In the lead up to the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia taking place in Riyadh with TravTalkME as media partner, Knight Frank has released that 73% of buyers with families prefer branded residences for long-term living in their study about the surging demand for branded residences in the Kingdom. The report titled “Destination Saudi, branded residences in focus,” discusses the strong momentum branded residences are gaining in Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, with 68 percent of expat buyers surveyed saying they are likely to purchase a branded residence in the Kingdom. Millennials are leading this demand, and hotel-branded residences are their top choice—especially among high earners with household incomes above SAR 40,000 per month. Key highlights from the report include: • 73% of buyers with families prefer branded residences for long-term living • 52% are interested primarily for investment purposes • Preferred locations include Riyadh (48%), Jeddah (33%), and NEOM (29%) • Expat respondents expect to spend a combined SAR 630 million on branded residential assets • A majority of buyers prioritise design, service, and proximity to business districts and schools As Saudi Arabia continues its urban and hospitality transformation, this emerging asset class offers strong potential for investors and developers looking to meet evolving lifestyle expectations and has a dedicated track at FHS Saudi Arabia with sessions about market trends, legal frameworks, investor strategies and global buyer behaviour.  

Taiba Investments launched the new identity of its home-grown hospitality brand, Makarem. It unveils its new identity under the theme “Journey to the Origins”, with a forward-looking vision that aligns with the evolving expectations of pilgrims and visitors to Makkah and Madinah. Makarem’s new identity reflects its commitment to providing an integrated hospitality experience that enhances the spiritual journey of pilgrims and Umrah performers, with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and human touch, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, promote religious and cultural tourism, and build a vibrant society. Makarem has defined a comprehensive strategic framework for launching its new identity, including strengthening its presence, expanding investment partnerships, and participating in major events inside and outside the Kingdom. The Makarem service experience will be highlighted by emphasising its quality service, attention to detail, and close connection to Islamic values and local heritage. The Kingdom aims to accommodate more than 150 million tourists annually by 2030, making the launch of Makarem’s new identity at this time a strategic step that opens up broad horizons for growth and expansion. The launch of Makarem’s new identity is part of Taiba Investment’s growth and expansion strategy, which aims to contribute to achieving the goals of the National Tourism Strategy, which targets welcoming more than 150 million tourists annually by 2030. Sultan bin Badr Al Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investment, said: “The new identity goes beyond the visual aspect to encompass a comprehensive operational philosophy that includes developing the culture of hospitality, innovative services, and raising quality standards, in addition to utilising the latest hospitality technologies such as AI to uplift our guests’ experience”. Launching the new identity marks a new …

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will be opening three properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Fairmont Red Sea opening end of 2025, Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar in 2027 and Fairmont Rua Madinah in 2028, total of 616 keys by 2030. Aligned with the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030, this signifies a new stronghold in the Kingdom and bolsters the brand’s record-breaking pipeline. Maarten Den Nieuwenhuijsen, Senior Vice President Openings and Guest Experience, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts commented: “At Fairmont, we pursue growth with intention, selecting destinations that reflect our commitment to timeless hospitality and cultural resonance. Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most dynamic tourist destinations, offering untold opportunities for growth, and we are proud to play a role in shaping its hospitality landscape. I am confident that our upcoming openings will not only contribute to the Kingdom’s luxury hospitality offering but also foster meaningful connections with guests and communities. These projects are a testament to the strength of our development pipeline and our long-term commitment to the region.” Fairmont The Red Sea – Each property will represent Fairmont’s dedication to transformative accommodation and celebration of heritage. Fairmont The Red Sea, positioned in the Kingdom’s groundbreaking Red Sea Project—one of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects—is set to redefine the relationship between luxury tourism and the natural world. Once opened, the property will feature 193 rooms, six distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea and the mangroves, teens centre, kids’ clubs, and a spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont’s association as a world-class golf operator. It will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned …

