Travel

This momentum positions the kingdom nearer to Vision 2030’s ambitious goal of 150 million annual visitors, underscoring accelerated sector expansion.

Marriott Bonvoy integration unlocks points earning/redemption across 8,000+ properties – construction spawned 250 jobs, 90% Tanzanian staff including leadership, Robanda Healthcare Centre restoration with resident doctor delivering free care where none existed

Riyadh Season 2025-2026 spans October to March across 5.4 million square meters and 15 zones including Roshn Front, Kingdom Arena, and Wonder Garden, hosting 8,500+ activity days of music festivals, sports, and fantasy realms.

Antalya’s 18 courses draw 1 million golfers yearly, boosting Regnum’s 1,000-room occupancy via packages blending fairways with Mediterranean beaches.

Hospitality investors salivate: ATM’s exhibitor surge validates 10-12% mid-upscale yields as Rixos expansions and Shangri-La hires fuel GCC dominance.

Annual internationals reached 3.3 million, a 7% climb from the previous year, underscoring South Africa’s tourism rebound.

Farai Chimba takes ZTA chair with Lizzie Makwezva as deputy, while Phineas Makombe leads Mosi-oa-Tunya, supported by Sheila Hawa Sidambe.

For hospitality sectors, this injects momentum: Finnish tourists, 1.2 million outbound yearly, flock to Dubai’s resorts, boosting QSR demand in transit lounges and beachside grab-and-go spots.

Head of Cargo Michael Duggan highlighted surging regional demand, especially for fresh goods and specialized loads, noting the route’s role in expanding reach and cementing Muscat as a premier cargo nexus.

Middle Eastern airlines led with 9.6% demand growth, 9.2% capacity rise, and 81.4% load factor, up 0.3 points compared to the previous year.