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New research from STR commissioned by the Arabian Travel market reveals a strong hospitality sector growth in the GCC in 2024. Government initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' campaign drive the expansion. Luxury hospitality is a key contributor, and industry leaders will share insights at ATM 25 on the region's growing tourism appeal.

The hospitality sector across the GCC is experiencing robust growth, according to new research by STR conducted on behalf of the Arabian Travel market. The report shows a prominent increase in occupancy rates and revenue per available room in 2024, with GCC-wide occupancy recahing 69.5 per cent, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth is attributed to major government initiatives like Saudi Arabia 2030 and the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' campaign, which fosters infrastructure enhancement and boosting tourism experiences.

The GCC has witnessed the addition of over 35,000 hotel rooms in the past decade, with the luxury segment making up 19 per cent of the total room count, up from 16 per cent ten years ago.

As more than 33,000 rooms are under development, Saudi Arabia is expected to see the highest influx of luxury rooms, positioning the region as a key player in global tourism.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director at ATM, commented on the findings, noting that luxury hospitality drives the region's tourism growth. "Luxury hotel exhibitions will play a pivotal role at ATM 2025, showcasing innovative hospitality concepts that appeal to high-spending travellers. As Demand for premium travel rises, the GCC is well positioned to solidify its reputation as a luxury tourism hub," she said.

Top hospitality leaders such as Haitham Mattar of IHG Hotels and Resorts will share insights into the region's evolving tourism landscape.

Mattar stated, "Demand is set to rise across hotel segments due to development projects and increased leisure and business travel. At ATM 2025, we look forward to connecting with industry leaders and showcasing our contributions to the GCC's hospitality evolution."

ATM 2025, from 28 April to 1 May, will bring together global travel professionals get to explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Spain's biggest hotel chain, Melia, reported a 25 per cent increase in net profit to 162 million euros in 2024, exceeding expectations due to a focus on luxury accommodations. Revenue rose to 2 billion euros as Melia invested 400 million in premium and plans to expand its luxury offerings further.

Spain's biggest hotel chain, Melia, posted a 25 per cent rise in net profit on Thursday to 162 million euros in 2024, beating analyst expectations after focusing on luxury accommodations to better benefit from a record tourism boom. Analysts, on average, expected a net income of 130 million euros. In the last two years, Melia has invested 400 million euros in turning more than half of its hotels into premium destinations. It plans to open more luxury hotels in premium destinations. It plans to open more luxury hotels in Barcelona, Malaga, and Madrid to boost room rates as smaller rivals also bet on the upmarket sector.

Revenues per room at Melia increased by 11 per cent in 2024, and the company said 75 per cent of this was due to higher room rates. Revenue rose 5% to 2 billion euros, in line with analysts estimates. Spain, Melia's primary market for city and resort hotels, attracted a record 94 million visitors last year, prompting protests from some locals who say excess tourism has made housing costs too expensive.

Melia's chief executive, Gabriel Escarrer, said in January he disagreed with Spain's ambition to boost foreign tourist arrivals to 100 million a year, arguing that it was best to focus on attracting higher spending North American and Middle Eastern tourists to relieve pressure on locals and the environment. Melia expects to open a hotel every two weeks this year, and 80 per cent of the pipeline, mainly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, is premium. The company says bookings are growing at a high single-digit rate this year, but its hotels confirmed 16% more corporate events than last year. The Mallorca-based company reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and authorization of 575.4 million euros in 2024, surpassing the company's target of 500 million. Excluding capital gains, EBITDA totalled 533.6 million euros.

#spaintourism #traveltospain #hotels #travelnews #tourismupdate 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, aims to attract up to 7.5 million international tourists in 2025, a 23% increase from 2024. Last Year's tourism revenue was USD 3.63 billion, contributing 9.4 per cent to the GDP. Key attractions include UNESCO heritage sites and a 450 km coastline. Significant markets were Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States.

Cambodia is projected to attract up to 7.5 million international tourists in 2025, Tourism Minister Huot Hak said on Wednesday. The Southeast Asian nation received 6.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, a 23% increase from the previous Year. The country earned a gross revenue of USD 3.63 billion from the tourism industry last year, an 18% increase from the prior Year.

