Wego revealed new travel insights showing a shift in Kuwaiti travellers’ preferences for summer 2025 with Munich and London emerging as the most popular. The summer travel period this year is expected to coincide with Eid al-Adha, which may further encourage outbound travel as residents take advantage of the holiday to plan extended getaways. The latest platform data shows a notable rise in international searches, especially toward destinations in Europe and Asia, with family travel seeing increased interest compared to solo trips. Kuwaiti travellers are showing strong interest in European destinations, with Munich and London emerging as the most searched cities on Wego. Among these, Milan has seen the most significant year-on-year growth, with a remarkable 66.34% increase in interest, followed by Paris at 40.17%. Other European cities also witnessed impressive growth, with Tbilisi City recording a 19.92% rise and Vienna experiencing an 8.34% increase. These destinations continue to captivate Kuwaiti travelers with their unique charm and relatively budget-friendly travel options available on Wego. Asian destinations are gaining traction among Kuwaiti travelers seeking value-driven experiences. Kuala Lumpur saw a notable 28.24% increase in searches, driven by its vibrant mix of urban excitement and family-friendly attractions. Jakarta attracted solo travelers with its affordable and immersive experiences, achieving a 22.66% growth. Meanwhile, Bangkok maintained its popularity, recording a 12.98% rise in interest, offering travelers unbeatable deals on accommodations and cuisine through Wego. Additional destinations including Manila, Cochin, Dhaka, and Colombo also ranked prominently among Wego users, with many searches attributed to expatriates planning family reunions during the school summer break. These trends reflect a purposeful approach to travel, balancing emotional ties with cost efficiency. While overall searches to MENA destinations saw mixed …

Emirates is the world’s largest operator of international First Class travel – offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, entirely comprised of private suites. Emirates continues to refine its First Class ‘Fly Better’ experience, with an array of new enhancements for First Class customers; from keepsake menus to gloved service, luxurious lounge-inspired check in areas in Dubai, to the memorable ritual of unlimited caviar onboard. Finessing the finer details of hospitality and service, the latest enhancements onboard Emirates’ First Class include a newly designed keepsake menu which tells an explorative story of Emirates’ wine selection and culinary inspirations. Customers can discover the heritage of rare bottles handpicked from renowned châteaux, with full tasting profiles and suggested pairings for an elevated dining experience. First Class customers are now invited to savour their unlimited caviar in elegant new Emirates engraved bowls, designed by Robert Welch to complement Emirates’ existing range. Emirates First Class cheeseboard has also been enhanced, presented on a rustic slate, with accompanying bowls and a wooden honey dipper, in addition to its array of artisan cheeses and chutneys. Emirates First Class cabin crew provide a gloved service for exceptional hospitality onboard. Enhancing the on-ground experience for First Class customers, the First Class Check In area in Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) is also being refurbished to provide an exclusive atmosphere, featuring dedicated, personalised check-in services and a relaxing lounge design set to open in the coming weeks. Across the world, the journey for Emirates First Class customers is curated from start to finish, with complimentary access to 43 world class, luxury lounges across the globe, and complimentary chauffeur drive …

In an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East, Saurabh Tiwari – Area Director Middle East & CIS, Taj Hotels part of IHCL  shared that there are two hotels in the pipeline for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One will be in the cultural capital of Diriyah Gate in Riyadh with 200 rooms whilst the other will be in Mecca with an inventory of 350 rooms. ” Saudi Arabia is growing at a phenomenal pace—it’s already among the world’s top 20 economies and is well on its way to breaking into the top 10. With numerous giga projects underway and nearly a trillion-dollar economy, the momentum is unstoppable. The opportunities here are vast; it’s not just one runway, but six major runways of growth and potential. The future truly looks bright. As for Taj Hotels, we currently operate three exceptional properties in Dubai. Now that we’re well-established there and our growth in India has been remarkable, we’ve turned our attention to Saudi Arabia. We’ve already signed two hotels—one in the holy city of Mecca and another in Riyadh. We’re actively engaging with promising partners and like-minded investors who recognize the strength of our brand. And it’s not just about Taj—it’s also about the power of Brand India. There’s a strong Indian diaspora here in Riyadh, over 1.7 million people, not to mention the countless pilgrims from the subcontinent who visit Saudi Arabia. They know our brand, they trust it, and they connect with it. We’re confident that Taj will thrive in Saudi Arabia, and we’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead.”

