Saudi Arabia is emerging as a fast-growing destination for Chinese tourists, according to Dragon Trail International’s research with WTM Spotlight Riyadh, driven by Approved Destination Status (ADS) status, Vision 2030 goals, stronger connectivity, and rising demand for cultural and luxury travel.
Ascott Limited will open Ascott Villas Riyadh in Q4 2026, its first Saudi villa community. The 86-villa project supports regional expansion and targets families and long-stay guests near Riyadh’s Hittin district and KAFD.
RateHawk Futurecast gathered industry leaders from TikTok, Lufthansa City Centre, Travelport, and MakeMyTrip to discuss how travel businesses must adapt to rapid technological change, evolving Gen Z customer behaviour, and increasing market uncertainty shaping future travel demand.
UN Tourism and The Bench signed an MoU in Madrid to boost global tourism investment, innovation, and education, focusing on sustainable development, public-private collaboration, startup support, and new investment opportunities through FHS platforms and joint initiatives.
Etihad Airways is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route, and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca.
H2R completed interior renovation of The Meydan Hotel in Dubai, reimagining guestrooms and public areas for Dubai Holding, modernising the hotel on an accelerated timeline while improving spatial quality and operational efficiency and improved outcomes.
Dubai International Airport expects around 3 million passengers in the first half of July, with daily traffic exceeding 200,000. July 12 is forecast to be the busiest day, handling more than 225,000 travellers as the summer travel peak begins.
Saudia Airlines completed its 2026 Hajj operations with a final flight to Ahmedabad carrying 402 pilgrims. Over 75 days, it provided more than one million seats, serving 145 destinations with a fleet of 160 aircraft.
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national carrier and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has announced the addition of two new destinations to its growing network, launching ticket sales for flights linking Riyadh with Málaga (Spain) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
Emirates is marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its cargo fleet by becoming the first airline cargo carrier to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger to freighter converted aircraft.
