The post Top Four trends reshaping ‘Regional Tourism’ In GCC appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism sector is undergoing a transformation fuelled by infrastructure investment and experience-led development, as revealed in the Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025. Powered by Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, the report identifies critical growth opportunities for the region—including leveraging air connectivity, refining guest experiences, and tapping into high-potential segments like bleisure and younger travellers.

This is the second consecutive year Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, provides data intelligence for this study, drawing from its broad range of over 30 global data sources and data analytics expertise. The Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025, launched in an industry luncheon during Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, has been developed in partnership with Connecting Travel, leading Middle East travel trade media outlet.

This report unveils a data-rich picture of how the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is fast-tracking its evolution into a world-class travel and tourism hub, from both inbound and outbound perspective. In terms of international demand to GCC destinations, the study identifies four key trends reshaping the regional tourism landscape:

Trend #1: Leveraging Air Connectivity Edge to Boost Inbound Travel


The GCC’s rapid ascent to global tourism prominence is underpinned by strong air connectivity. According to Mabrian’s air capacity data, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar form a robust connectivity triangle, driven by consistent international air capacity growth since 2019—+38%, +14.5%, and +14%, respectively. Reinforcing air connectivity during the shoulder seasons (with milder temperatures) or through seasonal routes operated by low-cost carriers could support the goal of increasing long-haul leisure arrivals—not only for these countries, but also for other GCC destinations such as Oman and Bahrain.

“The next step is to leverage this strategic advantage to pursue three key goals: increasing long-haul leisure arrivals and stays, aligning with seasonal demand through customised, crafted experiences, and exploring new demand segments to boost visitation,” says Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian.

Trend #2: Putting Deliberate Focus on Crafting Exceptional Travel Experiences and Adventure, as Core Differentiators

The report guides readers through the array of experience-led projects being developed across GCC countries, highlighting how these attractions blend local heritage, cultural richness, and international brands to capture global attention and appeal to travellers worldwide. However, Mabrian’s Tourist Product Satisfaction Index (TPI) raises a red flag on a critical issue: to successfully position themselves as premium destinations for high-value, repeat visitors, GCC countries must prioritise the quality of experiences—especially by delivering world-class on-site service.

“TPIs from benchmark destinations for the GCC—such as Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the Seychelles—range from 70 to 75 out of a possible 100 points, whereas the GCC average stands at 68.1, reflecting the performance across all six countries,” says Cendra. “The good news is that all GCC destinations are showing an upward trend in this index, indicating they are on the right path and should continue to build on this progress in the months and years ahead.”

Trend #3: Improving overall and mid-range perceived guest experiences, crucial for boosting long-haul leisure stays

”To achieve sustained growth, overall satisfaction with accommodation is essential for increasing leisure arrivals and encouraging longer stays. This guest satisfaction must extend beyond the luxury segment—particularly in upper midscale and upscale hotels.” explains Mabrian expert. “If the guest experience does not meet international standards, it may discourage travellers from considering GCC destinations as viable long-stay holiday options.”

Hospitality Satisfaction Index (HSI) scores reveal areas for improvement: destinations like Saudi Arabia (62.1 out of 100), and Qatar and Bahrain (70.3) must go the extra mile in making sure lodging experiences are memorable. This means investing in guest experience not only in luxury segments but also across lower categories—diversifying hotel development to include upscale and mid-upscale options in both urban and resort settings.

Trend #4: Tap into uncharted segments to seize and capture leisure global demand 

Mabrian data featured in the Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025 also highlights the potential of key demand segments to boost leisure travel in the region—particularly the bleisure segment and younger generations. As Mabrian’s CMO notes, “Travellers to GCC destinations display a distinct behavioural pattern that sets them apart from other markets: business travellers consistently record longer average stays than leisure visitors. This trend, observed over the past two years, suggests that these destinations are successfully capitalising on the bleisure opportunity among international travellers.”

There are, however, two exceptions—Saudi Arabia and Oman—where the balance tips in favour of leisure travellers. In Saudi Arabia, for example, leisure visitors stay an average of 4.11 days, compared to 3.18 days for business travellers. In Oman, business stays are slightly shorter than those of leisure guests. “To strengthen the bleisure segment, GCC countries should enhance mid-range accommodation options and align hotel experiences—especially in top-tier categories—with global standards,” Mabrian’s CMO adds.

