The Arabian Travel Market 2025 recently entered its second day, with the exhibition halls packed with visitors and exhibitors. Gulf Today provides a summary of the exciting announcements, deals, and quotes from the event.
Etihad Airways and Tourism Authority of Thailand |
A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between Etihad Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to strengthen their relationship. |
Etihad Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote tourism to Thailand through Etihad’s extensive global network. The MoC aims to deliver high-quality travel experiences in Thailand through collaborative activities and promotion.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Thailand is a very important market for Etihad, this is demonstrated by our continued expansion into the market with two new destinations this year, and further by this Memorandum of Cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to drive leisure travel. This agreement will help further strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and Etihad’s position in the market, reinforcing our commitment to deliver extraordinary travel experiences.”
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, also expressed her views on the partnership.
“Our partnership with Etihad marks a significant milestone in advancing Thailand’s position as a preferred global destination. With Etihad’s extensive network and world-class service, we are confident that this collaboration will inspire more travellers to explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and wellness offerings of Thailand. Together, we aim to deliver unforgettable experiences and reinforce Thailand’s appeal as a year-round destination for international visitors.”
Rotana Expansion
- Rotana, the Middle East’s leading hospitality management company, announced a significant expansion of its regional portfolio, with 12 new hotels set to open across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- These openings reaffirm Rotana’s position as the region’s most trusted hospitality operator and underline its commitment to shaping the future of tourism in its home markets.
Philip Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, stated: “The UAE will always be our home — it’s where Rotana started, and it continues to shape who we are. We’ve also been proud to grow alongside Saudi Arabia, a market that has welcomed us and inspired us with its vision. This next chapter is about deepening those relationships and continuing to serve both countries with the care, respect, and commitment they’ve shown us.”
Expansion Across the UAE
| Reem Island Arjaan by Rotana – Abu Dhabi | 280 keys, a premium serviced hotel apartments concept designed for long-stay corporate travellers, families, and digital nomads. |
The new property will offer a range of amenities, including modern amenities, a fitness centre, and a range of dining options. This expansion underlines Rotana’s commitment to catering to different guest segments and owner expectations.
Expansion Across Saudi Arabia
- Schedule to open in 2025 and 2026, with plans for a total of 20 hotels by 2027.
- Properties will be located in commercial zones, heritage districts, and family travel hubs, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s new tourism vision.
- Rotana is actively progressing three new properties in Al Baha as part of its strategy to expand into secondary and tertiary cities in Saudi Arabia.
Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana, stated: “In Saudi Arabia, we’re seeing the results of our proximity and performance. Through sustained engagement and consistent delivery, we’ve earned developer trust — not just for what we say, but for how we show up. This is what drives long-term success in complex, fast-moving markets.”
Philip Barnes added: “We are not chasing growth for growth’s sake. We are expanding in the places we know best — places where we have history, deep relationships, and operational advantage.”
Enhanced Loyalty Programme
In support of these openings, Rotana will extend its enhanced loyalty programme, Rotana Discovery, across all new markets. The programme is expected to be fully integrated with the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by the end of 2025.
Eddy Tannous stated: “The UAE has always been our innovation testbed. But what makes that innovation work is how closely we stay connected to our owners. We’re not just launching new properties — we’re building deep, high-trust partnerships that allow us to test, learn, and scale.”
Al Bandar Rotana Participation
Ayman Ashor, General Manager of Al Bandar Rotana, stated: “We are proud to have participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Our participation reflected a continued commitment to visibility and partnership development. The exhibition was a great success, and we were delighted to engage with top travel partners from all major source markets.”
Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) Milestones
- HMH marked 15 consecutive years of participation in Arabian Travel Market 2025.
- The company secured multiple strategic agreements at the event.
- These developments reinforce HMH’s expanding presence across the GCC and demonstrate its commitment to the region’s hospitality sector.
Haytham Abdelaziz, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, stated: “ATM continues to serve as our principal platform for establishing valuable relationships, exploring innovative solutions, and accessing cutting-edge hospitality technologies. We’re proud to announce partnerships that reflect our ambitious regional vision.”
Barbados Tourism Growth
BTMI reported a robust 31% year-on-year increase in arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in 2024.
The company attributed the growth to a growing appetite for long-haul, luxury leisure travel among GCC residents, particularly to culturally rich destinations like Barbados.
Kyle Gittens, Director of Emerging Markets at BTMI, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Barbados striking a chord with discerning travellers from the GCC who seek authenticity, luxury and enriching experiences.
