After 13 years, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) finally returned to profitability in 2024, driven by high demand for travel and increased airfare prices among other factors. The CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group attributes the airline's profitability to increased passenger traffic in high-yield segments and more international flights. In 2023, the airline transported approximately 14.5 million passengers, marking a 46% increase from the previous year. Additionally, by December, passenger numbers had reached 86% of pre-pandemic levels, with expectations to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels by the second quarter of 2024.
Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024 International NewsAccording to published data, Dubai secured the second position globally in hotel room reservations last year, surpassing New York, Paris, and Singapore by a significant margin. London claimed the top spot in terms of reserved hotel rooms with approximately 43 million room nights, followed by Dubai with 41.8 million room nights, placing it second. In the midst of this, New York ranked third with 36 million room nights, while Paris secured the fourth position with approximately 24.7 million room nights, and Singapore stood fifth with 20.4 million room nights.
Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024 International NewsIn a £275 million deal, the BT Telecommunications Tower, once the tallest building in the UK capital, is set to transform into a luxury hotel.Constructed in 1964, this 189-meter tower, known for its unique and iconic design, has become one of London's tourist attractions. MCR Hotels, known for The High Line hotel in New York City, aims to fully renovate the tower into a luxury hotel featuring 200 rooms. Named "The Landmark London," the hotel will include restaurants, various bars, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city skyline.The tower's reconstruction is expected to be completed by 2027, with the hotel opening its doors in 2028.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024 International NewsRitz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah unveiled its latest addition, the "SignatureVillas," comprising eight ultra-luxurious villas nestled in the heart of the desert, offering a tranquil and private retreat.Spanning 900 square meters, these opulent villas provide an unparalleled setting for a dreamy getaway, boasting a private pool, mesmerizing desert views, lavish decor and furnishings, and unparalleled amenities and recreational facilities.Guests of SignatureVillas also benefit from the services of a dedicated butler, ensuring an unforgettable memory of their journey.
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 NewsAir Arabia Airlines, recognized as the leading budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa, achieved a new record in passenger numbers and profitability in 2023, transporting 58.4 million passengers. The company experienced a 12.7% increase in passenger traffic and approximately a 14.5% rise in operational revenue last year. The CEO of the company stated: "We are thrilled with this outstanding achievement, which demonstrates Air Arabia' commitment to providing quality and cost-effective services to passengers.""We are committed to further growth in the coming years through investment in our fleet and expanding our flight network," he added. Currently, Air Arabia Airlines operates flights to 170 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
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 NewsBooking.com has recently unveiled a list of top destinations for food and restaurants in Southeast Asia, based on feedback from its global users.Leading the list are Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, recognized as the most visited cities in the region. These cities are renowned as cultural and culinary hubs, boasting a variety of international restaurants. Additionally, the list includes multiple entries from countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, showcasing the unparalleled diversity of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International News