Middle East & Africa Visitors To Grow 11.4% Annually

The Middle East is expected to benefit from the high rate of outbound travel spend by Asian travellers, a study says.

Dubai Inn Rolls Out First Phase Of Hotels

The value hotel brand plans to supply over 1,750 new hotel rooms and serviced residences.

Middle East Hotels Face Challenge In Increasing RevPar- Report

Increasing supply is set to intensify the challenge to maintain hotel’s RevPar levels.

JA Resorts & Hotels Targets Aggressive Expansion In Dubai

The firm is also looking to expand its Indian Ocean portfolio with potential contracts in Thailand and Sri Lanka.

King Abdullah Economic City Halts Financial District Plans

Concerns that the KAEC Financial District would not be competitive have halted development.

GCC Needs To Be Educated About Cruise Holidays – Operators

The need to educate Gulf vacationers is rising as the region is growing to be a source market for cruise tourists.

Turkish Airlines Records Over 25% Passenger Growth In 2013

The airline received 48.3 million passengers in 2013.

Qatar Airways To Receive Its First A380 By Early June

Delivery coincides with the Doha-based carrier shifting its operations to Hamad International Airport

Saudi Arabia Mulls Lifting Visa Restrictions

Saudi tourism president says the Kingdom will consider changing its policies as systems, airports and the country’s security network improves.

Damac Launches Second Hotel Apartments Operator

Naia will manage 3,000 serviced apartments

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Announces New Luxury Hotel In Kuwait City

Three properties in Kuwait, London and Edinburgh join the group’s new luxury collection

DAMAC Launches Sharia-Compliant Hotel Apartments

Constella is to be the first Hotel Apartments in Dubai to Receive Official Sharia-Certification

Exclusive: Dubai To Build New Tourism Training Academy

The new entity is expected to begin operations within a couple of years, Dubai’s tourism chief confirms.

Wyndham Brings Garden Hotel Brand To Doha

The four star property will be Wyndham’s second in Doha, following the opening of the Wyndham Grand Regency in 2011.

Rotana Announces 10 New Hotels In The Middle East

The expansion includes properties in Dubai, Iran and Sudan.

Egyptian Militants Claim Attacks Near Tourist Sites In Sinai

Militant attacks and other political violence have intensified since the army overthrew Mursi last July following mass protests against his rule.

IFA, Tijaria’s $50m JV To Develop Vacation Club

The $50 million joint venture would fill a current market gap, a company executive said.

Egypt Is Safe For Arab Tourists, Says Tourism Minister

The Arab nation is looking towards the Gulf region to revive its slowing tourism sector

Accor Plots Middle East Hotel Push

The group plans to reach 100 hotels by 2017.

Hilton Opens First DoubleTree Hotel In Dubai

The 359 room property is Hilton’s fourth Doubletree on the Arabian Peninsula.

First Boutique Hotel Opens In Sharjah

72 By Hues is looking to capitalise on Sharjah’s growing tourism market.

Abu Dhabi Hotel Revenues Rise 11% In Q1 2014

Guest numbers in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments soared 32 per cent in Q1 2014, authorities say.

Meydan Signs Dubai Deal For World’s Largest Man Made Park

Wire World is set to cover 25,000 square feet and will be located adjacent to Meydan Racecourse.

Exclusive: Wealthy Russians Seek Second Citizenship To Beat Western Sanctions

Second citizenship expert says he has seen a significant jump in interest from Russian millionaires in the last month.

Etihad Airways Boosts Flights To Middle East Destinations

The airline is increasing its services to Beirut and Amman from July.

ISG Secures $35m Refurbishment Contract With Kempinski

The project will include the upgrade and refurbishment of all 393 guest rooms

Arabian Travel Market 2014: What To Expect

This year will see around 2,500 exhibitors and 66 national pavilions as industry players look to tap into the region’s lucrative travel and tourism sector.

Wealthy Middle Easterners Make Up 60% of Second Citizenship Applicants

Europe was the most popular location for second citizenship applicants, due to its proximity to the Middle East, as well as security and investment benefits.

Abu Dhabi Sees Sharp Decline in Hotel Rates

Average daily room rates in the capital decreased 14 per cent, reducing revenue intake for each room.

Deyaar Launches Hotel Tower In Dubai’s Business Bay

The launch continues Deyaar’s move into the hospitality sector.