Mandarin Oriental unveils MO.RE to advance sustainable luxury hospitality
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Mandarin Oriental has launched MO.RE, a new sustainability platform aimed at reshaping luxury hospitality by placing resilience, connection and regeneration at the centre of its business strategy, hotel operations and guest experiences. ...
SalamAir targets more visitors to Oman through expanded Stopover Programme
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
SalamAir is expanding its Stopover Programme with Visit Oman and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, targeting more than 7,500 potential visitors through February 2027, including Indonesian Umrah travellers offered overnight stays in Muscat. ...
Qatar Airways to launch direct flights to Western Sydney in December 2027
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Qatar Airways announced the next phase of its expansion in Australia, with plans to launch direct passenger services between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) from December 15, 2027. ...
ATM 2027 to spotlight evolving tourism trends under ‘Travel without boundaries’ theme
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced ‘Travel without boundaries: Shaping global travel through experience’ as the theme for its 2027 edition, highlighting how travellers’ interests, passions and expectations are transforming tourism and creating new business opportunities across the industry. ...
FTA launches AI-powered digital platform for tourist tax refunds
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has launched an AI-powered, fully digital VAT refund platform for tourists, offering faster, paperless processing through facial recognition and smart technology. The service is now operational at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah international airports. ...
DAE delivers final Boeing 737-9 aircraft to United Airlines
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has delivered the tenth and final Boeing 737-9 aircraft to United Airlines under a sale-and-leaseback agreement signed earlier in 2026, bringing its total fleet on lease to the airline to 26 Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft. ...
Air India, Standard Chartered unveil new partnership for UAE, Singapore clients
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Air India and Standard Chartered have announced a partnership combining international banking services with Air India’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme to serve Global Indians in Singapore and the UAE. ...
UAE to host six championship finales in landmark motorsport month
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
The UAE will take centre stage in international motorsport between November 5 and December 6, hosting three major events across Dubai and Abu Dhabi as six international championships reach their season finales. ...
Türkiye targets $70bn in tourism revenue in 2027, eyes global top six
Wed, 21 Oct 2026
Türkiye is targeting a place among the world’s top six tourism revenue earners in 2027, backed by a proposed $244.5 million tourism budget. The government aims to generate $70 billion in tourism revenue next year, rising to $78.5 billion by 2029. ...
Authenticity overtakes price as trust reshapes UAE wellness market
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Authenticity is emerging as a stronger purchasing consideration than price among wellness-focused consumers, as brands face growing pressure to prove their claims and deliver meaningful experiences, according to new research by Strategy& Middle East. ...
Jazeera Airways, Polish Embassy celebrate first-ever winter flights to Krakow
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Jazeera Airways, in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Kuwait and the Małopolska Tourism Organisation, has celebrated the launch of its first-ever winter flights from Kuwait to Krakow, Poland, aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the two countries. ...
Saudi Arabia approves 19 hospitality projects worth $1.8bn
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia has approved the first batch of 19 hospitality projects expected to attract SAR6.7 billion ($1.8 billion) in investment and create more than 17,000 jobs across five high-potential tourism destinations, as the Kingdom seeks to expand its tourism infrastructure ahead of major international events. ...
Emirates adds 14 flights between Dubai, Durban for festive season
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Emirates will introduce 14 additional flights between Dubai and Durban across December 2026 and January 2027, increasing travel capacity during the busy festive season and strengthening connectivity between South Africa and its global network. ...
SalamAir partners with Amadeus to expand global distribution
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir has signed a distribution agreement with travel technology provider Amadeus to expand its international reach and strengthen access to global markets. ...
Qatar Airways, QNB Group sign global digital payments partnership
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Qatar Airways and QNB Group have entered into a strategic global payments partnership aimed at enhancing digital transactions, improving customer experience and supporting cross-border commerce across the airline’s international sales network. ...
Emirates opens new travel store in Bahrain
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Emirates has opened a new travel store in Manama, Bahrain, strengthening its presence in the Kingdom and expanding its customer service offerings after 26 years of operations in the market. ...
Sheraton Amman named Jordan’s Best MICE Hotel 2026
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel has been named Jordan’s Best MICE Hotel 2026 at the World MICE Awards, recognising its contribution to the country’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. ...
Cheval Collection unveils new brand identity, digital platform amid Mideast expansion
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Cheval Collection, the UK-based luxury hotel apartments and branded residences company, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and redesigned digital platform, marking its most significant brand evolution in more than 16 years as it expands across the Middle East and international markets. ...
U by Emaar, Visa sign 10-year partnership for premium GCC rewards programme
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
U by Emaar, Emaar’s lifestyle loyalty programme, has announced a 10-year co-branded partnership with Visa to introduce a premium lifestyle rewards proposition across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. ...
