The post Adam Obouih is Atout France’s new managing director appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

French tourism development agency Atout France formally welcomed Adam Obouih as its new managing director on Thursday, 4th September.

Appointed to the post by French minister-delegate for tourism Nathalie Delattre, Obouih was the candidate of choice presented by Atout France’s board of directors.

His appointment is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the agency’s operations in terms of global competitiveness when it comes to promoting France as a destination of choice.

Obouih remarked on the post: “It is with great pride that I take over as managing director of Atout France. In a sector characterised by profound transformations, we must collectively take on a dual challenge: maintaining the competitiveness and attractiveness of France as a destination, and making it the international standard for sustainable tourism by 2030. With all the teams and our partners, I will put all my energy into pursuing this ambition, while enabling Atout France to evolve to become a more efficient agency that is fully capable of sustainably supporting tourism stakeholders in their initiatives.”

Meet Adam Obuih

With a background spanning the public and private sectors, Oubuih previously held leadership positions in complex environments, both in France and overseas. 

He has led investment and transformation strategies for major institutions such as Caisse des Dépôts and BNP Paribas, and managed economic entities dedicated to services. 

His work has always focused on regional competitiveness, innovation, and the ecological and digital transitions.

A former student of ENA, a graduate of ESSEC and the Cycle des hautes études du service public, he has a strategic and partnership-based vision of tourism development and is committed to promoting France as a destination.

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The post Australasia to bring its biggest delegation yet to WTM London 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

World Travel Market London (WTM London) is all set to welcome Australasia’s largest delegation to this year’s event which is slated for 4th to 6th November.

The presence of a larger Australia and New Zealand delegation to this year’s show reflects  renewed momentum and enthusiasm for the region. 

Indeed, buyers and visitors have expressed strong interest in reconnecting with Australia and New Zealand, prompting WTM and ATEC to support an expanded presence. 

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) stand, incorporating more than 30 partners, will be a one-stop shop for those interested in boosting tourism across an array of exceptional Antipodean experiences.

With an increase of stand exhibitors, the ATEC Australia and New Zealand stand N9-510 will feature a diverse mix of airlines, accommodation providers, and tour operators, marking one of the region’s strongest line-ups in recent years. 

WTM London event director Chris Carter-Chapman said: “We are delighted to be welcoming such a strong delegation from ATEC this year. Australia and New Zealand are among the world’s most well-loved and aspirational destinations, known for their unique and natural attractions, deep cultural heritage and experiential travel opportunities. I’m positive that visitors will relish the opportunity to speak to varied destination experts in one place to help them build personalised itineraries for every client.”

ATEC managing director Peter Shelley added: “WTM London is the perfect place to nurture valuable connections in our core source markets. With the buzz around the 2025/6 Ashes series from this November, it’s also a key time to harness interest in travel Down Under. We hope to meet as many show visitors as possible to share the unique and exciting experiences our destinations have to offer.”

Who’s coming to London?

Leading brands include historic Australian flag carrier Qantas, and Singapore Airlines, the world’s most awarded carrier. 

Accommodation options to suit different budgets will be represented by YHA Australia and four-star plus brand Hotel Grand Chancellor Australia and New Zealand, while unique regional stays will include sustainably-conscious Oceanview Eco Villas on Kangaroo Island, rolling vineyard Barossa Shiraz Estate and The Villas–Barossa, Northern Territory floodplain-set Finniss River Lodge, and South Australia’s Rawnsley Park Station in the ancient Flinders Ranges.

Buyers looking for luxury ground transport can meet with Marquee Limousines and InStyle Chauffeured Limousines Australia to discover how their premium services can be tailored for discerning travellers. 

For something even more uniquely luxurious, Bill Peach Journeys offers ‘Aircruising’, using private aircraft to access Australia’s stunning regions. 

