Thailand experienced a notable surge in interest from long-haul geos in 2024, as evidenced by recent data from Airbnb. With increased air connectivity, this upswing suggests a growing appetite among international travellers—particularly from regions such as Europe, US, and Australia—to explore the Kingdom's diverse offerings, from tropical islands and cultural heritage sites to wellness retreats and culinary experiences.
Boeing and Gulf Air have announced an agreement for the purchase of 12, 787 Dreamliner jets, with options for six more as the Bahrain-based airline looks to further develop its international network.
The International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, which is taking place from January 21-25, 2025, at IFEMA MADRID, presents the fourth consecutive edition of FITUR Sports.
New research by PwC Middle East, in collaboration with Mabrian Technologies, a global travel intelligence platform, reveals that visitor preferences across the Gulf region are undergoing a fundamental shift. Visitors are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer cultural meaning and emotional resonance.
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Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier, recently announced the launch of a new service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan. Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost carrier, on July 02 marked a historic milestone with the resumption of its direct flights between Kuwait and Damascus—restoring air connectivity between the two nations for the first time in over 13 years. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network. The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia from December this year; as well as Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman in the summer of 2026. These new routes offer guests more opportunities to discover unique cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This summer, Moscow is set to become a must-visit destination for Middle Eastern travellers, offering a refreshing escape from the region’s intense heat with its elegant blend of refined hospitality, rich culture, and immersive outdoor experiences. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has begun operating its iconic Airbus A380 on daily flights to Toronto, boosting capacity by 31 percent and marking a new chapter in the airline’s long-standing commitment to Canada ahead of its 20th anniversary. Coinciding with Future Hospitality Summit Africa 2025, Hilton announced plans to almost triple its presence in Africa to more than 160 hotels trading in the coming years. |
