Airline, airport, hotel, destination, visa, and Muslim travel updates from Irhal.
The airline marks Philadelphia as its 14th destination in North America NEW YORK, NY, USA – Qatar Airways has reconnected Doha and Philadelphia with the launch of a daily non-stop flight between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), its 14th destination in North America, which resumed on 1 August 2026.
Read full storyThis summer, Central Shopping Centers invites international visitors to experience the best of shopping, dining, and leisure with Summer Holiday 2026, running from 20 July – 30 September 2026. Created exclusively for international tourists, the campaign offers shopping privileges across Thailand’s five world-class shopping malls: centralwOrld, Central Park…
Read full storyThe Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board, in cooperation with tourism associations, have launched the integrated digital platform "Ahlan Jordan" as part of measures to support the tourism sector and address the impact of regional circumstances on travel activity.
Read full storyflydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has increased its daily operations between Dubai and Naples and is set to boost its flights to Milan-Bergamo to a double-daily operation from 31 July, enhancing passenger connectivity to Italy.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 28, 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art, will open its doors on 11 December 2026 at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's largest indoor theme park, is inviting guests to place themselves in the hands of one of DC's most iconic Super-Villains, as Kryptonite Collider officially opens.
Malaysia Retains No. 1 Position in Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, Offering GCC Travellers a Summer of Festivals, Culture and Discovery.
The Dubai-based carrier announces the start of daily flights to Aleppo from 20 July, reaffirming its connectivity to opening underserved markets Aleppo becomes the carrier’s second destination in Syria alongside Damascus
What if the most valuable thing you brought home from a trip wasn’t an object, but a story? Northern Thailand is home to dozens of ethnic communities who have carried their identities across mountains and borders for centuries – and many of them welcome curious, respectful visitors.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today launched the search for the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World, a global initiative designed to identify and celebrate the landmarks and buildings created since 1801 that have had the greatest impact on Travel & Tourism, local communities and economic development, and continue to redefine the future of destin…
Luxury travel today is no longer measured by how much you can see in a few days, but by how deeply you can experience a destination. At Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, guests are invited to embrace this philosophy through Long Stay Beach Escape, an exclusive package designed for travelers who wish to enjoy more of Phuket's culture, wellness, and f…
Read full storyTwo hotels, three ways to stay, and one summer campaign inviting guests to choose their own scene across Paramount Hotel Midtown and Paramount Hotel Dubai
Read full storySharjah Museums Offer an Integrated Summer Experience Blending Culture, Science, and Discovery for All Community Members
Read full storyNew five-day programme empowers young people to build confidence, resilience and lifelong skills while embracing active lifestyles
Read full storyAcross Five Museums with Interactive Museum Programmes Enriching Children’s Knowledge
Read full storyOceans of Lights Festival returns to SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in its third edition to offer a summer program full of activities and new experiences
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry arrangement, keeping the country within easy reach for eligible travellers from across the Gulf for a further year. The arrangement now runs until 1 July 2027.
Read full storyJuly 2026, Yerevan, Armenia: The competent Armenian authorities announced the extension of the temporary decision exempting eligible travelers from GCC countries from prior visa entry for an additional year, making the decision effective until July 1, 2027. This decision aims to facilitate travel procedures and tourism movement and exchange between Armenia and the Arab Gulf region, allowing travelers…
Read full storySet within Khalid Lagoon, the island shows how Sharjah brings art, nature and design into everyday public life.
Read full storyBlending cultural discovery with elevated wellness and leisure experiences, World of Hyatt summer destinations offer GCC travelers seasonal getaways across the GCC, Africa and Europe.
Read full storyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – June 30, 2026: Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has officially been awarded the Guinness World Records™ title for the most waterslides in a waterpark, featuring a record-breaking collection of 55 slides.
Read full storyExperience the Colours of Malaysia at Citrawarna 2026 This Summer
Read full storyGermany is an ideal destination for friends traveling together, thanks to its creative neighborhoods, vibrant markets, street food culture, and stunning natural retreats
Read full storyFollowing the launch of its first collaboration in 2025, the Jacquemus brand returns this summer to the Monte Carlo Beach Club with a new design that reimagines the coastal atmosphere with a contemporary spirit. The design evokes the spirit of 1950s beach clubs, where elegance meets the calm Mediterranean lifestyle.