Likewise, there is significant growth potential among younger travellers. Capturing their attention could boost arrivals, not only by expanding lodging options in midscale and economy categories but also by promoting aspirational tourism products and services that resonate with their interests. According to Mabrian insights, currently, about 1 in 5 visitors to GCC destinations is aged between 18 and 35. Keeping this segment engaged could make a substantial impact in both the near and long term.

The Connecting Travel Insights Report 2025 also explores additional competitive advantages that position GCC destinations to attract international holidaymakers. These include a forward-looking vision for multimodal mobility, enhanced cross-country collaboration to optimise promotion and development, and the power of destination specialisation to transform the region’s long-term tourism strategies.

“This year’s findings reflect a maturing and increasingly competitive global tourism ecosystem—and the GCC is clearly playing to win,” says a Mabrian spokesperson. “That’s why data intelligence is so vital in this fast-evolving landscape—not only as a tool to anticipate trends and opportunities, but also to uphold high standards and stay attuned to changing traveller preferences and destination development dynamics.”

 

 

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The post Accor partners with Wego appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Accor has entered a new strategic distribution partnership with Wego as part of their commitment to deepen Accor’s digital presence and strengthen the Group’s connection with regional travelers across MENA.

Through this collaboration, Accor is focused on expanding its reach across high potential markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and other GCC countries, benefitting from Wego’s deep understanding of local consumer behavior and unmatched ability to localize at scale as a highly trusted platform in the region.

Accor scales its digital ecosystem

Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Accor commented: “This partnership represents a strategic alignment with the region’s leading travel marketplace, a critical enabler in Accor’s strategy to collectively scale its digital ecosystem and regional footprint. It’s not just about greater visibility, it’s about understanding the Middle Eastern traveler, and creating tailored, culturally relevant experiences that resonate with them. The timing of our partnership with Wego is also critical, sitting within Accor’s broader digital transformation strategy across MEA APAC, as we move from traditional campaigns to a data-rich, always-on marketing model, engaging guests with personalized content across digital channels.’’

‘’Together we’re unlocking new opportunities to really understand our customers and personalize engagement, amplify our 45+ hotel brands, and drive commercial growth through Wego’s powerful distribution capabilities, allowing Accor to reach new audiences and strengthen direct engagement across the MENA region,’’ she added.

Craig Hewett, Co-Founder and Chief Hotels Officer at Wego, said: “This collaboration with Accor couldn’t come at a better time. As the region witnesses a surge in travel, our mission is to provide travellers with exceptional value and seamless access to the world’s best hospitality. Partnering with Accor enables us to deliver curated hotel experiences to millions of users, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, personalization, and trust.”

Accor will have real-time connectivity to Wego’s platform, integrating its huge global hotel inventory, dynamic rate plans, and locally relevant offers, paving the way for seamless joint marketing efforts and regional content delivery.

This seamless integration will make Accor’s expansive hotel portfolio, spanning over 5,600 properties and more than 45 brands, instantly accessible to Wego’s highly engaged user base across the region.

The founding of this partnership is perfectly timed and naturally aligns with both companies’ growth trajectories. As Wego evolves, and the company’s influence grows, the well-established travel platform offers a robust, scalable technology stack, and deep consumer insights across MENA, mirroring Accor’s own expansion efforts in the region.

With Accor rapidly accelerating its regional footprint, strengthening its leadership in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Egypt, the integration enables the hotel group to capture more share of MENA travelers’ spend, and drive greater visibility for Accor brands and hotels, while continuing to deliver tailored experiences rooted in regional relevance.

Accor and Wego to launch joint campaigns

The collaboration also paves the way for deeper marketing alignment. Accor and Wego will launch joint campaigns that highlight top outbound destinations, such as Paris, London, Istanbul, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur that are consistently in demand among Wego users.

With targeted messaging in Arabic, English, Urdu, and more, the partnership will ensure Accor’s properties are featured in culturally localized, high-converting content across web, mobile, and email platforms.

As both companies invest in scalable infrastructure and intelligent systems, this partnership is positioned to unlock stronger conversion, higher booking volumes, and enhanced brand equity. Accor’s premium, midscale and economy offerings are increasingly resonating with MENA’s growing middle class, while its luxury and lifestyle brands continue to attract high-value travelers seeking authenticity, emotional connection and innovation.

Wego’s ability to deliver tailored recommendations, powered by AI and predictive analytics, will further enhance traveler satisfaction and loyalty.

