Day Headlines in Travel News: 2025-03-06

  • Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5 million sports tourists (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 14:58:02)
    Over the past four years, Saudi Arabia has welcomed 2.5 million sports tourists, hosting 80 international sporting events as part of its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, according to Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatteb.“(Events such as) Formula 1 in Jeddah, which brought in visitors from 160 countries, created 20,000 jobs, and generated a SAR 900 million economic impact,” said Al-Khatteb.
  • Riyadh Air Partners with Saudi Ground Services in a Monumental SAR 500 Million Deal (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 14:56:08)
    Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newly established national airline, has entered into a significant partnership with Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS) to facilitate comprehensive ground handling services across airports in the Kingdom. This landmark agreement, valued at approximately SAR 500 million, will take effect in March 2025 for an initial period of 36 months, with the potential for a two-year extension based on mutual agreement.
  • Sharjah showcases its tourist destinations at “ITB Berlin 2025”.” (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 14:53:18)
    Sharjah, represented by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, along with a delegation comprising 19 entities from both the government and private sectors in Sharjah, is participating in the “ITB Berlin 2025,” the world’s largest travel trade fair. The event is being held from March 4 to 6 at the Berlin Exhibition Centre under the slogan “The world of travel lives here.” This participation aims to offer a comprehensive picture of the Emirate’s distinctive tourist attractions and the exceptional qualities that make it a prominent destination on the global tourism map.
  • DCT Abu Dhabi Exhibits At ITB Berlin With 40 Partners; Launches Digital Pass (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 14:48:56)
    The Department of Culture and Tourism , Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) participated in ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show. Organised from March 4 to March 6 the Berlin ExpoCenter City, this year DCT Abu Dhabi led the delegation of 40 partners and stakeholders at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand. This included Yas Island, Air Arabia, Ethara, ITL, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Orient Tours, Saadiyat Island, Al Dhafra Hotel, teamLab Phenomena and many more.
  • Emirates Announces Strategic Expansion with Trip.com at ITB Berlin to Strengthen Its Global Airline (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 14:45:38)
    Emirates has strengthened its collaboration with Trip.com, a globally recognized travel services provider, with an aim to enhance its market reach and customer engagement. The renewed partnership was formalized at ITB Berlin, with Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President of Passenger Sales & Country Management at Emirates, and CT Ooi, Vice President of Flights Business at Trip.com Group, signing the agreement.
  • Sarawak Shines at ITB Berlin 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 11:00:59)
    Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo, made a powerful impact at ITB Berlin 2025, showcasing its diverse tourism offerings, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable travel. The official launch at Hall 26, Stand 115 was led by Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, in the presence of Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, alongside industry leaders and international media
  • Emirates presents new cabin equipment at ITB Berlin 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 10:56:39)
    Emirates presented its latest products at ITB Berlin 2025. The cabin equipment of the Airbus A350 was presented for the first time in Germany. Emirates welcomed high-ranking representatives from politics and tourism, including the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, as well as representatives of the federal government and international tourism officials, to the official opening tour of the airline’s exhibition stand.
  • Thailand Showcases Sustainable Tourism and Soft Power at ITB Berlin 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 10:55:49)
    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marks its 50th year at ITB Berlin 2025, expanding its presence under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” initiative. Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana reaffirmed her royal support for Thai tourism and culture, while Prime Minister H.E. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasised Thailand’s commitment to becoming a sustainable, high-value global destination.
  • Turkish Airlines flying high with US$2.4 billion profit for 2024 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 09:47:46)
    Turkish Airlines has reported a US$2.4 billion profit for 2024 in a challenging aviation industry hit by geopolitical and global tensions, aircraft production delays and engine issues. The carrier also revealed a cash dividend of $260 million for the same period, partly owing to its share buyback strategy.Net debt fell by $8.3 billion in the past three years, reflecting the airline’s strong performance. This follows Turkish Airlines’ impressive growth during the past 20 years, with the airline outperforming sector averages in capacity, passenger numbers and profitability.
  • The key to increase the number of women leaders in the travel tech industry (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 09:43:00)
    As people around the world get ready to celebrate International Women’s Day with the campaign theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” this week, the B2B travel tech communications and public relations agency Belvera Partners has requested the opinion of female leaders in the travel tech industry about what is needed to promote women leadership in the travel and tourism sectors.
