The post Etihad Delivers Record Nine-Month Profit of U.S.D 463 million appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Etihad Airways has continued its record-setting performance, achieving its strongest nine-month results in history and sustaining growth across all core business areas. The performance highlights the airline’s growth, rising customer satisfaction, and continued efficiency improvements.

Profit after tax reached AED 1.7 billion (U.S.$ 463 million) for the first nine months of 2025, up 26 per cent compared to the same period last year, lifting the airline’s profit margin to 8 per cent, compared to 7 per cent for the same period last year.

Total revenue rose 18 per cent year-on-year to AED 21.7 billion (U.S.$ 5.9 billion), supported by strong performance across both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue increased 20 per cent year-on-year to AED 18.2 billion (U.S.$ 4.9 billion), reflecting the airline’s increased capacity and enhanced network. Cargo revenue grew 8 per cent to AED 3.2 billion (U.S.$ 875 million), driven by improved capacity and higher volumes (+6 per cent year-on-year).

Operating performance remained robust, with EBITDA increasing 27 per cent year-on-year to AED 4.3 billion (U.S.$ 1.2 billion), translating to an improved EBITDA margin of 20 per cent, +1pp compared to the same period last year. Strong cash generation continued, with operating cash flow reaching nearly AED 6 billion (more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion), an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to last year.

Etihad carried 16.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025 – the highest ever in its history – an 18 per cent increase year-on-year, supported by a 17 per cent rise in capacity and a higher load factor of 88 per cent (+1pp year-on-year).

Customer satisfaction continued to rise throughout 2025, with Net Promoter Scores (NPS) improving across all cabins and reaching record levels in premium. The new A321LR fleet has been particularly well received by guests, setting a new benchmark for comfort and service on narrow-body aircraft.

“Etihad’s performance this year has set a new benchmark, outpacing the market and driving nearly half of the UAE’s total passenger growth,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “It’s a clear validation of our strategy, the strength of our team, and the appeal of Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination. We’re expanding, elevating the guest experience, and maintaining our focus on efficiency and performance.

“I want to thank every member of our team for their contribution to these results, and our guests for their continued support. Their trust and enthusiasm inspire us to deliver extraordinary experiences every day.”

Etihad’s operating fleet reached 115 aircraft at the end of September 2025, an increase of 19 year-on-year, marking one of the busiest delivery periods in the airline’s history. During the third quarter, Etihad added nine aircraft – its first Airbus A321LR in July, followed by two more A321LRs, three Boeing 787s, two Airbus A350s and one A320 – driving a more than 20 per cent increase year-on-year in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) for the quarter. At the start of July, the airline also reached a major milestone, carrying 20 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis for the first time in its history.

The new A321LR fleet entered service on 1 August 2025 with its inaugural flight to Phuket, bringing wide-body luxury to narrow-body operations for the first time in the region. The aircraft features private First suites, fully lie-flat Business in a 1-1 configuration, and enhanced design across all cabins, setting a new standard for comfort and service on single-aisle routes.

Etihad’s expanding fleet enabled it to continue building network scale and connectivity, operating close to 300 passenger flights per day, while the network comprised over 100 destinations, of which 91 were operated as of 30 September. In the third quarter, the airline launched inaugural flights to Atlanta and Al Alamein, and announced new destinations to Salalah, Kazan, and Krakow, further strengthening its reach across the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. In Europe alone, Etihad has added more than 500,000 seats in 2025, reinforcing its role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s inbound tourism growth. In total, 31 new destinations have been launched or announced over the last 12 months, underscoring Etihad’s commitment to making Abu Dhabi one of the most connected cities in the world.

Etihad continued to improve operational efficiency, while enhancing the guest experience. Customer satisfaction also reached record levels in 2025, reflecting continued investment in product, service and innovation. The airline was named a Five-Star Global Airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), recognising its commitment to service excellence and innovation.

During the period, Etihad also strengthened its partnerships and brand presence, including the launch of loyalty partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and an expanded cargo partnership with Atlas Air.

