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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Visitor numbers to Dubai increased by 9.3% in 2012, with the city welcoming more than 10 million visitors over a one year period for the first time in its history. The results were announced by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Increases in key indicators including hotel guest numbers, nights, average length of stay and hotel revenues, demonstrate Dubai’s strengthening…
Low cost carrier Ryanair has released passenger and load factor stats for February 2013, during which its adjusted monthly traffic fell – as previously guided – by 3% over the same period during previous year as Ryanair grounded up to 80 aircraft. The carrier also claimed the leap year in February 2012 accounted for a further 3% drop in traffic. Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “As previously guided,…
Lufthansa is continuing to expand its services to popular leisure travel destinations. The new summer timetable includes five new attractive holiday destinations: Mahón, Jerez de la Frontera, Cardiff, Glasgow and Varna. In the long-haul segment, Lufthansa is launching a new service from Munich to Vancouver on the west coast of Canada in addition to the existing connection from Frankfurt. From July, passengers in…
Malaysian hotel group Tune Hotels have announced an aggressive roll-out plan for India with a target of 100 new hotels over the forthcoming years. The first 100-room property will open in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on April 1st 2013 and will reflect the core principals of the Tune Hotels brand – international class accommodation that offers great value and great savings. Tune Hotels have identified the…
American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia celebrate a key milestone today as fellow oneworld alliance member Finnair announces its intent to join the transatlantic joint business, established by the three airlines in October 2010. Once Finnair joins the transatlantic joint business later this year, customers in North America and Europe will have increased choice of flights and services as well as more…
Britain has moved up two places in a survey of tourism competitiveness carried out by the Word Economic Forum. The result means VisitBritain has achieved the ambitious target set by government in the latest tourism policy. With very fine margins separating the top five places, competition at the top of the table is fierce (0.01 difference between second and fifth position occupied by Britain).…
JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and Renaissance properties are now offering free WIFI in public areas of its full service hotels. Rolling out across the Middle East and Africa from February 2013 onwards, the extended WIFI service will allow people to get connected in Marriott lobbies, food and beverage outlets and any other public areas. In addition to the free WIFI offering, Marriott will continue…
Reacting to the World Economic Forum’s report, Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways’ parent company, IAG; Carolyn McCall, chief executive easyJet; Michael O’Leary, chief executive Ryanair and Craig Kreeger, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic jointly said: “The WEF report shows that Britain has the highest aviation taxes and charges in the world, ranked 139th out of 140 and rubbing shoulders with…
Film company Paramount has revealed that it is teaming up with Damac Properties to launch a hotel and serviced apartment project in downtown Dubai. The $1bn four-tower project, The Damac Towers by Paramount, will comprise a 540-room Paramount Hotel & Residences and more than 1,400 units of Damac Maison - Paramount co-branded serviced hotel residences. The 250-metre high towers, which will be connected…
If you’re looking to travel to the glitzy, tony city of Monte Carlo, brace yourself and your pocketbook as average hotel prices in 2012 were highest in the Monegasque capital and lowest in Cambodia’s Phnom Penh, according to Hotels.com. In the ninth edition of the site’s annual Hotel Price Index, which reviewed global hotel prices during 2012, the capital of Monaco topped the list of destinations with the…
In a bid to promote its culinary heritage, a cuisine that can be inscrutable for many unfamiliar with Nordic culture, Iceland’s tourism office organized what it’s calling the world’s largest supper club for 300 guests over the weekend. It took a team of eight chefs six hours to prepare the multi-course meal of salted cod, Icelandic shrimp, local lamb and a colorful assortment of salads and vegetables for…
Michelin has struck a partnership with the largest online reservations provider in Europe that will allow consumers to book a table at a Michelin-rated eatery instantly. The partnership with Livebookings.com will first launch in France and Germany, offering instant table reservations at thousands of restaurants across both countries before being rolled out across the rest of Europe. Currently,…
