DCT Abu Dhabi to host Skift Global Forum East
The fourth annual Skift Global Forum East (SGFE) event will be hosted later this year in Abu Dhabi, owing to a new partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Skift. HE Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director General Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Hosting the Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to shaping the future of travel and tourism. The forum will foster meaningful connections among industry leaders, facilitating the exchange of valuable perspectives and the exploration of new growth opportunities within the Middle East region and beyond. The partnership between Skift and DCT Abu Dhabi underscores our belief in the power of partnerships to achieve shared objectives for the tourism sector and fuel progress for all stakeholders.” Oman to host ICANN Annual General Meeting Reinforcing its status as a rising global destination for high-profile international events, Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), in collaboration with the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), has secured the bid to host the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2025. The event, set to take place from October 25 to 30 at the OCEC, will be hosted by the TRA, with the venue supporting the successful delivery of the event. The ICANN AGM is the organisation’s most significant annual gathering, serving as a crucial forum for shaping global policies related to the Domain Name System (DNS), Internet governance, and technological advancements. The meeting will bring together a diverse group of global stakeholders from government officials to private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and technical experts. Expedia reveals set-jetting destinations Expedia has unveiled the top trending destinations inspired by recently nominated films and critically acclaimed TV shows. From the rugged terrains of Malta featured in the sequel of a famous gladiator classic to the sweeping desert dunes of Abu Dhabi, the set-jetting trend is stronger than ever. The most buzzed-about films have not only captured the hearts of audiences but also sparked a surge in travel interest. Expedia has seen a notable rise in searches from UAE travellers for destinations showcased in award-nominated films and shows, including Malta, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Rome & Vatican City, New York City, Thailand and Seoul. ITB Americas to be launched in Mexico next year From November 10 to 12, 2026, ITB Americas will celebrate its debut as a B2B tourism trade show in Guadalajara, Mexico. Messe Berlin announced this recently at a press conference at ITB Berlin and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Mexican ambassador in Berlin. The launch of ITB Americas represents a continuation of our successful international strategy," says Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. "Having previously focused on Asia, for us it is now 'ITB goes West'. Whether for hiking in the Rocky Mountains, cruises in the Caribbean, exploring the Atacama Desert in South America or the Mayan culture in Central America, the Americas are not only among the most diverse regions for travel, but also an important source market, with countries such as the USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil," says Tobias.