As part of Visit Qatar’s commitment to digital innovation and smart tourism, an official WhatsApp channel has been launched, offering an interactive and live platform that allows visitors and residents to view Qatar’s top tourist attractions, cultural events and major activities in real time. The new channel provides a seamless subscription experience that acts as a one-way communication tool, where selected updates are sent directly to users’ phones, ensuring that they receive reliable and personalized information tailored to their interests. Subscribers benefit from interactive media content, polls and instant alerts, reflecting Visit Qatar’s use of WhatsApp – one of the world’s most widely used social media platforms – as an innovative and accessible tool that supports its overall digital strategy. WhatsApp is available to international visitors wishing to plan their trip to Qatar, as well as residents looking for constant updates on the unique events, landmarks and experiences in the country. This initiative underscores Visit Qatar’s pioneering role in driving innovation to enhance tourism experiences.

Miral announced remarkable achievements in visitation numbers in 2024 across Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, experiencing significant growth while setting new records. Yas Island recorded over 38 million visits in 2024, a notable 10% increase compared to 2023. Achieving their highest performance since 2019, Yas Island hotels’ occupancy reached 82% peaking up to 90% in August 2024; an annual 9% growth in hotel occupancy alongside a 17% increase in the average daily rate (ADR) compared to 2023. Similarly, Saadiyat Island saw a 10% visitation growth across its hotels and museums compared to 2023. Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said, “These exceptional results are testament to our commitment to contributing to the achievement of Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a leading global destination, in alignment with the Emirate’s Tourism Strategy and broader ambitions for sustainable growth and economic diversification.” He added, “through the development of world-class destinations and immersive experiences, we are not only attracting visitors from around the world but also creating joyful moments that leave a lasting impact. The continued success of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island stands as a powerful testament to the strength of our strategic partnerships and our shared dedication to elevating Abu Dhabi’s global appeal.” Yas Island’s theme parks and CLYMB™ saw an impressive 20% rise in visitation alongside an astonishing 56% increase in visitation from the GCC compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, international visits to the theme parks also saw significant growth, with a 40%, rise, led by a substantial increase from key markets, including India (+44%), China (+81%), the UK (+40%), and Russia (+29%). The destination also experienced a 10% attendance increase for its consumer events in 2024, bolstering …

flyadeal is expanding its regional network this summer to cover Istanbul’s secondary airport Sabiha Gökçen and Alexandria, the airline’s fourth destination in Egypt. Saudi Arabia’s fast growing low-cost airline will launch daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport located on the Asian side of Istanbul on 29 May. These will complement flyadeal’s popular services from both the Saudi capital and Jeddah to the primary Istanbul Airport on the city’s European side. Beginning  2 June the historical port city of Alexandria will be served four-times-a-week from Jeddah. With the addition of Alexandria, flyadeal strengthens operations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt – its largest international market – to 69 weekly frequencies covering Cairo, Sohag and seasonal flights to Sharm El Sheikh from Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah and Dammam.

The evolution of global travel trends has made shopping an essential part of tourism for travellers coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. McArthurGlen Designer Outlets operates 22 strategically located centres across Europe, serving as the top shopping destination for customers seeking luxury brands, and great value. In 2024, visitors from the GCC represented the largest share of McArthurGlen’s tax-free sales, demonstrating the importance of the region in luxury retail spending. Shoppers from the GCC have developed a sensitivity to fashion, an understanding of brand legacy, and an appetite for experiences enfolded in style, attention to detail, and smart spending. With the continued momentum of global travel, the world has developed various new methods to personalise travel experiences, thrusting forward new travel trends. One major shift is towards multigenerational travel. Families are making up for lost time by vacationing together, and shopping is a cross-generational activity everyone can enjoy. 47% of travellers are now opting for multigenerational trips, up 17% from last year . McArthurGlen Designer Outlets’ brand proposition and services are thoughtfully designed to meet both current and emerging travel trends. The brand’s excellence was recently recognized in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe (OCPRE) by Ecostra and Magdus, naming its centres among the best in Europe. Designer Outlet Serravalle ranked 1st, while Noventa di Piave (Venice) and Castel Romano (Rome) both secured 8th place. These destinations are perfect for extended families: grandparents relax in cafes or VIP lounges while parents and kids explore over 230 brands. Convenient facilities complete with children’s play areas and even a water park – a unique feature in Designer Outlet Serravalle – make it a secure and inviting space, worthwhile for families taking …

Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) announced a major expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the addition of new properties and ambitious development plans aimed at supporting the country’s growing tourism sector. As part of its strategic growth initiative, HMH has signed an agreement to operate the Corp Al Khobar Corniche Hotel, a 157-room property overlooking the Khobar waterfront in the Eastern Province and a memorandum of understanding for a new Dammam hotel development. The hotel, previously under Accor’s Mercure brand, will now join HMH’s expanding portfolio, further strengthening the company’s footprint in Saudi Arabia. This milestone comes as HMH prepares to open its flagship 460-room hotel in Makkah by mid-2025. Set to begin operations after the Hajj season, the Makkah property is expected to serve as a cornerstone in HMH’s faith-based tourism offerings, catering to the millions of pilgrims who travel to the holy city annually. Additional developments are also underway across the Kingdom, reinforcing HMH’s commitment to meeting the surging demand for quality hospitality solutions. Mr. Haytham Abdelaziz, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, emphasized the strategic significance of Saudi Arabia in the group’s expansion roadmap: “Saudi Arabia is a strategic priority for HMH, fully aligned with Vision 2030’s transformative tourism goals and the rising demand for premium accommodation. The Al Khobar property strengthens our presence in the Eastern Province, while our forthcoming Makkah hotel will place us at the heart of religious tourism. With over 6,000 rooms currently operational or in development across the region, we remain deeply committed to supporting the Kingdom’s target of attracting 150 million annual visitors by 2030.” The Corp Al Khobar Corniche Hotel will cater to a diverse clientele, including corporate travelers and …

Dubai Safari Park announced a 67% increase in travel trade sales during its ongoing sixth season. Themed ‘Conservation for the Planet’, the current season, which launched in October 2024, has marked Dubai Safari Park’s most successful to date, achieving record visitor numbers and advancing its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, supported by growing demand for recreational and educational experiences in nature. During Arabian Travel Market 2025, Dubai Safari Park unveiled its enhanced strategy to embed wildlife conservation across every aspect of the visitor experience. For the first time, the Park announced that a portion of all admission revenues will be allocated directly to wildlife rescue, care, and research initiatives, ensuring that every guest visit contributes to protecting the animals and ecosystems at the heart of its mission. Reinforcing its purpose-driven positioning, Dubai Safari Park also hosted a series of conservation-focused activations at ATM 2025, including interactive talks and knowledge-sharing sessions highlighting regional conservation efforts. During the event, Mohammed Ahli, Acting Director of Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “Arabian Travel Market represents a pivotal moment for Dubai Safari Park. As we join global leaders in the travel and tourism industry, we are proud to celebrate the momentum and growth of our current season while unveiling our ongoing strategy focused on wildlife protection. As the UAE continues to set new benchmarks for the future of tourism, Dubai Safari Park remains committed to delivering purpose and experience in equal measure. Looking ahead to our seventh season, visitors can look forward to expanded offerings designed to create unforgettable moments, while further advancing our mission of conservation and sustainable tourism.” Responding to growing demand for ethical …

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines have officially launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV). The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational, offering seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network. This JV signifies the long-standing ties between the UAE and China by offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions. The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi last week, which was celebrated with a welcome ceremony at Zayed International Airport. The service starts with four weekly frequencies and will increase to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025, further boosting connectivity between the UAE and China. Building upon the launch of the Joint Venture, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes at the Arabian Travel Market on 29 April. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ global networks — unlocking greater value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success …