Etihad’s continued performance is driven by the dedication of its people. In the first nine months of 2025, the airline added more than 2,600 new employees, including over 200 pilots and 1,500 cabin crew, reflecting the pace of growth across its network and fleet. Over the same period, over 1,500 employees were promoted, recognising strong performance and leadership across the organisation.

Highlights

• Profit after tax reached AED 1.7 billion (U.S.$ 463 million), up 26 per cent year-on-year with profit margin at 8 per cent
• Total revenue grew by 18 per cent year-on-year to AED 21.7 billion (U.S.$ 5.9 billion), driven by both passenger and cargo business
• Passenger revenue rose 20 per cent, reaching AED 18.2 billion (U.S.$ 4.9 billion) supported by increased capacity, network enhancement and strong demand
• Cargo revenue rose by 8 per cent, reaching AED 3.2 billion (U.S.$ 875 million) driven by increased capacity and volumes
• Strong revenue performance and operational efficiency boosted the EBITDA by 27 per cent year-on-year to AED 4.3 billion (U.S.$ 1.2 billion), lifting EBITDA margin to 20 per cent (+1pp year-on-year)
• Strong operating performance confirmed by remarkable cash flow generation, with cash flow from operation reaching almost AED 6 billion (more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion), marking an increase of more than 40 per cent year-on-year
• Customer satisfaction continues to improve across all cabins, particularly in premium cabins following the introduction of the new A321LR fleet
• Capacity and volumes continue to expand with ASK growing by 17 per cent year-on-year and passengers carried by 18 per cent per cent year-on-year (reached 16.1 million in the first nine months of 2025), with passenger load factor at 88 per cent (+1pp year-on-year)
• Fleet expansion drove operating fleet to 115 aircraft as of September 2025, +19 aircraft compared to the same period last year, with approximately half of the year-on-year fleet growth coming from Q3’25 deliveries, including new A321LR, A350 and B787 deliveries
• Strong network with more than 100 destinations, including 91 operated in the period, with 31 new destinations launched or announced in the last 12 months

	9M 2025	9M 2024	9M 2025	9M 2024	Variance
	(AED million unless otherwise stated)		(U.S.$ million unless otherwise stated)		Year-on-year
Main financial KPIs
Revenues	21,681	18,368	5,904	5,001	18%
Passenger	18,159	15,176	4,945	4,132	20%
Cargo	3,215	2,968	875	808	8%
EBITDA	4,335	3,417	1,180	931	27%
Profit after tax	1,702	1,351	463	368	26%
EBITDA Margin (%)	20%	19%			+1pp
Profit Margin (%)	8%	7%			+1pp
	9M 2025	9M 2024	Variance Year-on-year
Main operating KPIs
ASK (bn)	80.2	68.2	17%
Passenger number (m)	16.1	13.6	18%
Passenger load factor (%)	88%	87%	+1pp
Network destinations	112	86	+26
Total landings (‘000)	76	66	14%
Operating fleet	115	96	+19
Cargo tonnes (leg tonnes ‘000)	509	482	6%

 

 

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The post Qatar Airways Sets New Benchmark with Over 100 Starlink-Enabled Widebody Aircraft appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways, operator of the largest number of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, has achieved a major milestone in its Starlink rollout programme and equipped over 100 widebody aircraft with the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. This achievement represents one of the most rapid and ambitious Starlink installation programmes in the aviation industry, that’s being implemented ahead of the initially expected schedule, to bring the service to passengers even sooner.

With more than 50 percent of its widebody fleet now Starlink-connected, the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax in 2025 for the ninth time, has already operated over 30,000 flights with uninterrupted, high-speed, gate-to-gate* connectivity. This pace further cements Qatar Airways’ position as the only carrier in the MENA region to currently offer Starlink onboard, and a global leader in Starlink-enabled long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry by setting new benchmarks with action, and not just intent. We have expedited our Starlink rollout, which is now advancing ahead of schedule as Qatar Airways brings the best travel experience to our passengers as an immediate priority, not a future ambition. Equipping over 100 widebody aircraft since the launch of our first Starlink-equipped flight in October 2024 reflects this commitment. We now operate up to 200 daily Starlink-connected flights to key destinations to ensure our passengers stay seamlessly connected, ensuring passengers stay seamlessly connected with speeds faster than many home Wi-Fi services. Whether working, streaming movies and sports, or staying in touch with friends and family, staying connected at 35,000 feet has never been more convenient.”

