Sun Siyam Resorts is thrilled to announce an extraordinary lineup of events and festivities to celebrate Eid Al Fitr across its five stunning properties in the Maldives from 09th -12th of April 2024. From captivating cultural performances to delightful culinary experiences, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of EID at Sun Siyam Resorts. Siyam World headlines the festivities and brings a whirlwind of entertainment and culinary delights to its shoreline to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Renowned Moroccan-Dutch sensation Hind Laroussi will serenade guests with her soulful melodies, accompanied by the electrifying beats of international percussionist and DJ Walter Scalzone for three unforgettable nights. Meanwhile, Chef Theodoros Katsoulotoswill tantalize taste buds with three exclusive dining experiences featuring Mediterranean and European cuisines amidst the stunning backdrop of Siyam World. Additionally, guests can partake in traditional Maldivian festivities including a Special Breakfast at Tempo Restaurant, Eid Kulhivaru beach games, and the authentic Bodumas event at Together beach. The highlight of the celebrations is the Eid Show, boasting cultural performances such as Maldivian dance, Sufi Dance, Belly dance, Boduberu, and featuring a renowned singer followed by a vibrant DJ session at Together, ensuring the festivities conclude on a high note. For younger guests, there’s a Children’s Art and Craft Workshop and a Photo Booth with Traditional Wear, offering fun-filled activities and memorable keepsakes. Sun Siyam Olhuveli: Enchanting Magic Shows by Illusionist Mohammed Mountassir Sun Siyam Olhuveli welcomes renowned illusionist Mohammed Mountassir to add an extra sprinkle of magic to the Eid Al Fitr festivities. Experience mind-bending illusions and captivating tricks as Mohammed takes center stage for two exclusive shows. Children and families are invited to an immersive Kids Interactive Hands-on Workshop …

Sharjah has officially become home to an exciting new entertainment destination as Fly High Balloon Operations LLC. launched its inaugural Big Balloon Ride at the picturesque Al Majaz Waterfront. Offering a unique and thrilling experience, the Big Balloon Ride promises to elevate the city’s entertainment scene to new heights. The Big Balloon Ride stands as the centrepiece of this vibrant entertainment ecosystem, providing visitors with an exhilarating journey to the skies. Guests will soar to heights of 200 feet aboard a 360-degree floating platform, tethered securely to the ground for utmost safety. Each ride lasts for a thrilling six to seven minutes and promises a unique experience. “Sharjah is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant leisure offerings. With the introduction of the Big Balloon Ride and our entertainment ecosystem, we aim to contribute to the city’s reputation as a premier destination for fun and excitement. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for quality time together, or a tourist seeking unique experiences, the Big Balloon at Al Majaz Waterfront has something special in store for you,” said Mr. Naji El Amatouri, General Manager of Fly High Balloon Operations LLC. The Big Balloon Ride is more than just a ride; it’s an entire entertainment ecosystem designed to cater to diverse interests. Alongside the main attraction, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive variety of activities and amenities, including VR Games, Trampoline, Go-Kart, Arcade Games, Toddlers soft play area, Train ride, fun water sports, bumper cars, a private room for parties, and much more. From interactive games and live entertainment to delicious food options and stunning waterfront views, the site promises an unforgettable day out for the whole family. “We are thrilled …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is projecting a record-breaking year for travel & tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution set to reach an all-time high of $11.1 trillion. According to the global tourism body’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel & Tourism will contribute an additional $770BN over its previous record, stamping its authority as a global economic powerhouse, generating one in every 10 dollars worldwide.As the global sector soars past its pre-pandemic prosperity, WTTC expects 142 countries of 185 analysed will be outperforming previous national records. In partnership with Oxford Economic, WTTC’s latest EIR showcases a sector briming with opportunities, underpinning almost 348MN jobs globally. This represents an increase of more than 13.6MN jobs compared to its highest point in 2019. International visitor spending is expected to come within touching distance of the 2019 peak, to reach $1.89TN, while domestic tourists are forecast to spend more than in any year on record to hit $5.4TN. A look back on last year Despite economic uncertainties and geopolitical shake-ups, the Travel & Tourism sector is thriving. With an economic injection of nearly $10TN, the sector matched its pre-pandemic zenith, flexing its resilience and proving its critical role in the global economy. Representing 9.1% of global GDP at just over $9.9TN in 2023, Travel & Tourism’s financial footprint was the largest it’s been since the golden year of travel in 2019, trailing its peak by a mere 4%. The sector also bolstered its workforce by an additional 27.4MN, propelling the total to nearly 330MN jobs worldwide. International spending increased by 33.1% to reach $1.63TN, underscoring a vibrant comeback story for many countries around the world, with domestic …