Dubai launches sports calendar featuring over 500 events for 2026-2027 season
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) has launched its latest Dubai Sports Events Calendar, featuring more than 500 sporting events, including over 80 international tournaments and championships, scheduled across the emirate during the 2026-2027 season. ...
Ajman Tourism roadshow targets new visitor markets in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Ajman’s Department of Tourism, Culture & Media has concluded a promotional roadshow in Central Asia, visiting Tashkent in Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan to expand its tourism source markets and attract new visitor segments. ...
GEA launches booklet for Riyadh Season’s seventh edition
Tue, 20 Oct 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh has launched the booklet for Riyadh Season’s seventh edition, highlighting key attractions and major sporting events, including WWE Crown Jewel, the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament and boxing matches featuring international stars. ...
Abu Dhabi Festival to host Middle East’s first outdoor Children’s Biennale
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
Abu Dhabi Festival will present the Middle East’s first outdoor Children’s Biennale at Umm Al Emarat Park from 6 November to 6 December, transforming the Abu Dhabi green space into an interactive art experience designed to encourage creativity, curiosity and environmental awareness among young visitors. ...
Expo City Dubai’s Winter City teams up with Disney+ for festive season
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
Expo City Dubai’s Winter City will return from December 11 to 31 for its fifth edition, partnering with Disney+ to bring popular characters and stories to life through immersive festive experiences under the theme ‘Once upon a holiday…’. ...
dnata expands accessibility services, mobility tech at DXB
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
dnata is expanding its accessibility services at Dubai International Airport (DXB), introducing upgraded mobility equipment, enhanced staff training and trials of emerging assistive technology to improve the airport experience for passengers with diverse accessibility needs. ...
Why future of travel will be powered by AI, defined by human connection
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
AI is transforming travel planning, personalisation and hotel operations, but Kerten Hospitality CEO Marloes Knippenberg says technology should enhance, not replace, human connection, authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interactions. ...
Accor Plus study finds price, complimentary nights drive travel loyalty
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
Price and accommodation benefits are the strongest factors influencing consumers’ decisions to join paid travel loyalty programmes, while cost, communication and a sense of belonging play key roles in membership renewal, according to a new Accor Plus report. ...
Liwa International Festival 2027 to run from December 11 to January 2
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
Liwa International Festival 2027 will take place from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, in the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, featuring motorsport championships, heritage experiences, family attractions and international entertainment. ...
Bahrain to host World Nine-ball Championship in 2027
Mon, 19 Oct 2026
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has signed a multi-year memorandum of understanding with Matchroom Pool to bring the World Nine-ball Championship to Bahrain for the first time, in cooperation with the Bahrain Billiards and Darts Association. ...
Jazeera Airways receives first A320neo under 26-aircraft order
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
Jazeera Airways has welcomed its newest Airbus A320neo aircraft in Kuwait, marking the first delivery under its landmark order for 26 Airbus aircraft and a new phase of fleet expansion and long-term growth. ...
Gulf Air Group earns Great Place To Work Certification
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
Gulf Air Group has received Great Place To Work Certification, recognising its workplace culture based on employee feedback. The survey recorded an 81% participation rate among Group employees. ...
CleverFi wins Travel Tech Start-Up Summit pitch competition
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
CleverFi, a startup offering secure global Wi-Fi connectivity by extending users’ home networks abroad, has won the Travel Tech Association’s Start-Up Summit pitch competition in National Landing, Virginia. ...
Turkish Airlines, CFM sign MoU for over 600 LEAP-1B engines
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
Turkish Airlines, Turkish Technic and CFM International have signed a memorandum of understanding for more than 300 LEAP-1B engines, including spares, to power 100 firm and 50 optional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. ...
Oman Air, Finnair launch codeshare partnership to expand connectivity
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
Oman Air and Finnair have launched a new codeshare partnership to expand travel connections between Finland, Oman and Australia, strengthening both airlines’ global networks through their membership in the oneworld Alliance. ...
Etihad, Southwest launch loyalty partnership
Sun, 18 Oct 2026
Etihad Guest and Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards have announced a loyalty partnership allowing members to earn and redeem rewards across both airlines’ networks from spring 2027. ...
Deal signed to launch JW Marriott Residences Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Fri, 16 Oct 2026
TARAF, the real estate division of UAE-headquartered investment holding group Yas Holding, and Steppe have signed an agreement through their joint venture with Marriott International, to launch JW Marriott Residences Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, a new branded residential development on Yas Island. ...
Miral names Ali Al Saloom Conservation Ambassador for IMPACT by Miral
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Miral has appointed Emirati cultural and environmental advocate Ali Al Saloom as Conservation Ambassador for IMPACT by Miral, strengthening its efforts to raise awareness of the UAE’s natural heritage and encourage community participation in conservation initiatives. ...
