Business
Trav Talk Middle East
AI Ain hotels to get facelift
DCT Abu Dhabi will enhance the quality of hotel accommodations in Al Ain Region. The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to position the region as a key tourist destination.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
New revenue platform for hospitality
FIRSTLINE, a new hospitality technology platform, has been launched in Dubai, introducing a performance-based model created specifically for high-end restaurants and hospitality venues. Launching first in the UAE, FIRSTLINE enters the market with a clear purpose to support the hospitality industry with a smarter, more accountable model for growth.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Charters: Why clients rely on brokers
During the recent flight disruptions in the Middle East, clients increasingly relied on air charter brokers to secure safe, flexible, and fully compliant travel solutions. Beyond simply arranging aircraft, brokers provided critical reassurance by managing complex logistics, regulatory approvals, and risk factors, ensuring that passengers moved efficiently.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
KSA MICE could cross $5.5 billion by 2031
As the global tourism industry develops, growth depends less on infra and more on how destinations build interconnected, meaningful, and profitable tourism ecosystems. Mordor Intelligence predicts Saudi Arabia's MICE sector will surpass $5.5 bn by 2031.
2 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Czechia ready to welcome ME travellers
From high-end to mid-market travellers, Czechia is ready to welcome guests from the GCC. In an interview with TRAVTALK, Barbara Andelová, International Marketing Manager - New Markets, Czech Tourism, highlights the initiatives taken by the destination to attract guests from the Middle East, irrespective of geopolitical disruptions.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Malaysia woos GCC with festive offerings
Malaysia is rolling out a curated mix of festive celebrations, cultural showcases, and retail campaigns to attract GCC travellers planning their Eid al-Adha and summer holidays. From late May, the destination will come alive with nationwide events, immersive traditions, and major shopping incentives, reinforcing its appeal as a family-friendly getaway.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Accor, Almosafer to boost pilgrim access
Almosafer Travel & Tourism Co has announced a strategic collaboration with Accor's Makkah Cluster, comprising the Makkah Clock Royal Tower - A Fairmont Hotel, Raffles Makkah Palace, Swissôtel Makkah, and Swissôtel AI Maqam Makkah. The collaboration is focused on enhancing seamless access, distribution efficiency, and hospitality availability.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
All-inclusive demand drives Yas Island
As travel behaviours continue to evolve across the UAE, holidaymakers are placing greater value on simplicity, flexibility, and meaningful experiences. Yas Island, the premier one-stop leisure and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi, aims to remove the hassle and complexity of organising a trip with their latest campaign, 'The Answer is Yas'.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Emirates, Wesgro to push Western Cape traffic
Emirates and Wesgro signed an MoU to drive inbound tourism to Cape Town and the Western Cape. Hammered out on the sidelines of Africa's World Travel Market (WTM), this alliance underscores the airline's longstanding commitment to the market through attracting visitors from across its global network supporting the province's strategy of unlocking tourism growth.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
AI to elevate ADNEC's event venues
ADNEC Group has partnered with Presight to deploy advanced artificial intelligence solutions within its event venues. This initiative is part of the group's digital strategy that aims to enhance operational efficiency through AI and technology solutions. The agreement covers the Group's operations in Abu Dhabi and AI Ain.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
KSA sees 16% domestic growth in Q1
The Ministry of Tourism's preliminary data for Q1 2026 reveals strong growth in Saudi Arabia's domestic tourism, with the number of domestic tourists estimated at around 28.9 million, up by 16% compared to Q1 2025. Domestic tourism spending during the same period reached an estimated SAR 34.7 billion, up by nearly 8% compared to Q1 2025.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Diversification, UAE's tourism strength
The UAE's tourism sector has long demonstrated the ability to adapt, evolve, and thrive, even in the face of global and regional disruption. From economic downturns to COVID-19 recovery, the country has consistently positioned itself as a resilient, forward-looking destination. It is once again proving that resilience is not just a response mechanism but a strategic advantage.
2 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
UAE's travel sector shows resilience
The travel industry in the UAE is once again demonstrating its resilience amid geopolitical disruptions and airspace challenges. Fahim Jalali, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel, says while the current crisis differs from previous downturns, early signs of recovery are already visible. The sector is gradually regaining momentum, supported by strong leadership.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Teardrop redefines boutique luxury
Teardrop Hotels is positioning itself at the forefront of Sri Lanka's boutique hospitality evolution. With an emphasis on flexibility, privacy, and personalised service, the brand continues to refine its offerings to meet the expectations of modern Middle Eastern guests. Manoj Devaraj, Director of Sales, Teardrop Hotels, shares more with TRAVTALK.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Sustainability powers Sun Siyam appeal
'Sun Siyam Care' integrates environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community impact into its operations across the Maldives and Sri Lanka. In an exclusive interview with TRAVTALK, Chaminda Upul Kumara, Group Sustainability Manager, Sun Siyam, explains how certifications and eco-experiences are driving commercial value.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Dubai incentivises hospitality growth
Dubai has unveiled a new wave of economic measures aimed at strengthening business resilience and supporting sustained growth across hospitality and trade.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
ATS Travel recharts its future course
ATS Travel, one of the region's most established and respected travel management companies, recently convened a full-day offsite strategy session in Dubai. Spearheaded by Saleem Sharif, Deputy Managing Director, ATS Travel, the session brought together the company's leadership team and second-line leaders to shape a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future.
2 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Dinso Phuket readies for Eid arrivals
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Dinso Phuket is sharpening its focus on welcoming GCC travellers with tailored experiences that blend privacy, cultural comfort, and wellness. With strong demand expected from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the resort is enhancing its offerings
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Abu Dhabi gets 2.2 mn MICE guests in '25
2025 was a landmark year for DCT Abu Dhabi's culture, leisure, and MICE events, with double-digit growth in the segment.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
DWTC welcomed 3 mn visitors in 2025
Dubai World Trade Centre announced its 2025 results, delivering strong growth in MICE business of Dubai, reinforcing the emirate's position as one of the world's premier destinations for trade and business events. The performance was driven by a diverse calendar of 401 events, up 6% annually, spanning international exhibitions, conferences, business, and consumer events.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Abu Dhabi sees record visitors in '25
Abu Dhabi welcomed a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025, reinforcing its position as an emerging global cultural capital and a tourism destination of choice, according to DCT Abu Dhabi. The milestone reflects the emirate's growing international appeal and its commitment to long-term, sustainable economic impact.
1 min |
May 2026
Trav Talk Middle East
Sharjah links academia to tourism growth
American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the SCTDA have signed an MoU to establish a strategic partnership aimed at advancing Sharjah's position as a regional hub for tourism innovation and future-ready talent development. The agreement seeks to advance education and knowledge creation in destination marketing and tourism management.
1 min |