"For 2025, we hope the number of international tourists to Cambodia will increase to between 7.2 million and 7.5 million," he said in a speech during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Tourism's annual conference. Tourism is one of four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy, including garment export, agriculture, real estate, and construction. The tourism sector contributed about 9.4 per cent to the country's gross domestic product in 2024, up from 7.5 per cent in the year before, according to a Ministry of Tourism report, adding that the sector has created 510,000 direct jobs. The top five arrival markets in the last year were Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States.

The country has four UNSECO-listed world heritage sites, namely the Angkor Archaeological Park in the northwest Siem Reap province, the Temple Zone of Sambor Prei Kuk in the central Kampong Thom province and the temple of Preah Vihear and the Hoh Ker archaeological site in the northwest Preah Vihear province. Besides, it has a pristine coastline stretching a length of about 450 km in four southwest provinces of Sihanoukville, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong. Cambodia, often called the Kingdom of Wonder, is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich history, stunning temples, and warm hospitality. With its ancient archaeological sites, vibrant cities and beautiful landscapes, Cambodia offers a truly unique and enriching travel experience.

#Cambodiatourism #travelcambodia #Travel update #visitcambodia

Delhi International Airport will operate at full capacity by year-end, with Terminal 1 reopening in April and Terminal 2 undergoing extensive refurbishment. The new infrastructure and upgrades project is part of an INR 12500 crore investment to support growing passenger traffic. Proposed tariff revisions are also being considered to fund these improvements.

The Delhi Airport will operate at its full capacity of handling around 109 million passengers annually by the end of this year. On Wednesday, the Delhi International Airport Limited said that Terminal 1 will operate by April, and Terminal 2 will be under refurbishment for 4-5 months. Delhi International Airport Limited CEO Videsh Kumar Jaipuria said, "We are expecting T1 to start in April after regulatory approvals, and only after that it starts when T2 will put for thorough refurbishment of hat so that will take about four to five months to be ready with T2 before the festive season".

T1 has an annual passenger capacity of 40 million, T2 has 15 million, and the remaining is at T3. he added that there would be no inconvenience to the passengers as T1 and T3 would share the passenger load. When T2 is under refurbishment, one of the runways will also be non-operational for upgrade work. It has to be compelled before the winter.

Speaking on the proposed tariff revision at Delhi airport, CEO Videsh Kumar said that currently, the per-pax tariff is INR 145, and the proposal that we have put in is about INR 370, so the impact per passenger is about INR 225. "If I look at the base figure of INR 145, it is the same as in 2006, considering that we are already about 18-19 years old from 2006. I think this is a justified increase, and all the different agencies have validated it," he said.

He further stated that this investment is intended to support the additional funding made by DIAL. For instance, the recently completed Phase 3A involved an expenditure of INR 12500 crore allocated for constructing Terminal 1, a new taxiway, an apron, parking stands, and other infrastructure. He added that the airport has been investing in these developments to facilitate the growth of Indian aviation.

Terminal 2 of Delhi Airpot was initially constructed 40 years ago by the Airports Authority of India. It will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment spearheaded by GMR Airports Limited led Delhi International Airport Limited. The refurbishment will modernise key areas of the terminal and surrounding infrastructure, ensuring that T2 remains a top-tier facility in the global aviation landscape capable of accommodating the changing needs of passengers and supporting the airport's continued growth.

The refurbishment of Terminal 2 is part of DIAL's commitment to creating a world-class hub for travellers across India and Southeast Asia. The terminal and its associated apron have served passengers for over four decades, and significant upgrades are essential with the rapid increase in air traffic. The refurbished T2 will have new passenger boring bridges. The Aerbridges will have autonomous docking technology, the first in India.

Contemporary ceilings and skylight designs for a more appealing surrounding. Advanced flooring and better road connectivity for passengers' convenience.

The enhancements will help accommodate the anticipated surge in domestic passenger numbers. DIAL projects that it will reach its maximum passenger capacity by FY 2025-26.

A small group of international travellers has visited North Korea for the first time in five years, hinting at a potential resumption of tourism to boost its economy. Koyo Tours organised a five-day trip to Rason for 13 tourists. Despite stringent restrictions, North Korea is expected to reopen a significant tourism site and is eager to attract foreign visitors.

