Travel & Tourism News

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

IATA introduces digital baggage messaging platform

Wed, 20 May 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed the Baggage Community System (BCS), a secure digital platform to support the progressive adoption of the Modern Baggage Messaging (BIX) standard.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Incentive travel remains top motivator across generations: study

Wed, 20 May 2026

SITE and Maritz research shows incentive travel is the top non-cash motivator across generations, outperforming cash and rewards. Most recipients report higher loyalty, retention, and motivation, demonstrating strong employer ROI and ongoing programme effectiveness.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Dubai retains top spot in Cvent 2026 MEA MICE rankings

Wed, 20 May 2026

Cvent released its 2026 MEA rankings, highlighting strong demand for in-person events despite geopolitical uncertainty. Dubai leads destinations, followed by Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, while JW Marriott Marquis Dubai tops the hotel rankings, reinforcing the city’s MICE leadership.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

IATA projects up to 3.8pc annual passenger growth in Egypt

Wed, 20 May 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted Egypt’s strong aviation growth outlook, forecasting annual passenger demand growth of 3.4% to 3.8% through 2050, while urging government-industry collaboration on infrastructure, regulation, and sustainability initiatives.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Cebu Pacific to resume Dubai flights on July 2

Wed, 20 May 2026

Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced it will resume its Dubai operations beginning July 2, 2026, following safety assessments and coordination with Dubai airport authorities.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Dubai aims to double sports sector's share in GDP to $5bn

Wed, 20 May 2026

Dubai is aiming to cement its position as one of the world’s leading sports destinations under an ambitious strategy that seeks to nearly double the sector’s contribution to the emirate’s economy from AED10.17 billion ($2.77 billion) to AED18.3 billion ($4.98 billion) by 2033, while dramatically expanding participation and spectator attendance.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Bahrain suspends entry of non-Bahraini travellers from ebola-hit countries

Wed, 20 May 2026

Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) has announced the suspension of entry for non-Bahraini travellers arriving in the kingdom from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda on all flights from Tuesday, May 19.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

The Chedi Al Bait receives Green Key Certification

Tue, 19 May 2026

The Chedi Al Bait has received the internationally recognised Green Key certification, underscoring the hotel’s commitment to sustainable hospitality and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Moscow expands services for GCC travellers

Tue, 19 May 2026

Moscow expects more GCC visitors this summer, driven by demand for safety, culture and luxury. The city is expanding halal dining, premium hotels and Arabic support, alongside the “Discover Moscow” platform offering tailored travel information.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Ascott expands in GCC with Citadines Sharq Kuwait opening

Tue, 19 May 2026

The Ascott is expanding in the GCC with the upcoming Citadines Sharq Kuwait, marking its entry into Kuwait. The opening supports its focus on flexible hospitality and contributes to a regional growth plan targeting 15,000 units by 2030.