News

Saudi Arabia Joins Regional Push to Lead Muslim Travel Boom

The Muslim travel market is experiencing rapid growth, and Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and other Middle Eastern countries, is leading the charge in shaping its future. This skyrocketing sector is moving beyond basic needs, like Halal food and prayer spaces, to cater to the demand for sustainable, inclusive, and culturally immersive experiences. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on eco-friendly tourism and faith-aligned travel, to the UAE’s innovation in AI and personalized services, these countries are at the forefront of redefining the Muslim travel experience. Their strategies prioritize values-driven travel, offering solutions that meet the evolving needs of Muslim travelers. In this article, we will explore the key trends driving the future of Muslim tourism, highlighting how these Middle Eastern nations are creating dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive travel options. Here’s everything you need to know about how the region is shaping the future of this booming market. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Leading the Way in Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Saudi Arabia has undergone significant transformation, particularly with its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainability in various sectors, including tourism. The kingdom is focusing on creating eco-friendly pilgrimages for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The implementation of sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing carbon footprints and improving infrastructure, aligns with the growing demand for regenerative tourism among Muslim travelers.

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Da Nang Breaks Record, Ranks Global Top 5 for Korean Tourists

Da Nang has officially made history by becoming the only Vietnamese city to enter the global top five destinations for South Korean tourists in the summer of 2025. This remarkable milestone is driven by a combination of affordable travel packages, scenic coastal charm, and immersive local experiences that continue to attract young and family travelers from South Korea. As tourism trends shift toward more budget-friendly yet culturally rich getaways, Da Nang’s unique blend of value and vibrancy has pushed it into the international spotlight like never before. Da Nang has officially earned its place among the world’s most beloved international destinations for South Korean tourists in the summer of 2025. As the only Vietnamese city to crack the top five in Tripbtoz’s travel rankings—based on over 32,000 travel queries and bookings—Da Nang now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Tokyo, Sapporo, and Paris. It’s a proud moment for Vietnam’s tourism industry and a testament to Da Nang’s growing reputation as a dynamic, affordable, and experience-rich destination. Rising Popularity Among Young Korean Travelers South Korea’s leading publication Chosun Ilbo recently spotlighted the travel choices of younger Korean tourists, noting that Da Nang is quickly becoming a go-to getaway. As Tokyo continues to lead the rankings, and Sapporo follows closely with its cool climate and summer festivals, Da Nang carved out its own space in fourth place—leapfrogging over powerhouse destinations like Singapore and Bangkok. What’s driving this spike in demand? Young Koreans, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are increasingly prioritizing meaningful, immersive travel that won’t break the bank. With its picturesque beaches, lively street food scene, and cultural richness, Da Nang checks all the right boxes.

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AirAsia Enters Metaverse with Roblox’s AirAsia World

As a trailblazer in the digital space, AirAsia is once again breaking new ground with the launch of AirAsia World on Roblox. This thrilling metaverse experience marries interactive gaming with cultural exploration, providing players with an immersive virtual experience that is both informative and fun. Embark on a Fun and Rewarding Virtual Expedition through ASEAN AirAsia World opens the door to a world of virtual adventure, inviting players to explore the rich and diverse ASEAN region. The platform is built around two core themes: ASEAN Exploration and Rewarding Experiences, bringing the beauty and cultural richness of Southeast Asia to life in a fun and interactive way. It provides players with the chance to explore this captivating region from the comfort of their homes, blending the thrill of gaming with the joys of cultural learning. ASEAN Exploration In the ASEAN Exploration phase, players dive into a colorful and vibrant digital world, filled with cultural landmarks and diverse environments representing the wide-ranging cultures of Southeast Asia. Whether it’s the lively streets of Singapore, the iconic temples of Thailand, or the stunning beaches of the Philippines, players can explore these destinations virtually before they experience them firsthand. It’s a perfect introduction for any traveler wishing to learn about the region’s culture and landscapes.

