Travel Industry News Page 564
From Thomas Cook to ChatGPT: the evolution of guided tours in an AI-driven world
Walking tours today are the same as they were 25 years ago—in fact, they’re much like when Thomas Cook led his first tour in the 19th century. However, change is on the horizon—and it's coming fast. With this bold statement, Alex Bainbridge, CEO Autoura offered at Arival’s flagship European event this week, a forward-looking session on the future of guided experiences showing how artificial intelligence is poised to radically reshape the guided tour sector—and why tour operators must adapt to stay relevant.
Marriott International Surpasses 15 Million Hour Volunteerism Goal One Year Early
As the United States completes its recognition of National Volunteer Month, Marriott International today announced it has exceeded its volunteerism goal of 15 million hours served around the world – one year ahead of schedule – supporting the company’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction. From 2016 through the end of 2024, Marriott associates completed a total of 15.6 million volunteer hours in their local communities.
Almawave Group: with The Data Appeal Company, generative AI guides tourist destination decisions.
Almawave S.p.A., an Italian company listed on the Euronext Growth Milan market (Ticker: AIW), and part of the Almaviva Group, active in Data & Artificial Intelligence, announces that its subsidiary The Data Appeal Company, which develops vertical AI analytics solutions and is a leader in the tourism, fintech and location intelligence sectors, has integrated generative Artificial Intelligence into its proprietary platform D/AI Destinations.
Arival study reveals Spanish travelers’ unique approach to travel
A new report from Arival, the “2025 European Traveler Outlook,” offers crucial insights into the distinctive travel behaviors of Spanish travelers, just as the experiences industry gathers in Valencia for Arival. The study reveals that while Spanish travelers share the broader European enthusiasm for experiences, they also exhibit specific patterns in trip frequency, spending habits, and activity preferences.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAUNCHES TRANSFORMED GUEST RECOGNITION PROGRAMME AND INDUSTRY-LEADING GUEST APP
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the launch of an enhanced guest recognition programme and a new, industry-leading mobile app. These initiatives signal a new era of personalized recognition, elevated guest experiences and seamless digital connectivity. Together, they represent a significant leap forward in the use of technology and data to enhance the guest experience across the Group’s global portfolio.
Abu Dhabi to host Middle East Film & Comic Con for further two years
DCT Abu Dhabi and Informa extend partnership which saw the region's biggest pop culture event relocate to the emirate in 2022. The 13th edition, held from 18-20 April 2025, attracted more than 38,000 fans over three days to Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Centre, driving increased visitor growth to the emirate
DCT Abu Dhabi Launches Reseller Portal for Abu Dhabi Pass at Arabian Travel Market
New portal unlocks access to Abu Dhabi Pass at wholesale rates, enabling industry partners to expand their product offerings and serve customers better
Emirates receives Tourism delegation from Jamaica at ATM 2025
At Arabian Travel Market 2025, Emirates today received a delegation from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism. The delegation met with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group in the presence of Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. The Jamaican delegation was led by The Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica to discuss ways to support the island’s tourism industry.
ETIHAD AND CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES CELEBRATE START OF JOINT VENTURE
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Eastern Airlines have officially launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV) during a ceremony held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week. The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April, 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.
Makarem Launches Its New Identity at the Arabian Travel Market 2025 Forum
Taiba Investments will launch the new identity of its home-grown hospitality brand, Makarem, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, during its participation in the forum taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1. Taiba Investments, the leading Saudi company in the hospitality sector, aims to showcase the evolution of Makarem Hotels, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent hospitality brands. The brand's renewed vision blends heritage and innovation
Middle East tourism destinations respond to climate, perception and evolving consumer demands
The global travel landscape is increasingly complex, influenced by climate change, environmental concerns, and changing traveller expectations. In the Middle East, destinations are proactively adapting their tourism strategies to tackle these challenges by focusing on resilience, innovation, and long-term value. The region is addressing issues such as extreme weather, shifting consumer behaviours, and geopolitical pressures with agility and ambition.
Research unveiled at Arabian Travel Market outlines leading travel trends and market opportunities
Exclusive research unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week has highlighted key travel trends across the Middle East region. On the second day of ATM yesterday, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, revealed insights from the ‘ATM Trends Report: Leisure, Luxury and MICE – Leading Trends for the Middle East’.