Big bets, bold moves: Investors double down on Middle East’s travel startup future
In a region undergoing massive economic transformation, the Middle East’s travel sector is becoming fertile ground for venture bets – from Umrah companions and cargo startups to AI-led personalisation.
At the WiT Phocuswright Middle East panel moderated by Phocuswright Managing Director Pete Co [...]
UAE hits 94.8% safety score and 24% tourist growth from Asia
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is asserting its influence as a global tourism leader, marked by the historic election of Shaikha Al Nowais as the first female Secretary-General of UN Tourism. As the region garners international attention, data from Mabrian, the global travel intelligence company par [...]
Malaysia retains the top spot among OIC destinations, new trends shaping Halal travel
10th annual Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index spotlights leading Muslim-friendly destinations worldwide
As awareness of Muslim travellers’ needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mas [...]
Experts weigh-in on Jetstar Asia’s closure: Strategic misstep or inevitable fallout?
On June 11, news broke that Jetstar Asia, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier under the Qantas Group, will cease operations on July 31, affecting more than 500 employees in Singapore. The closure is part of a broader “strategic restructure” by parent company Qantas, which aims to reallocate res [...]
From rock dreams to travel reality: Traveloka’s Caesar Indra on serving the next generation
At WiT Japan & North Asia 2025, Caesar Indra, President of Traveloka, took to the stage with the calm confidence of a man who’s weathered many storms, seen the travel tech tides shift and lived to tell the tale. Thirteen years after joining Traveloka to build its flight product, Caesar is now [...]
Hajj 2025 spurs 151M+ flight seats to Mecca, hotels dominate, group stays rise
Mabrian’s latest data reveals the growing travel impact of Hajj 2025, with over 151.6 million flight seats scheduled to Mecca, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — a 1.2 million seats increase compared to 2024 festivities. Most top source markets show increased air capacity, and hotels remain the do [...]
The future is young, deep, and silver: Michael Dykes on the new demographics of APAC travel
At WiT Japan & North Asia, Michael Dykes of Expedia Group laid out a compelling picture of the shifting travel landscape in Asia Pacific. In a fast-evolving region shaped by cultural pride, youth influence, and ageing populations, Dykes identified three powerful demographic trends that are rewri [...]
Long weekends fuel regional getaways for Asian travellers
Hoteliers advised to take advantage of additional public holidays to maximize occupancy and revenue
Asia’s diverse and regular stream of public holidays is proving to be a boost to the Asia Pacific (APAC) travel industry as Asian tourists look to maximize their leisure time. Digital travel platfo [...]
Airline profitability to strengthen in 2025 despite headwinds
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced updates to its 2025 airline industry financial outlook, showing improved profitability over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts.
Highlights from the expected 2025 financial performance include:
[...]
Dubai plots its course to 2033 as a next-gen destination for global citizens
Dubai is doubling down on its ambition to become one of the world’s top three cities to live, work, invest and travel in – and tourism lies at the heart of that plan.
At WiT Phocuswright Middle East 2025, Hoor Al Khaja, Senior Vice President of International Operations at Dubai’s Department o [...]
