World Travel Awards Middle East winners revealed at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Certares Founder and Senior Managing Director Greg O’Hara will be the next chair of the World Travel & Tourism Council. He starts later this month, the organization announced on Friday.

Booking Holdings reported a record number of room nights booked in the third quarter and strong gains in its flights business. It expects growth to continue but noted a caveat: Business has slowed down in the Middle East because of the Israel-Hamas war and the company’s current forecast assumes no further expansion of the conflict.

Norwegian Cruise Line executives are optimistic about demand returning to the Middle East region in 2024 after cutting some trips in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The travel industry has always been a realm of dreams, wanderlust, and adventure, and it’s in recognition of this allure that the World Travel Awards were established. As 2023 draws to a close, the culmination of these prestigious awards is set to unfold at the grand final in Dubai on Friday, December 1st, a much-anticipated event to celebrate excellence and innovation in the world of travel and tourism.

On the night of November 6th, the special dispensation, agreed by Ripon City Council, marks North Yorkshire’s inaugural joint initiative to journey south to meet the world at the World Travel Market.

Quito Turismo will be attending the new edition of World Travel Market, from 6-8 November 2023 at ExCel (London). This is one of the most important international tourism events, with the aim of promoting the capital’s top tourism products to the British market, as well as establishing relationships that will boost the flow of tourists with the European market. The outstanding work done by Quito Turismo in recent months has enabled the city to take part in the fair with its own stand, S3-405, accompanied by a select representation from the Quito tourism sector, offering the opportunity for interviews and to make new contacts and businesses. This year, Giohana Albuja, Quito Turismo technical manager, and Katia Freire, European market promotion coordinator, will be responsible for representing Quito at the fair, showing the best of the city to the press, tour operators and travel agents. Over the three days, destination presentations will be shown at the stand: Monday 6 November, 12:30-13:30 and 16:00-17:00; Tuesday 7 November, 12:30-13:30 and 16:00-17:00, and Wednesday 8 November, 11:30-12:30. Sampling will also take place at the stand on 6 and 7 November at 17:00, where visitors can taste canelazo, a traditional drink from Quito.  For yet another year, Quito Turismo’s presence at the World Travel Market reaffirms its commitment to positioning the city as a top tourism destination, driving the local economy, gastronomy, customs and traditions that make it unique.

Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean. The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

The Emirates Dubai 7s, and Cricket Presenting Partner Dulsco Group are set to deliver an unforgettable experience this December, with a star-studded roster of cricketing legends and high-profile players who will serve as official ambassadors for the Middle East’s biggest sporting and entertainment event. The esteemed ambassadors include renowned cricketing figures Georgia Elwiss, who is hosting a series of Masterclasses with the Youth in October, Darren Gough, Alex Hartley, Keaton Jennings and Saqib Mahmood. Throughout the Emirates Dubai 7s, they will engage with fans and enthusiasts, participating in exciting, interactive activities such as meet and greet sessions, signing events, exclusive masterclasses with players, insightful Q&A sessions and much more.

There are plenty of hotels around the world that the royal family have frequented—but there’s something special about staying in an actual home or estate that the monarchy has vacationed at. It feels more regal; more like leaning into the royal life than checking into a hotel room.

The U.S. State Department has issued updated information for Americans traveling in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, including information on charter flights out of Tel Aviv this week. The latest guidance comes just four days after officials issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad."Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the U.S. State Department said on October 19.Americans are encouraged to avoid travel to Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank as of Monday. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance need to complete a crisis intake form.Additionally, Monday's update includes details regarding upcoming charter flights out of Israel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport."Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. There will be flight departures from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26," the State Department confirmed."Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait," officials added.Regardless of where they're traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are being asked to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

World Golf Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in golf tourism – has revealed this year’s best golf organisations at its 10th annual Gala Ceremony in Abu Dhabi. The Australian golfing legend-turned-designer Greg Norman was named ‘Golf Course Designer of the Year’. Serapong Course at Singapore’s Sentosa Golf Club emerged victorious by taking the coveted title of ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.

On Thursday, October 19, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory urging American citizens to “exercise increased caution” while overseas, “due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.”