Both Australia and New Zealand are famed for their adventure and wildlife experiences which will take centre stage on the stand, with appearances from Earth Adventure and PureSA, who specialise in soft adventure experiences in South Australia; Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, known for its animal encounters; Kangaroo Island Touring Company, offering private tours of wildlife-rich pockets; and Untamed Escapes, offering adventure, food, culture and wellness tours across South Australia, Western Australia. and the Red Centre. 

Sydney’s signature experiences the BridgeClimb, Sydney Harbour Boat Tours and Taronga Zoo, will also be joining the stand. 

ATEC’s range of expert inbound tour operators and DMCs will be on hand to help build memorable itineraries across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and beyond. 

Those sharing local insight will include Australia and Worldwide Travel, Advance Olympic Travel, ANZCRO, Southern World, 39 Degrees South, Travel Time South Pacific, GMTC, ANZ Global Travel, Social Nature Movement, New Zealand Fine Touring/NZ Sidekick, The Green Spot, and Terra Nova Tours.

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The post Global hospitality sector mourns passing of Regent Hotels founder Robert H Burns appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The global hospitality community lost one of its icons with the passing of Regent International Hotels founder Robert H Burns on 29th August.

While he spent over five decades in Hong Kong where the Regent brand changed the face of the hospitality scene, Burns peacefully ended his days at the age of 96 in Syracuse, NY surrounded by family.

Burns is survived by his wife Janice and son Robert III.

Saluting a visionary

Fondly called Bob by family and friends, Burns will be remembered as not only a visionary hotelier who set new standards for modern luxury hospitality, but also as a travel industry advocate who dedicated himself to nurturing future generations of hoteliers whilst promoting responsible tourism. 

To everyone who knew him, he exuded charm, elegance and refinement, qualities that certainly helped throughout his years in travel and hospitality. 

That said, his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication helped redefine luxury hospitality on both a regional and an international scale, eventually shaping the Regent brand into a global icon of elegance and sophistication. 

Remembering where it all began

Burns’ journey into luxury hospitality began in 1970, when he established Regent International Hotels in partnership with Japan’s Tokyu Group. 

The unveiling of the first Regent property in Honolulu in 1971 marked the dawn of a new era, blending Asian warmth with unparalleled global refinement. 

A decade later, in 1980, Burns realised his most ambitious vision with the opening of Regent Hong Kong. 

This landmark moment introduced groundbreaking amenities and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service, earning the hotel worldwide acclaim and the esteemed title of Best Hotel in the World.

Burns would eventually serve on various hotel and real estate boards including Wharf (Holdings) Limited in Hong Kong and Oberoi Hotels in India. 

Indeed, when he helped to develop Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, the property’s grateful owner paid homage to him by creating the now-iconic Bob’s Bar.

For the next generation

Burns’ influence extended far beyond operations, quietly fostering industry growth through education and ardent advocacy.

He was always passionate about advancing tourism and the hospitality industry; so much, in fact, that he took the training of future hoteliers seriously.

That said, he was a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Management and the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management.

The seasoned hotelier also gave annual lectures at Stanford University.

Outside of work, Burns was an avid jazz lover and was an executive board member for Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. 

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The post Agoda presents its list of Asian cities with the best urban murals appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

For the culturally inclined, global travel platform Agoda invites travelers to embark on an artistic adventure through Asia’s most vibrant mural art neighbourhoods. 

These destinations offer a unique blend of culture, creativity, and community, transforming city streets into open-air galleries.

According to Agoda associate vice-president Jun Dong:  “Art isn’t confined to galleries; it’s alive on the streets, telling stories and expressing the soul of the city. From the vibrant hues of Penang to the eclectic vibes of Taipei, Asia’s street art scene is a testament to the region’s rich cultural tapestry. At Agoda, we believe art should be accessible to everyone, and these neighbourhoods offer a colorful canvas for travelers to enjoy.”

A colourful way to explore urban culture

Exploring street art while traveling offers a dynamic way to experience a city’s culture. 

