Reflective and inventive: Lessons from a mirrored monument in the desert
In the heart of the Ashar Valley in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, rises something extraordinary: Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. From afar, it appears almost unreal – shimmering like a desert mirage, warping and dissolving into the rocky landscape. Up close, it reflects the sandstone clif [...]
Airbnb makes bank-ish. Vibing with Priceline. AirAsia MOVE gets Easy Cancel. More.
Technoheaven unveils AI-driven smart markup tool and inventory distribution system
At ATM 2025, travel technology firm Technoheaven debuted its Smart Markup module, a new tool designed to help travel businesses improve profitability through predictive pricing. Powered by AI, the tool analyses booki [...]
The shifting sands of social: From inspiration to action, from influence to selling
At a time when travellers are booking trips based on TikTok trends and planning itineraries via AI, the intersection of social media and travel commerce has never been more dynamic or more challenging for brands.
At Phocuswright WiT Middle East 2025, a panel of marketers, creators and platform [...]
The future of travel: Zero-phase UI and IT employees reporting to HR
In a lively and sometimes irreverent panel at Phocuswright WiT Middle East in Dubai last week, hospitality and travel technology leaders debated how AI, automation, and invisible operations are reshaping the future of travel, payments, and the guest experience.
The session kicked off on a playful [...]
AI in action: When your concierge is an AI Agent and still sends cake
When the AI you built starts sending birthday cakes unprompted, you know you’re no longer just playing with automation anymore. You are looking at AI with a mind of its own.
That’s exactly what happened at The Luxe Nomad, a luxury villa booking platform. During a chat, guest mentioned about a b [...]
Laura Houldsworth on Corporate travel, AI and Taggable Tourism | Conversations on Turning 20
When you get to the ripe young age of 20, you’re bound to collect lots of stories – not only about the past but lessons for the future.
As WiT marks its 20th year in 2025, we turn the spotlight on our community, our tribe pioneers and leaders, to tell their stories and share their views on th [...]
Expedia Group expands presence in the Middle East through new travel partnerships
New and expanded partnerships announced across advertising, travel technology, supply and travel agents
Expedia Group has announced a series of strategic travel partnerships aimed at expanding its footprint to additional markets in the Middle East, spanning advertising, technology and sup [...]
flyadeal gets A330s. AirAsia MOVE’s double deal. Spotlight on IDeaS. EGL adopts Amadeus. More.
flyadeal announces order for A330 widebody aircraft
flyadeal, the low-cost carrier under the Saudia Group, has announced an order for 10 Airbus A330neo wide-body aircraft, marking a shift towards long-haul operations. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery from 2027 over a three-year period, will sup [...]
Letter from AlUla: In a land of stories, the real influencers rise
On my flydubai flight to AlUla, at the unearthly hour of 6:50am, I felt like my Instagram feed had come to life.
As it turns out, I’d arrived in this ancient desert kingdom in Saudi Arabia at the same time as 50 influencers gathering for the first-ever Instagram-AlUla Summit. This, I discovered [...]
Jacinta Lim on AI, niche communities and the quandary of travel | Conversations On Turning 20
When you get to the ripe young age of 20, you’re bound to collect lots of stories – not only about the past but lessons for the future.
As WiT marks its 20th year in 2025, we turn the spotlight on our community, our tribe pioneers and leaders, to tell their stories and share their views on th [...]
