News

Oman Aims to Boost Tourism, Targeting 3%+ GDP Contribution by 2030

Oman tourism sector is set to contribute 3.5% to the GDP by 2030, supporting economic diversification and aligning with the goals of Vision 2040. On Monday, the Majlis Ash’shura hosted Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, during its 8th regular session of the second sitting in the 10th term. The session covered a variety of topics including the ministry’s policies, plans, and programs, alongside key developments in the tourism and heritage sectors, such as human resources management, investment coordination, and future prospects. The session was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Ash’shura. The minister highlighted the ministry’s focus on six critical areas. He emphasized the efforts made during the Tenth Five-Year Plan, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goals, specifically aiming at economic diversification and enhancing the country’s GDP. Abdullah al Harthy, Chairman of the Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee, acknowledged the sector’s role as a key enabler of the national economy, hoping tourism would become a major contributor post-oil. He pointed to the current 2.5% contribution to the economy and expressed aspirations to increase this to 10% as per Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing the importance of job creation and economic stimulation through the ministry’s initiatives.

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Marriott & Abu Dhabi National Hotels to Launch Luxury Collection in Ras Al Khaimah

Marriott International and Abu Dhabi National Hotels have teamed up to bring The Luxury Collection brand to Ras Al Khaimah, enhancing the emirate’s luxury hospitality scene. Marriott International, Inc. has partnered with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) to unveil a luxury resort and residential project under The Luxury Collection brand in Ras Al Khaimah. Located on Al Marjan Island, a premier development in the emirate, this resort promises to offer the brand’s unique interpretation of luxury, elevating the living experience for its residents. The Luxury Collection Resort, planned for Al Marjan Island, will feature 466 meticulously designed rooms and suites, along with 29 spacious villas. The resort will boast a variety of dining options, a full-service spa, fitness facilities, a children’s club, a swimming pool, and a padel court. Additionally, it will offer over 3,500 square meters of event space, including a grand 1,300-square-meter ballroom. As part of this development, the project will include exclusive residences, comprising 392 apartments ranging from one to five bedrooms, and 55 high-end villas. These residences will offer access to a variety of luxury resort services, ensuring a premium lifestyle for their occupants.

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Thailand hosts the 43rd Tourism Festival ,promising sustainability, immersive experiences and net-zero carbon travel

Experience the 43rd Thailand Tourism Festival from March 26-30, 2025, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, celebrating culture, sustainability, and tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is excited to present the 43rd edition of the Thailand Tourism Festival 2025, taking place from March 26 to March 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Admission to the event is free. This year, the festival celebrates Thailand’s tourism offerings under the theme “5 Must-Do Experiences in Thailand,” coupled with the concept of Carbon Neutral Tourism, as part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sport Year 2025.” According to TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, this year’s festival is a major event aimed at inspiring travel, creating unforgettable experiences, and encouraging domestic tourism throughout the year. TAT anticipates approximately 130,000 visitors over the five-day period, with a projected 45 million impressions.

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Sarawak Targets 5 Million Visitors by 2025 with Air Borneo & New Airport Project

Malaysia’s Sarawak plans to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025 with the launch of Air Borneo and a new airport, boosting tourism and economic growth in the region. Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia, is optimistic about boosting tourism with the launch of its own airline and a potential new airport, aiming to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025. In February, Sarawak officially acquired MASwings from the Malaysia Aviation Group, marking a significant step in Premier Abang Johari Openg’s plan for self-sufficiency in air connectivity and boosting economic growth. The new state-owned airline, Air Borneo, aims to offer lower airfares, further stimulating tourism. Abang Johari has identified six key international markets—Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, among others—as target destinations for Air Borneo, although specific details will be finalized when the airline launches in 2026. MASwings currently operates a fleet of eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and six De Havilland Canada 6-400s, with two ATR 72-600s on order.

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Vietnam’s Luxury Train Service On The Hanoi-Hai Phong Route To Debut In May

A newly designed luxury train, featuring 20 state-of-the-art carriages, is set to begin service in May, offering a premium experience on the Hanoi-Hai Phong route. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Hai Phong, revealed that the train will start operations before May 13, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong’s liberation from French colonial rule. Among the train’s highlights are two VIP carriages, each equipped with 16 single-seat sofas and five sets of 20-seat sofas, spread across three separate sections. These carriages offer natural wooden flooring, sophisticated decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a bar featuring live musical entertainment, ensuring a luxurious and unforgettable journey. The remaining 18 carriages are equipped with 56 reclining seats, plastic carpeted flooring, stone-patterned plastic walls, and LED-lit ceilings, creating a modern yet comfortable atmosphere. Authorities in Hai Phong are optimistic that this new luxury train will boost railway tourism and offer a distinctive travel experience for passengers.

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Lufthansa rolls out new Allegris First Class experience

The travel experience in Lufthansa First Class with the new cabin interior on long-haul flights is now even more exclusive. The Allegris First Class cabin can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. Travelers can additionally enjoy the new cabin product in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class on flights to New York-Newark (from mid-April), and from the beginning of August, also to Charlotte. Since February, nine A350-900s with the new cabin interior have already been flying for Lufthansa, eight of them with the new First Class. Almost half a million passengers in all classes have now enjoyed the new cabin. This year, the retrofitting of the existing fleet with Lufthansa Allegris will commence, beginning with the Boeing 747-8. “We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” said Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “Our new First Class, with its unique suites, defines the concept of privacy like never before and is unrivaled worldwide. We are also investing in exclusivity and comfort on the ground by completely redesigning our First Class check-in areas and lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.”

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