligning with the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, a key initiative under Saudi Vision 2030 according to SPA. Jazan Region boasts a unique natural landscape, stretching from its serene coastlines to lush mountain peaks, making it a vibrant destination rich in tourism and development potential.

The Middle East is set to record one of the strongest tourism growth rates globally, with inbound travel projected to rise by around 40% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, according to new data from Tourism Economics presented at ITB Asia 2025. While Asia-Pacific (APAC) is leading the global tourism recovery, the report shows that the Middle East will outpace most other regions after 2027, reflecting its growing role as a global travel hub. Strong air connectivity, large-scale tourism investments, and new visitor infrastructure in destinations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are driving sustained momentum. Tourism Economics projects that global inbound volumes will surpass 2019 levels by 2026, with APAC’s share of global visits climbing to 49% by 2030. As outbound travel from China fully recovers by 2027 and India’s outbound market expands even faster, the Middle East is expected to capture a rising share of long-haul arrivals, particularly from Asia.  Despite global economic uncertainty, the region’s tourism resilience and diversification efforts are expected to underpin long-term growth. The study concludes that by 2030, the Middle East will solidify its position as a critical connector between Asia and Europe — and a key driver of global tourism expansion.