Tourism

Dubai, 15th September 2026: Mohammed bin Rashid quted, ” The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for travel and tourism, while Dubai continues to reinforce its standing as a leading destination shaping the future of the sector “Arabian Travel Market reflects Dubai’s leading position and its ability to drive transformation across the global tourism sector.” Government of Dubai Media Office in its press release has mentioned that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 17 September. The event brings together leading travel and tourism organisations, companies and industry professionals from the UAE, the region and across the world. His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and a number of senior officials. During a tour of the exhibition, His Highness reviewed the latest solutions, innovations and trends shaping the future of global travel and tourism. His Highness was briefed by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, on key highlights of this year’s edition and ATM’s role as a global platform for strengthening partnerships, exchanging expertise and exploring new opportunities for growth across the sector. His Highness welcomed participants in this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market, highlighting the event’s role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global platform for the travel and tourism industry. He said the event creates new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships that support the sector’s continued growth and development. His Highness also praised the strong international participation, which reflects growing confidence in Dubai’s position and its ability to drive innovation and development across the global travel and tourism industry. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for travel and tourism, while Dubai continues to reinforce its standing as a leading destination shaping the future of the sector, guided by a clear vision centred on innovation, openness, strong partnerships and exceptional visitor experiences.” His Highness added: “Arabian Travel Market reflects the leading position that the UAE and Dubai have established as a global platform bringing together industry leaders, decision-makers, investors and innovators to explore new growth opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of the travel and tourism sector.” During the tour, His Highness visited a number of national and international pavilions and exhibitor stands, including those of Kuwait Airways, Bahrain, Qatar Airways, Qatar, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Spain. His Highness also visited the stands of leading international hospitality groups, including Minor Hotels, STORY Hospitality, Marriott Bonvoy and IHG Hotels & Resorts. His Highness reviewed initiatives, services and innovative solutions showcased by exhibitors, as well as developments transforming the travel industry, particularly advances in technology and artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable tourism experiences and smart mobility. Held under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, Arabian Travel Market 2026 explores the major shifts reshaping global tourism, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, evolving traveller expectations, destination resilience, smart mobility and sustainable long-term growth. The 33rd edition brings together destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, travel technology companies, service providers, industry professionals and decision-makers from around the world. The event provides an international platform for building business relationships, exchanging knowledge and exploring new opportunities for growth across the travel and tourism sector. The conference programme features sessions and discussions with tourism leaders, policymakers, technology experts and industry specialists examining the trends, challenges and opportunities expected to influence the future of travel and tourism. Arabian Travel Market continues to consolidate its position as the Middle East’s leading international travel and tourism event, connecting the global travel community to build partnerships, exchange knowledge, advance innovation and explore new opportunities for sustainable growth.

Dubai, 15 September 2026: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost visitor arrivals and stimulate traffic to the emirate from select markets within the airline’s network. The MOU was signed at the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer and Her Excellency Phillipa Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Under the MOU, RAKTDA and Emirates will work closely to explore implementing promotional activities across select markets. This will include joint marketing and advertising, trade and media familiarisation programmes, with RAKTDA supporting visits through curated ground experiences that showcase the destination and sharing marketing costs for multi-market campaign activities in Ras Al Khaimah’s target markets. Both parties will explore developing bespoke products and packages for Emirates customers, to be promoted to Emirates’ customers directly through ‘Dubai Experience’ on the airline’s website, alongside incentives for tour operators and the wider travel trade – enabling tourists to explore the full range of activities and experiences the UAE has to offer. RAKTDA and Emirates will also explore opportunities to share insights that identify what traveller segments are prioritised and leveraged across marketing campaigns. H.E. Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “As we expand our destination offering and cement Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning globally, working with Emirates will help connect the destination with audiences across key international markets. Through our collaboration with Emirates, we aim to build long-term value for our tourism partners and offer travellers more reasons to visit the UAE and explore Ras Al Khaimah.” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are proud to support the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and their 2030 tourism targets. Emirates’ network reach of close to 140 destinations provides the scale required to reach new travellers and encourage them to expand their itinerary with the rich experiences Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. As our home and hub, we remain committed to showcasing the UAE’s breadth of attractions and depth of experiences available for visitors.” Located just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah offers incredible natural landscapes, complemented by world-class hospitality and visitor experiences. With 68 kilometres of coastline, terracotta desert dunes, and Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, the emirate offers a distinctive setting for holidays that combine relaxation, outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is targeting more than 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030 as the destination continues to expand its offering through new hotel openings, developments by major international hospitality brands and landmark projects. Together, these investments will broaden the choice of accommodation and experiences available to visitors, supporting the emirate’s long-term tourism ambitions and creating further opportunities for collaboration with Emirates and its travel trade partners.

