The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable, inclusive tourism, solidifying its position as a global tourism leader at the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit held for the first time in South Africa (Mpumalanga and Cape Town, respectively). Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, represented the Kingdom at the events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism. “Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and embedding sustainability at the heart of our efforts. The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created TOURISE – the first-ever global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership,” said Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud during her address to G20 delegates. Her Highness further added: “Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Vision 2030, we are demonstrating that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.” As the only permanent Gulf Cooperation Council member of the G20, Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role on the global stage. Through its active participation in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting, the Kingdom has helped shape the final Ministerial Declaration ensuring its priorities – sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development – are reflected in global tourism policy. …

Messe Berlin (China) officially launched the China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) at the Hyatt Regency Beijing Wangjing, officially kicking off preparations, while more than 120 honored guests joined peers from the industry to witness the creation of this new platform and celebrated together with the organizer. The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX)  inaugural edition is scheduled from 3-5 November 2026. Preceding the launch, Zheng Fang, Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, and David Axiotis, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (China), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international collaboration and accelerate the development of China’s MICE sector. The MOU outlines long-term collaboration between the two partners, including: advancing the launch of CIMX in Beijing; highlighting Beijing as “Guest City of Honor” to showcase its international profile; • working jointly on global promotion and hosted buyer recruitment; and strengthening the integration of global MICE resources with the Chinese market.

The Sommet Education Foundation and Les Roches announced their partnership with UN Tourism in launching the Social Innovation Challenge, a global call to accelerate startups and scaleups that deliver sustainable, inclusive, and green solutions with measurable social impact. The initiative is powered by strategic partners: Sommet Education Foundation as the education partner, the non-for-profit entity from Sommet Education, world leader in Hospitality Education, and with the involvement of its world-leading hospitality school, Les Roches. With tourism contributing 10.4% of global GDP in 2023 and supporting 319 million jobs worldwide, the challenge comes at a pivotal time. As the sector recovers from global disruptions, new models are needed to address climate change, inequality, accessibility gaps, and the need for regenerative growth. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, says: “Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people, preserving our planet, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient future for global tourism. Globally, social enterprises contribute over 5% of GDP in many countries and employ millions, with a significant focus on tackling inequality, environmental sustainability, and community development. This challenge is a call to action for solutions that place social innovation and equality at the heart of tourism.” Anouck Weiss, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Sommet Education Foundation, said: “At Sommet Education Foundation, we are committed to empowering the next generation of changemakers through access to world-class hospitality education. By supporting the Social Innovation Challenge, we aim to not only foster inclusive and sustainable tourism—but also to provide the skills and knowledge needed to shape bold ideas into innovative products and services. These scholarships will enable individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter prestigious institutions like Les Roches, equipping them with …

flyadeal has been recognised for eight consecutive months for its exceptional punctuality, according to CIRIUM’s August 2025 report. The airline recorded an On-Time Performance (OTP) of 87.84%, reaffirming its commitment to reliability and timely operations. This consistent performance places flyadeal among the region’s most punctual carriers, reflecting its focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The airline’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service has made it a preferred choice for travellers seeking reliability across its growing network. flyadeal emphasised that maintaining punctuality is a core part of its strategy, reinforcing trust and confidence among passengers while supporting the Kingdom’s broader aviation ambitions. The achievement highlights the airline’s operational excellence and positions it as a key player in the UAE and Middle East aviation sector.

This marks the airline’s third route connecting the Syrian capital with the Kingdom. The airline will operate three weekly flights between King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Damascus International Airport, enhancing air connectivity between the two countries. This initiative supports flynas’ broader expansion strategy while aligning with national objectives in aviation and tourism. The move forms part of the airline’s “We Connect the World to the Kingdom” growth plan and complements Saudi Arabia’s National Civil Aviation Strategy, which aims to link the Kingdom with 250 international destinations, accommodate 330 million passengers, and host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. It also supports the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques. Since resuming flights to Damascus in June, flynas has steadily increased its presence in Syria, now operating 17 weekly flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, including daily services from Riyadh and Jeddah.

The inaugural MICE Meeting Point 2025 kicked off in Beijing with TravTalkME as media partner. Two key MICE agents from the UAE attended with other agents from across the globe. Speaking at the opening David Axiotis, Managing Director, Messe Berlin – China shared, “China accounts to 25% of global business travel spending with conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel and events of all kind continuing to grow at an unprecedented pace. This two day event brings together organisations and companies from across the world, covering all segments of the MICE industry including conferences, event organisations, incentive travel, association meetings, overseas exhibition organisation, corporate travel and many others. It provides a unique platform to foster international collaboration, exchange industry insights and explore new business opportunities contributing to the growth and success of the MICE sector and its stakeholders.”