Emirates will be expanding its schedules across the region with 19 additional flights during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday period. This year, more than 150,000 customers are expected to fly with the airline during Eid Al Fitr across the region, with additional flights planned from Jeddah, Kuwait, Beirut and Amman. Emirates will add an extra seven flights to Jeddah from 7-13 April. The additional flights will provide Emirates customers with more flexibility to venture out to popular destinations like Dubai, London, the Maldives, or visit family and friends in Colombo and Karachi. In Kuwait, Emirates will be layering on six extra flights between 7-20 April, catering to the significant travel demand during that time to popular leisure gateways like Dubai, Bangkok, Osaka, as well as providing the opportunity for travellers to head home to Chennai, Hyderabad, Sialkot and Peshawar. Emirates’ flight schedule to Bahrain will also expand to 22 weekly flights starting 2 May to meet increased demand for travel to/from the Kingdom. With families coming together to celebrate after the Holy Month, the airline will also be adding four additional flights onto Amman and two additional flights for Beirut scheduled to accommodate for more travellers. Upholding Eid traditions and keeping in with its proud Middle Eastern heritage, the airline will be serving a specially crafted Eid menu for customers for flights departing from Dubai. Favourites like chicken biryani and lamb kibbeh labanieh, machbous and vanilla and rose mousse cake will be served onboard, among other savoury and sweet dishes. A variety of content will be available on ice for those travelling over Eid al Fitr, from up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment and more than 2,000 movies from around …

Saudi Arabia has recently revised its annual tourism target to 150 million visitors a year by 2030, after achieving the original goal of 100 million seven years ahead of schedule, thanks to the country’s continued – and unprecedented – investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation, hospitality and real estate as part of Vision 2030. With a seemingly endless array of new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions being announced, breaking ground and opening for businesses in KSA, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will hone in on the future of successful hotel and destination development in the Kingdom as part of its three day, action packed agenda. Ahead of the event, taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May, industry experts discuss the key factors affecting tourism development, and how the sector can overcome potential challenges to ensure government targets are met. Read on for expert opinion from David Vely, Vice President Development & Asset Middle East and Africa, Club Med; Ramine Behnam, Vice President Development, Minor Hotels EMEA; Shahbaz Tufail, Executive Vice President, DAR Engineering; and Stefano Lopez, Tourism Project Director, Baheej Group. Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more than 150 million tourists a year as part of its goals for Vision 2030. What are the most important factors when it comes to hotel and destination development in ensuring that tourism targets are met? David Vely, Vice President Development & Asset Middle East and Africa, Club Med: Firstly, world-class infrastructure, including international airports and an advanced highway network, is crucial to facilitate tourist travel. Secondly, a variety of tourist attractions – from historical sites and beautiful beaches to modern entertainment centers – are needed …

dnata has partnered with Mauritius Tourism as it aims to attract more travellers from the UAE in 2024. Mauritius Tourism has appointed dnata Representation Services as its sales, marketing, and PR representative in the UAE, to provide localised booking support and share top rates, latest news, itineraries and more from the destination with travellers across the country. The collaboration will focus on showcasing trending experiences for 2024, including the island’s diverse proposition beyond its famous shorelines. In recent years, Mauritius has become an increasingly popular destination among UAE-based travellers. With an impressive 62% increase in travellers from the UAE to the country recorded by Mauritius Tourism between 2015 and 2023, passenger arrivals continue to show steady growth in 2024. Rakhi Purohit, Head of Representation Services at dnata, commented: “Mauritius is a location known for its world-class beaches, but it offers much more for travellers seeking extraordinary adventures. From hiking in National Parks to enjoying diverse culinary experiences, some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and picture-perfect golf courses – there’s something for everyone. We look forward to bringing the island’s host of authentic and meaningful experiences closer to the UAE’s avid traveller base in 2024.” Popular locations across the island for UAE travellers include the beaches of Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Le Morne on its West and South West Coast, where the country witnesses its most sunshine, and offers some of its most impressive natural landscapes, luxury resorts, dining and entertainment options. Donald Payen, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, added: “Mauritius may be best known for its stunning, tropical landscapes including its exceptional beaches and azure waters, but a key element we want to showcase to …