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Retire at Sea: Villa Vie Cruise Offers Lifetime World Travel

For some people, retirement signifies having the time to sit back, explore new places, and travel to their heart’s content. Now, imagine sometimes getting to live that dream every single day, without the burden of taking constant flights or worrying about accommodation. For those looking to retire at sea, Villa Vie Residences is making this fantasy a reality. Villa Vie‘s program titled ‘Endless Horizons’ is a tailor made program for people who dream of permanently living on a luxury cruise. With this program, they can set sail on a journey of 147 countries and more than 400 places in a span of 3.5 years. For some, this is the dream way of living, offering immersive experiences that they can cruise through and come ‘home’ to at the world’s most breathtaking places. What sets Villa Vie apart from typical cruises is its focus on leisurely exploration. While most cruise ships rush from port to port in a matter of days, the Villa Vie Odyssey takes its time at each stop, staying for a minimum of five days. This extended duration at each destination allows guests ample opportunity to engage deeply with the culture, history, and beauty of each locale. Whether it’s the vibrant cities of Southeast Asia, the scenic coasts of the Mediterranean, or any of the other 400 destinations, travelers can fully immerse themselves in each place before moving on to the next. With a focus on comfort, relaxation, and discovery, the cruise experience on the Villa Vie Odyssey is tailored for those looking for more than just a vacation. It offers a seamless blend of world-class amenities and an unbeatable travel experience. The idea of a lifetime at sea, waking up to new horizons, appeals to those desiring a retirement filled with constant adventure and change, but with the stability and familiarity of a permanent home on the water.

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Joy Island Maldives unveils Joy Connect Hall, a premier conference venue

Joy Island Maldives, part of The Cocoon Collection, has unveiled Connect Hall, a cutting-edge conference venue designed to elevate business travel and redefine the MICE experience in the Maldives. Strategically located just a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Joy Connect Hall merges modern innovation with the island’s tropical elegance to provide a unique setting for corporate gatherings, seminars, product launches, and workshops. Spanning 270 square meters, the hall can accommodate up to 120 guests and is outfitted with modern conferencing infrastructure, including a 12-foot diagonal Full HD projector, wireless microphones, and a Bluetooth-enabled six-speaker audio system, delivering a seamless and immersive experience for attendees. Designed for versatility, Joy Connect Hall caters to events of all scales with flexible setup options and professional support. Complementing its technical prowess is an exceptional culinary programme, offering customisable catering, from light refreshments to full-course buffets and signature cocktails, crafted by the resort’s expert chefs. Guests arriving at Joy Island can choose between a standard or direct speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, priced at USD 180 and USD 200 per person respectively. The smooth, scenic transfer further enhances the appeal of hosting high-end corporate events in this island paradise.

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Dubai welcomes 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, up 6 per cent year-on-year

Dubai’s evolving destination offering, driven by impactful public-private partnerships and amplified through a robust global marketing strategy, resulted in the city welcoming 9.88 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2025, a 6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Partnerships, global campaigns, events, and a series of new openings showcased Dubai to both new and returning international visitors, while DET’s bespoke market strategy, working in collaboration with more than 3,000 global and domestic partners, led to growth in key regions According to the DET data, the GCC and MENA proximity markets had a combined 26 per cent share of overall visitors to Dubai from January to June 2025, with 1.51 million (15 per cent) and 1.12 million (11 per cent) arrivals, respectively. Western Europe was the largest source market to Dubai, with 2.12 million visitors (22 per cent), followed by CIS and Eastern Europe with 1.52 million (15 per cent), South Asia 1.44 million (15 per cent), North East and South East Asia 894,000 (9 per cent), the Americas 689,000 (7 per cent), Africa 404,000 (4 per cent) and Australasia with 176,000 (2 per cent). Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), part of DET, said, “Dubai’s tourism performance reflects the strength of public-private partnerships and the power of community, which have been instrumental in showcasing Dubai’s destination offering to the world. Our residents, businesses and visitors have played a supporting role in our tourism success, with their authentic voices and genuine advocacy promoting the city and its unique experiences. Dubai has become even more accessible, with a robust infrastructure and a business-friendly environment that fosters collaboration, while a year-round calendar of leisure, trade and MICE events have further diversified the city’s visitor base and generated significant economic impact. In collaboration with our key stakeholders, we remain committed to enhancing quality of life for visitors and residents through infrastructure development and sustained investment in capacity to attract new international audiences.”

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