News

Hainan Airlines Launches Jeddah–Haikou Route to Boost Ties

In what can be termed as historical news that will go towards further solidifying links between Saudi Arabia and China, Hainan Airlines has introduced its very first direct connection between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Haikou City in Hainan province in China. This new link will operate thrice weekly and will mark a huge increase in aviation connectivity between the two countries. This move signifies yet another win for commuters but, most importantly, signifies a major win for the aviation and tourism industry in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Kingdom’s broader aspirations as set in place in Vision 2030. King Abdulaziz International Airport, already one of the Middle East’s largest hubs, becomes the first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide direct flights to Haikou and another milestone in making Jeddah the significant gateway for global connectivity. Its first flight was greeted ceremoniously by Chief Executive Officer of Jeddah Airports Company, Eng. Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, and other officials of the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Air Connectivity Program, and the Chinese consulate in Jeddah.

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Global Travel to Rebound in 2025, Despite Staffing Gaps

The Travel & Tourism industry in the globe is recording unprecedented expansion in 2025, with spending and employment creation potential at all-time highs. The sector will contribute a record $11.7 trillion towards the global economy as per the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Impact Research (EIR) projection, and it will contribute 10.3% towards the global GDP. It has been a brilliant feat for an industry which had come through pandemic destruction and unpredictable economy. Despite traveling with patchy recovery and critical staffing deficiencies, the Travel & Tourism industry has remained steady as it continues driving global economic growth and employment creation. As one of the cornerstones of the global economy, the Travel & Tourism sector’s performance in 2025 is set to outpace previous records. According to the WTTC’s report, international visitor spending is forecasted to reach an all-time high of $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019. This growth signifies a significant recovery and highlights the sector’s ongoing importance as a key economic driver. Countries and destinations that rely on international tourism will see direct economic benefits from this surge in spending, and travelers are expected to explore new destinations, fueling the demand for diverse cultural experiences worldwide.

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Lebanon Revives Tourism with New Hiking Trail Initiatives

Lebanon’s stunning mountainous scenery is no longer held in reserve for aficionados of adventure—they are increasingly at the very epicentre of the country’s tourism renaissance. By opening new trails, Lebanon’s rural communities are being granted the possibility of rejuvenated prosperity, and tourists are being granted the access they have been craving towards the natural wonders that abound in the country. Gilbert Moukheiber, the keen mountaineer with 30-something years of experience, has been leading the drive. Moukheiber, whose guiding company 33North was founded in 1996, has long been dedicated to placing the Middle Eastern nation’s mountains in the global spotlight. As tourism dipped in the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy in Lebanon continued to falter in 2020, Moukheiber saw potential in creating a long-distance network of countryside mountain trails, offering tourists a new way to explore the country’s countryside.

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Discover Serifos: Greece’s Hidden Island Gem

Millions of visitors annually flock to the picturesque Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini because they are lured by their postcard-like landscapes and vigorous cultures. Tourists crowd the famous islands in throngs, and the crowds can overwhelm the environment at times. But there lies another place that has the same glory, personality, and authenticity but is crowd-free—Serifos. This hidden gem, which can be found in the island group of Cyclades, provides a peaceful haven for travelers in search of the authentic island Greece lifestyle. This island, which has sparkling turquoise waters, beachy shoreline, white-painted houses, and rich history, is perfect for those looking for calm and natural beauty. Serifos measures just 28.95 square miles and is located in the Aegean Sea, south of Kythnos and northwest of Sifnos. Unlike its more famous neighbors, Serifos is largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a haven for visitors seeking a quiet retreat. With no airport on the island, visitors arrive by ferry, which helps preserve its hidden charm and peaceful character. The 2.5-hour high-speed ferry ride from Athens’ Piraeus port or from other Cycladic islands makes Serifos a convenient and tranquil destination for a short break or a longer stay.

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Noida Airport to Transform UP Tourism by Nov 2025

The much-anticipated Noida International Airport (DXN), located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is set to become operational by November 2025. This major aviation hub is expected to not only transform the region’s connectivity but also play a significant role in the economic growth of northern India. Despite several delays, the project is nearing completion with over 80% of construction already finished. The airport is poised to become Asia’s largest international airport in terms of passenger capacity and area, and it will become an important gateway for travelers heading to and from India. Following a high-level review by Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, the government confirmed that the airport is on track for its November 2025 launch. This multi-phase development is designed to cater to the rapidly growing demand for air travel in India, offering modern facilities and services that will rival any major airport in the world. Initially, Noida International Airport was slated for completion by September 2024. However, delays in terminal construction and the complex approval process from various authorities caused multiple setbacks. Despite these challenges, the timeline was revised in April and June 2025 to September 2025 for the commencement of domestic and cargo flights, with full-scale international operations expected to begin by November 2025.

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Ethiopian Airlines to Launch First Direct Flights from Australia to Africa

A new era in connectivity and traveling ease will be ushered into Australia as Ethiopian Airlines prepares for its historic first-ever direct services between major Australian cities and Addis Ababa. This historic flight service marks a turning point for Ethiopian Airlines and the traveling industry in expanding intercontinental air links and smooth connectivity between Africa and Australia. The new flight will be used not only to enhance traveling opportunities for consumers but will also create stronger intercontinental and cultural ties between the nations. Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is gearing up to launch its inaugural service to Australia, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion strategy. This move is poised to connect Africa and Australia, two regions that have been largely underserved by direct African carriers. While the exact destination and timeline remain unconfirmed, initial passenger demand analysis highlights Melbourne (MEL) as the most in-demand Australian city. The airline is closely evaluating the best options for its aircraft, with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 both in consideration to support the ultra-long-haul operations.

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