Air Canada announced new destinations and expanded services for travellers across Europe and Asia heading to Canada. Beginning next year, the airline will launch new non-stop routes from Catania in Sicily and Palma de Mallorca to Montréal, a key trans-Atlantic hub for the airline. From Budapest, Air Canada will re-establish direct flights to Toronto, alongside increased capacity to Prague. In addition, Air Canada’s popular Vancouver–Bangkok service will move from seasonal to year-round and direct flights from Shanghai to Toronto will also return, offering greater choice to travellers from Asia. “Air Canada’s continued international expansion reflects our bold ambitions and leverages our network reach and scale to capitalize on global travel demand driven by leisure travel trends, growing demand for services to Asia, and cargo development opportunities. Next summer, we will be launching exciting, new services to Montréal from Sicily and Mallorca, offering European customers direct access to one of Canada’s most dynamic cities and onward connections across North America. Air Canada is the first carrier to provide scheduled service from Sicily and Mallorca to Canada,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President, Cargo at Air Canada. “From Budapest, we are further strengthening our global hub in Toronto with the return of this celebrated international route, while increasing services from Prague. Combined with year- round flights between Vancouver and Bangkok, these strategic additions reinforce Air Canada’s global network as one of the most wide-reaching from North America, connecting our customers in Europe and beyond directly to Canada and onwards to all six inhabited continents.” All flights are available for sale at aircanada.com, through Air Canada Contact Centres and via travel agents.

RX officially announced the launch of WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre (RFECC). WTM Spotlight is a new brand and launch within the WTM portfolio, designed to focus on a specific market and create invaluable opportunities for regional and international exhibitors and visitors. Participants can engage in a mix of inbound and outbound conversations, forging meaningful connections with industry leaders and travel professionals while immersing themselves in the destination’s culture. Commenting on the announcement, Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX, said: “WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia represents an exciting new chapter for the WTM portfolio. By creating events that delve deeper into a specific market, we offer regional and international stakeholders, as well as travel professionals, an unparalleled opportunity to build essential relationships, gain richer insights, uncover future travel trends and discover innovative new ways to connect the world. Ultimately, these shared experiences and cultural insights lay the foundation for long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. “Saudi Arabia is the perfect location to launch this concept – its tourism sector is one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing in the world, and WTM Spotlight will play a pivotal role in supporting its development as a destination by connecting the world to Saudi, and Saudi to the world.” Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation in tourism under Vision 2030, demonstrating the Kingdom’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and position itself as a leading global tourist destination. Tourism is a key element of this strategy, with a national target for the sector to …

Between 30 June and 31 August 2025, SalamAir operated 962 flights between Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah, compared to 658 flights in 2024, marking a 46% increase year-on-year. Seat capacity also expanded by37%, rising to192,540 seats in 2025. Almost 70% of passengers were Omani citizens, highlighting the popularity of Salalah as a national destination during Khareef. SalamAir supported this surge by introducing a special 48 OMR round-trip fare exclusively for Omanis, making travel more affordable and accessible for families and individuals eager to experience Dhofar’s unique beauty during the season. SalamAir announced record results during the Khareef 2025 season in Salalah, celebrating a successful summer that reflects the growing strength of domestic tourism, the airline’s expanding role in connectivity, and its contribution to Oman’s wider economic diversification goals. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said: “Khareef 2025 has been a remarkable success story for SalamAir and for the Sultanate. These results are proof of the airline’s commitment to connecting Oman affordably, while supporting the growth of Salalah as one of the region’s most celebrated destinations. We are proud to play our part in bringing more people to Dhofar to enjoy its natural wonders, traditions, and hospitality. This season’s achievements reflect not only SalamAir’s growth but also the incredible appeal of Salalah during Khareef.” The achievements of Khareef 2025 also demonstrate the untapped potential of Oman’s domestic travel market. SalamAir continues to strengthen its role as a leading low-cost carrier in the region, bringing visitors to the Sultanate, supporting local tourism, and opening new opportunities for Omanis. Looking ahead, the airline remains committed to further expansion and to the long-term development of Salalah as an operational base, ensuring that Dhofar benefits from year-round …

flydubai announced a new interline agreement with TAROM expanding seamless travel options for passengers between the UAE, Romania, and key European destinations. The partnership will enable flydubai customers to connect via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to 15 destinations on TAROM’s network, including Athens, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cluj-Napoca, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Paris. Ramesh Anantharaman, Divisional Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Business Effectiveness at flydubai, said the collaboration strengthens connectivity across Eastern and Central Europe, supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. “This agreement allows customers to enjoy simplified itineraries, single-ticket bookings, and through check-in for baggage to their final destination,” he added. TAROM’s General Manager, Costin Iordache, said the partnership is a natural step in enhancing regional and international connectivity, offering safe and convenient travel choices. flydubai has operated flights to Bucharest since 2012 and currently runs double daily services. The airline will expand further in Romania with new flights to Iași starting 19 September 2025. flydubai’s network spans more than 135 destinations across 57 countries.