Accor will also gain from Wego’s localized payment ecosystem, which includes support for popular regional methods such as Mada in Saudi Arabia and Knet in Kuwait. Enhancing affordability and accessibility, Wego further empowers travelers through flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options via its partnership with Tabby. These offerings reflect Wego’s ongoing commitment to delivering seamless, regionally attuned travel experiences, underpinned by best-in-class customer service tailored to the needs of today’s MENA traveler.

 

 

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The post Tour operators need to begin offering private, personalized tours at group-tour prices or face the risk of being replaced appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Walking tours today are the same as they were 25 years ago—in fact, they’re much like when Thomas Cook led his first tour in the 19th century. However, change is on the horizon—and it’s coming fast. With this bold statement, Alex Bainbridge, CEO Autoura offered at Arival’s flagship European event this week, a forward-looking session on the future of guided experiences showing how artificial intelligence is poised to radically reshape the guided tour sector—and why tour operators must adapt to stay relevant.

As AI continues to evolve, the digital assistant on travellers’ phones will soon evolve from providing information to becoming a travel companion. This shift is pushing, in words of Bainbridge, traditional tour operators to rethink the group tour model. In this sense, the panelist urged tour operators to begin offering private, personalized tours at group-tour prices—or face the risk of being replaced by AI-guided alternatives.

How can tour operators adapt?

To stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape, the panelist emphasized the need for tour operators to rethink their approach, with a focus on:

1. Modularizing tours to create flexible, personalized experiences.
2. Transitioning from large buses to smaller vehicles to meet the growing demand for more intimate group settings.
3. Adopting hybrid models that combine live human guides with AI-powered assistance, offering a more dynamic and responsive travel experience.
4. Exploring remote-guided tours, where guides can lead experiences virtually from anywhere in the world, as a promising direction for the future.

“Anyone investing in their business now needs to plan wisely,” warned Bainbridge. And added: “If you’re buying a new bus with a ten-year loan, you could quickly find yourself with an asset no one wants.”

It became evident throughout the discussion that the traditional concept of a “tour” is rapidly evolving. Fixed schedules, group formats, and rigid start times are being replaced by more flexible, on-demand experiences. As AI becomes an integral part of travellers’ journeys—available at their fingertips 365 days a year—expectations are shifting toward highly personalized, real-time interactions. This shift is set to fundamentally transform how people discover, engage with, and experience the world, marking a new era for the travel industry.

The Arival 360 Europe event is being held for the first time in Spain (Valencia) from April 28th to 30th. It features a series of insightful sessions with top-tier panelists, offering an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge, address industry challenges, and forge partnerships that drive growth and innovation in the travel sector.

 

 

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The post Thailand and Italy jointly mark the founding of Rome and Bangkok appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted the Foundation of Rome & Bangkok Grand Celebration last 21st April at the Siri Sala Private Thai Villa.

The event commemorated the shared founding date of the capitals of Thailand and Italy, both of which were established on 21 April.

TAT deputy governor for international marketing in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas Chiravadee Khunsub represented the tourism board at the event which is also on the slate of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025.

In her remarks, Khunsub put an emphasis on the importance of tourism and cultural exchange in strengthening international understanding and long-standing bilateral relations.

A showcase of traditions and innovations

The celebration featured live music, traditional performances, showcases by Italian businesses, and a panel discussion titled Bridging Cultures Through Tourism: Thailand & Italy in Focus.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner to foster closer collaboration between Thai and Italian partners.

Italy remains a high-potential source market for Thailand, with 267,000 visitors in 2024 and strong momentum into 2025. 

With growing demand for independent and sustainable travel, and direct flights from Rome and Milan, TAT continues to engage Italian travellers through targeted campaigns and partnerships.

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The post How Personalisation is Reshaping the Future of Hospitality with data based decision making appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

For decades, cab companies measured success based on the number of bookings and average fares – until platforms like Grab and Uber rewrote the playbook. By putting the passenger, not the ride, at the centre of their strategy, they shifted the focus from monetising trips to understanding the customer. From anticipating takeout orders to simplifying travel plans, apps like Grab now deliver seamless, personalised services that cater to one’s lifestyle.  

Such a revolutionary shift in hospitality is long overdue. According to the Agilysys 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study, 68% of APAC travellers are willing to spend more on personalised experiences. Yet the industry continues to rely on RevPAR, a metric which reduces guests to the revenue per available room. While travellers increasingly expect tailored, memorable stays, many hotels remain fixated on one-time bookings and short-term revenue. 

