COMPANY FEATURES, REPORTS & INTERVIEWS

This influx has been supported by enhanced global connectivity through new airport developments and expanded flight routes, allowing Saudi cities such as Riyadh and Madinah to compete with established international tourism destinations.

This year’s summit promises to be the continent’s premier platform for hospitality investment, development, and sustainability, bringing together more than 450 decision-makers from over 40 countries.

Jordan’s tourism sector has maintained strong momentum into 2025, with international arrivals between January and April reaching 2.125 million, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite the overall slowdown, McDonald’s international developmental licensed markets delivered a 3.5% rise in sales, offering a bright spot in an otherwise flat quarter.

HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, credited the strong Q1 performance to the country’s long-term tourism development strategy.

At the heart of this strategy is the recently announced Visitor Experience (VX) Academy, established in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches.

While domestic same-store sales grew modestly by 0.5%, overall system-wide sales hit a record US$1.3 billion, underpinned by strategic initiatives like the rollout of Wingstop Smart Kitchen technology in over 200 locations.

The company also expanded its global footprint, reporting a 3% increase in unit count with 751 new stores opened during the period.