Dubai,  24 June 2026: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has reinforced Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and best-prepared destinations for global travel and tourism, as the industry continues to navigate the evolving market conditions. Taking place from 14-17 September 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), ATM 2026 will bring together the international travel community at a pivotal time for the sector, underlining confidence in Dubai’s ability to maintain business continuity, operational excellence and global connectivity. The revised dates for ATM 2026 reflect a measured, collaborative approach focused on supporting the global travel industry, providing exhibitors, buyers, visitors and partners with greater flexibility and confidence to participate, while maximising opportunities for attendance and business engagement. Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE, RX Global, said: “We appreciate the move to September means change for everyone; however, ATM’s role as a vital platform for the travel and tourism community to reconnect, strengthen partnerships and drive meaningful dialogue at a time when industry collaboration is needed most, is a key priority. “Supported by Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, operational resilience and strong public-private sector coordination, ATM 2026 remains firmly positioned to bring the tourism industry together and support long-term recovery and future growth.” Amid a range of strategic government initiatives, including AED2.5 billion in economic stimulus packages, tourism support measures and enhanced public safety legislation, Dubai has maintained operations across its aviation, tourism, hospitality and events ecosystem, reinforcing the emirate’s preparedness and long-term resilience. Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Dubai’s approach, guided by the city’s visionary leadership, has always been rooted in long-term planning, agility and strong collaboration across government and industry stakeholders. Throughout recent regional developments, the city has remained open, operational and welcoming, reinforcing the trust placed in Dubai by travellers, businesses and international partners worldwide. The city continues to provide a powerful platform for major events and meetings across key sectors, including tourism, and we look forward to engaging with the international travel community at ATM 2026.” Air connectivity is steadily returning, and as a result, inbound tourism is expected to increase. The UAE announced the full resumption of air traffic operations on 2 May, while Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have also opened their airspace. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 138 destinations across 73 countries, with over 1,300 weekly frequencies. Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Qatar Airways are all continuing to restore their schedules. Further reinforcing confidence in travel to the region, the UK government has lifted its travel warning to the UAE, reflecting improved regional stability and supporting the recovery of international travel demand. Australia has also downgraded its travel advice for several Middle Eastern destinations, including the UAE, acknowledging the easing of regional tensions and providing additional reassurance for travellers, tourism businesses and event organisers planning future travel to the region. Additional industry data further highlights the resilience of the GCC hospitality sector amid recent regional disruption. Research presented by STR, ATM’s official research partner, shows that hotel occupancy levels across key GCC markets have continued to recover steadily in recent weeks, supported primarily by strong domestic demand and the continued operation of core tourism infrastructure. Dubai has maintained stable hospitality performance throughout this period, reinforcing the strength of its diversified tourism economy, advanced infrastructure and coordinated public-private sector response. The findings support broader industry expectations that destinations with strong connectivity, established tourism ecosystems and proactive government support, such as Dubai and the wider UAE, are likely to recover more quickly as regional conditions stabilise. Curtis continued “Dubai has consistently demonstrated resilience, stability and leadership during periods of global uncertainty, supported by proactive governance, world-class infrastructure and a highly coordinated tourism ecosystem. The city remains fully operational, connected and firmly focused on the future. “ATM 2026 will play an important role in bringing the international travel community together at a time when collaboration, confidence and long-term planning are more important than ever. By convening industry leaders, policymakers, tourism authorities and innovators from around the world, ATM will continue to support meaningful partnerships and contribute to the future growth and resilience of global tourism.” Under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 will place increased emphasis on resilience, adaptability and future preparedness across the global travel ecosystem. The extensive ATM conference programme will examine the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping international tourism, with dedicated sessions exploring crisis management, destination resilience, traveller confidence, aviation continuity, digital transformation and sustainable long-term growth strategies. Across the Global Stage, Future Stage and Experience Hub, policymakers, tourism authorities, researchers and technology leaders will discuss how destinations can strengthen preparedness, improve operational agility and build greater resilience against geopolitical, economic and environmental disruption. Research-led sessions delivered in partnership with organisations including STR, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, GSIQ and ICCA will provide strategic insight into shifting traveller sentiment, global mobility trends, destination competitiveness and the future of tourism demand. Euromonitor International’s Stephen Dutton, Global Insight Manager – Travel, will deliver a keynote session titled The State of Travel: Inflation, Polycrisis & the New Travel Reality. Speaking ahead of the event, he said: “Travel spending surged to record levels in 2025, outpacing GDP growth in many markets. This is a powerful testament to the enduring demand for meaningful cross-border experiences. This resilience is not incidental – travel has repositioned itself as an attainable luxury that consumers actively protect, even amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, and when consumers need to make trade-offs elsewhere to do so. Travel allows consumers to escape the day-to-day challenges they face and to experience the world positively.”

Ahmedabad, April 2, 2026: In a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing international travel from Gujarat, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and Walkers Tours have partnered with FitsAir to introduce direct scheduled passenger flights between Ahmedabad and Colombo. This new service offers travellers from Ahmedabad seamless and convenient access to Sri Lanka, making it easier than ever to experience South Asia’s first fully integrated resort destination. Operated by FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, the direct Ahmedabad–Colombo service will run three times a week, catering to the growing demand for international leisure travel from Gujarat. With this enhanced connectivity, travellers can now effortlessly plan getaways to Colombo—exploring not only City of Dreams Sri Lanka but also a range of premium stays across Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, including Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside, and Cinnamon Red. Starting from 15 May, 2026, flights will be operating three times a week between Ahmedabad and Colombo, with specially curated Cinnamon travel packages.

