News

Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme Sees Record Growth in 2025

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in partnership with Etihad Airways, marked a major milestone for the Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme during the Arabian Travel Market 2025, celebrating its rapid momentum and soaring visitor numbers. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the programme recorded an impressive 25,000 bookings—reflecting a robust 47 percent rise in sales compared to the same stretch in 2024. Even more noteworthy, visitor arrivals skyrocketed to 44,000 between January and April 2025, reflecting a dramatic 76 percent surge over the 25,000 travelers who took advantage of the stopover opportunity in the same timeframe last year. Advertisement The Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme has evolved into more than just a convenient travel break — it’s become a gateway to full-fledged vacations. Many travellers who initially spent just a short time in the emirate during a layover are now returning for extended holidays, drawn by the city’s rich blend of culture, luxury, and hospitality. This momentum builds upon a stellar performance in 2024, when Abu Dhabi welcomed eighty-five thousand stopover guests, up sharply from just twelve thousand the year prior. Looking ahead, Etihad Airways projects that over one hundred thirty thousand travellers will participate in the stopover programme in 2025, marking a significant rise in tourism and reinforcing the emirate’s status as a top global destination. The programme has seen remarkable traction across Etihad’s international route network, with strong interest from North America—especially the United States and Canada—where more travellers are opting to pause their journey and explore Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks. Likewise, tourists from key European markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are discovering the city’s captivating fusion of heritage and modern design. In Asia, the initiative resonates with travellers from India, South Korea, and Japan, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s broad international appeal.

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Etihad Airways launches Etihad for Business Corporate travel programme

Etihad Airways has launched a new corporate travel programme designed to enhance the business travel experience. The announcement was made at the Arabian Travel Market 2025, marking a significant advancement in the airline’s corporate travel offerings. The programme introduces an innovative digital platform that simplifies corporate travel management while providing customised benefits based on each organisation’s specific requirements. Features include a comprehensive travel management portal, streamlined booking processes, and dedicated support options. “Today’s business environment demands travel solutions that are both efficient and adaptable,” said Javier Alija, Vice President Global Sales & Distribution at Etihad Airways. “This new programme demonstrates our commitment to supporting our corporate partners with solutions that meet their evolving needs.”

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IndiGo Wins ‘Partner of the Year’ at Changi Airline Awards 2025

IndiGo, India’s premier low-cost airline, has been bestowed with the esteemed ‘Partner of the Year’ title at the 18th Changi Airline Awards 2025. This highly regarded recognition highlights the airline’s continued success and the strength of its partnership with Changi Airport Group. It underscores the airline’s focus on operational excellence, seamless connectivity, and exceptional service, which are integral to its growth and success in the global aviation market. A Longstanding and Successful Partnership with Changi Airport The award is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between IndiGo and Changi Airport Group, one of the world’s most highly acclaimed airports. Over the years, IndiGo has forged a strong and fruitful relationship with Changi, benefiting both parties through mutual commitment to improving passenger experiences, optimizing airport operations, and expanding their networks. As a major international carrier, IndiGo’s partnership with Changi is founded on a shared vision of delivering unparalleled travel experiences to passengers. This recognition is particularly significant as IndiGo has grown to become Changi Airport’s fifth-largest international carrier in terms of passenger traffic. In just a few years, the airline has expanded its operations significantly at this key hub, contributing to the airport’s growing reputation as a global aviation leader. The strategic importance of Changi Airport in IndiGo’s network cannot be overstated, as it serves as a central hub for passengers traveling between India and Singapore, as well as other international destinations across the Asia-Pacific region.

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Malaysia Extends 5-Year Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals to Boost Tourism and Business

Malaysia’s extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists is set to ignite tourism and business growth, unlocking vast economic opportunities for the country. Malaysia’s recent decision to extend its visa-free policy for Chinese tourists for another five years is poised to drive significant economic growth, especially in the tourism and business sectors. Industry experts believe this extension will not only increase the influx of Chinese leisure travelers but also open the door for a surge in business visitors, thereby benefiting the country’s economy in multiple ways. Advertisement The extension, announced last week by Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, allows Chinese citizens to enter the country without a visa for up to five years, with an option to extend it for another five years after that. This move is seen as a strategic effort to attract more Chinese travelers and to solidify Malaysia’s position as one of the leading travel and business destinations in Asia. This visa exemption extension is expected to have a positive impact on Malaysia’s already thriving tourism industry. According to Nigel Wong, president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, this decision will tap into the growing inbound market from China, which has long been one of Malaysia’s top sources of tourists. Wong emphasizes that the policy change will help to further boost tourism in Malaysia, especially as it coincides with the increasing demand for international travel from China. Moreover, the extension is expected to contribute to an increase in business-related travel to Malaysia. Mint Leong, president of the Inbound Tourism Association, noted that this policy change would not only bring more leisure tourists but would also position Malaysia as a more attractive destination for international business events. As businesses seek opportunities in Malaysia, the increased number of Chinese business travelers could potentially bring substantial economic benefits, particularly through investments and trade partnerships. For many Chinese nationals, Malaysia has long been a favored destination, particularly during the winter months. Regions in China, like Heilongjiang province, experience temperatures well below freezing in winter, making Malaysia’s warm climate an appealing escape. From late October to February, Chinese tourists flock to Malaysia to bask in the warmth, making it a peak period for tourism from the northern regions of China.

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Vietnam Tourism Set to Soar with Emirates’ New Flights and Joint Marketing Drive

Vietnam’s tourism industry is set to experience unparalleled growth with the strategic partnership between Emirates and Sun Group, marked by Emirates’ new flight routes, joint marketing campaigns, and curated travel experiences. This collaboration brings together two global leaders—Emirates, with its expansive international network, and Sun Group, known for its premium tourism developments. With the introduction of new flights to Da Nang, tailored travel services, and a concerted effort to showcase Vietnam’s unique cultural and natural attractions, the partnership is poised to elevate the country’s tourism profile, attracting more international visitors and contributing to long-term growth in the sector. Emirates and Sun Group have solidified their commitment to boosting Vietnam’s tourism sector through a new partnership, announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Far East, and Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, Deputy CEO of Sun Group and CEO of Sun Entertainment & Hospitality Group. This agreement marks a significant step in promoting Vietnam as a top-tier travel destination across Emirates’ global network.

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Vietnam Airlines Gets Provisional Green Light to Acquire 50 Narrow-Body Aircraft for Future Growth

Vietnam Airlines, the flagship carrier of Vietnam, has recently received provisional approval from the Vietnamese government to acquire 50 new narrow-body aircraft, a crucial step in the airline’s ongoing modernization strategy. This move is designed to cater to the future growth in travel demand while simultaneously replacing older and less efficient aircraft within the airline’s fleet. The approval, granted by the Government Office in an official dispatch, is supported by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and marks a significant milestone in the carrier’s efforts to strengthen its competitive edge in the aviation industry. The acquisition plan includes the purchase of 50 new aircraft, specifically the Airbus A320 NEO and Boeing 737 MAX models, alongside 10 spare engines. With an estimated investment of around US$3.7 billion, this purchase represents a substantial financial commitment for Vietnam Airlines, roughly 1.6 times the value of the airline’s current assets as per the 2024 financial reports. This major investment aims not only to modernize the airline’s fleet but also to ensure that it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving airline industry.

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