TA Circle launches to strengthen India’s luxury travel advisor network
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
TA Circle, a new industry initiative aimed at strengthening India’s luxury travel advisor community, has been launched by Hemant Mediratta, founder of TA Circle, during World Tourism Day celebrations at Mélange. ...
Royal Caribbean unveils year-round Europe cruises for 2028-29
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Royal Caribbean is expanding its European cruise programme for 2028-29, introducing its most extensive year-round season in the region, with seven ships offering itineraries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands. ...
Chedi Hegra opens Nasim restaurant in AlUla
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Chedi Hegra has opened Nasim, a new restaurant offering a contemporary interpretation of Levantine cuisine within Hegra Fort, an 18th-century stone building at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. ...
Price pressure, AI reshape private charter brokerage, Chapman Freeborn says
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Private aviation brokers face growing pressure to compete on price as digital tools improve access to aircraft availability and charter rates, increasing the importance of operational expertise, safety compliance and accountability, according to industry leaders speaking at Corporate Jet Investor Dubai 2026. ...
Global Village Opens Season 31 with new shows, 600-drone display
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Global Village has opened Season 31, welcoming guests back to the Dubai destination with cultural performances, entertainment, dining, shopping and new attractions ...
IATA, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance join forces on travel sustainability
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA) have agreed to strengthen sustainability cooperation between the aviation and hospitality sectors, initially focusing on airline procurement of hotel services. ...
NCL opens bookings for Norwegian Aura’s inaugural Mediterranean voyages
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened bookings for two inaugural Mediterranean sailings aboard Norwegian Aura, its newest and largest ship, following an anticipated early delivery that will allow the vessel to welcome its first guests from May 2, 2027. ...
Travel Counsellors UAE records record $3.6m sales in September
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Travel Counsellors UAE recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in September 2026, generating AED13.2 million ($3.6 million), a 28% increase compared with the same month last year. ...
WTM London names Spanish Tourist Office as first accessibility partner
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
WTM London, part of RX Global, has announced a landmark partnership with the Spanish Tourist Office, making it the event’s first-ever accessibility partner. ...
Corporate SAF certificate purchases could reach 1.9m tonnes by 2030: study
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Corporate purchases of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) environmental attribute certificates could support between 1 million and 1.9 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2030, up from an estimated 323,000 tonnes in 2024, according to a new study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airbus and Accenture. ...
Qatar Airways signs first Japanese aircraft financing deal for three Boeing 787-9s
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Qatar Airways Group has signed its first Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) transaction, covering three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, marking its entry into Japan’s aircraft financing market. ...
Emerging Travel Group partners with Agoda to boost hotel distribution
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Emerging Travel Group (ETG), a UAE-based online travel group, and digital travel platform Agoda have entered into a strategic partnership to expand accommodation supply and distribution across their respective platforms. ...
Business events must embrace ‘regeneration’ to unlock $6.2trn Brain Economy: report
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The business events industry must embrace ‘regeneration’ to unlock the potential of a projected $6.2 trillion Brain Economy, according to a preview of the IBTM World Trends Report 2027, which highlights the growing value of human cognition, creativity and meaningful connections in an increasingly automated world. ...
Qatar T100 Kick Off Run returns to Lusail in December
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Visit Qatar, in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), has announced the return of the Qatar T100 Kick Off Run on December 10, inviting residents and visitors of all ages and fitness levels to participate in community runs ahead of the 2026 Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final. ...
Dubai Airport Show concludes with focus on innovation, expansion
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The 25th edition of Dubai Airport Show concluded at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 14, bringing together more than 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries and attracting more than 3,000 visitors to explore technologies shaping the future of airport development, digital transformation, aviation security and sustainability. ...
Cvent Accelerate Dubai 2026 highlights AI’s role in event-led growth
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Cvent, a provider of event, marketing and hospitality technology solutions, brought together 400 event, marketing and hospitality professionals for the fourth edition of Cvent Accelerate Dubai 2026, held at InterContinental Dubai Festival City. ...
MCBS, Boeing host Aviation Forum to advance Oman’s aviation talent
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), with support from Boeing, hosted the ‘Sky Futures Oman’ aviation forum in Muscat on October 12, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, academics and students to discuss the country’s aviation priorities and future workforce needs. ...
UAE’s hospitality edge, built on resilience and strategic investment: HMH Chairman
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The UAE’s tourism success is driven by strategic investment, diverse visitor markets and an evolving hospitality sector. In an exclusive interview, TTN speaks with HMH Chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi about the country’s growth, destination development and strategies for long-term competitiveness and resilience. ...
Riyadh Season reschedules Six Kings Slam to December 2026
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Riyadh Season has postponed the third edition of the international Six Kings Slam tennis tournament from October 21, 22 and 24 to December 27–30, 2026. ...
