Connecting Travel

Connecting Travel links the worldwide travel industry with tourism and hospitality experts in the Middle East. It offers valuable insights and news that professionals can benefit from through its website, social media platforms, and networking events.

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Waldorf Astoria to launch luxury Nile...

6 days ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Four and six-night luxury sailings available with personal concierge servicesWaldorf Astoria is bringing its renowned elegant service to Africa’s longest and most storied river, the Nile. A collaboration between Hilton and Middle East for Nile Cruisers, the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience promises to give guests a “spectacular view of Egypt”.
Almosafer reveals Saudi traveller...

6 days ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Dubai, Doha, Manama and Cairo among favoured destinationsData from Saudi Arabia-based travel company Almosafer shows Saudi residents are travelling more in 2025. Domestic travel and travel within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) each account for 42% of trips made, with the remaining 16% being international trips. Domestic bookings increased by 4% year-on-year, while travel within the MENA region grew by 14%, and international bookings outside the region rose by 11%.
Travel sellers to access Riyadh Air...

6 days ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Platform allows agents to offer personalisation and instant ticketingTravel sellers will be able to access Riyadh Air’s upcoming flight bookings via travel technology company Verteil Technologies when it takes to the air later this year. With an agreement signed at Arabian Travel Market 2025, Verteil is set to become the Saudi Arabian airline’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) aggregator, giving sellers access to Riyadh Air's NDC content through Verteil Direct Connect (VDC).
AlUla to increase DMC network to meet...

6 days ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Saudi's heritage hub signs agreements with five more destination management companies AlUla, the ancient region in Saudi that’s home to Unesco site Hegra, has signed five MoUs with destination management companies (DMCs) as it looks to meet visitor demand and attract more international travellers. New partners include CTTC and Talia Tourism, which both specialise in inbound travel from China, as well as UTA, Athaar Arabia and AlFares International.
Oceania revamps onboard entertainment...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Sunrise yoga and Blue Horizons Party added to cruise experiencesOceania Cruises is revamping its onboard entertainment programme with new experiences across its eight-ship fleet. Launched to coincide with the inaugural sailing of Oceania Allura in July 2025, the enhancements aim to deliver "entertainment with meaning and heart", with experiences ranging from sunrise yoga to stylish cocktail parties.
Expedia report unveils money-saving...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

Search data also shows trending summer destinations for UAE travellersExpedia’s 2025 Summer Travel Outlook report reveals UAE travellers' destination preferences based on search data, as well as money-saving travel hacks. For those leaving the UAE this summer, Expedia says the best time to travel is early July when holidays can cost 40% less than the seasonal average. Early June is the quietest time to travel while 1 August and 11 August are expected to be the busiest days.
Emirates to launch daily Dubai to...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

UAE airline to introduce fifth service to China from JulyDubai-based Emirates airline is launching a daily, non-stop service to Hangzhou (pictured) in the Zhejiang province of China from 30 July 2025. The new route will be Emirates’ fifth to China, following Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen, with the daily service between Dubai and Shenzhen beginning 1 July 2025.
Sweden Beach Palace opens on World...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

UAE private island resort features Bentley furnishings and yacht accessBilled as Dubai’s most exclusive private island venue, Sweden Beach Palace is now open for bookings on The World Islands, a development off the coast of Dubai in the UAE. Situated 6km from the mainland, Sweden Beach Palace is located in The Heart of Europe, a luxury destination and flagship project for Kleindienst Group that comprises six islands, each inspired by a European country, with 20 properties expected to open here.
RAK tokenises travel in next-gen...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

UAE's Ras Al Khaimah adopts blockchain technology to reward visitorsThe UAE's Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) will become the world's first destination to launch blockchain-powered travel rewards. In collaboration with technology innovator Open World, RAKTDA will introduce a rewards system using tokenisation, creating digital rewards and personalised experiences for tech-savvy travellers.
Abu Dhabi stopover scheme sees 76%...

1 week ago | connectingtravel.com | Kate Birch

UAE capital attracted 25,000 bookings in Q1 2025 with flight plus free hotel stay package Abu Dhabi's Stopover Programme has seen visitors surge 76% as more passengers take advantage of the transit opportunity. The programme, backed by Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), saw 25,000 bookings in the first four months of 2025, up 47% on the same period in 2024, while visitors rose to 44,000 compared to 25,000.