Riyadh Air has taken another significant step on its road to its first flight in 2025 with the first intake of 27 pioneering females who commenced their 30-month diploma course on their path to become certified aircraft engineering technicians. In a groundbreaking move and a first for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, female engineers will study under the supervision and guidance of Aviation Australia and the International Aviation Technical College at Riyadh Airport, this follows an MOU signed between Riyadh Air and the Colleges of Excellence in August 2023 and is the first collaboration of many between the organizations. These budding engineers are all Saudi high-school graduates with impressive GPAs and were chosen from thousands of applicants who wished to be part of the Riyadh Air story as it moves towards future operations. The airline is strongly committed to inclusiveness and in a positive sign of the ongoing role of women in the airline, Riyadh Air has specifically chosen females for its entire first intake of trainee engineers to be placed on the apprenticeship program. Senior leaders from Riyadh Air including Tony Douglas, CEO, H.E. Mark Donovan, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Engineer Ajman Abdullah, CEO of Colleges of Excellence met with the trainee engineers during a visit to the facility at Riyadh Airport. Female aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians currently account for only 3.0% (*ICAO Statistics) of the worldwide workforce. With a shortfall of qualified maintenance workers expected in the coming years, Riyadh Air is harnessing an expanding talent pool of Saudi females who are keen to enter non-traditional roles in the industry. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air said, “Riyadh Air is an airline …

Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has unveiled a stellar line up of speakers and an action-packed agenda with over 1,200 hotel investment decision makers expected to attend at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May 2024. TravTalk Middle East is an  official media partner at the event. Under the theme ‘Invest in Tomorrow: Today, Together,’ FHS Saudi Arabia will bring together the hospitality investment community’s industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss sustainable development, investment opportunities, industry entrepreneurship, and human capital, with insights on the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, organiser of FHS, said: “Following the industry’s enthusiastic feedback from last year’s FHS Saudi Arabia, we have dedicated even more effort to thoughtfully assemble the agenda this year. We are offering delegates opportunities to immerse themselves in the dynamic essence of Saudi Arabia’s market. Our enriched program encompasses an array of engaging presentations, short-but-powerful ’10X Talks’, multifaceted panel discussions, fireside chats, case studies, and captivating site tours. Furthermore, the event is peppered with ample networking opportunities over the span of three days, all carefully curated to foster an environment of learning, dialogue, exploration, and meaningful connections.” The first morning (29 April) is dedicated the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF). GRIF will tap into Riyadh’s growing dining out scene with main stage presentations, case studies and panel discussions as well as F&B workshops, culinary & concept tours, and a dedicated networking dinner. Latest confirmed speakers include Martin Raymond, Co-founder The Future Laboratory and editor-in-chief of LS:N Global; Christopher Sanderson, Co-founder, The Future Laboratory; Mohammed Jawa, Founder and Chairman, MJS Holding; Faisal Shaker, Co-founder & CEO, Modern Food …

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. The Strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. The Strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options. H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution. Delivered alongside our key partners, the Strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations.” Fostering sustainable growth across four strategic pillars …

In an update to mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, it has been announced that Dubai is on record pace towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination. Just over one year into the process, driven by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city is firmly on track to becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. As part of the accreditation process, DET, in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), renowned leaders in autism and sensory training and certification, has initiated comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for its tourist-facing workforce. Offered via ‘Dubai Way’, a world-class online training platform developed by Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), this training is tailored to enrich staff knowledge, deepen understanding, and refine communication strategies, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accommodating experience for People of Determination. In addition to its Autism and Sensory Awareness course, DCT offers Inclusive Service training on the Dubai Way platform which is a self-paced online programme that teaches applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination. The programme is delivered through a series of experiential training sessions, including real-life stories, interactions and videos. In just over a year, the city has achieved the following milestones: ● More than 13,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training via Dubai Way. ● More than 350 hotels commenced the training and certification process, ensuring comfortable and inclusive stays for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. ● More than 30 locations have earned IBCCES certifications. The significant progress made so far in the accreditation process underscores Dubai’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all …