To date, Qatar Airways has completed the Boeing 777 rollout programme and is rapidly finalising the Starlink rollout across its Airbus A350 aircraft, also set to be completed in record time. As the airline continues to extend Starlink connectivity across its global flight network spanning over 170 destinations, passengers in every cabin enjoy free, ultra-fast, gate-to-gate* connectivity on flights spanning six continents, including flights to the majority of destinations served by Qatar Airways in the Americas and Australia, and on prominent routes in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

This game-changing service is transforming the onboard experience for both business and leisure travellers by enabling streaming, gaming, and working at 35,000 feet. Qatar Airways is the operator of the largest number of Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft and the only carrier in the MENA region currently offering Starlink in-flight connectivity, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading airline for innovation, reliability, and unmatched passenger experience.

 

 

 

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The post Number of UK domestic flights halves in the last 20 years: Cirium appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

New data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals that the number of domestic UK flights has more than halved over the past 20 years, with 213,025 flights scheduled throughout 2025, compared to a peak in 2006 of 454,375 flights. 

This equates to over 240,000 fewer flights scheduled in 2025 than 2006, amounting to an average daily reduction of 661 flights across the UK.

A combination of higher Air Passenger Duty tax, shifting environmental concerns and the ability for airlines to make greater profits from short-haul services beyond the UK could have contributed to the decline.

The reduction in domestic flights has impacted regional airports with several UK hubs closing their commercial operations over the past 20 years, including Doncaster Sheffield in 2022, Blackpool in 2014 and Plymouth in 2011.

The demise of Flybe, once the UK’s largest domestic operator, during the pandemic in 2020 will also have affected the number of available flights. However, the decline was already prevalent prior to Flybe entering administration and a number of routes previously operated by the carrier have since been taken over by other airlines.

2025 will see 75,896 fewer flights compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of available seats has significantly decreased during the past 20 years, dropping 35% from 39.1 million in 2006 to 25.5 million seats in 2025. This represents a drop of 37,000 fewer passengers flying on internal flights each day within the UK.

More recently, flights have decreased since 2024, with almost a million fewer seats available for domestic UK travel this year.

The general reduction of internal flights across the UK is driven by a change in customer demand and shifting strategy among airlines which have dropped domestic services following the doubling of Air Passenger Duty rates in 2007*.

remy Bowen, Cirium CEO, said: “This reduction over the past two decades shows a staggering change in the way we travel throughout the UK. Passengers are looking at more sustainable and affordable ways to travel domestically, so airlines have responded by reducing their internal services and prioritising more popular destinations including Spain, France and Italy.”

This substantial change in the way people travel throughout the UK coincides with a rise in rail travel, according to the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR) Passenger rail usage statistics. The ORR has seen a 50% increase in rail travel from 1.15 billion passengers in 2005/6 to almost 1.73 billion in 2024/5**.

 

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The post Birmingham Airport greenhouse gases report reveals record reduction in emissions  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Birmingham Airport (BHX) scaled down its carbon emissions by 8% in 2024/25, as the regional transport hub levels up efforts to become net zero by 2033. The figure, which marks the airport’s highest annual reduction in emissions for a full operational year, was announced in the airport’s annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report which outlines BHX’s progress in tackling its carbon footprint.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Tom Denton, Head of Sustainability, said: “We’re delighted to share our annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, which clearly highlights the incredible progress that we have made over the past year in reducing our carbon emissions. 2024/25 was our biggest emissions reduction for a full operational year to date – a significant achievement that is illustrative of our ongoing work to transition to more renewable energy sources. Looking ahead, we will shortly be publishing our new Sustainability Strategy which will outline how we will be doubling down on our efforts to achieve net zero status by 2033″

Published on the airport’s website, the report highlights the significant strides that the regional transport hub has made over the past two years in proactively reducing its operational emissions ahead of its pledged net zero deadline of 2033 Notable developments include the installation of the UK’s largest airside solar farm which has generated 100% of the airport’s required energy during peak daytime conditions. In recognition of its ongoing efforts to reduce Scope 3 emissions generated by third-party partners, BHX also achieved Carbon Accreditation Level 3 for the third year in a row.