A new state-of-the-art terminal at Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan is set to open this month and is expected to almost triple the current airport capacity. Beginning operations on March 21st 2013, the new terminal is worth an estimated US$750 million and will catapult the airport’s capacity to nine million annual passengers. The launch of the terminal is part of the Jordanian government’s…
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that its Westin brand expects to open its 200th hotel in 2013, driven by robust international demand and the phenomenal success of the brand’s distinct wellbeing positioning. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority outside the United States in fast-growing markets including China, India, Singapore and Panama. In line with global growth…
Boeing has announced Air China has agreed to buy two Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals, one 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 20 Next-Generation 737-800s. In addition, Air China Cargo, a subsidiary of Air China, has agreed to buy eight 777 Freighters. The airline plans to expand its capacity to meet growing demand in Asia-Pacific and China, the most dynamic market for commercial airplanes. The…
British Airways is rolling out the option to watch TV and movies from the moment customers board their flights to the time they arrive at their destination on even more long-haul services. Flights to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Almaty and Baku are the latest to benefit from the airline’s extended in-flight entertainment programme. Last year, British Airways was the first UK airline to start…
Leading Asian hospitality group Dusit International officially announces 2013 as their “Year of Expansion” at this year’s ITB Berlin, to be held in the German capital city from 6-10 March. Dusit International has upwards of 7 properties scheduled to open over the next 12 months and a further 16 projects in the development pipeline. Dusit International has already made waves with a number of announcements over…
US hotel chain Marriott said Tuesday it is teaming up with IKEA to launch of new budget hotel brand in Germany and Europe, called Moxy Hotels. Over the next 10 years, 150 low-cost hotels will be opened in 10 different countries, Marriott chief Arne Sorenson told a news conference in Berlin. In addition to Germany, hotels would be opened in Austria, Britain, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway…
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Cristal Group, a premier luxury hospitality company in the Middle East, today (March 4, 2013) announced the signing to reopen the landmark Ishtar Hotel, now renamed the Cristal Grand Ishtar Hotel. One of the tallest buildings in Baghdad, Iraq, the 20-storey property features 307 rooms and suites, comprising of 92 Standard King rooms, 111 Standard Twin rooms, 62 Deluxe rooms, 40…
Barcelona, SPAIN – High level meetings between Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker and senior officials of Catalonia have taken place in Barcelona on the back of yesterday’s announcement that the airline is to be a strategic partner of football giants FC Barcelona. Al Baker met with the President of Catalonia, the Honourable Artur Mas, and Mayor of Barcelona, the Honourable Xavier Trias, to…
New York City — Big Apple travelers no longer have to choose between enjoying the Empire State Building's stellar views during daylight hours or after dark, when the city's lighted skyline is especially magical. With a New York CityPASS® ticket booklet, visitors can experience both — with just one ticket. The 2013 New York CityPASS program, which saves 40 percent off the cost of buying individual attraction…
The much anticipated opening of Hemingways Nairobi the new flagship hotel for the Hemingways collection is now set for only a few weeks away. The Multimillion 45 suiteboutique property is strategically located within the pristine Karen suburbs, on 10 acres of tastefully manicured gardens with a magnificent view of the Ngong hills. Once it opens its doors to the public, Hemingways Karenis poised to be…
The new Souk Al Manzil Weekend Market is now open in The Old Town, in Downtown Dubai, and will welcome visitors from Thursday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, until April 6, 2013. Artworks, vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, natural products, organic bread, flowers, antiques, house hold items, sunglasses and perfumes are among the finds that await visitors at the elegantly designed Souk Al Manzil Weekend…
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 2013 - Gloria Hotel has been named the winner of “The Best Arab Hotel for Families ” of the Year Award 2013 which was launched by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media. This was announced during the 5th edition of the Arab Media Tourism Forum, which is being held in Egypt under the theme “We Meet to Rise” and continues till February 27th 2013 under the patronage of the Egyptian…