In a strategic move to bring soulful, modern living to the forefront of Jeddah’s urban landscape, Baraka for Real Estate Development and Investment Company Ltd has signed a milestone agreement with global lifestyle hospitality operator Kerten Hospitality to launch The House Residence Al Salam District in Jeddah. The House Residence is set within Al Salam District, Baraka’s flagship mixed-use development spanning 45,000 square meters of land. With a diverse offering of 38 one-bedroom apartments, 58 two-bedroom apartments, and 17 three-bedroom villas, The House Residence Al Salam District delivers a new dimension of integrated living and immersive hospitality that blends contemporary design with local heritage. This marks a pivotal step in realising the company’s long-term vision of community-driven, culturally rich destinations that transform how people live, work, and connect. “At Baraka, our purpose is to shape urban spaces that are deeply human, where design meets purpose, and where community and culture define the experience,” said Ebrahim Alqassab, Projects Director at Baraka. “Al Salam District is not just a development; it is a statement of our belief in building vibrant, sustainable environments. The House Residence Al Salam District is a key expression of this vision and a major milestone in our journey toward redefining urban life in Saudi Arabia.” With a diverse offering of 38 one-bedroom apartments, 58 two-bedroom apartments, and 17 three-bedroom villas, The House Residence Al Salam District delivers a new dimension of integrated living and immersive hospitality that blends contemporary design with local heritage. The project reflects a shared philosophy between Baraka and Kerten Hospitality—one that values authenticity, lifestyle integration, and placemaking as central to hospitality. As a dynamic cultural centre, positioned to be the pulsating heart of Jeddah, Al …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reaffirmed its readiness for Dhofar Khareef 2025, as part of its integrated national strategy to promote the season in coordination with public and private partners. Dhofar Governorate currently boasts 83 licensed hotel establishments, offering a total of 6,537 rooms, prepared to welcome tourists throughout the season. The 2025 Dhofar Khareef season will officially run from 21 June to 20 September, transforming the southern region of Oman into a lush and temperate destination. Known for its misty climate, rich greenery, and cultural ambiance, the season attracts more than one million visitors annually. The Ministry’s efforts include participation in regional tourism exhibitions and campaigns across traditional media and social platforms. These efforts are further supported through collaborations with travel influencers and content creators, as well as the organization of familiarisation trips for travel agencies and media representatives from the Gulf and Arab regions. The Ministry is also leveraging its official digital channels to promote Oman’s offerings and is working closely with domestic and international travel agencies to design attractive tourism packages. Oman continues to be recognized as one of the region’s most diverse tourism destinations. The country offers dramatic natural contrasts—from towering mountains and sprawling deserts to long coastlines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sumhuram, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and a number of historical forts. The government remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and visitor services across all governorates. H.E. Dr. Al-Kharousi highlighted that this year’s calendar will launch with the official astronomical start of the season and will include a rich mix of main and accompanying events across both established and newly enhanced venues to deliver exceptional experiences to …

Les Roches unveils its new Master of Science in International Hospitality Management to meet the global demand for highly qualified hospitality leaders. The program will be introduced across its international campuses in a phased rollout: September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and March 2026 in Crans-Montana and Marbella offering students the chance to experience some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and luxury tourism hubs. This new one-year full-time or 18-month part-time degree is designed for university graduates and career changers seeking leadership, operational, and strategic expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Combining the heritage of Swiss hospitality, experiential learning, and a global perspective, the program bridges the gap between academic rigor and industry demands, preparing students to become innovative leaders in hospitality and luxury tourism. This program launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade. That is one in three of all new jobs set to be created within the industry requiring an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 new managers by 2030, with 400 to 700 managerial positions added each year. “By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we aim to prepare graduates to seamlessly integrate themselves into leadership roles, thereby addressing the pressing talent shortages and contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth” said, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches. “Les Roches’ commitment to academic excellence extends across its global network, bringing Swiss educational standards to diverse cultural and business landscapes. While deeply rooted in Swiss hospitality tradition, each campus integrates local expertise and …

Almosafer has announced a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The agreement will expand Almosafer’s global hotel portfolio, giving travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond direct access to over 9,300 Wyndham properties across 95 countries. This collaboration strengthens Almosafer’s mission to offer seamless travel experiences in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a premier global tourism hub. As part of the direct connectivity agreement, Almosafer will integrate Wyndham’s extensive portfolio of 25 iconic brands into its omni-channel platforms. This includes beloved names like Ramada, Days Inn, and La Quinta, offering travellers a diverse range of accommodations—from budget-friendly stays to upscale resorts. The partnership allows Almosafer’s customers to access real-time hotel inventory, competitive pricing, and streamlined booking through its digital platforms. With the largest and widest collection of hotel experiences in the world, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ mission of making hotel travel possible for all aligns with Almosafer’s aim to cater to the travel needs of people from Saudi Arabia and beyond as the Middle East’s leading travel brand. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our global reach and resilience. By integrating the offerings of the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to Almosafer’s omni-channel platform, we seek to enhance the travel experience for our customers. Hospitality brands are integral to the overall travel experience. Almosafer prides itself on offering a seamless booking process encompassing one-touch access to world-class hospitality and airlines, providing a comprehensive package to customers.” Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said; “At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, our mission goes beyond making travel possible for all—it’s about …

