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SAUDI TOURISM CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES AND STRENGTHENS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AT WTM 2025

SAUDI TOURISM CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES AND STRENGTHENS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AT WTM 2025

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and its partners concluded a high-impact showcase at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, captivating the global travel trade with Saudi’s Unreal Calendar of world-class events and entertainment and its iconic destinations – from the ancient wonders of AlUla and the pristine Saudi Red Sea, to the cultural energy of Jeddah and the dynamic spirit of Riyadh. Saudi’s presence at WTM demonstrated its commitment to building meaningful global partnerships, unlocking new investment opportunities, and delivering world-class tourism experiences, driving the next chapter of tourism growth. Over three days, 71 Saudi partners connected with the international travel and tourism trade at the immersive "Saudi Land" pavilion, presenting a broad selection of bookable products, new travel packages, and flagship experiences such as luxury openings at Shura Island and the launch of Six Flags Qiddiya City.

“Better Borders” Could Unlock $401BN for Global Economy and Create 14MN New Jobs

“Better Borders” Could Unlock $401BN for Global Economy and Create 14MN New Jobs

A groundbreaking new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that smarter border management could supercharge the global economy, adding $401BN in GDP and creating 14MN new jobs across G20, EU, and African Union nations by 2035. Created by WTTC in partnership with SITA, the Better Borders report shows that by embracing digital technologies and adopting smarter visa policies, governments can transform their borders into powerful national assets, boosting tourism, enhancing security, and strengthening economic competitiveness.

Blockbuster end to WTM London 2025

Blockbuster end to WTM London 2025

World Travel Market London 2025 closed with a high-profile fireside chat, this year featuring an Oscar-nominated British actor sharing his love of travel with a senior member of the UK government in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Richard E Grant, nominated for an Oscar for Can You Ever Forgive Me? in 2019, talked travel with Sir Chris Bryant MP, recently appointed the UK’s minister of state for trade policy.

Global Leaders Gather at WTM London

Global Leaders Gather at WTM London

Global leaders from tourism, travel-tech, and destination management met at a private, invitation-only roundtable hosted by Mabrian, The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, and the Global Tourism Resilience Council to explore how data and innovation can transform the future of event management. The closed-door session, titled “Strategic Event Intelligence – Data, Impact and the Future of Events Tourism,” was held at the Crowne Plaza Docklands during World Travel Market (WTM) London and brought together a select group of senior executives from JCDecaux, ICF, This is Breeze and Queer Destinations, alongside tourism and destination leaders from Europe

TAP IS THE OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF TEAM PORTUGAL

TAP IS THE OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF TEAM PORTUGAL

TAP Air Portugal has established a partnership with the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) and the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP) through an agreement that makes the national airline the Official Airline of Team Portugal and Olympic Partner until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This agreement covers the entire Olympic cycle, including transport for the Portuguese delegation to the 2028 Games, as well as to qualifying events, training camps and international preparation missions.

Visit Qatar Highlights Record Tourism Growth and UK Market Strength at WTM London 2025

Visit Qatar Highlights Record Tourism Growth and UK Market Strength at WTM London 2025

Visit Qatar is unveiling the country’s significant tourism growth and expanding visitor offerings at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, from 4-6 November 2025 at ExCeL London. Joined by a strong delegation of 48 partners - including hotels, resorts and destination management companies - Visit Qatar shared its latest milestones in the country’s tourism sector during a press conference on 5 November, highlighting growth in visitor numbers, hospitality expansion, cruise milestones and Qatar’s evolving position as a world-class travel destination.

WTM London’s tech audience agree that AI is good for travel (with caveats)

WTM London’s tech audience agree that AI is good for travel (with caveats)

Artificial intelligence is a net positive for travel, according to a show-of-hands after a lively debate which rounded off the Technology Summit at this year’s WTM London. The role of AI in travel was debated by two teams of three. Those agreeing with the proposition – AI is the enemy of travel – were led by Stephen Joyce from Protect Group, with the dissenters led by Christian Watts of Magpie Travel.

Italian Cuisine World Summit brings Culinary Icons to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Italian Cuisine World Summit brings Culinary Icons to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The 16th edition of the Italian Cuisine World Summit, the longest-running event celebrating Italian gastronomy, restaurants, and authentic Italian-made food and beverages, returned to Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on November 3. The event paid tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant dining scene, featuring chefs representing Michelin-star-awarded restaurants from across Italy.

TV stars share travel marketing tips at WTM London

TV stars share travel marketing tips at WTM London

Yesterday, British TV stars Bettany Hughes and Maisie Adam took to the stage at WTM London to share their tips about marketing travel and holidays. Comedian and star of Taskmaster and A League of Their Own, Maisie Adam, spoke on the marketing summit panel ‘Comedy Sells’ whereby she told delegates: “It’s about making the ordinary, extraordinary”, as she recalled interviews with passengers about etiquette on planes. Having worked with several tourism boards, Adam went on to explain “There is a human element to travel…we have to grab [consumers] with more than just where it is. You don’t have to show off Machu Picchu; you could be at an airport talking about the mundane”. The comedian showed clips from her recent Swiss tourism film, which featured activities such as sliding down a bobsleigh run and trying a fondue. Adam said: “It’s about telling a story well and enjoying yourself. Other people see you’re having a great laugh, so they want to come and find out more”. She closed by telling the audience: “Humour is a special language…and a great tool for connection.”

Ministers identify investment and education as key to delivering on tourism’s global potential

Ministers identify investment and education as key to delivering on tourism’s global potential

Ministers gathered at WTM London 2025 shared their views on how smarter, more inclusive investment models can help destinations to share more widely the benefits of travel and tourism. The 19th edition of WTM London’s Ministers’ Summit, in association with UN Tourism and WTTC, offered examples of how the public and private sectors are working together to fund the opportunities and mediate the challenges of growing travel and tourism markets. Many destinations are using tax breaks and other incentives to drive tourism development. Christina Frasco from the Philippines talked about how it was offering fiscal incentives and opening new economic zones for tourism that champion sustainability, green innovation and job creation.

Saudi showcases Unreal calendar and iconic destinations at WTM

Saudi showcases Unreal calendar and iconic destinations at WTM

Saudi made a strong impression on the opening day of World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, as the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and its 71 partners unveiled the spectacular "Saudi Land" pavilion, presenting the scale and ambition of its tourism sector. Following a record-breaking year welcoming almost 116 million visitors and generating $75 billion in tourism spend, STA arrived at WTM ready to deepen global partnerships and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and growth.