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 NewsDan Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund specializing in agritourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism, has signed a memorandum of understanding with AMATC company. This collaboration includes the development and enhancement of ecotourism lodges, tourist farms, and other unique accommodation options in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The two companies will collaborate to provide diverse tourism services to travelers, including specialized tours, recreational and educational programs, and support services. Additionally, joint investment in the development of tourism infrastructure, such as building tourist camps, hiking and biking trails, and other recreational facilities, is another provision of this memorandum of understanding.The signing of this memorandum is considered a significant step towards the development of Saudi Arabia's tourism industry and the realization of the country's Vision 2030.
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 NewsA new report from the World Travel and Tourism Council and Microsoft predicts the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the tourism and travel industry, promising an unparalleled experience for customers. This report redefines travel and tourism standards and calls for greater integration of these technologies into the industry.According to the report, tourism and travel businesses are encouraged to prioritize artificial intelligence as a strategic priority and make significant investments in fostering collaboration between humans and artificial intelligence. The World Travel and Tourism Council believes that artificial intelligence can play a pivotal role in providing personalized and advanced experiences for travelers both now and in the future.By analyzing traveler data, optimizing pricing strategies through real-time adjustments, and providing instant responses and precise interactions through advanced chatbots, this technology can enhance personalized recommendations and marketing strategies.
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsSwiss Airline is currently taking steps to address the evolving needs of the market. The airline industry is on the verge of transformation. With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and increasing demand for new flight experiences, the industry requires a rethink and reassessment of its business practices. As part of the Lufthansa Group, Swiss Airline is planning a fundamental overhaul of its fleet, both by adding new aircraft and by offering new experiences to its existing services. The main focus of Swiss Airline's new product offering is a completely redesigned cabin for its long-haul aircraft fleet. Currently, Swiss Airline operates flights to over 100 destinations worldwide. The airline transported over 19 million passengers in 2019.
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsWith a forecast of significant growth, the outbound travel market of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to reach $57.5 billion by 2028. This increase is primarily due to rapid growth in outbound tourism in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, indicating an increasing inclination of people in this region to travel abroad. Moreover, Generation Z is recognized as the vanguards of this growth. This generation increasingly utilizes the "Bleisure" trend, a combination of business and leisure, to create a balance between their personal and professional lives.
Create: Feb 28, 2024 Edit: Feb 28, 2024 International NewsIn a move to expand its operations in Australia, Emirates has announced it will increase its services to the country.Starting October 1st, Emirates will upgrade its second daily flight between Dubai and Brisbane (EK430/431) to an Airbus A380.This upgrade will significantly increase passenger capacity and provide a more comfortable and relaxed travel experience for passengers. In addition, Emirates will launch a second daily service between Dubai and Perth on December 1st, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER.This move demonstrates Emirates' commitment to expanding and strengthening its presence in the Australian market.
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 NewsOzhotels, recognized as a leading hotel group in Turkey, has signed a contract with Marriott, the world's largest hotel chain brand, to open two new hotels in Antalya. The regional manager of Ozhotels in Antalya stated: "We are proud to collaborate with the Marriott brand to open these two new hotels in Antalya."These hotels will contribute to the improvement of the tourism industry in Antalya and provide quality services to guests from around the world. The chairman of the Ozhotels board also expressed satisfaction with this collaboration, stating: "This is a significant milestone for Ozhotels.""We are collaborating with the Marriott brand, one of the most recognized brands in the hotel industry, to provide a unique experience for our guests in Antalya." The opening of these two new hotels will create new job opportunities in Antalya and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.
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 NewsA new auction-based taxi service called Drife has been launched in Dubai, which can significantly reduce fares for passengersThe Drife app is the first decentralized transportation system in the United Arab Emirates, allowing passengers to view different drivers' offers for a trip and choose the best option. This system benefits everyone, as passengers pay lower fares, and drivers earn more income by eliminating commissions. Drivers pay a monthly subscription fee to use Drife.The company's app and website will be launched later this month, and initially, 100 limousines from a private company will be registered in the system.
Create: Feb 23, 2024 Edit: Feb 23, 2024 International News