The German National Tourist Office GCC (GNTO),  Spanish Tourist Office, Atout France Middle East and Austria Tourism are joining forces for a landmark edition of Discover Europe Travel Summit meets Marhaba 2025, taking place in Dubai on 25 and 26 April 2025. This powerful fusion brings the heart of Europe to the UAE, offering travel professionals from the GCC, Levant, and India a gateway to connect with 130 top-tier suppliers from Austria, France, Germany and Spain. A total of 5,720 pre-scheduled meetings are planned across the two-day event. In an exciting collaboration, two of Europe’s leading tourism networking platforms, the Discover Europe Travel Summit and Marhaba Europe, will unite for the first time. The summit serves as a strategic hub for destination marketing organisations, hospitality providers, DMCs, and transport specialists to exchange insights, showcase new products, and build long-lasting partnerships with 150 qualified buyers from the region. Austria’s breathtaking alpine landscapes, serene lakes, and charming cities have seen growing interest from GCC travellers. The country’s offerings range from winter sports to summer festivals, catering to diverse preferences and providing year-round appeal. Michael Tauschmann, Head of Markets Middle East and India at Austria Tourism, said: “Austria offers a remarkable variety of experiences that align perfectly with the preferences of GCC travellers. From the majestic alpine peaks and serene forest trails to the sparkling lakeside retreats, the country delivers authentic experiences for all. We are seeing growing interest from the region in discovering lesser-known parts of Austria, where hidden gems await. This summit gives us the ideal platform to connect with key travel experts and showcase Austria’s rich and refreshing diversity.” France continues to enchant GCC travellers with its iconic landmarks, luxury …

Sabre Hospitality announced a renewal agreement with Kerzner International, optimizing its distribution with retailing capabilities through Sabre’s SynXis platform. By leveraging the SynXis Booking Engine, Kerzner will be offering ancillaries alongside room reservations. Additionally, Kerzner has renewed its agreement to distribute hotel content through Sabre Hospitality’s Global Distribution System network. Kerzner is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences and innovative entertainment and hospitality experiences and has a total of 23 properties located globally across Dubai, Sanya, Cape Town, Malaysia, Rwanda, Greece, Mauritius, Mexico, Maldives, Morocco, USA and Montenegro. As a long-time Sabre Hospitality customer, Kerzner’s expertise in the Middle East alongside Sabre’s SynXis platform has helped provide suppliers and distributors increased access, personalization, and revenue opportunities. “Sabre is a trusted provider for all of our distribution needs, and we are excited to roll out retailing across the portfolio in the coming months ahead within SynXis Booking Engine to help us increase new revenue streams previously untapped,” said Sandrine Bittencourt, Director Global Distribution, Kerzner International. The SynXis Central Reservation System (SynXis CRS) helps hoteliers achieve consistent distribution across channels including online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), booking engines, and call centers at a corporate or property level. The technology also provides a single interface to facilitate decisions across stakeholders and maintain advanced controls across preferred distribution channels. SynXis Retailing empowers hotels to sell experiences, goods, policies, and services with or without a room reservation. “We are supporting a foundation for growth through our distribution and retailing solutions that help hotels generate revenue today while also equipping them to excel in the future travel ecosystem,” said Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President & Global …

Etihad announced that it will double its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, increasing to 14 weekly services starting 15 December 2025. The announcement comes less than a year since the airline resumed flights to the Kenyan capital, underlining the strength of the route. Nairobi, a prominent East African business hub known as the “Green City in the Sun,” seamlessly blends commercial prowess with natural beauty. The city uniquely hosts Nairobi National Park within its boundaries, offers a rich array of cultural attractions including museums and art galleries, and serves as a gateway to Kenya’s world-famous wildlife destinations. Etihad Airways is significantly expanding its African network with new destinations and increased frequencies, reinforcing its commitment to the continent’s growing demand for air connectivity. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, commented: “At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. Over the past year, we have been focusing on a holistic approach that enhances our presence by expanding our fleet, increasing frequencies, and forming key partnerships.” “We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights, as well as the increase of our Seychelles service to six weekly flights in partnership with Air Seychelles. We’re also introducing daily 787 services to Casablanca and Johannesburg.” “Together with Air Seychelles and our groundbreaking relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, these strategic partnerships form a key foundation as we add four new direct routes to Africa from Abu Dhabi this year, underlining our growing commitment to service the dynamic continent.”  