An art walk not only provides a feast for the eyes but also a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

That said, Asia is home to numerous mural art neighborhoods, each telling its own story through vivid colours and imaginative designs. 

These artistic enclaves are must-visit spots for travelers seeking to capture the essence of a place beyond traditional tourist attractions.

With this in mind, Agoda presents its list of six neighborhoods to experience the creativity that colours Asia’s cities:

• George Town, Penang, Malaysia   Renowned for its interactive and historical murals, George Town’s street art narrates the stories of the local community and heritage, making it a cultural hotspot.
• Ihwa Mural Village, Seoul, South Korea   This area in South Korea’s capital is an open-air gallery, with colorful murals that have revitalized the destination, drawing in art lovers from all over.
• Charoen Krung, Bangkok, Thailand   As Bangkok’s creative district, the neighborhood features murals that beautifully blend traditional Thai elements with modern artistic styles.
• Bandra, Mumbai, India   Famous for its vibrant street art, Bandra hosts the Chapel Road murals, which showcase a mix of contemporary and traditional Indian themes.
• Bonifacio Global City, Manila, Philippines   Known for its large-scale murals, BGC is a hub for art festivals that bring together local and international artists, creating a dynamic art scene.
• Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan   A lively area with a youthful vibe, Ximending’s street art is diverse, reflecting both pop culture and traditional Taiwanese motifs.

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The post Registration ongoing for WTM London 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Returning to London’s iconic Excel from 4th to 6th November, WTM London is currently open for registration. 

Building on last year’s hugely successful turnout, which saw an 11 percent increase in qualified buyers along with over 34,000 meetings taking place, the 2025 edition of WTM London is on track to be the largest in its history.

In line with the continued expansion of Excel London, the show is poised to grow by 25,000 m², offering increased space, enhanced content, higher level engagement and the introduction of WTM Trend Fest, a brand-new cultural programme spotlighting immersive global experiences spanning live performances, themed activations and daily presentations.

Early indicators suggest record-breaking growth for exhibitor numbers, with numbers for destinations, experiences, transport, accommodation, and tech solutions continuing to rise. 

What’s new in 2025?

With the show’s expansion of stage and floor capacity, as well as a continued rise in conference session attendance which rose by 29 percent in 2024, comes the opportunity to introduce new educational and entertainment experiences, including a series of bookable, fee-based masterclasses hosted by experts and exhibitors which will debut this year. 

To elevate the exhibitor experience even further, WTM London’s own TV channel WTM TV makes its debut and is set to educate, engage and connect audiences. 

Levelling up its already unparalleled conference programme, WTM London recently revealed a unified theme across all six conference tracks: Reimagining Travel in a Changing World.

This overarching theme was devised to maintain focus and clarity throughout the entire event.

With the programme already taking shape, renowned sessions such as the Ministers Summit at WTM, Sustainability Summit, Geo-economics Summit, Marketing Summit, WTM Global Travel Report and ITT Future You Forum, have all been confirmed to return to the stages of WTM London this year. 

To sign up for WTM London 2025, click here.

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The post Qatar Airways Holidays Launch FIFA World Cup 26™ Travel Packages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Qatar Airways and Qatar Airways Holidays, the airline’s leisure division, have reintroduced FIFA World Cup travel packages ahead of the next year’s tri-nation mega event to be hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The Official Airline Partner of FIFA and the Official Airline of the Journey, offers a one-stop solution for football fans to reserve their flights, accommodation, and official match tickets and transfers through Qatar Airways Holidays.

Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Steven Reynolds, said: “We are thrilled to deliver exceptional packages that will support fans from across the world in seamlessly travelling to the world’s most renowned sporting event. As the Authorised Travel Package provider of the FIFA World Cup 26, our packages will assist travelling fans throughout their journey, from the moment they leave their homes until they arrive at the match.”

With 48 participating teams playing matches in 16 Host Cities across three nations, the FIFA World Cup 26 is poised to be a record-breaker in terms of attendance, global diversity and logistical scale. Qatar Airways Holidays’ return to the global football stage will support travelling fans with unprecedented access, ensuring seamless journeys to every destination. By making travel easy and worry-free, fans can focus entirely on the thrill of football.

