The Middle East’s leading travel and tourism organisations and destinations have been honoured at a VIP gala ceremony in Dubai. Industry leaders gathered at One&Only One Za’abeel to celebrate the winners of World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2026.

Numa Group has announced the opening of Native by Numa Fulham Broadway this August, with 41 design-led studios and double rooms located at 284-288 North End Road, London SW6 1NH. This opening strengthens the company’s presence in London, supporting its continued expansion across major UK cities and Numa Group’s wider European growth strategy. The launch also represents an important milestone in Numa Group’s UK expansion, demonstrating continued investment in high-demand urban neighbourhoods and the growing extended-stay sector.

TUI has officially launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club for customers in the UK and Ireland, with around 800,000 UK customers signed up and members now able to access live rewards and benefits. The UK&I launch marks the next stage of TUI’s wider global loyalty rollout, first announced by TUI Group earlier this year, and brings TUI Smiles to life for customers with selected holiday savings, TUI Musement discounts, partner offers, interactive games, prizes and enhanced service benefits now available.

Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East and Africa (HSMAI MEA) today announced the return of the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference MEA 2026 (CSC MEA 2026), taking place on 17 and 18 November 2026 at Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Now in its 9th year, CSC MEA is the Middle East and Africa’s only dedicated conference for hospitality commercial strategy, bringing together revenue management, sales, marketing, digital, distribution and technology, as well as leadership professionals under one roof for one and a half days of inspirational presentations, panel debates, networking opportunities and awards.

Swissport, the world’s leader in aviation services, and flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, have entered into a long-term strategic equity transaction and commercial partnership that represents a significant milestone for both companies and further strengthens Swissport’s position as a market leader in airport ground services, air cargo handling and airport hospitality globally.

Jannah Hotels & Resorts has announced the reopening of Jannah Marina in H1 2027, following a major renovation that will reposition the property as a contemporary, experience-led hotel in the heart of Dubai Marina. The transformation goes beyond a visual refresh, introducing a more modern, welcoming and lifestyle-focused guest experience designed to reflect the energy and character of Dubai Marina while aligning with Jannah Hotels & Resorts’ evolving brand direction.

Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, an urban sanctuary nestled in the heart of the city, unveils its signature fan created in collaboration with acclaimed Emirati artist Zeinab Alhashemi. Presented during Emirati Women’s Day month, the commission places Zeinab Alhashemi’s practice at the center of one of the Group’s enduring traditions, a gesture that speaks to the hotel’s belief that luxury is most compelling when it is authored locally.

Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, in partnership with Select Group, one of the region’s leading developers, announces the signing of The Hoxton, Dubai Media City. The signing marks a significant moment: The Hoxton’s first venture into the United Arab Emirates, bringing the brand’s globally celebrated open-house concept to the Middle East for the first time and becoming a new flagship for Ennismore in the region. This announcement follows closely on the heels of the brand’s latest signings across Asia Pacific, The Hoxton, Bengaluru City in India in October and Melbourne last year, highlighting its robust global expansion into some of the most influential markets worldwide.

Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World 2026 has released its latest line up of government representatives and industry leaders to speak at the Middle East’s largest, most influential hospitality investment event, taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 29 September to 1 October 2026. FHS organiser, The Bench, proudly welcomes H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy & Tourism, to its growing speaker list, which features more than 100 of the world’s most respected and knowledgeable leaders in the sector. HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri will deliver the opening keynote address titled ‘The UAE Growth Engine: Tourism, Investment and the New Economy.

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has introduced Etihad Wellbeing, a new programme bringing together the airline’s latest product and service enhancements designed to help guests travel more comfortably and arrive feeling rested and refreshed. Etihad Wellbeing gives guests the opportunity to maintain their healthy lifestyle habits throughout their journey through a growing collection of products and experiences that promote a restful and restorative travel experience.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Delta Air Lines have announced a new, long-term strategic loyalty collaboration that will bring together two leading premium travel brands with a shared vision to shape the future of loyalty by creating a connected, personalized and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members.

The 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing the travel and tourism community together in Dubai for four days of business, networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration. Taking place from 14–17 September, ATM 2026 comes at an important moment for the global travel industry. After a period of disruption across the sector, this year’s event will provide a platform for destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality brands, technology companies, buyers, and industry professionals to reconnect, strengthen commercial relationships, and identify opportunities for the next phase of global tourism growth.

Qatar Airways will expand its global network to more than 170 destinations during the 2026-2027 winter season, reflecting the airline’s network growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in global connectivity. The winter schedule will see Qatar Airways operate more than 186 weekly flights across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East, providing passengers with greater choice and seamless experiences through its award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport.

Ruka-Kuusamo in Finnish Lapland is one of Europe’s great winter destinations: a place of world-class skiing, husky safaris, reindeer experiences, snowmobile tours, Northern Lights, vast wilderness national parks and Finland’s UNESCO-recognised sauna culture, recently named Outdoor Destination of the Year 2025 by the Scandinavian Outdoor Award. This winter, getting there from the UK is easier than ever before.

As British travellers increasingly look beyond southern Europe for summer holidays, Peru is emerging as an appealing alternative for those seeking comfortable temperatures, outdoor adventure, culinary delights and cultural discovery. While much of southern Peru enjoys its dry season between May and October, daytime temperatures typically range from 12°C to 20°C, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife experiences. For travellers looking to swap crowded beaches and soaring temperatures for mountain landscapes, historic cities and authentic cultural encounters, Peru offers a refreshing change of pace.

Virgin Voyages is putting the Caribbean centre stage throughout September with a month-long UK trade activation designed to help First Mates (travel agents) drive sales. Under the banner ‘Caribbean by Virgin Voyages,’ the kid-free cruise line will engage with more than 3,000 First Mates through webinars, training sessions, events and store visits, supported by enhanced incentives and dedicated Caribbean activity.

Navera Phuket – MGallery Collection will open its doors in the fourth quarter of 2026, introducing a new era of locally-inspired luxury hospitality to Phuket, one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Sculpted into a secluded hillside on the island’s sunset coast, this elegant boutique resort will invite guests to sail into serenity as it showcases the rich seafaring heritage of the “Pearl of the Andaman.”

This September, Christian Kiefer, Founder of Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing and Dubai Regional Ambassador for World Wellness Weekend, will mark the movement’s 10th edition with a series of wellness experiences delivered by Rayya Wellness and Wellbeings Holistic Healing across three UAE destinations.

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, continues to expand its presence in Albania with several new hotel openings and brand debuts across the country. Currently present in Albania with three hotels across three brands, the Group will introduce two new brands – Handwritten Collection and Novotel – to Tirana, while also expanding its premium footprint with the launch of its Swissôtel brand in key coastal destinations. The new hotels will add to Accor’s foothold in the country, including Mövenpick Hotel Lalez Durres, Mercure Tirana and Green Coast Hotel MGallery Collection, further diversifying the Group’s offering of brands and destinations across the country.

“Three days and two nights by the sea, easy to reach, with great local food.” Today, a prompt this simple can help shape an entire holiday. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how travellers discover destinations and plan their time away. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 report, based on a survey of 22,000 travellers worldwide, 54% are confident using AI to help plan or book their travel.