The Spanish Tourism Board in the GCC region has reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals from this area in 2023, indicating Spain's growing popularity as an attractive tourist destination for GCC residents. The notable surge mainly stemmed from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Spain's allure lies in its cultural diversity, historical attractions, stunning beaches, and favorable climate, with expectations for increased demand for travel to Spain from the GCC in 2024. The lifting of travel restrictions, the increase in direct flights, and the introduction of new attractions are expected to contribute to this upward trend.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024 International NewsDan Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund specializing in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism, has signed a memorandum of understanding with AMATC company. This collaboration includes the development and enhancement of ecotourism lodges, tourist farms, and other unique accommodation options in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The two companies will collaborate to provide diverse tourism services to travelers, including specialized tours, recreational and educational programs, and support services. Additionally, joint investment in the development of tourism infrastructure, such as building tourist camps, hiking and biking trails, and other recreational facilities, is another provision of this memorandum of understanding.The signing of this memorandum is considered a significant step towards the development of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry and the realization of the country's Vision 2030.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024 International NewsRecent studies indicate a shifting trend among summer tourists, as they move from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea coasts due to climate changes. Rising temperatures and decreasing comfort in tropical regions are driving this change. Certain northern regions are poised to become new tourist destinations, offering year-round appeal. Weather plays a pivotal role in destination selection, impacting travel patterns and tourism demand. Climate variations significantly influence travel preferences and behaviors.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsReports indicate a rise in travel expenses and a greater emphasis on environmental issues among Emirati and Saudi travellers. According to these reports, travellers are now significantly incorporating sustainability considerations into their travel plans and are willing to pay over 20 percent extra for stays in eco-friendly accommodations. Furthermore, artificial intelligence technology is increasingly becoming a key tool for travel planning, more accessible to Emirati and Saudi travellers.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsThe tourism sector, contributing 7.6% to the country's gross domestic product, plays a vital role in economic growth. Despite these successes, inadequate road infrastructure and accessibility issues to tourist attractions have hindered the industry's growth. Investing in regional airport infrastructure and improving access routes can significantly boost domestic tourism.Moreover, better collaboration between the government and the hospitality industry can lead to the creation of numerous jobs and help reduce unemployment.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsThe Association of Tour Operators of Russia has reported an 8.1% increase in the number of tourists from this country traveling to the Caspian Sea coast in 2023 compared to the previous year. Popular destinations in Turkey on the Caspian Sea coast, including Dalaman, Marmaris, and Fethiye, hosted 391,000 tourists in 2023, indicating significant growth in the tourism industry in this region. Russian tour operators predict that demand for travel by Russian tourists to the Caspian Sea coast will continue to increase in 2024, despite the potential shortage of accommodation in quality five-star hotels.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsA new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council and Microsoft predicts the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the tourism and travel industry, promising an unparalleled experience for customers. This report redefines travel and tourism standards and calls for greater integration of these technologies into the industry.According to the report, tourism and travel businesses are encouraged to prioritize artificial intelligence as a strategic priority and make significant investments in fostering collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence. The World Travel and Tourism Council believes that artificial intelligence can play a pivotal role in providing personalized and advanced experiences for travelers both now and in the future.By analyzing traveler data, optimizing pricing strategies through real-time adjustments, and providing instant responses and precise interactions through advanced chatbots, this technology can enhance personalized recommendations and marketing strategies.
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsWith a forecast of significant growth, the outbound travel market of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to reach $57.5 billion by 2028. This increase is primarily due to rapid growth in outbound tourism in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, indicating an increasing inclination of people in this region to travel abroad. Moreover, Generation Z is recognized as the vanguards of this growth. This generation increasingly utilizes the "Bleisure" trend, a combination of business and leisure, to create a balance between their personal and professional lives.
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsIn 2024, Qatar will transform into a global focal point by hosting 80 significant cultural, sports, and scientific events.Organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority, these events provide a unique opportunity for visitors from around the world to experience Qatar's cultural diversity, creativity, and innovation. The comprehensive calendar for the year 2024 in Qatar, recently released by the Qatar Tourism Authority, encompasses a wide spectrum of events in various fields.Hosting these events provides Qatar with an unparalleled opportunity to emerge as a global tourist destination and showcase its cultural diversity, creativity, and innovation to the world)
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsIn a move to expand its operations in Australia, Emirates has announced it will increase its services to the country.Starting October 1st, Emirates will upgrade its second daily flight between Dubai and Brisbane (EK430/431) to an Airbus A380.This upgrade will significantly increase passenger capacity and provide a more comfortable and relaxed travel experience for passengers. In addition, Emirates will launch a second daily service between Dubai and Perth on December 1st, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.This move demonstrates Emirates' commitment to expanding and strengthening its presence in the Australian market.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsOzhotels, recognized as a leading hotel group in Turkey, has signed a contract with Marriott, the world's largest hotel chain brand, to open two new hotels in Antalya. The regional manager of Ozhotels in Antalya stated: "We are proud to collaborate with the Marriott brand to open these two new hotels in Antalya."These hotels will contribute to the improvement of the tourism industry in Antalya and provide quality services to guests from around the world. The chairman of the Ozhotels board also expressed satisfaction with this collaboration, stating: "This is a significant milestone for Ozhotels.""We are collaborating with the Marriott brand, one of the most recognized brands in the hotel industry, to provide a unique experience for our guests in Antalya." The opening of these two new hotels will create new job opportunities in Antalya and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsA new auction-based taxi service called Drife has been launched in Dubai, which can significantly reduce fares for passengersThe Drife app is the first decentralized transportation system in the United Arab Emirates, allowing passengers to view different drivers' offers for a trip and choose the best option. This system benefits everyone, as passengers pay lower fares, and drivers earn more income by eliminating commissions. Drivers pay a monthly subscription fee to use Drife.The company's app and website will be launched later this month, and initially, 100 limousines from a private company will be registered in the system.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International News