Tourism & Aviation
Tourism and aviation news — covering travel technology, airline updates, Saudi tourism developments, and hospitality innovations in the Kingdom and the region.

RIYADH AIR AND CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES SIGN MoU AT IATA AGM IN DUBAI, FOSTERING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL CONNECTIVITY AND DIGITAL INNOVATION
Agreement reflects the growing relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China Airlines will work closely together to develop and grow connectivity in both countries as Riyadh Air aims to operate flights to China as a priority in its international network, complementing China Eastern’s existing service to Riyadh Riyadh, Saudi […]

RIYADH AIR AND AIR CHINA TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF MoU AT IATA AGM IN DUBAI
Partnership will facilitate strong connectivity from both King Khalid International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport Strong relationship between Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People’s Republic of China reflected by their national carriers forging closer ties Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 4, 2024: Riyadh Air, the newest national airline of Saudi Arabia, has demonstrated the […]

IATA Launches SAF Registry to Boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption and Emissions Tracking
02 June 2024 (Dubai) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it will establish the SAF Registry (Registry) to accelerate the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) by authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF. Seventeen airlines, one airline group, six national authorities, three Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and one fuel producer are […]

SAF Production to Triple in 2024 but More Opportunities for Diversification Needed
02 June 2024 (Dubai) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that its projections for a tripling of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) production in 2024 to 1.9 billion liters (1.5 million tonnes) are on track. This would account for 0.53% of aviation’s fuel need in 2024. To accelerate SAF use, there are several policy measures […]

HERO BALLOON FLIGHTS LAUNCHES STUNNING NEW HOT AIR BALLOONS INTO THE ALULA SKIES
AlUla, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 21 May 2024: Hero Balloon Flights, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s only commercial hot air balloon operator, took to the skies in October 2023 and has offered guests the chance to marvel at AlUla’s magnificent landscapes from above. In April 2024, they are launching a new fleet of balloons […]

Neo Space Group and Display Interactive Partner to Deliver State-of-the-Art Inflight Experiences to Passengers with Skywaves® and SkyFly
Riyadh, May 31, 2024 – Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) global space services company, and Display Interactive (DI), a leading in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions provider, announced today the advanced Skywaves® satellite connectivity system for airlines, and SkyFly end user portal which will transform in-flight passenger experiences. The introduction of Skywaves®, under the […]

PIF launches Neo Space Group (NSG) to boost Saudi Arabia’s satellite and space industries
PIF today announced the establishment of the Neo Space Group (NSG), a wholly owned PIF company that will become a national champion in the satellite and space sector. NSG will enhance the space and satellite sector by developing local capabilities and boosting its strategic position within the growing global space economy. The group aims to […]

Riyadh Air chooses Creative Director Ashi as its cabin crew fashion designer
May 30, 2024 Riyadh Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Air has selected world-renowned Saudi Arabian fashion designer Ashi to design and create the airline’s first-ever cabin crew fashion line. The partnership marks another groundbreaking milestone for the Kingdom’s new start-up airline, which is set to combine spectacular high fashion and outstanding design with functionality ahead of its maiden […]

SalamAir Launches Direct Flights from Muscat to Cairo, Connecting Passengers to Sphinx International Airport
SalamAir is thrilled to announce the launch of direct flights from Muscat to Cairo, providing passengers with convenient access to Egypt’s vibrant capital city. Starting from 15 June, with 3 flights a week, travelers can enjoy the ease and comfort of flying directly to Sphinx International Airport. The launch of direct flights to Cairo holds […]

B2A travel tech platform TBO goes public to further empower and accelerate growth of travel agencies in the Middle East
May 27th, 2024: TBO Tek Limited, a leading travel distribution platform in the global travel and tourism industry, recently completed the public listing of its equity shares in India via the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and the BSE Limited (BSE). The company raised approximately 186 million USD (Rs. 1,550 crore) from this Initial Public Offer. The issue […]

World-first earth-built property now open in AlUla, Saudi Arabia
· Dar Tantora The House Hotel offers total immersion into the cultural heritage of one of Arabia’s most impressive heritage sites · The 30-room boutique eco-community sits in the heart of AlUla’s Old Town – a labyrinth of 12th Century mud and stone brick buildings AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 23 May 2024 The Dar Tantora The House Hotel, […]