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Rocco Forte Hotels will participate again in this year’s Arabian Travel Market held at the Trade Centre Convention Centre from May 6-9, 2013 along with fellow industry contemporaries to enhance the growth and potential travel and tourism within the Middle East. Rocco Forte Hotels Is a collection of luxury hotels located in 11 exciting and cultural city destinations throughout Europe delivering 'The Art of…
Virgin Galactic‘s passenger spaceplane, which is designed to take tourists to the edge of space, flew its first rocket-powered test flight Monday, breaking the sound barrier at high altitude. SpaceShipTwo ignited its engine after being released by WhiteKnightTwo, a plane that carried it to 47,000 feet (14,000 meters) above California’s Mojave desert, British billionaire Richard Branson’s firm said in a…
Culture Secretary Maria Miller today launched a tourism partnership strategy for Britain which calls for the travel industry and the government, together with key public and private sector bodies, to unite behind a long-term ambition for growth that would see Britain welcome 40 million overseas visitors by 2020, spending £31.5 billion and supporting an additional 200,000 jobs across the country. Tourism is…
The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has opened the stylish Park Inn by Radisson Glasgow City Centre. Located in the historic grade 2 listed Pearl Assurance building on the corner of West George Street and Renfield Street, the contemporary new Park Inn by Radisson Glasgow City Centre boasts a strong design element with features including a convenient self-check-in area, restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, on-site…
Abu Dhabi’s 141 hotels and hotel apartments have turned in a promising first quarter performance with across-the-board growth in guest numbers, guest nights, average-length-of-stay and revenues. Figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority show that during the first three months of this year some 631,417 guests checked into accommodation throughout the emirate – a six per cent rise on the…
Norwegian Breakaway has become one of the biggest ships to make its debut in Southampton after arriving at the UK port ahead of a trade preview. The Norwegian Cruise Line ship made a pre-inaugural overnight sailing from Rotterdam to arrive in the UK port. Agents from across the UK trade will be invited onboard today as the 4,028-passenger ship is showcased. The Norwegian delegation will be led…
Aviation sector experts and commentators will gather in Dubai for the 20th annual Arabian Travel Market exhibition next month as the industry comes under close scrutiny at dedicated sessions as part of the overall ATM 2013 seminar series. Kicking off the debate, two of the giants of aviation will take part in The Big Conversation on the first day of the show, with Emirates Airlines president, Tim Clark, and…
For its new ‘Travel’ collection, Swedish fashion retailer for men Brothers created a pop-up store in the shape of a giant suitcase. The Suitcase Store is a traveling shop that’s packed with classic-looking, well-cut and comfortable suits and jackets, and matching accessories. In line with its theme, the pop-up shop can be found at various airports and train stations.
United Airlines is honoring Earth Month by announcing its new goal to save 85 million gallons of fuel in 2013, equivalent to 828,750 metric tons of CO2 or roughly $275 million dollars at current fuel prices. Fuel is the airline's single largest expense and its primary focus environmentally, and the company has several initiatives in place that will allow it to achieve its fuel efficiency goal. "We are…
Dubai International registered a record 5.8 million passengers in March, according to the monthly traffic report issued by Dubai Airports. Passenger traffic in March surged by 20.6 per cent, the highest since August 2012, to 5,846,297 compared to 4,848,320 in March 2012, the fourth consecutive month with more than five million passengers and a double-digit growth. The strong showing has boosted the…
The world’s first edible hotel made of cake has been eaten up—in its place, the world’s first chocolate hotel has been opened, according to the Daily Mail. Located in Bournemouth, England, ‘The Chocolate Boutique Hotel’ is ideal for chocoholics—offering its guests sweet dreams of a chocolate fountain in every room. Though it can’t be eaten like the edible cake hotel, the chocolate hotel offers 13…
Dubai April 29th, 2013 – Sofitel Luxury Hotels continues to grow its impressive portfolio in the Middle East as it prepares for the opening of its sophisticated Polynesian themed resort, Sofitel The Palm Dubai this upcoming summer, 2013. Located on Dubai’s must visit destination, the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the hotel boasts 361 island chic inspired guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 fully serviced…
