Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has entered the final phase of its transformation following earlier public area upgrades. The resort temporarily closed on May 1, 2026 and is scheduled to reopen in early 2027 as a revamped UAE destination.
World Travel & Tourism Council research shows global tourism consistently recovers from crises, often stronger than before. The report highlights resilience, rapid post-pandemic rebound, and the importance of government leadership, investment, connectivity, and public-private cooperation for sustainable long-term growth.
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) luncheon, hosted by The Bench at XU restaurant with RIKAS Hospitality Group, brought together over 50 UAE hospitality leaders, reinforcing industry unity and resilience.
Building on the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 11, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing tourism and cultural exchange.
Jazeera Airways hosted the first Kuwait Tourism Forum 2026, gathering key industry and government stakeholders to highlight tourism growth opportunities and support Kuwait’s Vision 2035. It also signed an MoU with the Kuwait Hotel Owners Association to boost aviation-hospitality cooperation.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its premium lifestyle brand to Egypt with the opening of voco Hotels Cairo Arabella Plaza in New Cairo. The 80-room hotel is integrated directly into Arabella Plaza Mall.
The National Travel Operator – Visit Oman has become a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), marking a milestone in advancing Oman’s position within the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Dubai Airports (DA) has been recognised as a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) winner, placing the organisation among a select group of international employers that record the highest levels of employee engagement.
TBO, a B2B travel distribution platform, has renewed its collaboration with Vervotech to integrate advanced hotel mapping capabilities, reinforcing a previously established partnership between the two companies.
Specialised co-sourcing is gaining traction in the travel industry amid cost, talent, and geopolitical pressures. According to 24/7 Travel Partner Desk, it can cut operational costs by 40–50%, and up to 70% in high-cost markets like the US and Northern Europe.
