2024 MEADFA Conference to be held in Abu Dhabi

Discover a realm of enchantment this Eid on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, where luxury and leisure come together to create unforgettable experiences. Immerse yourself in an exclusive sanctuary designed for those seeking to reconnect with loved ones in a serene setting. From opulent resorts and gourmet dining to pristine beaches, Saadiyat Island offers an array of must-try experiences that promise to elevate your holiday and leave you with cherished memories.

Summer is here, and it’s vacation time for many families looking to get away from the grind. Points and miles can help make sure your next trip doesn’t drain your budget by putting your airline loyalty accounts, hotel memberships, and credit cards to work for you. It's a good month for travel deals—to encourage business, many companies offer seasonal promotions rewarding repeat purchases or loyalty. Below, the deals and perks you need to know about to kick off summer with a bang.

Hard Rock International is celebrating its ongoing support of the LGBTQIA+ community this Pride Month with its annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign including celebratory offerings and special events across its hotels, casinos, cafes and Rock Shops® around the world. Properties will once again be showing their local support during Pride Month by donating to LGBTQIA+ organizations in their communities through Hard Rock Heals Foundation to commemorate this important moment of reflection, celebration and action for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The official start of summer is still a few weeks away, and the airline network planners haven't been taking any vacations just yet.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the busy summer travel season — and it was one for the record books. May 24, the Friday before the long holiday weekend, was the busiest ever for the Transportation Security Administration, with the agency screening 2.9 million people. In fact, five of the 10 busiest days on record happened this month alone. According to the TSA, the agency screened nearly 8% more people over this year's holiday weekend versus 2023.

Following its successful inaugural event, the African Tourism Forum and Exhibition will be held annually in Sharm El-Sheikh, fostering new partnerships and showcasing Africa’s tourism potential.

At the UN Tourism conference, stakeholders discussed boosting sustainable tourism investment in the Middle East, emphasizing technology, innovation, and education as pivotal for sector growth.

Pre-registration for the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes is open, setting the stage for a major event in the duty free and travel retail industry from September 29 to October 3.

The UAE has achieved a remarkable rise in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024, securing first place regionally and 18th globally.

The Outer Islands of the Seychelles are sandy coral cays with miles of pristine white beaches which form some of the most important nesting sites for Green and Hawksbill Turtles in the Indian Ocean. The Alphonse Group is no exception; Blue Safari Seychelles’ Islands Conservation Society (ICS) has been monitoring the nesting success of both species since the conservation centre opened in 2007 – one of the longest-running databases in the Seychelles. This crucial resource provides an incredible overview of how well these two Critically Endangered species are doing around the islands. When females are encountered in the process of nesting, the conservation team attaches a flipper tag which has a serial number so if that female is seen in the future the nesting frequency and site fidelity can be recorded.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has reaffirmed that Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its cultural institutions, is on track for completion in 2025. Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It is an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region’s heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape. Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first universal museum in the Arab world – showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking architecture and its innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, performing arts and educational programmes throughout the year.

In an event held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority launched the country’s spectacular summer program for 2024, “Saudi Summer is Next Door.” Saudi’s summer program will run for four months until the end of September across seven destinations and includes over 550 exceptional tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages curated for families and children across different segments like adventure lovers, those looking for luxury retreats and activities, and culture and heritage enthusiasts.