WTTC's Executive Council approved eight strategic priorities covering digital journeys, sustainability, AI, connectivity, and workforce, shaped by 200+ CEO interviews.
WTTC urges calm and evidence-based responses to the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, warning that misinformation and overbroad travel restrictions risk harming unaffected African destinations.
WTTC gathered former presidents, ministers and industry CEOs aboard Crystal Serenity for unprecedented leadership summit focused on accelerating global tourism recovery through enhanced public-private collaboration.
Aleph Hospitality has entered the Makkah market by signing a hotel management agreement with Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel. The hotel, located on Ibrahim Khalil Street near the Great Mosque of Makkah and the Abraj Al-Bait Towers, comprises 338 rooms. This agreement marks Aleph Hospitality's second operational hotel in Saudi Arabia, following the Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah.
Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner, operator and investor, has signed a strategic hotel management agreement for a prominent beachfront property on Dubai’s iconic Palm West Beach in collaboration with valued partners, Seven Tides. Effective by 1st August 2025, the addition of this new resort and serviced residences—currently operating as Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel—to Minor Hotels’ managed portfolio further strengthens the group’s growing footprint in the United Arab Emirates and establishes it as the largest operator on the Trunk of the Palm.
Premier Inn Dubai International Aiport has been awarded Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East at the prestigious Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2025, in recognition of its seamless guest experience, prime location, and exceptional service tailored to meet the needs of today’s travellers.
Valor Hospitality Partners, a leading full-service global hospitality management company, has signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Karmastaji Group to oversee a portfolio of three hotels in Dubai with 259 keys and five outlets. This partnership underscores the trust that Dubai-based Karmastaji Group has placed in Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. Valor’s expertise in hospitality management continues to help visionary developers like Karmastaji Group transform their assets into successful business ventures.
The second edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards welcomed around 1,200 applications from businesses and individuals working in the sector. The different categories and sub-categories were designed to reflect the diversity of Qatar's growing tourism sector. Between 2019 and 2024, international arrivals to Qatar grew by 147%, with the sector also a growing hub for tourism innovation and investments.
Valor Hospitality Partners a leading global full-service hotel management company, is proud to announce the signing of its Lifestyle property in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Abha, the capital of the Aseer region. The upscale Hijla Hotel, owned by Mr. Mohammed Manaa Almounis and Mr. Samir Muhammad Al Qahtani, and Kayan Almusanada company, in collaboration with the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), is slated to open its doors in the 2nd semester of 2025. This new venture represents a significant milestone for Valor Hospitality Partners to expand its portfolio in Saudi Arabia.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) congratulates Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming over 100 million tourists, a milestone achieved seven years ahead of its original schedule, signifying the Kingdom's innovative leadership and commitment to transforming the global Travel & Tourism sector.
In a testament to its strategic vision and robust sector growth, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has welcomed over 100 million tourists, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a global tourism powerhouse.
Industry-leading Valor Hospitality Partners has been named lead operators of a new, multi-use development in Karachi, Pakistan by AAA. The Octa Karachi development consists of 314 commercial, retail and community spaces and will be Valor’s second property in Pakistan. This brings the global brand’s portfolio to more than 6,000 keys—with more than 900 in the Middle East.
As a founding Member State, joining in 1975, Israel has played an active role in UNWTO's work and continues to serve on several important Committees and bodies. Following on from the official visit of Israel's Ministry of Tourism, to the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid in July, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led a delegation to Israel for a series of high-level discussions around shared priorities.
Saudi Arabia has made a call to action for worldwide collaboration among likeminded National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) in creating a new Tourism Innovation Index (TII) to enable sustainable, competent and innovative tourism landscape across the globe.
Research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that the Egyptian economy could face daily losses of more than EGP 31 million if it stays on the UK’s travel ‘red list’.
As part of Swiss-Belhotel International's group development, the Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and India regions have been merged together. The executive team based in Dubai will now also be responsible for the group's operations in Europe while working closely with Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International to develop new opportunities across the continent. The brand's flagship hotel Swiss-Belhotel du Parc, Baden Switzerland will be the operational base for Europe.
A high-level delegation from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has concluded an official visit to Egypt to offer firm support for the government's work to restart tourism and direct its benefits towards supporting livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.
Specialist mixed-use operator Kerten Hospitality - known for challenging the industry with new concepts that combine innovative spaces for working, living and socialising - is expanding its Talent Tank Internship Programme to the Middle East as it prepares to open its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Chris Nader, Vice President - Development, Shaza Hotels, made a special presentation to a large audience of hotel owners and investors about 'Mysk by Shaza' at the Saudi Arabia Hotel Investment Conference (SHIC) in Riyadh. Mysk was voted the winner of The Three Minute Pitch out of the 16 leading brands that participated in the session open for owners and investors only.
The opportunity will be available at Najah a higher education fair, which is being held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, from October 31 to November 2, under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.