Nahdi Medical Company Signs MOU with the “Association for Honoring Travelers”to Launch a Wheelchair Donation Initiative for Guests of Rahman
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 22, 2024: Nahdi Medical Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the “Association for Honoring Travelers” to activate an initiative for donating wheelchairs to Guests of Rahman in Makkah and Madinah. This initiative is part of Nahdi’s corporate social responsibility projects, designed to collaborate with the non-profit sector through its strategic […]

AlUla unveils summer of exceptional adventures and timeless favourites in luxury oasis destination
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 22 May 2023: The ancient oasis city of AlUla has unveiled an exceptional array of adventure and wellness activities, nature and cultural tours, and unmatched hotel deals crafted to make AlUla a summer getaway of untold stories for travellers to experience. As a destination known for its serenity, luxury and sustainable ethos, AlUla […]

Saudia Group orders 105 A320neo Family aircraft to support Saudi Arabia’s aviation goals@Airbus @SaudiaGroup @Saudi_Airlines @flyadeal
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 20 May 2024 – Saudia Group, represented by Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier, has signed a firm order for an additional 105 A320neo Family aircraft. The order comprises 12 A320neo and 93 A321neo aircraft. This increases Saudia Group’s Airbus aircraft order […]

Huawei and Visit Qatar Sign MOU to Enhance Qatar Tourism Experience and Attract Chinese Tourists
Dubai, UAE, May 20, 2024- Huawei, one of the world’s global tech giants, and Visit Qatar, the official tourism authority of Qatar, announced a partnership to enhance the tourism experience for Chinese visitors and promote Qatar as a premier travel destination in the Chinese market. This collaboration leverages the precise targeting capabilities of Huawei’s advertising platform, […]

Katch International Shines a Spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s Hospitality Industry
The agency, which is renowned for doing things its own unique way, opened its newest offices in The Kingdom at the start of this year and since then has continued to deliver exceptional results for its clients across various sectors Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (14 May 2024): Katch International, renowned for its strategic and innovative approach to public […]

Video content key to engaging Gen Z travellers, say experts at ATM 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 May 2024: In an enlightening session on “How To Build Influence with Gen Z in Just 30 Seconds”, Marc-Antoine Simon, Industry Manager, Travel and Tourism – MENA, TikTok, shared insights on the latest trends in community-led marketing, demonstrating how brief yet powerful content can significantly influence travel decisions. According to […]

Saudi Arabia’s New Carrier Riyadh Air and AlUla partner to promote Saudi Arabia’s premier luxury heritage destination
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 8th May 2024: AlUla, the ancient oasis city in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline which has announced an ambitious target to fly to over 100 destinations by 2030. Having signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at this year’s Arabian Travel Market […]

Mauritius and Saudi Holidays Strengthens Ties with MoU Signing at ATM 2024, Elevating Mauritius as Premier Destination for Saudi Travelers
Dubai, UAE – May 8, 2024 – In a significant development aimed at fostering tourism growth between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the picturesque island of Mauritius, Saudia Holidays and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting Mauritius as a premier tourist destination for the kingdom’s […]

AlUla was recognized with the Sustainability Stand Award at Arabian Travel Market 2024
· AlUla recognised with prestigious Sustainability Award for stand concept of ‘AlUla’s Net Zero: Empowering Innovation, Transforming Travel’ · Presence at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) highlights AlUla’s drive for sustainable tourism, including conservation projects, eco-friendly accommodation, and community-based tourism initiatives – underpinned by AlUla Sustainability Charter and amplified by destination’s first global brand campaign, ‘Forever Revitalising’ AlUla, […]

Huawei and Emirates Soar to New Heights with Groundbreaking Cooperation Agreement
Dubai, UAE: 8 May 2024 – Huawei, one of the world’s global tech giants, and Emirates, a global airline leader, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to solidify their cooperation. The signing ceremony took place on May 7th at the Emirates stand, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. In a move to strengthen their […]

Sabre and Taiba Investments Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Hotel Distribution in Saudi Arabia
SOUTHLAKE, Texas and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – May 7, 2024 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, and Taiba Investments, a leading Saudi hospitality company with an extensive record in managing, developing, and operating hotels and residential compounds across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, announced the signing of a strategic […]