A small group of foreign tourists has visited North Korea in the past week, making them the first international travellers to enter the country in five years, except for a group of Russian tourists who went to the North last year. The latest trip indicates North Korea may be gearing up for a full resumption of international tourism to benign in much-needed foreign currency to revive its struggling economy, experts say.

The Bejing-based travel company Koryo Tours said it arranged a five-day trip from Feb 20 to Feb 24 for 13 international tourists to the northeastern North Korean border city of Rason, where the country's special economic zone is located. Koryo Tours General Manager Simon Cockerell said the travellers from the UK, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, France, Germany, Austria, Australia and Italy crossed by land from China. He said that the Rason visitors factories, shops, schools, and the statues of Kim II Sung and Kim Jong II, the late grandfather and father of current leader Kim Jong Un.

"Since January 2020, the country has been closed to all international tourists, and we are glad to have finally found an opening in the Rason area in the far north of North Korea," Cockerell said. "Our first tour has been gone, and now more tourists in both groups and private visitors are arranging trips," he added. After the pandemic began, North Korea quickly banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely curtailed border traffic in one of the world's most draconian COVID-19 restrictions. But since 2022, North Korea has been slowly easing curbs and reopening its borders.

In February 2024, North Korea accepted about 100 Russian tourists, the first foreign nationals to visit the country for sightseeing. That surprised many observers who thought the first post-pandemic tourists would come from China, North Korea's biggest trading partner and significant ally. South Korea's Unification Ministry said about 880 Russian tourists visited North Korea throughout 2024, citing official Russian data. Chinese group tours to North Korea remain stalled.

This signals how much North Korea and Russia have moved closer to each other as the North has supplied weapons and troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. Ties between North Korea and China cooled as China showed its reluctance to join a three-way anti-US alliance with North Korea and Russia, experts say. Before the pandemic, tourism was an easy, legitimate source of foreign currency for North Korea, one of the world's most sanctioned countries because of its nuclear program.

North Korea is expected to open a massive tourism site on the east coast in Nune. In January, when President Donald Trump boasted about history with Kim Jong Un, he said, "I think he has tremendous condo capabilities. He is got a lot of shorelines." That likely refers to the eastern coast site. A return of Chinese tourists would be key to making North Korea's tourism industry lucrative because they represented more than 90 per cent of total intentional tourists before the pandemic, said Lee Sangkeun, an expert at the Institute for National Security Strategy, a think tank run by South Korea's intelligence agency. He said that in the past, up to 300,000 Chinese tourists have visited North Korea annually.

"North Korea has been heavily investing in tourism sites, but there has not been much domestic demand," Lee said. "We can assess that North Korea now wants to resume international tourism to bring in many tourists from abroad." the restrictions that North Korea has typically imposed on foreign travellers include the requirement that they move with local guides and the banning of photography at sensitive places will likely hurt its efforts to develop tourism. Lee said that Rason, the eastern coast site, and Pyongyang would be the places where North Korea feels it can easily monitor and control foreign tourists.

#northkorea #tourism #travelnews #travelupdate #northkoreanews 

Radisson Hotel Group has signed the 200-key Radisson Collection Resort and Spa in Jaipur, marking its fourth property in the city.

This new resort will combine Rajasthan's royal heritage with modern luxury, providing distinct dining, wellness, and event spaces. Strategically situated near key attractions, the resort will cater to both leisure and MICE markets, reinforcing Radisson's commitment to expanding its footprint in Rajasthan.

Radisson Hotel Group has signed Radisson Collection Resort and Spa Jaipur, the group's fourth property in the city and the third Radisson Collection hotel in South Asia. The 200-key resort will be in Kukas, renowned for its stunning wedding venues. It will blend Jaipur's regal heritage with modern luxury, offering an exceptional destination for leisure travellers and grand celebrations.

Inspired by Jaipur's rich culture and history, the resort will feature 200 elegantly designed rooms and suites that combine the Radisson Collection's modern design with the city's palatial architecture. Guests can indulge in curated dining experiences at speciality restaurants, unwind in the bar and coffee lounge, and experience the wellness facilities, including the spa, fitness centre and outdoor pool. The resort will also boast one of Jaipur's largest meeting and event spaces with heritage-inspired ballrooms and palatial designs, making it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events and landmark celebrations.

Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, commented, "We are delighted to introduce the Radisson Collection brand to Jaipur. This signing further strengthens our commitment to offering bespoke experiences in iconic Indian destinations, particularly with growing demand for luxury accommodations in Jaipur driven by visitors from Delhi NCR and other major cities." situated just 30 to 40 minutes from Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Junction the resort is perfectly positioned to attract both domestic and international travellers. Major attractions such as Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal are nearby, which provides an ideal place to explore the city's rich history.

Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director of Development South Asia Radisson Hotel group, added, "Jaipur's growing appeal as a wedding and leisure destination makes it the ideal location for Radisson Collection Resort and Spa." Sandeep Sharma, Owner of the new resort, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, "We are confident that this property will become a landmark in Jaipur's luxury hospitality landscape."

#radisson #rajasthan #luxuryresorts #tourismnews #indiatourism #travelupdate 

Over the next three months, the brand will transform. The cruise ship Resorts World One will be renamed Star Navigator to join Star Voyager under the StarCruises banner, while Genting Dream will continue to operate under Dream Cruises. The flagship Genting Dream will remain homeported in Singapore year-round, offering itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand.

Resorts World Cruises has announced the revision to its two legendary brands, StarCruises and Dream Cruises, which have shaped the Asian cruise industry for over three decades. This transition marks the end of the temporary Resorts World Cruises brand introduced in June 2022 to restart cruising in Asia post-Covid. It signals a renewed commitment to the region's cruise sector. Sharing the information, the company said that Resorts World Cruises has successfully welcomed nearly 2 million passengers since its launch. Over the next three months, the brand will change, with the cruise ship Resorts World One being renamed Star Navigator and joining Star Voyager under the StarCruises banner. Getting Dream will continue to operate under Dream Cruises.

The revitalized StarCruises brand will bring a modern, vibrant, and innovative approach to cruising, targeting a new generation of travellers. Known for its affordable yet premium lifestyle offerings, StarCruises will focus on mid-sized ships with a capacity of around 2000 passengers and short port-intensive itineraries tailored for domestic and fly cruise passengers.

Dream Cruises will elevate the luxury cruising experience, catering to travellers seeking sophistication, indulgence, and elegance. With spacious ships accommodating over 3000 passengers, Dream Cruises will offer a sophisticated onboard experience with premium amenities and vibrant entertainment, world-class dining and themed experiences, and Luxury and fly-cruise itineraries designed for the modern explorer. The flagship Genting Dream will remain homeported in Singapore for a year, offering itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand. By differentiating StarCruises and Dream Cruises, the company said these brands will cater to distinct market segments while solidifying their leadership in the Asian cruise industry. StarCruises will focus on affordable, lifestyle-driven experiences, while Dream Cruises will target the luxury market, ensuring a diverse range of offerings for travellers.

"This transition marks an exciting step forward for our brands," said Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises.

We are committed to delivering exceptional world-class cruise experiences that honour our 30-year legacy, embrace innovation, and cater to the evolving needs of modern travellers.

With this success, we are now introducing a more transparent brand structure that offers a more diverse and refined cruise experience."

#cruiseupdate #resortsworldcruise #cruisenews #travelupdate #cruisemerger #mergernews 

Britain experienced a sharp decline in foreign worker visas in 2024, notably in the health and social care sectors, due to restrictions imposed by the previous Conservative government. Visas for health and social care workers dropped by 81 per cent. Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to reform the points-based immigration system to reduce immigration and encourage businesses to train British workers.

Official data showed on Thursday that Britain saw a sharp fall in the number of visas given to foreign workers in 2024, as far fewer health and social care workers were granted entry following curbs imposed by the previous government. According to Home Office immigration statistics, British authorities granted 210,098 work visas in the twelve months to the end of December, a 37 per cent drop compared to last year as per Home Office immigration statistics.

Visas for health and social care workers slumped by 81 per cent of 27174, continuing a downward trend in early 2024 following the previous Conservative government restriction to cut net migration. For years, immigration has been one of the key issues facing the country as per voters, and it played a significant part in the 2016 vote to leave the European Union. Critics say massive influxes of migrants stretch strained public services, while others say they are needed to fill vacancies in specific sectors, particularly in healthcare.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, like his predecessors, has vowed to reduce immigration. In November, he said he would produce a plan to reform the points-based immigration system, which would require businesses to train British workers. His proposal was in response to official data showing net migration reached a record of more than 900,000 in the year to June 2023, much higher than original estimates.

