At ATM Dubai 2024, Jeju Island unveiled its captivating charms, targeting the lucrative Middle Eastern travel market. With strategic partnerships, tailored experiences, and an emphasis on halal-friendly facilities, Jeju positioned itself as a haven for Middle Eastern travelers. Its striking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and focus on wellness and luxury captivated the attention of industry professionals and potential visitors alike.
Tourism Seychelles is actively participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from May 6th to May 9th, 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. This prestigious event annually attracts over 28,000 key buyers and industry professionals and has been a pivotal part of the travel sector for more than 30 years. Led by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, the Seychelles delegation includes Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, Director General for Destination Marketing, Bernadette Willemin, and Tourism Seychelles’ Middle East representative, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah. Seychelles’ Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Gervais Moumou, is also present, alongside local trade representatives from 7 South, Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Eden Bleu Hotel, Luxe Voyage Holidays, Luxury Travel, Masons Travel, Ocean Blue Travel, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa/ Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, and Summer Rain Tours. Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Willemin, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects at ATM, stating, “We have an exciting few days ahead. The ATM offers a unique platform for networking and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. Our focus is on reinforcing our presence in the Middle Eastern market and maintaining Seychelles as a top vacation destination.” Tourism Seychelles aims to connect with top industry figures during the event, promoting the islands’ captivating charm. The UAE remains a key market for Seychelles, with over 5,300 visitors from the region recorded by April 28th, 2024.
President Biden has pledged to withhold offensive weapons from Israel if it invades the southern Gaza city of Rafah, drawing bipartisan backlash. While Biden continues to support defensive systems like the Iron Dome, the administration has quietly approved weapons sales to several Middle Eastern nations, including Lebanon, Iraq, and Qatar, which have been accused of supporting anti-Israel groups. Despite Lebanon’s ongoing boycott of Israel, the State Department argues that the sanctions waiver is in the national interest for stability and counterterrorism efforts. Similarly, Yemen’s waiver is justified for tackling regional threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Qatar’s waiver is attributed to the importance of its bilateral relationship for regional security and ongoing cease-fire negotiations.
A recent study conducted by Wego, a leading travel marketplace, has revealed that Saudi Arabia and Egypt continue to dominate as the preferred travel destinations within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for 2024. Data gathered from the platform’s flight searches and bookings during the first four months of the year confirms their unwavering popularity, with both countries maintaining their top two positions for nearly a decade.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly collaborates with the historic city of Medina in Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish it as the first Autism Certified CityTM in the Middle East. As a testament to its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Medina recognizes the significance of creating an environment that caters to the diverse needs of individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. This initiative encompasses comprehensive training programs for healthcare professionals, educators, community members, and law enforcement officers, equipping them with the skills and empathy necessary to interact effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum. Furthermore, tailored action plans will be implemented to enhance accessibility in public spaces and develop recreational and educational programs specifically designed for individuals with autism and their families.
This summer, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will welcome the first TeamLab Borderless Museum in the Middle East. In collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, renowned Japanese art collective TeamLab will establish a digital art haven in the Historic District of Jeddah. Visitors can anticipate over 80 interconnected artworks, including Borderless World, Athletics Forest, Future Park, Forest of Lamps, and En Tea House. The museum will occupy a vast 10,000 square meters overlooking Lake Al-Arbaeen and Historic Jeddah. This permanent exhibition will showcase works that transcend boundaries, fostering connections and interactivity.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is set to open its latest property, the Four Seasons Hotel Madinah, in late 2024. The new hotel will be located in the heart of Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque, one of the most important landmarks in the Islamic world. The hotel will feature 246 guest rooms and suites, several dining venues and lounges, extensive meeting facilities, a fitness center, and a luxurious spa. General Manager Waleed Sobhy will lead the preopening team tasked with bringing the new hotel to fruition.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is expanding its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the introduction of two new hotels in Madinah. The Hyatt House Madinah KEC and Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC will be situated within the Knowledge Economic City (KEC), contributing 576 keys to Hyatt’s growing portfolio in the region. The Hyatt Centric brand will make its debut in Saudi Arabia with the Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC. The strategic location of KEC, directly linked with the five major roads in Madinah, positions it as a leading developer in Saudi Arabia. Hyatt House Madinah KEC will offer 446 residentially-styled rooms, while Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC will feature 130 contemporary rooms and suites. Both properties will be integrated into World of Hyatt, the industry’s fastest growing loyalty program.
Air India’s flights to Tel Aviv will remain suspended until May 15 due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The decision comes as the region continues to face instability, influenced by the persistent hostilities involving Israel and Hamas. Air India operates four weekly flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, and the extension of the flight suspension reflects the volatile situation in the region. Despite high tensions and hostilities, discussions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are underway.
AirlinePros International, an award-winning provider of aviation services based in the United States, has partnered with AMH Tourism, a subsidiary of AMH Group, to establish AirlinePros Middle East LLC in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks a significant milestone in AirlinePros’ global expansion, as it allows them to offer their services to clients throughout the Middle East. The joint venture will leverage the strengths of both companies to drive growth and innovation in the region’s aviation and tourism sectors.