MOTN Festival returns to Abu Dhabi in November 2026
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will host the 10th edition of the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027, bringing more than five weeks of family entertainment across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. ...
Raffles The Red Sea opens on Shura Island
Thu, 15 Oct 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has announced the opening of Raffles The Red Sea on Shura Island, introducing the luxury hospitality brand to its Red Sea destination in Saudi Arabia. ...
CzechTourism, Jazeera Airways mark first-ever winter flights to Prague
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
The Embassy of Czechia in Kuwait and CzechTourism, in collaboration with Jazeera Airways, have hosted a special event to celebrate the launch of the airline’s first-ever winter flights between Kuwait and Prague, strengthening tourism links and expanding travel opportunities between the two countries. ...
Unlock Futures launches child protection framework for tourism
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
The Unlock Futures alliance has launched the Unlock Futures Protecting Children Action Paper, providing a practical framework to strengthen child protection and prevent exploitation across the travel and tourism industry. ...
Business events drive global connections, long-term growth
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Business events are emerging as key drivers of economic growth, international cooperation and innovation. Despite rising costs, industry confidence remains strong, with 85% of meeting professionals optimistic for 2026, according to the American Express Global Meetings and Events Forecast. ...
Rising airfares, supplier costs top corporate travel buyers’ concerns for 2027
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Rising airfares, securing better supplier value and improving travel policy compliance are the leading concerns for corporate travel buyers heading into 2027, according to new research released by Business Travel Show America. ...
JA Resorts & Hotels named Official Hotel Partner of Dubai 7s 2026
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
JA Resorts & Hotels has been named the Official Hotel Partner of Emirates Dubai 7s 2026, bringing together two UAE brands focused on sport, community and visitor experiences. ...
dcs plus launches ARIA AI workspace for travel agencies
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Travel technology provider dcs plus has launched ARIA, an AI-native workspace designed to help travel agencies manage customer requests by combining human expertise with artificial intelligence (AI) agents in a single operating environment. ...
AI, biometrics, smart data transform airport operations in Dubai
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, digital twins and integrated data platforms are transforming airport operations across the region, as industry leaders highlight technology’s role in improving passenger screening, baggage handling and capacity management at the 25th edition of Airport Show in Dubai. ...
WTTC members commit $2bn in new tourism investment in Malta
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced a collective commitment of $2 billion in new investment in Malta, highlighting growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism sector and its long-term development plans. ...
Oman to expand tourism offerings at Madinat Al Irfan, Yiti
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has signed development agreements worth RO122 million ($316 million) to expand tourism and hospitality offerings at Madinat Al Irfan and Yiti Integrated Tourism Development, strengthening the sultanate’s appeal as a destination for visitors and investors. ...
Global Village opens Season 31 with new attractions
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Global Village will open its doors today (October 14) for Season 31, welcoming guests to ‘A More Wonderful World’ with new attractions, entertainment, dining and cultural experiences. ...
Iniala Valletta unveils WITHIN luxury wellbeing, longevity concept
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Iniala Valletta has unveiled WITHIN, a new luxury wellbeing and longevity concept combining medical expertise, advanced technology and personalised wellness experiences, at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit 2026 in Malta. ...
talabat, DFRE sign five-year partnership to support Dubai Festivals through 2031
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
talabat has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, extending their collaboration across Dubai’s festivals and events calendar from 2027 to 2031. ...
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi reopens Roof Walk Experience until April 2027
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has launched the sixth season of its Roof Walk Experience, inviting visitors to explore the theme park’s red roof until April 30, 2027. ...
Disney names Japan’s first cruise ship Disney Imagination
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Oriental Land and ORIENTAL LAND CRUISE have named their first Disney cruise ship to operate in Japan Disney Imagination, with the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal set to serve as its primary homeport. ...
AI disruption, funding pressures to challenge travel startups in 2027: Travel Tech Summit
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
General-purpose AI assistants, a broken customer acquisition funnel and a squeeze on investor money are likely to be the biggest threats facing travel startups in 2027. That's according to speakers and judges at the Travel Technology Association's (Travel Tech) Start-Up Summit, which takes place on October 14 in Washington DC. ...
Dubai Shopping Festival returns for 32nd edition from December 4 to January 17
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) will return from December 4, 2026, to January 17, 2027, with 45 days of shopping promotions, live entertainment, concerts and citywide experiences as the emirate prepares for its winter tourism season. ...
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Microchipped.ae find homes for eight rescued cats
Wed, 14 Oct 2026
Rosewood Abu Dhabi has partnered with Microchipped.ae to host the Rescue Run Adoption Event, helping eight rescued cats find permanent homes and generating four additional adoption enquiries. ...