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 notable initiative, the UK's High Commission in India is offering 3,000 work visas under the "Young Professionals from India" scheme, without the need for a job offer or financial sponsorship. This exceptional opportunity is available for Indian applicants aged 18 to 30 to be selected through a lottery system for living and working in Britain for two years. Unlike many other work visas, this scheme does not require a job offer or sponsorship from a British employer. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Britain for two years, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of life in this advanced country.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 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 NewsRenowned for its opulent and lavish hotels, the Aman hotel group is set to build its first hotel in the city of Dubai. The hotel will be located in Jumeirah 2 area, alongside the coastline.Aman Dubai will feature luxurious suites, a spacious spa, several restaurants, and an exclusive club.The design of this hotel is being undertaken by the architectural firm Kerry Hill Architects, combining a blend of minimal and contemporary styles with Arabic elements. Currently, the Aman hotel group is also constructing hotels in Saudi Arabia.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024 International NewsThe 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 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 NewsIstanbul International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has named 2024 as the "Investment Year."The airport's management has announced a €160 million investment in 2023 and has set a target of €656 million for 2024. With an increase in the number of passengers and flights in 2024, Istanbul Airport aims to continue its growth trajectory. The airport's goal is to attract 85 million passengers in 2024.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsSwiss Airline is currently taking steps to address the evolving needs of the market. The airline industry is on the verge of transformation. With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and increasing demand for new flight experiences, the industry requires a rethink and reassessment of its business practices. As part of the Lufthansa Group, Swiss Airline is planning a fundamental overhaul of its fleet, both by adding new aircraft and by offering new experiences to its existing services. The main focus of Swiss Airline's new product offering is a completely redesigned cabin for its long-haul aircraft fleet. Currently, Swiss Airline operates flights to over 100 destinations worldwide. The airline transported over 19 million passengers in 2019.
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 News