As the Authorised Travel Package Provider of the FIFA World Cup 26, Qatar Airways Holidays offers packages that assist travelling fans throughout their journey with unmatched convenience. Fans can secure ticket-inclusive and refundable packages following the progress of their specific team before the official draw takes place with the use of the ‘Follow My Team Series’.

From hotels in prime locations to Category 1 match tickets for preferred matches, the packages are comprehensive and include arrival and departure transfers for travel between Host Cities, as well as return match-day transfers.

Qatar Airways Holidays will also be selling Knockout Series and Final Round Series packages for fans to secure their seats at their preferred Semi Final and Final matches. Bookings for the Gold and Silver packages can be made on: qatarairways.com/fifa26.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can collect Avios on the total package value.

With over 170 gateways and a global network of partners, Qatar Airways will be connecting football enthusiasts with flight flexibility – including domestic and optional international flights as well as custom-made itineraries. The excitement will unfold in multiple cities including: Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City in Mexico; and Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco in the United States.

The Qatar Airways’ sports portfolio includes the likes of high-profile global partnerships including, UEFA, Formula 1®, Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), FC Internazionale Milano, AFC, Tennis Legend – Novak Djokovic, The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), MotoGP, the IRONMAN Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), French Rugby Team – Section Paloise, The British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025, The Brooklyn Nets NBA Team, and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, equestrian, motor racing, padel, squash, and tennis.

 

 

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The post Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok Shines Anew With Bold Reimagining appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, for over five decades the authentic Thai distinguished hotel in Silom, is embarking upon an exciting new chapter. One which honours its illustrious past and storied legacy while embracing a bold reimagining of the guest experience, and positions the property perfectly for today’s upscale traveller.

Backed by new ownership with deep roots in Thai hospitality and urban development, and fresh from a major multi-million baht renovation led by award-winning interior design firm P49 Deesign, the next chapter for Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok is set to introduce a new layer of energy to the Montien brand. Refreshed interiors, elevated service and award-winning cuisine have all been thoughtfully woven into the hotel’s original character.

The transformation reimagines Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok – once again fully operational and a leading 5-star hotel in Silom Bangkok with city centre skyline views – as a sophisticated urban sanctuary, one where timeless Thai heritage meets a refined modern sensibility.

Guestrooms and suites have been completely redesigned to blend mid-century geometry with elegant Thai detailing, complemented by upgraded amenities and enhanced comfort. Public spaces have been reinterpreted to create a seamless journey from arrival to relaxation, with interiors that showcase an interplay of original art, contemporary craftsmanship, and inviting textures.

Throughout the hotel, original works by famed Thai artist Paiboon Suwannakudt remain central to the design narrative, restored to their original vibrancy and integrated into the property’s refreshed look and feel. It’s a careful blending of art, architecture and hospitality designed to reinforce Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok’s status as a cultural icon.

Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok continues its journey of transformation as one of Bangkok’s most distinctive hospitality landmarks. With its unique heritage and timeless design, the property is being thoughtfully positioned to meet the evolving expectations of today’s upscale traveller – balancing authenticity, sophistication, and service that consistently exceeds expectations.

“Our confidence in Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok’s positioning reflects both the strength of its heritage and the opportunities ahead,” said Grant Healy, chief executive officer of Conduit House, the management platform for the Montien Hotel. “With a focus on long-term value creation, our commitment is not only to deliver strong performance but also to ensure the brand resonates meaningfully with audiences across the globe.”

Charming And Welcoming Rooms and Suites, Designed For Comfort

The abundance of charm, style and warm-welcoming hospitality felt throughout all aspects of a stay at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok flows through naturally into the hotel’s 475 rooms and suites. Spacious and with the comfort and technology to satisfy today’s savvy traveller, these combine timeless Thai style with a contemporary attitude. They also offer a refreshing touch of artistic flair, with more artwork by Paiboon Suwannakudt gracing the walls and sending a stylistic nod to his murals in the lobby.

