The food and beverage sector of the United Arab Emirates generated a net income of $16.4 billion from retail sales in 2023. Out of this figure, $9.8 billion stemmed from the sales of fresh food items, while $6.6 billion was attributed to packaged food sales. Moreover, it is projected that beverage sales in the country will increase from $1.6 billion in 2023 to $2 billion by 2028. Additionally, there is a notable upward trend in online grocery shopping in the UAE. This figure reached $1.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to continue growing at a rate of 9.5 percent annually until 2027.
Create: Apr 3, 2024 Edit: Apr 3, 2024 International NewsThe Spanish Tourism Board in the GCC region has reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals from this area in 2023, indicating Spain's growing popularity as an attractive tourist destination for GCC residents. The notable surge mainly stemmed from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Spain's allure lies in its cultural diversity, historical attractions, stunning beaches, and favorable climate, with expectations for increased demand for travel to Spain from the GCC in 2024. The lifting of travel restrictions, the increase in direct flights, and the introduction of new attractions are expected to contribute to this upward trend.
Create: Apr 2, 2024 Edit: Apr 2, 2024 International NewsAir Arabia Airlines, recognized as the leading budget airline in the Middle East and North Africa, achieved a new record in passenger numbers and profitability in 2023, transporting 58.4 million passengers. The company experienced a 12.7% increase in passenger traffic and approximately a 14.5% rise in operational revenue last year. The CEO of the company stated: "We are thrilled with this outstanding achievement, which demonstrates Air Arabia' commitment to providing quality and cost-effective services to passengers.""We are committed to further growth in the coming years through investment in our fleet and expanding our flight network," he added. Currently, Air Arabia Airlines operates flights to 170 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsIstanbul International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, has named 2024 as the "Investment Year."The airport's management has announced a €160 million investment in 2023 and has set a target of €656 million for 2024. With an increase in the number of passengers and flights in 2024, Istanbul Airport aims to continue its growth trajectory. The airport's goal is to attract 85 million passengers in 2024.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsThe Association of Tour Operators of Russia has reported an 8.1% increase in the number of tourists from this country traveling to the Caspian Sea coast in 2023 compared to the previous year. Popular destinations in Turkey on the Caspian Sea coast, including Dalaman, Marmaris, and Fethiye, hosted 391,000 tourists in 2023, indicating significant growth in the tourism industry in this region. Russian tour operators predict that demand for travel by Russian tourists to the Caspian Sea coast will continue to increase in 2024, despite the potential shortage of accommodation in quality five-star hotels.
Create: Mar 8, 2024 Edit: Mar 8, 2024 International NewsThe Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands with 40 hotel brands, has announced a new record in 2023.Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the alliance witnessed a 20% increase in Gross Operating Revenue (GDR) compared to 2022. Additionally, the number of reservations surged by 30%, with a 25% increase in member hotels. GHA also expanded into 10 new markets in 2023. This success is attributed to various factors including GHA's focus on innovation and technology, providing unique services and benefits to member hotels, and establishing a strong network of independent hotels worldwide.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsEgypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities announced a record-breaking influx of 14.9 million tourists to the country in 2023, marking a new milestone in Egypt's tourism history.In the final quarter of 2023 alone, 3.6 million tourists visited Egypt, surpassing the previous record set in 2010. The Minister of Tourism also highlighted a 9% increase in tourist arrivals during the first 19 days of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsDubai further consolidated its status as a central hub for international business events in 2023. with the city winning a record 349 bids to host international conferences, congresses, meetings, and incentive travel programmes, a report said. Driven by Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city's official convention bureau, the wins reflected a robust 49% increase in successful bids compared to 2022. These events captured in 2023 are set to attract over 191,000 international delegates, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsExciting news from Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister, Ahmed Al-Khatib, who revealed the country welcomed over 100 million visitors last year, achieving Vision 2030 goals.Discussions abound on the strategies behind this milestone, with experts pointing to new laws, regulations, and marketing efforts. Al-Khatib aims even higher, setting a target of 150 million visitors. Vision 2030's Quality of Life initiative and streamlined visa procedures are credited for driving tourism growth. Saudi Arabia's remarkable transformation in tourism since Vision 2030's launch positions it as a leading global destination.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International NewsTurkey and Britain marked a pivotal moment in their aviation ties with a key meeting held at Turkish Airlines headquarters. During this meeting, officials from both countries engaged in discussions about enhancing bilateral relations, exploring new investments, fostering competitive industrial collaborations, and supporting sustainable initiatives in aviation. This session followed Turkish Airlines' announcement in December 2023 regarding the order of 12 Airbus A350 aircraft, further solidifying the commitment to advancing their aviation cooperation.
Create: Jan 25, 2024 Edit: Jan 25, 2024 International NewsRadisson Hotel Group completed 2023 with extraordinary growth, adding more than 30,000 rooms to its international portfolio of 10 leading brands with new openings and agreements. With these results, Radisson Hotel Group has grown its operations by 50% since 2018, when the transformation plan began. In 2023, Radisson Hotel Group broke a new record with the agreements and openings of more than 30,000 rooms added to its portfolio. Radisson Blu, the group's leading brand, continued to be Europe's largest upper segment brand for the 12th time in a row. Head of Global Development, Radisson Hotel Group, said: We are grateful to our friends. We expect 2024 to be a continuation of 2023 as inflation slows down and investors' interest in the sector continues.
Create: Jan 25, 2024 Edit: Jan 25, 2024 International NewsIHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of the InterContinental Grenada Resort. The 150-room Caribbean hotel will be built on La Sagesse Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the town of St. George’s. The InterContinental Grenada Resort will feature more than 30 private suites, an array of restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa and pool with bar and grill, fitness center, approximately 6,000 square feet of meeting space and a business center. The property is expected to open in 2025. Known as a top-rated tropical destination, La Sagesse Beach is a prime location for guests seeking a relaxing and secluded stay along Grenada’s spectacular southeastern shoreline. Julienne Smith, Senior Vice President, Development IHG, Americas, said: “Guests looking for the best in iconic luxury brands will be treated in style with a stay at InterContinental Grenada Resort. We’re excited to work with Range Developments to bring InterContinental’s elevated experience and world-class service to this Caribbean destination.” Mohammed Asaria, Managing Partner, Range Developments, said: “Whether guests come to experience luxurious spa treatments, relax in our stunning pools, dine at one of the specialty on-site restaurants or visit for a grand celebration, InterContinental Grenada Resort will deliver alluring and memorable guest experiences. We are excited to bring the strength of the InterContinental brand to beautiful Grenada. Range Developments has become the clear market leading Citizenship by Investment developer in the Caribbean with an unparalleled reputation for timely delivery and quality.” InterContinental Grenada Resort will be adjacent to Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada, another Range Developments property and brand in IHG’s luxury portfolio, which is expected to open in 2023. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has become synonymous with bold exploration, travel and cultural discovery, having pioneered luxury travel in emerging and well-loved destinations for the past 75 years. There are currently 13 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in Latin America and 205 open globally, including 73 hotels in the pipeline.*
Create: Dec 22, 2021 Edit: Dec 22, 2021 International News