Travel & Tourism News

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Etihad Rail serves up a taste of the UAE on passenger trains

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

Etihad Rail is enhancing journeys between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah with an Emirati-inspired onboard menu by Capital Catering, created by award-winning chef Maitha Warshaw under the theme “A Journey Through the Emirates.”

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Data helps airlines find new ways to save fuel: IATA

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

Data and industry collaboration are becoming increasingly important tools for airlines seeking to reduce fuel consumption as rising energy prices put further pressure on profitability, according to Stuart Fox, Director, Flight and Operations at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

flynas to launch Jeddah-Aleppo flights from August 21

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

flynas, the Saudi low-cost carrier, will launch direct flights between Jeddah and Aleppo in Syria from August 21, expanding its international network and strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Syria. The airline will operate two weekly flights on the new route.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

First Noted Collection Hotel in Middle East set for Riyadh

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment to introduce Cantonal Hotel Riyadh Noted Collection by IHG, marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Fall emerges as new peak season for luxury travel, Virtuoso finds

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Luxury travel demand is accelerating, with Virtuoso network sales on track to rise nearly 21%. Fall bookings are up 59%, sales 69%, while September sales surged 77%, signalling a shift towards shoulder-season travel.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

UAE hospitality sector poised for sustained growth despite headwinds: report

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The UAE hospitality sector remains resilient despite 2026 headwinds, supported by Dubai’s AED2.5 billion relief package. Hotel stock reached 159,300 rooms in Dubai and 33,650 in Abu Dhabi in Q2, with further expansion expected, JLL’s latest report said.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

SITE launches three Specialty Certifications for incentive travel professionals

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has launched three new Specialty Certifications, expanding its professional development offering with focused, on-demand education covering incentive travel psychology, risk management and wellness.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

EU indefinitely delays European Travel Information and Authorisation System

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The European Union has indefinitely postponed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), meaning visa-exempt travellers will not yet need to obtain travel authorisation before visiting participating European countries.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

First glimpse: Wynn Al Marjan Island unveils beach, lagoon, and reef

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Wynn Al Marjan Island today revealed that it has completed its 550-metre beachfront, sheltered lagoon and offshore reef, giving guests a first look at the resort's waterfront experience.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

DCT Abu Dhabi becomes first GCC tourism board to earn dual GIMI accreditations

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has become the first tourism board in the GCC region to receive both GIMI Innovation Level 3 Accreditation and GIMI Future Foresight Level 2 Accreditation from the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI),