Latest News from Tourism Breaking News
Tourism Breaking News
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 with Global Meet and International Outreach
Post Views: 80 In a special interview with TravTalkME, Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Director International Promotion Division, North and East Asia, Tourism Malaysia shared that efforts are being made to intensify priority markets such as the GCC to drive more opportunities and that they are planning a special event to connect Malaysian sellers with international buyers and media in September this year on world tourism day to further promote about 'Visit Malaysia 2026'. She added that Malaysia is ramping up its preparations for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, with major initiatives already underway this year. A national priority, the campaign brings together strategic partners from across the hospitality and tourism industry—including hotels, airlines, and media platforms—to amplify Malaysia's brand on the global stage. 'Among the key highlights is Global Meet, a business-to-business (B2B) platform taking place later this year. The event will connect Malaysian tourism sellers with international buyers and media, aiming to boost global awareness and drive business opportunities ahead of 2026. Additionally, Malaysia will host World Tourism Day in Melaka this September, further showcasing its readiness and commitment. Efforts are being intensified in priority markets. While neighboring countries remain strong contributors to tourist arrivals, Malaysia is expanding its focus to China, India, and notably the Middle East—aligning with the Prime Minister's regional engagement efforts. Long-haul markets like Europe are also a renewed priority.' To drive this agenda, Malaysia has launched a series of sales missions and workshops. These include recent promotional tours in India, China, and the Middle East, such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and missions to Jeddah and Riyadh. Post-COVID, the push is clear: re-establish Malaysia's presence in under-engaged regions and aggressively market the country as a top tourism destination. With 2026 on the horizon, Malaysia is going 'all out' to ensure the campaign's success.
Tourism Breaking News
38 minutes ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Majid Al Futtaim and Ennismore announce plans for Egypt's first 25hours Hotel
Post Views: 60 Majid Al Futtaim announced a new strategic partnership with Ennismore to launch Egypt's first 25hours Hotel at Junction, Majid Al Futtaim's upcoming business and lifestyle destination in West Cairo. The new addition marks the debut of the 25hours brand in the Egyptian market, reinforcing Junction's position as a dynamic hub for hospitality, business, and culture. Bringing a playful, design-led approach to hospitality, 25hours will inject fresh creative energy into West Cairo. Known for its eclectic interiors, strong sense of place, and immersive storytelling, the brand's arrival signals a bold reimagining of how hotels contribute to urban culture. Gaurav Bhushan, Chief Executive Officer for Ennismore, said, 'Ennismore is honoured to be partnering with Majid Al Futtaim to bring 25hours to Egypt for the first time, especially within a lifestyle destination like Junction. Each 25hours Hotel is inspired by the rich culture and history of its location, and we look forward to creating a strong sense of storytelling through design and community spaces through our restaurants and bars for our guests.' 'At Majid Al Futtaim, we believe in creating destinations that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of today's customers. The arrival of 25hours at Junction marks an exciting moment in our refounding journey and continues our longstanding legacy of introducing bold, innovative concepts to the communities we serve.' said Ahmed El Shamy, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Properties. 'This partnership also marks a significant step in our vision to create destinations that are both commercially vibrant and culturally meaningful, while further reinforcing our long-term commitment to building integrated, future-ready environments that drive economic growth and foster innovation.' Situated in the heart of Junction, the hotel will feature approximately 250 keys, comprising both hotel rooms and 25hours Heimat branded residences. Designed to reflect the 25hours ethos, the property will offer guests a more immersive connection to the brand's distinctive lifestyle experience. Guests and residents will have access to three distinctive dining venues, coworking areas, spa and wellness facilities, and flexible spaces for meetings and events. Innovatively transcending conventional residential norms, 25hours Heimat offers an unparalleled living experience, complete with a range of unconventional amenities accessed through an on-site concierge and Accor's Ownership Benefits Programme. Founded in Germany and now part of Ennismore, a global collective of lifestyle brands, 25hours continues to grow and expand, boasting a reputation for creative, experience-driven stays that are rooted in the identity of each location. Bringing together premium business and lifestyle offerings, Junction spans more than 129,000 sqm across two interconnected plots. The development includes 13 cutting-edge office buildings, curated retail and F&B experiences, and sustainable infrastructure designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards. With 97,000 sqm of flexible, state-of-the-art workspace, Junction is purpose-built for modern business and future-ready enterprises. First introduced in April 2025, Junction is a key part of Majid Al Futtaim's development strategy in Egypt. The destination is designed to foster productivity, creativity, and community through its modern infrastructure, walkable layout, and curated public spaces. With sustainability as a core principle, Junction aims to achieve LEED Gold certification. Blending commercial and lifestyle elements, Junction is redefining the way people work, collaborate, and engage with the city. The arrival of 25hours will add a new layer of vibrancy to Junction, helping shape it into a landmark destination for business, culture, and modern enterprise.