  • Discover Saint Lucia’s ‘Small Six’ with Ray Mears: A Journey into Conservation and Adventure (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 09:10:21)
    The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has announced an exciting partnership with renowned British bushcraft expert and TV broadcaster Ray Mears to promote its latest nature-based tourism initiative, ‘The Small Six.’ This unique conservation-focused tour invites visitors to discover and appreciate six of Saint Lucia’s rare and endangered native species, further reinforcing the island’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
  • Marriott International Celebrates Record-Breaking Development Year Across Europe (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:52:48)
    Marriott International, Inc. announced another year of strong growth across Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with a record-breaking number of annual signings of 291 deals representing over 34,000 rooms in 2024.  The company added over 180 properties to its operating portfolio in EMEA last year, expanding its product offerings in the region across travel purposes and segments – from affordable midscale to luxury, as well as entering three new markets – Luxembourg, Angola and Senegal.
  • SWISSNET GROUP EXPANDS INTO THE MIDDLE EAST (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:22:27)
    The swissnet Group has announced the establishment of swissnet MENA based in Dubai. The new entity will enable the group to offer its renowned ICT infrastructure, managed IT services, and system integration solutions to a wide range of sectors across the MENA region.This marks a pivotal milestone for the company in its transformation into a global leader in IT infrastructure, cloud-based communication services, and AI-powered hospitality solutions.
  • South Carolina’s Skies Shine Brighter with Spirit Airlines’ Yellow Planes Landing in Columbia (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:20:42)
    Spirit Airlines announced today that it will touch down in the heart of South Carolina this June with new, high-value service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). The carrier will offer nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the only nonstop flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), the airport nearest to Orlando’s major theme parks and attractions. Spirit’s all-Airbus fleet will take off from CAE for the first time on June 5, with travel options ranging from premium to economical.
  • JetZero, Delta partner to design the future of air travel (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:18:40)
    JetZero is partnering with Delta Air Lines on a revolutionary, more sustainable aircraft that looks and feels like nothing flying today’s commercial skies. JetZero’s vastly more fuel efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) design is at the center of the collaboration and is one facet of Delta’s ongoing journey to advance industry innovation, drive down cost through increased fuel-savings, elevate the customer experience and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • Sail in 2025 and Save with Princess Cruises Voyages to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mediterranean and more (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:17:42)
    As travelers set sail for spring break getaways, those looking ahead to summer and fall 2025 can lock in major savings now – up to 50% off – with Princess Cruises’ latest sale. From March 5 through April 1, guests can enjoy savings of up to 50% on cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Canada & New England, plus exclusive perks like third and fourth guests sail free in the same cabin, along with up to $500 in onboard spending money.
  • ITB Berlin 2025 - Day Two (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:12:08)
    After a busy first day, the international travel industry can look forward to more highlights at ITB Berlin 2025, and the mood among participants is positive. Media professionals and content creators can find the latest information on ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention for their editorial coverage here.Under the motto ‘The Power of Transition lives here’, today’s ITB Berlin Convention will once again focus on the transformation of the industry. Top-class speakers from companies such as Expedia, Google, Uber, Booking.com, Microsoft Advertising, Wyndham, UN Tourism, TUI and Ryanair will discuss the key challenges and opportunities of a changing market.
  • New B2B travel trade show for the entire American continent to be launched in Mexico in 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:08:22)
    ITB continues to expand: From 10 to 12 November 2026, ITB Americas will celebrate its debut as a B2B tourism trade show in Guadalajara, Mexico. Messe Berlin announced this today at a press conference at ITB Berlin and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mexican ambassador in Berlin and representatives of the State of Jalisco. At the same time, ITB Berlin is publishing the latest World Travel Monitor® findings of IPK International on travel trends in the Americas in 2024.
  • Explore the Wonders of Kazakhstan on a New 13-Day Archaeology Tour for 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:06:20)
    After an eight-year absence, archaeology tours specialist Andante Travels is returning to the fascinating central Asian country of Kazakhstan, which is brimming with historical and cultural sites just waiting to be explored.
  • Sun Siyam Olhuveli Unveils Maldives’ Longest Pool and Reimagined Beach & Sunset Beach Pavilions (Breaking Travel News 2025-03-06 08:04:27)
    Sun Siyam Olhuveli, has unveiled the longest swimming pool in the Maldives, an incredible 210 metre masterpiece, alongside completely refurbished Beach and Sunset Beach Pavilions.The newly revamped Beach Pavilions have been designed by London-based Studio Sixty7 over a six month period and feature a seamless open-plan concept and uninterrupted ocean views.