#uktourism #ukvisa #uktouristvisa #immigration #uknews #travelupdate #tourismupdate #visaupdate

A recent Agoda survey reveals India's Gen Z's top five travel habits. These habits highlight their preference for beach holidays, social media-driven inspiration, and spontaneous bookings. The generation values shared experiences, and many opt for partner trips while prioritising budget-friendly travel.

Agoda's latest survey uncovers the top five travel habits of India's Gen Z aged 18-27, revealing a generation that blends spontaneity with digital convenience. As per the survey, beach getaways narrowly beat mountain trips in preference, with 26 per cent of respondents favouring the beach and 25 per cent opting for the mountains. This marks a close continuation of the ongoing debate between the charm of serene coastal retreats and the majestic mountain swift millennials showing a stronger inclination towards beaches.

Social media plays a prominent role in influencing travel decisions for Gen Z, with Instagram emerging as the primary source of inspiration for 28 percent of those surveyed.Digital platforms like Google searches and travel blogs prominently shape their choices. Despite the prevalence of online platforms, 15 percent of respondents still rely on recommendations from friends and family, showing a more personal touch to their travel planning.

Gen Z also exhibits a more spontaneous approach to travel. Over 30 per cent of them book flights less than a week in advance, and 44 per cent make last-minute hotel reservations. Their flexibility showcases a shift towards impulsive travel, a trend less prominent in previous generations. For this generation, shared experiences are key 41 per cent prefer to travel with a partner, while group trips with friends and family vacations also remain popular. This trend reflects a move away from family-centric trips favoured by millennials.

Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director for India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda, commented, "GenZ travellers in India embrace spontaneity, seek special experiences and use digital platforms for inspiration. We are committed to providing them the best deals to ensure every trip is accessible, seamless, and affordable for this new generation of explorers."

#travelnews #google #genz #Travelhabits #travelupdate 

Singapore Airlines Group announced a 3.3 percent increase in operating profit to USD 629 million for the third quarter of FY2024/25. Revenue hit a record USD 5.2 billion, driven by robust passenger demand. The Group's net profit surged by 146.7 percent, bolstered by a non-cash accounting gain following the Air India Vistara merger. The Group's strong financial performance reflects effective cost management and strategic initiatives.

Singapore Airlines Group reported a 3.3 per cent year-on-year increase in operating profit, reaching USD629 million for the third quarter of FY2024/25. This was achieved despite a competitive landscape and declining yields. The Group posted record revenues of USD 5.22 billion for the three months ending 31 December 2024, a 2.7 per cent increase compared to last year's period. Passenger carriage reached a new high, with SIA and Group carrying 10.2 million passengers, a 7.2 per cent increase over the previous year. However, competition and increased capacity led to a 4.5 per cent decrease in yields, which placed pressure on revenue per passenger kilometre.

Cargo revenue also saw a rise of 9.7 per cent yearly, driven by a surge in e-commerce perishables traffic and freighter operations. However, yields for cargo dipped by 4.5 per cent. Expenditure increased by 2.6 per cent to USD 4.59 billion primarily due to higher non-fuel costs, which grew by 8.6 per cent. Fuel costs decreased by 9.8 per cent, and cost management helped mitigate inflationary pressures despite the capacity expansion of 10.1 per cent.

The Group's net profit increased by 146.7 per cent to USD 1.63 billion, mainly due to a one-off non-cash accounting gain of USD 1.1 billion from the merger of Air India and Vistara in November 2024. For the nine months ending December 2024, SIA Group achieved USD14.72 billion in revenue, an increase of 3.3 per cent from the previous year. Operating expenditure rose by 10 per cent, primarily driven by capacity expansion and fuel volume increases. Despite the dip in operating profit, net profit remained higher due to the merger gain.

The Group's balance sheet remains robust, with shareholder equity at USD 15.4 billion. Cash balances fell slightly due to bond redemption and other financial activities. The Group maintains substantial liquidity, including USD 3.3 billion in drawn credit lines.

Looking ahead to the SIA Group that anticipates sustained demand for air travel, especially in e-commerce and perishables, while acknowledging geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.

#singaporesirlines #aviantion #news #flights #singaporenews #revenue #airindiavistara