Tourism News Page 462
Emirates and American Express Middle East Sign MOU
Emirates and American Express Middle East (AEME) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that intends to expand their collaboration to explore new offerings for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in select countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Together, Emirates and American Express Middle East will explore ways to reach and engage with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) through differentiated offers and value driven initiatives. This may include payments solutions tailored to SMEs, the extension of potential incentives provided by Emirates to American Express Middle East Card Members participating in the Emirates Business Rewards program, among other benefits.
Emirates and MSC Cruises extend long-term partnership
Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the air-sea traveller experience, supporting Dubai’s cruise ambitions to become a major cruise hub, and exploring future opportunities for joint growth across the airline’s extensive network. Announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the partnership builds on a decade long year relationship and will leverage the strengths of the airline and MSC Cruises to enhance the guest experience and support the growth of Dubai’s cruise tourism eco-system.
Mohammed bin Rashid visited Arabian Travel Market 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
ATM 2025 sets a new benchmark with over 55,000 attendees, marking 16% year-on-year growth
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, has welcomed more than 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, representing a 16% increase on last year’s edition. The event has showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world.
Club Escapade the 2025 winner of the ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle
Club Escapade has won the 2025 edition of the ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which was held in association with Intelak, overcoming stiff competition from some of the region’s leading travel innovators and disruptors. This year’s competition received entries from 40 travel start-ups, including finalists ChatDMC, Penguinpass, SparkleHaze (Woohoo), TravStack, and WROXAI
Saudi Tourism Authority and Accor Launch Bold New Collaboration
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Arabian Travel Market 2025, marking a strategic partnership that will build on Saudi’s emergence as a global tourism powerhouse. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, aiming to enhance international demand, grow brand visibility, and drive hotel bookings and loyalty across the country’s expanding hospitality landscape.
Rooted in the Region: Rotana Strengthens UAE and Saudi Arabia Presence with 12 New Hotels
Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality management company, has announced a significant expansion of its regional portfolio, with 12 new hotels set to open across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These openings reaffirm Rotana’s position as the region’s most trusted hospitality operator and underline its commitment to shaping the future of tourism in its home markets.
STORY Hospitality and Urbnlanes Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement to Elevate Egypt’s Hospitality
A landmark partnership agreement between Kuwaiti real estate giant Urbnlanes and UAE-based STORY Hospitality, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Capital Group, sees STORY Hospitality appointed as the exclusive operator and manager of the hospitality component within Urbnlanes’ flagship project, Noi Residence in New Cairo.
Sea and air travel take centre stage at ATM 2025 as passenger numbers surge
Sea and air travel have been under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week as the event welcomed international leaders from the aviation and cruise industries. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, shared updates on the latest passenger numbers as well as his fascinating perspective on the future of aviation and the airport experience. Meanwhile, a panel of experts gathered to discuss the progress made in establishing the Arabian Gulf as a premier global cruise destination.
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AlUla Development Company unveils the Design Concept of “NUMAJ,” by the Autograph Collection
AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, announces further details about the Autograph Collection Hotel project, which it is developing and will be operated by Marriott International. The announcement reveals the design concept for the hotel, NUMAJ: A Tapestry of the Land along with innovative sustainability practices targeting LEED Gold certification.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS LAUNCHES ETIHAD FOR BUSINESS CORPORATE TRAVEL PROGRAMME
Etihad Airways today announced the launch of a new corporate travel programme designed to enhance the business travel experience. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, marking a significant advancement in the airline’s corporate travel offerings.
Hilton Debuts in Central India with the Opening of Hilton Garden Inn in Jabalpur
Hilton today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Jabalpur, marking the brand’s entry into Madhya Pradesh’s thriving commercial and cultural hub, Jabalpur. The launch marks a significant milestone as the city’s first internationally branded hotel, bringing Hilton’s globally recognized brand to the region. The 101-room new-build property has been developed in partnership with Ajay Satya Prakash Hospitality LLP.