AROYA launches Mediterranean itineraries
AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line, has announced the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries set to begin in June 2025. Homeported in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA will sail to some of the region’s most popular European cruise destinations, marking a major milestone in the cruise line’s growth and regional expansion. The new itineraries feature seven-night voyages to ports in Turkey and Greece, blending iconic destinations with AROYA’s Arabian inspired experience. Beginning on June 21, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later that month. In July, the itineraries expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August. One of the new itineraries will be dedicated entirely to Turkish coastal cities, offering guests an immersive experience along the country’s breathtaking shoreline. The remaining sailings will blend stops in both Turkey and Greece, with a particular emphasis on Bodrum and other iconic ports along the Turkish Riviera. Amadeus and Omeir extend collaboration Amadeus, a global leader in travel technology, has announced a significant expansion of its collaboration with Omeir Travel Agency, aimed at fostering growth through productivity and advancing seamless travel solutions. The collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to providing smart, personalised travel experiences, transforming how we travel over the next few years. With this renewed partnership, Omeir Travel Agency leverages Amadeus' cutting-edge travel technology solutions to enhance its service offerings significantly for travellers’ convenience and engagement. Oman’s hotel revenues increase 12.7pc Oman’s 3- to 5-star hotels posted revenues of RO 59 million ($153 million) in 2025 till the end of February, marking a 12.7 per cent increase from RO 52 million ($135 million) (during the same period last year, according to figures released by National Centre for Statistics and Information, reported Muscat Daily. The growth in revenue is attributed to a 3.6 per cent rise in number of guests to 458,433 by the end of February 2025 compared to 442,468 in 2024. Hotel occupancy rates rose from 60.8 per cent in February 2024 to 67.9 per cent in February 2025, an increase of 11.7 per cent. Guest from key international markets showed significant growth. The number of visitors from the Americas rose 9.2 per cent to 16,130, while those from Africa surged 55 per cent to 3,244. Guests from Asia increased 8.1 per cent to 60,375 and those from Oceania climbed 53.4 per cent to 9,735. European tourists made up the largest share with numbers rising 8.7 per cent to 173,455. Visitors from GCC countries rose 6.5 per cent to 27,505. However, the number of Omani hotel guests decreased 3.1 per cent to 137,465. Dubai Airports redefines accessible travel Dubai Airports has expanded its autism-inclusive training programme, equipping 45,000 employees - across the wider airport community, including partners and stakeholders - to better assist autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers navigating Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). The initiative aligns with Dubai's broader ambition of becoming a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). DXB is the world's first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and is also Autism-Certified by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC).