Discover the Ultimate Festival of Automotive Excellence at Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar

Qatar Airways announced that longtime chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker would resign after nearly three decades leading the state-owned airline.

The Qatari government has appointed a new chairman for its tourism arm: Saad Ali Al Kharji. Al Kharji is now chairman of Qatar Tourism, succeeding Akbar Al Baker, who yesterday announced his departure from Qatar Airways after 27 years.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, October 24. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

A watch was assembled for the first time at an altitude of over 30,000 ft, thanks to a unique collaboration between Geneva Tourism and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). A groundbreaking collaboration between Geneva Tourism, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), and SWISS has emerged to celebrate Swiss quality and craftsmanship. At a cruising altitude of 30,000 ft, a watch was meticulously assembled during an unexpected watchmaking workshop on SWISS airline’s Geneva to New York flight, showcasing the precision, craftsmanship, and watchmaking expertise of Geneva. The assembly was carried out by a flight crew member, accompanied by an independent master watchmaker. This unique and unprecedented watch will be unveiled alongside the 84 watches from the official pre-selection of the GPHG traveling exhibition in New York, where standing it will stand as a testament to Swiss excellence. Adrien Genier, Director of Geneva Tourism and member of the GPHG Foundation Board, who was attending the flight, explained the project’s genesis: “As the capital of fine watchmaking, Geneva shines the light on the entire industry worldwide. This one-of-a-kind precision endeavor allows us to take this craftsmanship on a journey.” Romain Vetter, SWISS Director for Western Switzerland, added, “Assembling a watch at 30,000 ft altitude is a fusion of two sectors that represent Swiss quality and reliability. SWISS is thrilled to enable this high-flying assembly.”

Akbar Al Baker is retiring as chief executive of Qatar Airways following more than two decades at the helm of the state-owned carrier, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways' famously outspoken CEO, will resign from the airline, according to multiple reports surfacing Monday morning.

Staying connected when flying with Qatar Airways is about to get a lot faster, cheaper and easier.

Qatar Airways has announced a new collaboration with SpaceX’s Starlink, which will see the carrier introduce complimentary high-speed internet connectivity onboard specific aircraft and routes. 

The U.S. State Department issued on Thursday a “worldwide caution” to Americans traveling abroad as the war between Israel and Hamas stokes tensions globally. Americans were advised to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.”

If you’re thinking of relocating as a family to another country, this research could help you choose your destination.

A handful of airlines stand out this fall when it comes to getting passengers to their destinations on time, according to the latest monthly on-time performance report from Cirium aviation analytics. 

The finest travel, tourism and hospitality brands in the Middle East have been unveiled at a blockbuster gala ceremony at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. Tourism royalty convened at Dubai’s hottest new resort for a spectacular evening to celebrate the winners of World Travel Awards 2023.