Now imagine applying that same customer-centric principle to hospitality: when your system remembers a guest’s preferred tee time, it doesn’t just schedule a round – it unlocks an opportunity to offer tailored golf packages with club rentals, post-game dining recommendations, and even a lesson with the club pro. This is RevPAG (Revenue Per Available Guest) in action, where every interaction and data point transforms into a revenue opportunity and relationship-building moment that keeps guests coming back for more. 

Why Personalisation Matters for Hotels  

The genius of such ride-hailing platforms lay in harnessing data to turn commoditised services into tailored experiences – proving that guest data is the key to unlocking infinite revenue streams.  

Similarly, hotels have an opportunity to look beyond room sales to foster long-term loyalty and deepen guest relationships. As occupancy rates plateau and OTAs tighten their grip on bookings, forward-thinking operators are focusing on RevPAG. This is because while a room is a limited asset, the total value of guests’ journey and expenditure on their favourite dining spots, spa treatments, or curated local experiences go far beyond.  

Disjointed Data Keeps Hotels from Knowing Their Guests  

Many hotels struggle to personalise at scale and deepen engagement as they lack a unified view of the guest. The issue is data fragmented across disparate systems, making it impossible to build a holistic profile and prompt relevant recommendations.   

Moreover, with OTAs controlling multiple bookings, hotels often have little to no visibility into their guests’ preferences while intermediaries profit from upselling flights, car rentals, and activities.  

Unified Profiles: The Foundation of Personalisation  

The solution lies in unified guest profiles like those powered by Agilysys’ PMS with Single Guest Itinerary (SGI) technology. By integrating booking history, spending habits, and real-time behaviour from app interactions to service requests, hotels can gain a 360° view that goes beyond basic demographics.  

Properties using unified guest profiles could unlock substantially more revenue. The key is moving from reactive personalisation predictive hospitality. This requires breaking down silos and embracing platforms that centralise data at every touchpoint. 

Imagine a business traveller who books a standard room but upgrades to a suite after receiving a tailored offer via the hotel app. Later, they dine at the property’s restaurant, where the sommelier recommends a wine based on past preferences. Upon checkout, they join a loyalty programme that rewards them with exclusive access to future events. It is these thoughtful gestures that will turn them into a repeat guest. 

 Where Automation Meets Personalisation 

Additionally, by automating routine administrative tasks like check-ins, billing, inventory management, hotels can free staff to focus on what truly matters: crafting unforgettable guest experiences.  

With technology seamlessly handling paperwork while the front desk team delivers handwritten notes for returning guests or pre-assigning their preferred suite before arrival. This shift from transactional service to meaningful personalisation transforms guests into loyal advocates. 

The future of hospitality is not just about tapping into ancillary revenue but leveraging technology to offer a thoughtful, customised touch where it matters the most. 

 Guest-Centric Future 

The wake-up call for the hospitality industry cannot be overstated: guests are increasingly holding hotels to the standard of their last Grab ride, their perfectly timed Amazon delivery, and their customised Netflix recommendations.  

While 86% of guests report a satisfied stay, only 37% choose to rebook the same property. This glaring gap reveals the critical missing piece: scaling personalisation through unified guest data, predictive insights, and a RevPAG driven approach is no longer a choice, but a necessity.   

This is where Agilysys delivers future-forward hospitality technology that Goes Beyond. Its innovative technology doesn’t just streamline operations – it turns Return on Experience into your most powerful growth engine. By unifying every touchpoint into a Single Guest Itinerary, Agilysys helps properties transform one-time stays into lifelong revenue. 

So, the billion-dollar question isn’t whether hotels can adopt this model, but whether they’ll act fast enough to claim their share of value waiting to be unlocked. 

 

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The post Minor Hotels and Chongqing Yuanchu Cultural Tourism Group sign agreement appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Global hospitality group Minor Hotels recently signed an agreement between its Chinese joint venture, Funyard Minor and Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Group.

The deal is part of the development of the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort which is set to open by October 2027. 

Minor’s vice-president for development in Greater China Eddy Tiftik said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Group to jointly create the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort as a renowned resort destination in China. This project represents a significant expansion for our Anantara brand and our commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development in Hainan and supporting Lingshui’s ‘2+7+3+N’ coordinated development plan. We look forward to deepening the influence of the Anantara brand in China through this new project, creating a luxury leisure destination with deep reverence for its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.”