The choice of accommodation comes in Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, Premier King, Premier Twin, Junior Suite California King and Junior Suite Double-Double categories. Each room is well appointed with a smart TV, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, working and reading desk, minibar, in-room safe, hairdryer and organic Charcoalogy bathroom amenities, while an iron and ironing board are available upon request.

Calm And Relaxation In A City Oasis

The hotel’s swimming pool and sundeck is an oasis of calm and relaxation, surrounded by the city skyline. The pool is ideal for a few laps, and equally so for a refreshing dip, before grabbing a favourite spot on the sundeck in which to indulge in a delicious snack and cocktail from the pool bar.

The fully equipped gym provides the perfect opportunity to stay active and achieve those fitness goals. There are cardio-vascular machines to improve endurance including treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers and exercise bikes. A free weight section allows for body toning, and exercise benches, elastic training bands and yoga mats are also at hand for de-stressing and improving flexibility.

Culinary Highlights: From Thai-Chinese Classics to European Flair

Dining at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok is a delight, with stylish restaurants to choose from and world-class cuisine to savour, from modern European recipes to Michelin Guide-recognised Thai-Chinese dishes.

Ruenton

Honoured by Michelin with a Bib Gourmand distinction, Ruenton is the hotel’s retro-modern all-day dining destination, elevating authentic Thai-Chinese street food to new culinary heights. Reimagined through the hotel’s renovation, the restaurant continues to delight with beloved Thai classics, acclaimed Chinese specialities, and exquisite dim sum – alongside its ever-popular signature the Khao Mun Gai Montien (Chicken Rice). Together, these offerings have established Ruenton as a true Bangkok dining institution, where every meal is an occasion and a curated collection of objets d’art enhances the ambience with refined charm. For those seeking exclusivity, private dining and function rooms provide an elegant setting with added distinction.

Phar-Ram IV Bistro

Taking its name from the bustling road it sits on, Phar-Ram IV Bistro boasts a ‘dual dining’ concept, which sees it enchant patrons as a European-style cafe and deli during the day before transforming into a chic wine bar at night. A must-visit for both hotel guests and Bangkokian locals alike, it’s a fantastic spot for grabbing a morning coffee and then – say, for lunch – savouring the distinctly French flavoured menu. When the sun goes down it’s an equally wonderful choice for tapas, a wine-friendly bistro menu and great company.

Garden Lounge

Every hotel needs a stylish lobby lounge and at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, it’s the Garden Lounge. Serving a selection of beverages, wines and light fare this is the place of choice for informal meetings, social gatherings, evening drinks and live music every evening, featuring contemporary pieces performed on traditional Thai instruments. The comfortable lounge chairs are ideal for taking in the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere or simply for relaxing in after a long day, and the Glass House is a superb spot for hosting a party.

A Longtime Favourite For Meetings and Events

Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok has a rich tradition of hosting all types of meetings and events, from grand celebrations and elaborate dinners to inspirational think-tanks and corporate get-togethers. Its six venues – supported by the latest audiovisual technology and highly trained event staff – offer plenty of scope. The largest space is the stylish Rajmontien Grand Ballroom, able to accommodate up to 600 people and long synonymous with grace and the city’s social affairs, a tradition it is set to continue in majestic fashion with its recent restyle and upgrade.

An ascent of the majestic staircase in the South Wing brings guests to the Montienthip Room, evocative of a classic Thai palace and comfortably handling up to 100 people, making it ideal for the likes of cocktail parties, banquets, gala dinners and seminars. Reminiscing the hotel’s past in the golden 1980s is AN AN, synonymous in its own right with ballroom dancing and disco era entertainment. Featuring a stage and accommodating up to 220 people, it’s a superb backdrop for memorable social events. Inspired by famous local and international disco singers, Piman is a delightful contemporary venue seating up to 90 people.