The record reduction follows the airport’s recent announcement of a successful HVO fuel trial in ground vehicles across the site. Produced entirely from renewable waste materials, HVO is a diesel-like biofuel that significantly limits excessive air pollution and reduces carbon emissions by 90%. Several other UK airports have adopted HVO as a sustainable alternative to diesel due to its significant environmental advantages.

 

 

 

 

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The post New ATIA travel trends report shows consistent growth in inbound and outbound travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The latest ATIA Travel Trends Report shows how Australia’s travel sector continues to gain momentum even as 2025 draws to a close.

The sector is currently seeing solid growth in terms of both inbound and outbound travel, underpinned by strong performance across key Asian markets and a noteworthy rebound in major Western markets.

ATIA chief executive Dean Long pointed out that Australia’s inbound recovery has strengthened again this month with strong growth from both established and emerging markets. 

He said: “The rebound from China and the UK highlights the enduring appeal of Australia and the importance of maintaining a competitive, well-connected aviation system.”

Inbound travel

For the year ending September 2025, inbound visitor numbers increased from 8.1 million to 8.6 million. 

Strong monthly growth of 6.7 percent was recorded across most of the year, with January and August exceeding 12 percent. While travel from China and the UK posted standout annual increases of 15.4 percent and 12.4 percent respectively, the United States recorded modest year-end growth. 

Month-on-month September arrivals rose 10.4 percent, led by China, Singapore, New Zealand and the UK, although South Korea contracted and the USA showed only slight growth.

Outbound travel

Outbound travel also continued its upward trajectory, rising from 11.3 million to 12.4 million trips over the year, with positive results in every month; and February and May stood out with growth of 19 percent and 20 percent respectively. 

According to Long: “Outbound travel continues to reflect the preferences of Australian travellers who are increasingly seeking value, cultural experiences and proximity. The strong growth in travel to Japan, China and other parts of Asia shows how quickly consumer sentiment responds to affordability and improved airline capacity.”

Japan delivered the strongest annual growth of all outbound markets, climbing 24.9 percent, while travel to the USA remained flat and declined slightly overall. 

September month-on-month results showed a mixed picture, with Japan, China and New Zealand performing strongly, contrasted by sharp declines to the USA, Singapore and Thailand.

Across all destinations, around 60 percent of outbound travel across the year was for holidays.

Visiting friends and family accounted for roughly one quarter to one third of all trips, while business travel remained comparatively low.

Specific market performance

The report highlights notable trends in USA travel flows. US visitors to Australia rose 4.5 percent year-on-year while Australian travel to the USA declined by 0.3 percent over the same period. 

September results showed US inbound numbers increasing slightly, contrasted by a significant 12.7 percent drop in Australians travelling stateside. 

Long opined on this: “The USA continues to be a mixed bag. While inbound arrivals from the US remain stable and growing modestly, Australians are clearly feeling cost pressures on long-haul travel. This highlights the need for greater competition and better pricing across key routes.”

The aviation scene

High airfares and cost pressures are likely to be influencing destination choice, with Japan, Vietnam and China drawing stronger interest.

International aviation activity also strengthened: for the month of August, total international passenger numbers increased by approximately 9.5 percent year-on-year, driven by growth from Jetstar and Qantas. 

The two carriers remained the largest contributors to passenger volumes, although their combined market share softened slightly in the year-end comparison.

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Emirates continued to hold steady as key competitors.

Domestic aviation capacity also rose, with major city pairings increasing seat supply by around three to six percent. 

Routes including Adelaide to Melbourne, Gold Coast to Sydney and Brisbane to Melbourne saw notable gains.

These insights are based on domestic aviation data for August 2025, international aviation data for August 2025, and overseas arrivals and departures data for September 2025.

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The post Bhutan’s Drukair signs partnership with Amadeus appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Bhutan’s national flag-carrier Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines recently announced that its inventory will soon be available through global travel tech solutions provider Amadeus. 

This partnership will significantly enhance the airline’s global reach and provide travel agents worldwide with seamless access to Drukair’s flight services.

Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk said: “Partnering with Amadeus opens new horizons for Drukair and Bhutan. This collaboration allows us to connect with more travelers around the world, offering seamless access to our flights. We look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive growth and strengthen our presence on the global travel map.”

Amadeus’ managing director in the Asia Pacific Javier Laforgue likewise declared: “Amadeus is proud to be Drukair’s first distribution partner as it seeks to expand its global reach. We strive to offer our network of travel sellers comprehensive travel content, and Bhutan is an exceptional destination that more people will now be able to reach. Asia Pacific continues to be a growth engine for the global travel industry, and this agreement will further power its growth.”

Making a difference for an emergent airline

Through this collaboration, Drukair’s fares, schedules, and inventory will be accessible on the Amadeus Travel Platform, reaching travel agencies worldwide.

Travel sellers in India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, and France will be able to issue tickets with further global rollout slated for 2026.

The partnership with Amadeus marks a key milestone in Drukair’s growth strategy, aligning with its vision to expand accessibility, enhance customer experience, and integrate seamlessly into the global travel ecosystem.

Drukair will go live with Amadeus travel sellers shortly, though exact dates and market availability are expected to be announced later.

With Amadeus, Drukair is ready to welcome more travelers to Bhutan, where every journey is as extraordinary as the destination itself.

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The post Tourism Authority of Thailand rolls out Trusted Thailand certification programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with their public and private sector partners, recently announced the nationwide rollout of the Trusted Thailand certification programme. 

The initiative aims to strengthen international confidence and enhance Thailand’s reputation for safety and quality, sending a clear message that the kingdom is ready to welcome more international visitors.

The launch was held in the presence of Yang Xiaolong, cultural counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, and TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Department of Tourism, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Department of Health, Tourism Council of Thailand, Thai Hotels Association, Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Retailers Association, Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, Thai Amusement and Leisure Park Association, Trip.com Group Limited, Agoda Services Co Ltd, Grab Thailand, and other partner organisations.

Thai minister of culture and sports Artthakorn Sirilatthayakorn declared at the launch: “The Trusted Thailand stamp serves as a visible assurance of safety and reliability, encouraging travellers, particularly from China, to return to Thailand with renewed trust. The initiative aligns with the government’s policy of prioritising continuous confidence-building among international visitors through upgraded safety standards, inter-agency coordination, accurate communication, and enhanced visitor facilitation.”

Ensuring safety and security across the board

The Trusted Thailand stamp is part of TAT’s long-term strategy to raise Thailand’s tourism safety standards both systemically and symbolically. 

Participating operators are evaluated across four key areas: general safety measures such as CCTV, emergency response systems, and disaster preparedness; secure and transparent payment systems through recognised platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay; multilingual communication and professional visitor care; and safe, accessible transport routes with clear signposting and information points. The certification is valid for two years.

More than 5,000 operators nationwide are expected to register for the assessment, covering hotels and accommodation, restaurants, attractions, shopping centres, and recreational venues. 

Certified businesses will receive promotional support on Trip.com and through TAT’s domestic and international communication channels.

It should be added that the Trusted Thailand initiative is set to play a key role in achieving the 2026 tourism revenue target of at least 2.8 trillion Baht.

TAT’s Kiatphaibool said: “The Trusted Thailand stamp represents both a quality benchmark and a shared mission between the public and private sectors to reaffirm Thailand’s position as a safe, high-quality, and reliable destination. It reflects Thailand’s enduring spirit of hospitality as defined by Thai smiles, friendship, and cultural charm, as well its unwavering commitment to ensuring every traveller’s experience is safe, worry-free, and filled with trust, quality, and care.”

Yang: Safety is a key factor when it comes to travel

For his part, Yang Xiaolong said that over the past 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, the two nations have enjoyed steady and profound growth in their friendship, including in the field of tourism. 

He emphasised that safety is a key factor influencing travellers’ decisions, and therefore, Thailand’s initiation of the Trusted Thailand project is a highly commendable milestone. 

He added that the initiative represents a symbol of cooperation, responsibility, and genuine commitment to providing Chinese tourists with safe and high-quality travel experiences in Thailand.