Chongqing Yuanchu Luquan Cultural Tourism Development Group. chair Liu Yuanchu responded with: “We are excited to work with international hotel group Minor Hotels to build the Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort. The Clear Water Bay offers travellers luxurious facilities that seamlessly blend nature and culture, including an international standard golf course, luxury yacht marinas, fishing villages and tropical botanical gardens. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore the region with Anantara in the coming years.”

Luxury along a Singing Beach

The 90-key Anantara Hotels & Resorts property is located along Clear Water Bay’s 12-kilometre stretch of fine, white sandy beach, known as one of the world’s three Singing Beaches.

Rooms and suites at the resort will range in size from 60 to 240 square metres tailored to the needs of its guests. 

Holidaymakers can explore a range of culinary offerings at the resort’s specialty restaurants and an all-day dining venue. 

The resort’s leisure facilities will include an Anantara Spa, wellness centre, outdoor swimming pool and entertainment centre, complemented by signature experiences that integrate Hainan’s unique charm and local character. 

The property will also feature a versatile 400-square-metre banquet hall and a beautifully landscaped 350-square-metre outdoor lawn, ideal for a wide range of events and gatherings.

An exceptional location

Located in Lingshui Li Autonomous County on the southeastern coast of Hainan and 35 kilometres drive from Sanya’s city centre, Anantara Clear Water Bay Sanya Resort will leverage the region’s beautiful natural surroundings and year-round tropical climate to provide guests with access to sunny beaches, azure seas and stunning outdoor scenery.

Lingshui boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including the pristine waters surrounding Fenjiezhou Island, the fine white sands of Qingshui Bay, the vibrant and engaging Nanwan Monkey Island, and the diverse attractions of R&F Ocean World. 

The resort’s prime location will also allow guests to discover the region’s local culture through handicrafts, fabric and bamboo weaving, music, and lively festival celebrations unique to the island.

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The post Sabre inks long-term partnership with Gray Dawes appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Travel technology firm Sabre Corporation announced a multi-year partnership with Gray Dawes Group, one of the industry’s largest independent travel management companies (TMCs), on Wednesday, 30th April. 

Under this partnership, Gray Dawes has selected Sabre as its sole global distribution platform partner.

Gray Dawes will partner with Sabre to accelerate its next phase of growth, prioritizing investments in innovation to better serve clients worldwide and enhance operational efficiency. 

Advanced capabilities in AI and automation will enable Gray Dawes’ agents to focus on high-value interactions, while Sabre’s multi-source content approach streamlines technology management, ensuring seamless access to comprehensive travel options.

Gray Dawes CEO Suzanne Horner said: “We have selected Sabre as our global distribution technology platform because of their ability to support our operational model and international growth. Their global scale, stable technology infrastructure, and investment roadmap align with our objective to expand beyond our core markets and operate efficiently on a global scale. By focusing our entire global operation on a single GDS, we can achieve far greater efficiencies within our business, freeing up time and resources to further develop our Always On service model.”

Horner added that Sabre offers excellent support to Gray Dawes’ High Tech, High Content value proposition, and she looks forward to seeing how the tech company’s innovation can complement her firm’s in-house technology developments to serve clients better.

For regional growth

Gray Dawes’ partnership with Sabre supports the TMC’s strategic growth initiatives across key regions, focusing on its European markets, particularly in the UK and the Netherlands, as well as continued growth in North America and Australia.

Sabre regional director for Northern Europe and Benelux Richard Addey said: “This partnership highlights Sabre’s capability to collaborate with and deliver integrated solutions for TMCs looking to scale both locally and globally. By combining our AI-driven technology, automation, and multi-source content, we are supporting Gray Dawes’ growth strategy and enabling them to enhance operational efficiency while focusing on high-value services for their clients worldwide.”

Gray Dawes accesses Sabre content through YourTrip, their online corporate travel platform and booking tool, powered by Atriis. 

Gray Dawes has been instrumental in the development of Atriis, as well as pioneering their own online Portal, which provides clients with complete control over their corporate travel program within a secure environment, a model into which Sabre fits perfectly.

Sabre’s open approach and API connectivity enable access to its travel marketplace without the need to change existing technology, supporting Gray Dawes’ operational model and allowing agents to continue delivering high-value service to their clients without disruption.