Explore the ‘new’ Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok at montienbangkok.com now, and book your stay at the authentic Thai legendary hotel in Silom Bangkok.

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The post Oman Air Highlights Digital Innovation at COMEX 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman and Official Carrier of COMEX 2025, is showcasing its role as a modern, digital-first airline through a series of activations and thought leadership engagements at the flagship technology exhibition.

As part of the conference programme, Oman Air’s Commercial and Digital teams shared insights on the transformative impact of digitalisation in the airline industry, as well as the airline’s own digital journey that has introduced significant enhancements in guest experience, ancillary services, and smarter retailing.

“Our ongoing digital transformation reflects our broader strategy to solidify Oman Air’s position as a leading and innovative carrier, while making travel simpler, smarter, and more rewarding,” said Mike Rutter, Oman Air’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re proud to be part of COMEX, to showcase how the future of aviation is taking shape, how we’re driving innovation to enhance the travel experience, and how we’re supporting the continued development of Oman’s digital ecosystem.”

Oman Air’s recent digital initiatives include the launch of its new online booking platform, Oman Air Holidays, the revamp of its website and mobile app, and the introduction of flexible fare bundles, tailored to guests’ needs. As part of its strategy to strengthen engagement on its channels, the airline has increased direct sales to over 70%, up from less than 25% prior to its transformation and reducing reliance on third-party channels. Part of its ongoing journey, the airline is revitalising its loyalty programme, Sindbad, expanding its range of ancillary products, and harnessing AI to enhance both customer service and the booking process; just a few examples of the exciting initiatives currently underway.

Visitors to COMEX 2025, taking place at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre until 11 September, can find out more about Oman Air’s innovative digital solutions at its dedicated booth.

 

 

 

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The post Riyadh selected as host for Routes World 2026 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 31st World Route Development Forum (Routes World 2026), the premier global event that defines the future of air connectivity. The event will be officially led by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) as the tourism partner, the Air Connectivity Program (ACP) as the air connectivity partner, Matarat Holding as the Airport partner and organised by Tahaluf.

Routes World is a leading international platform where airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation stakeholders come together to plan and negotiate future air services. Each year, the event attracts thousands of aviation decision-makers, driving global connectivity and supporting the growth of international travel and tourism.

The selection of Riyadh as host city reflects the Kingdom’s progress in becoming a global aviation hub and premier tourism destination in support of Vision 2030. The air transport sector in Saudi Arabia achieved record-breaking growth in 2024, with more than 128 million passengers traveling through the Kingdom’s airports. This represented a 15% year-on-year increase and a 25% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the sector’s full recovery from COVID-19.

Momentum continued in the first half of 2025, when Saudi airports welcomed 66.7 million passengers, handled 467,000 flights, and processed 575,000 tons of cargo, further cementing the Kingdom’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally.

“Hosting Routes World 2026 is a major milestone in our journey to position Riyadh and the Kingdom as a central hub for global aviation. The decision endorses Saudi Arabia’s dynamic aviation growth, infrastructure investment programme, and ambitious Vision 2030 tourism and economic growth agenda,” said GACA President and Chairman of Matarat Holding, Abdulaziz Al-Duailej.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “Saudi is not just welcoming the world, we’re connecting it. Our rise as a global leader in tourism and aviation is opening doors between people, places, and opportunities like never before. The travel and tourism industry are growing at a pace the world has never seen – with Saudi welcoming 116 million visitors in 2024, a 6% increase from 2023. Strong air links are the lifeblood of that growth, and by hosting Routes World 2026, the Kingdom will play a vital role in ensuring that from Riyadh to every corner of the globe, the world is within reach.”