Ahmedabad, March 13th, 2026: City of Dreams Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Walkers Tours, have partnered with FitsAir, on their direct scheduled passenger flights connecting Ahmedabad and Colombo, enhancing connectivity for Indian travellers to South Asia’s first fully integrated resort. FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, will operate the service, providing travellers with convenient connectivity and a comfortable travel experience between Ahmedabad and Colombo. The new Ahmedabad Colombo service, operated by FitsAir will run three times a week, catering to travellers from Gujarat, one of Sri Lanka’s key and fast-growing source markets from India. Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is part of a broader vision to position the city as a vibrant hub for entertainment, leisure and lifestyle in the region encouraging travellers to experience Colombo as a destination. Guests can stay at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams or explore other Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in Colombo, including Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside and Cinnamon Red, offering a range of luxury, upscale and contemporary stays while discovering the city. The launch of the direct Ahmedabad–Colombo flights also introduces curated Cinnamon holiday packages designed specifically for Indian travellers, combining the City of Dreams Sri Lanka experience with multi-destination itineraries across the island, including cultural experiences in Kandy and beach stays at Cinnamon resorts. These offerings aim to deliver a seamless travel experience while showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse leisure offerings. Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, said, “India continues to be one of our most important markets, and Gujarat in particular has shown strong interest in Colombo as a leisure destination. These dedicated flights provide a seamless gateway for travellers to experience the vibrant energy, entertainment, and hospitality that define City of Dreams Sri Lanka, while exploring curated Cinnamon holiday experiences across the island.” “Ahmedabad is one of India’s most vibrant commercial centres, and a city we’ve long wanted to bring into our network. Our overnight departure from Colombo arrives early in the morning, giving travellers a full day ahead. It also opens up smooth onward connections through Colombo across our ever-growing international network” said Ammar Kassim, Director, FitsAir. Flights are currently operating three times weekly between Ahmedabad and Colombo, with bookings available as part of specially curated Cinnamon travel packages.

Ranked 7th Among U.S. States for Indian Travel, Utah Sees Longer Stays and High-Value Growth from India Mumbai, 27th January 2026: The Utah Office of Tourism brought the spirit of Utah to India through exclusive trade and media networking events in Mumbai and Delhi, providing a platform to deepen collaboration with the Indian travel ecosystem and strengthen long-term partnerships between India and the State of Utah. The events saw participation from 60+ leading travel trade partners and media representatives, underlining India’s growing importance as a high-value long-haul market for Utah. Indian visitation to Utah is projected to grow by approximately 10% by 2030, while spending from India is expected to increase by nearly 28%, reflecting longer stays, higher-value travel, and deeper destination engagement. Utah currently ranks 7th among U.S. states visited by Indian travellers, highlighting strong awareness alongside significant growth potential. A key experiential highlight of the events was the Guided Glass Gardens – A Utah Landscape Terrarium Making Experience, a hands-on activity inspired by Utah’s diverse natural landscapes. Through the guided session, guests metaphorically “built their own Utah,” reflecting the destination’s balance of nature, creativity, sustainability, mindful luxury, and wellness. The experience encouraged relaxed interaction and networking while offering a memorable takeaway aligned with Utah’s outdoor and scenic identity. Commenting on Utah’s engagement with India, Tera Atwood, Global Markets Manager, Utah Office of Tourism, said: “India is a priority market for the State of Utah, and our focus is on building long-term, high-value engagement. We are seeing Indian travellers stay longer, explore more deeply, and seek destinations that offer variety within a single journey—something Utah is uniquely positioned to deliver. Through these events, supported by immersive touchpoints, we reinforced Utah’s diversity, year-round appeal, and our commitment to growing meaningful partnerships with the Indian travel trade.” Indian travellers are increasingly spending more time in Utah and engaging more meaningfully with the destination, signalling growing confidence in its ability to support immersive and well-paced itineraries. Travellers from India are gravitating toward destinations that combine dramatic scenery, strong infrastructure, and multi-generational appeal—an area where Utah stands out by offering iconic landscapes, scenic road trips, family-friendly experiences, and urban comforts within a single itinerary. Family-focused travel and immersive road trips are expected to continue driving growth in 2026, supporting longer stays and experience-rich itineraries. Winter travel was also highlighted as a compelling opportunity to experience Utah differently. With world-class snow, easy access to ski resorts, and five iconic national parks within the same state, travellers can seamlessly combine winter getaways with national park visits. Utah’s unique geography further allows visitors to experience multiple seasons and climates in one trip, pairing alpine environments and cool mountain air with desert landscapes and warmer weather within a few hours’ drive. Sustainability remains integral to Utah’s tourism approach, with a focus on encouraging travel beyond peak seasons, supporting local communities, and promoting guided, experience-led travel. Looking ahead to 2026, the Utah Office of Tourism remains committed to thoughtful growth, deepening trade partnerships, expanding education, and supporting itinerary development that benefits travellers, trade partners, and Utah’s local communities alike—further strengthening the bridge between India and Utah.