As Thailand and China celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Chinese tourists made up around 15 percent of total arrivals in the first ten months of 2025, approximately 3.7 million out of 26.7 million international visitors. 

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The post Air New Zealand introduces a new direct Queenstown-Brisbane route appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Air New Zealand now makes it easier for Kiwi travellers to swap snow for sand and enjoy some Queensland sunshine with a new non-stop seasonal service between Queenstown and Brisbane.

The new route which takes flight from 22nd June 2026 was announced earlier today, 17th November.

Likewise, it expands Air New Zealand’s strong trans-Tasman network, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to connecting New Zealanders with more destinations across Australia, and welcoming more Australians to explore Aotearoa.

The Queenstown-Brisbane route will operate thrice a week through to 23rd October 2026, perfectly timed for those seeking a mid-year escape or a spring break across the Tasman.

To celebrate the route launch, Air New Zealand has sale fares currently available for flights across the Tasman. 

Customers can currently book flights from Queenstown to Brisbane for only $275 per seat, one way.

A new link between neighbours

Operated by Air New Zealand’s A320neo narrowbody jet, the service will offer over 17,000 seats, providing a convenient link between the Southern Alps and sunny Queensland.

Lucy Hall, Air New Zealand’s general manager for short haul and domestic, explains that the new route will open more opportunities for travel in both directions.

According to Hall: “We know Queenstown is a year-round favourite for Australians, and this connection will also help bring more visitors to our region during the ski and adventure season. It gives Queenslanders another direct option to fly into the South Island, giving them the ability to explore Queenstown, the wider Otago region, and more of the beautiful South Island.”

She added that Brisbane is also a fantastic destination for South Islanders looking to swap the snow for sunshine. 

Hall said: “This new service connects two iconic lifestyle destinations, giving travellers greater flexibility and choice when planning their next getaway.”

Likewise, Queenstown Airport CEO Shane O’Hare remarked: “Air New Zealand is our biggest customer and we are delighted it is bringing back Queenstown-Brisbane flights. There are strong ties between our communities, and this service will be welcomed on both sides of the Tasman. The morning flight time will be great for those wanting to catch up with friends and family, and convenient for those with onward connections from Brisbane.”

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The post CBISN partners with Taiba to launch ‘China MICE Summit 2026’ in Riyadh appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

China Travel Online (CBISN) and Taiba Investments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during WTM London to launch the China MICE Summit (CMS) in Riyadh in 2026, marking the first dedicated China-focused MICE B2B event in the Middle East.

The initiative aims to link top-tier Chinese MICE decision-makers with tourism and hospitality suppliers from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East—supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to strengthen its global business events presence.

China remains the world’s largest business travel market. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the country’s business travel spending reached US$372.5 billion in 2024, representing 25% of global expenditure.

“Chinese MICE and corporate travel segments deliver higher yields and long-term strategic value, but remain among the most challenging markets to access,” said Marcus Lee, CEO of China Travel Online and producer of CMS. “Bringing the China MICE Summit to Saudi Arabia establishes a professional, curated event for building sustainable partnerships.”

Taiba Investments, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading hospitality groups, will serve as the summit’s strategic industry partner. Following its acquisition of Dur Hospitality, Taiba now manages over 40 hotels and 8,000 keys, including international brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and IHG, alongside prominent homegrown brands—reinforcing its strong positioning in the Kingdom’s expanding MICE landscape.

 

In contrast to larger mass-market trade events, CMS adopts a more focused approach. The 2026 edition in Riyadh will welcome 50+ carefully vetted Chinese MICE buyers, selected through strict criteria that include proven experience in delivering MICE events, contract confirmations, and professional references. This targeted model prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that tourism suppliers engage with decision-makers capable of generating substantial business.

China Travel Online brings deep global experience to the initiative. Since 2002, the organisation has held events in 54 countries across six continents, creating more than 2,800 buyer connections and 3,500 partnerships for suppliers worldwide.

The launch of CMS Saudi Arabia marks the company’s latest expansion into the Middle East, underscoring the region’s rising importance as a competitive and fast-growing MICE destination.

 

 

 

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