Tourism Breaking News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates Skywards enhances partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members more rewards
Post Views: 28 Emirates Skywards has enhanced its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy to offer members the opportunity to convert Miles to Points, and Points to Miles. The strategic partnership will unlock even more rewards for 35 million members worldwide, who can now enjoy seamless conversions. The new benefit further enhances the already strong collaboration between both loyalty programmes, which currently offers Members the chance to earn twice the rewards on both flights and hotel stays. Members can earn Skywards Miles in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and Marriott Bonvoy points in addition to Skywards Miles when flying with Emirates. Dr. Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Skywards, said: 'Marriott Bonvoy offers one of the most fantastic hotel portfolios in the industry, and as one of the most valued and recognised loyalty programmes in the world – we're thrilled to take our partnership to the next level. Our 35 million members have benefitted from this strategic partnership for more than 10 years – earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays. And we've now opened a world of new rewards with the option to convert Miles to Points. This means members can redeem Points towards stays at more than 30 hotel brands and over 10,000 destinations across 144 countries and territories. At the same time, Marriott Bonvoy members can still enjoy converting Points to Miles to 'fly better' with Emirates to more than 140 destinations across the airline's extensive network. We're proud of our long-standing partnership and as two global brand leaders – we look forward to delivering more benefits, value, and the very best travel experiences for our members worldwide.' Philip Andreopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer – EMEA, Marriott International commented: 'It is great to see our strong partnership with Emirates Skywards expand, to be able to offer our Marriott Bonvoy members more unique and diverse travel experiences, along with personalised benefits that they can access across the globe. The addition of this new benefit reflects the shared vision and collaboration between the two programmes and brings a more holistic travel experience for all of our loyal members.' Here's how it works Enjoy earning twice the rewards on flights and hotel stays, including: 1 Skywards Mile for every USD 1 spent on eligible stays at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy (in addition to Marriott Bonvoy points); and 3 Marriott Bonvoy Points for every USD 1 spent when travelling with Emirates (in addition to earning Skywards Miles). Convert 3 Marriott Bonvoy Points equivalent to 1 Skywards Mile, and as a bonus, enjoy 5,000 Skywards Miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points converted. And starting from today, members can: Convert 3 Skywards Miles to 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points, with a minimum requirement of 3,000 Miles. To convert Skywards Miles to Marriott Bonvoy Points, simply visit log in using your Skywards credentials; enter your Marriott Bonvoy membership details; and simply, convert. Award-winning loyalty programme With 35 million members worldwide, Emirates Skywards continues to offer its members unmatched rewards and benefits. The loyalty programme was crowned 'Best Global Airline Loyalty Program' at the International Loyalty Awards 2025; 'Platinum: Global Loyalty Programme' and 'Silver: Customer Experience Strategy' at the Loyalty 360 Awards; and 'World's Leading Airline – Rewards Programme' at the World Travel Awards 2024 – recognised for its extensive brand partnership portfolio and innovative offerings that enable members to 'earn better' and 'spend better.'
Tourism Breaking News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Dragonpass sets new benchmarks for Premium Travel in the GCC
Post Views: 14 Dragonpass International (Dragonpass) is redefining the travel experience in the GCC. Andrew Harrison-Chinn CMO at Dragonpass shared, 'With over 2.7 million customers in the region, we've seen a 100% year-on-year increase in customers transitioning from analog to digital. This growth aligns with the broader development visions shaping the future of the GCC. Regional strategies, including Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Urban Plan 2040, emphasize smart infrastructure, elevated quality of life, and seamless urban mobility—all priorities that mirror Dragonpass's commitment to frictionless, tech-enabled travel. Across the GCC, international tourism is surging, with Saudi Arabia welcoming 30 million visitors and the UAE's major airports seeing over 48 million international arrivals in the past year. The demand for seamless, value-rich travel experiences has never been higher.' Dragonpass's growth has been powered by its flexible and collaborative approach to market entry and expansion. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, the company partners closely with local organizations to co-create solutions that reflect the unique cultural and consumer dynamics of each GCC market. This localized agility has enabled Dragonpass to rapidly scale its operations and emerge as a preferred platform for both travelers and regional businesses seeking to enhance the travel experience. A key differentiator is Dragonpass's advanced technology platform, which aggregates travel services and loyalty benefits into one unified and personalized user experience. Strategic partnerships with leading blue-chip organizations based in the Middle East allow the company to deliver high-value offerings that combine exclusivity, convenience, and relevance. Dragonpass has also expanded well beyond traditional airport benefits. The platform now offers access to over 2,150 curated travel experiences, including Fast Track and a wide array of dining options. Dragonpass has recently launched a new lifestyle module focused on wellness and fitness. Members can now access more than 1,000 fitness and wellness locations across 50 major cities in over 25 countries—meeting the growing demand in the region for holistic, on-the-go wellbeing. 'The GCC is redefining the future of global travel, with innovation at the core of how experiences are delivered and valued,' said Andrew Harrison-Chinn CMO at Dragonpass. 'The GCC is a strategic growth market for us, home to highly discerning travelers who expect seamless, premium, and personalized journeys. By co-creating with forward-thinking partners and investing in technology-led solutions, we're not just responding to regional demand — we're helping shape a smarter, more elevated travel ecosystem across the region.'
Tourism Breaking News
20 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and Alleem Group drive strategic collaboration MoU aims to drive event excellence, market reach, and mutual growth
Post Views: 5 Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel solidified a strategic partnership with Alleem Group designating Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel as the official hospitality partner for Alleem Group's upcoming initiatives, marking a milestone in cross-sector collaboration. The strategic alliance aims to enhance brand visibility, unlock mutual growth and create synergies through joint promotional efforts and high-profile event hosting. As part of the agreement, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel will be the preferred venue for Alleem Group's corporate events, conferences, product launches, and CSR-driven gatherings including their Annual Sustainability Summit, while the company will promote the hotel's services and offers across its network. The collaboration amplifies joint marketing efforts across digital platforms, print media, and social channels, highlighting curated hospitality packages for Alleem Group's clients and Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel's guests. The collaboration aligned with UAE's Vision 2030, such as heritage preservation workshops and eco-friendly event practices, reinforcing both entities' commitment to sustainability. Leveraging Alleem Group's regional and international showcase Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel's premium offerings to a global audience. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, emphasized the partnership's strategic value – 'This collaboration is a catalyst for elevating Ajman's hospitality sector. By hosting Alleem Group's events, we anticipate a 10% increase in corporate bookings while delivering immersive experiences that reflect our Emirati heritage. Partnerships like this are pivotal to positioning Ajman as a hub for cultural and business tourism.' Dr. Rashid Alleem, Founder & Chairman at Alleem Group, added: 'Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel's iconic waterfront location and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our ethos. This partnership enables us to offer stakeholders a unique blend of innovation and tradition, whether through international conferences or community initiatives we will launching later this year.' The UAE's hospitality sector is projected to grow by 7% annually, driven by rising MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism. This partnership taps into Ajman's emergence as a destination for travellers seeking authenticity and luxury. Over the next 12 months, the collaboration will roll out phased activations, including sustainability events, CSR events and cultural festivals, art exhibitions to involve community through culture and art.