Fairmont Ramla Riyadh announces the launch of its new ultra-luxury penthouse collection, setting a bold new standard for elevated living in the Kingdom. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse spanning the top floors of Riyadh’s first branded luxury serviced residences, these exclusive duplex penthouses offer sweeping city views, exceptional design, and world-class amenities tailored for those who expect nothing less than the extraordinary. The three newly introduced penthouses—Fairmont Privilege Penthouse, Fairmont Harmony Penthouse, and the crown jewel, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse—offer between 500 to 718 sqm of refined living space across two floors. Each residence features four master bedrooms with king-sized beds, six bathrooms, a private home theater, a state-of-the-art gym, a Jacuzzi, an executive office, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious two-bedroom maid’s room, and expansive living and dining areas. Every detail has been carefully curated to provide seamless comfort and privacy in the heart of the capital. Located on the 33rd and 34th floors, the Fairmont Royal Penthouse epitomizes grandeur. This 718 sqm residence showcases expansive lounges adorned with hand-selected furnishings, a private outdoor swimming pool, multiple balconies with panoramic views, and a cinema room. A private elevator connects both floors, ensuring discretion and ease of access throughout the home. The experience is akin to a private villa suspended above Riyadh’s skyline. “Fairmont Ramla’s new penthouse collection is a statement of prestige and refinement,” says General Manager Muhieddine Zok. “It reflects the city’s growing appetite for uncompromising luxury and places Fairmont Ramla firmly at the top tier of serviced living in Riyadh.” Fairmont Ramla Riyadh remains the first branded luxury serviced residence in Saudi Arabia, ideally located with direct access to the King …

Etihad Airways is reporting significant growth in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport. The uplift is supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions and reinforcing broader commercial and cultural links between Italy and the UAE. Jurriaan Stelder, SVP Network, Alliances and Industry Affairs, Etihad Airways, said: “The consistent growth we’re seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal as both a destination and global hub. Italian travellers are responding well to our offering, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is strengthening tourism and supporting deeper ties across trade, culture and investment.” Italy has emerged as one of Etihad’s fastest-growing European markets, with travel between Italy and Abu Dhabi increasing by 76% compared to 2023. This reflects the growing appeal of the UAE capital as a destination for Italian visitors. This sustained demand has prompted Etihad to increase frequencies to triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, and double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport, providing Italian travellers with convenient options to visit Abu Dhabi. The third daily frequency on Milan will be operated by Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, offering a premium experience that includes a dedicated First class cabin, fully lie-flat Business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an enhanced onboard dining service. This aircraft brings Etihad’s signature long-haul comfort to short- and medium haul travel, further elevating the travel experience for Italian guests. From November, Etihad will be offering more than 10,000 weekly seats between Italy and Abu Dhabi per direction, representing an 80% capacity increase compared to November 2023. The number of premium …

ASFAR announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minor Hotels. This milestone builds on ASFAR’s growing portfolio of hospitality investments and reinforces its commitment to shaping vibrant tourism destinations across the Kingdom. The signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, and Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. This agreement marks another pivotal step in ASFAR’s strategic drive to transform promising Saudi cities into vibrant tourism destinations. The MoU sets the foundation for introducing Minor Hotels’ distinctive international brands into several high-potential locations across the Kingdom. The collaboration aims to deliver hospitality experiences that seamlessly fuse Thai service excellence with the richness of Saudi culture—enhancing guest journeys while reinforcing ASFAR’s commitment to culturally grounded, globally competitive destinations. Dr. Fahad Bin Mushayt, CEO of ASFAR, said: “This agreement with Minor Hotels is a strategic leap forward in our mission to unlock the full tourism potential of Saudi Arabia. By bringing globally respected hospitality brands into promising destinations, we’re not only enriching our investment portfolio — we’re also introducing unique guest experiences that blend the warmth of Thai hospitality with the depth and authenticity of Saudi culture. Together, we are shaping destinations that deliver on the promise of Vision 2030 and leave a lasting impact on communities, visitors, and the tourism landscape at large.” Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, commented: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key global destination for tourism, and we are proud to partner with ASFAR to support the Kingdom’s bold vision for the future. With more than five decades of hospitality expertise and a portfolio of distinctive …