“The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) is proud to be an official Air Connectivity Partner for Routes World 2026 in Riyadh, the world’s most significant air connectivity conference. Hosting such a prestigious event in Saudi Arabia is a testament to our commitment to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation sectors. This event directly aligns with the bold ambitions of the Saudi National Tourism Strategy and the Aviation Program, and we look forward to showcasing the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for air travel in KSA,” said Majid Khan, CEO of ACP.

Steven Small, managing director of Routes, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has demonstrated extraordinary growth, with international visitor spending reaching $40.95 billion in 2024. This remarkable performance, coupled with the country’s strategic location and modern aviation infrastructure, makes Riyadh an ideal host for Routes World 2026.”

 

 

Looking ahead, Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is projected to handle 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. Similarly, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is undergoing a multi-phase expansion that will boost its capacity from around 50 million passengers today to 80–114 million annually by 2030, and eventually 100 million by 2035. Alongside these ambitious targets, the Kingdom is investing in new airlines and infrastructure, including the launch of Riyadh Air by the end of 2025, with plans to eventually serve more than 100 international destinations.

Riyadh’s successful bids for World Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034 demonstrate global confidence in its ability to host world-class events. By welcoming Routes World 2026, the Kingdom will further strengthen its position as a global connector and gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 

 

 

 

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The post WTM London 2025 to revolve around reimagining travel in a changing world appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

WTM London 2025 this November will revolve around the theme Reimagining Travel in a Changing World. 

For the first time ever, WTM London introduces a unified theme across all six conference tracks to maintain focus and enhance clarity throughout the event. 

While the tracks remain consistent with last year as they cover Sustainability, Technology; Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI); Marketing, Geo-Economics, and Travel Trends, the unified theme will create a cohesive experience for all attendees.

As WTM London conference manager Brooke Gilbertson explains: “Introducing a unified theme across the programme brings greater consistency and coherence to our content. Reimagining Travel in a Changing World is a theme designed to inspire attendees to reflect on the evolving purpose of travel in the face of global shifts, emerging challenges, and fresh opportunities. It lays the foundation for meaningful dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across every facet of the travel and tourism industry.” 

Call for content

Organisers likewise invited bold thinkers, fresh voices, and forward-looking innovators to submit proposals for WTM 2025. 

As such, this call for submissions served as an opportunity to share expertise with a wide-reaching, global audience of travel industry professionals and contribute to shaping the future of the sector.

Submissions, which all came in last 7th July, are in alignment with one of the six key conference tracks and clearly demonstrate how the proposed session supports this year’s overarching theme

Amplifying highlights

WTM’s keynotes, panel discussions and presentations are a highlight of the event, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive feedback each year from attendees, sponsors and speakers alike. 

Conference session attendance rose by 29 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. In response, WTM London quickly expanded stage capacity, including a debut extension into Level 0 of Excel London. 

For 2025, conference space will be increased even further to accommodate expected growth in audience numbers.

This year’s conference advisory team is made up of six global experts who will curate the submissions for their respective tracks and tap into their extensive networks to bring interesting and relevant stories to the stage.

Team members are:

• DEAI – Uwern Jong, Experientialist®-in-Chief at OutThere
• Geo-economics – Mark Frary, Author, Writer and Consultant
• Marketing – Matthew Gardiner, Director of Travel Massive and Senior Vice President at FINN Partners and Tina Charisma, Director and Founder of the Charisma Campaign
• Sustainability – Tina O’Dwyer, Founder & CEO of The Tourism Space
• Technology – Timothy O’Neil-Dunne, President at T2Impact LLC

How the event will play out this year

Opening day on 4th November brings on the WTM Global Travel Report, sustainability summit and geo-economics summit taking place from 11am on the yellow, purple and orange stages respectively. 

The technology and DEAI summits are happening on 5th November, also starting at 11am on the purple and orange stages.

On 6th November, the final day of the event, the marketing summit goes on the yellow stage, along with the ITT Future You Forum and the closing keynote, details of which will be announced shortly. 

Previous closing keynote speakers include businesswoman and comedian Katherine Ryan, award-winning documentary maker Louis Theroux and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.

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