Author: Abdul.Wasey

Harry Grewal, IATA Director Airports, Infrastructure and Customer Experience A passenger arrives at the airport with a valid passport, a confirmed ticket and an eVisa. But how does the airline know that the eVisa is authentic? It’s an important question because before a passenger can board an international flight, the airline must confirm they hold the documents required to enter their destination country. Get it wrong, and the airline can face fines and removal costs averaging USD 9,000 per passenger. And the answer to how airlines verify eVisas might surprise you. While travelers benefit from the simplicity of eVisa issuance,…

Country highlights mineral springs, medical spas, nature and sports tourism at ATM Dubai Dubai : Slovakia is stepping up efforts to attract more visitors from the GCC, with spa and medical tourism, mineral and healing springs, nature and sports emerging as key areas of opportunity, according to Loretta Pinke, Head of the Slovak Tourism Representation – GCC Region, in an interview with Gulf Tourism News during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai. Pinke said Slovakia’s participation at ATM Dubai is helping the country better understand the preferences of Emirati and GCC travelers while introducing them to Slovakia’s diverse tourism offering. “This is…

Courses unveiled during Arabian Travel Market 2026 provide tourism and hospitality professionals with practical guidance to build sustainability knowledge and improve operational performance The ‘27 Measures of Sustainability’ course supports hotels in understanding and implementing the updated requirements, complementing wider learning through the new Dubai Sustainable Tourism course Both courses will be delivered by Dubai College of Tourism through the Dubai Way platform Dubai : The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched two new sustainability courses, expanding practical training for tourism and hospitality professionals as the city continues to embed responsible practices across the visitor economy.…

Customer-focused Enhancements, Available From Today, Offer Travellers More Flight choices, Flexibility and Convenience Jeddah – flyadeal, Saudia Group’s fast-growing low-cost carrier and one of the largest low-cost airlines in the GCC, has unveiled the next evolution of its customer offering. With the introduction of Time to Think and flyadeal Connections, flyadeal is delivering more than just low fares by offering customers greater choice, flexibility and peace of mind. Take Your Time, Travel with Confidence The airline has launched Time to Think (TTT), allowing customers to cancel their booking within 24 hours at no charge and receive a full refund to…

The airline continues to welcome Arabian Travel Market attendees to its interactive pavilion, featuring Qsuite Next Gen, ‘Qverse Island’ in Fortnite, ‘Infinite Awards’, and ‘Q Search’ The national carrier of the State of Qatar is strengthening global tourism through new Memoranda of Understanding with key tourism boards at ATM Dubai 2026 DUBAI :  Qatar Airways marked its participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a showcase of its latest advancements in premium travel and digital innovations. Visitors of Qatar Airways’ immersive pavilion were offered a closer look at how the airline is evolving…

Dubai : Cyprus is building on a record-breaking year for tourism, with the island welcoming 4.5 million international visitors in 2025 — more than four times its population of approximately one million. In an exclusive interview with Gulf Tourism News at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), George Minas, Market Development Officer, International Relations at the Republic of Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism, shared insights into Cyprus’ growing global appeal, its strategy to strengthen year-round tourism and its focus on expanding opportunities across diverse international markets, including the UAE and wider Middle East. During the interview, Minas highlighted the importance of diversifying…

Aleppo Airport improvements are targeted to begin in early 2027, following confirmation from Syria’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and Elaf Investment Fund, led by BinDawood Investment Company. The announcement marks an important milestone in the development of Aleppo International Airport, with the existing airport improvements and the proposed new airport progressing as part of a wider development programme. The commitment was confirmed following four days of high-level workshops and meetings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, held from 7 to 10 September 2026. Representatives from Syria’s civil aviation authority, Elaf Investment Fund and BinDawood Investment Company discussed the project’s progress across…

Chef’s Society City Centre Mirdif Unveils 10 New Culinary Concepts Chef’s Society City Centre Mirdif has completed the rollout of its chef-led dining destination, introducing 10 new culinary concepts that bring diverse global flavours, celebrated chefs and distinctive dining experiences to Dubai. Developed by Majid Al Futtaim, the destination features two MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognised kitchens, Bait Maryam and REIF Japanese Kushiyaki, alongside a diverse collection of restaurants, street food concepts, speciality coffee and dessert offerings. Located at City Centre Mirdif, Chef’s Society reflects the growing demand for experience-led dining, where food, culture and community come together. The completed rollout strengthens…

Saudi Arabia represents one quarter of Rotana’s development pipeline, with 10 properties and 1,404 keys in progress Growth strategy spans core regional markets, new destinations and hospitality segments Dubai : Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Türkiye, is highlighting the scale and direction of its growth strategy at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with 40 properties and 8,334 keys under development alongside 78 operating properties representing across the region. Where Rotana’s 40 properties are being built Saudi Arabia accounts for 10 of Rotana’s 40 properties under development, representing 1,404 keys…

Dubai : Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has announced an AED 8 million expansion of The Fort – Lisaili, unveiling the destination’s new concept and design vision at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026. The investment reflects growing demand for experience-led tourism among both international visitors and UAE residents and supports Dubai’s continued development as a world-class destination for leisure, entertainment, and outdoor experiences. Following the success of The Fort – Lisaili since its launch in November 2024, the expansion will significantly enhance the destination’s offering. Located just 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the destination has become popular with…