AROYA Cruises announced the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries set to begin in June 2025. Homeported in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA will sail to some of the region’s most popular European cruise destinations, marking a major milestone in the cruise line’s growth and regional expansion. The new itineraries feature 7-night voyages to ports in Turkey and Greece, blending iconic destinations with AROYA’s Arabian inspired experience. Beginning on 21st June, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later that month. In July, the itineraries expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August. One of the new itineraries will be dedicated entirely to Turkish coastal cities, offering guests an immersive experience along the country’s breathtaking shoreline. The remaining sailings will blend stops in both Turkey and Greece, with a particular emphasis on Bodrum and other iconic ports along the Turkish Riviera. Since its maiden voyage in December, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, offering guests a Remarkably Arabian experience rooted in Saudi hospitality and the spirit of Hafawa. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of world-class experiences, from a spacious main pool area and a theatre with nightly entertainment, to wellness facilities that include a snow room and advanced spa treatments. Designed with families in mind, the ship features a zip line, water slides and one of the largest kids’ zones at sea, while culinary enthusiasts can explore 12 restaurants and 17 lounges and cafes offering a curated selection of Saudi and international cuisine. For guests seeking added exclusivity, the Khuzama experience offers access to spacious suites, private dining and personalized butler …

In the preliminary data shared by the Ministry of Tourism in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highlighted that there has been a significant surge in the number of tour guide licenses issued across the Kingdom’s regions and cities in 2024. The data indicates that the total number of tour guide licenses reached 3,284, representing a substantial growth rate of 168% compared to the 1,221 licenses issued in 2023. SPA further shared that Makkah recorded the highest number of tour guide license holders nationwide, with 986 licenses, followed by Riyadh, with 665 licenses. Madinah secured the third position with 477 licenses, while Tabuk, Eastern Region, and Aseer accounted for 337, 319, and 252 licenses, respectively. This significant increase in tour guide licenses is a direct outcome of the Ministry of Tourism’s continuous efforts to develop and regulate the Kingdom’s tourism sector and to streamline the process for citizens to obtain tour guide credentials. This initiative aims to enhance the reception of both domestic and international tourists at various destinations throughout the Kingdom, aligning with the sector’s remarkable growth and the increasing influx of visitors.

flynas launched direct flights between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi further expanding in the UAE market in line with flynas growth and expansion plan, launched under the title “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 150 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. An inaugural ceremony was held at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh on Thursday, April 10, and attended by representatives from flynas and Riyadh Airports Company, which manages and operates KKIA, to celebrate flynas maiden direct flight between the Saudi capital and the Emirati capital, further consolidating flynas position as the largest air carrier connecting the two brotherly countries with more than 20 daily flights. Starting 10 April, three weekly flights will be operated between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Shaikh Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Traveling guests on the departing inaugural flight were welcomed with giveaways. The leading LCC is now the only KSA carrier serving the four major airports in UAE with direct flights operated from flynas’ main bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah. flynas operates 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives …

CEO of Visit Qatar participated in a high level panel session at the Qatari-Russian Economic Forum last week. He shared the commitment of Visit Qatar to review the prospects of cooperation between Qatar and Russia in the field of tourism, pointing to the importance of expanding tourism offers in line with the interests of visitors, enhancing air connectivity between Doha and major Russian cities, and simplifying visa procedures, as one of the most important incentives to increase tourist flows from Russia to Qatar. Within the framework of the visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Russian Federation, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, participated in a high-level panel discussion within the activities of the Qatari-Russian Economic Forum, which was held on 17 April 2025 in Moscow under the title: “Cooperation in the fields of healthcare, tourism and urban infrastructure to support national development priorities”. The session was moderated by Ms. Karina Hassan, Journalist, TV presenter and co-founder of K&K Media Productions, and was attended by H.E. Eng. Khalid Ahmed Al Obaidly, Real Estate Regulatory Authority – Real Estate, Mr. Dmitry Morozov, Chairman of Biocad, and Mr. Sergey Cheryumin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow. The session highlighted investment opportunities in the tourism, urban infrastructure, and medical technologies sectors, as well as regulatory frameworks and public-private partnership models. During his intervention, the CEO of Visit Qatar reviewed the prospects of cooperation between Qatar and Russia in the field of tourism, pointing to the importance of expanding tourism offers in line with the interests of visitors, enhancing air connectivity between …

SalamAir introduced fixed fares for flights between Muscat and Salalah during the Khareef season from 30th June  to 31st August 2025, exclusively for Omani nationals. The airline offers a fixed Lite fare of 30 OMR for one way and 48 OMR for a return trip. This initiative aims to provide affordable travel options for Omanis looking to experience the unique beauty of Salalah during this popular season. In anticipation of the expected demand during the season, SalamAir will also increase capacity on this route by 50% compared to 2024. This will ensure enough seats to accommodate the increased number of travellers during the Khareef season. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, stated, “We’re pleased to offer our Omani customers affordable travel options to experience the beauty of Salalah during the Khareef season. With fixed fares and increased capacity, we reaffirm our commitment as a national carrier to support domestic tourism. Through these efforts, we continue to deliver on our promise to let you Travel Your Way and discover the region’s unique charm.” The Omani National fixed-fares bookings are only available through SalamAir’s website or mobile application. Fares are available for Omani citizens, and a valid ID must be presented at the check-in counter or boarding gate.

Saudi Arabia has set new records in tourism recording its highest surplus in the travel account of the balance of payments in 2024 estimated at SAR 49.8 billion—a growth of approximately 7.8% compared to 2023. This impressive performance was driven by a 13.8% increase in inbound visitor spending compared to 2023, with total inbound visitor spending reaching an estimated SAR 153.6 billion in 2024, according to balance of payments preliminary data issued by the Saudi Central Bank. The Ministry of Tourism explained that the significant growth in the travel account surplus in 2024 reflects the efforts of the Ministry and other entities of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem to strengthen the tourism industry and its contribution to national economic growth. It also underlines the successful measures taken to elevate the sector to global leadership by implementing best practices in tourism development, enhancing tourism services and products, and promoting strong collaboration with all government entities to support the development of the tourism sector—while advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

flydubai and Boeing announced an agreement to retrofit 21 of flydubai’s 737 MAX aircraft with larger Boeing Space Bins. Each Space Bin can accommodate up to six standard-sized bags per bin by turning a bag on its edge, an increase from four bags per bin compared to a standard bin. “Since commencing operations in 2009, we have remained dedicated to investing in product innovation and elevating our passengers’ inflight experience. By having Boeing’s larger Space Bins on our 737 MAX aircraft, this will provide our passengers with added convenience and increased storage space that rivals the experience offered on a wide-body aircraft,” said Daniel Kerrison, Senior Vice President of Inflight Operations at flydubai. “Passengers are making the connection between bin capacity and the extra room they need and expect for their carry-on bags,” said Doug Backhus, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications and Maintenance at Boeing. “We are proud to partner with flydubai to bring Space Bins capability to their existing 737 MAX fleet.” The carrier is served by a young and efficient fleet of 88 Boeing 737 aircraft, 59 of which are 737 MAX aircraft. flydubai has built a growing network of more than 130 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and South-East Asia.