Tourism News Page 198
Lisbon's 2025 Cultural Renaissance: New Museums and Revitalised Icons
Lisbon, already home to over 50 museums, is expanding its vibrant cultural scene in 2025 with the opening of two exciting new museums and the revival of iconic institutions in recent months, offering visitors a journey through the city's rich history and contemporary creativity.
DCT Abu Dhabi Enhances Hotel Guest Efficiency and Safety with Emirate-Wide Face Recognition System
Introduction of face recognition technology will enhance guest experience and support public safety regulations. Agreement signed with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security to pilot first government-led initiative of its kind in Abu Dhabi
Oman unveils Dhofar Khareef 2025 highlights at Arabian Travel Market
The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality, officially announced the much-anticipated Dhofar Khareef 2025 season during a press conference held on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. The announcement was led by His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighting Oman’s commitment to promoting one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most unique tourism seasons to the world.
Tourism leaders at ATM outline the investment strategies powering Middle East growth
Tourism and investment leaders have gathered at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week to discuss the critical role of strategic investment in unlocking the Middle East’s full tourism potential. During a session held yesterday on the event’s Global Stage, a high-level panel explored how government policies, innovative development and strong public-private collaboration are accelerating sustainable tourism growth across the region.
GCC tourism strategies must encompass sustainability, social impact, and community engagement
As tourism destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) continue to grow, involving local communities in destination development has become increasingly vital for long-term success. Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 aims for 39.3 million visitors per year, while Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 targets 150 million domestic and international visits, emphasising how tourism is being established as a key element of economic diversification throughout the region.
Premier Inn and The Digital Hotelier sign Strategic Sustainability-Focused Digital Partnership
In alignment with the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and shared sustainability goals, Premier Inn Middle East and The Digital Hotelier have signed a strategic digital partnership across the GCC. The agreement, announced during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, marks a major step forward in promoting environmentally responsible innovation in the hospitality industry. This partnership supports Premier Inn Middle East - a joint venture between the Emirates Group and Whitbread, known for its high-quality, high-value accommodation - in its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. By joining forces with The Digital Hotelier - one of the region’s leading pioneers in guest experience and hospitality technology - Premier Inn aims to digitise key guest services and back-end operations, reduce paper use, and enhance resource efficiency across its hotels in the Middle East.
TAT promotes Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market 2025
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting Thailand’s position as a premier Muslim-friendly destination at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, aligning with the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 initiative. At the event, TAT announced new partnerships with key GCC-based airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, to enhance connectivity and offer co-branded campaigns that showcase Thailand’s wellness and luxury experiences. These initiatives aim to help TAT reach its 2025 target of over 1 million visitors from the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
Diriyah Co. Awards $1.13B Contract to Relocate KSU Utilities & Offices
Diriyah Company has awarded a $1.13 billion (SAR 4.225 billion) construction contract to relocate the existing utilities and administration offices of King Saud University (KSU) within the Diriyah masterplan.
LAWineFest Celebrates 20 Years of Bringing Wine Exploration to Los Angeles County
LAWineFest rings in two decades of celebrating all things wine in Los Angeles County, with two days of waterfront wine education, exploration and fun, May 31 and June 1, at Harry Bridges Memorial Park in Long Beach. As the County's largest, most wine-focused event, LAWineFest brings wine producers from around the globe to LA, gathering people together to sip what they like, and like what they sip. To celebrate 20 years, there will also be celebrity chefs, incredibly exclusive wine tasting opportunities, a chance to win high-end prizes, and more!
Disneyland Paris Launches First-Ever Disney Music Festival – Running Now Until 7th September 2025
Disneyland Paris has officially launched its first-ever Disney Music Festival – a live celebration of iconic songs from Disney Animation and Pixar films, brought to life across all five lands of Disneyland Park. Part of the resort's latest entertainment offering, the festival is included in the price of admission and runs for a limited time only, until 7th September 2025.
Dubai becomes first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere
Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere – a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. This achievement aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by championing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which includes the goal of creating inclusive spaces that encourage collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences.
La Quinta by Wyndham Opens its Doors in Beautiful Batumi, Georgia
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts introduced its highly anticipated La Quinta by Wyndham brand to the Georgian market, opening the beachside La Quinta® by Wyndham Batumi, in one of the fastest-growing travel destinations on the Black Sea coast. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Black Sea", Batumi is renowned for its vibrant blend of modern and historical architecture, beautiful beaches, subtropical climate and rich culinary scene.