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The post Etihad celebrates JV with China Eastern Airlines at ATM2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and China Eastern Airlines have officially launched their landmark Joint Venture (JV) during a ceremony held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week.

The launch follows the successful arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April, which was celebrated with a welcome ceremony at Zayed International Airport. The service starts with four weekly frequencies and will increase to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025, further boosting connectivity between the UAE and China.

Seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network

Building upon the launch of the Joint Venture, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes at the Arabian Travel Market on 29 April. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles programmes can earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ global networks — unlocking greater value and seamless travel experiences for loyalty members.

The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational, offering seamless connectivity and a stronger combined network. This JV signifies the long-standing ties between the UAE and China by offering expanded travel options and seamless travel experiences for passengers travelling between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE and across the Middle East and Africa regions.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The official launch of our Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for the future of both the UAE and China. By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re not only expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, but also setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation, innovation, and shared success across our markets.”

More convenience for passengers

Wan Qingchao, Executive Vice President of China Eastern, stated: “The launch of the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation with Etihad Airways are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative. Backed by a modern Zayed International Airport, we will further enhance our transit capabilities and improve travel convenience for passengers.”

The partnership is the first Joint Venture between a Middle Eastern airline and a Chinese airline, setting a precedent for future bilateral aviation agreements. Both airlines will continue to align in areas including codeshare flights, joint marketing initiatives, and customer experience enhancements.

The new China Eastern flight currently operates four times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), with a one-way flight duration of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. The A330 aircraft is equipped with high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected throughout the journey.

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The post IATA: total global passenger demand up by over three percent in March appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued  its report on March 2025 global passenger demand for air travel.

It was noted that total demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 3.3 percent compared to March 2024. 

Total capacity measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), on the other hand, increased by 5.3 percent year-on-year. 

Load factor hit 80.7 percent, a 1.6 ppt drop from March 2024.

International demand rose 4.9 percent compared to March 2024, while capacity was up 7 percent year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.9 percent.

With regard to domestic demand, the total was up by 0.9 percent compared to March of last year, and capacity increased by 2.5 percent year-on-year; load factor was at 82 percent.

IATA director-general Willie Walsh pointed out: “A capacity expansion of 5.3%, however, outpaced the demand expansion leading to a load factor decline from record highs to 80.7% system-wide. There remains a lot of speculation around the potential impacts of tariffs and other economic headwinds on travel. While the small decline in demand in North America needs to be watched carefully, March numbers continued to show a global pattern of growth for air travel. That means the challenges associated with accommodating more people who need to travel, specifically alleviating supply chain problems and ensuring sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity, remain urgent.”

Market performance in March 2025

International markets

International RPK growth slowed to 4.9 percent in March year-on-year from the 5.9 percent reported for February and from the 12.5 percent reported in January. 

This slowdown since January reflects in large part the final normalization of year-on-year demand comparisons post-COVID. 

Asia-Pacific was the strongest performer among regions with 9.9 percent growth. 

On the other hand, load factors dropped in every region, reflecting  a -1.7 ppt overall decline. 

Performance by region 

• Asia-Pacific airlines reported a 9.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 11.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.1% (-1.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
• European carriers had a 4.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.2% (-1.5 ppt compared to March 2024).
• Middle Eastern carriers saw a -1.0% year-on-year decline in demand. Capacity increased 2.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 74.6% (-2.9 ppt compared to March 2024). The decline in demand is likely related to the timing of Ramadan which impacts travel patterns.
• North American carriers saw a -0.1% year-on-year fall in demand. Capacity increased 2.0% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.0% (-1.8 ppt compared to March 2024). While demand had a second consecutive month of year-on-year contraction, it is important to note that this is an improvement on the -1.5% decline reported for February.
• Latin American airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 12.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 80.9% (-3.3 ppt compared to March 2024).
• African airlines saw a 3.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 3.5% year-on-year. The load factor was 70.1% (-0.2 ppt compared to March 2024).

Domestic markets

Domestic air travel posted a marginal gain of 0.9 percent, weighed down by declines in the US and Australian markets. 

Brazil and India reported the strongest growth at 8.9 percent and 11 percent respectively. 

Meanwhile, both Australia and the US reported slight declines, whilst the overall load factor fell -1.3 ppt as domestic capacity expanded 2.5 percent.

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