Dubai, UAE; April 29, 2013: The Address Mongtomerie Dubai, a premium golf resort,, is celebrating its association with the creator of its world-class golf course, Colin Montgomerie, with the opening of ‘Monty’s,’ the latest addition to the property’s food and beverage offerings. The golf course at The Address Montgomerie Dubai was designed by Colin Montgomerie in association with Desmond Muirhead. It is an…
Istanbul, Turkey; April 29, 2013: Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey and Europe’s best airline, has started flying to Aqaba, Jordan as its 221st destination, connecting Middle East travellers to the largest country network for any airline in the world. Turkish Airlines currently operates flights from Istanbul to Aqaba 3 times a week, the second destination for the airline in Jordan, where…
Dubai Police on Thursday showed off a new Ferrari they will use to patrol the city, hot on the heels of a Lamborghini which joined the fleet earlier. The car sporting the green and white of Dubai Police was unveiled at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. It will be used by women police officers to patrol tourist areas of Dubai. The introduction of luxury Italian cars to the police…
Virgin America has launched a new mile-high flirting service that will allow travelers to send their onboard crush a drink using the in-flight entertainment system. The new seat-to-seat feature is being launched on all flights within the US, and is the latest innovation out of the Virgin brand to encourage flirting at 35,000 feet. The same Red in-flight entertainment system already offers an in-flight…
Headed to Paris anytime soon? Expect to throw any low-carb regimes to the wind and indulge in the best breads in the world. For the city of light, that includes baker Ridha Khadher’s artisan bakery Paradis du Gourmand in the 14th arrondissement, which was crowned the best baguette marker in Paris Thursday. A panel of judges made up of chefs, bakers, food writers and members of the public sampled 151…
Hotel bookings in the desert town of Ouarzazate, Morocco have experienced a 100 percent spike since the season premiere of “Game of Thrones,” the epic fantasy TV series that has garnered a cult following around the world. Hotels set in filming locations such Ouarzazate, also known as the ‘door of the desert,’ and Iceland are seeing a noticeable spike in bookings since the third season of the HBO series…
W Hotels Worldwide unveiled plans to more than double its Asian presence by the end of 2018, bringing its Asian portfolio to 20 W hotels and retreats in nine countries. More than half of the W brand’s global pipeline is slated for Asia Pacific, including the first W Hotel in China opening in Guangzhou later this month, followed by other China openings in Beijing, Shanghai, Changsha and Suzhou over the next…
A convoy of cars is coming to 19 cities and eight European countries over the next seven weeks for the Aston Martin Centenary Tour. Accompanying the 2013 Vanquish, the British carmaker’s current flagship model, will be a 1921 Aston Martin A3 – the oldest existing car from the company’s 100-year history — and of course the iconic 1963 DB5 made famous by its ongoing association with that other major UK export…
Following a succession of recent brand introductions in the Iberian Peninsula, Hilton Worldwide has announced that its DoubleTree by Hilton brand is set to arrive in Portugal. The signing of a management agreement with Turismadeira will see Lisbon’s Fontana Park Hotel convert to DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park in summer 2013, as Hilton’s first hotel in the Portuguese capital. The agreement…
Garuda Indonesia will start domestic flights this year, boosting connectivity among Indonesia’s cities and islands in this far flung archipelago, said Emirsyah Satar, CEO of Garuda Indonesia. Garuda has made Medan, capital of North Sumatra its secondary hub. Garuda has launched flights from Medan to Palembang, Padang, and Batam and on May 1st, new flights will be from Medan to Pekanbaru (Riau) and Banda…
Ryanair has announced an extension of its reserved seating service, moving from six to eight rows on all aircraft with the addition of rows 32 and 33. The move will allow up to 45 passengers per flight to pre-book their preferred seats on eight reserved rows. Ryanair’s optional reserved seating service, which includes priority boarding, allows passengers to reserve seats in the front or rear of the…
Singapore Changi Airport achieved its highest passenger traffic ever for the month of March when it registered 4.61 million passenger movements in March 2013, an increase of 7.7 per cent over the same month last year. Holiday makers travelling over the Good Friday long weekend and the weekend prior contributed to the traffic growth. In tandem, aircraft movements grew by 5.3 per cent to 28,400 flights.…
